Speechless: The Musical IF

JC (he/him) +18 acc | writer of speechless: the musical if

[speechless-if]

Speechless: The Musical IF

Demo/itch.io page - TBA | Working on prologue now!

Synopsis:

Dreams are easy, making them real feels impossible.

For as long as you can remember, music was just about the only thing that truly spoke to you. Melodies had a way of reaching deep down inside you and pulling a sense of love and safety from you that nothing else could. Which is exactly why musical theatre seemed to call to you so fervently, a live performance with an entourage of like-minded people as the stage oozed a manic sense of love for the craft? What other form of music could fulfill you? None, simple as. 

You started chasing your dreams from an early age; joined theatre, a choir, studied music in your free-time, went to local plays, auditioned for local plays, anything that would get you closer to your dream really. But now, in your mid-twenties, you’ve little accolades to show for it. Background roles, followed by one or two supporting roles, that’s the most you have to your name. You have an amazing voice, your rhythm hardly falls out of sync, you work hard to study your lines and direction… and you’re still never the first pick. 

But that all changes when you're approached by a woman after an audition. Moxine Solstice, a driven woman who believes you have a draw to you that will turn her original musical from just another great play to a masterpiece. The pay is lower than you’d expect for a leading role and every song you have to sing has a plethora of demanding moments in every song, challenging notes and abrupt shifts in octaves clearly meant to show off range, but if she’s right… this show might just be your breakout role.

It’s time to make your dream a reality.

Features:

Decide your charcter's gender (Male, Female and Non-binary)

Customize your character's appearance (skin color, hair color and length, eye color, height)

Choose from three different singing voices (Soprano, Countertenor, and Baritone)

Establish your character's personality through two traits that will affect how they navigate the world around them and treat others (Outlook and Social)

RO’s:

Producer/Director/Writer/Lead Role/CEO; Moxine ‘Moxie’ Solstice, she/her (18)

To call Moxie ambitious would be a severe understatement. At 15, she was producing music and found a modicum amount of success online. At 16, she was the leading voice in her church choir and made her own band to play at parties, she also continued being a solo artist online, simply adding her voice to her music. Now 18, she has piled as much responsibility onto herself as one could take. She has founded her own production company for musicals: Solstice LLC. And now she’s a one-woman army to debut her newly written play; Speechless: The Musical. Will she go into generational debt if her show bombs? Yes! And a massive deciding factor of whether or not her dreams come true is her newly scouted talent she picked up on a whim… you. No pressure!

Assistant Director; Shyanne Williams, she/her (26)

A jaded, no-nonsense woman who only entertains Moxie’s big-time dreams because she’s being paid far more than is normal for her job title. Did she manipulate the naive Moxie to squeeze more money from her? Maybe. But that’s just business. If the aspiring broadway star makes it further than the play, she’ll learn that lesson in no time. But perhaps Moxie isn’t the only one who has room to grow. Will you be the one to thaw her icy exterior?

Supporting Role; Lou Leonard, he/him (22)

In a few ways, he reminds you a bit of yourself. From a young age he knew singing was all he’d ever want to do and pursued that dream with a dogged determination. And while he has landed a few roles that made an impression, he has yet to land a leading role. Now, if you were to ask him, he would likely tell a joke and say he’s simply happy to pay the bills and meet like-minded people. But in moments where he believes nobody watches… his smile drops and the jokes stop coming. Can you be the one to show him his value?

Dance Choreographer/Aspiring Singer; Ashley Havard, he/him (20)

One thing that is obvious soon after meeting him is his pride. Everything that he can flaunt about himself is self-taught; dancing, cooking, baking, drawing, hell, he even taught himself to swim by jumping into the deep end without floaters when he was six! The one hobby he’s not very open about is singing… It might just be the one thing he loves more than dancing, but when your work has you surrounded by people who were professionally taught and have years of experience? Yeah, best if he just doesn’t humiliate himself. Maybe you’ll be the one to help him find his voice?

Speechless: The Musical is a character driven, drama/romance interactive fiction. Each RO is a unique route that will involve heavy and personal themes. Furthermore, the game will contain optional sexual content in the later part of the story.

CW: Depression, suicidal ideation, internalized homophobia, family related trauma including physical & emotional abuse.

Didn't know this was an option before so I'm adding it now lol @interact-if

[justgetoutmyhead]

My Favorite TBA Interactive Fictions

Per the title - these are my favorite upcoming IF's (in no particular order)! I'm super excited seeing their concepts come to life and as they announce their release dates/are released, I will update here. I highly recommend checking them all out, and enjoy! ♡〜٩( ˃▿˂ )۶〜♡

Glitz, Glam, & Gunpowder by @glitzglamgunpowder-if (Realistic/Historical Fiction)

At The End Of The Fucking World by @at-the-end-of-the-fucking-world (Horror/Magical Realism)

DORMANT STAR by @dormantstar-if (Magical Realism/Superhero)

Take Two, Action! by @taketwoaction-if (Realistic Fiction)

Flesh Revival by @fleshrevival (Magical Realism/Horror) (Last week of June!)

In Sickness, In Health, and in Espionage by @spies-if (Realistic Fiction/Action) (June 21st at 3pm BRT!)

This Time, It's Different. by @thistimeitsdifferent-if (Magical Realism/Horror) (June 23rd!)

Neverland by @neverland-if (Fantasy/Horror/Vampires) *this is a secondary project by @thelonelyshore-if and I highly recommend their other work The Lonely Shore*

Legerdemain by @legerdemain-if (Cyberpunk)

Sunbound by @rosygames (Realistic Fiction)

Afterimage by @afterimage-if (Crime/Thriller)

Dead Venus Reckoning by @cattleyawrites (Realistic Fiction)

Speechless: The Musical by @speechless-if (Realistic Fiction)

Insurrection: HAWKS by @insurrection-if (Magical Realism/Superhero/Thriller)

Severance by @severance-if (Dark Fantasy)

Celestial Legend by @celestiallegend-if (Fantasy/Magical Realism)

Smalltown, Nowhere by @smalltown-if (Slice-of-life)

The Flesh of Fruit by @bookishbeaz (Horror)

@interact-if

@ me showing off all these wonderful concepts:

[speechless-if]

Y'all already know I like to spread the love to other IF's so imagine my joy upon seeing a list of them. I didn't know about some of these, but you should be sure to check them all out!

[tifa-writes]

DEMO

Sadeans: A Dark Urban-Fantasy Interactive Novel

──────────────────────────────────────────

The zylox have plagued humanity for as long as anyone can remember.

They’re the stuff of nightmares. The monsters you tell your kids about to scare them into good behavior. The center of everyone’s darkest fears.

And now, they’re a bigger threat than ever.

Zylox (zy•low) are sadistic monsters that feed on human pain. They’re formidable, with superhuman strength, speed, and agility. They torture indiscriminately, kidnap people in droves, and make up more than half of the crime rate. But recently, they’ve grown cohesive. Coordinated.

Like they’re planning a revolution.

You’re a newly-minted agent at the Zylox Control Corporation—an institute focused on containing the zylox and eradicating all zylox related crimes—and you’ve just been handed your first assignment:

Work with a zylox to infiltrate the most deadliest zylox syndicate to date.

It’s dangerous, deadly, and likely to end in your death.

But you rise to the task.

Sadeans is a dark urban fantasy interactive novel. Features include:

- Customizable character. Choose your character’s gender, appearance, and pronouns. Shape their personality as you play.

- 5 current romance options: 3 guys and 2 girls. You can befriend, romance, or severely enrage any of them.

- Choose your skillset and apply it in combat.

- Fight to stop the Zylox revolution, and uncover groundbreaking secrets about the zylox along the way.

Junit (M, 24)

A captured zylox forced to do the ZCC’s (the Zylox Control Corporation’s) bidding, and your assigned partner. He’s flippant, bubbly, troublesome, and extraordinarily dangerous.

You’ll likely have to keep an eye on him to prevent him from escaping, or, you know, sneaking off to torture some poor soul.

Rion (M, 25):

Cold and quietly sassy strategist. He’s brilliant, calculating, and has a bit of a short fuse. He tends to keep people at an arm’s length, and you’ve never managed to make it past a distantly amicable relationship. But, perhaps that can change.

Aiden: (M, 28)

Your longtime loyal friend who cares deeply for you. He’s your senior agent, and a great recourse. He’s the perfect soldier: strait-laced, by-the-book, and fiercely protective.

Q: (F, 27)

Off-beat, spunky doctor who’s as wacky as she is skilled. Somehow, she always turns on the serious personally like a switch whenever higher-ups are around…

She’s fun and boisterous, but what might you find if you dig a little deeper?

Mermoset (F, 22)

A timid, nervous fellow rookie agent who has low self esteem issues. She seems to harbor a dark past that runs deeper than simple trauma.

Content Warnings: Violence, sensual content, sadism.

@interact-if

[speechless-if]

Fun Fact: The first piece of fiction I ever started writing was an urban fantasy. Which is to say, this one has my attention, even if it does make me a bit bias lol. Go give em a follow and read the IF!

[sorrows-if]

DEMO (TBA) • RELEASE DATE (TBA)

Once, the Rosanne Family was noble, unsullied, believed to bleed blue.

After millennia left unconquered, the glory of your family became a privilege witnessed only by your forefathers.

You and your sister Amelia seemed fated to waste away as orphaned scribes in the Great Library of Mortimer, your homeland.

The hand given to the two of you changes abruptly when a distant, long-forgotten maternal aunt passes away;

Mistress Seraphina Lerofey of Belamour Estate has proclaimed, in her will, that her lands are to be given to both you and your sister.

Having been gifted untold prosperity, you felt, for the first time in many arduous years, that this would be your gentle epilogue, a new chapter in your life.

However, when a midnight adventure in the maze behind your new Estate ends with your sister disappearing and you waking up in an endless, enchanted waterland, you begin to question what it truly means to be alive.

Can you find your sister and return home? Would you even want to return?

• The possibility to customize your Rosanne's name, gender, appearance, pronouns, sexuality, personal aspirations, strengths and weaknesses.

In a world that seems to have come straight out of a fairytale storybook, what does it mean to be human?

• Build meaningful relationships with a vibrant cast of characters, including three romantic options.

Love and friendship must be cherished.

• Define the relationship you had with your sister prior to her disappearance. Were the two of you close? Enemies?

Would you do anything differently? Would Amelia?

• Let your dormant magic unfurl.

This strange world allows beautiful things to blossom.

• Learn more about your forefathers and Aunt Seraphina.

Who ruined your family?

• Explore the mythical world of Lisianthus, a wondrous city elevated above crystalline waters, lovingly based on the Palafitas Brasileiras.

An homage to the hidden gems of my homeland.

• Return home. Or stay.

The choice is yours.

Helena Cassander (F) is the quiet, gentle owner of the Morena Mansion on the outskirts of Lisianthus.

She owns Mora's Tea Shop and is always ready to lend a listening ear and provide you a soothing, warm cup of peony tea.

Lonely as she is, Helena's sweet disposition never wavers.

Appearance: rosy skin with freckles on her cheeks and nose, pale blue eyes, and waist-length pin straight black hair. She is also blind. Helena is 25 years old.

Will you prove to her that the right person always stays?

Oriel Crescent (M) is bubbly, clumsy and spirited; many things in one.

A researcher, botanist and weirdly careful alchemist, is to him people turn to when they need a cure for their afflictions.

Affable and buddy-buddy to quite literally anyone, Oriel takes an instant liking to you and your mysterious condition. Granted, his curiosity can be grating, but Oriel's effortless charm makes up for it.

Appearance: medium brown skin, hazel-green eyes, and short-length curly caramel blond hair. Oriel is 28 years old.

Will you prove to him that love is not an exact science?

Juno Annika (F/M) is a mischievous, utterly distracted Toy Maker in Lisianthus.

Talented in all things they do, Juno prefers to live inside their own head, daydreaming and crafting their creations to perfection.

Absent but welcoming, they are sympathetic to your plight, having had a family member who went through the same your sister did.

Appearance: tan skin, grey eyes. F!J has mid-back length wavy auburn hair. M!J has wavy auburn hair in a neck-length mullet of sorts. They are 24 years old.

With a heart of gold, Juno is the friend you can depend on. Will you anchor them in reality, or better yet, join them in the clouds?

Content Warnings include verbal abuse, mentions of death, foul language, possible suggestive content and more. Player's discretion is advised.

@interact-if

This is my first time writing an interactive fiction novel in a while, so please be kind! Hopefully this devblog can be a safe space for all. <3

[speechless-if]

That's right, my friends, I'm back to rebloging other awesome IFs! And this one does sound very intriguing. Be sure to follow em!

[speechless-if]

Weekly Update #2 | Prologue Progress

Author's Note: Because apparently weekly updates will now be a thing lol. I just feel they help push me everyday to write at least a bit. Anyway, onto the update!

As some of you who have been following this blog a while my know, last week I spent a good amount of time battling code while trying to write. Leading to me only getting out 6k words, which is still acceptable in my book, even if not my best. This week was slightly more progressive because I'm mostly just in the writing phase of this, but work has kept me rather busy.

With that being said, I have written 8k this week! Bringing our new total word count to 14k! Which I find a bit funny because when I first started writing this IF a week ago I was convinced that the prologue would be short and simple, around 10k or 15k at most... I was quite wrong. My new predicted word count is about 20-25k. And if it stays in that ball park I am confident I can get the prologue out before this month ends as I hoped.

I still have a few lengthy scenes to write, including a branching part in the end where you can choose which RO you'd like to spend just a bit of time talking to. I mostly decided to add that choice because as I have made pretty clear to y'all, a lot of the prologue is just Moxie. Which makes sense, considering it's her show. Though to the people who have expressed fondness for her, Moxie will also still be an option to spend more time with, which she will be happy to bask in.

With all of that being said, I believe I'm about half-way through the prologue, maybe a bit more. I hope to have even more good news to share next week!

-Until next time, JC

ps. I didn't know polls were a thing I could do, I kinda just assumed it was a community only feature for some reason lol. With that said, I do want to give you guys another teaser from the prologue I've got so far. So I might put up a poll sometime soon to ask y'all which scene you want a peek at.

[dormantstar-if]

DORMANT STAR is an interactive fiction story set in a superhero filled world in the year 2030. You play as an investigative TV news reporter balancing a career with the responsibilities of raising your teenage child.

DEMO (TBA) ✧ CHARACTERS ✧ FAQ ✧ CW

SAN JUSTO, CA has cultivated a reputation for being a magnet for the anomalous.

Magic, extraterrestrials, failed experiments, and infernal incursions found its way to the the city. Fortunately, the city is not without its defenders: sanctioned golden heroes, and of course, on occasion, a handful of canny brooding vigilantes (funnily enough are character models for those spicy young adult novels).

You built your career in pursuit of reporting on the extraordinary. Meticulous to a fault and relentlessly annoyingly persistent, you made a profession from doubt and the unknown, you deliver stories and facts live on TV; everyone’s watching you… even your neighbor’s cat.

Four years ago, you lost your spouse, leaving the responsibility of raising your teenage child alone. The two of you became a team, learning (although imperfectly) to rotate the way the Earth turns through the darkness and light, building stability despite the loss.

But this is San Justo. and what would you expect in an unordinary city.

Lately, your attention has been consumed by the city’s newest rookie superhero who appeared out of nowhere, known as Pulsar. The public is enamored with this young (really young) hero, but you can’t help but find them somewhat… familiar. Weird.

At the same time, a more immediate concern has begun to take shape in your own home. Your child has changed. Unusually absent-minded and muzzy, gaps in their schedule that don't line up with anything they tell you, and coming home in odd hours— behaviors that are wholly out of their character.

You attempt to rationalize it. After all, Adolescence is inherently unstable with the rising hormones taking place (you should know since you’ve been through that song and dance before).

Yet, you can’t help but feel that something is off.

You have spent your life discerning when stories fail to be consistent. That instinct, honed through years of work is now turning inward, now directed at your own life. You are too close to the subject to remain objective.

Whatever has been lying dormant is beginning to ignite.

FEATURES

✦ play as a telegenic investigative news reporter as you raise a teenager with secrets

✦ customize your news reporter: name, appearance, and gender. & customize your kid: name, and gender.

✦ find love with one of the two strange but single romantic options or stay as a hot loyal widow/er carrying a torch to your really dead 6 ft under spouse (your spouse won’t come back to life,I’m a writer— not a miracle worker ;3).

✦ get an interview with the newest super of the city who seems very familiar.

✦ investigate strange incidents across the city that might put you at risk (but who cares you are a risk taker!)

✦ Judge your kid’s life choices and embarrass them in front of their crush(?) or are they just friends??

✦ go on a blind date and maybe adopt a really weird but cute dog.

✦ Maybe get in a potential brawl with that evil and entitled HOA president!

@interact-if

(credits): divider from @/pixopix picrew from 도트 인포 메이커

[speechless-if]

Here's another IF to keep your eyes on. I know I will!

[speechless-if]

Regarding The Offended Anon

It has been about 24 hours since I asked for clarification regarding what on my blog might be offensive and invited anyone to speak with me should they feel the need. I'm very happy and relieved to report I have gotten nothing but kind words and reassurance from you guys! But it does make me a little sad to know I can't learn what someone finds so terrible about me. But! Just because you can't understand someone's feelings that doesn't mean they aren't real. So I'd like to say something addressed to the anon before dropping this matter.

I do sincerely apologize to have offended you, especially since you mentioned feeling uncomfortable as a woman specifically. I'm a cis man so I'm aware that maybe I could have said something ignorant and unintenionally rude and not realize it. A micro aggression, if you will. People make mistakes and I can only hope to learn from mine and not repeat them.

With all of that being said, I would recommend you stop following my blog and even block me if you feel the need. Not to say you somehow offended me by calling me out nor am I saying you don't have a place in this tiny safe space my blog has become. But I am saying that I value your happiness and mental well-being above reading my IF when I finally start releasing chapters. If my existance and blog make you feel unwelcome than I can't promise that I can avoid offending you again since I can't find a problem. But I know for a fact that there are dozens upon dozens of author blogs for you to follow.

Best of wishes to you, anon!

Ps. This still doesn't mean I'm apologizing for insulting rude/entitled anons who treat my fellow authors poorly. Gotta stand ten toes down on that.

[speechless-if]

there's something about the way you speak online that's uncomfortable to read. It feels unwelcoming and offputting as a woman. This isn't a condemnation of your character or anything. I'll stay to following your game through the games page. I also don't think the casual and joking? threat you made toward a rude anon was productive or funny.

Could someone clarify what I say wrong on my blog to give off this vibe? It's never my intention to make people feel unwelcome and I'm not ashamed of needing to grow as a person. Dm me or send an anonymous ask if that would be more comfortable. I have thick skin so don't sugar coat it if you have anything to air out against me.

Regarding the jokes about rude anons though, they do deserve to be shamed for mistreating authors and I won't apologize for that. And it was a joke, the 'people's elbow' is a wrestling move.

[speechless-if]

completely understandable that you got intimidated with another route to code and write but i just LOVE poly routes that have opposites and then mc is like the glue making them work and aondkddkken, so i love that that was even a possibility (i'm another anon)

Maybe when I get more experience with twine under my belt I'll consider adding it in, cause I do like the idea. But I'm still in the midst of the prologue, so anything could change.

I'll keep you guys updated on this stuff.

[speechless-if]

ROs heights?

Moxie is about 5'7, though she does try to tell everyone she's 5'8. That and she stands on her tippy toes around tall people. Subtly, of course.

Shyanne is a tall girl, 6'0 to be exact, she's a bit insecure about it. She tries to slouch as much as she can without looking like a slob or unprofessional. While also avoiding heels like a plague.

Lou is also in the tall club, 6'2, and he is very much not insecure about it. He likes that his height helps him stand out when he performs.

Ashley is actually the shortest of them, at 5'6, he takes it in stride, even if said strides aren't very long.

Also, since I'm already talking about it, height for the MC is roughly as follows:

Tall: 6'1+

Average: 5'5-6'0

Short: 5'4 or shorter

In other words, if you choose the short option, every RO will be taller than you lol. It's okay though, they will be sure to protect their precious bean that is MC.

[speechless-if]

After that snippet I kinda ship Shyanne and Moxie, they are soo cute

Understandable lol. They kind of have an 'opposites attract' kind of vibe to em.

Fun Fact: I had considered a poly route between the two of them and MC but kinda got intimidated by the idea of writing and coding a whole other route. So maybe that's why they still seem to have a bit of chemistry with each other.

[speechless-if]

Shyanne Meets Moxie Pt.1

Shyanne passes a tip to the driver just before stepping out of the car, allowing herself a moment to stretch. A part of her was still questioning why she was even entertaining this. She had made enough of a name for herself as a director that she hardly had to accept an offer as an assistant director, let alone when the offer came from one with no credibility or experience in the business.

Moxine Solstice.

That was the woman who had contacted her. Directly. Through her personal number no less. Bombarding her DM's with a plethora of attachments. She had half a mind to block the number and never even think about it again.

But curiosity had won over in the end and she gave the files a once-over. And even Shyanne would admit that she was impressed; Moxine had sent her samples of the musical she had finished. Three different pieces of music, sections of the script, a recording of her performing a dance number. All of which she proudly–and repeatedly–told Shyanne she made on her own.

So, she decided to test the waters, she contacted Moxine and asked a few cursory questions to gauge her commitment. What are your expectations of this play? Do you have any estimate for the budget? What size do you want the crew to be? And to her surprise, the girl didn't seem to be as out of her element as she had expected.

Long story short–it led to this, a meeting at a café to iron out the details. She had told Moxine to not get her hopes up, claiming she was still undecided on whether or not she'd be willing to work under a novice. But the truth? She was very eager to get the project off the ground. It was one thing to buy the rights from an established play and perform, but a whole different matter to create one from the ground up.

Sure, Moxine was the one who made it. Which meant, yes, the rights would be held solely by Moxine. But that didn't mean Shyanne wouldn't benefit from the project if it impressed the right people. Rubbing shoulders was the key to the industry after all.

So there she stood, in front of the café, cradling her phone as she contemplated messaging Moxine. Perhaps it was an option to go in and wait for her but she wanted to send the right message; Moxine was the one who should be waiting on baited breath for her. Plus, she would look like a bumbling fool if she went in with her head on a swivel searching for someone else. The people in there would look at her like was some desperate girl terrified of being stood up. Which she most certainly was not. As a matter of fact, this wasn't even a date. And, to be honest, if it was, Moxine would be the nervous one. Not that it was a date. That would be–

Ding!

Shyanne jumps so badly that the phone almost leaps from her hand as she fumbles to catch it. Once she does, she rests one hand on her chest to soothe her racing heart as she looks around to ensure nobody bore witness to her display. Only to find that one in particular certainly had.

Moxine fucking Solstice.

The girl was seated right in front of the window, laughing with her head thrown back, without a single care towards the people in the café staring at her sudden outburst. Shyanne found a certain degree of vindication that Moxine was being judged for her behavior. It was only fair. At least now they were both being mocked.

She allowed herself a moment to regain her composure as checked the notification from her phone. Oh, a message from Moxine.

Whatcha doin?

Oh, that was embarrassing. How long had she been standing there? It only felt like a moment but maybe it was a few minutes? Was it too late to leave? Moxine would hardly take her seriously after that display after all. Besides, she wouldn't be damaging her reputation if she simply walked away from this meeting. She had all the power here after all.

Ding! Another message. Thankfully, she didn't get scared again.

Sorry for laughing lol I'll buy u a coffee

A stupid gif of two cats cuddling soon follows the message.

Cmere already =( I'll get u a muffin too

She finally looks up from her phone and back towards Moxine at the window. She's dabbing tears from her eyes with a napkin as she holds her other hand up and wiggles her finger as greeting towards Shyanne.

Well… hard to say no to a muffin.

[speechless-if]

Just in case someone wants to find these two one after another.

[speechless-if]

Shyanne Meets Moxie Pt.2

Author's Note: I don't know if you guys noticed this but the pinned post has reached 100 likes. So I wanted to celebrate that by finally getting out the second half of this character interaction. Enjoy!

Some people are so beautiful that it becomes infuriating. Or maybe that's a Shyanne exclusive opinion. Because the more she stares across the table at Moxie–she prefers Moxie over Moxine, apparently–the more annoyed she becomes.

High cheekbones, plump lips, a strong jawline that seemed chiseled by an artist, a curved and narrow nose, captivating eyes. Once, she had spoken to a friend who worked as a photographer, he'd told her the best models are ones with unique faces. It was one thing to be conventionally attractive but it was another to have a face that truly stuck out in the best way possible. Moxine most definitely fits the bill.

It was enough to make Shyanne all too aware of herself. She was attractive enough, right? She was sharply dressed too. Her vibrant, curly hair framed her face wonderfully too. Even if she were a bit on the heavier side, she had no reason to feel insecure about–

“What's wrong?”

“Huh?” She eloquently blurts out as she looks down at whatever is warming her hand. Moxie’s hand. Warm and soft. Her thumb rubbed tiny circles on top of hers. Wow that felt nice. How long had it been since–

“You were looking at me so mean!” She says with a laugh. “I was getting ready to bribe you with a few doughnuts,” She pats her hand once before pulling away. 

A shame.

“Right. Well, I was just thinking,” She muttered the first words she could think of as she focused her eyes on her tablet. Why was it out again? “I was simply reviewing everything we discussed.”

“It's all good, right? I think we covered everything.”

True. Very true. Her ambitions were rather grand, including a large venue and a sizable ensemble cast, all taking place in the biggest venue New York had to offer. Thankfully, she had back-up options prepared. But Moxie still maintained a proper budget with the broad strokes already drawn out of what she wanted for the crew. Right, that’s why the tablet was in her hands. A draft with all the finer details for her to review later, budget, auditions, rehearsals, marketing, et cetera, et cetera. A silent part of her was happy to share the responsibility of organizing these things with someone else again.

Anyways, what was she supposed to say to excuse her cold expression? Then again, Moxie would get used to her behavior in due time. It always happened sooner or later, her co-workers would stop inviting her out, stop talking to her outside of work, and then they'd be gone for good. She hardly even knew how to do anything besides her job. Maybe she could say something to keep the conversation going? Not that she wanted to. In the midst of her thoughts, Shyanne feels a glazed donut rub against her lips and she lurches back.

“In all fairness,” Moxie says with one hand held up in surrender and the other still extending the doughnut. “I told you I would bribe you.”

Her tongue instinctively darts out and collects the glaze smeared on her lips before she speaks, “Please don’t do that again, Moxine.” To her credit, the girl does seem to be apologetic as she all but deflates on the spot. “I believe that is all, Ms. Solstice. I trust I’ll see you at the reading then?”

“Oh, uh, yeah?” Moxie begins to scramble up from her seat as Shyanne covers for half the bill and has already risen from her own. “I mean, business is done, that’s cool, but we could still enjoy the coffee and snacks, you know.

The pout on her face was strong enough to give her pause, but that didn’t mean it worked. It would take more than a pretty face to make her fold after all. What would she even do while they wasted time in the cafe? Now that the two of them were starting the process of a whole Broadway musical they had their own things to do. Shyanne specifically. Moxie had done her part, making the script, lyrics, score, dance numbers. The least Shyanne could do was give this all a pass and some revisions to ensure it all played out as Moxie wanted it to. Then she could gather some people for the aforementioned reading, Moxie already had someone for the choreography, so that was covered, after that-

“Hellooo.”

Shyanne manages to refrain from jumping, which she allows herself a mental pat on the back for, then she turns toward Moxie. She’d already begun walking from the table and was at the entrance of the cafe, but now her new director was stopping her from leaving. Her displeasure must be rather obvious, based on the way she steps back and averts her gaze.

“Sorry. It’s just… did you hear what I said?” Shyanne tilts her head at the question with a blank look on her face. “Do you wanna go to the park? I know this really cool spot. We could just enjoy some doughnuts there without being bothered. And if you want, we can even go over some of the script together! Like an early reading, just us!” Moxie seems to garner more energy with every word she speaks.

Well, she did plan on going over the script anyway, might as well do it with both director and assistant director. She chose to ignore the way her chest fluttered at the idea of spending time with another. Wow. She was far too pathetic to think about it too hard. “I… suppose that would be wise. Perhap-”

“Yay!” Moxie’s hands are around her bicep before she can even process that they’ve exited the cafe and she’s already hailing a cab for the pair. “Now that we’re hanging out, you can’t keep dodging my questions by the way. What got you into theatre anyway? What’s your favorite musical anyway? Oh, by the way-”

She continues prattling on even after Shyanne could swear the air leaves her lungs. Going from musicals, to a vast array of genres of music, eventually she learns that Shyanne likes metal and makes it her mission to list every possible band she can. Normally, she’d get annoyed at someone who talked so much. But Moxie spoke with so much passion, such a pretty voice, she kept touching her arm and brushing her hand. Damn it, she couldn’t help herself but to listen and nod meekly like some middle schooler with a crush.

This woman was abusing the fuck out of her pretty privilege.

[speechless-if]

Hello! Do you have face claims for the ROs? I have a hard time picturing faces with just a description 😅, so it would be rlly helpful!

I had one for Lou and Moxie but I didn't save the pics I'll try and find em for you. I did just craft up two images in my head for Shyanne and Ashley tho so I'll need to find something for them. I'll update and reblog the character profiles if I find good pics for all four.

[speechless-if]

RO | Ashley Havard | Character Description

The dance choreographer of Moxie’s play and apparently her childhood friend. You’ll be working with him closely from now until the big show. There should be plenty of time to learn the long list of dance numbers that will be required of you. He seems to admire Moxie’s talent greatly and you wonder if it’s her specifically or singers in general. Either way, you suppose you’re going to learn in time with each rehearsal, considering how diligently they’ll both be working.

Appearance: A man of Welsh descent. He doesn’t necessarily seem to care about fashion or maybe he simply prefers practicality over all else. His wardrobe consists of casualwear that allows for freedom of movement without a pop of much color. He’s got deep blue eyes with earthly brown hair that remains swept back without a single strand falling in his eyesight, connected to his full beard. His most distinguishable features are his pronounced chin and a small scar above his left brow.

[speechless-if]

RO | Lou Leonard | Character Description

He’s to be your co-worker from here on out and you don’t think it’s possible to have any complaints on that matter, considering how outgoing he comes across. He’s landed a few notable supporting roles despite being early into his career and yet he seems eager for more. Should you hope to become closer with him, it should be as simple as making the time to talk to him.

Appearance: A man of African American descent. He tends to dress in rather artsy clothes with bright, warm colors. Loose button-up shirts with a popped collar, wide-ankled pants, layers and an excess of accessories, he does it all. He has bright, hazel brown eyes and his black hair is shaved at the sides while his wild, coiled hair atop is usually tamed with a headband. His most distinguishable features are his pronounced brow and his broad shoulders.

[speechless-if]

RO | Shyanne Williams | Character Description

She comes across as rather uncaring on a personal level but at least it’s clear as day how seriously she takes her job. She seems to have a deep understanding of the craft and is able to corral any group into a well-oiled machine despite her less than stellar people skills. As the assistant director, you’ll be sure to see her more often from now on. Maybe you can even learn how to overlook past her cold exterior and find a friend in her.

Appearance: A woman of Irish descent. She seems to wear almost exclusively formal attire of some kind, blazer and slacks do seem to be her norm however. She has pale green eyes and vibrant orange hair that curls excessively and trails down her back, though it is almost always tied up into a bun. Her most distinguishable features are her button nose and a small beauty mark above the left corner of her mouth.