Marlin never missed a day when it came to getting Nemo ready to go to school, from swimming to the drop-off point with him and the other kids to making sure he was picked up okay. He was committed to being a good dad, especially after how far he'd come to keep his son safe, but he also knew when to let him just... be a kid, and not be so paranoid about the world around them. He did have an excellent support system in Dory, her family and her extended family, but at its core was him and Nemo.

He also became significantly more amicable with the other parents, now able to hold a full, downright jovial conversation without floundering any of his jokes.

One particular parent caught his eye on this day, however: a somewhat frazzled, meek fish who was in the middle of fleetingly ensuring their kid had everything they needed, to which they insisted - with a giggle - that they did. With a small kiss, they sent their kid off, only asking that they stay safe.

He hadn't seen them around here or in the reef before, but he certainly recognized their demeanor, considering it had been his own for the longest time up until somewhat recently.

Marlin figured he ought to go say hello. He still wasn't the best at initiating conversations, but every day was a learning day, right? With a soft exhale, he swam his way over to the somewhat anxious parent, watching as the class - along with their respective kids - faded further and further into the distance with Mr. Ray.

"I wouldn't worry too much." Marlin assured them with a warm smile. "Mr. Ray is the best at what he does - he'll take good care of 'em."

"Oh, uh, I'm Marlin, by the way." he introduced himself with an air of eagerness to him. "My son, Nemo - the, uh, the orange one who looks like me, a clownfish, heh - is in the same class as your kid. But, uh, you probably guessed that since we're both here, so..."

No. You're doing it again. Stop, take a breath, relax your smile, be polite, and don't overdo it.

"Sorry, I'm rambling. Are you both... new to the reef?"