bad rap

[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

shirabu kenjiro | hq!!

[selfefface]

I am extremely driven and because my pursuits demand a lot of hard, focussed work, I spend a lot of my time wrapped up in serious matters.

I am not as uptight as some people imagine simply because I don't spend more time goofing off.

[boimboim]

Ahhhhmen, brother!

[selfefface]

I'll never understand people who take on major responsibilities by their own volition, then waste as much time as possible by putting in no real effort.

[boimboim]

[Oh God, is that him? That might be him. No. No. He puts in effort! Most of the time!]

Pftf yeah. Heh. Like apply yourself, right?
And don't come nipping at my ankles when I'm first officer and they're still down on the lower decks.

[selfefface]

Funny how the people who miss out on promotions like that also tend to be the ones who act like anyone who works at what they do must be a pathetic loser.

[boimboim]

[Ok, that he can get behind.]

Yeah! There's no shame in being ambitious! Some of us are proud to have worked to get where we are. And where would the world be without people who are willing to buckle down and do some paperwork.

[selfefface]

Exactly. The combination of knowing what's needed from you and doing it will get anyone anywhere they want to go, but too many people think those steps are beneath them.

[boimboim]

Nothings beneath me!

Commanders love that kind of attitude.

[bluecastleace]

Alright.

Can I ask you a question, then?

[selfefface]

This feels like stepping into a trap, but fine, ask.

[bluecastleace]

What is it you do do for fun? No volleyball-related answers allowed.

[selfefface]

I go to karaoke with Taichi sometimes. Tendou-san is always full of manga recommendations so I read quite a bit, and there are a lot of dramas I enjoy. Lately I've been learning to play Go but I'm not very good.

[bluecastleace]

Go, huh? It’s not exactly an easy game.

[He’s no good at it either.]

Gotta say, I wouldn’t have pinned you as the karaoke type.

[Images of Oikawa 4 sakes deep barrage his brain.]

Do you actually get up in front of people and sing?

[selfefface]

It's mostly just frustrating at this point, but I refuse to give up until I can have some fun with it.

[Shirabu cracks a small smile.]

Iwaizumi-san, I can see why you'd assume I'm not all that social, but that almost sounds like you think I'm shy.

[bluecastleace]

Last we talked, you were all about fading into the background, not standing under a spotlight.

[selfefface]

... in that case it's out of pragmatism, not shyness. But fair enough.

And a handful of us do tend to get a private room when we go.

[bluecastleace]

I don’t remember ever saying you were shy, Shirabu.

[He’s smiling to, but it fades into an uncomfortable expression. He really doesn’t want to ask this...he really doesn’t...but he needs...to know?]

Does...does Ushiwaka?

[The very idea is so absurd he almost starts snickering, but he’s too busy being annoyed at the very mention of his name.]

[selfefface]

I guess that's true. What do you think of me, in that case - that I'm simply standoffish?

[Oh no. Oh noooo... that question combined with that look on Iwaizumi's face... that earns Iwaizumi his first ever glimpse of Shirabu laughing.]

And what do you think of Ushijima-san, that just imagining it makes you look so aggrieved?

[bluecastleace]

Well, I think he’s an asshole, first of all. [Because he is. You asked, Shirabu!] The idea of him singing is...

[He pauses for a minute, looks up to the sky and snorts, then goes back to looking like he doesn’t know whether to be amused or annoyed.] Hilarious? Unsettling.

[He glances back to Shirabu. Is he really laughing right now?]

I’m not sure what to think of you, Shirabu. You’re an interesting guy.

[selfefface]

[There are types of disrespect toward Ushijima that Shirabu won't just stand there and tolerate, but they tend to be more like Goshiki's constant displays of disrespect - treating oneself as a direct rival whose abilities match his, insinuating that he can be bested, trying to find excuses for his talent that undermine his hard word and natural gifts. He knows full well that most people grossly misinterpret Ushijima's personality and isn't so blinded by hero worship that he can't see why, so it doesn't bother him in the same way.

Besides, he knows how Ushijima has hounded Seijoh and Oikawa in particular, and... well, as the team's actual setter, it doesn't please him very much either.]

Ushijima-san isn't really as cold or flat as he can seem. That said, he's not a very good singer.

[Scandalous tea spill. And pretty good comedic timing on Shirabu's part, leaving the reveal that long. He, too, has layers like an ogre.]

Interesting, hm. That's not a reputation I tend to get.

[mask_up]

I agree you're not uptight, but please make sure you spend at least some time not working! I've treated many patients who've overworked themselves into very bad health.

[selfefface]

Ah - you're a doctor? I plan to go into medicine myself after high school.

[mask_up]

I am! I'm a general practice doctor, but I also have a specialty in pediatric medicine. And as a doctor, I wish people would take time for themselves - self-care isn't selfish, it's preventative care, which is invaluable to patients!

[selfefface]

As an athlete, I have to agree. There's nothing heroic about risking permanent damage to your health for the sake of short-term superhuman performance, at least in my opinion.

[mask_up]

Finally, someone who understands me. One of the most frustrating parts of being a doctor is that I can't keep people from making decisions that negatively impact their health... but, even so, it's all worth it when I can help them feel better, you know?