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

[fooledfirst]

You're not far off in that assessment. I'm a very old soul.

[counterstep]

( huh. )

Rare to meet anyone else that'd also describe themselves that way.

[fooledfirst]

I have been through imprisonment and torture for years. Not only has it aged me but it has also given me a resolve to never let it happen again. I might just understand you better than most, James.

[counterstep]

( he tenses at the use of his name. he hadn't given it, and even the people that might recognize him as the winter soldier certainly wouldn't use it like that. no, he's being seen through, here, and that. that's not normal. )

...who are you?

[fooledfirst]

Gadreel. Angel of the Lord, yadda yadda.

[With a shrug he'll produce two beers, seemingly out of nowhere and hand one to Bucky.]

I'm just here to have an conversation, nothing else.

[counterstep]

( he takes the beer hesitantly. he knows people with pocket dimensions, yes, but they aren't strangers offering him beer either. )

...angel? ( bucky can't think of what else to say. his brain is pretty much stuck on that bit. some of the earlier alarm subsides, but the confusion has far from abated. )

[fooledfirst]

[He'll take a swing of his beer. It wouldn't affect him either way, he just did it to put Bucky's mind at ease.]

Yes. A creature of light, made to serve God. But He has been missing for awhile now, so Heaven is quite in disarray.

[counterstep]

( that's news to him, but he isn't exactly religious these days. not that something like this wouldn't hit the headlines either, if public knowledge. all the more reason why bucky still isn't sure what to make if it. or the beer he holds politely but has yet to drink from. )

So, what, you're just hanging around Earth cause your boss is awol?

[fooledfirst]

It's more "hiding out on Earth" than "hanging out". I'm not popular among my brethren.

[counterstep]

( oh. )

Angels bully each other?

( they say you learn something new every day. )

[fooledfirst]

[This isn't exactly the thing he wants to talk about.]

Angels are just as capable of cruelty as humans are. We're just expected to be better. [He grumbles. There are brothers of his one could mistake for a demon.]

[counterstep]

( okay, true. bucky had said that with the regular assumption that angels were supposed to be above that. but it's not like the bible ever said angels were perfect either. )

Right. Then. What did you want to talk about?

[fooledfirst]

What do humans usually talk about over a beer?

[counterstep]

( quizzically, ) Sports?

( he doesn't keep up with sports anymore though. that's just usually what they talk about. )

[fooledfirst]

I don't think either of us keep up with "sports". [He comments as he takes a sip.] How's your "making amendments" thing going?

[counterstep]

( ugh. he pinches the bridge of his nose briefly before starting, ) You know, if you wanna have a normal conversation like normal people do over beers, you gotta not do that mind reading thing. Or whatever you wanna call it.

( is that convenient for an angel to have? probably. he doesn't question that, assuming this guy really is an angel and isn't just some crazy who thinks he is — it's new york; both can easily be true. but also it's just. not cool, guy! it's not cool! )

They could be better.

( technically he wrapped what was there, so he should feel done. but he doesn't. he still checks up on some of them. paranoia. )

[fooledfirst]

I apologize.

Still. Taking the time to try to make amends. Not a lot of people do that. It shows a strength of character.

[counterstep]

( that he knows, of course, but it's odd to be complimented for it, especially by a stranger. his head dips slightly as he wonders why gadreel had approached him. was it really from shared similarities? )

I. I'd not be able to do much, if I couldn't move past things. And it'd be a waste, then. If I. With what I'm capable of, I mean. People need someone.

( even if that someone much prefers being no one. )

[fooledfirst]

[There were certainly similarities. He knew how it was to be manipulated, tortured and have his hand forced. But that's was where the similarities ended. He had no excuse for his crimes.]

They do. More now than ever. You have a great capability to keep others safe. To fight for what's right. It's a strength I wish I had found earlier.

[Did he envy him? Maybe. By the time he woke up, it had been too late. Bucky still had the chance.]