minor revisions made 1/7/20 to clarify requests and hopefully eradicate the worst of my typos

舞蹈风暴 Dance Smash: Painted Skin 2 Choreography

(Woman in Red/Woman in Blue)

If you haven't seen this, check it out here. It's under three minutes and a gorgeous dance in its own right.

For fic: While I'm aware that the choreography was based on a specific scene from a movie, I think that the piece itself invites all kinds of interpretations. I could see these women as having a long, tense past. Or maybe they've just met. Perhaps they're living in a traditional horror story or a table-turning empowerment fantasy. (I could also, most definitely, see them as creepy backstabbing incestuous sisters. Or a closeted girl picked up by a knowing seductress.)

As for the setting, go wild or keep it simple! I have no restrictions for you at all, but definitely don't feel constrained by the visual style. If these two give you an interstellar vibe, or you feel a fairy-tale elegance or a modern, creepy, who knows what's going on next door chill, I am down for it.

For art: The motion and contrast of the costumes is beautiful and evocative, and I'd love to see that captured. I'd also be excited for some visual world-building in the vein of what I described above-- give them a setting!

DNW: Rape, Focus on Suicidal Ideation.

For this canon, please note that I'm fine with (and would even look forward to seeing!) a power imbalance. Either or both women being tricked or coerced into sex and/or a relationship is OK, however I would ask that all characters give enthusiastic consent in the moment. It's fine if they realize that was a terrible idea after the fact, though . . .

Sleep No More

I told myself that I was only allowed to add as many pairings as I could write specific requests for. Let's see how this goes. (For my more general thoughts on the canon, please see my other recent sign-up letters in this journal.)

(Agnes/Hecate)

The scene between Agnes and Hecate was one of my first loves in SNM-- I would close almost every show with it. These two feel like complimentary contrasts: fair and dark, ingenue and femme fatal, lost and knowing.

But there's a surprising strength in Agnes, a steel spine. While I'd be happy with a one-sided seduction story, I could see Agnes flipping the script, or even-- well, perhaps not winning a second round, but at least drawing blood. And then what?

I also wonder what that moment on high street would feel like in a more naturalistic world, or that final offer of a drink. I would like to know what Agnes remembers in the morning . . .

(Bald/Boy/Sexy - or Bald&Boy&Sexy)

I love the witches because they feel like a force of nature within the hotel, a well-oiled machine that runs on promise and punishment, but spending time with any of them reveals very distinct personalities. I would love to hear about how that relationship functions outside of the night we see— are they a twisted supportive family, do they play petty games with the town and keep score? Have they kept up the pretense of being strangers until just now? Are they the avenging spirits of Paisley, or something more modern than that?

I also enjoy speculating about the more meta side of things in terms of how the characters perceive their audience and who is aware that they’re stuck in a looping story. In this context, or when it comes to their fellow residents, I feel that exhibitionism will never be out of place for these three.

(Bald/Sexy)

First of all, see above. But I do think Bald and Sexy share a sympathy beyond what Boy can understand. There's so often a feeling of aftercare to their meeting in the woods, their ritual in the powder room. I would love to see them sharing confessions (doubts? fears? kinks?) with each other that no one else would ever understand, whether in some private space or out on the ballroom floor.

Besides, let's face it, sometimes men are unnecessary.

(Catherine Campbell/Lady Macbeth)

I . . . really should have just written her in as Ms. Danvers, this is so odd.

In any case! Whatever her name, I see so many Danvers/Rebecca parallels in Catherine and Lady Macbeth. How exactly is Catherine seduced into helping drug Duncan (and perhaps Lady Macduff as well-- was she acting on orders, or not? And whose?) Does Lady Macbeth rely on her, or does she use her . . . or is Lady M herself being used by our most unobtrusive witch?

Other questions include: Who wore the lace nightgown? Has Catherine ever experienced that moment of luxury? Has she ever turned the tables on Lady M as well?

(Boy/Porter)

Kind of my doomed OTP, if I'm honest. Boy and Porter clearly have such a history. I like it when they hate each other, when they hurt each other, when they want each other. I believe they secretly still love each other. Some Porters want to be Boy Witch, while others seem to wish he were still "the boy" from the past. Some Boys want to give in and take comfort from the Porter. Some are just straight up sadomasochistic together. So many interpretations-- I adore them all and would be happy with a story that casts them in any light.

I would love to hear about their history-- is "Is That All There Is" true fact, or is the song just a convenient tool? I love everything that was hinted at playbill, semi-canonical though it be, and want to share the inspiration. Or, you know. Just give these poor men a moment to pretend they could be anything other than what they are.

(Malcolm/Boy Witch)

I recently saw a take on Malcom that made me feel as if he were deeply closeted, sneaking out for assignations with Boy Witch in the woods, and trying desperately to hide the whole thing from his father and the rest of the party. I am deeply into this interpretation and want to know more.

(Bargarran/Speakeasy)

The Taxidermist and the Speakeasy Bartender may have minimal interactions, but sometimes they seem to be having a lot of fun. I've seen everything from jokes to stolen kisses to rubbing noses like deranged cats. This is a weird one, but I'm just so charmed by the idea of these two men, probably utterly warped by the town they live in, enjoying the heck out of the little things. Like dead birds and bone sculptures.

On a more serious note: the back of Taxi's shop and Speakeasy's entire bar is just overrun with witches. Is there a creeping horror to that, or are they just a nuisance? (OK, so maybe not entirely serious . . . but go full horror with either of them if you want. They lend themselves to it.)

(general notes)

For Art, I honestly just love seeing what struck fellow fans while they were in the show! The whole thing is so cinematic that any moment could become a gorgeous still.

DNW: Rape, Non-Canonical Character Death, Focus on Suicidal Ideation, Alternate Universe Settings

For this canon, please note that I'm fine with (and would even look forward to seeing!) a power imbalance. Any character being tricked or coerced into sex and/or a relationship is OK, however I would ask that everyone give enthusiastic consent in the moment. It's alright if they realize that was a terrible idea after the fact, though . . .

Be More Chill

(Christine Canigula/Jeremy Heere/Michael Mell)

I saw BMC shortly before it closed. While I expected to walk out laughing, I didn't plan to be so invested in Michael's happiness! Jeremy and Christine are adorable together, but if two geeks are good, then three is better.

I would prefer to avoid too much navel-gazing wrt sexuality, but I would love a fun get-together story or a scene from a future established relationship-- senior year, cool in college or beyond.

For art: School play poster, yearbook photos, regrettable fashion choices, multimedia stories... go wild!

DNW: Rape/Noncon, Non-Canonical Character Death, Focus on Suicidal Ideation, Alternate Universe Settings