Reese

Reese is likely the most sane member of the group. Though it’s debatable that he is cool and calm, he is collected at the very least. He’s reasonable and straightforward, and does the most to keep the group out of trouble. He is very stoic and does not easily show emotion, especially fondness. Some people construe this as his being aloof, though he is really just attempting to manage issues himself so as not to trouble anyone else.

Reese is not very book smart, but because of his passion he is able to write lyrics that resonate deeply with people. Because of his practicality he is also able to assist in organizing events and translating the bizarre ideas of his bandmates into something plausible for implementation.

Despite being rational, Reese is impulsive and fitful. He often acts sporadically; he has a one-track mind, and when he has something he wishes to complete, whether it is a set of lyrics or a video game, he will work tirelessly until it is done or until he has run himself dry. Often when he is focused on something, he will become harshly reactive.

TL;DR: Reese is rational and independent, but impulsive and aloof. He is a stoic worker who tends to run himself into the ground rather than taking necessary breaks.

✦ Appearance

Reese has dyed purple/grey hair that he pins back with a barette. He has stretched ears and wears gauges (occaisionally tapers). He has tattoos up his back and around the left side of his neck. He is quite tall, standing at 6'2, and often wears platformed shoes that boost him up a couple inches more. He has a strong physique, towering stature and intenese presence, though they are negated by his quiet demeanor.

Reese’s parents were both blue collar workers, and while they tried very hard to make a successful sum, it was very difficult. They often worked late hours and early mornings, leaving Reese home alone to fend for himself. When he did see them, they were exhausted, the product of being treated as simple workhorses for a greater company. They could barely stand when they got home, and as a result, Reese matured fast: by the time he was 6, he was cooking for himself, taking the bus to and from school, and managing their home’s general upkeep.

Due to his stoic maturity, many of his classmates were off-put by him. This is not to say that they disliked him; quite the opposite, actually. Even so, it deterred them from initiating a friendship with him. Even if they had, it is unlikely that Reese would have reciprocated. As such, Reese had a quiet school life. He was lonely, but hell if he would let anyone know that. For his parents’ sake, so that they don’t worry, he must be happy. He must be successful. He must do well.

Reese picked up playing bass at age 6 when the music teacher suggested it to him, comparing his steady independence to the sound of the instrument. Reese worked up the courage to ask his parents about lessons; they were able to afford them for a while, but eventually their funds ran dry. Having become attached to the instrument, finding solace in the steady rhythm and security of its sound, Reese was determined to continue playing. He continued to teach himself music, spending hours each day practicing, until in high school a classmate asked him this: “What do you think you’re gonna do with that?” Of course, no malice was meant, but the sentiment hit Reese where it hurt. His parents were blue collar workers with no money. If he were to support them in any way, he should study hard, get a white collar job, start a business, something profitable. There was no money in music - he was smart enough to know this. Here, he faced a dilemma. Reese knew he was no good at schoolwork. His grades were on the low end of passing, frequently bordering D’s. No matter how much he studied, they never went up. What could he do? He felt as though he had lost sight of his goal, his purpose to make life easier on his parents.

Deciding that he had spent too much time playing bass and not enough on school, he abandoned it altogether. What he found before him was a dark pit filled with no drive, no motivation, no hope. Each day he would review his notes, copy them down again and again, read ahead for his classes - he gave it his all. He lost sleep, lost weight, lost a degree of his sanity in his attempt to bring up his grades, satisfy his parents, satisfy himself. His grades stayed the same; some dropped. There was nothing for him to strive towards. What was there for him to do? He physically could not complete his self-determined purpose to ease the life of his parents.

Lost on what to do, Reese quit attending classes - by this point, he had begun attending community college, intending to major in business and marketing. Needless to say, he didn’t go through with it. He got a job at a local record store, where he took to playing the instruments on his break. Though he didn’t make much, he was able to live by budgeting carefully.

His talent for the bass grew, and was discovered on accident by Archer, who frequented the store, when he attempted to sneak into the soundproof break room in the back. After weeks of trying to convince Reese to join his band, he accepted. The rest is history.