Nugget

I have finally released my OLBA MC from containment! Will I make more art of her? Maybe.

...Issac is pretty."

(a.k.a. the moment Issac found out he's gay.

a.k.a. Gennie's first yaoi.

a.k.a. the first documentation of tomato-face Issac.)

I also made a second version!

Steps 1 and 2 aren't even out yet and I'm already planning on making these two the biggest TamaGene shippers.

Okay, maybe Qiu more than Issac, but still. Gotta support your sister. And the yuri. Definitely the yuri.

And finally (for now), the girliest girl to ever grace Riverview Peak (aside from Vianca, but even she can't outpink this cutie patootie), Imogene- I mean, Gen Vasquez!

> Gen might have been the shy, timid child of Golden Grove, but she really started to be more outspoken as a teenager! She just needed some time to get well adjusted to the home she loved so dearly.

> But the same can't be said for her and Opal. While Issac and Mamá have reconciled over the move, Gen and Mamá's relationship dwindled. Don't get her wrong, he ADORES mamá and she has to work to keep the family afloat, but it's at the cost of her availability. Gen is left taking care of everything by herself, and Issac is out doing God knows what. Why is she the only one who cares about her mamá's absence?

> Imogene insists on being called "Gen" for multiple reasons. But mostly because it's a cute, girly name! Gennie could've worked as well, but in her words, "I'm not little anymore. I'm mature."

> She was saddened by the reality of her neighbors not being friends anymore, but she accepts it rather quickly. Sure, she's upset, and even annoyed at times when they argue, but she understands that the two of them need space. If only her brother had the same sentiments as her.

> While Gen didn't mind telling people how she's technically sort-of a girl as a kid, she grew to hate it. The constant reminder of what she's not. The fact that she has to look in the mirror and remind herself that she's sort-of a girl. No matter how many times she keeps trying to tell herself "You are a girl. You have ALWAYS been a girl."

> Electives: Art Foundations and Work Experience

Come on, she was an artist ever since she was little. What did you expect from an art girl like her? Work Experience comes as a bit of a shock, however. Gen sees how her mamá is always working, so she decided that she would get work experience to take care of her. Maybe she couldn't be so absent in their lives anymore. And, how could anyone get bored with Qiu around?

> Clubs (yes, plural): Book Club and Writing Club

A.k.a. Gen's backup plan for when art isn’t working out for her. Gen got into reading fanfiction as a tween and even started writing her own. She figured that joining the book club AND writing club would improve her writing abilities, just in case she wants to get into creative writing in the future. Oh, and also Vianca is there. Even she is not safe from her passionate retellings of her favorite fanfiction.

Gen + Autumn

> These two finally, FINALLY consider each other to be friends. Ironically after Qiu stops being that welcoming and accommodating kid four years ago. Even she gets caught reminiscing on who they used to be.

> Two words. GENDER. ENVY. Qiu doesn't have a label to their gender nonconforming appearance, and Gen cherishes that part of them. Even if they're not confident with who they are, Gen is jealous that they feel confident in what they're not.

> These two are opposites, but not in the way Autumn is an opposite to Tamarack. While Issac indulges in their chaos, Gen is the one who keeps them grounded. Autumn on the other hand encourages her to live a little, which gets her a little peeved.

> Qiu and Gen are each other's wing person. Qiu subtly roots for Gen and Tammy to get together, even to the point of teasing them both. Gen, however, is LOUD when it comes to her brother's massive crush on her friend. Their relationship is even the main inspiration for her fanfiction, much to Issac's annoyance.

Gen + Tammy

> It’s safe to say that these two never changed. They're still the same in a lot of ways, from their sweaters to the two wanting to their desire to find belonging. They are a pair with mutual feelings for each other, and it's obvious to everyone including themselves.

> But the one thing that stops them from confessing to each other is their mutual envy for the other person. Gen's envy is consistent among girls and other non-male individuals, but it's intrusive and regretful when it comes to Tammy. How can you be jealous of the person you love?

> Tamarack's envy comes from the way Gen presents herself. She wishes she could be like her, pull off the cutest outfits like her, be as confident as her. If only she realized that for Gen, that's not the case. That Gen sees her as the most beautiful girl in the Grove.

> Most likely got her courage from Tamarack's ten-year-old self. She's taken some of her bluntness when it comes to standing up to others. Especially Tammy. Besides, they are each other's favorites, even if Gen hasn't said it out loud... yet.

(art with and without text)

I guess Gen didn't get rid of her low-confidence after all. Hopefully she can rid herself of her envy before it's too late!

(Issac don't flip the people off, that's rude. -._-.)

> Issac's behavior has changed in four years! A part of him longs for the apartment he lost, but he's come to enjoy the town and the people.

> His relationship with his Madre has gotten better over the years. Or should I say Mamá? He still calls her his Madre in a teasing, less disrespectful way, but Mamá matches the growing affection (and regret) he carries for her.

> With time he has come to love his two neighbors a lot... but the same can't be said for the two of them in question. He's saddened, and even angered, by the fact that the two weren't as close as they used to be. Being different from each other didn't stop them then, so why now? Was it... his fault?

> His high school life is... not the best. He's not popular for not being the most approachable in fifth grade. Even throughout middle school where he at least tries to change for the better. From him towering over almost every ninth grader to his close relationship with Qiu, he's not a target for bullying but for students actively avoiding him. And he doesn't mind it! At least he thinks so.

> Electives: Theater & Outdoor Excursions

Issac didn't expect to choose theater. Don't get him wrong, he loves watching movies and TV shows! He even loves how the actors play their roles! But acting himself? Sounds promising... he guesses. Outdoor Excursions was a given however. He loved getting into mischief when it comes to the outdoors, and loves the outdoors itself! He just wishes Tamarack would join him. She loves the forest as much as he does. At least he gets to share an elective with Ren.

> Club: Wrestling

Finally! Something right up his alley! If he wasn't watching movies or TV shows, he watches the pro wrestling channel. He watched wrestling even before moving to Golden Grove, and joining a wrestling club brings back nothing but pleasant memories.

Issac y Otoño

> Otoño. Another name for Autumn, and Issac's personal nickname for Qiu. It's neutral, it fits, and rolls off the tongue. And it's slightly close to his Mexican heritage that he shares with his father.

> When the "Boy's" club quietly disbanded, Issac and Otoño were the only two that stuck together. Afterwards the two only got closer, to the point of becoming best friends. Issac feels slightly bad for taking that title away from Ren, but doesn't mind sharing that title with him.

> Visits to the dance hall were a routine for Issac. Issac gets to see Otoño practice and Otoño gets someone to practice with. Even if Issac can't do ballet. Or dance in general.

> Issac's denial of his feelings for Qiu finally melted away. The poor boy is ABSOLUTELY SMITTEN with them. He loves how normal and comfortable they act around him. Almost everything about them was great in his eyes. Too bad that denial migrated to him not believing that Otoño could like him back! Fun!

Issac y Arbolita

> Arbolita. Or little tree. That's what Issac calls Tamarack. Is it to make fun of her for being shorter than him? Is it because her name is literally named after a tree? Who knows!

> Issac and Arbolita have gotten closer, though he was probably already close to her without realizing it. The two have an unofficial big brother/little sister dynamic that he most likely teases his sister with.

> Issac isn't into the whole "shipping" thing like Qiu and Gen, but he does give Tamarack a light ribbing for it. The same could be said for her, though more meeker than her ten-year-old self, still gets chances to tease Issac back.

> Since Issac and Arbolita are both hard on themselves in different ways, both of them try to pull each other out of it. It's like a weird game of ping pong, except they both take turns beating themselves up and encouraging the other.

(Art with and without text)

Issac is really trying to make up for his past behavior. Hopefully he doesn't do anything stupid.

Now, for Issac's meeker and quieter half, Imogene Vasquez! Or Gennie, as some of her friends and even friendlier associates call her.

> Moving with her brother and her mamí (as she would affectionately call her), was (and still is) scary. As much as she missed their humble apartment in their less humble home in New Mexico, she finds the new house kind of nice. Dusty, but nice.

> She’s often called the spitting image of her mamí, an Opal Jr, if you will. She takes pride in this, as she loves her mamí very much (unlike a certain surly sibling of hers...)

> As much as she doesn't like dirty and dusty places, she prefers the new house over the woods. That place had too much dirt! And she hates the feeling of dirt getting on her!

> But what stops her from staying in the house drawing in her little sketchbook is the fear of missing out. She tries to suck up her disgust of dirty and dingy things to keep up with the other kids. And she even struggles with that sometimes.

> Ride of choice: Rollerskates! Between this and her light experience with ballet, she can be pretty good on her feet. She's not as skilled with her wheels as her brother, but she's pretty decent with her wheels. Besides, her skates were the only way she could even meet Issac's level, at least a little.

> Also lactose intolerant. Also taken from her father's side of the family. She dreams of getting the chance to talk to him, or at least have a day with him. But she knows that would never happen, and that's okay! She has her brother and her mother! What more could she ask for?

> Pretty decent, if not MORE decent at ballet than with her skates. She's pretty light on her feet, though her form can be slightly off at times. She likes ballet as an art form, and she likes dancing! But when it comes to performing in front of others... she can't help but freeze up.

Gennie + Autumn

> Imogene found Qiu pretty intimidating at first. He was a cool kid and she was so... uncool! How could someone like him be so friendly to her???

> Because of this, she looks up to him a lot. In more ways than one. Qiu is a pretty tall kid. He's like her brother's height!

> These two use each other's nicknames almost immediately. Gennie doesn't mind it though, Autumn is worthy enough for such a privilege.

> Despite being friendly with each other, they're not exactly friends. Perhaps Gennie just needs more time with Autumn to get to know him better.

> Both bond over being not so perfect at ballet. Gennie is a little jealous at Autumn for performing the best out of the guys in their class. Not like there was any competition to begin with.

Imogene + Tamarack

> Upon first meeting, she admits that Tamarack is the prettiest girl in Golden Grove. If you don't count the leaves in her hair that make her instinctively want to scratch her own skin.

> Yapper x Listener FOR SURE. Imogene is a pretty quiet kid, and quietly listening to people is enough to make her feel included. Though, something about Tamarack's voice makes her want to listen to her for hours.

> These two don't share the same sentiments about the forest though. Sorry Tammy! At least you have a lot more in common like your matching pink scarves and being girls (sort of).

> Quick to be the bestest friends as they are quick to fall for each other. Was Tamarack threatening her by saying that they were going to be friends forever? Nahhh...

> Finds Qiu nice, but finds Tamarack the nicest. She's never afraid to say how she feels, she sticks with her when she needs it most, she's protective and gentle... She wishes she could be as kind and beautiful as her...

(art /w and /w out text) - Also I failed to make Tamarack's hair sparkly in the last intro and I made up for it with Imogene's!

A quiet lover of the arts! If only she would come out of her shell...

Here we have the less savory new kid of Golden Grove, Issac Vasquez! (Sorry it took me so long to start making intros, I wasn't too thrilled with the first intros I made 😅)

> Issac (and his twin sister Imogene) moved from New Mexico, which the former is NOT happy about. And he mostly his mamá (madre, in his case) for all of it.

> Used to be a rowdy child (and still is) even before moving. He would get into all sorts of mischief with a huge smile on his face. He'd still get into trouble, but the recent move soured his mood a lot.

> Outdoors > Indoors. He shares a lot of similarities with someone in that aspect. Maybe that's why he can't help but soften up around her.

> Extremely blunt, especially when he's not in the mood. Especially when it comes to things that he considers "too childish". His bluntness is worsened by his bad mood, and will call anything flat out stupid (or call anyone out for being stupid).

> Ride of choice: His skateboard. His baby since he was five years old. Four years, and a lot of scratches later, he can safely say he is a pretty skilled skateboarder. (Just don't bring up the bandaid on his nose. He got it from an embarrassing skateboard crash.)

> Is lactose intolerant, which is shared in his father's side of the family. That's the only part of his father that he hates, other than the fact that he will not longer see him again.

> Though he has the flexibility of a skateboarder, he doesn't have the rhythm of a ballet dancer. Or a dancer in general. He can't dance for the life of him, and surprisingly, he's not frustrated by it. He'd rather watch other people dance instead.

Issac + Qiu

> Issac has a massive crush likes tolerates DOESN'T LIKE QIU AT ALL >:(

> Does not take an interest in Qiu at first (despite thinking he's "not pretty" upon first meeting).

> Issac is rowdy, chaotic, and (used to be) very excitable. Qiu is nice, approachable, and proper. Issac thinks it's... what's the word? "Performative"? But because he couldn't put a finger on it, he calls him "weird".

> In later moments, "Fancy Fun" being one of many, Issac's opinion on Qiu starts to change. He starts empathizing with Qiu's struggle with carrying expectations, and takes on the role of getting mad on his behalf.

> Issac's denial starts to OKAY THAT'S ENOUGH

Issac + Tamarack

> Thinks this girl is VERY LOUD and VERY VERY PUSHY at first, but eventually gets used to it. He's not used to kids as inquisitive as Tamarack, but her excitable energy reminds him of home.

> Immediately, but not vocally, adopts this little miss as his second little sister. If his twin has already taken an interest in her, he might as well welcome her to the family.

> Also finds Tamarack weird, but not "Qiu levels of weird". It's the quirky kind of weird, the weird that he is most susceptible to. Maybe that's why he's softer around her than with Qiu.

> With that being said, he does stand up for Tamarack when the time allows. He sees so much of his twin in her that he couldn't just allow that amount of disrespect towards her.

> Overall: Tamarack is good in his eyes, despite not showing it upon first meeting her.

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The little shite of Golden Grove! Surely he won't regret this later. Surely.

Don't worry, I already know!

Issac is just matching Vianca's energy by ignoring her like how she ignores him.

I made the Vasquez Twins in Step 3!

Though the designs are temporary until Step 3 is released publicly.

Maybe.

I don't know if I should feel attached to these designs yet-

ANYWHO HERE'S A BIT OF INFO-

Imogene "Gene" Vasquez (she/her)

- More comfortable when it comes to herself and being intersex.

- Still feminine, but doesn't mind dressing masculine once in a while.

- Dreams of being an art major, but her love of reading and writing (fanfiction *cough cough*) made her want to pursue creative writing. She does do commissions for a little extra cash~

- EXTREME WRITER'S BLOCK AT THIS STAGE OF HER LIFE. May or may not be fuelled by her fear of growing up.

- Still as lovey-dovey with Tamarack as she is in her younger years. She has not asked her out yet.

- Part of that being that she and Tamarack have their own insecurities they have to tackle before pursuing a relationship.

- Mostly because she's been putting all of her energy into making sure Issac asks Qiu out after being in denial for SO LONG-

Issac Vasquez (he/him)

- Took theater thinking he was going to hate it, but he absolutely LOVES it.

- KNOWS he wants to be an actor and majors performing arts in the future.

- Still in the wrestling club. He likes feeling fit, what can he say?

- More approachable in this stage. And popular too.

- Part of him thinks his newfound popularity comes less from his own accomplishments and more of the fact that he and Qiu are dating. But he loves Qiu too much to think that low of himself.

- WHAT? QIU AND ISSAC ARE DATING????

- Everyone say thank you Gene RIGHT NOWWWWWW /nf /j