InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "COOKIE MONSTAH!!"

s (atrophy) wrote in rooms,
@ 2014-07-23 01:25:00

Entry tags:

*journal, eddie nigma, sam wilson, steve rogers

Sam W, Eddie N
[Locked to Sam W]
Sam?

[Locked to Eddie N]
As far as I could gather, no changes with Ms. Stacy.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 07:50 am UTC (link)

I meant more generally. From what the papers said, he was a womanizer. He especially liked taking on a ingenue. [Such disappointment.]

[...] I think it depends on what sort of risk it was, if people were hurt, killed. Not that I want to quantify pain. Just [...] there are degrees of screwing up. I think I would accept the apology, but I might not be very nice about it.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 07:57 am UTC (link)

Indeed. [Blink.] Though, I married a woman more than 10 years younger and used to have two girlfriends at a time, so I can't say that I'm one to judge.

As someone who is good friends with Batman, I think a lot needs to be earned. I think being nice is a tactic rather than a true emotion. Maybe you are judgmental and harsh, but it should inspire people to try harder.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 08:01 am UTC (link)

We all have flaws. His were just made public. Which isn't me excusing him. Just recognition.

I don't think people need to earn respect or trust from the get-go. But if they lose it, it does need to be earned back. [...] I'd rather be neither. As much as I think bland acceptance of a person in their entirety, and their flaws, can lead to a sort of stasis, you can't tell someone that and expect them to agree. I want people to aspire. I think they can become better. But maybe it's not my call—or my place to try and get them to see that. Maybe I am overly self-righteous. I'm certain, however, that you didn't come here to talk to Captain America about how much of an ass he can be.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 08:12 am UTC (link)

It's difficult, especially when dealing with adults. I have a hard time trusting people, Steve and it's always been easier treating people who don't impress me like children. The people I do trust, the ones I care about, I tell them how I feel and it doesn't always work out very well.

Oh, stop Dreamy. You get a free pass anytime you want to tell me what it's like being Captain America. I have no idea. I think it's interesting and frankly, there's not a lot of people through my door that carry the same kind of burden you do. One day I'm going to need an impartial person to talk to about being Riddler and I hope maybe I could count on you for it.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 08:35 am UTC (link)

You didn't tell me. Keaton or Chaplin?

No. But, that's what it's like with people, isn't it? The good thing, sometimes. We can't control them. They make their choices and we ours, and we hurt each other a lot, but hopefully, we learn from it. Maybe that's old-fashioned, but it's what I like to think anyway. I don't know if it would be much fun talking to someone who agrees with you all the time. [...] Trust is hard. It really is. I understand the pitfalls—and the reasons so many shy away from it, because you can get hurt so easily and with such depth. I can also see why some would feel it earned. It is a jump to vulnerability again. It probably keeps people alive, that suspicion. But I [...] can't help but feel it's doing a disservice to others, to distrust them on sight or to have no respect for them or their dignity as other humans. [Sorry, Thor, he forgets.]

I told Selina I didn't think Banner's heart was in the right place. That didn't turn out very well either.

I'm your man, Eddie, whenever you need me.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 08:48 am UTC (link)

It was a trick question. Chaplin made women miserable and women made Keaton miserable.

But, if you disagree with someone too often, a lively conversation can quickly turn into resentment. [Blink.] I come from a city where you don't trust anyone and you don't expect anyone to trust you. I've abused trust, I've hurt people and I've had the same happen to me just as often. I can't trust anyone right away, I'm not programmed for it. So, it makes me try to earn trust instead of demand it right off the bat. And, people who do expect to be trusted right away come off as suspicious.

Now that was a mistake. She's very protective over him even if I think it's silly to be at this point. I told her I felt disrespected and she didn't try to prove me wrong, so that's something.

Thanks, Steve.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 09:04 am UTC (link)

I'm a simple man, Eddie. You can't do that to me. No preference—when it comes to their films?

That's true. I don't know if I know where the line is. [...] That makes sense. When it comes down to it, it's an incredibly stupid thing to do, but that's never stopped me before. Do people often expect it there? Or demand it?

It is. I know she knows he's being negligent. I've gotten some show of her [...] claws before. She wasn't mean about it. She just [...] I don't think she understood what I meant. That's what led to telling me my high standards were hard to live with and that I was hard on Banner. I can't even disagree.

Of course.

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	Re: eddie/steve riddlethem 2014-07-23 09:14 am UTC (link)
	Hmm. Chaplin was more clever. Keaton had more heart. The Batfamily demand it of each other. They want to be loved, respected, trusted and saved even if they don't take the time to get to know each other. Well, I have very low standards and Banner disappointed me. [Blink.] Have you talked to him lately? Are you going to avoid this whole mess? I think I am. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 09:22 am UTC (link)

Keaton always seemed to have less to me. The Little Tramp is sentimental, sad—he's clever too, but I was always more fond of Chaplin. Maybe I found him more relatable.

[...] Is that why it took so long, for you to get in their so-called good graces?

I spoke with him only briefly today and was included in another lock with him that he hasn't responded to. I don't think I can avoid it. I'm a confrontational guy. But I don't know what there is to be done about it from this end. Selina asked me to look in on him when he gets back. He acted bizarrely in their conversation, she said. But I wasn't given much detail. I'm not good at talking to him.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 09:33 am UTC (link)

Chaplin would have been such an anti-hero if he ever was given powers. Keaton would just mope around and save people when asked.

No, I don't think I really deserved it for a while. I didn't try very hard because I only cared about Stephanie and the Dark Knight. A few months ago for them was years ago to me thanks to the time jump, so I think they understand I'm a different person now.

He's hard to talk to, even for me. [Blink.] I'd caution you to be careful about it. I think he deserves a talking to, but if it's going to be pointless or blow up in your face, there's no reason for it.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 09:38 am UTC (link)

I don't think Chaplin could keep himself from kicking the behinds of cops. Is that what you mean by antihero? [Joke. That's a joke.]

Ah. That's happened to me. I'm glad it's turned out then. I think you'll be good for them, the little I know.

As rude as it is, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I was beginning to wonder if I just lost my ability to communicate at all. [...] I'm not going to do it, if I can help it. I get too angry and that helps no one. I have a friend who's much better at these things, and much more impartial. I'm going to see if he can help.

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	Re: eddie/steve riddlethem 2014-07-23 09:43 am UTC (link)
	Well, that and harassing innocent bystanders, of course. I hope they're good for me, too, you know? I hope when Steph and I have a kid, they accept it like one of their own. I'm very skilled at communication and talking to Banner is like interviewing someone who doesn't want to talk to you in the first place. [Blink.] Good. I hope things smooth over. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 09:51 am UTC (link)

That is more Byronic hero.

[Smile.] I don't know them, but I think they will.

[And now, huff.] I [...] know his life has been hard. I don't want to discount that. But I don't know if I've ever met a man so avoidant of taking responsibility for the things he does, or says, or the consequences of those things. How do you respect someone who has no respect for anyone else? [/rant.]

I hope so too. It'll be better once Gwen heals up and Tony too.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 10:00 am UTC (link)

Maybe he'd just stick to the role of troublemaker. There aren't enough goodhearted troublemakers these days, anyway.

[Blink. Smile. Blink.] Thank you. And, I think you're right. It's why I'm staying in the door instead of running off to space.

That's precisely my problem. He doesn't see that he's in the wrong and he doesn't change his actions when people ask him to be more forthcoming. I believe he's hard on himself and he cares deeply for a select few, but that's not good enough. The only way he'll learn is through failure and with Jason's life on the line and Gotham in danger, that just wasn't an option.

Anyway. I'll stop complaining. I hope your friends get better.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 10:09 am UTC (link)

Were you like that, a troublemaker, as a kid? I could see that.

What's [...] in space? Is there a door there?

No. It wasn't. And it shouldn't have to be, for him to learn. The man is selfish. We all are and I understand that. But to a point. When it gets to endangering the lives of others or nearly killing them, I think it's time to reconsider. But to reconsider, you had to admit you were wrong at some point. [...] It's selfish of me to say it, but this is validating. I'm quickly learning I have no willpower. I should be disappointed in myself, but I can't say that I am. Please carry on if you want to.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 10:22 am UTC (link)

I was. I've always been smaller than the other guys, so I had to be faster and smarter. Once I made a pair of bullies think they were haunted by the ghost of a dead general. I made their floorboards creak, did basic Houdini tricks to make them believe in ghosts. They lost so much sleep that they forgot to beat me up for a month. It was a good month.

The Mass Effect door. It's a giant, advanced civilization filled with aliens. Steph and I have a place on a space station there. I talked her into staying after we got married so I could go figure some stuff out for myself. But, there's nothing out there compared to staying and defending Gotham while being part of a team. Even if it doesn't work right and people don't always like me. I'm always going to come back.

He's a genius. People who think they're smart, myself included, take a lot to be humbled. I nearly got my wife killed once, I almost got Selina killed and I've fucked up in ways you can't imagine. Banner has spent his life on the run, so he hasn't been tested until recently. It'll be a long time before he realizes he's not always right. [Blink.] I know, I've been bottling this up for a while. [Blink.] And, I don't like scientists very much. Never have.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 10:31 am UTC (link)

[A laugh.] That's a smart plan, very clever. Any general can be intimidating, but a dead one especially.

It's your home. I don't know if I could handle space. I'm having enough of a shock adjusting to now. [...] Did it help you figure stuff out?

Why not—about the scientists, I mean? [...] I envy all the brains on the team. They talk in an entirely different language than anything I can comprehend, but I think I can agree that most of them think of themselves [...] let's say, highly. [...] But your wife, even when you were [...] screwing up, she accepted you? She didn't put you out.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 10:42 am UTC (link)

And people in Gotham are as superstitious as they come.

Well, it's from a video game I know pretty well, so it's cheating a bit. [Blink.] I don't know. I got bored doing the things that used to thrill me, so that's something? [Blink.] Would you ever go to another door? Or are there too many responsibilities there?

Scientists...the ones I've known over the years anyway- they don't have a high regard for human life. They take risks they shouldn't in the name of science and will do anything to keep running their tests. [Blink.] Not all scientists are like that, but many of them lack a certain amount of empathy. I was hunting scientists operating on young, gifted people when I was in space, actually. [Blink.] She gave me shit, she always does when I screw up, but she didn't leave my side. Stephanie knows I'm a work in progress and that fucking up is something I'm going to do now and then. You just have to find someone who believes in you enough. Someone who knows you'll try to be better.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 10:53 am UTC (link)

I think it was Selina who told me there was no God in Gotham.

[Oh, a video game.] Is that [...] what you wanted? [...] I'd like to visit. But I don't think I could leave.

I can see that. That's unfortunate. It sounds an awful lot like some of the experiments done a long time ago, when certain people weren't considered people at all. [...] If Dr. Erskine was here, I would recommend him. Are you looking for a scientist for something in particular? [He thinks about that.] You're lucky. [...] Like this? [Short transcription.] How about just accepting people for what they are? Believing the best of them, but accepting them, flaws and all.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 11:04 am UTC (link)

That's where she's wrong. I go to church! I actually work the fish fry once a month.

I wanted to know if I'm ready to be a dad or if I'm going to wake up one day wanting to chase some cheap thrill. As a former rogue? That's a very real concern. [Blink.] What was Erskine like? [Blink.] It doesn't matter anymore. I wanted to reverse a procedure done on these kids in space, but I can't go back there any time soon.

[Smile. Blinking pause at the transcript.] That sounds like something a rogue would say.

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Re: eddie/steve

atrophy
2014-07-23 11:12 am UTC (link)

But do you work it on Good Friday? There's the true measure.

So you're ready to be a dad. Early congratulations. [...] Gentle, dry, patient. He did like giving tests. Besides Bucky, at that point, I don't think anyone would have given me a second glance. He saw something in me. I can't really give an impartial judgement of his character, but I know he was a good man. He came over from Germany just before the War. They tried the serum there. It is [...] when you get down to it, an exercise in eugenics, so it makes sense. But it wasn't ready and he wasn't willing to help. [...] Could you send someone else to help them?

Selina. That was her advice.

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Re: eddie/steve

riddlethem
2014-07-23 11:19 am UTC (link)

Well of course. I have to earn street cred somehow.

Save it until it actually happens. Steph and I are terrified. [Blink.] Was he the one who talked you into doing the serum experiment? [Blink.] The only one I know through that door is Banner. Barbara, too, actually, but she's with child.

That sounds like Selina. [Thinking pause.] And, what did you tell her in response?

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	Re: eddie/steve atrophy 2014-07-23 11:24 am UTC (link)
	Big man on the block. Yes, sir. [...] He was, in the sense that he approached me. I didn't have to be convinced. It was his project with the Strategic Scientific Reserve. [...] If it's as advanced as you say, she might be able to make phone calls, or whatever it is you need to do to find a scientist. I told her yes, ma'am. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: eddie/steve riddlethem 2014-07-23 11:28 am UTC (link)
	You didn't have to be convinced to undergo a possibly harmful, painful treatment that might have gone horribly wrong? [Blink.] It's not a bad idea. I want to get on her good side, anyway. We're both the designated researchers in the door. See? You are getting better at talking to Selina. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: eddie/steve atrophy 2014-07-23 11:32 am UTC (link)
	No. It was my in to the army. She thought I was shutting down, so maybe not. Concede a point and you're being rude. Argue, you are too. No. She wasn't mean throughout any of it. I'm just [...] trying to work out if I agree. Do you? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)