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

[4hearts]

That was his thinking exactly. And he really did want to get to know us. He didn't think we were any different than the other kids at school. And he put us in the path of some of the people who ended up being our closest friends and mentors. Monarchies are the norm where I'm from. Ben's the king of a whole bunch of 'states', each of whom are governed and represented by a royal on his council. But there are just as many non-royal members, and he listens to each of them earnestly.

That is the truth. I don't even know the full story on why my mom did what she did. She doesn't like to talk about it. And I don't want to push her. I know why she acted the way she did with me. I don't agree with her methods, but I can see why she thought they were our best option.

I'd like to, as long as she can get over her prejudice against my boyfriend. It's a process. Since she isn't trapped physically on the Isle, I'd like it if she felt safe and confident enough to come live on the mainland. My sister would like it, too.

For the rest of them, it depends on the VK. Celia and her dad were close before, and they're still close now. And Squeaky and Squirmy adore their dad. Dizzy likes visiting her granny, but she's glad she doesn't have to live and work for her anymore. Gil is so proud of who his dad is, even if his dad doesn't want to acknowledge him, so I know he still tries. Harry... I think it's better for both of them if he and his dad stay far away from each other. And M is finally getting to know her dad after her mom forbade him from visiting her, then told her that he didn't care about her at all. So it really is anything goes, like most relationships between parents and their kids.

[civillian]

Monarchies are tied to religion in my part of the world, and that has implications these days that tie into the past Yugoslav Wars and - it's complicated. Some words and titles are very loaded. But those implications aren't universal, and if Ben is running his monarchy in a fair and just way, then I'm glad. So long as someone views others as equals, I think world leaders of many kinds of governments can be good people - it's only when someone thinks themselves superior for being a part of the monarchy that there's a problem, and that's not what's happening in his case.

My mother never told me directly why she did what she did. I eavesdropped and learned some of the details, and good God, I wish I could unlearn them. What I know, though, is that she wanted to keep herself and those she loved safe. And I think that really, that point has been lost on a lot of people.

I have no idea how my mother would feel if I got involved with someone. I'm not great at dating, so I guess that's one bridge I won't have to cross for a while. How does your boyfriend feel about your mother - is the awkwardness mutual, there?

[He nods, mulling all of that over. A lot of variety is present in the responses to their parentage, and he can sort of see where all of them are coming from. These things are complicated. There aren't easy answers, much as he'd like there to be.]

I don't want to ever quit talking to my mother, but sometimes doing so makes me feel like absolute garbage. I don't think it's intentional on her part. It's just... complicated. We don't mesh well sometimes. Which I suppose is also like most parents and kids, in a way.

[4hearts]

Ben is the first person to own up to his mistakes and try to put them right. He's got a good mix of idealism and realism. I'm sorry that monarchies aren't as solid in your part of the world, and have such negative connotations. I've never known anything besides a monarchy or anarchy, and I know which I prefer.

I know what my mom did, too, and it's awful. If Snow weren't the person she is, I'd feel worse about it. But if she can forgive mom for what she did, and say that I should judge mom too harshly, then who am I to argue?

He's intimidated by her, so yes, definitely mutual awkwardness. We tried doing a dinner, the three of us, but most of it was mom talking about how I deserved better, and she didn't spend all that time and effort on teaching me to be a princess just to 'settle for the son of a horrid little dwarf', and giving him glares as if it's his fault his dad happened to be there when she got struck by lightning. But he's braver than he lets on, and I'm not worried about him deciding our relationship isn't worth the family drama.

I can definitely relate to that. For my mom, it's intentional, but it's kind of her way of showing she cares? She can see all the imperfections, and she points them out one by one. I hate it, but she's done it since I was a little girl, so I'd learn how to mask them and be the perfect princess.