bakerstreet | (no subject)

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the alternate universe meme

how to play
1. post with your character, name and canon in the subject line.
2. feel free to mention which aus you’re willing or not willing to play in the body of the comment.
3. tag by rolling for an alternate universe setting using rng.
4. or tag by picking whatever au you’d like to play in most.
5. have fun!

alternate universes
i - all human: in an all human au, characters who are canonically vampires, werewolves or superheroes, are now humans, with corresponding changes to their backstories.

ii - apocalypse: a portmanteau of "apocalypse fic", apocafic is fiction set during or after some sort of apocalypse, or end of the world. some canons carry a built-in apocalypse against which the protagonists are fighting: in apocafic, they lose. for example, apocafic in stargate and x-files is usually set after the alien occupation; supernatural apocafic is set on a demon-controlled earth.

iii - band: an alternate universe in which the characters are members in, or form a band. often, the instruments they plan and their roles in the band are analogous to their canon identities. for example, tony stark might be cast as the fame-hungry lead singer who is also a musical genius, or river tam might be a classically trained pianist who, after a terrible experience at julliard, writes songs for mal reynold's grunge rock band, serenity.

iv - circus: circus aus are a popular trope in fanfic and sometimes fanart. using a circus as a setting means introducing the characters to each other in a close-knit community. that can help break down barriers between them and make them bond together against the outside world which may not understand them as well as the other characters do. it also brings a sense of adventure and the idea that this world may have different rules and everything is possible. a circus can also be a good place for characters to go undercover and meet the love of their lives.

v - coffee shop: the barista au (or coffeeshop au, or the closely related bakery au) is a popular fanfiction trope in livejournal fandoms. in most cases, one half of the main pairing is the barista and the other is or becomes their favorite customer; in some stories the whole cast works at a coffee shop. this trope is especially popular in fandoms where one character is very attached to coffee, either in canon or in fanon, or is frequently stressed.

vi - college/high school: college fic is a popular genre of fanfic (less often a genre of fanart) that places characters together in college or another secondary institution such as the starfleet academy in star trek fic (then called "academy fic"). this can be canon stories, for example backstory if characters have or could have met during college, or college aus, similar to high school aus. in science fiction, historical or fantasy fandoms the present day college au is a popular subgenre of the modern au that puts fantastic or historical characters in more mundane everyday settings.

vii - cop/detective: an alternate universe in which the characters are cast as cops or investigators of some kind. often, the canon villain is also cast as the villain in the story. this might be set in modern times, or in a noir-like environment, complete with gangsters and femme fatales.

viii - daemons: his dark materials is a fantasy trilogy by philip pullman. the trilogy consists of the golden compass (1995; published in the uk as northern lights), the subtle knife (1997), and the amber spyglass (2000). there are currently two companion novellas: lyra's oxford (2003) and once upon a time in the north (2008). a movie adaptation of the first book was released in theatres in late 2007. humans have their souls living outside their body in the form of an animal companion. males have female souls and females have male souls. the animals often correspond to the character’s personality.

ix - fantasy: an alternate universe populated with fantastical characters like elves, dwarves, unicorns, sorcerers, and dragons. canon characters might be cast as analogous races (e.g. clint barton or katniss everdeen as elf archers) or they might be humans in a fantastical setting. characters also might be able to secretly shape-shift into another form, like a dragon, and therefore is related closely to were/vampire/supernatural aus.

x - historical: a historical au is a fanwork which moves characters into a different historical period than their canon setting. typically this involves taking "contemporary" characters (from the late 20th century or 21st century) and putting them in an earlier historical period (such as the 19th century or before). popular settings for historical aus include: pirates, america's old west, britain's regency period, ancient rome, a vague facsimile of medieval england such as robin hood, and many others.

xi - hooker/porn/stripper: hookerfic is a type of fanfic where one or more of the characters is a sex worker. there are many different types of hookerfic, ranging from more realistic depictions to the more common pretty woman-type fantasy of a hooker with a heart of gold, rescued from life on the streets by a client. sex work of all kinds is portrayed—brothels, escorts, street prostitution, "call-girls" as well as strippers and go-go boys.

xii - magic: magic aus are alternate universe fanworks that incorporate magic in fandoms where there is no magic present in canon. (or in some cases, fanworks that make a canon with magic more magical.) they differ from elf aus in that there may be magic without any elves showing up, and are opposites of all human and mundane aus.

xiii - neighbors/roomates: an alternate universe where the canon characters live next-door to one another, or in the same apartment building or complex, or in the same apartment. often, this is also an all-human au, if the canon characters are powered in some way. the forced proximity is usually used to create romantic tension between characters.

xiv - space/sci-fi: a space au is an alternate universe where a source set on earth is transported into space; works are often referred to as "[fandom] in spaaaaaaaaace!" the trope can be a form of crackfic, but often includes surprisingly serious reinterpretations of the most earthbound of sources, particularly historical fiction written or set before space exploration. cyberpunk trappings such as robots, cyborgs and ais are often included.

xv - steampunk: steampunk was originally a term for a sub-genre of speculative fiction that imitated 19th century "scientific romances" like the work of jules verne and h.g. wells. later, the term was applied to a general aesthetic involving styles that would be "futuristic" from the perspective of the 19th century. steampunk appears in fanworks as both a genre and an aesthetic. there are some fandoms for which the canon is steampunk(-ish), e.g. the secret adventures of jules verne, but more often it is found as steampunk alternate universe.

xvi - western: the western is a genre of fiction set in the later half of the 19th century in the western part of north america, especially the united states, but also canada and mexico. sometimes also included in the genre are stories about western-type characters and plots in other settings, e.g. "space westerns" (in science fiction settings) and contemporary westerns (set in the western part of contemporary north america).

xvii - were/vamp/supernatural: a reversal of the all-human, in these fics characters who are normally human are now supernatural creatures of some kind the most common being werewolves or vampires.

xviii - choose your own: self-explanatory! choose your own option.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

[ Talk to me first if you want prompt xi, otherwise OTA. M/F for shipping. ]

[It wasn't often that Riza found herself backstage at a rock concert--it was only a rehearsal, but that didn't really matter. Actually she'd never been to either before and wouldn't be this time if Rebecca hadn't dragged her along.

Rebecca had needed someone to back her up as she continued the push to become the head of the band's first official fan club. Somehow thinking that having her best friend along who just happened to be from the same town as the lead singer would help while completely ignoring Riza's complaints that not everyone knew everyone else. Of course she could be wrong...

Leave it Rebecca to run off and leave Riza alone to figure it out herself.]

That was impressive. Do you always put so much into practice?

[During performances, concert or not, Roy slipped into the zone. All there was in the world was the stage, the band, and the audience (real or imagined) as he gave each performance one hundred and ten percent. Rehersal often ended with the band retiring for food and drinks, leaving Roy to himself to contemplate any changes or improvements he wanted in their next concert.

He's deep in his thoughts when he hears someone walking his way. Snapping to attention, he remembers this is the night they have guests with backstage passes. Best be polite and greet them.

When he sees Riza at first he pauses. Something is familiar about the blonde woman. He can't place it just yet.]

Thank you. It's important to me that everyone in the band reherses like it's the real thing. We get better results when we put our all into practice.

[Roy can't help staring back at her, trying to place her face. Maybe he's simply hoping for some context where he knows the pretty lady, but then again his gut is usually right about these things.

Realizing he's staring, he apologizes.]

Sorry! You just. Look familiar. Have we met? At a previous concert perhaps?

[She really hates it when Rebecca is right. It was one thing for her to know who he was (okay there might have been a slight crush at one point in time) but she never expected him to know her. She might as well get it over with. Trying not to look or sound half as concerned as she feels she explains.]

Not exactly. And not that I expected you to remember me, but we went to school together. A few years apart.

[Why would he have noticed the shy little thing she was? The only reason anyone knew her was her name. Her father burning down the science lab one year kind of made it unforgettable.]

Riza Hawkeye.

Oh that's it! Right. We're a long way from home- I didn't expect to run into anyone from town out here.

I had your father for chemistry. His demonstrations were the best.
[Infamously so. All the students wanted to watch Mr. Hawkeye demonstrate those wild chemical reactions.]

He kept encouraging me to go into science in college. I was going to do an experiment on the thermodynamic properties of various materials for a scholarship but the lab burned down just before I started. I uh... I suspect he was prepping the equipment for my experiment when it happened.

[He laughs weakly and rubs the back of his neck.] And you've probably had one too many conversations about that incident.

I remember how you used to come into his classroom after classes were out. Your hair is a lot longer now. It looks good.

Mostly apologizing for all the extra work everyone had to do--making up for the tests and other reports that were destroyed in the process.

[Small miracle that no one had died in the fire.

At the mention of her hair, Riza absently tucks a strand behind her ear, surprised he'd even remember such a detail.]

Not all of us could become big rock stars, so we had to do with little changes instead. Leaving home, longer hair, and getting dragged along to play rescuer if needed. Not sure which one of us made out better.

[Her tone is pretty flat but there is a small smile at her lips teasing.]

[ Roy smirks, on the edge of laughter. ]

Rescuer? For who?

[ Family? A friend? ...A boyfriend perhaps? How many people had those backstage passes again? ]

A friend.

[She has the sense Rebecca doesn't to look a bit embarrassed by the whole thing.]

She wanted emotional support and an escape excuse in case her appeal to your guitarist didn't go quite as planned.

[Riza doesn't really want to think about the fact that if Rebecca wasn't back any time soon that meant things were going better than she'd planned.]

A fan of Jean's?

[ He can't help a chuckle. Oh boy. This was either going to go very well or very badly. ]

Actually she has perfect timing. He just broke up with his last girlfriend a month ago and he's been dying to meet someone new. Your rescue services might not be needed, at least not for a while.

Did you want to check on her or... I don't mean to keep you too long from your friend. We can go find them if you'd like.

That would explain the urgency with which she insisted we come then. Just enough time to have passed that she doesn't look like she's taking advantage, but not enough that someone else might have swept him up instead.

[No one could ever accuse Rebecca of being dumb--an opportunist maybe, but not dumb.]

I'm actually used to it, this isn't the first time she's needed backup. Besides, I think it's more likely that I'm keeping you from your fans.

Jean doesn't stand a chance. Unless your friend has horrible luck I imagine they're well into a flirty conversation by now.

[Roy gives a slightly pained grin at the thought of venturing out to greet fans.]

I have the night off from autographs and selfies. A couple days ago I ran into trouble in the crowd. She grabbed onto me and refused to let go. The manager decided to give me a few days off after that.

That sounds horrible. [And she honestly means that. Maybe they need more security or something?] But I'm sure the attention is appreciated more often than not. You never seemed to mind it.

Of course! If I didn't have an audience I wouldn't be here. I always tell my band to be good to our fans. Most of them are perfectly nice people- no unwanted touching involved. Thanking them with some handshakes and signatures is the least we can do.

Besides! Between our excellent managing and our fans we're well on our way to the top of the charts. I want to write songs nobody will forget.

[He realizes after grinning over the whole thing that he's pretty much bragging to her. Roy stops himself.]

That's all pretty obvious though isn't it?

[Riza kind enough not to laugh at him but it's a struggle. Plus his enthusiasm is a nice change from the attitudes of most people regarding their jobs; then again, who wouldn't find it quite so exciting?]

I don't know, you could be faking it. Sounds terribly hard.

The paparazzi part is, yes. Hiccups in rehearsal and lack of inspiration are a part of the progress. Making sure you aren't recorded walking into a glass door- that's the part we all get sick of sometimes.

Honestly getting lectured by our manager might be the worst part. I'm told I'm too careless pretty often. I still don't see the harm done by that photo of me standing next to a bunsen burner wearing a lab coat and goggles. Are rock stars not allowed to like chemistry?

[The tabloids had a ball claiming he was either a pyro or a mad scientist.]

What about you? What have you been doing since high school?

You would think someone would take you up on the idea and turning it into making staying in school cool or something.

[It would be a fantastic marketing strategy. Plenty of teenagers would fall for it.]

Nothing quite so glamorous. [Or as well paying, but she can't complain.] I'm the personal assistant to the mayor. It's not a very high profile position but I'd rather leave that to others.

Yes exactly! That's what I've been saying to my manager. [ Roy nods enthusiastically when she suggests science can look cool. ] I would do an ad campaign urging students to stick to their studies if they'd let me. Apparently they don't want anyone in the band looking too nerdy until we have a more steady following. [ Excuses, excuses. ]

[ She waves off the position like it's nothing but Roy's eyes light up. ] The mayor? Really? That's amazing! I mean. That must take a lot of hard work, and you must be excellent at what you do!

It's not really. I just keep him from missing meetings, flubbing his speeches, or forgetting his anniversary or wife's birthday. As long as he looks good I've done my job.

That's not easy for everyone. I don't think I could keep up. There's a reason our band needs a manager. [ And it's not just keeping them fed. ]

If you ever decide you're tired of a stationary office job you should consider management for a band.

...Does the mayor really forget his wife's birthday? [ Roy shifts his weight between legs. They had been standing and talking for a while now. He hadn't actually sat down in a long time thanks to rehearsal.

In the back of his mind he weighs his options, hoping to continue their conversation even with a change of scenery. He points towards the hallway. ]

Mind walking with me?

[Riza shakes her head at the question and starts the way he motioned.]

Not exactly. It's more that he forgets what day it is between all the meetings and press conferences. I think he only remembers when it's Sunday because that's his one day out of the office during the week and even then if something major happens he has to appear.

[And while they're walking she's just going to try and ignore all the others glaring at her for keeping him distracted.]

[ Roy offers smiles and gets some highfives and fist bumps from the visitors they pass in the hallway. He too ignores any sour faces, seeing no reason to prod an unhappy looking stranger. ]

That I understand. When you're that busy the days all melt together. Long odd hours make time seem to go by fast and slow at the same time. If your friend does date Jean, tell her to tell him to put their dates in his phone calendar. It's the only way he remembers what he's doing outside of work on what day.

[ Jean had been through relationship troubles for a reason and not just the long distance involved during tours.

Roy stops in front of one of the doors and knocks. ]

Anybody in? I have company! [ When there's no reply he opens the door, revealing the dressing room on the other side. The bright lights have been left on and half empty water and beer bottles have been left on the counters with music sheets. The rest of the band has cleared out and likely gone to eat as predicted.

Roy steps in and waves her in after him. He heads for one of the racks where a jacket and hat are waiting for him. ]

I always have to knock first. Kain would have a heart attack if I brought a lady in here while he was changing.

[Riza has to laugh at that. If anything she's more worried for Jean than anything else--Rebecca isn't the kind to let anyone forget dates, important or just in general.]

I'll tell her, but I doubt she'll give him the chance to forget.

[Somehow the dressing room fit the expectation one would have for a rock group except for the lack of nearly naked groupies and drugs. It was nice to see the stereotype wasn't completely true. His comment gets another smile as well.]

Oh, so you do this kind of thing often? Here I was flattered by the attention.

It's usually my aunt with me. I made the mistake of entering with her while Kain was struggling with his belt. Poor fellow.

[ He says it with a chuckle. The rest of the band still hadn't let Kain live it down.

Roy throws on the jacket, a plain navy hoodie, and zips it up. It's followed by a brown newsboy cap and a pair of thick framed non prescription glasses. Roy turns towards her and points to himself. ]

What do you think? Do I still look too much like a rock star? I can add a scarf for good measure.

[Riza cocks her head to the side thoughtfully as she looks him over.]

Not exactly how I'd image one to look, but then again you are one so...

[Wouldn't that mean he looks like one no matter how he's dressed?]

I doubt anyone would recognize you as it doesn't really scream rock star.

The entire band has similar disguises. My aunt thinks we look like a group of art school hipsters when we wear them.

For some reason Heymans' disguise doesn't work so well for him. We've been recognized several times thanks to him. Usually at restaurants. On a positive note we've eaten a lot of free pancakes thanks to our cover being blown.

[Roy stands straight and offers his best smile. He was chitchating to buy another minute to muster the courage to ask her a simple question. He hasn't felt this nervous in what seems like ages. Take a breath and just say it. It's not that big a deal.]

Jean and your friend are probably well occupied with each other by now. Would you like to grab a bite to eat in the meanwhile?

Roy Mustang | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

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