you don't know me

[insertusername]

bad rap

The things we become known for aren’t always what we’d like to be known for. Reputations are hard to run from. Sometimes they’re not even deserved. So here’s your chance to set the record straight. Clear up some misplaced assumptions, debunk any rumours about yourself and defy your stereotypes.

how to play:

Top level with something(s) your character is tired of people assuming about them, blaming them for, or pigeonholing them about, etc. Say it in person or over text.

Comment on any surprising, or not so surprising declarations.

Comments

[counterstep]

( bucky huffed, feigned exasperation, but something to save face all the same. )

Do you gotta put it like that? ( but he did polish off the second drink before sliding out of his seat, stepping back so matt had room to come along. )

[lawyerbyday]

If you'd prefer, I can put it the way it is, which is that I'd like to take you home and see just what you're comfortable with. Which way works best for you, Barnes?

[The man did a kind of sexy unsettled grump with the way he spoke, and Matt was enjoying poking at him. Matt finished his own drink and put money on the bar for Josie, then moved to fall in step with Bucky.]

Mind if I grab your elbow?

[Did he have to? No. Did he want to? Yes.]

[counterstep]

I prefer things plainly. ( which was true enough anyway. he didn't like dancing around things too much or for too long. he was a simple man, at heart.

at the question, the soldier paused, giving matt a silent, pointed look all the while knowing the guy couldn't see it at all. but it was still necessary before offering his arm, the right, for matt to take, a light nudge from his elbow signaling permission.

it wasn't really all that romantic of a gesture for him, but that really was his being from a different era. his ma would hold his arm sometimes too, when she went shopping with him. this was were his thoughts drifted instead, wondering what she would think if the person he was now. )

[lawyerbyday]

[The true power of being blind, or being Matt Murdock level blind, was that all looks were lost on him. Except for, apparently, the heavy judgmental 'you're an idiot' looks from Jessica Jones. He felt those in his soul. Bucky's looks just tickled him.

Grinning like a kid who'd won a toy at the fair, Matt took hold of it. A light, careful hold, because he wasn't a grasping moron and he had picked up early on that Bucky and touch were delicate subjects. But it was a hold.]

I prefer plain facts. Everything else... well. Sometimes a little spice is fun.

[counterstep]

( bucky, who was bad at handling spice in food, couldn't help but think of the last time he had a coughing fit while trying to eat curry. last week. )

It can be, yeah. It. Has to be the right kind of spice, for me, though. I'm not always good at it. I mean, you just sat through me not noticing you hitting on me, so I'm sure you've got a pretty good idea of that now.

[lawyerbyday]

Flirting's difficult. Foggy's told me that I've missed a lot of blatant attempts because so much of flirting, particularly from attractive women, is visual. Lash batting, looks, smiles, lip biting. All very enticing to the eye. The bolder ones figure it out and move to touch.

[Like Matt had. He gave Bucky a grin at that, waiting to get called out.]

I'm patient. And I have baggage myself that might compete with yours.

[counterstep]

That. Makes sense. Social cues are. Well, varied and specific. Different depending on what country you're in too.

( while he understood matt mentioned it because he'd taken that exact action, bucky didn't say anything, not being the sort to call out such things typically. )

It's not a competition, though. So. I'm sorry. Whatever it was that happened.

[lawyerbyday]

[Fair enough. He sighed, using his other hand to pat at Bucky's shoulder.]

Didn't mean it that way. Just... we all have something. Some have more than others. I'm attempting to express that whatever you think is unhandleable for someone else might not be. For me, anyway.

[counterstep]

I don't doubt that. But people usually say that kinda thing too, so. When it doesn't end up working, it starts feeling like. Like you're the exception.

[lawyerbyday]

You do realize you just issued me a challenge. My father was a boxer. He got back up. That tends to be genetic.

[counterstep]

( huffing sheepishly, ) That's not what I want. I mean, I get it. But. I don't think that's good, for anyone to do. A relationship shouldn't be about. Fixing someone. Or whatever.

[lawyerbyday]

What makes you think I want to fix you? Help, sure. But the baggage comment... I mean we all have baggage. So maybe we help each other carry it when it's needed. That's what I meant by handle, Barnes.

I think maybe you're the one that can't handle me. I'm too cagey for you.

[He was teasing now, the smile curling the corner of his mouth.]

All my Louis Vuitton premium baggage. My amazing assets. My ability to kiss someone to swooning. I'm just too much for you.

[counterstep]

( oh. right. ) Sorry, that's just. Usually what people mean, so I was. Assuming a bit, I guess.

( but then he laughed, matt's offered bit of silliness much more comforting to focus on. )

Yeah, no one more high maintenance than you. I'm gonna be losing my mind trying to keep up.

[lawyerbyday]

I learned my lesson about fixing someone. It just leads to a lot of heartbreak.

[A little sadness there, but he's grinning again because at least Bucky was playing along.]

Not sure you can come close to keeping up, Pops. Only one cane in a relationship allowed.

[counterstep]

Who said I use a cane? I've got me an electric chair, pal.

[lawyerbyday]

Shouldn't that be 'sonny'? 'Young punk'? Do you want me to get off your lawn?

[counterstep]

Me? Using your new-fangled terms for things? Never.

[lawyerbyday]

I'm going to walk you into a sex store just to hear your expression.

[He imagined the spluttering. Foggy had blushed while having to have a discussion with a client who worked there. Matt just stood and put his hand on a pair of fake breasts, pretending he'd had no clue. No one dared to tell him elsewise. He'd commented on the interesting mouse pad. Foggy had almost hurt himself trying not to laugh.]

[counterstep]

( the sudden shift in topic made bucky turn red anyway, having never been the most salacious in the first place. sure, he'd been around the block and then some, in his youth, but bucky had always been reserved, in a sense, gentlemanly and polite.

propriety ran too strongly through his blood for him to give in so easily to carnal interest. )

Th- that's. I'd rather we didn't.

[lawyerbyday]

[Matt chuckled because he could definitely pick up on that blush, even if he didn't tell Bucky that.]

I bet you look adorable when you blush. And Bashful is your favorite dwarf.

[counterstep]

( augh. bucky dragged his gloved left hand down his face. )

N- no. I don't. I'm not.

[lawyerbyday]

[Matt's laugh was answer enough.]

I'm starting to think that with all the blushing I'm making you do, you might just fall under the category of bisexual, Bucky. Or at least bicurious.

[counterstep]

Bicurious?

( this word he genuinely hadn't heard of before. )

[lawyerbyday]

The step before deciding if you're bisexual or not. If you're curious about what sex with the same gender is like, then you're... well, bicurious. Some people never test past that because of ongoing relationships or just fear.

[counterstep]

( honestly, he hadn't even thought about the sex part earlier, only entertained the romantic notion and the idea of kissing a man. a pensive silence fell over him as he then considered the point further, nodding after a few moments pass before he continued, )

Yeah, I think I'm definitely that bit, at least. Right now, I mean.