#and as always this is focused on their main verse but most of it applies to any verse

[byanyan]

NAME: yeong-hwan byun / 변영환

NICKNAME(S): byan

TITLE(S): n/a

AGE: 17 (varies slightly by verse)

SPECIES: human

PRESENTATION: non-binary (they/them)

NATIONALITY: american

BODY TYPE: ecto-mesomorph - thin but fit, fairly muscular

EYES: dark brown

HAIR: black, just shy of shoulder length

SKIN: warm beige

POSTURE: decent, but has a tendency to slouch when seated

HEIGHT: 5'10

VOICE: mid (leaning high) pitch, brash

SIGNATURE OUTFIT: crop tops, cropped hoodies, streetwear style cargo pants or a cute pleated skirt, leather jackets, chunky & colourful platform boots or combat boots, numerous cute & colourful hair clips, and a lot of jewelry

INTERESTS: fashion, knives, tattoos, all things cute and/or glittery, piercings, makeup, fighting, parkour, theft, general mischief and troublemaking

PROFESSION: high school student (tattoo artist in their 20s)

SIGNIFICANT OTHER(S): sol lee

COMPANIONS: lena, ardaka, kit, luffy, garrett, haneul, kitty, ruairi, perona, nagisa, peter, croc, jae-hyo, cassidy (regretfully)

ANTAGONISTS: everyone else, especially authority figures; cassidy

STRENGTHS: agile, strong, dexterous, quick thinker, observant, creative, passionate

WEAKNESSES: impatient, reckless, poor self-preservation, stubborn, insecure, poor emotional control, chaotic stupid

FRUITS: berries, especially strawberries

DRINKS: iced coffee, boba (strawberry & milk tea are faves), soda

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: anything they can get their hands on; favourites being vodka, soju (preferably flavoured), and any sort of fruity cocktail

SMOKES: cigarettes & weed

DRUGS: anything. everything. they'll abuse whatever they can get their hands on

DRIVERS LICENSE: n/a

[cantevenbeachhere]

Ken’s quick RP policy guide

Thanks for the tag @writingsinashes

Bold all that apply to you and your blog. Italics if you’re on the fence about something. Feel free to add anything I may have missed in the appropriate category, or recategorize something that is in the wrong place!

My blog is _______

Open to all - Semi-selective - Selective - Moderately Selective - Highly selective - Exclusive - Only going to RP with mutuals - Mostly going to RP with mutuals - Indie - Affiliated with a group - Spoiler free - Spoilers tagged - Spoilers mostly tagged - Not spoiler free

I will RP with ______

Any fandom - Most fandoms - Only Preferably fandoms I know - Only people in my fandom - OCs - OCs with no fandom ties - OCs who are related to/know my character in their backstory - Only one version of any particular character (depends) - People who have the same muse as me - People who do not have a rules page - Multimuse blogs  - People in RP groups - Indie RPers

When RPing, I like to use _______

Paragraphs - Shorter forms of text -  *Action* - Icons - Gifs - Gif icons - Formatted text- Whatever my partner is using - My own style regardless of my partner’s reply

I will ship with _______

No one (currently focusing on self improvement and friendships right now)- Anyone - Chemistry - Select ship - OCs - Others of my own muse  -Crossovers with characters from different fandoms - Only one version of a particular character - One person in my main verse - Multiship - One main/canon ship within my main verse

My blog WILL contain ______ in it’s content

Fluff - Angst - Gore - Violence - Smut - Blood -Torture - Shipping - Death (maybe?? Depends??) - Dark humor - Cheating - Assault

I will follow ______ back

Pretty much everyone - Only some people - Most people - Only people in my fandom - Every RP blog - Only people I actively wish to RP with - People who do not post a lot of OOC - People whose posts I am comfortable with on my dashboard

To RP with me, you should _______

Any of the following -> Follow back - Answer an open - Message me OOC - Message me IC - Make a starter - Answer my starter - Send in a meme - Like a starter call - Send me an ask starter

Other:

I practice reblog karma with memes - I expect reblog karma with memes - I expect my rules/about to be read - I always read the rules/about before following/interacting - If you follow me, I would like nsfw tagged - I expect all smut to be beneath a read-more - I am a multiverse blog - I am multi-muse - I do not wish for my OOC posts to be reblogged - I do not wish for my threads to be reblogged by those not involved - I expect post length to be matched - I expect icons/gifs to be used in a reply if I have used them - I don’t expect post length to be matched, but I will try to match yours - I am patient when waiting for replies and expect the same courtesy

Mmmm…I don’t really have RP friends sooooo umm…

//so Malibu Mun will pass to the other half of her brain @antvnger

[badmusejail]

KOGA. [ modern / fantasy ]

note: this muse is based on the Pokemon muse of the same name, with many other inspirations from the Pokemon world. while this post focuses on the details of the fantasy variant, most of this can be applied to the pokemon verse as well.

overview.

name. Koga [甲賀] or ∆V˄П age. 54 (main verse), 30 (younger verse) species. shinshoku [神職] | human that channels kami powers sex. male occupation. assassin

appearance.

Koga is a Japanese man standing at 5'5" with a slender build emphasizing dexterity and agility over strength. Trained from youth, he is fit and toned and stands with the general stance of a trained, alert fighter.

He has black hair (fading to grey in his older years) that has a slight blue hue in the right light and is always styled into spikes that stick out around his head. His eyes are dark brown.

His clothing style varies and he can be seen wearing almost anything, though a red scarf is a common part of his outfit, even in the middle of summer.

His hands are rough from years of weapon use, and a variety of scars minor and major litter his body. Despite being married, he does not wear any ring and tends to avoid anything irrevocably distinct. Even so, he has a variety of tattoos across his abdomen. Most notably, a field of pink flowers around his waist with a black squirrel sitting among them on his lower right back. The rest of the tattoos are actually a special method of storing techniques for later use, and can have a variety of effects if triggered.

family.

mother. Hayai [速い] | ∆VwʎⱿ father. Doksu [毒手] | W∆VɅ> sister. Aya [紋] | ∆V∆ wife. Hiroka Nakao [博華 中尾] daughter. Janine (younger verse) / Anzu [杏] | ∆VꞰⱿ (main verse) other. too many to list.

Koga was born to two practicing members of a clan called the Kikyodai [一族の桔梗毒 • ichizoku no kikyodai • Clan of the Toxic Bellflower]. The clan has been practicing for approximately 400 years, in service of a kami named Azaku [ϺꞰꞰ∆V].

The history of the clan is long and complex, but in short, it's tradition for members of the clan to bind their souls to Azaku, gaining access to a limited degree of his power, which they use mainly for the protection of their land and home, and by extension, Azaku's territory.

abilities.

Koga channels the powers of the kami Azaku, a kami with the domain of nightmares, trickery, and deception. The clan has spent hundreds of years training and honing the use of the kami's powers, developing a variety of useful techniques, focused around disorienting and overwhelming the enemy.

That being said, while they're capable of a great range of abilities, none of them are made for direct combat, and they can easily be overpowered by sheer brute force.

Examples of techniques include smokescreens, teleportation, illusions, putting someone to sleep, peering into their dreams, briefly clinging to walls, or sensing the surroundings.

skills.

Though some of Koga and the clan's success are owed to Azaku and the magic they borrow from him, the clan also puts a heavy emphasis on training the mind, body, and soul as well, and Koga has decades of diligent training supporting his skillset.

He is well versed in many forms of combat, particularly the use of a variety of weapons including katanas, knives, throwing darts / shuriken, staffs, kusarigama, and yes, guns if they exist within the universe.

He does have some knowledge of unarmed combat for emergency use, but frankly, if pressed that far he's more likely to flee than to continue fighting. He's not difficult to overpower and he's not interested in fighting fair.

He's highly knowledgeable about all sorts of poisons and drugs -- both healing and harming, and practical and recreational use.

He's trained in subterfuge, reconnaissance, and survival, along with reading people and manipulating them to act to his advantage.

He's also well read on a variety of tactical and philosophical material.

Perhaps most important of all, he's trained to keep himself healthy, to tend to all needs of the person, and keep the aspects of the self in balance.

personality.

More often than not, Koga tends to present himself as a cold, standoffish individual (though that tendency fades as he gets older), mainly because he and his clan both have a reputation and potential enemies may take advantage of any sign of weakness.

Beneath the facade, he tends to be a gentle and compassionate individual, caring a great deal about the world and the people around him, often offering his advice and support to others and holding himself as a role model to them.

Though his skillset often leads him to violent encounters, either as a hired hand, defending his home, or serving local leadership, he views the taking of life as a very solemn duty, something he does out of necessity.

He and his clan believe heavily in love and friendship, harmony, forgiveness, and second chances, and while Koga believes in the capacity of humanity to do great good, he holds no delusions of the great atrocities they are capable of.

While he does try to keep his targets to the worst of humanity, he doesn't view his actions as good or heroic, but rather an example of evil combating evil. Ultimately, he believes that there is no unified concept of good, and what may be his good or for the good of the clan is almost certainly another man's evil.

On the other side, he has a sadistic streak, particularly enjoying watching people suffer to a variety of poisons. He is aware that he enjoys killing far more than he should, a trait he struggles with and tries to reign in. By his older years, he has found peace within himself.

He can also be vindictive and cruel, sometimes without any real reason or even realizing he's being so.

He's also a liar, compulsively so, and may lie about things as simple as what flavor tea he's drinking or what path he took home. It's a problem he's aware of, and a consequence of his bond to Azaku, and he makes an effort to not lie about important things, but it's still fairly common for him to completely omit important details or obscure aspects of his life for no real reason.

He often acts without explanation, and sometimes in drastic ways, requiring that those around him trust that he ultimately has good intentions, even if it doesn't seem as so at first. He is aware that the demand is unfair, and does not expect people to do so, and as such, he keeps few companions outside of his family.

However, even though his loyalty is first and forever to his clan, those that manage to earn friendship are protected. Aggressively so.

history.

Some things might shift here and there depending on the verse, but these events are mostly consistent across all verses.

0. Koga is born on January 4th.

3. Aya is born.

6. Hayai is murdered.

10. Koga is guided by his father in a systemic torture and murder of another human being.

13. Koga binds his soul to Azaku.

20. Koga meets Hiroka.

21. Koga marries Hiroka.

25. Janine is born.

29. Doksu passes leadership of the clan to Aya.

50. Hiroka dies.

52. Koga finally starts coming out of the grief.

54. Present day. Koga's health is failing.

[madbadash]

Hi Ash!!! Sending you some for the oc ask game! Feel free to apply to any of your beans but was thinking of Jessie!

🎮💯💘

Oooo! Thanks Bloob!! I'll throw in a free Jamie! No charge, cuz I know you like him 😁😁😁 (sorry this took 8 years Jessie is so underdeveloped)

🎮 VIDEO GAME CONTROLLER — what are three of your oc's favorite hobbies

Jessie-

Baseball, very obviously. It's the sport he plays at school but he's pretty passionate about it.

He's absolutely a Candy Crush player. It's super goofy but he's like hard core addicted to it. Completing the levels really fucking pumps that serotonin.

Goofy as this is, Being with Daisy. He loves being around her, he loves thinking of date and gift ideas. She is often pacing around in his mind about 40 percent of the time. Although being around the SNG in general is a good way to hang out.

Jamie-

Watching TV. Look man, if I can say one thing it's that Jamie is consistent. And they fucking LOVE watching Bonnie's show.

Weirdly enough butchering. When they're doing their job it's quite a therapeutic experience for them. They spend a lot of the time venting to the body in front of them, mostly about their dysphoria.

Thinking about it they'd also probably find cooking enjoying, but like... That might just be my brain being like "butchering human's? Cannibalism, Hannibal time"

💯ONE HUNDRED POINTS SYMBOL — share three random facts about your oc that others may not know.

Jessie-

I made up the idea of Daisy's boyfriend back when I first made her for a theater class. I had to do a monologue in character and I filled it up with horror references, I even referenced the Sawyer's! But the catch was that she was supposed to be rambling to her boyfriend, who was dun dun dun ALREADY DEAD!!! Jessie as a character came later but I still think he would be the first to die, sacrificial lamb kinda deal.

This is more Trivia for the SNG in general but I mean... He's apart of it.. It counts. The SNG basically exist in a kind of multi verse? I plan to make a story focused on each of them. Michelle's is a Horror Movie, Alvin's is a romance, Clementine's is maybe a Spy/Mystery? Jessie's story should probably be a Sports one but also I am very much NOT a sports fan, so I'll have to work it out a bit more

I never posted the one doodle I did but I went to watch Back to the Future with goats and I think Jessie would be a wonderful Marty Mcfly.

Jamie-

I have shared this once before but I've always wanted to give them a hamster for a pet. It just... Fits??

They were mainly inspired by Bim Trimmer, a Markiplier character who is obsessively in love with YouTuber Matthias, so if you watch the skit "Hire My Ass" you'll see a lot of similarities

I have a friend who kinda ships Lev and Jamie, and honestly after learning that I have spent a lot of time thinking about their dynamic, and that it might change wildly.

💘 HEART WITH ARROW — what and/or who do(es) your oc consider the most important to them?

Jessie- as cliche as it is Daisy is absolutely one of the most important people in his life. Her and Dean are so very very important to him and he loves em so much.

Jamie-Oh Bonnie, Bonnie a million and one percent. They often claim that Bonnie is the one that 'got them into show biz' even though he is very much not in Show Biz. Their main motivation for basically everything is her. She's why they get up, why they kill.

[whoree321]

I am not sure if you have done this already, (if you have, you can ignore it) BUT... I'd love to see some NSFW headcannons for Tech...

i have not done this yet but i am frothing at the mouth at the opportunity! the lust that i feel for that man is indescribable

nsfw tech headcanons

warning: if the title wasn’t clear, these are literally just dirty dirty sex thoughts. X rated shit. if filth of this nature is not suitable for you plz don’t read<3

first and foremost it is very very important for me to say that i know, with 100% confidence, that tech is the best at sex of all the bad batch members

i understand this may be a controversial take. some of you may disagree. i don’t care.

the reasons that tech is the best at sex are threefold

1) tech does not tolerate being anything less than exceedingly proficient when it comes to his knowledge and abilities in any given subject of interest. regardless of the occasion, he won’t accept a below average performance from himself. tech has put in the hours, on and off the field (if you will), to ensure he is well versed in anything and everything to do with sex and pleasure. and he’s always anxious to experiment and learn more

2) tech is not hindered by shyness in the bedroom. when he knows what he’s doing, tech is confident (borderline arrogant), and as stated in reason #1, he KNOWS what he’s doing. tech may be a blushing, bashful mess when it comes to the emotional aspects of a relationship, but once y’all start getting hot and heavy he loses pretty much all of that. he knows he’s gonna show you a good time, and he’s excited

3) tech is also not hindered by pride in the bedroom. he has a very holistic view of sex (seriously he did a lot of research, he knows every school of thought regarding sexual intimacy), and he understands it in both a physical, theoretical way and also in a more emotional way. his main concern is mutual satisfaction by any means necessary, but if you’re in a relationship he’s also very interested in using sex has a way to like strengthen your connection. tech has no interest in being some kind of macho, alpha male that can conquer you or something. he’s not gonna limit himself to certain positions or methods to try to preserve his sense of masculinity. he wants you to feel good, and nothing is off the table. he will explore anything to enhance the experience (like seriously anything- we will get into that in a bit)

so for those reasons, i think tech is lowkey a sex god

whether or not you’ve had sex before when you and tech get together, sleeping with him for the first time might as well be your first time ever

because you did not know sex could really be THAT good

and that’s before he has the opportunity to really learn your body and figure out the best ways to pleasure you

i think that for a hot second, sex with tech is always a little bit of an experiment

he’s obviously focused on you and the moment, but he’s also doing research. (with your permission) tech will literally take detailed notes, he’ll record you so he can watch it back and analyze his performance like a professional athlete or something. he’s keeping track of how you respond to different things, how fast he can get you hurtling over the edge with different positions, paces, toys, etc.

side note: he loves toys. tech will modify toys (or fully build his own) based on both of your specific needs, so that even the toys yall use are designed with maximum efficiency

that’s really the only flaw with tech in a sexual sense: he’s really really methodical in the beginning, and it can sometimes take away from the genuine passion of the moment

once he’s satisfied with his research and feels confident in his knowledge of your body tho, it becomes wayyyy more natural and intimate rather than a science experiment. he’s solid in his physical knowledge of you, so he’s more focused on enjoying the moment and having fun

it’s almost like he needed to memorize the best way to fuck you and do it over and over until he didn’t need to consciously think about it before he could fully let himself go with you. there’s a notable transition when sex goes from being a technical mission for him to achieve your orgasm, to being a mutually/equally passionate, erotic experience

tech is a switch and you can’t change my mind

he usually assumes more of a dominant role, enjoying having you begging and whimpering beneath him, but he also loves when you take the reigns and have your way with him

i don’t think he’s the horniest of all the batchers, but he most certainly has a plentiful sex drive

when y’all haven’t had a chance to fuck in a while tech is secretly incorrigible

to the untrained eye, he’s good at keeping it to himself, but it’s very obvious to you. he goes out of his way to be just a little too close to you, his eyes linger on you just a little too long, his hands find their way to be touching you more than normal

he’s usually really easy to tease, but especially when he’s like this

literally you just stroke his forearm and whisper something lightly seductive in his ear and he’s pulling you into the nearest private space and absolutely rearranging your guts

circling back to what i said about tech becoming less scientific and more passionate during sex as time goes on with you, i think that also applies to dirty talk

i think he’s generally pretty vocal in bed, but it takes a little bit for him to nail the sensuality of dirty talk

at first, it’s not something he can really do that sounds very natural, like it comes out just a little too technical sounding

but once tech gets comfortable with you and really lets himself be fully vulnerable and open to you, he’s actually really really good at it. it still sounds just a little formal, but in an endearing and sexy way

he loves to tell you how sexy you are, how beautiful you look, how well you’re taking him, how good you feel

this man def has a degradation kink (specifically with intelligence)

like he doesn’t even really realize it himself until one time he’s testing out his newest toy on you and he asks you how it feels and you can’t even string together a coherent thought, much less a sentence, and he notices and starts asking more and more questions just to see you struggle to think of a response

and then he’s putting the toy down and going absolutely feral on you, pounding into you and saying that you’re just a cock dumb slut, that you’re so desperate and horny for him you can’t even think, that it’s so easy to just just absolute filth and he’s so condescending and arrogant about it

you both finish almost synchronously and after the aftershocks have passed and you’ve caught your breath, the two of you can’t help giggling a little bit as you comment that you weren’t expecting that to be as hot as it was, and he agrees

and omg if you uno reverse card it and do the same thing to him? he’s a fucking mess

like you’ve been torturously edging him, and every time you get him to the brink you ask him some sort of complex mathematical question or something, and he’s so wrecked he can’t spit the answer out so you say something like “aww i guess you’re not as smart as i thought, that’s ok baby at least you’re still pretty”. he’s a whining, shaking mess by the time you let him cum

(once he pulls himself together he definitely gets you back for it too)

also i think tech really really likes to leave hickeys on you exactly in the most precarious places. like he knows the exact measurements of where your clothes cover your skin and he loves to leave marks like right on the edge so that it’s mostly hidden but if anything shifts it’s visible

if any of the the other boys notice and tease you, he gets the most smug little grin on his face. once you have a second to yourselves, he saunters over to you and apologizes, but you know he’s happy to remind everyone that you’re his

overall i am just so fucking horny for this man like i just know tech is a phenomenal lover, he’s so focused on you and is just so good at all of it i would give anything to take him to pound town

[addicted-to-12th-intro]

[MAJOR TGAA SPOILERS] How TGAA characters would sing We Don’t Talk About Bruno

It was easy to assign parts to characters - it all fits so well, it’s almost a summary of case 2-3 in a song. In order of appearance:

1. Genshin Asogi: Bruno

The unfortunately knowledgeable, the falsely accused - who if not Genshin would be the focal point of the song? He touched the lives of so many people in the story - and the memory of him was forcefully buried.

2. Ryunosuke Naruhodo and Susato Mikotoba: Mirabel

This one is easy: they’re our narrators, strangers to the plot, to whom others describe their perspectives - and they also (albeit metaphorically) put the puzzle together.

3. Herlock Sholmes and Yujin Mikotoba: Pepa and Félix

No matter how you view their relationship, the “frantic and grounded” energy is quite undeniably there. And just like Pepa and Félix’s part comes first and estabilishes Bruno’s “killjoy” nature, Herlock and Yujin are one of the first people affected by Genshin’s actions after previously having a good time in London.

4. Kazuma Asogi: Dolores

He’s haunted by the mystery of his father’s death and he knows more than you might’ve suspected - like Dolores who grew up constantly hearing Bruno and feels sympathy for how misunderstood he was.

5. Esmeralda Tusspells (with Enoch Drebber and Courtney Sithe): Camilo

Exactly like Camilo with Bruno, Esmeralda revels in the spooky scary aspect of the Professor. Drebber and Sithe also experienced it more or less directly, so it would be fitting for them to join in here - and having the 2-3 trio in one place is always a good enough reason.

6. Maria Gorey, Tobias Gregson and the British judge: the townspeople

This part is silly even in the original song, and even more so now, as the subject has become, well, murder... anyway. Ideally I’d assign a longer and more meaningful part to Gregson, but the game does poke fun at his consumption of fish and chips, so he’ll appear as the “he told me I’d grow a gut” man. The judge is bald but wears a wig like the priest (?) in this part. I initially had no idea who could be the fish owner, but it kind of fits Maria?  And she probably has met Genshin, but very briefly. It was strangely difficult picking minor enough characters for this part...

7. Barok van Zieks: Isabela

Ah, the bittersweetness. Barok considered Genshin his friend, and most likely received words of admiration and encouragement about becoming a prosecutor - “he told me that my power would grow”. Similarly to Isabela, the promise of a “perfect” life was right in the worst way, and now he’s crumbling under the pressure to maintain his reputation. Miscellaneous: “grapes that thrive on the vine” is a very Barok-appropriate comparison.

8. About the final pre-counterpoint verse

Abuela Alma has a single line in the song, so I have to give her a character too. Considering the main antagonist role, it should be Stronghart. The next character to sing in this part is Dolores, and her “the man of my dreams would be just out of reach, betrothed to another” can be applied to Kazuma with some tweaks: the “another” is Isabela/Barok, so the metaphorical “man” is the everything Kazuma wants and Barok has but doesn’t want - the attention focused on him and the power to enact vengeance. Finally, Isabela’s “Hey sis, I want not a sound out of you�� is similar to how Barok used to shut Ryunosuke down.

I don’t know about you, but in my mind I can clearly hear the song performed by the characters... ah, if only I could make animatics.

[mielmoto]

𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 [ … ] 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄,

bold what applies - italicise sometimes. repost, don’t reblog.

fights honourably / fights dirty

prefers close - quarters / prefers range

chats during / goes silent

low pain tolerance / high pain tolerance

attacks in bursts / attacks steadily

goes for the kill / aims to disarm / fights defensively / strikes first

is provoked easily / provokes their opponent / teases

gets visibly frustrated / shouts while attacking

uses strategy / focuses on the battle / experiences conflicting thoughts during battle

rushes in recklessly / tries to read their opponent before engaging

fights wildly / fights calmly / fights apathetically / fights with anger / fights with excitement

fights because they have to / fights because they want to

fights without regard to wounds / runs away when wounded / hides wounds / takes a blow to protect another

prefers a blade / prefers a gun / prefers hand to hand combat / prefers a bow / prefers a shield / prefers a personalised weapon / prefers magic alchemy or spells

their greatest weakness is physical / their greatest weakness is mental / their greatest weakness is emotional

transforms for battle / fights as they appear

relies on strength / doubts their strength / relies on speed

uses everything they have / proceeds with caution / hides their full potential

exhausts quickly / has high stamina

behaves arrogantly / brags after landing a hit / belittles their abilities

uses psychological tactics / uses brute strength

avoids civilians / strikes down civilians

damages surroundings / avoids damaging surroundings

signature fighting style / makes it up as they go

mastered skill - set / learning their skill - set

fancy footwork / sloppy footwork

messy fighter / elegant fighter

accepts defeat / refuses defeat / begs for mercy

compliments their opponent / insults their opponent

uses unnecessary movements / moves efficiently / barely moves

prefers to dodge / prefers to block

defends their blindside / has no blindside / leaves blindsides vulnerable

uses all available advantages / strictly uses one main method

plays around / holds back / fights ruthlessly / shows mercy

waits for an opponent to be ready / strikes when opponent isn’t ready

fears death / fears pain / fears killing

has ptsd / avoids fighting

has lost a fight / has won a fight

has killed / refuses to kill

wants to die standing / would succumb slowly

tagged by: @ilestlesoleil​​ & @jaxxmulti​ thank you my treasures

*+:｡ ....aaaaaand some explanation, since there’s a lot of conflict between some of these bolded/italic selections, which I’m sure seems a bit odd:

first and foremost: honey is, in her own words, a “lover, not a fighter”— and as much as she’d say this jokingly in passing conversation, it’s true on deeper levels. in most settings she doesn’t enjoy fighting at all, only takes it in stride as a ‘necessity’ (in verses where it’s commonplace). she doesn’t like getting hurt, is a big crybaby, and just generally hates when people are angry enough at her to instigate some kind of violence to begin with. hence why her first instinct will always be to try and avoid a fight to begin with, to run away early, if possible, or deal just enough damage to ensure a quick getaway.

in low-stakes fights, she’d be openly pathetic. pouting, crying, implying she was far more hurt or exhausted than she is, hoping to garner pity and/or levity. hence the ‘exhausts quickly’; she’s tired of it before it starts... but the “truth” of the matter is a little more obtuse.

Honey is, at the end of the day, fae-folk. The “half” means very little in practice, as, in terms of body, mortality, and potential, she’s basically identical to her mum before her. she doesn’t like to take a beating, she doesn’t like to be in fights, and she doesn’t like to be a threat in turn— but she can meet any and all of these needs, at the end of the day. so when the stakes do get high; when the situation is serious— that’s where the high-pain tolerance, durability, and restraint come into play. 

quieter than she ever is otherwise, and generally more focused, but just as wild and explosive. she’ll always be mindful not to hurt anyone outside of the fight, but otherwise is a bright little bundle of frenetic energy, and the surrounding environment will likely show as much. she’s still highly emotional, and distraction is a big weakness, but she won’t make it easy on someone.

...oh, and, as for the “transformation” element, it’s not a massive one; just the appearance of usually-concealed wings, general shimmer/radiance, maybe some point to the ears and color to the eyes. the more magic exerted, the more fairy traits emphasize.

but yeah, fights dirty and generally takes any advantage she can, honorable or not, because she just wants this shit to be over with.

[triiptychs]

˚  ⊹  ·  .  ⌜  main  verse.  diana  silvers.  demi - girl.  they / them.  ⌟  huh ?  oh  ―  that’s  just  rosemary  adler.  as  far  as  i  know,  they’re  twenty - five  years  old  and  last  i  heard  they’re  a  server  over  at  the  seaview  cafe.  they’ve  been  in  hope  their  entire  life  and  around  here,  they’re  known  as  the  quiescent,  but  everybody  knows  all  that.  what  you  really  ought  to  know  is  that  they’re  kind  of  reticent,  and  scatter - brained,  but  perceptive,  and  sanguine  at  the  same  time.  and  if  you  ever  need  a  favour  from  them,  get  them  a  pack  of  new  guitar  strings.  that’ll  do  the  trick.  cancers,  am  i  right ?

tw: mental illness & suicide, abuse implied.

rosemary  — rosie, as most people tend to call her  — grew up in hope as the youngest with three older brothers. their parents separated when they were around seven years old, and a lot of their childhood was spent going back & forth between her parents’ houses. eventually, rosie’s dad moved away because he remarried a new family. so technically, they have a couple half-sisters but don’t consider them much of anything.

her mom was a musician, a struggling one, but rosie always admired her nonetheless. they remember going to shows at tiny, sometimes empty, venues with their siblings  — though rosie’s mom looks back on them with a bit of sadness, those are some of rosie’s favorite memories. naturally, they also started playing instruments at a super young age and hasn’t looked back ever since ! can play all sorts of instruments, and it’s a super random list :-)

due to their mom’s profession & their dad taking himself out of the picture, their family always struggled with money. their mom tended to live with her head in the clouds a bit, focused more on pouring herself into her music than her four kids

at a young age, rosie was diagnosed with anxiety & eventually severe depression, and they couldn’t tell you a time when their life wasn’t affected by mental illness. to make matters worse, with their mother always pre-occupied with something and their brothers desperate for any form of attention from her, and jealous when it went anywhere else ( namely, rosie ), rosie’s siblings took it out on them. essentially, they grew up as a punching bag & object of amusement for their siblings

they weren’t the most outgoing, or the best at asking for help. at school, they usually just kept her head down and got through the day. rosie attempted suicide at the age of fifteen, which, as you can imagine, really fucked them up long-term. they stopped going to school for a while, social circle dwindled in size, struggled to find motivation to do much of anything

by the time they were graduating, rosie had no idea what they wanted to do, but knew that they desperately needed to be somewhere else. on a whim and full of doubts, rosie applied for a small college in washington state, and got in to study creative writing. after their first year, they dropped out

they stayed out there for a couple years longer, never telling their family abt how they dropped out ... instead rosie attempted to focus more on music, playing random small gigs, filling in for bands here and there, while also working as well. rosie’s desire to become a musician full time only became re-affirmed - they now knew what they wanted to do, it was just a matter of how to get there

rosie eventually joined a band, and somehow they actually gained some traction. the band went on tours, and were on track for their Big Break. after a couple of years, due to a lot of conflict within the band, it all fell apart. 

after that, rosemary moved back to hope ! they’ve been back for three years now, hopping from job to job, never very good at committing to anything, sort of just accepting that this is their lot in life. they still make music on their own & do tiny shows, but it’s really more of a pipe dream now. 

[thedetectiveofinaba]

Because I have an coffee elitist daughter, these headcanons apply to her in terms of coffee, tea (and Junes):

Naoto wanting to buy a coffee bean grinder after finding out that produces better quality coffee and owning one when she temporarily moves to Inaba. Also mainly using coffee beans to prepare coffee when she gets that opportunity is sth she isn’t hiding if asked.

She only likes the most expensive and/or special coffee options at Junes Food Court since they don’t taste like “gas station coffee”. She is less picky with tea options with the exception of the cheapest option.

Naoto usually prefers a semi-dark roast (3 in the scale of 1-5) in the main verse, P3 AU & Post P3 AU and both light and semi-dark roast (2-4 in the scale of 1-5) in AU verses.

In P5 AU verse she prefers semi-dark roast and uses coffee to have a drink she can use to dull out the frustration she’s had for years. Sometime during the verse she starts to try out other coffee brands and starts to like light roast more than dark roast. 

She eventually stops drinking black coffee with no milk and low quality corner cafe coffee since it reminds her of her former coping mechanism. She simply refuses to drink that and always asks if she can have that as not black.

In addition to quitting black coffee she’s trying to cut down her caffeine intake for the health benefits and not drink coffee every day. She still uses coffee, batting ring at Tokyo + shooting range at Kyoto as a stress coping mechanisms if her normal coping mechanisms (breathing exercises, focusing on sth else or leaving the situation temporarily) don’t work.

[jadedindreamz]

Main

Jade is a skilled forensic tech currently employed with the New York Police Department (Detroit in some plot instances). She works with evidence and data analysis on a daily basis including high profile homicides. The tech employs cutting edge technology to base her findings and explore critical DNA clues in lieu of detective investigations. 

While working in the major lab unit at the precinct, Jade also attends scenes of crime depending on severity and uniqueness of perpetration. Most times she resides on site working extensively in the evidence room at times with hazardous materials if not at a particular crime scene.

She is a country girl thriving in a big city. Nothing ever changes in a sprawling metropolis but the ways of technology are enduring. She takes this into consideration as she maintains a professional and skillful approach to analyzing crime. 

Jade is not one to shy away from the grim seedy side of the city. At times she dives in headfirst. All part of her trade, she gets her hands dirty in DNA. Living and breathing the thrill of solving another crime.

Full Bio ‣ Click 

‣ Main verse is always default unless you request a different verse

main v. a jaded flame

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College

Jade’s college days unfold while she starts out in the midst of her studies to become a full time criminal forensic technician. She minors in med science coinciding with her strive for knowledge in criminal sciences. Her affinity for these subjects gives her an opportunity if she decides to switch majors. It is something her father encourages but Jade’s mind is set on entering the field of investigative sciences work. This would land her a position at the police department which is a goal she strives for. However, he is none too happy with the idea. Her struggle to convince her father this is a good decision puts a strain on their relationship. After all she’s just entered the big city through college attendance. He thinks it’s too dangerous. She believes it is a lucrative career and the chance to better forensic tech and apply herself is one thing she focuses on.

She maintains this outlook while going through a bad break up with her boyfriend of the time. Too much pressure and a whole lot of backstabbing with her best friend dampened that whole thing. Jade is careful, cautious and only befriends those who gain trust. She just isn’t here for drama or lying. She’s here to make something of her life.

Unfortunately it doesn’t prevent the strain with her father. This is the time of her life that things drastically change. Culminating in a car accident, Jade goes through the loss of her father during this time. It puts more anxiety on her shoulders. Mostly she dives further into her work and keeps busy by pushing ahead. It’s the only thing she can do.

college v. take me back to the start

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Fae

The fae realm lives in a secret world. Only those who dare to cross those fated tales of faerie rings could possibly chance to enter. Most mortals do not fare well if they do. However there is talk among fantasies of humans spared among the fae folk. Whether this is fact or mere fiction is up for debate. Fae themselves are mystical beings. Among humans they are pure fantasy but they are very much real. 

Four courts make up the true realms of faedom. Each represents a season and Jade is the rightful queen of the Fall Court. A fae of earthen magic and natural mysticism, she holds an affinity for all things plentiful of the forest. Nature is her call, power a gentle cast but she is no mere waif of a fae. Test the Fall Queen and she will unleash wrath upon those who threaten not only her court but those of her heart. 

Jade herself is quite old ranging from 1300 to 1500 but her youthful beauty does not dissipate. Her pure magic makes her glow, donning silks of emerald and white lace. Colors of the purest heart but a heart filled with a warrior’s song. Her power is great. Yet she sees a rival in the Winter Court’s queen of ice. Jade’s vendetta against the ice queen comes from her meddling in the other courts including her own. However, it was the framing of a young fae by the hated old ice fae that fuels Jade’s ire.

fae v. na laetha gael m'oige

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Famous

Jade takes to the scene of the runway and falls into the glitz of fame. Taking a carefree and fashion forward approach, she strives for women to be treated fairly in a world run by men. Her views are met with a new wave of female empowerment and soon she is noticed by Hollywood.

She has a knack for acting as she moves into television spots and soon a few guest roles on various tv programs. That sucessful turn springboards her into motion pictures. Taking her stance on women paid and treated equally in the film industry to new heights, Jade is a voice for young girls who dream of becoming actresses. A role model who has no qualms speaking her mind on the real issues plaguing Hollywood.

This au is open to any and all celebrity muses. BUT PLS NO REAL LIFE MUSES. This blog will not interact with rps of real life people.

famous v. lady with an attitude

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Mafia

City glam is all the facade a gritty underbelly of criminals need. This is no different for the drifter in heels. Jade might have been born in the country but she sidles into the seedy city with a flair for crooked connections. A life of crime is not what she expected but her hands are clean as far as she is concerned.

Jade wasn't always into the criminal sphere. She was just an ordinary girl working in an accountant's office. Getting into the dealings there by word of mouth, she took information on the boss' illegal activities. In turn she became a mole of sorts when crossing paths with some shady patrons of mob. During her nights out at local lounges and bars, Jade passed on some information quickly gaining attention from the seedy side of life as a reliable source. She becomes a regular modern mafia moll.

mafia v. angel heart just play your part

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Royal

In the medieval era Jade is a lady of the Red Kingdom who traveled there with her father as a little girl. The famed clothing maker is made the royal dressmaker and his daughter is his trained apprentice. Once he begins having difficulty with his hands, Jade begins taking over the task of making clothing for the royalty. While they were not a rich family, her mother dying of fever years before, they have a place in the realm working so closely for the royalty.

However, Jade has no love for the royalty. Their cruel and greedy ways reflect even as she grows up with the Bloody King now a fixture on the throne. she feels trapped and further is devastated by the death of her father. Now as the sole dress maker for a tyrannical king and his subjects Jade must find a way to flee before war comes calling. Or worse. She becomes another victim to the Bloody King's madness.

royal v. who but my lady greensleeves

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[sonderrow-moved]

ROY’S GENSHIN IMPACT VERSE.

CURRENT POSITION.

Inazuman name is Oda Kaworu, an alias, just like his modern name. DOUSHIN at the INAZUMA CITY POLICE STATION under the TENRYOU COMMISSION.

His primary functions are patrolling, guard duty and taking care of more short terms cases for the people of Inazuma.

Kaworu also seems to not have anything in life but constantly be working or doing something related to his military or samurai duties. His serious and stern personality do not help this general vision of him.

However, given his combat proficiency, Kaworu tends to be sent not on larger cases, but on very hands-on matters such as everything involving forcibly taking a vision under the decree both in the city and its border. When the military is in need of reinforcement for internal matters as the warfront asks for more and more resources, Kaworu is the first man to be sent by his yoshiki.

Kaworu’s natural strength despite his more slender stature can also be considered coming from his TENGU HERITAGE. In terms of age, one might consider him to be as old as Yanfei.

As part of this heritage, part of Kaworu’s skin will turn a MARKED DEEP RED PATTERN alongside a LARGE PAIR OF WHITE WINGS. Traits he keeps entirely hidden under any circumstances for his own reasons. When fighting to kill, his marking appears under his uniform : if it is ever noticed, he simply shrugs it off as tattoos.

Bearer of a HYDRO vision and wields his own TENGU KATANA which, in appearance, looks like the most standard of blade.

BACKSTORY. Extremely barebone with a focus on the origin and nothing else in terms of major events, given Kaworu’s characterization is being incredibly secretive.

His mother was forcibly taken by a Tengu and later gave birth to him after she escaped. Upon seeing her child’s skin, she entrusted him to shrine maidens before committing suicide in Chinju Forest.

As a toddler, Kaworu stayed with the shrine maidens until his Tengu appearance subsided and he was then entrusted to an orphanage in Inazuma City where he grew up. Given his muddy background, he was never adopted, and took on, despite not, in his mind, doing anything in particular for it, becoming the Big Brother figure there.

Kaworu was a very tranquil child who never misbehaved, to a worrying degree. Fitting this pattern, very early on in his life, he yearned for order and discipline, separating himself constantly from the other kids, avoiding the noisy crowds to eventually constantly walk out of the city despite being forbidden to. There... he met his father.

Kaworu learned the blade from his Tengu father and traveled the world until he disappeared. However, he’d still train, becoming a self-taught swordsman. Kaworu never actually participated in wordly conflicts. When he did, it would always be in isolated cases, with short terms consequences, having a knack into helping out forgotten soul who’d provide shelter and meals for him before he moved on.

As the Shogunate influence grew larger and larger on his homeland and making a name of yourself becoming more and more inevitable, Kaworu enrolled in the military, living in the Tenryou commission’s barracks. Eventually, he was appointed to the police station with the hesitance to give a youngster (as he presented himself a mortal wanderer) a position on the frontline, and he never left from there onwards.

MISC.

Even for someone who is a Yokai, Kaworu never seem to sleep or take breaks. If he met another Tengu, a Kitsune, or any other of his kind, they’d be worried. When he is not on his shift at the police station, he is still working or training.

Kaworu appears to be cold and apathetic, but he’s not, he’s actually very empathetic of others, he’s just more of the type to tunnel vision and focus on things he can control... which means the second what he focuses on break, he might lose it.

Kaworu is found to always be in his officer armor, or the clothing underneath.

Kaworu has not had his vision taken away (yet) is due to his “outstanding” record in “actively” enforcing the vision hunt decree : as long as he doesn’t disappoint the Shogun like Kurosawa did, he can keep it until he’s found useless. Kaworu has been suggested to apply for higher positions in the police forces. He refuses, and actually continue travelling and investigating in his free time, preferring to work by himself than with others. This extra time spent hunting vision owners has been taken note of.

Elemental Skill, Demonic Enforcement, has Kaworu dash forwards, becoming one with the element of Hydro, slashing onto its target multiple times with Hydro dmg in the form of what appears to be hydro clones, unable to be interrupted before appearing behind his target who becomes marked with Sentence. Once the skill is triggered again, Kaworu puts his blade back in its sheath, triggering a staggering burst of Physical and Hydro dmg from all previous hits at once.

Elemental Burst, Cursed Punishment, has Kaworu’s hydro wings appear at his back, shortening Kaworu’s Elemental Skill cooldown and reducing the damage he takes while inflicting Sentence. The mark of Sentence can be stacked up to three times on the targets affected, raising the damage of its trigger exponentially.

Kaworu’s charged attack does a single large AoE slash in front of him, staggering enemies.

In terms of meta, Kaworu is a main DPS, Hydro sword four stars character. With each of his Constellation unlocking more and more Tengu effects.

AU is Multiship(?) until further notice.

[taehyung-rambles]

Who Was the Center in Each BTS Era? (Up to Permission to Dance)

As an opening statement, I’m gonna advise anyone reading this to look at my blog to see if I’ve done this with the B-sides yet because I plan to in the future, which should be a pretty interesting post.

So, this post is exactly what it sounds like. As if I haven’t gone through the BTS eras enough on this blog (and I will continue to do so), we’re going through them again because sometimes I just wanna binge all the BTS music videos. What we’re gonna do is look at a few different options for who ended up being the center--if their was one--for all the BTS eras. 

Those options will be: no center, center, co-centers, secondary center(s), and MV center(s).

Before anyone else says it: I know Jungkook is the center of BTS, but BTS have always been really flexible with their positions, and believe it or not, Jungkook isn’t the sole center most of the time. So, that’s why this post can even be a thing.

A couple things to bear in mind here: this is not based on line distribution. This will apply to the B-sides more than the singles, but there are times--even with BTS singles--where one member may not be the most represented within the song, but they were clearly chosen to center or co-center the song. Of course, more times than not, the center or centers are the most represented, but not always. There’s one high-profile one toward the end in which that is the case. Obviously, when I say “secondary centers,” that means that the member isn’t as prominent in the era as they would be if they were a co-center, as this would mean they and one or more of the other members are equally sharing the load.

This list also has zero to do with biases. I bias Taehyung like nobody’s business, but--and I’ll say it upfront now--he’s not been the center in very many instances (at least, not in the BTS singles; if you’d like to know about his time being the center in the B-sides, check that post out). Also, I’m considering almost all aspects of BTS’s eras when making these decisions. I’m thinking about the MV, I’m thinking about the choreo, I’m thinking about the vocal; the only thing I’d say I’m only considering sometimes is the marketing. I’m not going out to do a bunch of research on how BigHit advertised these songs to people for this post, so there won’t be a lot of talk about photoshoots or interviews or anything like that. That being said, I’ll probably talk about it when we get to Dynamite because the marketing for that was everywhere, and it’d be difficult not to know which member(s) they were pushing the most to sell that song.

Finally, as you can see by the above list, I’m going to be mentioning a MV center or centers--if it applies--for each MV. This is, obviously, something that can’t be done in the B-sides version of this post. The reason I’m adding it here is because there are quite a few examples of BTS MVs that really heavily feature a certain member when they aren’t that prominent in the vocal or the choreo. However, as the MV is also a part of marketing for the song, whichever member(s) were chosen to be the face of the MV have an important, central role to play. In fact, in many ways, the members that end up being MV centers without being a center in any other way often become one of, if not the, face of the era for a lot of fans. So, clearly, the MVs hold a lot of weight, and can sometimes overshadow the actual track for many people.

DISCLAIMER: Most of this is based on how I perceive the face(s) of these eras. Some of my conclusions are weird, and I can’t explain them, but it’s what I feel is true about these songs. Ergo, yes, there’s gonna be songs where two members have the same part, but only one feels like a center. Sue me. All the members have their different ways to shine, and that’s what makes BTS the best.

Center: Namjoon

Namjoon just feels like the center of No More Dream. If you’re listen closely to the vocal, he’s obviously a big foundation for the song to stand on since he’s got all these supporting parts. Those parts add up to make him the member--no questions asked--with the most airtime in No More Dream. That’s not really why I chose Namjoon for this position, though. No More Dream really felt like an introduction to BTS with Namjoon as the MC. I guess a better way of saying that is that Namjoon really came off as the leader of BTS in this era. So, I didn’t really have to think much about who I was giving this position to because it seems obvious.

Secondary Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

So, I feel like some people would say Jungkook’s the center of this era, and that’s fair. The reason he’s listed as a secondary center here is because he didn’t feel like he had much in-your-face presence; it was more like, if you were looking for Jungkook, you could find him within the song and the choreo easily. I don’t know if that makes sense. It’s not like the chorus is a background piece or Jungkook’s rap verse isn’t fire, but he just isn’t as prominent as Namjoon is.

Jimin is much less of a secondary center than Jungkook in the No More Dream era, but if you consider the choreo, Jimin is extremely prominent. It’s one of those situations--which happen more often than you might think--where a member doesn’t actually feel that present in the track itself, but if you are visually consuming it in any way at all, that same member sticks out the most. That’s how Jimin is here.

No MV Center

I thought hard about whether Jimin and Namjoon should be in this category because of the insert shots, voiceovers, and the choreo, but I think that has more to do with the entire package of the era than it does with the MV alone. The conclusion I came to was the MV doesn’t have a center. This section probably seems redundant, but it’ll make more sense once we get to an era that actually has an MV center or two.

Center: Jimin

This one’s probably pretty obvious to most people. I mean, this is a Jimin era. Usually, eras that are so heavily weighted to one member are Jungkook eras, so it’s interesting that the We Are Bulletproof Pt.2 era was such a Jimin era. I don’t know how to go into this further, but Jimin’s got the most parts--parts in the chorus, namely--so Jimin’s also the center in the choreo the most. I mean, I know this isn’t about taking the person who has the most airtime and giving them this position, but sometimes the eras do translate literally like that, and thus is this one.

Secondary Center: Namjoon

I was surprised, going through the MV, how much Namjoon appeared like a secondary center. I’m realizing that, for most of BTS’s early career, Namjoon was an important anchor for BTS’s music. That’s how it was in We Are Bulletproof Pt.2. It’s because all these parts that seem more like part of the beat than actual, singable parts go to Namjoon, so his presence runs underneath the entirety of the mix.

No MV Center

I know it seems dumb to talk about this when I say there isn’t a center in the MV, but this is kind of where I get to talk about the other members and how they fit into the era like, for instance, if any of them were close to being considered a center. Surprisingly, We Are Bulletproof Pt.2 is kind of the exact opposite; it didn’t seem like the MV really tried to enunciate any member specifically. Like, even in No More Dream, you could tell Namjoon was featured a lot, but this era didn’t do that. I found that interesting. I guess it’s probably because they were all just dancing on a chess board, but ya know.

Center: Jungkook

I couldn’t tell you why I don’t co-center Jimin with Jungkook, but Jungkook really feels like the face of this era. I don’t know if it’s the fact that he starts off the song--after Namjoon’s intro--or because he starts the choruses or what. I guess it might be because it’s a chorus that repeats during its two halves, so Jungkook’s voice is the one you’re going to pay attention to, since it comes first. Plus, this song was obviously produced to compliment his vocal tone because his voice is, not only layered under the other members’, but has more punch to it than the other vocalists’, as well. By that logic, clearly Jungkook was supposed to be the center for this era.

Secondary Centers: Namjoon & Jimin

So, as far as Namjoon goes, it’s the same thing I’ve said already: he’s working as the foundation for this song by filling in all the extra bits that support the track. Jimin, though, I wasn’t planning on adding--and I’m not really adding him because of the choruses. By the end of the N.O choreo, you’ve got Jimin in a central spot to finish off the performance as the instrumental closes out. As that part is so long and so clearly focused on Jimin, I couldn’t not put him down as a secondary center.

MV Center: Jungkook

Here we have our first MV center. Now, I will say there are stronger examples of an MV center, but Jungkook was obviously the main character in the school scenes of this MV. Of course, the school setting didn’t last the whole MV--and it’s not like the MV stopped and turned into a short film for a quick second like we’ll see later--but Jungkook still stuck out.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

So, I really struggled trying to pick out which members were the most prominent in this song, but we’ll talk about why with the next member. Jungkook and Jimin are the centers of this era for basically the same reasons. Both of them are on the chorus, and--more importantly--both of them stick out in the chorus. Both of them have these opportunities to be charismatic that they use really well, and both of them are out front during the choreo most of the time. It all adds up to them giving off “center energy.”

Secondary Center: Taehyung

I really thought Taehyung would be a co-center, as well, but he disappears halfway through the song. To be clear here: if we’re talking about the parts that Taehyung had in this song, and if those parts had ranged the entire song, Taehyung would be the sole center of this era. Like, watch any performance of this song, let alone the MV and dance practices, and tell me he doesn’t give off center energy. Anyway, after his parts are over, Taehyung falls to back of the dance formation and effectively vanishes--which is a real shame because he makes this era for me. Enough of my biased rambling--long story short, the first half of Boy in Luv has Taehyung as a center, and the last half doesn’t. A secondary center is the option that meets in the middle.

MV Centers: Jin & Yoongi

Straight off the bat, because of the scene during the bridge, Jimin and Jungkook are also kind of MV centers, but I’m not looking for “kind of’s” here. Jin and Yoongi were the ones who had the flirty scenes with the actress in the MV, so they stuck out a whole lot. It created a bit of a story around each of them and their characters in the MV, and the other members didn’t really have that.

Center: Jungkook

Who was jumping out their skin being surprised by this one, am I right? I mean, if we even talk about the choreography alone, this would be super obvious. When I first started learning about idol groups, this song is what I thought a “center” meant. This is obviously no shade to Jungkook himself because the members probably didn’t really have a hand in who was getting the most airtime or how much airtime that would be in comparison to everyone else, but BigHit really wanted to push Jungkook for this song. 

I guess it was probably because he’s the youngest, he has a clear and soothing voice, and he’s the exact type of boyfriend material that’s easy to sell to young fans. I know this song has deep meaning that came from Yoongi, but the way this song was presented was so fluffy and soft, and my guess is that Jungkook fit the bill to be the face of it.

No MV Center

I mean, yeah, Jungkook stuck out the most, but that was because of the choreo, which is already covered by the center position. As far as the MV itself, no member stuck out more than another beyond the choreography. Jin, of course, does have his moment with the rose, but a.) that’s a part of the choreo, b.) it wasn’t long enough for him to be considered an MV center anyway, and c.) that piece of choreo can’t even make him a secondary center because the vocal line distribution was so heavily tipped in Jungkook’s favor--again, not throwing shade at Jungkook; just stating how the song is divided up. The long and short of it is that, while the choreo had central-ish parts for Jin and definite central parts for Jungkook, the MV didn’t do anything more with them than with the other members. No MV center this time.

Co-Centers: Jimin, Taehyung, & Jungkook

Just to give myself a backdoor here in case I change my mind on this later, I’m gonna say that I was sure the 95s would be secondary centers here, but after watching the MV and really paying attention to the choreo and line distributions, I think all three members of the maknae line stood out equally during their parts. Actually, the 95s do have a stronger vocal presence than Jungkook does, but Jungkook owns the choreography, so it more or less balances out.

I will say that Taehyung doesn’t feel as prominent as Jungkook does on the chorus, so that’s what made me want to put him down as a secondary center. However, the post-chorus is absolutely enough to make Taehyung stick out like Jimin and Jungkook. Jimin--dare I say--is the most center-like out of all three of them as far as general feeling goes. Again, considering everything, they’re all equal, but Jimin really reads like a center in Danger.

MV Center: Taehyung

All the members have got their individual scenes in the MV that are used for the inserts, but Taehyung’s scenes were clearly supposed to be the central ones since they, you know, ended the MV with him cutting his hair off. Even besides that, though, Taehyung’s parts in Danger came along with the best camera work and set design. I mean, there’s a better way of saying that, but I don’t know what it is. Like, go the MV and look at the first post-chorus so you can see how they framed Taehyung during that part. That really made him feel like the central member in the MV.

Center: Taehyung

This is one of two (or few, depending on when you’re reading this because new music is always coming out) eras in which I can 100% say for certain that Taehyung is the sole center. If we’re talking B-sides, that number might increase a bit, but as far as singles go, Taehyung really does not get the opportunity to be the sole center that often. Anyway, explaining this would be like explaining the obvious. The brief for this era was “impish bad boys that look like they’re thirsty as fuck.” And Taehyung fit the brief.

No, but seriously, BigHit clearly wanted to sell War of Hormone as a song by a bunch of punk kids that have just a little bit too much fun, and if 2014 Kim Taehyung wasn’t a little punk, I don’t know who would be. Not because Taehyung’s actually a womanizing asshole--Taehyung’s clearly the softest and kindest person ever to exist--but because he can tap into that sensual and mischievous type of character really easily. He’s an actor after all. Plus, there’s the whole “sexy growling thing” they obviously wanted in the vocal, and Taehyung’s the go-to member for that.

Secondary Center: Jungkook

Here’s why Jungkook is the War of Hormone era’s secondary center: they needed a cute member to calm the whole thing down. I’m now going to put myself in the mind of BigHit as they were producing this track.

“We can’t have Taehyung out here killing everyone with his growls and his expressions and that tongue thing he does. We’ve clearly gotta put a soft bad boy character in there so this song doesn’t entirely decimate our fanbase. Put Jungkook in.”

In the same way Taehyung fit the super-duper bad boy brief, Jungkook fit the cutie pie bad boy brief, and that was needed to balance out Taehyung’s parts in this era. All vague descriptions aside, Jungkook was used as a support for Taehyung in the War of Hormone era, or that’s what it felt like, at least--despite Jungkook having more airtime. If, in any universe, Taehyung ever went easy on us, this era could’ve been a co-center era for the two babies of BTS. However, Taehyung chose violence, so Jungkook didn’t get a chance to pop out as much. Considering their overall discography, though, I’d say that’s fair enough.

MV Center: Taehyung

I’m mostly saying this because of the end of the MV where the actress--or her character--picks him, but also, Taehyung’s stage presence in this song kind of makes him the MV center anyway. Not the choreo--even though he’s the center of that for a lot of the time, too. I’m talking about his attitude, his expressions, his gestures, and on and on. That kind of made him the central figure, for me. Plus, you know, Taehyung got the girl or whatever.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

This song is so freakin’ weird because Jungkook has exorbitantly more airtime in the studio version of I Need U, but Jimin features really heavily in the choreo because they give him most of Jungkook’s final chorus when they do it live--which obviously means that Jimin centers in the choreo the most. So, it’s like: listen to the song, and Jungkook’s the center, but watch it live or in the dance practice video, and it’s Jimin. Either way, both of them read like centers to me. Even though Jungkook is in the song a lot, and therefore, has a big presence, Jimin’s vocal is the one I associate with this song because it fits so well while sticking out just a skosh.

MV Center: Taehyung

Most of me was thinking that there wouldn’t be an MV center for this era because every member had a story that ends up getting carried into the Wings album era, but then I remembered that the original MV for I Need U literally stopped everything dead so Taehyung could hit his in-verse father in the head with a bottle. And then, after that and a couple seconds of showing a few of the other members, the MV cuts back and forth between hardcore violence and Taehyung laughing with the other members. 

The MV goes, “Wow, look at this. Taehyung’s so happy. Oop, now he’s stabbing his father with a broken bottle--oh, he’s happy again, that’s nic--oh. Oh, no he’s back to stabbing his father--no, look, he’s happy, so... Damn, that’s a lot of blood.” I mean. I don’t know if they knew already that Taehyung was good actor or what, but BigHit nearly gave him a short film all to himself. So, yeah, I’d say Taehyung takes the center position for the I Need U MV.

Center: Jungkook

I’m kind of naming Jungkook here because I feel like I have to, but I want you to know that the For You era is really close to not having a center, in my opinion. It’s more so the parts they gave Jungkook that made me put him down as a center. He starts the song, he ends the song, he’s got the first chorus, and there are parts where you go, “Oh, they’ll probably let that member sing here,” and then you get to the next line, and you’re like, “Ah, no; they went with Jungkook.” That’s not a bad thing, mind you, because Jungkook’s vocal is perfect for this song; it’s just that Jungkook had more airtime than the other members by a good bit. Again, I’m not making this list according to that, but it’s gonna be a factor in a song where every member sings on the choruses.

MV Center: Jungkook

Do I need to go into this a whole lot? Jungkook’s trying to get money to see this girl he likes, so the whole MV is about how the other BTS members are struggling alongside Jungkook but put together the means for him to go see the mystery girl. That’s the K-drama, and Jungkook is the lead. I mean, fair enough; Jungkook could definitely be the lead in a K-drama.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

I know this is a hardcore Jungkook era, but Jimin sticks out, like, a lot. At the very least, you’ve got to credit the choreo to Jimin in the same way you would for Jungkook. I mean, yeah, Jungkook’s vocal pierces the entire song, so he’s obviously going to center for this era. He’s a forefront figure in the choreography, as well, and putting him in that costume for the MV is essentially assault. However, I think Jimin managed to make his presence just as big through the choreo and his unique vocal tone. So, I’ve got to give the Dope era’s center position to both of them.

No MV Center

Since this MV is basically just the choreography, I can’t say Jimin and Jungkook were centers just because they were the choreography leaders for Dope. Actually, I thought the overall MV was almost equally representative of each member since they all had a different concept with their wardrobes.

Center: Jungkook

I mean, Jungkook just permeates every single cell of RUN. The choreo, the vocal, and nearly everything else are extremely centered around him. There’s not really a whole lot else to say. When there’s such a large difference between line distribution for the members, it makes it obvious that that member will be in the center of the choreo most of the time, as well. That’s the case for Jungkook in the RUN era.

Secondary Center: Jimin

This era is a little bit like the I Need U era, but Jimin doesn’t stick out quite as much. He does stick out enough to be considered a secondary center, though, because he’s also highly represented in the vocal, so he’s got mirroring parts in the choreo. Jimin doesn’t have as much of a focus in this era as Jungkook does, but it’s close.

No MV Center

I thought this would be like the I Need U MV, but it really wasn’t. You’d think Jungkook’s the center because of the bit where the camera zooms in on him while everyone is partying, and then the rest of them are gone, but there’s also several bits where Jin has close-ups while he spaces out. Or maybe Jungkook could’ve been the center because, after the music stopped, he looked back at the camera. But that can’t be it either because Taehyung had bits like that of him falling into and coming out of the water at the beginning and end of the video. Maybe it was Jimin because he got pulled into the room toward the end of the MV, but it was Namjoon who was pulled in at the beginning. Basically, they were all well represented, so there’s no center to speak of.

No Center

This song isn’t really supposed to have a center, is it? I mean, we can talk about who had the most airtime, but that’s not what this is about. I think this song was supposed to be a message from all the members, so one member wasn’t going to stick out more than others. That’s just how it goes sometimes.

MV Center: Taehyung

Taehyung being the MV center is stretch, and I know that, but he does have bit of a role that makes him stick out at the end. It’s kind of like Jungkook being the center in the For You era--it doesn’t feel totally accurate to give it to him, but it also feels inaccurate to not give it to him. There’s that little bit at the end of the MV where Taehyung steps out of the maze at last and the other guys are waiting for him on the other side. Taehyung’s also the one to look back at the plane or camera or whatever at the very end; basically, Taehyung gets more solo shots in this MV than any other member, as far as I can tell without actually counting, so he takes the center position.

Center: Taehyung

I wasn’t actually planning for Taehyung being the sole center for this era, but I feel like I can’t really justify anyone else co-centering with him. Taehyung does feature fairly heavily in the choreography, but a lot of the reason he ended up the solo center for the FIRE era is because of the part he was given. As someone who had heard “bow wow wow” everywhere before even knowing what K-pop was, I’d say it’s safe to call Taehyung’s part the most globally iconic--though Yoongi’s part is obviously the most iconic within ARMY. Plus, the end of FIRE is almost a full minute of just Taehyung’s solo with group vocals around it, so. I mean, he’s got hella presence in this era, no doubt.

Secondary Centers: Yoongi & Jungkook

Initially, I thought Jungkook was going to co-center with Taehyung because Jungkook is extremely centered within the choreography, but the “eh eh oh eh oh” part feels more like a supporting piece--which is absolutely fine, by the way. However, Jungkook is pretty damn close to being a center for the FIRE era because his vocal is absolutely everywhere, and he’s the center for most of the choreo. As an aside, I kinda wanted to add Jimin in this category because of the 333, but ultimately, that wasn’t enough to support him being a secondary center, for me.

Yoongi, I’ll be honest, I’m kind of putting in here because he feels like a center for the era after all the attention his opening line got. If I’m looking at the choreo or even the vocal, Yoongi doesn’t stand out as much as it seems (though his verse in FIRE is one of the best rap verses in BTS’s discography; fight me about it), but the fact that he opens and closes the song has a large overall impact on my perception of the FIRE era. Yoongi is definitely one of the faces of FIRE, at the very least.

MV Centers: Jin & Yoongi

So, though Yoongi wasn’t the main center for this era, in my opinion, the MV does make it seem like he is. Which, I guess, is mostly because of the opening scene before the music actually starts. But whatever; Yoongi still sticks out regardless. For Jin, I don’t know if it was because he doesn’t have that much airtime or what, but the scenes in the MV that focused on Jin were really focused on Jin. No other member got that kind of solo within the MV, so Jin’s parts seemed like they were meant to be special.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

I don’t know how to explain why this is how it is, but this is how it is. It’s one of those eras where the amount of airtime does predict the centers because of how much more airtime Jimin and Jungkook have compared to the other members. I mean, that’s what a main and lead vocalist are for, I suppose, but it ends up with these two being pushed so far forward in the Save ME era that you can’t really make room for another co-center. They’re also the two with the most central pieces in the choreography, but that’s obvious with how much airtime they have. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, either, because BTS’s discography celebrates all the members at one point or another. It’s just that Save ME was a song that suited Jikook the best, so they’re the obvious centers.

No MV Center

Since this is an MV that’s literally just choreography, there’s obviously not going to be an MV center. I mean, if you wanna say that Jimin and Jungkook’s parts meant they had more close-ups, and so they’re the MV centers, then fine, but that’s a bit of a cop out.

Center: Jimin

This is one of the few--maybe even less than that--clear Jimin eras where Jimin is the only center. It’s not really that he has so much more airtime than the other members, but Blood Sweat & Tears is a song that just fits Jimin. He actually doesn’t have much central time in the choreo until the end and at the beginning, but it’s another one of those feelings I’ve got. I’m not saying this to alienate the other members because I actually do have my own opinions on who owned this era (check that post out on my blog, by the way), but this song makes Jimin shine the brightest. Every member has a song that does that for them, and this is Jimin’s. 

Secondary Centers: Hoseok & Jungkook

Are you screaming at me for not considering Hobi a co-center? In the studio version of Blood Sweat & Tears, I’d probably put Hobi in as a co-center, but considering everything from the track to the choreo to the live performance, Hobi’s presence is just a touch smaller than Jimin’s. Just a touch. Like, they split his post-chorus with Jungkook live, and Hobi isn’t really a center in the choreo after a certain point, so it’s a bit like Taehyung in Boy in Luv.

As far as Jungkook goes, he’s not really a strong secondary center for this era, but he’s enough of one that he has to make this list. Part of it is because of his additional parts in the live performance and the choreo, but it also feels like Jungkook was meant to act as a visual and performative support for Jimin. I don’t know if that makes sense to anyone else, but it does it me.

MV Centers: Jin & Taehyung

I was gonna put Jimin here, too, but he only got that one shot at the beginning where Yoongi covered up his eyes that felt like it was really Jimin-focused. Taejin, though, had their own little mythology film going on. The Blood Sweat & Tears MV is the prime example of “this member doesn’t actually have much going on in the song, but the MV is all them, baby.” That’s how it is for Jin in this era. A lot of people say Jin is one of the ones who owned this era, and a lot of that has to do with the MV, what with the statue-kissing and all.

Tell me why I don’t feel like Taehyung was as big of an MV center as Jin even though Taehyung had a shirtless scene with slits on his back where his wings apparently used to be. I don’t understand, either. But I’d say a shirtless scene with wing slits is a pretty good reason to be included as an MV center.

Co-Centers: Jin, Taehyung, & Jungkook

After consulting the choreo because, you know, the MV doesn’t have it, I came to the conclusion that, both vocally and choreographically, these three are the centers for this era. Spring Day was initially an era that I thought didn’t have a center, and I don’t think it does have a super defined center, but I do see Jin, Taehyung, and Jungkook as the more prominent members. For one, the choreo really clearly centers around Taekook more than the other members, but there’s also the fact that all three of these members really stick out in the vocal itself. I landed on these three for my co-centers, but Spring Day is really close to not having a center at all.

No MV Center

I thought this was going to go to Jin because I thought I remembered him featuring in the MV a lot more, but he didn’t really. Actually, I’d say Taehyung and Jungkook are closer to being MV centers since the beginning has a little scene with Taehyung before the music starts, and there’s a bit around the bridge in which Jungkook has some solo-ish focus, but those things still aren’t quite enough for this position. All the members had their own inserts and settings, so it felt fairly equal all around.

Center: Jungkook

This was another era I was sure didn’t have a center, but Jungkook’s extremely prominent. Actually, I thought, if anything, the rap line would center in this era, but even they don’t seem nearly as prominent as Jungkook. It’s just that the lyrics are really repetitive for the vocalists, and Jungkook bleeds through all the vocal line parts. At least, it really feels like he does. As far as the vocalists go for this era, Taehyung’s vocal is the only one that sticks out, aside from Jungkook’s. But Jungkook’s vocal sticks out above all the other members--in terms of prevalence, mind you; the best parts of this song are obviously the rap verses. As such, he’s really active in the choreography, as well. It felt like I, more or less, had to give Jungkook this era.

Secondary Center: Taehyung

I can’t tell you why I’m putting Taehyung down. I was about to move on from this section, and my brain said, “Think about the chorus,” and so, I ended up here. This is all about that feeling I’ve talked about already. I think it’s because Taehyung’s the one that starts the chorus, and he’s got really powerful choreography to go along with his already powerful vocal. It makes his presence in the track and the live performance feel a lot bigger.

No MV Center

I mean, yeah. It’s a choreography-driven MV. When you’ve got the bits with them running or whatever, Jungkook centers a bit, and Namjoon kind of feels like an MV center, too, but a lot of that has to do with the choreography being shot the way it was. It’s the same with Taehyung since he got some great framing during his choreo parts. But prominent choreo parts do not an MV center make.

Center: Jungkook

I mean, there’s not really any way to get away from this one. I don’t blame BigHit, though, because Jungkook’s clean vocal is literally made for bright pop songs like this one. It makes sense that they’d want to use a vocal that blends in with the instrumental so well. As we know, the vocal affects the choreo, so Jungkook felt like a strong foundation to this song that the other members built upon. I don’t think many would argue that Jungkook is the sole center for the DNA era.

No MV Center

Can you believe I’m not putting down Taehyung, Hobi, and Jimin as a type of center, even though most people think this was Taehyung’s era, Hobi’s best work, and even though Jimin is the only other member on the chorus? Somehow, even though they all feel prominent in my memory of this era, diving back into it revealed that Taehyung is only prominent in the intro, Hobi is only prominent at the end, and Jimin is only prominent on the first chorus. How weird, right? They’re all almost secondary centers, though.

Anyway, that had nothing to do with the MV center, did it? There isn’t a true MV center because this MV is mostly the choreo. However, Jungkook is the closest one to being the center, simply because he’s got that little whistle bit at the beginning. Obviously, one scene isn’t enough to list him here, though.

Co-Centers: Yoongi & Hoseok

Don’t ask me why I didn’t put down Namjoon, too. I wish I could say something other than “because this is what felt right,” but that’s the situation. I’m sure most people would say Hobi is the sole center of this era, and that’s entirely fair, but I felt like Yoongi brought his presence to MIC Drop just as much as Hobi did. The two of them, more or less, have the same amount of time in the center for the choreography, as well. Again, I wish we could be talking about Namjoon, too, but despite him having the most airtime in this era, he didn’t feel quite as front-and-center as Hobi and Yoongi. His verse is still fire, though.

Secondary Centers: Taehyung & Jungkook

Should I be doing this because I feel like it’s true? I guess we’ll find out. I don’t know; it seems pretty clear to me that JK and Taehyung were meant to be secondary centers for this era since they got the most central parts in the vocal line the most often. I feel like this is partially influenced by the fact that both of them murder the choreo when they’re in the center for MIC Drop, but I really do feel like these two stuck out.

No MV Center

Let me tell you, though, if we were bringing choreography into this discussion, Taehyung in the MV would make this list easily. He’s so aggressive in the MV, you know? No, but, this is another choreo-based MV. You know the drill by now.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

This one’s another obvious one for most people, I would imagine. Actually, at first glance, this looks like it’d be Jungkook’s era as a center, but Jimin has a lot of prominence, as well. The best way to describe it is that Jimin was the strong support he’s meant to be for Jungkook considering their positions as main and lead vocalists, as well as lead dancers. However, because of the refrain, Jimin then ends up also feeling like less of a support and more of a center in his own right. Basically, there was a lot of good give and take between Jimin and Jungkook for the FAKE LOVE era, which is why I ended up seeing both of them as co-centers.

Secondary Center: Jin

I’ll be honest--I don’t really get the feel of a secondary center from Jin in this era, but I can tell that that’s what he was meant to be. He’s very present in the vocal, and that translates to him being present in the choreography, as well--which ends with him in the center, if you recall. I don’t think this era is quite the era for Jin as a center, but he does still feature really prominently, regardless of how my perceptions may be situated.

MV Centers: Jin, Jimin, & Jungkook

This is another instance where I thought Jin was going to seem like a stronger MV center than he was, but it’s really the visuals of him toward the beginning-what with the windows shattering and all--that stick with you. I still think the theater of Jin’s scenes are enough to consider him an MV center. For Jimin, his piece wasn’t as stand out, but you can tell Jimin had extra focus on him when compared with Taehyung or the rap line. In the scenes between the last pre-chorus and the last chorus, Jimin did have a scene where most others didn’t, so he felt like enough of an MV center to include here.

Jungkook is probably obvious. He had a fairly long scene in between the last pre-chorus and chorus, so there’s that, but the overall MV seems to have more images of him than the other members. I imagine Jungkook was probably the main character for this story, though all the members had really cool set pieces and insert shots.

No Center

I really was gonna sit here and be like, “Oh, yeah! Namjoon’s obviously the center!” But, listen, everyone’s parts in IDOL stick out so much that I don’t think it’s fair to say that Namjoon was the sole center. In fact, I’d say Jimin is actually the closest thing to being a sole center in this era, but it’s really only vocally because, as far as the choreography goes, he feels just as well represented as the other members. Ergo, this era is too chaotic for any one member to take the spotlight. Namjoon is the face of IDOL, though. And, vocally, Jimin’s pretty damn close.

No MV Center

I mean, the chaos was too much. Yes, Jimin has special focus on the bridge and during the final dance break on the chorus, but again, that’s just one piece of the whole. At the beginning, you’ve got a lot of shots of Taehyung, and then you’ve got the rap line having multiple focuses since they have two verses each. Jin and Jungkook got some cool focus during their parts, too, so an MV center isn’t really possible to find.

No Center

Jimin sticks out the most in this song, don’t get me wrong, but that’s mostly because his vocal on the chorus sounds so special. It doesn’t exactly work out to be even in a literal sense, but the vocal line at least seem like they have equal airtime in this era since they all get to sing on the chorus. That meant that a true center wasn’t going to be a thing, especially since it’s almost one of those songs where every member has their piece and then they disappear for the rest of the song.

No MV Center

I mean, should I call Taehyung the MV center because of the beginning and end? I don’t think so, since it was only a few seconds each time, and the rest of the MV was choreography. I mean, Taehyung did kind of feel like the face of the MV because of that, but I don’t know that it’s enough of a reason to put him down here. He’s the only option for an MV center, anyway. Maybe I’ll feel the need to change this later. We’ll see.

Center: Jimin

I’m still convinced that this was supposed to be an era dominated by Jimin. We’ll talk about Taehyung in a second, but when I first watched the Boy With Luv MV, I thought that Jimin was the clear center. I still do, even though my opinions on who owned the era are a bit different. Jimin is pronounced in the choreography, but his vocal is exactly the right color for a song that’s this bubbly. The choreo obvious matters a lot, but I think Jimin’s voice, more than anything else, is the face of this era. I know that sounds weird because of what I just said about Airplane pt.2, but that era was more like, “Wow, Jimin sounds so unique,” and the Boy With Luv era is like, “Jimin is the song.” So.

Secondary Centers: Taehyung & Jungkook

Jungkook does not feel like a secondary center to me because I find that he gets lost a bit in the Boy With Luv era, but like in the FAKE LOVE era with Jin, I know that Jungkook was meant to be Jimin’s support for this song. Jungkook feels nearly as pronounced in the choreography as Jimin does, and his clear vocal serves to fill in when necessary for this pop track, which is one thing Jungkook’s vocal color does best.

Taehyung, though, for all intents and purposes, shouldn’t really be a secondary center since his standout parts are the opening to the choreo and the parts on the chorus he shares with Jin. However, I don’t think you can find me any ARMY that genuinely deny that Taehyung isn’t, at least, one face of this era. Most people I’ve seen discuss the Boy With Luv era ardently agree that Taehyung owns the era, no questions asked. Whether it makes sense within the standards we’ve laid out for centers so far or not, Taehyung, his vocal, and his visual absolutely dominate this era. In terms of being the face of an era, Taehyung may come out on top as the sole center, but for the purposes of keeping this list objective, a secondary center he shall be.

No MV Center

Again, like, this is another situation in which Taehyung would be brought up if we were talking about the choreography; so would Jimin. Their visuals are so heavily tied to this MV, but it’s all attached to the choreography. Outside of that, no member had more solo focus than another.

Co-Centers: Jimin, Taehyung & Jungkook

I know some of you will be upset that Jin isn’t in this list, and I understand. Initially, Jimin wasn’t going to be in this list, either, but his vocal felt like it fit the tone of this song the best. Actually, here’s how I came to this conclusion: Lights was made for Jimin’s vocal tone, but Jungkook and Taehyung clearly stick out the most. As such, Jimin doesn’t necessarily have less prominence than the babies of BTS, but the babies of BTS were strong in this era. Jimin still deserves to be a co-center because of how well his vocal fits this song, but Taehyung and Jungkook were fucking power vocalists in the Lights era, so they’ve got to be centers, as well.

MV Center: Jungkook

This MV feels a bit like the Magic Shop VCR; it’s a lot like Jungkook is frozen or lost, and the other members find him. It’s not so pronounced like it has been for other MV centers, but it was still clear to me that Jungkook was the main character for this MV.

Co-Centers: Jimin & Taehyung

I mean, this would be an obvious choice if you really listened to Make It Right. When we don’t have choreo for a song, we’ve got to look at the vocal, right? The 95s are all over this track. Admittedly, the live does take just a touch of that away from them during certain performances, but the studio version of Make It Right is littered with Vmin. First of all, their solos are pretty pronounced anyway, but even if you listen to the crowd vocal on the “Oh, I can make it right” lyric, you usually only hear Taehyung plus the rest of the members singing in a clump underneath him. And if it isn’t Taehyung you’re hearing on the main vocal, it’s Jimin. Or Jimin and Taehyung. Like, I don’t know if it’s because these two have the most unique vocal tones in BTS or what, but their individuality really shone in the Make It Right era.

No MV Center

Unless the MV center is ARMY? I don’t know; Make It Right is one of those stage mix MVs, so it wasn’t gonna have a real MV center anyway. Unless the MV center is that animated couple that’s in the original version of the music video? Nah, I like the the idea of ARMY being the center more.

Center: Jungkook

I don’t need to go to the MV for this because Jungkook’s got hella pipes that’s he’s using for a hella long time during the bridge of this song, and that’s so much center energy. It’s been a long time since we’ve had an era that feels like all the other members are about equal, and then there’s Jungkook. It is what it is, though; I mean, the man is the center of BTS, after all. If I’m being really honest, though, the bridge is the only thing that makes Jungkook the sole center of this era. If Jungkook’s solo on the bridge wasn’t a part that caused the rest of the song and choreo to stop dead, the ON era probably wouldn’t have had a center at all because I don’t feel like Jungkook was all the pronounced anywhere else in ON. I guess me putting him down as the sole center tells you how impactful the bridge was, though.

Secondary Center: Jimin

It’s the “hey na na na” line, you know? No, but really, both in the choreo and the vocal, Jimin is a big foundation for ON. I mean, obviously Jimin has parts besides that line, but even as a whole, Jimin feels like a part of the basic structure for, both the track, and the choreography. I’ve felt this way about other members in previous eras, and I don’t know how to explain it well; think of it as though Jimin is a part of the beat. It’s essential to ON’s sound, even though it may not always stick out as an individual piece.

MV Center: Jungkook

Jin did have a bit of focus at the beginning, and I almost put Taehyung down as an MV center because there was a good bit in the middle where it was literally just Taehyung, but the entire story of the MV revolved around Jungkook, like, escaping slavery or whatever. I mean, the man blew into a conch shell and ran up to the top of BTS’s Pride Rock; if that’s not MV center energy, I don’t know what is.

No Center

I’m gonna keep it a buck with y’all: the vocalists nearly all sound the same on the chorus of this song because of the effects on their vocals. It’s kind of cool, though, considering the message of the song. Like, the lack of individuality is almost an extra piece to the lyrics, but I swear to you, Taehyung is the only one who sounds distinct on the chorus of Black Swan. As such, no one could’ve really been the center for this song. As you can probably tell, the vocalists are usually the centers--if there is one--and that’s because they get the choruses, which repeat the most; they have more opportunities to be the centers. In an era where their uniqueness is stripped away, there’s not going to be a center.

Also, if you’re asking, “Well, if Taehyung is so distinct, why isn’t he the center?” the answer is: because all the vocalists have basically the same parts. Yoongi, actually, would be the closest, in my opinion, to being a type of center for this song, but the chorus is the base of Black Swan, and so Yoongi doesn’t quite fit, either. Nothing wrong with an era without a center, my friends. Just means more central time for every single one of our boys.

MV Center: Jimin

Clearly, this was going to be the case. I don’t actually find Jimin to be that prominent in Black Swan, but the MV is what makes everyone say Jimin is the face of this era. And there’s a good reason for that. The Black Swan MV is such a wonderful platform for Jimin’s gorgeous, gorgeous artwork. It was like a portfolio of his talent, and it’s absolutely captivating watching him dance. Of course, Jimin does have a small bit of centralization that the other members don’t have in the stage choreo, but the MV is where Jimin got to really shine. Black Swan is really the only era where, rather than a song fitting a members vocal, we got to partake in a song that complimented a member’s dance style. I hope BTS do more with this kind of combination later for other members because Jimin getting to shine like this was really lovely.

Center: Jungkook

There’s really no other reason for this other than Jungkook’s vocal is very nearly the entire song as far as vocals go. Again, sometimes airtime predicts the center, and in this case, Jungkook has, like, double the amount of airtime when compared to the other members. So, obviously, Jungkook representing this era was the overall goal. Stay Gold is another one of those songs that benefits from a vocal tone like Jungkook’s, so that’s probably why Jungkook got such a large focus for this era.

No MV Center

Taehyung’s the closest thing to an MV center since he’s got that bit at the end where the camera focuses on him while he releases magic from the tree or whatever. So pretty he looks in the Stay Gold MV, by the way. If you’re watching all the way to the end, it does feel like, “Wow, Taehyung’s a bit of a main character,” but it’s really only at the end. So, no MV center this time as everyone had really beautiful set pieces that got shown fairly equally.

Center: Taehyung

Call me biased; call me whatever you want, but Taehyung’s presence is so fucking strong in Dynamite. Yes, Jungkook has a lot, a lot of vocal focus; yes, he centers in the choreography the most, but have y’all seen Taehyung’s attitude? Dynamite is the second era on this list that I’m sure Taehyung is the sole center for. Here’s where we’re gonna talk about marketing a bit. Taehyung’s visual was used to absolute death for the Dynamite promotions. I’m assuming it was because the retro look was especially fitted to Taehyung’s style, but Taehyung was everywhere. Not to mention the parts in Dynamite Taehyung got were really important pieces of the song--such as: ending the song. The choreography, as well, though not centered around Taehyung, was absolutely dominated by him regardless because of the way he decided to carry himself in this era. I don’t know; maybe I’m seeing things other people aren’t, but to me, Taehyung was obviously supposed to be the face of Dynamite.

Secondary Centers: Jimin & Jungkook

I don’t think Jimin is as strong of a secondary center as Jungkook, but I do still think Jimin’s role in Dynamite was really important. It’s sort of because he was a foundational piece, but it’s also because Jimin came off as bubbly and fun during the Dynamite era, and I think that helped to sell the overall visual of the song.

Jungkook, I’m sure a lot of people will say, should be the center for this era. I feel like I can kind of tell that an attempt was made to have Jungkook be the center, but then Taehyung and his charisma kind of ended up blowing up once Dynamite was released. Jungkook, to me, has the true foundational pieces of Dynamite. The beginning of the choruses, for example, are the catchy parts of the chorus, but not the punchy parts of the chorus. You see what I mean? Jungkook did have the first verse, too, of course. I’ll say this: vocally, Jungkook is absolutely the center of this era. It’s just that, as a total package, he didn’t stick out quite as much as Taehyung.

No MV Center

I mean, the beginning makes it feel like Jungkook is the MV center, but every member has their own set and solo shots. Plus, you’ve got the improvised choreography and the insert shots where every member appears to be equally represented. I don’t really see Dynamite as an MV with a definite member at the forefront.

No Center

So, there is a definite excess of Vmin in Life Goes On, which I think is beautiful because their vocal tones are full of emotion, but I don’t think that necessarily means they’re the centers of this era. If we were going based on airtime, Taehyung would be the sole center because of the amount of airtime he’s got, but again, I don’t know that it’s fair to call him a center for just that reason--even though Taehyung is very prominent in the vocal. Mostly, Life Goes On is a song BTS is giving to ARMY, so it feels like they’re all singing it to us, and no single member sticks out more than another.

MV Center: Taehyung

Jin does have a bit in the MV, just before the final chorus, where the camera stops on him for a moment, but it’s only that one part, so I couldn’t really call him an MV center. Taehyung--in the original version of this MV, at least--was definitely the one leading the narrative. Most of the MV was the boys having fun or singing to the camera, but there were also the clips of Taehyung driving BTS around, looking at an arena, longing to perform; it seemed like Taehyung was chosen to convey BTS and ARMY’s feelings about the pandemic and how much we all miss each other.

Co-Centers: Jin & Jimin

I gotta be honest: getting a handle on the Film out era is kind of difficult because it feels like such a fragmented song--and that makes it beautiful, but it’s hard to pin down a representative for this era, even though it definitely feels like there is one.

Obviously, I’ve decided that there are two. Again, without choreo, we’re looking at the vocal. To me, Jin and Jimin’s vocal tones stood out the most in Film out. I found both of their contributions to this song to be absolutely stunning, but even being objective, Jin and Jimin seemed like they were supposed to be the ones sticking out this much. I assume that’s because this is a very ethereal song, and I think I can confidently say that no other member has the monopoly on songs that sound like Film out than Jinmin do. Jimin’s angelic adlibs and falsetto was the thing I noticed right away when listening to this for the first time, but the more I listened to it, the more Jin came to the forefront, as well. We may only have vocals to go on for deciding a center--especially since Film out wasn’t marketed much--but Jinmin’s vocals really took center stage for this era.

Secondary Center: Taehyung

I really don’t know what it is that makes me see Taehyung as secondary center for the Film out era and not Jungkook, but Jungkook didn’t feel that prominent at all, despite having written the song. Taehyung felt like the anchor for Film out, which is something I noticed within my first few listens. Jin and Jimin were definitely the shining stars, in my opinion, but Film out still needed Taehyung for balance. The last half of the song is where all three of these members shine the most, and I think it’s really clear that Taehyung’s vocal was able to add a depth of emotion to Jimin and Jin’s. I think secondary centers, to me, are the members I can tell are being used as supports for the center or co-centers, and that’s what Taehyung was for Film out.

MV Center: Jin

This is the exact opposite of Life Goes On, actually, because Taehyung was the one who was last seen in the MV, which makes it tempting to see him as an MV center, but Jin was the one present in the narrative for the whole MV. I don’t know what that narrative was for certain, but I think it was something like looking in from the outside and getting lost in some kind of metaphorical storm. Jin was the one doing all that. So, he’s the MV center, for sure.

Co-Centers: Taehyung & Jungkook

Jungkook is a co-center, in my opinion, because it feels like he was supposed to be. I can’t really pinpoint what it is about Butter that makes Jungkook a co-center, but he’s got airtime on every chorus, which means he’s gonna be prominent in the choreo, as well. That’s probably what it is, now that I think about it. The chorus is the money piece of almost every song, so Jungkook being chosen to be in each of the choruses is a big thing.

Taehyung--look, I don’t know what it is about Taehyung, but the fact that he went from a single line in No More Dream to being this central in one of BTS’s biggest eras is insane to me. Like, listen. Taehyung got to start and end two seperate choruses--which means he’s pretty prominent in the choreo, but he’s also prominent anyway because he’s nearly always in the front--and he got to sing half of each verse. That never happens with Taehyung. Vocally, Taehyung has the most “I’m the motherfucking center” energy than he’s ever had. Something about this era has Taehyung way out in front, and I think that’s so fun since he doesn’t always get that opportunity.

Secondary Center: Jin

I wanted to put Jin down as a co-center; I really did, but the slight difference in vocal prominence between him and Taekook is what made me give him the secondary center position. Jin is still really prominent in the Butter era, though. I thought Jin really outdid himself with his vocal tone in Butter, and he’s been killing the choreo every single time they perform. Jin really does feel like one of the faces of Butter.

MV Centers: Jin & Taehyung

I wasn’t gonna put down an MV center, but didn’t Jin and Taehyung’s MV scenes stick, like, way the fuck out? Jin in that lineup scene did me in, for real. I wasn’t thinking straight for days afterwards. Plus, he’s got that scene during the second verse where he’s in that chair, looking like he owns three islands, and that feels like super big MV center energy. Then, you’ve got Taehyung in the elevator, which is one of his sexiest MV scenes, period. The attitude on him, I swear. The orange suit was the end for me, honestly. I know I just talked about how hot Taejin are, but the way they carry themselves is why it felt like they stuck out in the MV more than the other members. I feel like I can’t deny them the MV center title.

No Center

This is another song that isn’t really supposed to have a center, you know? Permission to Dance is meant to send this hopeful message to ARMY and people around the world, and I just don’t think a center was necessary because the center is BTS as a whole. At the very least, no one really stuck out to me as a sole, or even, co-center. It felt like all the boys shared the load of sending us this message, so I can’t put a center down for this era. I think, for a song like this, though, that’s a pretty damn good thing.

No MV Center

Again, this was really an equal opportunity kind of era. Other MVs have really focused on each of the boys having their own set, and one member often sticks out because of that; the Permission to Dance MV, though it had solo shots of each member, was mostly just the boys, all together and having fun. I mean, Jungkook had that solo dance bit, but that wasn’t enough to sway me.

Okay, that’s it, for now. Let me know what you guys think in the replies. I tried to keep my opinions out of this because I was just looking for which member(s) BigHit was trying to use to sell each era. I’m excited to do this with the B-sides since there’s only vocals to go on, but doing this for the singles was super interesting. Thanks for reading!

[skimblyshanks]

CATS-Omegaverse thoughts

you read the title. Omegaverse/ A/B/O under the cut. Keep scrolling if that isn’t something you like. All sfw and non ship-focused. also nb4 inevitable transphobia comment. I am a trans man lmao die mad.

CW// Talk of pregnancy, Talk of mpreg

Obvs I have no plan to use outdated wolf pack dynamics when it comes to a colony of anthro cats.

I’m just using Alpha, Beta, and Omega, no Gamma/Delta/etc lol

General ‘verse setup talk:

Alpha + Omega=75% chance at an alpha or an omega, 25% chance at a Beta

Alpha + Beta/ Beta + Omega= 99% chance of a Beta, 1% chance of an Alpha/Omega (depends on the non-Beta parent)

Alpha women can impregnate; Omega men can get pregnant

 Omega mpreg is v hard to attain/maintain, and these pregnancies are always at higher risk. Not gonna say any more here aliudhlifshu

Alpha women can only get pregnant by another alpha, regardless of sex, or by a Beta man)

Nothing special about Betas on that point, a beta woman can only get pregnant from men/alpha women, Beta men cannot get pregnant.

(pregnancy talk here is cisgender focused just for clarity. Ofc these things do apply for trans ppl as well. the main takeaway you need is: Every Alpha can impregnate, every Omega can get pregnant, and with Betas it’s like our own world. Omega Trans women can get pregnant with increased risks; Alpha trans men have far less physical risks getting pregnant. Alpha trans men and women can both impregnate. Beta trans women can impregnate Alpha women. Alpha trans men can get pregnant under specific pair ups)

Alphas and Omegas have distinctive scents. Betas have a scent too, but only Alphas and Omegas can smell it. Betas can only smell Alpha and Omega scents when they become overpowering, or else have a v sensitive nose + train themselves to smell them.

When it comes to individual family groups, it’s expected that those are headed by an alpha/omega pair, or a beta/beta pair. Single parents get side eyed, as do any atypical pairs.

-Most A/O families are expected to have multiple kids.

When it comes to large groups/colonies, interpersonal heirarchies are allowed flexibility, but it’s expected at least one alpha heads the group for safety’s sake.

CATS specific stuff (Mainly, who’s what):

Alphas:

Munkustrap, Bombalurina, Rum Tum Tugger, Jennyanydots, Tantomile, Cassandra, Tumblebrutus, Macavity, Victor, Bustopher Jones, Plato

Betas:

Alonzo, Skimbleshanks, Jellylorum, Rumpleteazer, Mungojerrie, Electra, George-Pouncival, Gus, Grizabella

Omegas:

Jemima, Pounce Carbucketty, Etcetera, Coricopat, Mistoffelees, Demeter, Old Deuteronomy, Victoria

???:

Hysperia (Exotica)

Character Notes:

Alonzo wants to be an alpha. He buys scent masking cologne. He always puts on way too much to be convincing bc he doesn’t stop until he can smell it

Pounce Carbucketty is the one Omega in a home full of Betas. It’s caused more tension the older he’s gotten.

Mistoffelees tends to steer clear of Alphas as a rule, tho he will make exceptions.

George Pouncival wants to be an Omega like his friends.

Cori and Tanto are Hysperia’s children. No one knows who their other parent is. No one knows what Hysperia’s type is. She likes it that way.

Plato v much looks the part of a stereotypical alpha but he definitely doesn’t act it.

Deut has both sired and carried children. Munk is the last kitten he carried himself.

[ambitionsource]

AMBITION Season 1 ♫ “First Impressions (Pilot)” REVAMPED [ 1.01 ]

CREATED BY Esther (rapunzles) & Maggie (quincywillows)

When we first wrote the pilot, we were just throwing it out there, seeing what would happen. It was a first draft. Our own new start. It’s been a long time since then.

And oh, how much has happened. So many awesome things.

This, I hope, is closer to the pilot AAA always deserved. Thanks for reading, and for whatever awesome things come next.

50 Minutes (10K words) || No warnings apply. || [ S1 Synopsis ] || [ AO3 ]

( Follow along with the music on Spotify here! )

EXT. AAA - DAY

Regal. That’s the impression this institution gives off at first glance, a Smithsonian-esque exterior standing out amidst the grey concrete jungle of Manhattan. A wide shot provides a picturesque view of the structure from above, when slowly a title card appears on the screen:

Adams Academy of the Arts.

In a fluid motion, the words dissolve and condense together, leaving only a logo of three As in red, gold, and white.

AAA.

By now, it’s pretty clear we’re watching an advert of some kind. Especially when we transition…

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

… to the principal’s office. JACKSON “JACK” HUNTER (40s), a sharply dressed and calmly confident man, is seated at the mahogany desk with his hands clasped together in front of him. He offers the camera a pleasant smile, addressing us directly.

Jack: Hi. I’m Jack Hunter, the principal of Adams Academy of the Arts. If you’re watching this video, then it’s likely you’re considering applying to our elite program for high school students. Well, either that, or you’re very lost.

Administrator humor. Jack chuckles, pauses, and continues in his professional tone.

Jack: If it’s the former, then I’m happy to be of assistance. Adams is at the forefront of performing arts education, and many of our alumni have gone on to do amazing things -- some of whom you might even recognize. While we strongly emphasize the important balance of academics with your professional goals, there is nothing more paramount than providing you, an artist on the rise, with the space to explore your potential, build your skills, and put you on the path towards success.

As Jack continues to discuss, quick panning shots of the interior of the school set the scene. It’s very clearly a promotional video, the tone upbeat and inspiring. Jack describes the facilities they have (two whole auditoriums, state of the art technical equipment, numerous practice rooms and studios), as well as the different core focuses a student can pursue -- music, performance, dance. He emphasizes their technical education program, one of the leading curriculums in the state that provides their budding technicians with hands-on experience right from the get-go.

When we cut back to Jack, still pleasantly seated behind the desk, he begins to get into what the day-to-day process of a student is like, and how this crop of students is chosen.

Jack: Every year, just about 50 students -- split into two cohorts, allowing for even more individualized instruction -- enter the halls of AAA as the freshman class. These incoming artists have talent, dedication, discipline, and above all? Ambition. These students, like you, seek out the opportunities to achieve whatever their driving passion might be -- whatever it takes. While here, they’ll hone their craft, explore the other realms of their field, learn from one another as well as highly skilled educators, and form bonds that they will carry with them for life.

All sounds swell. Jack smiles wider.

Jack: As for what this experience is like, well -- how about I let them show you?

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

This launches a quick-cut, exciting montage of what the world of Adams seems to be like. It’s full of photos, clips, and candids of the students hard at work. Performers learning choreography, soloists in the midst of a final performance, stage lights bright. Technicians piecing together sets, stage managers with headsets around their neck and thoughtful expressions, coaches and teachers lecturing to an engaged group in the black box theater.

Above all, there is a clear sense of community. All of the students are thrilled to be there, working hard, laughing and smiling with one another. While the slideshow is mainly filled with upperclassmen, there are a few faces here and there that will soon become quite familiar to us.

Sure seems like a dream high school experience, particularly for someone interested in the arts. Especially for someone who feels like an outsider, a creative, looking for a place to belong.

Jack, voiceover: The competition is fierce, and the process isn’t easy. It’s work, hard work, but any passion worth pursuing takes a little faith and a whole lot of elbow grease. The best of the best make their way to Adams, and without a doubt, the best emerge from it ready to take on the world.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

The video is wrapping up, Jack looking as confident as ever. He’s just shown us a pretty gleaming example of a school, and he looks pretty stalwart and shining himself.

Jack: The question is, where do the best of the best come from? Who has what it takes to join our elite and excellent rank of future artists? [ a beat ] Do you?

As the upbeat tones of David Bowie fade in...

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - RILEY’S BEDROOM - DAY

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Changes” as performed by David Bowie and Butterfly Boucher || Performed by Riley Matthews & Jack Hunter

An alarm goes off, a hand reaching out and hitting it off immediately. RILEY MATTHEWS (15) lays in bed, already awake and staring at the ceiling. From how anxious she looks, it seems like she hasn’t slept much at all. But then, she smiles, forcing herself to focus on the excitement.

This is going to be the day everything changes for the better. She launches out of bed, hitting play on her phone. Underneath the track, playing “Changes,” we see a reminder on her homescreen. It’s bright over a photo of her and her younger brother, neither parent featured.

First day of new school!!

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY

As Riley gets ready for school, she sings along to the first verse. She braids her hair, puts on her nicest, most distinct outfit, before running out the door.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - DAY

She says goodbye to her mother TOPANGA LAWRENCE (late 30s), kisses her younger brother AUGGIE MATTHEWS (8) on the top of the head. When she reaches her father waiting at the door, CORY MATTHEWS (late 30s), the two of them exchange excited grins before heading out the door together.

EXT. AAA - DAY

The two of them emerge from the nearest subway stop, and Riley gets her first good look at Adams Academy for the Arts. It’s a beautiful and daunting marble building nestled in the middle of the Upper East Side. Visualize the MET, but with the flourish and slight humble nature of a high school (although humble is not a word one would use to describe this school). It’s even more impressive in person, looming over her, than as shown in the opening video.

Cory is already on his way up the steps, but Riley hangs back, staring up at the building in awe. Somewhat overwhelmed. Students pass her by on their way inside, many far better dressed. This is a school where much of the student population is probably worth more than the school itself.

This is it. Her opportunity. Does she have what it takes?

Gearing herself up, Riley jogs her way up the steps after her father. Panning towards the school, through the atrium and across the main offices…

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Meanwhile, Jack Hunter is in his office preparing for her arrival. He’s still well-groomed, clearly an instrument of discipline and order, but he seems more harried than he did on camera. Reality versus the polished quality of promotional material.

Jack wanders his way over to the window, looking out at the students making their way into school. He carries the second verse, lamenting how things never change and students are… not so willing to listen to reason (“They’re immune to your consultations / They’re quite aware what they’re going through…”)

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

As Jack heads out of his office to walk the halls before the school day truly kicks off, Riley is making her way through them as well. This is our first glimpse into the hallowed halls of Adams, as well as the cast of large personalities we’re about to spend a series with…

Riley has to duck around ZAY BABINEAUX (15), a lithe and groovy dance student with a clear sense of self and an even clearer sense of style. He’s rehearsing with other dancers in the middle of the hallway. Nearby, CHARLIE GARDNER (15) is holding court with a lot of the girls in the class, seemingly the preferred cute male of choice at AAA. He’s the full package -- fluffy hair, pressed polo shirt, charming grin.

As Riley passes him, he eyes her and gives her a smile. Friendly, or flirtatious? Who’s to say…

For Jack, it’s evident as he walks the halls just how incongruous he is with the scenery. He’s passionate about AAA, sure, but his straight-laced and stern approach contrasts sharply with the energy, colorfulness, and folly of the students themselves. His presence is enough to pry two kissing classmates away from one another, and he earns more than a few derisive glares from students as he goes.

MAYA HART (16) is parading the halls with her clones DARBY WINTERS (15) and SARAH CARLSON (15), rambling on about some performance-related complaint. Maya is a girl with a brand -- she is the most glamorous girl Riley has ever seen, from the glossy blonde hair to the perfectly put together outfit that looks entirely made of brand-name items. They don’t even notice Riley, practically bulldozing past her without an apology.

A gangly student is arguing animatedly with ANGELA MOORE (30s), the performing arts teacher for the sophomores, outside the black box theater classroom. Angela was featured in the promotional video, but she seems way less confident now trying to tangle with this overzealous student. This is FARKLE MINKUS (15), Jewish American diva. He’s immediately identifiable as over-the-top, both with the way he’s arguing with a teacher and his swoopy hair and blazer. Like, this kid is wearing a blazer to school.

We can tell right away that Mister Farkle Minkus is going to be a PIECE. OF. WORK. Riley can too, raising her eyebrows as she passes by their disagreement.

Jack passes by Zay and his crop of dancing students, disbanding them as dancing is not allowed in the halls. Come on, they know this! The group of them don’t look very pleased, Zay tossing a scowl over his shoulder as they retreat to their respective homerooms.

INT. AAA - ATRIUM - DAY

As we get to “Strange fascination fascinating me…” Riley passes by the atrium stairwell, where the sophomore techies always congregate each morning. They’re all in dark clothes (because that’s how techies dress, but so do GOTHS???), and seem like a chaotic bunch. DAVE WILLIAMS (15) and ASHER GARCIA (14) are lobbing food at DYLAN ORLANDO (15) to see what he can catch in his mouth. NATE MARTINEZ (15) and JEFF MONROE (15) are arguing heatedly about something, but it’s impossible to tell if they’re actually upset or not. JADE BEAMON (15) is sketching in a notebook, occasionally looking up to roll her eyes at the argument.

Holding first position at the bottom of the stairs are LUCAS JAMES FRIAR (16) and ISADORA DE LA CRUZ (15), deep in conversation. Well, conversation meaning Isadora is ranting, and Lucas isn’t saying much of anything. They’re both the most intimidating of the bunch even from a glance -- Isadora due to her intense wardrobe and general aura of authority, Lucas due to his seemingly permanent disdainful expression… and maybe the fact that he is openly playing with a switchblade.

Of course, they both look up to find Riles staring at them. She makes eye contact with Lucas before quickly turning away. I mean, they’ve got a switchblade. Scary! She YEETS outta there.

Just in time to make it back to the front office, where she steps inside just as Jack steps out of his office. He offers her a smile.

Jack: Hi, Miss Matthews. Welcome to Adams Academy of the Arts.

Taking a deep breath, she returns his smile. Welcome to Adams, indeed. And, for the first time…

AMBITION. Cue title sequence.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Jack walks Riley through everything she might need to know, explaining her daily schedule and handing over welcome materials. As they’re conversing, ERIC MATTHEWS (40s) steps in as acting counselor to also give a welcome to Riley -- but it’s clear that they already know each other. She’s his niece!

As they exchange friendly banter, Jack doesn’t seem at all surprised. He makes a comment about how the Matthews family really does have a foothold in Adams, given that Riley’s father is also one of their core academic teachers. Eric doesn’t take well to Jack’s tone, cheerfully firing back a remark.

Eric: Well, I suppose Triple A has always been about family. That’s why you hired Shawn, right? Top of the line, highly skilled educators…

It’s clear that there’s some tension behind their words, at least that it seems like Jack and Eric are rarely on the same page. Riley picks up on this right quick, awkwardly looking down at her welcome materials. Jack changes the subject, suggesting that Riley head off to performance lab before they get any further derailed. After all, Eric does just love to meander time away...

Eric smiles, but it’s sharp. Rather than returning a backhanded jab, he offers to show Riley to her first class. As they’re heading out, Jack assures Riley that he’s certain she’ll find what she’s looking for at Adams.

She certainly hopes so, Jack. And away they go...

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Riley enters the auditorium, where a majority of the classes will be held. Many of the students in the sophomore A class cohort are already assembled in the first few rows of the audience, eagerly conversing with one another and catching up from the end of summer. The techies are situated further back, with their feet up on the backs of chairs and hardly paying attention.

Already, Riley is feeling the struggle of finding a place to fit. She plops herself alone in a row somewhere between the chatty performers and brooding techies, isolated from day one. Hooray.

From behind her, Dave turns around to whisper something to Dylan and Asher about her sitting alone. Lucas is also watching her, somewhat amused at how uncertain she seems about the whole situation.

Angela saunters to the front of the stage, snapping them to attention and welcoming them back for another year. She gives a rousing speech about how this year is going to be more intense than the first, but also full of self-discovery, pushing our comfort zones, and more than anything, becoming better artists. Maya, Zay, and Farkle all listen with rapt interest. Isadora rolls her eyes.

Just as she’s reaching the climactic conclusion of her monologue, she’s interrupted by SHAWN HUNTER (30s), stumbling in ten minutes late to his own class. He’s unshaven, clearly a bit of a mess, and dressed far less impressively than Angela or a majority of their students. Riley raises her eyebrows, obviously confused by his presence.

Angela: [ with biting sarcasm ] And there he is. My wonderful co-instructor, right on time.

At this, Riley’s eyebrows shoot up. Co-instructor? That guy? The rest of the performers seem equally unimpressed, a few rolling their eyes or exchanging grimaces. The techies are amused, grinning as their lead technician fumbles to the stage.

Angela: Anything you care to share with the class before we kick off our second year, Mister Hunter? Any sudden stroke of wisdom? Or basic decency?

Shawn jogs up, coming to an out of breath stand-still next to her. Side by side, the contrast between them is even more pronounced. He shrugs, half-smirking.

Shawn: Sing some stuff?

In mocking solidarity, the techies erupt into cheers. Dave and Dylan give him a standing ovation. The performers look annoyed. Farkle turns around to glare at them.

Riley is taking all of this with marked confusion. Shawn takes a sarcastic bow.

Angela, sharply: Classy as always.

For their first performing assignment of the year, Angela encourages all of them to come up and sing whatever they’ve been working on this past summer. Innocent enough. When she asks who wants to go first, however, the front of the auditorium erupts as Zay, Maya, and Farkle all leap to their feet and scrap to get to the stage first. Riley is like… what on Earth.

Farkle succeeds, yanking Zay out of the way and scrambling onto the front of the stage (they didn’t even take the fucking stairs). The clear victor, Farkle jumps back to his full height triumphantly as Maya and Zay begrudgingly return to their seats.

Farkle begins a little monologue as he adjusts his blazer, establishing his personality loud and clear. As far as he’s concerned, this year is going to be about change, and the change is going to be him taking his rightful place as the undisputed Star of the Sophomores. Maya and Zay clearly don’t agree with this assessment, so there’s already guaranteed to be drama. Lovely…

Thusly, Farkle launches into his first performance of the year (and the series).

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Man About Town” as performed by Young Frankenstein Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Farkle Minkus

Farkle kicks us off with a bold and frenzied rendition of the Broadway tune. As with many of the performances in this pilot, the solos serve to establish a baseline for each of the characters and their inherent capabilities, style, and tone. Farkle is a power tenor without a doubt, able to reach pretty high in his register and even higher in energetic delivery.

The electricity in his performance is less intrinsic and more frantic, though, indicative of a craving for the spotlight and a scrappy determined nature to maintain it at whatever cost. It demonstrates his undeniable vocal skill, for sure, but also his capacity to be obnoxious. The song seems to speak to what Farkle is hoping will be his truth -- that everyone will take notice of him, pay attention to him, that he’ll rise to the stars like he feels he’s been destined.

Riley is stunned by the amount of talent already on display. If she wants to prove that she’s here by her own merit and talent rather than just because her father works here, then she is going to have to bring it.

INT. AAA - GIRLS DRESSING ROOM - DAY

Maya and her clones hang out in the girls dressing room, getting ready for the rest of performance lab. Sarah points out that Farkle has gotten better over the summer; Darby mentions he’s gotten cuter, too.

Sarah, in disgust: Minkus? You’re joking.

Darby: Come on. He’s sort of cute!

Maya: Sure. Like a hedgehog with a deadly case of rabies.

Darby: He got taller. He looks sharper now, more mature.

Sarah: He looks like Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka after he got put through the taffy puller.

Darby: No he doesn’t!

Sarah: God, you fall for anything with testosterone and half a working vocal chord…

Quickly losing interest in discussing boys -- especially Farkle Minkus -- Maya waves off their concern about his talent. She claims she’s going to blow him out of the water, and this year is far from belonging to him.

The rivalry is loud and clear.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Riley comes by to visit Eric, who eagerly greets her and situates her in the chair opposite his desk. It’s a cozy, comfortable office, far less clinical, but also less organized, than Jack’s. It’s evident why many students feel comfortable stopping in when they have a free moment. Eric jokingly points out this is their first official visit as counselor and student, before he asks her how the morning went and how she’s feeling about the school.

Riley avoids her own discomfort and feelings of disillusionment by asking Eric to tell her more about the other students instead. How is she supposed to catch up to the scenery and feel like she’s in the loop if everyone feels like a mystery? Eric agrees, trying to figure out the best way to go about explaining it to her.

Eric: Kind of feels like having to explain the history of the universe. There’s a lot of personality in the A class, you’ll find.

Riley: Oh, I got that sense pretty quickly.

An idea strikes Eric, expression brightening. He grabs his yearbook from the previous school year off the shelf behind him. As he plops it down onto the desk, he instructs Riley to pay close attention, because there is a lot to unpack.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “High School Never Ends” as performed by Bowling for Soup || Instrumental

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

As Eric talks Riley through each of the main players, we watch a typical sophomore class unfold in the auditorium. It’s pure chaos, a whirlwind of production and performers getting in the way of techies and people butting heads.

We cut between this simulated auditorium sequence and Riley and Eric talking in the office, falling into a rhythm with the classic bopping rock tune. As Eric jumps to each key student, we freeze on them in the midst of whatever they’re doing at the time.

Starting, notably, with Zay Babineaux, the dancer from the halls. The screen freeze frames on him in the midst of trying to teach choreography to a frazzled NICK YOGI (15) and CLARISSA CRUZ (15).

Eric: Zay Babineaux isn’t a bad person to keep tabs on as far as getting your sea legs around here. He was voted “Most Popular” in the yearbook last year, but the only thing he cares about more than his public approval rating is dance. I mean, the kid is religious about it. It’s part of the reason he’s so good, but that and his drive to make it are what bump him up to Diva status.

Riley: Diva status.

Eric: It’s a whole league of its own here. Everyone is driven to a certain degree -- you have to be at Triple A -- but the Divas are the ones you really need to watch out for. Zay is far from the worst of the bunch, but his dedication really puts a sharp edge on his otherwise personable presence.

The scene resumes, panning from Yogi and Clarissa struggling to learn to Charlie leading the same choreography with a gaggle of female classmates. This includes HALEY FISHER (15), who seems especially taken with him.

Charlie demonstrates much better patience than Zay in teaching others, but the girls aren’t really listening to what he’s saying. They’re more distracted by… other things he has to offer.

Eric: If you’re stuck on choreography and actually want help, then your best bet is to turn to Charlie Gardner instead. He’s incredibly well-mannered, genuinely nice kid, but I’m sure your dad would want me to warn you he does have a reputation with the ladies.

Riley: Does he date a lot of them?

Eric: To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him date anyone. But every girl wishes he would, so that’s kind of a heartbreaker move all its own, isn’t it? Still, I wouldn’t worry too much about that. If you’re looking for what to avoid…

Isadora marches across the stage, headset around her neck and show binder in her arms. She’s shouting orders, almost comically deafening Dave following behind her.

Eric: Don’t get in the way of Isadora Smackle while she’s in stage manager mode. That girl is five feet of pure unadulterated power, and she is not afraid to burn you and your ego to the ground.

Riley: Not much to burn for me.

Eric: Don’t get me wrong, she is incredibly talented. She’s got a vision like no one else, and it’s hard not to admire how passionate she is about seeing that vision come to fruition. She’s just… not fond of things that slow that process down. Like not following directions, or creating issues that don’t exist. And the queen of doing that…

Maya storms out of the dressing room hall and storms onto the stage, holding up a costume choice and obviously having much to say about it. She’s in the midst of diva transformation, makeup more glamorous than before and glossy blonde hair up out of her face.

Eric: Is Maya Hart. Now, Maya is probably the most talented triple threat we have in the sophomore class. She can dance, she can act, and by God, can she sing. But she also has an unbridled sense of what’s best for a production, and will happily fight every single person necessary until her voice is heard. She’s in hot pursuit of her dream, for better or worse, and she is ruthless.

Maya marches past the techies, Asher and Jade scrambling to get out of her way and avoid her fury. She nearly knocks Nate and Dylan into the wall while they’re carrying a two-by-four beam, which almost hits Lucas in the head. He ducks just in time. As he’s getting back up, we freeze on him mid-eye roll and looking just about ready to kill.

Eric: And whatever you do, do not mess with Lucas James Friar. If your dad were here, he’d tell you not to speak to him. Don’t even look at him unless absolutely necessary.

Riley: Why?

Eric: Lucas is… not exactly Adams’ favorite student. And that makes complete sense, because the feeling is 100% mutual.

Riley: So why is he here then?

Eric: Fair question. But I think you’ll come to find everyone came here for different reasons, Riley. I mean, look at you. Adams wasn’t your first choice for a school a year ago.

True enough. Riley still seems curious, but Eric continues on without harping on it any longer.

Eric: There’s plenty Lucas dislikes about the school -- and believe me, I’ve heard enough about it in our mandated meetings over the past year -- but nothing more so than the “diva attitudes,” namely…

Lucas has to duck again to avoid the bony arms of Farkle, who is just launching into a loud, bold, aggressive solo. He swings his arms out wide, tilting his head back and delivering a note with Rachel Berry levels of fervor. Freeze on his dramatic, impassioned belting face.

Eric: Farkle Minkus. Trust fund baby, unparalleled genius, and vocal champion -- in both singing and complaining. He’s certainly our Rachel Berry, if nothing else.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

As Eric finishes up his CliffNotes edition of the sophomore A class, the warning bell beckons Riley back to class. Eric assures her that she has always been a people person, and he is certain that she’ll be fine. Riley nods along, choosing to believe him.

When he asks if she’s decided what her first performance is going to be, she books it out of the office. Sorry, Uncle Eric! Gotta get to class, ha ha...

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Back in the auditorium, class continues. As Riley makes her way back to the center section, she overhears snippets of the closely congregated crew of techie students. They’re discussing Maya, and Dylan Orlando’s grin is wide and mischievous.

Dylan: I think I should go next. What if I did? Just to throw her off.

Asher: [ elbowing him ] No. Don’t --

Jeff: It’s your funeral.

Dylan: I think I should. I think --

Nate, laughing: As if you can even sing.

Dylan: You don’t know, you don’t know. I could be great. You don’t know...

But no, it’s Maya's turn to sing her piece. She takes the stage just as Riley is settling back into her seat, giving a speech very similar to Farkle’s. In fact, it’s essentially a fuck-you right back to him by twisting his words. Then she launches into her own show-stopping return from the summer, expressing its one of her favorite Broadway tunes -- and a natural fit in her repertoire.

Farkle is miffed by her song choice, seemingly a selection chosen solely to offend him.

Farkle: This bitch knows I claimed rights to all numbers in the Elphaba song canon. Unbelievable.

Dave, leaning over to Yogi: Okay, what is a song cannon, and how do I get one?

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “The Wizard and I” as performed by Wicked Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Maya Hart

From her first introduction to performing, Maya presents an interesting array of stage presence. She can carry a Broadway tune with ease, but her voice seems equally built for pop excellence. Her command of the stage is effortless -- whether you love or hate her, she’s impossible to look away from when she’s delivering a performance. The glamour of her overall appearance elevates it, but what shines is her obvious raw talent and determination.

If anyone defines what it means to have ambition, it would be Maya Hart.

Her vocals are truly stellar, and her performance is daunting. While the techies remain unimpressed -- they’ve seen this all before, too many times, after all -- Riley is totally freaked by how intense the competition is turning out to be. While the rest of the class applauds (in varied states of reluctance), she seems like she’s trying not to throw up.

INT. AAA - GIRL’S BATHROOM - DAY

The lunch bell rings. Riley has hidden herself away in the restroom, tucked in the corner stall and pacing. She attempts to talk herself down from a spiral, fully intimidated after Maya’s performance. Another deep breath...

She steps out and looks in the mirror, repeating the mantra to herself again and again. She has what it takes. She belongs here. She belongs here. She belongs here!

Riley is not going to let this year be like the others. She’s not repeating her freshman year. This year is about change, for the better, and she’s going to make it so. But to do that, she’s going to need some friends.

Time to put herself out there and start breaking down these barriers.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Angela arrives at Jack’s office, knocking curtly on the door. Although the two of them have a good working relationship and typically friendly rapport, it’s evident at that moment that she is not there with good tidings. Jack tries to side step whatever the complaint is, asking if she thinks their new student is adjusting well.

Jack: Seems nice, doesn’t she? Good kid. Should be a good influence, hopefully --

Angela: I’m not here to talk about Matthews. I’m here to talk about the ridiculous excuse for a co-instructor you call half-brother.

Yikes. Well, might as well go on, then. Jack sighs and listens plaintively as Angela informs him that Shawn showed up late this morning, and was no help during the performance lab sessions. Obviously she doesn’t know how his homeroom check-in with the techies went, but she can assume shabbily with little doubt in her mind.

Jack: I haven’t gotten a complaint from the student technicians.

Angela: I’m sure you haven’t. They don’t know any better. And even if they did, I doubt any of them would take the time to formally complain. Half of them don’t appear capable of speech, and the other half are avoiding your office anyway. Likely no doubt due to subconscious contagious influence from their instructor.

Jack: Oh, come on now.

Angela: They won’t complain, but lucky for them, I will.

Jack holds up a hand, halting her tirade. He assures her that he hears her, and he’s aware that Shawn isn’t yet performing to his best ability. He has only been in the position for a year, after all. He just needs some time to get in the swing of things, that’s all.

Angela: When I spent a season in the Guys And Dolls touring troupe, we got our sea legs fast. You know what happened if you fucked up on tour? You got cut. We didn’t get a week to blunder our way through it, let alone a year.

Pointedly, Angela states that it just seems odd. Coming from Jack Hunter, the pillar of authority at this school, such negligence is damn surprising. Given how Eric is always complaining that Jack is too straight and narrow for an arts school, it’s ironic that he’s willing to let one of their faculty members be so off the wagon and not fire him tout de suite.

Fair as that criticism may be, Jack claims he’s made his choices and she needs to trust his role as an administrator. She is of course welcome to continue leveling complaints as she sees necessary, and he’ll touch base with Shawn, but he also points out that she might be operating with some bias of her own in reporting on her co-instructor.

At this, Angela gets huffy. She shrugs off the accusation and storms off, claiming she has students to actually educate. Once she’s gone, Jack releases another heavy sigh, slouching back in his chair. Evidently, the put together and effortless appearance of Adams in the promotional video is not all that truthful… one has to wonder how much of it is expectation versus reality...

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

The cafeteria, the classic worst place to be a new student on your first day. Even more intimidating at AAA, where the cafeteria is more claustrophobic than most with only a hundred students to accommodate at a time. Not only that, but everyone seems to already have their lunchtime crew.

Riley weaves her way through the crowd, eyeing places to potentially start her new endeavor. The techie table is at least relatively quiet, tucked away in the corner, but no way is she heading over there. Half of them are in eager and fast-paced conversation with one another, and their chaotic energy still radiates.

Not to mention, Lucas is amongst them and remains an intimidating question mark. Eric warned her, after all. He’s looking particularly nonplussed that afternoon, no lunch in front of him as he listens to the others converse. Once again he catches her looking, meeting her eyes and offering no sign of friendliness.

Yeah, not an option. Riley turns away, keeping her distance.

Charlie is holding court with a bunch of the sophomores, mainly girls. He still seems friendly enough, but Riley isn’t sure she wants to risk that potential flirtation. She needs friends, not awkward rejections. Still, she gives him a smile anyway.

Zay watches her from his table, seated with a couple other performers, YINDRA AMINO (15) and NIGEL CHEY (15). They all murmur to one another, somewhat amused, but Zay waves them off. He throws Riley a life preserver after a moment, beckoning her over to join them.

Riley is shocked that they’re talking to her -- they seem like the coolest crop of her classmates, and she in no way mirrors their general energy -- but she’s not foolish enough to refuse the invitation. If they turn out to be playing her, well, she’ll cross that bridge when she gets to it.

She slides into the seat across from Zay, who introduces himself and nods to his friends to do the same. Nigel shakes Riley’s hand from the seat next to her. She thanks them for offering her shelter, which Zay shrugs off as no big deal. Yindra asks if being the new student sucks as much as it seems like it does, and Riley is like hello, yes, it’s terrible.

Once she’s gotten comfortable with her new company, Riley asks Zay about his passion for dance and what his future dreams are after AAA. As they get to chatting, Zay expresses that he is Broadway bound with no detours and questions about it. When he gets into talking about how much he loves dance, his passion is clear on his face. He laments the attitude of Farkle and Maya, claiming he’s not like that. A bold claim, only time will tell if it’s true...

Riley asks him about his performance for class, to which he grins. Why tell her about it when he could show her?

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Dancin’ On the Sidewalk” as performed by FAME! Original Broadway Cast || Performed by Zay Babineaux (feat. AAA Sophomores)

Zay launches into this upbeat and fun dance tune, expressing his love for dance while pulling the rest of the cafeteria into it. Riley is amazed as everyone just kind of jumps up and jams with him, starting with Yindra and Nigel but slowly spreading throughout the congregation. Eventually, Zay manages to get her to her feet and pull her into it as well.

There is a sizable dance break within the song (naturally), and we get to see Riley show off some of her own skills when she’s not too intimidated. Charlie is also particularly featured in the dancing of the number, showing off his strong capability aside from being cute and charming.

However, not everyone is thrilled by this dancing development. Maya keeps Darby from joining in by yanking her back into her seat, not about to humor her rival. Farkle is the same, watching from his table in the opposite part of the cafeteria and rolling his eyes.

But no one is less thrilled than the techies. They’re exhausted, having to listen to the performers do this shit all the time. Yet another lunch, eclipsed by an impromptu performance. Lucas has had enough, getting to his feet. Isadora argues with him, but he doesn't listen. He’s already on the move. Isadora exchanges a look with Jade and Asher.

During the dance break, Lucas weaves inconspicuously through the crowd. By the end of it, he sneaks out the back door of the cafeteria.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

As Zay is finishing up the last verse, Lucas makes his way down the hall, surveying the ceiling until he finds what he’s looking for.

Then, he starts scaling the lockers.

Intercut with the dancing, Lucas hefts himself up on top of the lockers, rolling onto his back in the thin space between the top and the ceiling. He digs in his pockets, pulling out a lighter. Ever so carefully, he sparks it and holds it out towards the sprinkler system a foot or so away. Stretching as far as he can reach… getting that flame closer and closer…

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

As Zay and Riley bring the number to an end with a flourish, suddenly the fire alarm blares through the cafeteria. In the next second, there’s a click, and the sprinkler system erupts and douses them all in mucky water.

The cafeteria bursts into chaos, students screaming and trying to run from the building. Maya shrieks, trying to shield her hair as she and her plastics flee the scene. She isn’t afraid to push people out of the way. Farkle, meanwhile, isn’t even trying to run, frozen in rage and getting soaked. He snarls, swinging his wet hair out of his face.

Farkle: THIS OUTFIT IS WORTH MORE THAN THIS SCHOOL!

The techies erupt into laughter, high-fiving and jostling each other around as they exit the building. Dylan looks particularly gleeful, playfully shaking Asher by the shoulders, who looks notably less pleased and more than a little grossed out as he blinks the water out of his eyes.

Zay sighs, shaking his head and giving Riley a half-hearted shrug and well-meaning smile.

Zay: Welcome to Adams.

As if this kind of shit is totally normal. Riley wipes her eyes, dripping wet and totally shocked by this turn of events. What a rollercoaster of a day this is turning out to be. Certainly nothing about this in the school’s advertising...

INT. AAA - GIRL’S DRESSING ROOM - DAY

All of the sophomore girls are together in the dressing room, switching into fresh clothes and drying their hair (of course, performing arts girls have hair care products with them). Riley is the only who doesn’t seem to understand exactly what happened.

Riley: I didn’t see any fire.

Yindra, offhandedly: It wasn’t a fire. It was Friar.

Sarah: [ off of Riley’s continued confusion ] Lucas James Friar? He’s the worst.

Riley: My uncle may have… mentioned him...

Chai: He’s constantly pulling stunts like this and making a scene even though he acts like he’s above it all.

Clarissa: He never does the assignments.

Sarah: Not to mention he’s basically the definition of white trash.

Haley: He’s the worst the techies have to offer. No one even knows why he’s at this school.

This is all news for Riley, much more blatant than what Eric said. Then Isadora steps in, offering a counterpoint.

Isadora: Well, maybe if you didn’t sing and dance every lunch and stop us from enjoying our break from you singing and dancing every class, he wouldn’t need to do this stuff. But I know, you’re all incapable of doing anything but whatever it is you want.

Solid counterpoint, Isa. Riley takes that in as well.

INT. AAA - JACK’S OFFICE - DAY

Speaking of Lucas, the girls aren’t the only people who are certain he was the one who caused the fire evacuation. He sits opposite Jack at his desk, and it’s clear just from their posture that they’ve been in this exact position many times before. Yes, Lucas is no stranger to the principal’s office, and no friend to Jack Hunter.

Jack speaks with the exasperation of an exhausted parent who has told his child numerous times not to steal cookies from the cookie jar, but they keep doing it anyway.

Jack: Come on, Mister Friar. This is the fourth time. The fire department is considering adding us to a list. [ off his lightly amused smirk ] Are you really going to start another year this way?

Lucas, calmly: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Jack: We know you did it.

Lucas: You have no proof.

Jack: People saw you leave the cafeteria.

Lucas: I went to the bathroom. People do that, sometimes, you know. It’s actually quite a common bodily function --

Jack: Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

Lucas: All due respect, Principal Hunter, all you have is circumstantial evidence and confirmation bias. So unless you have anything else to add, I really should get back to class so I can listen to Farkle Minkus squawk for yet another jolly day in this wonderful, wonderful institution to higher learning.

Jack doesn’t have any other proof, so there’s not much he can do. But it’s clear -- Lucas is one of his most frustrating students, and he’s run out of ways to make headway with him. It really is a wonder he’s even still at the school…

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

As Lucas makes his way back into the halls and to class, Jack follows him out. He paces a bit to clear his head, get some fresh air rather than sit in his office… and happens to run right into a conversation happening in the adjoining hall. He hangs back around the corner, eavesdropping as Eric stands with a couple of the other teachers.

The group of them are obviously not happy with the sprinkler situation. Understandably so, but Eric is trigger happy to pin the blame on Jack. He sympathizes with the complaints of the fellow faculty, before insisting that it all comes down to leadership at the end of the day. Jack is a good disciplinarian, sure, and he’s been here for years… but then how come this keeps happening? In his opinion, Jack just isn’t built for an environment like this. The arts are about creativity, inspiration, hopeful encouragement and emotional exploration… not rules, strict academics, and going by the book.

Jack is pissed, but he’s not going to make a scene. It’s nothing he’s never heard before anyway, least of all from his best counselor but least favorite co-worker. He turns the other way, marching back to his office.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - NIGHT

That night, Riley has dinner with her family. It is clear through this scene that things between Cory and Topanga are not as rosy as America’s sweethearts would have you believe. They’re snippy with one another, and it seems like problems are brewing on the horizon.

Riley mentions her struggle to pick her audition song, and the strong personalities already at play at school. Topanga instructs her with the realist approach, which is that she’ll then need to bring her best as well. What power ballads does Riley have in her repertoire? She can’t let those other students walk all over her -- they don’t want a repeat of last year.

No kidding, Topie. Although it’s well-intentioned advice, it doesn’t seem like what Riley wants to hear. She nods along, focusing back on her food.

INT. JACK’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

In a parallel setting, Jack is having a small casual dinner with his half-brother, Shawn. Although his first impression at school wasn’t much, it’s clear that Shawn isn’t the worst guy in the world. He and Jack definitely seem to have a good relationship, this family dinner a weekly tradition for them.

And Shawn can tell when Jack is burying emotions. He prompts him to spill about whatever pissed him off that day -- aside from the obvious. Is there other beef going on in the school? Anything interesting? Jack avoids it at first, but when Shawn won’t let it go, he cracks.

Jack: Actually, people had some choice things to say about you. Showing up late, again? On the first day?

Shawn’s upbeat demeanor crumbles fast, defaulting to defensive. He quickly susses out that it must have been Angela who complained, claiming that of course she’s going to rag on him. She’s biased, Jack, you know that. She’s been out to get him ever since… well, things fell apart. Of course she wouldn’t want to see him trying to pick himself back up -- imperfectly, sure, but…

Jack shakes his head, getting up from his seat and taking his plate to the sink. Shawn keeps trying to defend himself, saying it’s all Angela’s fault, that everyone is just overreacting, who cares what they think --

Jack: I do, Shawn! I have to care what they think. It’s my job!

Oh. Well… that’s another story. This gets Jack to the actual root of what he’s frustrated with -- Eric’s criticism of him, and the way no one is ever happy with him at AAA. They all think the job is so simple, so easy. File some paperwork, discipline a kid when necessary, keep things in order. But that’s harder than it sounds. Of course Eric thinks he has it all figured out -- he’s the good guy. He gets to be the faculty favorite, telling the kids exactly what they want to hear, while Jack has to be the realist. He has to deliver the hard truths, the punishments and probabilities, to step in to keep things in order even when it feels like everything is constantly in chaos.

And honestly, Shawn is not helping with that. It’s way easier for people to question Jack’s leadership, his strong stances, his ability to keep things in line, when his “nepotism hire” can’t even show up for work on time. Shawn still tries to defend himself, but his arguments are becoming more sheepish as they go. It’s hard to argue against something that’s objectively true.

Jack: I’m not asking you to do my job. It’s my shit, and I’ll deal with it. I always do. But I’m bending over backwards for you, and you have to meet me in the middle.

Shawn: I know… I know, I’m --

Jack: I gave you this job as a fresh start, Shawn. Because I believed you could pull things back together, that you didn’t have to keep going down the road you were on. I still do believe that. But you have to prove me right, you have to show up.

Shawn: Okay. You’re right, I’m sorry.

Jack: Not even just for me. You have to show up for them. You think Friar would be going around doing this shit if he had even a little more discipline within the school day? The sense that someone else is looking out for him? You know that’s absent from every other part of his life. And all of them have their own shit. You know what that’s like -- we went through it ourselves.

Shawn: … that’s true. I --

Jack, exasperated: They’re what matters, Shawn. Forget the politics, forget the petty drama. With Angela, with Eric. Whatever. What matters are the students. We show up for them. Even if everything else is in chaos.

If anything, the exchange at least highlights why Jack is at AAA. All the criticism that gets hurled at him, all the hard choices he has to make, at the end of the day he’s doing his best. He’s there to help the students, to give them an education and foundation for the rest of their lives. One, seemingly, he wishes he had for himself.

Shawn is certainly reprimanded enough. He agrees with Jack, apologizing again and thanking him for giving him the opportunity. He knows what Jack had to risk to do it. He’s going to try not to squander it -- not to mess everything up again.

Like everything else, all Jack can do is hope for the best. He nods, taking Shawn’s dish and focusing on washing them in the sink instead of facing more of the conversation. As impassioned as the outburst was, it’s clear emotion is not Jack’s strong suit.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - RILEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Cory comes in to say goodnight to Riley and congratulate her on her first day. She is more open with how she actually feels about it with him than Topanga and Auggie, expressing that she doesn’t know what to do about the song. Cory gives her advice from his heart, which is that she should kick things off singing whatever makes her feel most comfortable. Something that feels like her. She shouldn’t have to change herself just to make an impression.

During this conversation, we also learn the real truth as to why Riley is attending this school now -- yes, because of her own passions, but more so because she was bullied at her former school. This is her fresh start.

She gives Cory a hug and then he kisses her forehead, bidding her goodnight. As Riley crawls into bed, she’s back to staring at the ceiling. Thinking, contemplating… as the piano opening of “Your Song” floats in…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Your Song” as performed by Ellie Goulding || Performed by Riley Matthews

Riley keeps it simple with a soft, sweet rendition. No grand fanfare, no brassy vocals, just her sitting on a stool and singing the song. Her vocals are beautiful, but certainly not as loud as Farkle or Maya.

Angela smiles pleasantly as Riley performs. Zay watches with a smile, giving her a little thumbs up when she looks to him. Charlie obviously enjoys the performance, intrigued. Maya and Farkle look unimpressed, almost amused. At least she’s not a threat.

Most of the techies don’t pay attention or look bored. Lucas looks particularly neutral… and yet, he’s not letting his attention drift anywhere else…

A smattering of applause follow her performance. As the class is dismissed, Charlie takes the initiative to approach her and tell her that he really liked the performance. Riley, a bit flustered by the attention, is like thanks okay sure. It’s still unclear whether Charlie is flirting, or if he genuinely did just like the song…

As Riley hustles to pack up, most everybody gone, suddenly it’s just her and Lucas left in the auditorium. She glances to him, uncertain whether she should say something -- she’s supposed to be making friends, after all. But she can’t bring herself to do it. He does it instead, however, muttering an offhand comment as he heads up the back steps towards the technician’s booth.

Lucas: So exciting to see we’ve got another unassuming chorus member.

Riley doesn’t get the chance to respond, but the statement makes its impact. He’s not impressed, and she gets the feeling no one else really was either.

A little funny, coming from him considering he didn’t even perform, but if she wants to make her mark here she’s going to have to bring her A game. Maybe her mother was right -- she’s going to have to be a little bolder if she wants to hold her own.

INT. AAA - DRESSING ROOM HALL - DAY

Farkle is outside the dressing rooms, writing down notes in a journal as Maya emerges from the girls room. She says something snarky to Farkle, prompting banter between the two of them.

Farkle: Oh, yes, I was just compiling a list of all the things I’m going to rightfully accomplish this year. Winter showcase closing number, Haverford conference representative, oh, and that coveted summer spot at the Kossal camp for the rising junior class --

Maya: Oh, is daddy going to buy it for you? Think he could buy you some friends first…

The two of them stare each other down, both of them clearly meaning business and full of diva ire. It’s clear that this year is going to be a bloody battle between the two of them for top spot.

And may the best bitch win.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - RILEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Riley is back to feeling uncertain, her “authentic” performance not having accomplished much. Then, she supposes, it’s not clear how authentic it really was… it was certainly the safe option, at least. But everyone else around her is so loud, so bold, so ready to scrap to the death… and she doesn’t know if that’s her. Maybe she doesn’t have what it takes.

The promotional video certainly is a testament to expectations versus reality. Highly skilled faculty… the polished and put together exterior… camaraderie and a bond with classmates for life… right now, they seemed destined to kill one another.

Thoughtful, Riley pulls up her tablet and searches for the promotional video again. She skims through it, searching for parts of Jack’s speech near the end.

Jack, voiceover: The competition is fierce, and the process isn’t easy.

INT. AAA - FRONT OFFICE - DAY

Eric is in the main office, chatting with the secretaries and easily charming them. Jack emerges from his office with more paperwork, catching his eye as he goes. The two of them hold each other’s gaze for a moment, that animosity still between them.

Jack: It’s work, hard work, but any passion worth pursuing takes a little faith and a whole lot of elbow grease.

Jack keeps his chin held high -- it is his office, after all. He gives Eric a cordial nod, heading back into his office. Back to do the work that matters, to the best of his ability.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

The A class is assembled throughout the stage, all in their rehearsal clothes. Simple leotards, sweats, no one more glamorous than the other. There for the work, there for the challenge and the practice and the opportunities.

Jack: The best of the best make their way to Adams, and without a doubt, the best emerge from it ready to take on the world.

Maya, Farkle, and Zay all rise from stretching at the same time, eyeing each other. Maya takes a pointed sip of her water bottle, turning away with a hair flip.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - RILEY’S BEDROOM - DAY

Riley is enthralled with the video, deep in thought. Jack’s words are resonating with her, leaving their impact.

Jack: The question is, where do the best of the best come from? Who has what it takes to join our elite and excellent rank of future artists? Do you?

That is the question, indeed. Riley glances up, determination in her glare as she looks towards the camera. Guess we’re going to find out!

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “One (Reprise) / Finale” as performed by A Chorus Line Original Broadway Cast || Performed by AAA Sophomores

This classic intense theater kid song takes us through the end of the episode, following each of our main characters through their morning routine at the start of the next day during the first half of the number. This gives us a little bit of insight into what might be going on in their lives beyond what we’ve seen displayed thus far…

INT. MAYA’S APARTMENT - DAY

Maya is in her small, falling apart apartment, kissing her stressed mom on the cheek as she goes out despite how well dressed she is. Talk about expectation versus reality -- she is obviously on the poverty line. Her outward appearance is in complete contrast to the world she’s actually living in every evening.

INT. BABINEAUX HOME - DAY

Zay is gathering all his dance things together, getting pats and kisses from his parents as he dashes out the door. He almost drops his ballet shoe, but his mother catches it and gives it to him, clearly showing he’s a little more scattered than he puts off.

INT. GARDNER HOME - DAY

Charlie is getting ready for the day, dancing around a house full of sisters. He’s fighting for the bathroom just as a younger sister dashes inside, forcing him to run downstairs and get ready to go anyway. His mother licks her thumb and wipes a smudge from his cheek, as his father gives him a proud nod and sees him on his way.

The crucifix adorning the wall by the front door gives us the hint that this family is devout, to some degree. How much so, and whether that matters, only time will tell...

INT. FOSTER HOME - DAY

Isadora is eating breakfast in a crowded kitchen, trying to avoid bumping into a gaggle of siblings of all races and ages. She is a foster child, crammed in a fancy house with about twelve other children. Nice accommodations, and yet still not quite a home.

It’s obviously not the most ideal environment for her. She heads out the door as fast as she can.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

Lucas is already at school early in the morning, in the technician’s booth where Riley left him last. He finishes pulling a black long sleeve shirt over his head, collapsing into the rolling chair and propping his feet up on the lightning board table. He starts flossing his teeth, treating the space like his own rather than school property.

One has to wonder… did he even go home? Is there a home to go to? What’s going on here…

INT. MINKUS HOME - FARKLE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Farkle, lavish and spoiled in a clearly wealthy home, is practicing his stage smile in the mirror. Totally straight-faced, then BAM! Full bright, stage presence grin. Over and over again. Obsessively adjusting his hair. Every polished piece in place. A constant performance…

EXT. AAA - DAY

As the trumpets swell before the final chorus, Riley arrives outside AAA again. She’s ready for her second go. Having what it takes.

She steadies her shoulders, then jogs up the steps towards the school.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Bam! As we enter into the final minute of the performance, Riley spins and the spotlight hits her. The full sophomore A class performers are up on stage, running through the show-stopping number. She’s keeping up -- barely, but she is. And that’s a start.

INT. AAA - TECHNICIAN’S BOOTH - DAY

From the booth, Shawn, Isadora, and Lucas run the lights and sound levels. Watching the performance critically from a world away…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

In the back row of the center section, Jack sits and watches the performance. Taking a moment out of his hectic schedule to settle in and appreciate what they’re doing there, watching the future artists take the foundation and flourish. He smiles, in spite of it all, reminding himself what really matters.

The kids give it their all, ending the number with a flourish. The lights are bright, Riley is alive with the energy of a good performance.

Welcome to Adams, indeed. This is it!

END OF PILOT.

[royal-dragonslayer-ornstein]

iris and aloe!

BOTANICAL HEADCANONS | accepting

iris :   if your muse could convey one last message to someone they have lost or left behind ,   what would it be ?

There’s a fair amount of options here, as throughout his life Ornstein has lost a great deal of people who were deeply important to him. His mother, who fell to illness before they discovered the First Flame, or his father who died shortly after it would be good examples. Gwyn is an interesting case- despite his absolute devotion Ornstein wouldn’t have anything more to say to his king except maybe a brief reassurance that he would still fight for his will, but ultimately most of what he would wish to speak is questions, and without answer those are pointless (this also applies to older and more experienced comrades whom he held in high esteem, such as the Witch of Izalith or Nito later on). Some humans he met during his lengthy lifespan that he considered to be friends, or at least good acquaintances worth respecting.

If he had to choose, it would likely be the rest of the Knights of Gwyn. No he’s not going to choose between them. There is nobody in the world he felt more connected to. They were like family to him, they understood the immense weight of their knightly vows, they shared their obsessive dedication to their duties yet they were also what kept each other grounded and alive, in a way. Ornstein grew deeply fond of them all, and as their captain, the one upon whom the responsibility of their lives fell, being forced to stay behind in Anor Londo and eventually learn the news of their deaths in Oolacile was perhaps the most crippling experience he ever went through.

It’s likely he knew the truth about what became of Artorias. Regardless, he knew them well, and he suspects that in their last days they must have been unbearably harsh upon themselves, that they must have gone through great shame in their defeat, as he believes they could never be satisfied with what they contributed to Anor Londo. Gough is perhaps the only one who might have fully accepted his limits and fate, though his humility might have kept him from appreciating his accomplishments too.

Ornstein’s message would have likely been very long unless he restrained himself. So many things to speak of, confess, praise and reminisce. Perhaps most relevant of all, he would have assured them that one inevitable loss after centuries of victories earned with sweat and blood is nothing to be ashamed of. That he was proud of them, that he alongside all of the gods would remember them as heroes. That they did more than they could imagine, and that they deserved to rest bearing pride for their lives.

aloe :   how does your muse handle grief ?

Pushing forward, focusing on what's left for him to do. From his early life in the shadow and mist back when the dragons ruled the surface, surviving underground for the most part, and through the duration of the long war against them Ornstein developed a strong capacity to stand strong against the losses, though at the cost of becoming stoic and distant, even somewhat maladjusted to the more peaceful times ahead, but his many duties ranging from hunting remaining dragons to diplomatic roles and management to the armies (the latter not done on his own of course) always gave him something to think about, something to work on, something to keep him from spending more time than he already does lost in his thoughts. He’s a workaholic.

He doesn’t handle grief well. He bears it in silence with rare exceptions, and though it’s remarkable how long he’s been carrying it with him it’s taken its toll on him. It is important to mention that he really is nearing a breaking point, so close to a complete descent into his lowest point around the time he seeks Gwyn’s Firstborn. His villain AU begins shortly before this point for a reason- it starts with Ornstein facing an unfortunate encounter that scars him and later failing to find the situations that could have prevented him from taking the wrong path, one of them being a return to Anor Londo empty-handed, unable to find Archdragon’s Peak after years of travel. Even in his main verses, in which various events lead to him eventually reaching a point of acceptance and serenity in the DS3 verse, he must first be stripped of his splendor and power and come to terms with his fears and bitterness as the Old Dragonslayer.

I think what really saves him from just... falling apart before that is the transcending nature of his vow. It does not end when Gwyn sacrifices himself. And likewise, when his comrades fall, the obligation of not letting their deaths be wasted keeps him going. There is something more for him to do for Anor Londo and its people, always just a little bit more to give. He’s never useless, he always has at least one thing to focus on. At least one thing to give his life for, rather than let it go to waste.

[midnightactual]

THE MEGA RP PLOTTING SHEET / MEME.

First and foremost, recall that no one is perfect, we all have witnessed some plotting once which did not went too well, be it because of us or our partner. So here have this, which may help for future plotting. It’s a lot! Yes, but perhaps give your partners some insight? Anyway BOLD what fully applies, italicize if only somewhat.

Mun Name: Ducky      Age: 34       Contact: Tumblr Messages, Discord (Selective)

Character(s) I RP: Yoruichi Which muse(s) inspires you the most atm (for MM)?: n/a Current Fandom(s): Bleach Fandom(s) you have an AU for: n/a My language(s): English (Spanish) Themes I’m interested in for RP:   Fantasy / Science fiction / Horror / Western / Romance / Thriller / Mystery / Dystopia / Adventure / Modern / Erotic / Crime / Mythology / Classic / History / Renaissance / Medieval / Ancient / War / Family / Politics / Religion / School / Adulthood / Childhood / Apocalyptic / Gods / Sport / Music / Science / Fights / Angst / Smut / Drama Themes/Genres you have an AU for: None established, several possible ideas. (Science fiction, Horror, Western, Thriller, Modern, War would be easy.)

Preferred Thread length: one-liner / 1 para / 2 para / 3+ / novella / any. Asks can be send by: Mutuals / Non-Mutuals / Personals / Anons. Can Asks be continued?:   YES / NO   only by Mutuals?:  YES / NO. Preferred thread type: crack / casual nothing too deep / serious / deep as heck. Is realism / research important for you in certain themes?:   YES / NO. Are you atm open for new plots?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS. Do you handle your draft / ask - count well?:  YES / NO / SOMEWHAT. How long do you usually take to reply?:  24h / 1 week / 2 weeks / 3+ / months / years. I’m okay with interacting with: original characters / a relative of my character (an oc) / duplicates / my fandom / crossovers / multi-muses / self-inserts / people with no AU verse for my fandom / canon-divergent portrayals / au-versions (as main or only verse). Do you post more ic or occ?:  IC / OOC. Are you selective with following others?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS.  

Best ways to approach you for RP/plotting:  Open starters, ask prompts, or messaging. Come with an idea if you’re not using a preexisting one though. I try not to push my own very much with people I don’t know at least a little. The worst thing that can happen is that I just say I’m not interested, in which case I’ll usually try and provide an alternative and we can see how we go.

What expectations do you hold towards your plotting partner:  Interest and engagement. A certain degree of flexibility. Openness to communication. I’m pretty easy-going on this stuff, so just the basics really. Do things because you want to, really.

When you notice the plotting is rather one-sided, what do you do?:  It depends. If it’s on me, then I’m going to be talking to my partner about it because, while I don’t have a problem with leading, it can be a bit discouraging. If it’s me doing it, I’m going to try and get reengaged, because I’m unlikely to be that uninvolved unless something is wrong.

How do you usually plot with others, do you give input or leave most work towards your partner?:  To begin with, I like the idea of being rather loose and flexible with planning. I’m not interested in mapping out every little thing, but more the starting point and some of the trajectory; a lot of the time you’ll only really get a feel for something once it gets going and develops its own internal logic. That said, depending on what we’re doing, it might be important to establish a lot of setting and details at the outset. Once a thing is at least a bit established, I’ll probably be doing a much steadier back and forth with ideas on it. So I like to be more flexible and open to start with, and then more focused and engaged.

When a partner drops the thread, do you wish to know?:   YES / NO / DEPENDS. - And why?: If someone wants or needs to drop a thread for whatever reason, that’s okay, but I’m always open to feedback and discussion (provided it’s done with civility) as I can always improve. So if it’s because of how I portray my muse, I would at least listen to that. If it’s for some other reason, it’s just to have some closure on not expecting anything more. - What should your partner do when dropping a thread?:  It’d be courteous to inform me. Other than that, they’re not obligated to do anything else.

What could possibly lead you to drop a thread?:  If I feel it’s unengaging or has run its course, I’m more likely to leave it alone. This is much more likely with one-liner threads, which I’m not likely to address dropping. For anything more substantial, I’ll tell my partner. - Will you tell your partner?:   YES / NO / DEPENDS.

Is communication in the RPC important to you?   YES / NO. - And why?:  Sometimes it’s fine to just do things in an ad hoc way, but communicating makes things more nuanced, interesting, and engaging, I think. - Are you okay with absolute honesty, even if it may means hearing something negative about you and/or portrayal?:  Just keep it clean and be nice, and sure. I’ve never claimed to be The Authority on anything. - Do you think you can handle such situation in a mature way?  YES / NO.

Why do you RP again, is there a goal?:  Learning more about my muse. Socializing. Working on writing as a craft. Developing as a person. Exploring new ideas. Meeting new people. Generally I think it’s a pretty exploratory activity that lets you have fun at the same time.

Wishlist, be it plots or scenarios:  Yoruichi is a fairly lonely and lonesome character, which she tries to off-set through being a social butterfly. But she also craves interaction as much as she values her privacy and alone time. She’s always (even if she tries to hide it) looking for more friends, found family, and affection; anything that gives her a sense of home and belonging, especially as she’s restless in Karakura. She wants deeper and more meaningful relationships of all kinds.

Themes I won’t ever RP / explore:  Rape, torture, drug/alcohol abuse, pregnancy, child-rearing. There’s probably others that I would avoid (like discrimination) even if they may be part of Yoruichi’s background.

What type of Starters do you prefer / dislike, can’t work with?: I can work with pretty much anything, but I prefer detail and establishment of where we are and what we’re doing, or a subject that at least starts a discussion.

What type of characters catch your interest the most?:  Ones that aren’t one-note, that have more interiority and depth to them. Ones that can be thoughtful or challenged and grow. Ones that have hidden depths and interests, and can surprise. Ones that create sparks.

What type of characters catch your interest the least?:  Apathy is the worst sentiment for a character to create; it’s far better to be hated than for no one to care. So a character that is exceedingly bland or uninteresting is always going to interest me the least.

What are your strong aspects as RP partner?:  I’m active, flexible, understanding, and have a fairly diverse range and register. I can be confident and supportive of others. I know interesting things and am decently smart.

What are your weak aspects as RP partner?:  I can often develop preconceived ideas about how things will go, or where they’re heading. I’m not the best at reaching out to communicate first, or staying in communication, even when I know it’s important. I tend to be very on or off. I can be something of a perfectionist. I’m still learning to deal with lack of interest from others. I can be sensitive and lack confidence at times.

Do you RP smut?:  YES / NO. (more like “could”) Do you prefer to go into detail?:  YES / NO / DEPENDS. Are you okay with black curtain?:  YES / NO. - When do you RP smut? More out of fun or character development?:  Sex and intimacy are usually an important aspect of human relationships, and they reveal a lot about the people involved. (Just as say, combat and violence can.) It’s a more extreme, edge-case scenario that can draw out elements of a character and help define them, and their relationships. It’s also just fun. But mostly, character development. How much focus it should get depends on how it important it is to them, in my opinion. - Anything you would not want to RP there?:  Anything non-con or just kind of generally skeezy or gross. Smut can be casual but I’m not really comfortable with that and would instead go for a fade-to-black. Generally, not really into smut that goes with a relationship that doesn’t mean anything.

Are ships important to you?:   YES / NO. Would you say your blog is ship-focused?:   YES / NO. Do you use read more?:  YES / NO / SOMETIMES. Are you: Multi-Ship / Single-Ship / Dual-Ship  —  Multiverse / Singleverse. - What do you love to explore the most in your ships?:  The dynamic of the relationship itself. How the muses bond, what they talk about, what they do, what they argue over. I like a certain degree of friction and spark in relationships too, not ones that a perfectly lovey-dovey and easy going. I like it when muses challenge each other and help (or make) each other grow. - What is your smut tag?: #NSFW, #R18, #TW: Sex. I wouldn’t keep a specific one just for IC smut.

Are you okay with pre-established relationships?: YES / NO. - And what kind of ones?: Relatives (canon or OC), friendships, mentorships, and so on are all fine and I’ll roll with them as long as I think they feel plausible and believable. Romantic or sexual ships being assumed is not okay with me.

► SECTION ABOUT YOUR MUSE.

- What could possibly make your Muse interesting towards others, why should they rp with this particular character of yours now, what possible plots do they offer?:  I’ve written before that: “Yoruichi has stood at the glittering heights with the people who pretend to run the world, and has also crouched in the trenches of some of the absolute worst of metahumanity’s excesses and horrors. Throughout all that, she has kept her humor, her empathy, and her spark—if anything, they’ve only grown brighter in the face of the darkness she’s traversed. She might seem aloof, fickle, or self-indulgent by turns, but she cares quite deeply—perhaps too much. She knows the real stakes of the vile system which holds up the world, and that ultimately keeps her from acting too rashly, but deep down she’s really only a few bad Falling Down days away from saying, ‘Fuck it,’ and deciding to go full Che Guevara in the name of the downtrodden, oppressed, and marginalized. She is a walking, talking, smiling, multi-megaton thermonuclear warhead of feelings only kept in check by her sharp mind, her low-key lack of faith in her own leadership abilities, her boundless desires to see and grow and learn, and the constant distractions of one handsome, perverted shopkeeper. And so she’s often to be found trying to make the world just a little better of a place, one day at a time. Just under the surface though, is Mordin Solus’s quote from Mass Effect 2: ‘Lots of ways to help people. Sometimes heal patients; sometimes execute dangerous people. Either way helps.’” I stand by this. Yoruichi is complicated and can get involved in just about anything, with anyone. She’s an all-purpose spice.

- With what type of Muses do you usually struggle to RP with?:   Probably around half of the Arrancar and Sternritter, to be honest. There wasn’t much interaction there, and although I think she would hear them out, a lot of their personalities simply do not mesh with her worldview (despite her overall disdain for Soul Society) and she would not do anything more than tolerate them. (There are, of course, exceptions.) - With what type of Muses do they usually work well with?:  Pretty much any kind other than that, honestly.

- What interests your Muse(s) in general:  Food, geopolitics, history, science, sex, philosophy, morality & ethics, gossip, pop culture (esp. movies and TV). - What do they desire, is their goal?:  In not so specific of terms: 1. to stay alive and keep living, 2. Finding home, a place where she truly belongs. 3. the total destruction of the existing order of the universe while simultaneously saving everyone (or as many people as possible) who lives in it. - What catches their interest first when meeting someone new?:  Body language, the look in their eyes, general appearance, how they conduct themselves. - What do they value in a person?:  Wit, charm, intelligence, honesty, backbone, beauty, values. - What themes do they like talking about?:  Anything, really. - Which themes bore them?:  Yoruichi only really gets bored when she feels she’s not being listened to or sincerely engaged with.

- Did they ever went through something traumatic?:  Yoruichi’s breaking into the Soul King’s Palace as a teenager left her with permanent doubts about things. Becoming a de facto war criminal in running the Onmitsukidō soured her on them further still. She was involved in multiple wars and independence movements on Earth in the 20th century. Most of the people she ever cared about are dead. - What could possibly trigger them?:  Allusions to unpleasant past events or things that invoke memories of them, feeling helpless, feeling useless, feeling excessively lonely. - What could set them off, enrage them?:  Callousness, indifference, playing with other people’s lives and feelings, treating people like toys, being manipulative, killing or harming innocents, being conceited, being selfish, being cowardly, oppression, discrimination. - What could lead to an instant kill?:  A determination that you are a threat to herself and others, and irredeemable.

- Is there someone /-thing they hate?:  Central 46, the Soul King, Soul Society as a concept, the Great Noble Houses, mass murderers, psychopaths, excessive loneliness. - Is there someone /-thing they love?:  Life, living, Earth, food, sleep, sex, generally hedonistic pursuits.

Is your Muse easy to approach?: YES / NO. - Best ways to approach them?:  As a Bleach character, just imagine you bump into Yoruichi, as she gets around Earth and Soul Society quite a lot. Or maybe she’ll bump into you. - Where are they usually to be found?:  Karakura, the Greater Tokyo Area, inner districts of Rukongai, maybe the Seireitei sometimes.

Something you may still want to point out about your Muse?:  Yoruichi is moody and her attitude can change in the blink of an eye. Her backstory is very dark in some regards, but she often tries to have a sense of levity or playfulness. She’s got a very wide range and you shouldn’t assume she’s boring or only going to react in one kind of way. She’s going to want to try and surprise or shock you and keep you off your game.

CONGRATS!!! You managed it, now tag your mutuals! ♥

Tagged by: @skyvar​,  @bleachintothemultiverse​ (thanks, but also god this took forever!) Tagging: This one is so long that I’m not tagging anyone, but you can do it if you want to.