bakerstreet | the au meme.

the au meme.

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!

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.

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[It hasn't been more than maybe half a year since Genji moved into the apartment building. He's talked to some of the other tenants, but never at length, never much longer than to exchange names and idle chatter every now and then. As social as Genji is used to being, he has to admit to a lack of interest in getting to know these people; he's had his hands full learning how to live on his own, having thrown himself directly into the deep end of independence.

Most people would probably consider fleeing the country to get away from family a drastic move, but Genji had no doubt that if he'd stayed in Japan the clan would've dragged him back home. Thankfully, 'Shimada' seems to mean little to nothing in America. He hasn't been accosted by the law since he arrived at the very least. And so far, it's been... (stressful) (infuriating) (frightening) (exhilarating) an experience. He'd had to scramble to find himself a job and learn to manage finances in order to stretch what money he took before he ran out on the clan last as long as possible after successfully landing this apartment. But here he is: returning home after working a dumb job as a waiter in a restaurant. It's hardly glamorous, but it keeps a roof over his head. (Barely, but still.)

But right at this very second it's been a long day, a long week, a long month, and Genji is looking forward to soaking in the tub and kicking his feet up until he has to drag himself to bed. He reaches his door and starts patting himself down, a ball of dread forming in his stomach when his keys aren't in the pocket he expects them to be and growing when he searches through every other pocket on his current outfit only to come up empty-handed.

He'd forgotten his keys.

He doesn't even care how he looks anymore. It's been a long day of awful customers, biting his tongue until it nearly bled in order not to snap back at them and get in trouble with his boss, and being concerned about making rent for the month. And now he's going to have to talk to the landlord about getting his locks changed, probably. Genji has run out of fucks to give. He presses his back to the door, slides down until his ass is on the floor, and buries his face in his knees. He can just hear Hanzo's smug, obnoxious 'better than you' tone in his head, taunting him for ever thinking he could make it on his own.]

Edited (let's also pretend i can html) 2016-07-23 03:24 (UTC)

[ McCree seems to be on the opposite end of things- a former criminal on the upswing. Things are going well for him. He has a steady job and decent income. His apartment might not be glamorous, but it's home, and he earned it. There's something oddly satisfying about that.

He hasn't really seen his new neighbor since he moved in, but in the brief glimpses he's gotten the guys seems... stressed? Like, really stressed.

Imagine his surprise when he finds him just sitting in the hallway like that. ]

You okay?

[At first, the most response Genji decides to dignify the guy with is a muffled grunt. What a hilarious question. He was sitting in the hall, what part of that implied he was okay??

Then he decides to pick his head up, and hello. Genji vaguely remembers seeing this guy around, but he'd never gotten a good look before now. Maybe some of his outfit is a little cheesy (someone seems to be clinging to the south a little too hard) but overall? Easy on the eyes, in that 'rough and rugged' kind of way. So at least there's one good thing going for Genji today.]

Forgot my keys at work, [he mutters, unable to stop the irritated edge in his voice from appearing. He'd never been great at hiding how he felt. He tries, despite it, if only because going around looking like a total mess every day isn't the great impression. Especially not when Genji takes so much pride in his appearance. He huffs out a sigh and decides he probably should get back to his feet and get the talk with the landlord over with, at the very least. Or trudge his way back to work to look for his lost keys. Ugh.]

Don't worry about it.

[ Hello yourself. If he'd have known that hi new neighbor was cute, he would have said hello a long time ago.

That's not why he says what he says next- no, he says it because these days he actually likes to think of himself as a decent human being. ] Need a lift back there? I don't mind.

[For a man who said 'don't worry about it' just a second ago, Genji changes his mind quickly at that offer.] That would be great. I am not up for waiting for the bus again right now.

[And, you know. More time with the attractive guy is incentive too.

Genji is at least composed enough at things turning about a bit that he manages to flash his savior a grin, a quick but bright expression.] I appreciate it. Name's Genji. I don't think I caught yours.

[ Well now, that was quite the smile, even if he only caught a glimpse of it. He grins back, and offers Genji a hand up. ]

Jesse. Nice to meet ya, finally.

[He takes the hand and gets to his feet, brushing himself off and mmmaybe attempting to subtly fix any issues with his appearance that could have risen from the long day at work and his brief pity party on the floor there. He can't exactly salvage being caught pouting on the floor, but he can work on making a way better impression from here on out. First step of that: making sure he looks good.]

You too. Shame we didn't meet earlier.

[This time it's a smirk that curls his mouth, backing up the implications behind those words, before he eases off the flirting for a bit. Don't want to come on too strong. He heads for the stairs, turning to speak to Jesse again, and now that they're both on their feet Genji realizes that he still has to look up to look at the guy's face.]

Tall guy, aren't you?

[The words are out of Genji's mouth before he can think twice, not that he would really give a comment like this that much consideration.]

[ Wow, this guy doesn’t waste a second. Thankfully, McCree takes the obvious flirting in stride, smirking in return. ]

Sure is.

[ He follows along, fishing the keys to his truck out of his pocket as they go. At least Genji seems nice, which is a rarity considering they’re not in the best part of town. Granted, from what little he’s seen, Genji doesn’t quite seem to fit in with the “not the best part of town” crowd, so maybe that’s why.

Genji’s comment sort of just comes from nowhere, but McCree just sort of laughs, making a show of looking down at himself. ]

I am? Ho-lee shit, when did that happen?

[The sarcastic reaction he gets in response has Genji snorting, a laugh escaping as he reaches out to shove lightly at Jesse's arm.]

Not my fault you Americans are giants.

[Most of the guys Genji's met since moving here have been taller than him, but not quite as tall as Jesse, aside from the occasional exception who had been far taller than Genji's current companion. Giants.

When they get outside and into to the parking area, Genji can't even pretend he's surprised when he finds them heading toward a truck. This guy is like the epitome of the south. He shakes his head, climbing into the passenger seat once the doors are unlocked.]

I work at the King Fisher over on the other side of town. [He settles into the seat, ignoring the seat belt in favoring of rummaging through his pockets once more. He fishes out a pack of cigarettes and is in the process of pulling a stick out before he remembers it might be considerate to ask Jesse's opinion of smoking in his truck.] You mind if I smoke?

[ Hey don’t knock the truck okay. It’s a good truck, and to his credit it’s just a plain red pickup. It doesn’t have smokestacks or giant tires or anything obnoxious on it.

He casts a sideways glance at his passenger at the question. ]

Only if you share. Consider it payment for totin’ ya across town.

[Look, the truck is fine, but the truck plus everything else is ripe for knocking.]

Are you implying my company isn't payment enough?

[But he grins as he says it, and he tugs out a stick for Jesse without fuss after putting his own between his lips. He pats himself down for his lighter, speaking around the cigarette as he looks for it.]

But seriously, thanks. The bus back home is bad enough, I didn't want to deal with that crowding two times in one day.

[ He chuckles. He’s already starting to like Genji. ]

Maybe save that line for sometime after I’ve known ya for more than ten minutes.

[ He takes the offered cigarette, holding it between his lips as Genji looks for his lighter. ] Don’t mention it. Gettin’ locked outa your own apartment is shitty.

Got a lighter in the glove box, by the way, if ya need it.

[Genji's eyes light up at the mention of the lighter, quick to stop searching his pockets in order to open Jesse's glove box and rifle around inside. There is absolutely no hesitation in this action. He may even mutter about the mess a time or two. But he pulls out the lighter, and at least he's considerate enough that when he flicks the flame on, he offers the first light to Jesse.]

You say that as if you haven't made up your mind. [His smirk is a sly thing, like somehow he knows Jesse's thoughts. Probably it's just his confidence talking.]

[ He takes a second to light his cigarette with Genji offers, waiting until Genji lights his own before heading out onto the road. ]

Somebody's confident. [ HE'S KIND OF RIGHT but he's not about to say that out loud. ]

I deserve to be.

[Genji practically preens as he says it. If it wasn't obvious before how 'not the best part of town' he isn't, it definitely is now. He rolls the window down as Jesse drives, letting the smoke disappear into the wind as he takes the first drag off the cigarette and feels tension unwinding when the nicotine hits his system. He reclines in the passenger seat like he owns the place, elbow propped against the door window, letting smoke escape his lips in lazy curls.]

I guess this is one way to get out and meet the neighbors.

[With his mood lightened and a solution in hand, it's far easier for Genji to joke about his situation.]

[ All right, the overconfident thing could reeeeeally wear thin after a while, which is why he glances over and says lightly, ]

Dial it back a little, would ya? Nobody likes an asshole.

[ He’s not annoyed himself, but that attitude would probably not fly with most of their other neighbors, provided they talked to anyone else at all in the first place. Genji’s just lucky McCree was the one who found him in the hallway.

Speaking of— ] Bad day all the way around or-? Seems like ya bounced back pretty quickly.

[There's a huff at the chiding, an eyeroll only the truly high class could pull off, but Genji doesn't verbally protest. He might not hear annoyance in Jesse's voice but he knows better than to potentially annoy the guy behind the wheel. Especially when said guy is going out of his way to help him.

The question has him raising a brow, pausing for another drag before he answers, letting the smoke out as he speaks.]

Oh yeah. I work as a waiter, so I'm sure you can imagine. [He wrinkles his nose briefly, before a shrug:] But you're helping me out, and I try not to let that kind of thing get under my skin. It's more attention than an asshole is worth.

[Well, unless he can get something out of whining about it, but this is honestly the first time Genji's pulled out the full peacock display since he got to America. He's still on uncertain ground here, and he's well aware of it, so he's more than a little subdued these days.]

Can’t imagine waitin’ tables is much fun.

[ He doesn’t have any firsthand experience himself, considering he entered into a life of crime when he was barely teenaged, but he definitely remembers what a horrible little shit he was to the waitresses in the rundown little diner back where he grew up. People like that just don’t get paid enough to put up with people like him. ]

But it sounds like there’s a story there. C’mon, share with the class.

[The needling has Genji pausing briefly, but he shrugs it off on the fact that Jesse is likely looking to fill in time and air during the ride. So, with a huff of breath, Genji spins the tale.]

The usual fare of rude customers - people who threw fits if there was a wait for food, or if you got something wrong, people who didn't clean up after themselves, on and on - but the real issue was when I had to give up this big table of a family, which has the potential for a decent tip, because, get this, the old man didn't want to be served by a guy wearing eyeliner. Thought it'd send 'the wrong message' to his kids.

[Genji makes scare quotes in the air with his fingers as he says that last part. Another eyeroll goes along with it as he settles back into the seat.]

So yeah, it was a lot of fun.

[He has that sarcastic tone down to a fine science.]

[ That all sounds pretty typical up until that last part, and McCree cast Genji a sideways glance. Maybe he’s just unobservant, or maybe he just doesn’t really give a damn, but if Genji is indeed wearing eyeliner, he failed to notice it himself. ]

Sounds t’me like he was just lookin’ really hard for an excuse ta be an asshole.

Right?? The guy only noticed when I came around to do the typical 'how's everything, do you guys need refills' routine. That was the third time I was at the table. It's not like I'm over the top with the stuff. I bet you didn't even realize it until I said it.

[Whether Genji caught Jesse's sidelong look or is just going off personal experience, it's hard to say. Either way, his annoyance is loud and clear now.]

But the second this guy finally saw it, that was it. [He heaves a sigh, running a hand through his hair before tacking on:] Honestly? I'm more irritated at having to give up a good tip over anything.

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the au meme.

hello neighbor, let's pretend i got human genji icons

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guess who found icons

well hello there

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