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

[lawyerbyday]

People love to gossip. It makes them feel better about what they don't have. You and Steve are hot topics. Not that it's any of their business whatever you feel. But some... more conservative types, particularly the loud ones, seem to be incapable of understanding a closeness outside of family or sex. You can be close to a brother, but not a member of the opposite gender or even your own because it crosses some kind of imaginary line.

[He let out a soft sigh, then nudged Bucky a little.]

You don't owe anyone an explanation.

[counterstep]

( the words were permission he didn't know he needed. he never said anything anyway, never knew how to, didn't think it'd matter, but that he's allowed to, isn't being expected to, is a weight lifted. )

I don't know why people try to make it their business when it's not. It's so. It's selfish.

[lawyerbyday]

People are a lot nosier now than they used to be. Especially about people in the spotlight. Now, everyone wants to know who you're dating, what underwear you're wearing, if you're cut or uncut... very invasive things that they'd be very upset to be asked themselves. Well, most of them. Don't get me started on influencers.

[He and Foggy could spend most of the day ranting about it.]

[counterstep]

( bucky didn't understand influencers at all, which was all the more reason why he didn't push the point. )

Celebrity gossip really went on another level over the decades. It's. A shame. That people have nothing better to do with their time.

I don't want to be in any spotlight though.

( that was why he worked solo, didn't consider himself an avenger or part of any group. )

[lawyerbyday]

I can understand why. Ah, my place is just up ahead. You're welcome to come up for a drink. Or not.

[Pushing didn't help with discovery or figuring oneself out. Matt was likely to scare him off if he came on too strong, so he tried to balance between showing interest and leaving the door open.]

[counterstep]

( he'd of course let matt guide them, as they'd walked, similarly to how his mother used to take him through the department store. the offer to head in came as a surprise, after the way matt had encouraged him, earlier, but the soldier realized it was likely more to do with allowing him the space rather than pressing too fast, too quickly. )

You wouldn't scare me away, you know. I don't think you could. ( very little scared him anymore, for better or worse. even embarrassed, he still did the things he needed to, what was expected of him. ) I'd only worry about potentially losing a friend.

( not a lot left. and new york is still a lonely place, with no one. )

[lawyerbyday]

I wouldn't be much of a friend if I got pissy over boundaries, Bucky.

[Not that he was always the best friend, but he tried.]

[counterstep]

( huffing gently, he remarked idly, ) People lose friends for less.

( but he did appreciate the reassurance while also knowing that matt was a genuinely caring person regardless of bucky's own path. )

A drink would be fine. And whatever comes with that.

[lawyerbyday]

I'll try not to let my imagination run away with me.

[The smile he gave Bucky told him that might not be true. But at least he'd keep it to himself.]

[counterstep]

( huffing again, he smiled faintly, shrugging with the shoulder matt's hold was against. )

You never know. Maybe I'd want to.

[lawyerbyday]

A blind man can hope.

[There were times on occasion when Matt hammed up the blind bit. Flirting was one of those times.]

[counterstep]

( pfft. )

Does that line work on anyone?

[lawyerbyday]

That's an opener. Not usually my closer. Besides- [He leaned in a little closer, smiling still.] -you're coming home with me.

[counterstep]

( laughing, ) Good point.

( when they reached the door, he withdrew his arm, letting matt lead the way properly. harder to go up stairs arm and arm anyway. it did beg the question, though. )

Why don't you live on the ground floor?

[lawyerbyday]

Why would I?

[His legs weren't broken, Bucky. Gosh. But then he took pity on the poor man.]

I get a decent cut in rent because I'm the only person the landlord could find to rent the apartment to. I think you'll see why when we get there.

[counterstep]

( bucky looked confused at that, not that it mattered much. real estate was big money in new york. hard to imagine someone actually having difficulty renting out a place, even with a highly inflated price. )

It's not a former toxic waste facility, is it?

[lawyerbyday]

What? No, no. Just... poor planning for surrounding businesses.

[They got to the top of the stairs and Matt reached into his pocket to pull out his keys.]

My lights are off since I don't need them, but you'll figure out that you might not either.

[counterstep]

( cryptic. but it does hint at something bucky's starting to suspect. )

Bad light levels?

[lawyerbyday]

[Matt's answer was to laugh, unlocking the door and stepping in. He could hear the billboard that caught everyone's attention, the electric crackle of it loud when he focused on it.]

You tell me.

[counterstep]

( oh, god. )

It's. So. ( a beat. ) Much.

Blackout curtains exist, though. Electric buzz aside.

[lawyerbyday]

They're large windows. The view apparently is the billboard or nothing. It was fine before they started rebuilding after the Incident, but when they did, they put that up and half the block's building owners almost rioted.

But it's something that works for a guy who doesn't care about the view.

[counterstep]

( yeah, that certainly made sense. )

...can I turn on the light anyway? It's really. Unnatural light color. I'd prefer something more regular, assuming your lightbulbs aren't also done up in neon colors.

[lawyerbyday]

Please do. I have friends over and it'd be a dick move to have neon blue and pink lights installed. Switch is over there.

[counterstep]

Thanks. ( stepping away briefly, he found the switch in question and flicked it on. there's a sigh of relief at the much more even warm, white light. )

Nice place. ( which conflicted with the lights outside, but it was really well kept, even furnished. bucky's place isn't even furnished. ) Did you pick the furniture? Or?

[lawyerbyday]

Foggy helped me. It's all stuff his family was willing to donate, that or something we thrifted. All I asked him for was that it not be eye searing for when I do have people over, otherwise I'd make a suit out of it and haunt him with it.

[He set the keys aside, shrugged out of his jacket and went to hang it up.]

Would you like beer or whiskey?