Alexander Lafayette Valentine
MULLIGAN WITH THE EARTH OF A HUNDRED NATIONS IN MY SKIN
I'M AT YOUR BACK DOOR
Full Name: Alexander Lafayette Valentine, a name that Alex has always found to be far more pretentious than he would have liked, but one he’s been stuck with all the same. Since the beginning he was taught that the use of Alex was inappropriately informal, and that by allowing others to call him anything other than Alexander, he would be disrespecting his mother’s dead brother. Lafayette also comes from the family, his great-grandmother’s maiden name, on his father’s side. Valentine, well, it comes from his father, and the father before him, passed on through the generations, until now, where more likely than not, Alex’s part of the Valentine line will end.
Nicknames: Alexander was what he was told to be called since the beginning, and that's what he mostly goes by. Alex is used on rare occasions by those that don't know him, and his younger sister in order to annoy their mother. Valerie is a nickname that only his old colleges buddies know, and use after several pints. His middle name is kept as well of a secret as it can be, being in the public eye and all, him trying to keep all documentation down to Alexander L. Valentine.
Gender: Male
Age: 42
Sexual Orientation: Homosexual
Usergroup: Neutral
Occupation: District Attorney for New York City, sworn into office on January 1st, 2010
Canon or Original: Original
YOU WON'T RECOGNIZE ME
FOR THE LIGHT IN MY EYES IS STRANGE
Powers/Mutation: Was there ever a moment in your life that you wished you could redo? What about the second when you realize that you’ve done something horrible, your stomach sinking with the knowledge that you’ll never be able to take it back? For Mulligan, things like these aren’t a bother. His mutant power isn’t something exceptional, powerful, or even very handy. Few people know he has a power at all. However, to him, it’s changed the world, several times. Quite literally.
Five seconds. If you sit and think about it, counting each out, slowly, you come to the realization that it really isn’t that short of a period of time. Five seconds, that’s all he gets, Mulligan’s being the ability to pull himself backwards through time. He can do no more, and no less, and there are no secondary or back up powers to aid him. But those five seconds, when needed, can change everything else that follows.
Now, there’s a price to pay for each time that he calls for a redo, both physically and morally. Having the ability to change the path of the world is a weighty one, and though when he was younger he thought much less of it, now he uses his power with great care and infrequency. Part of that infrequency is due to the paralyzing pain that comes with each backwards jump. He’s never figured out why going back hurts so damn much, but if he was a smarter man he might reason that it has something to do with his molecules realigning or some such.
Everything rewinds with him, people, places and things. The entire universe. In that scope is power is awe inspiring, when you get down to the nitty gritty. If you think about it, though, most people wouldn’t even notice, already set in a path that they were, so they would simply repeat what they had done originally. Still, the moral weight of it all, him now knowing what his power can do, and how just changing one thing can alter everything else, Mulligan tries not to use his power, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Skills: Other than certain personality traits that make him pleasing to be around, good looks, and a dash of intelligence, Alex isn't a particularly skilled individual. His greatest ability is that of being able to keep his own counsel and hiding the truth of what his is from the world. Oddly enough, that has nothing to do with his mutation. He smiles when he needs to and is stoic when it's required. He can read a room, a situation or a person, and respond accordingly. Often, Alex claims finding Miss Frost was a skill, for without her he swears he wouldn't be what he is.
He is the athletic sort, and enjoys playing soccer, running and swimming, but he would never go so far as to consider them skills.
Personality: Confident - This is easily one of Alex’s most obvious personality traits. Nothing about him lends to shyness or uncertainty. He has set goals for himself throughout his life, and he’s achieved them all. He has no doubts in his own abilities, and he knows that if anything were to hold him back, it would be himself. This does not, however, leave Alex arrogant. He respects others, their knowledge and wisdom, and will listen to that which they might have to say. He is sure of himself, and holds him self in such a way, but he doesn’t feel himself to be better than others.
Happy - Another part of Alex which is obvious to the public. Rarely is he seen without a smile on his face, a bounce in his step, or a good natured answer at the ready. Things are tough, for everyone, and they have been for him as well. He feels, though, that allowing oneself to be downtrodden by such things won’t help at all, so he tries to remain as happy as the situation allows.
Loyal - Alex is loyal to not only people or ideals but also to the city of New York and the pro-Mutant movement. If he says that he will do something, he will do it. If he makes a promise he will keep it. Any secret shared with him is safe, never to be revealed, for any reason.
Pro-Mutant - Even though it wasn’t on his docket when he ran for DA, now that the mutant movements have begun, and they have started to show up in greater numbers, Alex is very publicly Pro-Mutant, Anti-registration. He is open about the fact that he his, indeed, a mutant as well, though he has not revealed his mutation. Instead he states that he simply tested positive for the X-gene, without any visible signs of it. His sister has an obvious and positive mutation, however, and he often drags her into the limelight to further his cause.
In the Closet - While he might be open about his genetic difference, Alex learned early on from his family, and even his sister, that preferring his own gender was frowned upon. Knowing that in his political life he could never be ‘gay’, Alex has opted to keep this a tight-lipped secret, only two individuals so-far knowing the truth. Well, knowing the truth and retaining the information.
Passionate - About everything he does, from washing dishes to preventing crime. He exudes passion as he breaths, along with happiness, and attacks everything in his life with it.
Humble - He came from humble beginnings, and will never forget that. He knows that he worked hard for what he has become, but he also always feels lucky that whatever aligned for him, allowing him to have such opportunities.
Positive - Every cloud has a silver lining and every night has a new dawn. Through everything in his life Alex has opted to look for the cool side of the pillow, trying to find a positive outlook, rather than letting negativity drag him down. One of his talents is the ability to spin the negative into the positive, a quality that is important for any politician.
Open - Being in the public eye constantly is hard, but Mulligan doesn’t mind it. He has no secrets, other than The Big One, and at current there is no way for that to become known. Everything else he has no qualms sharing with the rest of the world. He’s proud of his family, his past, and the future that he hopes to bring around. He’ll answer questions without hesitation and evasion.
Family oriented - Alex loves his family more than anything in the world. His parents are both very important to him, as is his sister. He understands that they don’t accept that part of him, even if it hurts him, but it doesn’t make him love them any less. Plus it’s easier when they don’t know how they’ve reacted to such a thing.
Limelight Lover - The center of attention is where he likes to be. He thrives in it, loving when all eyes and minds are focused upon him, feeding from the energy it brings. He doesn’t go so far as to be dramatic and seek it out, but he’ll never shy away from it.
Athletic - He’ll never be an Olympic gold medalist, but Alex has pride in his body and masculinity (of sorts) so he does what he can to keep in shape. He also quite enjoys running, swimming, sailing and playing soccer on the District Attorney’s office League.
Eccentric - Alex can be a little odd. He’s a horrible driver, but he loves cars (he’s wrecked quite a few of them). Loud socks, thick rimmed glasses and scarves are his accessories of choice. He opts not to wear shoes in his office when he can get away with it, and he has a closet that puts most starlets and socialites to shame.
Loving - Love is something that Alex can never have enough of. Not only does he love to feel loved, but he loves to love others. He falls in love to easily, though not often in a romantic way. He can love all genders, races and ages, happily accepting them however they are and doing what he can for them. He feels that love is something the world needs a lot more of, and he makes sure it starts with him.
Charming - Smiling at the right time, saying the words that need to be said, a light touch, a laugh. Alex is practiced in all of these things. He likes to think that he can charm almost anyone, and those that he has difficulties with become challenges. Most succumb to him with ease, but this is not a mutant power of anything of the sort. Just a kind of talent.
Dashing - A gentleman from a time before, Alex takes great pride in how he carries himself and how he dresses. He succumbs to damsels in distress and remembers to open doors and pull out chairs.
Vain - Not everything about Alex is positive. He’s a totally vain individual, and while he might be a little odd in his fashion choices, he cares a great deal about his appearance, to the point of obsession. He dislikes his clothes being mussed, by anyone for any reason, and the same goes for his hair.
Manipulative - Alex likes to get what he wants, and he isn’t above using some of his other personality traits, or knowledge that he has, to get them. He’s not underhanded, exactly, and he doesn’t manipulate regularly, but he has been known to do it.
Physical Appearance: Standing at only five foot ten inches, there’s a good bet that Alex isn’t going to be the tallest man in the room. It isn’t something that he minds, though, more than comfortable with his own height. Blonde hair curls in a manner that seems effortless on top of his head, but is actually a styled coif, Alex taking great pains to be sure that not a strand is out of order. Green eyes are part of what draw some people’s vision, peering out from underneath neat and plucked brows that are the same sandy blonde as his hair. Wrinkles have begun to mar his flesh, lines that curve upwards from his eyes, and others that follow the patterns of his dimples. Each imperfection has been properly earned, coming from hundreds and thousands of smiles, each being what some might consider dazzling and others annoying, but hardly anyone being able to claim that they are false.
His body is well enough formed, exercise, activity and vanity keeping him in shaped, muscled to the point of being pleasant, but not of being superbly strong. Tailored clothes wrap his frame, expensive fabrics and designer names being all that he will wear. Money was a difficulty in the past, but Alex worked hard to get himself to where he is, and his clothing is something that he refuses to be frugal with. As much as he is willing to dedicate his finances to his appearance, Alex is also willing to dedicate his time, taking great care to be sure that no wrinkles are to be found and that no lines fall incorrectly. His vanity is likely one of his greatest character flaws, and his wish to be perceived well by the world adds into it.
Play by: Simon Baker
History: For someone with a name that could be considered impressive, the beginning of Alexander Valentine’s life was anything but. We should start off with his parents, two people just having crossed the line into adulthood. Stacey Glaser had just turned eighteen, fresh out of high school and on her way to college on a cheer-leading scholarship. She didn’t have any real or solid goals, all she wanted to do was cheer, coast through a degree in library science, and marry a rich man. Pretty enough, to most, and with a happy attitude, no one thought that she’d have any difficulties doing such a thing. That was, of course, until she met Richard Valentine.
It was all Alex’s fault, really, the older brother that had been drafted into war. His first trip to Vietnam had introduced the two men, Alex and Dick becoming fast friends. The boys had been teenagers when they met, but in that first year in a foreign country they matured in ways that people who weren’t there, who didn’t live it, they just wouldn’t understand.
Two years and another tour later, Dick took on the responsibility of bringing home his friend, or what was left of him, from the battlefield on which he had died. Stacey had been sixteen when her brother shipped out, her youth and nativity blinding her to what could happen. When he had returned the first time, her just seventeen, she was too caught up in her own world to care, much more concerned with football games and shopping trips than her vaguely disturbed and mentally shadowed older brother. But when the box came, Dickie holding it in trembling hands, dress blues pressed and metal polished, the realization of her loss was a staggering blow.
It was through each other that Stacey and Richard found comfort, first with words and phrases and then through the physical, a lingering touch, a strong embrace. The pregnancy was an accident, something that neither had expected or wanted. But neither was the love that had grown from their sadness. Just like they would later alienate their son by turning against his choices in life, both families were scandalized by what happened between the two young-adults and turned their backs, leaving their children in the cold.
So they left, heading to a city which promised acceptance of everything, the Big Apple, New York. With his time spent in the Marines it wasn’t difficult for Dick to get a job in law enforcement, going first through the academy and then working his way up the ranks. The newly named Mrs. Valentine using her charm, decent looks and bright smile to find employment as a secretary. It wasn’t the life that either of them had dreamed of, and the road wasn’t always paved smooth, but more often than not the duo was content.
Nine months after the night on which he was conceived, Alexander was born, his name having been chosen the instant they knew that he would indeed be a he, both parents prouder than any could possibly be. They had found each other and given up much in order to have him. As he grew they loved him fully and absolutely, imparting upon him a happiness and joy that many are unable to know. Their lives were not easy, and money could be tight at times, but they were delightful and capable, dealing with the doldrums as best as they were able.
Alexander took after his mother, in looks and personality, and was a cheery child from the beginning. His popularity was never in question, and making friends was no difficulty. Life went on, as it does, and Alex grew. He was intelligent, but not overly so, and he was active as well, playing on his school’s soccer team, but not so well as to be the star. His book smarts and charm allowed him to have decent relationships with his teachers, that paired along with modest grades leading to a partial scholarship to NYU. It was there that he decided to follow his father’s footsteps in a way, heading into law, and vowing to do what he could for his fellow man.
A career wasn’t all he found within the walls of the college, however.
As a younger man from puberty onward, Alex had never really been interested in girls or women. He found them to be appealing and beautiful, graceful and mesmerizing, but he was more than glad to simply appreciate, not needing to go any further than that. Life and normalcy, however, would not allow simple observation, and eventually an sense of oddness was expressed towards Alex’s continued state of being single. So, as a sophomore in high school, Alex found himself a girlfriend. She was popular, like him, and the captain of their cheer-leading team. It was a match made in heaven, or so everyone said, both parents elated at their boy’s choice. The guys he knew were jealous of his luck and the girls wanted to be where Piper was. That was, until the horrible night when Piper tried to have sex with Alex.
Three years is a long time. At least it is when you’re seventeen. They’d been dating since she was fourteen, and Piper had long ago decided that Alexander Valentine was the man that she was going to marry. Alex liked Piper, but he didn’t feel as strongly about the brunette, for reasons that would become apparent later on. He did, however, choose to put up with their relationship, liking the way that the outside world felt about it, much more than he himself did.
College loomed, and their world was going to change. Not ready to loose what she had worked so hard for, Piper followed the advice of her peers and decided to offer herself up to the man she loved. So far their relationship had been one filled with sweetness and chastity, nothing past soft kisses, Alex having a certain indifference towards it all. A party was hosted, a congratulations of sorts mixed with any excuse to have a good time. It was in this tipsy state that Piper opted to follow through with her plan, dragging her high school sweetheart into the nearest room and doing what she thought was supposed to be done. Really, it wasn’t her fault, and if things had been as they seemed, well, it might have been different.
As it was, though, the last thing that Alex wanted to do, was, well,
that. And that was the first time his powers came into play. He wouldn’t know that they were such things until later, and he could have had them for a while and not known, but in that moment, heart racing, hands sweating, terrified that he would hurt this person who had been an important part of his life, Alex pulled himself, and everyone else, five seconds back through time. Pain ripped through him, causing the young man to double over in the hall, back where he had been before they crossed that threshold, one of Piper’s hands resting on the doorknob, the other pulling insistently against the belt loops of his jeans. The pain, and his shock, changed everything, and instead of them both loosing their virginities that night, Alex ended up in the ER, a very concerned Piper at his side.
He didn’t know that he was a mutant, or that he could do such things simply by wanting to (who would -want- to go through that again?) but he was aware of one thing. He didn’t like girls. At all. College allowed him to place distance between himself and Piper, and eventually he used it as an excuse to end their relationship as easily as he could. She thought, of course, that there was another woman, but she couldn’t have been more wrong.
Well, mostly wrong.
There was another man.
Nick was beautiful, dark and tall and everything that Alex never knew that he wanted. On their first meeting Alex’s heart raced for another reason, and on every meeting that followed, the feelings that blossomed on that fateful day became more and more intense. He didn’t just like Nick as a person, or a friend, there was something more, much more, and it turned out that Alex’s feelings weren’t his alone.
The kiss was like something he’d never experienced, and in a moment of joyous ecstasy, Alex wondered at how Piper could have ever thought that they had anything. Softness wasn’t something that Alex craved, instead he needed flat planes and strong shoulders, brooding eyes and deep voices. What started out as a fling, Alex finding himself as he worked through years of college, ended up much more serious, Nick and he getting an apartment together under the guise of roommates. The LSAT came and went, Alex scoring appropriately and continuing on to law school with Nick pressuring him that they needed to reveal themselves as they really were, much more than friends.
Acquiescing to the man he loved, Alex and Nick went to his family home, the elder Valentines knowing easily of Nick and glad to meet their oldest child’s friend. But what they got was more than that. Cookies and lemonade were offered, and the young men sat, so suddenly children once more even though they were in their twenties, Alex trying to figure out how to word a revelation. It came with a suddenness, the truth being blurted out as Alex gripped his lover’s hand, and for half a second it looked like it would have been alright. The smile on his mother’s face, however, shattered much like the glass that had fallen from her hand as the word ‘disgusting’ fell from his militant father’s lips. More than he had not wanted to hurt Piper, Alex didn’t want to live in a world where he made such things happen, and so with the same sort of urgency he pulled himself and everyone else backwards through time, the second hand on the clock ticking backwards five times, before Alex collapsed from pain that using his ability caused.
Another trip to the Emergency Room and another relationship ended. It wasn’t as easy as it had been with Piper, especially on Alex’s side, as much more had been invested, but Alex couldn’t bare the thought of his parents viewing him in such a way. Law school was finished and the bar passed. He was hired by popular firm and found meaning in life that didn’t involve romance. He didn’t like women, and couldn’t see men, but he could find his happiness elsewhere.
Throwing himself fully into his work it wasn’t surprising that Alex quickly worked his way up the ladder, starting out as a mere clerk and moving on, becoming the youngest partner that his firm had seen. He was talented at his job, and his lack of a partner was considered to be the norm, him caring much more for justice than he could for a lover.
But even with the life he lived Alex wanted more. He couldn’t find it in outlets that he felt others would feel acceptable, so when at thirty-nine he found that the position of New York District Attorney had come open, Alex decided to run. It was at the dinner announcing his candidacy that Alex met Emma Frost. He was gay, of that he was certain, but he was not blind, and a man (who loved men or not) would have to be so to not be able to notice the woman as she entered the room.
Stunning and alluring Alex found himself drawn to her, fascinated and enraptured. He didn’t feel about her the way that most men would, but it was love at first sight all the same. Being who he was Alex forced his way into her circle, slowly getting to know the woman over time. She was the first person he admitted his status as a mutant too, and she was also the only other person in the world than Nick that knew he was gay.
Together they worked to place him as the DA, Alex needing the help that she offered, her backing being the only thing which allowed him to squeak by with the election. A year and a half ago he was sworn into office, taking on the biggest responsibility he had ever known. Six months ago his sisters mutation manifested, shocking his parents and the community, Alex opting instantly to go pro-mutant, hoping that there were enough of them out there to prevent the unrest of the city. Three months ago the talks of Mutant Registration began in earnest, and Alex’s campaign against them began, his eye not only on the future of his race, but also the 2013 elections for Mayor.
RP Sample: 
Mulligan
