sweetestsurrender | { The Alternate Universe Meme }

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{ The Alternate Universe Meme }

the alternate universe meme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[I feel like this one requires a pitch rather than just. Jumping right in, so...

Duo's a new stripper at a high end club, Wufei's a regular not 'cause he wants to be, but because his business partners drag him along. Duo makes it his personal mission to get Wufei to loosen up? They're probably in a VIP room so Duo's making bank regardless.]

[I am all in for this lol! Duo will focus all of his considerable effort and attention on the one guy who looks like he doesn't belong nor wishes to be there haha]

[Okay! I know Stripper!Duo is not a lot of people's cup of tea, so I figured asking was a lot better than just. Dumping it in your lap lol.]

Wufei was what you would call 'straight laced'. After war had taken his family from him, he'd made the most of every opportunity that came his way, and had worked his way up to a rather high level within management of a prominent company. He had not expected his latest promotion to come with so goddamn many visits to strip clubs, even if they were very classy, high-end joints.

So he was, maybe, sulking a little bit, sandwiched between two slightly drunk, slightly horny, and very boisterous colleagues as they settled into the VIP room for their weekly visit. The other strippers had warned Duo that the 'grumpy one' wasn't going to be worth his time, no matter how nice he looked, and that he was also the one who tended to shut shit down before it got bad enough to justify calling in a bouncer.

And there he was, seated near the middle, arms and legs crossed, ignoring the cheerful banter of his colleagues as they ordered more alcohol and otherwise pretended like there wasn't an actual stick in the mud in their midst. It was just Wufei's luck that he was the youngest by almost twenty years, and certainly the most handsome. Or beautiful, if you felt like taking your life in your hands. He wouldn't even get his finely tailored suit that probably cost more than Duo made in a week dirty.

Duo was very new to this game. A friend had convinced him it was a good idea, he'd be good at it and it was decent money. And money was something Duo needed. It also helped that, after a few days, he'd actually found he'd enjoyed working at the club. He had the chance to let loose, to dance and pretend to be someone else for a night. If he wanted to be touched, he could let people touch. If not, he could shut that shit down. But it was dancing that he'd liked the most. Just letting the music take him and actually getting paid to do it!

It was the same friend who told him about the regulars they'd be entertaining that night. She'd explained who they are, what they liked, and about the poor guy who clearly wished he could have been somewhere else. Duo had just laughed and questioned why the guy was there if he didn't get involved? No one knew. All they could say was that he was a pretty guy who they wished would pay them attention.

He liked a challenge though. Well, fun. He liked fun.

The VIP room was in full swing before Duo got the chance to make an appearance. His dance set had taken priority! But now he was ready! He followed his friend into the room and was just a little on the nervous side.

For this he'd let his hair down. Thick, mahogany waves hung down his back. He wore all black, he always did. The boss had wanted him in white for some stupid damn reason. Something about it looking pure and virginal. Duo was neither of those and wouldn't play the part. Besides, black suited him better. It was a combination of leather and lace, covering most of his body, with just hints of pale flesh peaking through. Around his neck was a leather collar, on his wrists too. Around his waist and ankles were thin silver chains with delicate bells that jingled whenever he walked. And he was barefoot.

Of course, the moment he entered, he saw the one his friend had been talking about. He looked unformattable, defensive, and very, very easy on the eyes. Duo smiled.

Challenge accepted.

Wufei was in the middle of refusing a drink when Duo stepped into the room with his friend, and for a moment he completely forgot how to breathe. His eyes were wide as they drifted down Duo's body, back up again. Right until his colleague slung an arm over his shoulders, giving him a shake and spilling half a glass of beer onto Wufei's expensive suit. Shirt, tie, pants, the whole nine yards.

That was enough to get Wufei's brain back in gear as he hissed an insult and plucked the beer away, putting it back on the table and trading it for napkins to dab futilely at his suit. It had the nice side effect of making him perch on the front of the seat, much closer to the room's stage than he would otherwise get. Duo was, momentarily, out of sight and out of mind.

Large, warm violet eyes watched the scene unfold with more than a hint of amusement. Duo looked to his friend for confirmation that this was the guy, saw her trying to stifle a laugh and then shook his head.

Let the games begin, then.

"Let me." Duo smoothly spoke and knelt down before Wufei. He'd taken a handful of napkins himself and reached out. It almost looked as if he was heading straight for Wufei's crotch, but instead took his tie in hand and delicately dabbed it dry. "Pity. This was a nice tie." Duo smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling and his head tilted just a little to the side. "I'm Duo. If you want... there are other rooms? We could dry you off better there?"

Wufei blinked owlishly as Duo was quite suddenly right there and oh, god, no... dabbing at his tie. His face was awash with crimson as he watched Duo dabbing at his tie. "I... it's fine," he managed to get out, though he sounded a little bit like he was being strangled. "I'm, uh."

"Wufei!" his buddy crowed, slamming a hand onto Wufei's back hard enough to bruise. "Loosen the hell up, man!"

He grimaced. "I'm just here to keep them from getting handsy," and to hopefully get himself promoted out of this goddamn nonsense. "I don't... I don't..." He swallowed heavily. "I don't think that would be appropriate." Said the man in a strip club VIP room.

Duo's gaze shifted away to the man at Wufei's side to give him a rather dirty look. It may have been wrong of him to look at a patron in such a way, but he was trying to get Wufei to loosen up. Having this loud and obnoxious man ruin it and embarrass poor Wufei...

"It isn't appropriate to dry yourself off?" Duo asked, bringing his gaze back, this time complete with a laugh and a wider smile. "Come on. I promise I'll keep my hands to myself." There was teasing in his voice as he stood and held his hands out to Wufei to help him up to his feet. And then realised what he was doing, so with another laugh he linked his hands behind his back. "There, see? We'll get you cleaned up and back here in no time."

Wufei shot a pleading look to Duo's coworker, but just got a laugh for his trouble.

"Don't worry, sweetie, we've got bouncers at our beck and call," she assured, already working on drawing attention away from Duo and Wufei, so they could make an easier exit.

Reluctantly, Wufei got to his feet, rubbing a hand down his front and wincing as he remembered that the whole reason he was getting up was the spill, which he'd just run his hand through. "Alright," he agreed, finally, frowning like he'd just bitten into a lemon when expecting a peach.

Duo smiled, a bright smile, eyes closing and crinkling at the corners. He'd won. Wufei was up and on his feet and had no more excuses to make. So Duo began walking backwards, one step at a time, eyes open and watching Wufei as he walked.

"Just follow me." He winked and crooked a finger in a 'come hither' gesture.

Was he teasing? Maybe a little. But he'd promised to keep his hands to himself and so he would. For now.

He made his way across the VIP room and pushed open another door, half hidden behind a curtain. Duo opened the door, stepped inside and then held it open for Wufei. Inside the lights were all on, though they were dimmer than usual. And inside it was a bedroom. A large, comfortable bedroom with a massive king sized bed. There were too plush sofas, a table and a TV hanging from a wall. There was a smaller room off to one side, a bathroom. And that's where Duo took himself once Wufei was inside and he was able to close and lock the bedroom door behind him. Just in case his new friends colleagues decided to interrupt...

The blush just got darker as he followed Duo to the... dear god, it was actually a bedroom. He looked like a deer in headlights, standing at the foot of the bed and starring at it like he expected the thing to come to life and bite off his head.

Apparently a couple minutes to himself helped him regain his composure, because Wufei looked downright pissed when Duo returned, leveling something a few shades shy of a glare on Duo. "Are they forcing any of you to do... that?" he demanded, gesturing at the bed. He was about ready to raze the place down if they were.

When Duo returned with two towels, one in each hand, he looked a little surprised by the reaction he was getting. Wufei looked angry. He'd only been gone for a moment! What in the world had crawled up his ass and died in that time?

"That?" An innocent gaze, eyes wide as they moved from that angry expression to the bed and then back again. "Not me, no. They don't force us to do anything. Though I'm going to force you to sit down." Duo gave a smile and stepped closer and lifted his hands and the towels. "Time to dry you off."

Some of the fire faded, and tension eased out of his shoulders as he turned his attention to the towels, nodding in agreement. "Good," he replied with a sigh. "I've never... been in any of the other rooms," he admitted, turning to face Duo and reaching for one of the towels. He even cracked a hint of a smile.

"They're all different, but this one has a bathroom with towels." Which was one reason why he'd brought Wufei here. There were other reasons though... Duo didn't mention those reasons. But he did smile brightly when he caught Wufei smiling at him.

"May I?" He made a gesture, the second towel still in his hands. Asking permission because of his promise to keep his hands to himself. Duo wouldn't do a single thing until he was sure that Wufei was fine with it. After all, getting him to loosen up and relax was the main aim. He was a hard nut to break, and Duo was looking forward to watching him crack.

Alone like this, Wufei was a lot less tense than he'd been in the other room. Between his jeering colleagues and the uncomfortably sexy dancing, he'd been completely off center and waspish, but just the two of them and he was considerably more relaxed.

"I suppose so," he agreed, a little sheepishly, as he tried to pat his shirt dry with one hand, the other tugging his tie loose and pulling it off. The fabric was already staining, so there was no sense trying to dry it, it was a lost cause. "My apologies for my colleagues, they've no self control whatsoever."

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{ The Alternate Universe Meme }

Yukimura Seiichi ❧ Prince of Tennis ❧ OTA

Chitose Senri - Prince of Tennis - OTA

Iwaizumi Hajime | Haikyuu!! | OTA

Kageyama Tobio - Haikyuu!! - OTA

Duo Maxwell | Gundam Wing | OTA

Gladiolus Amicitia | Final Fantasy XV | OTA

Prompto Argentum | Final Fantasy 15 | OTA

Ignis Scientia // Final Fantasy XV // OTA

Nyx Ulric / Final Fantasy XV: Kingsglaive / OTA

Arimar - Original Character - OTA

Jez Harper ~ OC ~ OTA

Loki / OC / OTA

Kiyosumi Shuichi | OC | OTA

Sohma Kyo - Fruits Basket - OTA

Ryuji Sakamoto 💀 Persona 5 💀 OTA

Lan Wangji // The Untamed // OTA

Lan Xichen - The Untamed - OTA

Lan Sizhui / Mo Dao Zu Shi / OTA

Wei Wuxian - The Untamed - OTA

Wen Ning - The Untamed - OTP

Song Lan / The Untamed / OTA

Xie Lian ✿ Heaven Official's Blessing ✿ OTA

Hua Cheng 🦊 Heaven Official's Blessing 🦊 OTA

Feng Xin - Tiān Guān Cì Fú - OTA

Pei Ming - Tiān Guān Cì Fú - OTA

Yin Yu - Tiān Guān Cì Fú - OTA

Shi Qingxuan - Tiān Guān Cì Fú - OTA

Aerith Gainsborough | Final Fantasy 7: Remake | OTA

Cloud Strife | Final Fantasy 7 (Remake) | OTA

Barret Wallace | Final Fantasy 7 Remake | OTA

Leslie Kyle - FF7: Remake - OTA

Zack Fair / FF7 / OTA

Vincent Valentine | Final Fantasy 7 | OTA

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