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

[bluecastleace]

[The initial explanation nearly has Iwaizumi rolling his eyes; when Shirabu finishes, however, he’s suddenly thankful that he didn’t.

[The criticism hits him like a brick to the gut. Naturally, his first instinct is to defend himself. After all, it was Ushiwaka that so repeatedly cornered Oikawa, criticized his choices, attempted to undermine his own sense of pride, tried to make him feel less than—- God, even thinking about it makes Iwaizumi’s blood begin to boil, his jaw begin to clench...

[But there’s truth in Shirabu’s statement, and it’s simply undeniable. Iwaizumi would never concede that Ushiwaka had no part to play in their tumultuous relationship - never - but even he and Oikawa had said plainly that the stupid bastard didn’t even realize he was being a jackass half the time.

[Yes, what Shirabu is saying is true, even more so than he realizes. If he were to take every story he’d heard of Oikawa and Iwaizumi openly mocking the hated ace, quadrupling the ridicule wouldn’t even begin to come close to how often they slandered him behind closed doors.

[He’s quiet for a long moment. Many people see Iwaizumi as a bully, and rightfully so; he can be just as cruel as Oikawa when he wants to be. Deep down, the God’s honest truth is, he’d never really want to hurt someone - not once the moment passes, anyway.]

You’re a smart ki—- [He cuts himself off, laughs at himself without an ounce of humor in his voice. He almost looks embarrassed - he feels embarrassed.] You’re a smart guy, Shirabu. And you aren’t wrong.

[That doesn’t mean he’s about to say he’s sorry. He’s not really sure that he is. But he’s not about to act like he doesn’t know what Shirabu is talking about. He’s the one who asked in the first place, after all.

[His eyes flicker back to Shirabu. He’s sure he looks somewhat cold now as he studies him. What is it about this kid that keeps drawing him back?]

I’d be willing a bet a fair bit of people underestimate you.

[selfefface]

[Shirabu wouldn't have believed an apology, and would have lost respect for Iwaizumi if he'd tried to placate Shirabu with one - because he's not even angry with them, really. He resents Oikawa's long, long shadow over his high school volleyball career, and he does think Iwaizumi has veered way out of his lane to make Ushijima and Oikawa's issues his own, but he's not hypocritical enough to deny that he's doing the same for Ushijima.

Iwaizumi avoids hypocrisy, avoids defensiveness, avoids outrage and even avoids hollow appeasement just to end the conversation, and Shirabu's respect for him soars to unprecedented levels.]

I admit that I encouraged them to with my own actions. Thankfully, someone managed to talk me out of that approach before I let it destroy my chances of being a good captain.

[Hoo boy, that stare knocked the wind right out of Shirabu's lungs for a second. He's shocked he managed to recover and say something a tiny bit cool in response, because Iwaizumi's still looking at him like that and it's making his skin prickle with apprehension that's not entirely unpleasant.]

[bluecastleace]

Wow. [If that cold stare was enough to make Shirabu’s skin prickle, what will the tiniest hint of a smile do?]

He sounds like an asshole.

[The energy between them certainly does feel electric right now, and surprisingly enough, Iwaizumi stops himself before he can question it.

[Talking to Shirabu - it’s so exciting somehow.]

that's it that's the tag he's speechless

[selfefface]

[A tiny smile from a (seemingly) surly bastard is a powerful thing. Far more powerful than a glare from just about anyone.

In this case, it causes Shirabu's face to heat up so suddenly and so intensely that he feels like a boiler with a broken pressure gauge, one that nobody - not even himself - realized was so close to bursting.

Because oh shit, Iwaizumi's handsome. Just lifting his brows out of their pinched furrow over his nose does a lot for him, but inverting their sharp downward arch the way a genuine smile does? That gives him an entirely new face, one that recontextualizes the usual face as very attractive in its own right. Kind of sexy, even.

Ohhhhhhhh shit.]

[bluecastleace]

[Iwaizumi cocks a brow, looking nothing less than amused now, though the expression isn’t taunting. Is he imagining the blush on Shirabu’s cheeks? It makes his own stomach twist in an unfamiliar way - well, unfamiliar for this guy, anyway.]

Not gonna argue that one, eh? I don’t blame you.

[His lips part with the threat of a laugh (he really does clean up well the wider his smile gets, or so he’s been told on occasion), but before it escapes him he hears an obnoxiously familiar voice down the hallway. He turns his head back over his shoulder as his expression drops back into its usual vague air of irritation. Looks like it’s time to split.

[He turns back to Shirabu one more time before he goes, locking eyes with him again. He’s surprised to find himself savoring that last glance.]

I’ll see you around, Shirabu.

[selfefface]

[Even if Shirabu wanted to explain his reaction - even if he could - he snaps out of it far too late. Iwaizumi's already a couple of steps away and Shirabu registers that Oikawa was the one calling him, which means separating asap is the only wise move. All he can do is hope Oikawa didn't catch him gaping at Iwaizumi like that, because to anyone else, the meaning of his look must have been crystal clear.]

Ah - see you.

[Spoken barely above a whisper to Iwaizumi's retreating back.]