Matthew Williams

[matthew]

Matthew Edward Williams

Gender: Male

Age: Twenty-One

Ethnicity: Toronto, Canada

Sexuality: Heterosexual; bi-curious

Occupation: Part-Time worker at a bakery; training to be a pastry chef at University.

True Name: Soundless; a noiseless threat. His Name appears across his shoulder blades, centered on his back.

Role: Sacrifice

Appearance:

Matthew is a tall, slender young man standing at 6'0" when not slouching down to an apparent 5'10". He has one of those eternally “boyish” faces, and thanks to the eyeglasses that he wears over lavender it adds to the impression that he is a sharply intelligent individual. While others might carry themselves with confidence, Matthew tends to keep his head low, avoiding attention at times thanks to his inability to stand out in a crowd. Despite the lack of people noticing him, there is rarely a time when the Canadian is not smiling, patient and warm; his face an outward expression of the kind, sincere person that he seems to be. His hair is rather wild, thick despite being silky and easy to manage, with one particular curl that stands stubbornly in front of his face.

The Canadian is not a flashy dresser. He prefers plainer outfits, usually some sweater and sturdy blue jeans. That isn’t too say that Matthew cannot look stunning when he puts forth the effort – the young man just prefers not to commit to that kind of work when his energy can be better spent elsewhere. Being the hockey fan that he is it isn't uncommon that Matthew will wear jerseys from his favorite teams back home. He is also partial to thick hoodies, or anything bulky that makes the true size of his body deceptive. He's not a weakling; Matthew is definitely strong but doesn't flaunt that fact.

Personality:

If there is one thing that Matthew lacks, it’s presence. Some would see this as a sign of a weak personality; this is what the Canadian is more comfortable with. Having so many around him that project their personalities, Matthew finds his more peaceful approach to interactions more suited to allowing him to make positive relations with other people. He is genuine in everything that he does, sincere with his words and honest with his opinions – when people care enough to listen. Being ignored tends to wear on Matthew’s patience, though there is plenty of it.

When things get to a point where he must force an issue, the Canadian does have a temper and knows how to use it. His laid back nature shields a passionate heart; one that flares when it comes to issues of importance, slights committed against him that become unbearable, and when a hockey match or some other competition is being played between his national athletes and another country. Coming to Blackpool has further strengthened his spine some since Matthew has learnt that it is better to speak up rather than stay quiet in situations he has to deal with on his own. While it still pains him considerably to fear that he might be upsetting others with his actions the Canadian knows that sometimes it is for the greater good.

Matthew is resourceful and intelligent. If he doesn’t have the tools or means to get something accomplished then he will develop solutions outside of the ordinary. He knows how to use his environment to increase his chances of survival. Matthew can fend for himself alone for long periods of time, used to solitary life up in the higher reaches of Canadian frozen tundras where he spent much of his time growing up. In fact, being in the thick of such a busy city is a bit of a culture shock for him. Thankfully, visiting his half-brother down in America at least exposed him to what life is like in more populated areas. He's desensitized enough that the crowds don't bother him as much anymore.

One thing about Matthew is that most of his thoughts and emotions operate internally. This leads him to have a subtle personality that is sometimes difficult to read. His intentions are hard to judge, along with his motivations, and often times when the Canadian does speak up it will be to say something completely surprising. He enjoys toying with people in this manner. This is a method of using his quieter nature to his advantage. It's enough for him to look on with a serene expression and knowing smile, like there's an eternal inside joke that no one else has been let in on.

Likes:
+ Maple related things; trees, leaves, syrup. He's a Canadian patriot no matter where in the world he ends up. Maple syrup is a substance that he believes is suitable to put on any type of food. He might have an addiction to it, in fact.
+ Cooking; exceptional at making pancakes, poutine, British and French dishes. He is studying to become a pastry chef because baking is one of his passions. It gives him immense pleasure when he can share his creations with people and get positive responses.
+ Wilderness areas; pristine snow on green trees in places untouched by humans
+ Camping; this goes in hand with his love of the wilderness. Matthew spent much of his childhood camping out in the wilds of Canada, and loves the purity of being out in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of nature.
+ Wild animals; polar bears, moose, wild geese, all types of creatures. He is an animal lover and is very passionate when it comes to issues concern animal abuse or neglect. Matthew prefers them over domestic animals, though he would never hesitate to help an animal in need.
+ Being noticed when he accomplishes things on his own; feeling useful. Much of the time, his accomplishments seem to fly under the radar. Getting praise is a surprise to him but an immense pleasure.
+ Hockey; Hockey is life. Hockey is everything. During the season, don't even attempt to interrupt him from devouring every televised match. If there are games nearby he will be at them. And of course Matthew is also an incredibly skilled player himself. This sport is one that reveals Matthew's passion, and his competitive nature.
+ Music; he enjoys all types of music. Matthew has an open mind to trying new genres and finds something that he likes from all of them. He has an extensive collection of CDs and records.
+ Organic Stuff; Yes, he's one of those green-living types of people. He prefers to purchase things that are local, items that are made in eco-friendly ways, and of course is an avid recycler. Matthew does not own a car. He has a bicycle that he uses to get around with because he thinks this is a more responsible means of transportation than automobiles.


Dislikes:
- Being ignored. When Matthew has an opinion to give or a statement to make, it is easy to get him unhappy if he's ignored. Since he doesn't speak up for himself too often the fastest way to get his temper riled is to act as if his words don't hold any value.
- Being mistaken for his brother. There are similarities between them, yes, but Matthew gets irked when people seem to think that he and Alfred are the same person. He considers himself very much an individual from the American that's his half-sibling, and while he can forgive the mistake once, continuing with that will quickly diminish Matthew's desire to be polite.
- People who are deliberately rude. When people cause stress for other people on purpose, Matthew has little desire to have any interaction with them. He's of the belief that even though everyone should have the right to freely speak their minds that doesn't mean that they need to be jerks about it.
- Ignorance, at least when people choose to accept their limits. He doesn't like bigots, or people who are so set in their ways that they cannot be swayed to see things from a different perspective. He's open minded enough that seeing the opposite in other people can be frustrating.
- Having to clean up other people’s messes. Not just when people are bad about tidying up, no. Also when people create situations that get out of their control, resulting in the Canadian having to fix them. He doesn't feel like he should be responsible for getting other people out of their own trouble even if he would grudgingly do it.


Fears:
- Death; This is a natural fear that everyone has. Matthew knows that he has a considerable amount of life yet to live, and even if he feels the rest of it will always be incomplete he doesn't want to go too soon like his other Half might have. He's got to live to his fullest.
- Incapacitation; He doesn't like the idea of losing the ability to do what he wishes, or move around as he pleases. Losing his freedom through permanent injury or incarceration would break his spirit.
- Disappointing Others; It causes him intense anxiety when other people are made unhappy because of accidental actions on his part. If Matthew has made a mistake that results in the displeasure of another, he will scramble to do everything in his power to fix it and will beat himself up over it.

Strengths:
+ Resourcefulness; the Canadian is able to think outside the box to get past obstacles. If he doesn't have the proper tool he needs to accomplish a task then he will use a substitute in order to achieve his goals.
+ Accurate aim; when Matthew takes aim, he doesn't miss. Putting a projectile weapon in his hand is a bad idea. The time that he spent hunting in Canada has proven him to be a merciful killer because one shot is all he needs to take a life.
+ Capable of handling solitary isolation; while other people need the contact of others, Matthew is fine being entirely on his own. He doesn't suffer from a lack of human contact. In fact, being around lots of other people is what throws him off.
+ Organized; incredibly efficient in getting things done. Matthew can complete tasks in record time because he is able to see the larger picture, plot out the best path to getting it accomplished, and implement it without issue.
+ Clear-headed even in intense situations; able to think ahead across multiple scenarios to find solutions to finding a safe outcome.


Weaknesses:
- Shyness; Matthew is painfully shy. It can be crippling for him, especially in situations where he is rendered vulnerable with embarrassment. He has difficulty speaking up for himself at times and mostly remains quiet in social situations with strangers.
- Self-Esteem; his perception of himself isn't exactly the best. Matthew might have a more outgoing personality if he valued himself and his words more. He's of the mentality that other people have more right to be in the spotlight than he does.
- Worries for others ahead of himself; he'll give the shirt off his back to someone in need. And then freeze his ass off. He is so ready to put the needs and wants of other people ahead of his own much of the time that Matthew will neglect his own happiness.
- A little too self-sacrificing; More than anything, he wants to make other people happy in the hope that it will earn him notice. Most of the time this backfires on him, because Matthew will go the extra mile without one speck of retaliation. Of course he doesn't complain about it and instead just bottles it up.
- A lack of presence; It's very easy to forget that Matthew is around. He tends to blend into the environment, like a piece of furniture in the room.

History:

Matthew was born in a remote region of Canada, where his father was a full-time lumberjack. A few years after he was born, his mother became too restless for the isolated region, and after discussion with his father, Matthew's mother moved away to America while the boy remained to be raised with his father and paternal family. She would remarry soon after, giving birth to another son named Alfred, that was Matthew's half-brother. While Matthew spent the majority of his childhood up in Canada for the sake of his schooling, his summers were spent down in America getting to know his sibling and immerse himself in the culture of that southern nation. Despite being a few years older than Alfred, Matthew looked young enough that people often mistook them for twins, and the Canadian never bothered to correct them on that misconception.

When he was ten years old, Matthew's Name appeared. Less than a year after that he received a letter in the mail. The person that wrote to him did so in anonymity, expressing through the letter that people like them were in more danger than average people. They did not give him their name but signed their letter 'Soundless'. Taking the same precautions, Matthew began a regular correspondence with that other person. Every letter was something for him to look forward to. It pleased him to have at least this connection with his other Half, even if they were not physically together. He filled his letters talking to his mysterious pen pal about everyday life; how his schooling was going, how his love for baking prompted him to try new recipes, and all the ups and downs of daily life.

One day, the letters stopped coming. Matthew sank into a feeling of despair. Hearing nothing again from the other person that identified themselves as Soundless, he was only able to reach two conclusions: That they had abandoned him, or that they were no longer alive. Matthew didn't want to believe either result but so far he has not heard anything else from that other person. The passage of years took a toll on him believing that he had lost something irreplaceable. So Matthew has been carrying on under the belief that he carries that Name all on his own. Whether this is true has yet to be revealed to him.

The last address stamp for the final letter had come to him from Blackpool, England. Conveniently, the University there had a course for pastry chefs, and so Matthew was able to easily pick up and move his schooling across the Atlantic to settle there instead. He became aware that Alfred also ended up in the same city, so he has been looking out for the American as well. After all, whatever danger might have claimed his other Half might still be present in the city looking to claim others. In the meantime, while remaining cautious, the Canadian has been filling his time with schooling and is also apprenticing at a local bakery to perfect his skills.

He holds a slim hope that the other half of Soundless might still be out in the world somewhere but has decided that he will continue to live for himself until he knows for sure.


RP Sample:

Matthew stirred from sleep, a mewling noise of protest leaking out of his throat as his eyes were greeted with the glaring light of the sun. He opened them carefully, violet peeking out underneath a veil of lashes as the young man frowned in the direction of the offending window. Jean-Paul was seated on the sill of the window smoking, the trails of it sucked out through the pane of glass that he had opened. Matthew’s delicate features twisted as he reluctantly forced himself to sit up. He left his glasses sitting on the nightstand beside the bed, both hands coming up to first rub at his face before he tangled his fingers in the tousled gold of his hair. “What time is it?”

“Still early.” Jean-Paul informed him tersely, his French accent heavy. Ah, he was in a foul mood again? Matthew’s brain had barely woken up enough to deal with his lover’s fickle attitudes.

Luckily, Matthew had a few tricks that always worked for him. One, in fact, that would be particularly effective considering the fact that he currently had no shirt on. He rolled over onto his hands and knees, feeling a sliver of pain in his back that would need to be contended with for the rest of the day (but was well worth it), as Matthew crawled across the mattress and rumpled sheets to where his lover was perched nearby. The faint trace of a smirk crossed his lips as he stretched a hand out in order to deftly snatch the cigarette away from Jean-Paul. “You know that this is a filthy habit, right? Utterly terrible for your health.”

His playfulness earned him a less sullen glance from the other man, as Jean-Paul warmed up to the teasing in Matthew’s eyes and the unconscious sensuality of his expression. “Oui, Doctor Williams. Though that is the least of my nasty habits, non?”

“Oui.” Matthew rolled backwards as Jean-Paul tried to retrieve his cigarette, so that he could lie on the mattress, as Matthew brought the cigarette up to his own lips. “Though I am a creature with bad habits as well. That makes me a hypocrite, doesn’t it?” He wasn’t really waiting for an answer. His bare foot lifted when Jean-Paul began to slide off the sill, Matthew pressing the balls of his toes against the Frenchman’s chest to keep him at bay, keeping up with his teasing of the other man.

He knew that he’d been successful when Jean-Paul smiled at him and took hold of his foot in a gentle grip. While the Frenchman tried to engage him by tickling at the underside of Matthew’s sole, Matthew let the cigarette dangle between two fingers as he became absorbed in thought, curling the tip of his thumb against the corner of his mouth as the young man’s violet eyes stared vacantly into space. It was an unwise move. Jean-Paul’s warming mood was spoiled when it seemed that Matthew’s interest was lost, dropping the foot from his hands. “Quoi? Are you bored already? Or is it that you are thinking of your blushing bride, eh?”

Matthew’s eyes focused, flashing on his lover with annoyance. “Don’t be stupid. Je vous adore. Je t’aime. I’m just preoccupied with work. I have a thesis that I am working on and it’s swollen up all of my spare brain activity. Stop being so sensitive.” He tilted his head to the side until unruly waves of hair went sliding over a bare shoulder, arching an eyebrow at Jean-Paul. “Now stop pouting and go make me some breakfast.”

OOC Alias: Hat
Contact: Skype, other forums
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time
Favorite Pairings: Open
Rule Check: Blow me one last kiss

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[Admin]