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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.

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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?

Thank goodness for small favors then. I mean, if you have to suffer something for fame there are worse things than free pancakes.

[It takes a moment for his question to make sense. She'd planned on going home if Rebecca didn't need her, they'd come seperately, and spending the rest of the night relaxing with her dog. She wasn't quite ready for this part of the night to be over however.

Hayte will understand.]

I'd like that.

[Roy's smile widens. He does his best to maintain his excitement at her yes but he still grins like a fool. He goes to the door and opens it for her.]

What type of food are you in the mood for? There's an Italian place and Mexican real close. Pretty sure a diner too.

[No matter how hard Roy was trying, there was no way she would be able to miss the reaction. Riza didn't mind it at all; as a matter of fact, it was nice to see. It was a little strange to think she was the reason for it, but it was very nice.]

Italian sounds good. I haven't had pasta I wasn't responsible for cooking in a long time.

[A sad thought but she pushes it aside while walking through the door. She'd have one hell of a memory after tonight--not everyone got to share a meal with a rock star.]

[As they pass through the hallway they get less stares this time. A few people still recognize Roy but plenty if others look through him.

He leads her to one of the side exits of the building, far from the front entrance, explaining that it's both good for his cover and a shortcut to the restaurant. Sure enough the ally leads right out to the street where the Italian restaurant is lit up at one corner.

As they walk down the street towards the corner, Roy offers her a gent's smile and his arm, feeling rather confident after her yes.]

[That confidence is well placed as she slips her arm through his. It's old fashioned, but she's always found it charming--that and he definitely was which gave him more points as far as Riza was concerned. Still, it was strange. She expected people to know who he was and that she had no business being with him as they walked down the street. But at the same time, it was nice that no one did. Not even when they made it inside the restaurant and were seated.

After giving the server her drink order she just had to ask.]

Sneaking around in disguise, leaving by side doors, all just to grab a bite to eat? So tell me [she leans in and whispers] mister rock star, [end whisper] is it worth it?

Definitely. [Roy nods his head once and clasps his hands together, leaning his elbows on the table. He smirks and gives a single soft chuckle.]

It does get tiring that's true. It isn't all fun. I miss the times I could walk down the street and just be another face but I'm willing to sacrifice that if I can do what I love and touch the hearts of listeners.

When I'm told by a fan that a song I wrote inspired them or gave them a nice memory, that's what makes it all worth it.

That sounds like a good reason. Better than most in any case and certainly less selfish than I expected.

[She's not ashamed to admit she'd thought his reasons would be less about those who listened to the music and more about what he could get from it. But she appreciated that.]

Well... The constant cheering of crowds does do wonders for one's confidence. I thoroughly enjoy perks like the free meals and expensive hotel rooms.

At the same time I don't want to lose sight of what matters. It's the audience that put me where I am. I wonder sometimes what I can do to give back to them.

[He still has that smug smirk on his face but his tone in sincere and passionate.]

Superstardom is a position of power of sorts. I'm sure I can find a way to use it for good. But first, we need to top the charts a few times and win some awards.

[Riza holds off for a moment when the server brings their drinks so they can place their orders as well. ]

From what I've heard so far, that shouldn't take too long. I mean, it looks like you guys have all the pieces to the magic formula for success. People are pretty good at realizing when it's honest.

[His smile deepens into something less smug and more touched, almost boyish.]

Thanks. The rest of the band would be happy to hear that too.

We have an interesting mix of ingredients for success among us. I'm sure one of Jean's previous heartbreak song suggestions can be written into a hit topping the charts. His adventures in love have provided many examples when I'm short on inspiration. Hopefully thanks to your friend the tone of his ideas will change soon. -Not that I'm lacking in inspiration at the moment.

[He looks at her from across the table with a gleam in his eye that just might give away the thought running through his head. "I find you inspiring."]

What's your friend's name? I might ask Jean about her by name before he begins bragging to me later, just to confuse him.

I'll keep an ear out for your next song then.

[Understanding had lit her eyes when she saw that look. To be honest, her first thought at his not lacking inspiration line was that he was talking about any number of other reasons. She wouldn't have placed herself anywhere on that list, but it was flattering none the less, even if a bit on the cheesy side.]

It's Rebecca and I'm sure she'll enjoy being the object of a love song. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't. Might be hard dealing with all the jealous fans but...[she makes as if thinking about the idea] It's probably worth it.

[He nods, secretly celebrating in his head that her reaction to the suggestion is positive.]

That's the nice thing about tricking the paparazzi with disguises. If an artist writes a song about someone they like, the audience can only guess who it is or whether they exist at first. It starts out like a secret code through the radio. Then if the relationship is going well the musician can declare their feelings for that person proudly to the press.

[Jean hadn't always managed this so gracefully but there had never been talk in the media about who Roy might be dating. He was generally labeled a bachelor.]

Who would have thought there was so much spy work in being a musician? Maybe I need to start paying more attention to the songs on the radio so I can play along.

[Some would definitely be easier to work out than others; but then again, some would probably take some research.]

[ There was no way the girl who just broke Jean's heart would let him write a song with her name in it without suing for defamation. ]

It's true for a great number of the songs our band puts out. I can't say it's always the case for every artist. Sometimes people really do just want to sing about how impressive their parties are. To be fair it's a fairly universal subject and great for dancing. [ The thought makes him laugh on the inside. ]

You must have some interesting stories from your time as the mayor's assistant. Is it true that someone brought a saxophone player to a town hall meeting to draw attention to their complaint?

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