Might As Well Make It A Good One

!! SIDEBLOG !! RvB Multimuse - mainly featuring Churchs 21+ | Penned by Sai

[churchofinvention-a]

#[ church vc: this is an equal opportunity suck fest ]

now, now, no need to regale us with your time in blood gulch,

     “ I straight-up walked right into that one, that’s on me. “

[churchofinvention-a]

     “ I’m just gonna throw it out there -- I think it’s an objective fact that everyone around here sucks the most. We all suck an equally high amount, and there’s really no point in arguing over that anymore. “

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

“I-I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die, all that.” Temple can’t help that notice that Dallas’ - North’s? No, Dallas’ - AI seems.. a little juvenile. A little clingy. Though he supposes an AI travelling with someone would have to be; what the fuck are they gonna do by themselves? He looks almost.. entertained by Theta’s statement, quick to follow it up with a solemn nod. “No, I.. I’m sure people don’t. I’m not here to be mean.” 

Temple’s gaze flits over to Dallas, very nearly forgetting the man in the midst of talking with the AI. The sudden churn in his stomach seems to lessen at the other’s explanation and Temple inhales, visibly relaxing a little. “.. Alright, that- okay. That makes enough sense.”

And.. he’s not going to look into it any further. He’s not sure when he started placing such blind trust in people he barely knew, but this isn’t necessarily a question he wants to dig deeper into. Just gonna leave it at that. Temple’s fingertips drum lightly against his thighs before he folds his arms, giving a nod over in Theta’s direction. “So how long have you had your.. uh, little buddy?”

    " If you say so, " Theta reluctantly relents. He did 'cross his heart', or at the very least, he mentioned it. " But I'll be watching, okay? "

    " Theta. " There's no irritation in his voice -- just enough of a warning to make Theta murmur a vague apology. Whether it's to North or Temple is up for grabs, but they're sorry all the same. They'll still be watching, but at least they'll keep it to themselves for now.

Although, it's fair to say that Theta's attention is drawn much more thoroughly by the odd half-truths North seems to be telling his new friend. There was a method to the madness; Theta at least knows by now that they can trust North's judgement, it just... doesn't seem to sit right with them. Mmh.

    " Sorry. Didn't mean to catch you off-guard with that one. " The way the name-drop put Temple instantly on edge wasn't lost on him, nor was the visible relief on his face as it was clarified. He'd have to keep that in mind.

     “ Good question. It’s definitely been a good few years by now, hasn’t it? Theta’s been my partner in crime for a while now. Don’t know what I’d do without them. “ The finer details were a little fuzzy -- at least, the specific date he’d first been given Theta on -- but that much, he was sure of. As vague as it was.

     “ ... You don’t have much experience with AI, do you? I can’t imagine they’d be lending that kinda tech out to SIM troopers, would they? “

[unfuck-it]

you fucked up

idk what you’re referring to but probably

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

Temple can’t help but give a quizzical-but-amused little smile at the way Dallas seems to address his little friend. Though, he may sink back another step just to give Theta a little.. breathing room, as it were. Even though they apparently don’t need to breathe. Temple raises his hands gently, palms out, fingers splayed in a little mean-no-harm gesture. 

“I’m not here to.. uh, be.. mean. Or anything. I-I mean, you probably–. I’m sure that wasn’t like, a huge concern or anything, I just–um.” He’s going to stop talking now, opting to lower his hands just as gently as he raised them. Even he seems to follow Dallas’ instructions, inhaling softly and heaving out a little sigh. At least.. until Theta speaks again, and.. his chest tightens a little with concern.

“Well… that’s his name. Dallas. He introduced himself like that,” Temple says, puzzled, before turning his attention to Dallas, “.. why do they call you North?”

Theta seems... skeptical at best, somehow, head tilting inquisitively as they watched Temple and his hands. At the very least, they do seem to let their guard down a little, shoulders relaxing and all. They might even shift to take a seat on North's shoulder instead. That was something.

    " ... Do you promise? " Maybe it's a little bit of a concern. " I don't think we can be friends if you're gonna be mean to us. People don't like that. " No, they hadn't had a reason to be worried about it so far -- North certainly seems to like him -- but... Theta’s going to keep on their toes all the same.

However, if North could facepalm himself without making things mildly more concerning, then he might. It's not... a problem, per se, but the last thing he wants to do is start chipping away at the precarious foundation he’s on. Outwardly, he doesn't seem too bothered. putting on that easy smile of his instead.

    " Just a nickname. More of a... lame inside 'joke', I guess. " Which... yeah. " I'm actually from northern Montana -- pretty self explanatory. It’s not really much of a joke so much as it is a fact, but my guys have been callin' me that for so long, it is what it is by now, y'know? It’s just easier to rattle off my actual name than it is have to explain ‘North’ every time. "

[promptfairy]

𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐒   ♡   𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

    change gendered language to your needs.  ♡

“  crying is very punk,  trust me,  i do it all the time   &   i am a punk.  ” “  do i like him or is he just tall?  ” “  not to be dramatic but if i don’t get my life together i will die.  ” “  am i dramatic?  yes.  is it justified?  also yes.  ” “  everything that you feel is just a chemical reaction inside your head.  wow.  ” “  there’s a special place in hell reserved just for me.  it’s called the throne.  ” “  let’s get high!!   …   grades.  ” “  i think my gps secretly gets mad at me when i deliberately disobey its directions.  ” “  it’s a bird!  it’s a plane!  it’s   …   me, trying to outrun my feelings.  there i go.  ” “  i am here to say that i am a bisexual who loves mangoes.  ” “  why has no one fallen in love with me yet?  i’m so bored.  ” “  honestly,  i don’t even play an active role in my life.  shit just happens   &   i’m like  ‘  oh,  is this what we’re doing now?  okay.  ’  ” “  life hack  :  you don’t have to be a wolf to yell sad noises at the moon.  ” “  what the fuck do mirrors do when nobody is around?  ” “  it may look like i’m having deep thoughts,  but really,  i’m just thinking about what to eat next.  ” “  do i deserve back pain at this age?  ” “  i’m a simple person;  anything happens,  i cry.  ” “  i’ve mastered the skill of feeling guilty for asking for anything.  ” “  yes,  the rumors are true.  i’m a lovey-dovey dumbass.  ” “  i try not to sound like an asshole,  but it’s really hard because i am an asshole.  ” “  someone has to date me eventually,  right?  ” “  what circle of dante’s inferno did you crawl out of?  ” “  your inability to learn complicated handshakes is tearing this friendship apart.  ” “  there’s no way that  EVERYBODY  was kung-fu fighting.  ” “  saying my name is so intimate,  why would you do that to me?  ” “  don’t ask me about my sexuality.  you’re not gonna get a straight answer.  ” “  i would follow you to the ends of the earth with only mild complaining.  ” “  the first step to any murder is to have fun   &   be yourself.  ” “  i think i am subconsciously trying to ruin my own life.  ” “  i may seem like an angry person on the surface,  but deep down inside, i am actually angrier.  ” “  i push everyone away,  but in a way,  i am doing them a favor.  ” “  what do you mean a thesaurus isn’t a dinosaur?  ” “  i’m not even a hot mess.  i’m more like a lukewarm mess.  ” “  i’m not interested in being polite or heterosexual.  ” “  can someone please explain to me how i’m supposed to sleep for eight hours straight when i’m not even straight?  ” “  you’re not allowed to be busy,  you’re my only friend.  ” “  becoming older than ten years old was the biggest mistake of my life.  ” “  is it cold in here,  or is that just my heart?  ” “  if i sigh loudly enough,  will all my problems go away?  ” “  hey,  sorry i’m late.  i didn’t want to come.  ”

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

“Oh, I.. I have my sources,” Temple says nonchalantly, almost confidently while he slinks in just half a step. Don’t worry about it, it was subtle. He’s almost tempted to commit to the act and describe said sources; a little tidbit that’s practically writing itself inside his brain. It’d be smooth. But it’s probably best not to overcomplicate things. 

And, in seconds, said bit is wiped clean, replaced with sheer surprise at the little… AI - that’s an AI, right? He’s never fucking seen an AI up close, not a smart one at least - that seems to perch themselves on Dallas’ shoulder. Temple may have to take that half-step back, brows arched as he momentarily forgets his words. “I, uh-.” 

Oh, he has.. a friend. Or something. He doesn’t really have time to analyze what exactly that conversation meant before a confused gaze settles on Dallas, briefly moving back to the AI and then over again. “Well, I guess.. now certainly works. We’re all, um, here together, so..” Temple trails off, clearing this throat. Is he.. does he just–. Settle down, don’t make things awkward. Just.. say hi. “Um.. hey, Theta. You’re Dallas’ buddy, huh? Nice to meet you..”

If North is at all disappointed by the shift in dynamic -- and he may be -- then he isn't letting it show. They were going to have to meet at some point anyway, and maybe it was better that they got it out of the way sooner rather than later. Perhaps not right in the middle of this conversation, but nevertheless.

Theta's anxious hum has him snapping back out of his thoughts, and he’s tossing a slight glance in their direction. " Don't start getting all shy about it; you wanted to meet him, didn't you? What'd you think was going to happen? " His voice is more teasing than anything, a hint of a smile slipping into it.

    " I don't know. I wasn't expecting him to talk back, " they admit, taking half a step closer to North. Whatever had forced them to make that decision, they didn't seem to be too happy with, suddenly.

    " Take it easy, both of you. There's no need to be nervous; we're all friends here. And we should just be able to talk like that, right? Deep breaths. "

    " I don't need to breathe. " Still, it almost sounds like Theta seems to follow the reminder all the same. " ... Nice to meet you. How come you call him Dallas? Everyone I know calls him North. “

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

North’s own smile brings out Temple’s, if only just a little bit at first. It’s… hesitant; he’s just going to tuck away the feeling that he doesn’t deserve to have this - a normal, if not a little flirtatious conversation - away in the back of his mind for the time being. It makes him feel… normal. 

“Oh, it sure is- there’s a lot of fakes out there, too. Or it’s diluted down in some bullshit polyester blend. That’s no good,” Temple tutters away, fingers nervously flexing before his jams them into his jumpsuit pockets. Don’t be weird. 

“Cute? Well, I–.” Almost IMMEDIATELY after he told himself not to be weird, too. He seems almost.. flustered? He’s just gonna brush it off with a little laugh of his own. “Mmm… you’re- you’re a medic, right? I hope you’re up to date on your CPR training, ‘cause you might just take my breath away.”

Stupid. If nothing else, he'd certainly have to admit that it was a clever answer. " But yours is the good stuff, tried and true? I'm almost skeptical as to how you got your hands on it... " Maybe it's North's turn to remind himself not to make things weird. Not that that could be any weirder than asking for more pick-up lines. Look how flustered he is..

    " It's very out of date... " He hardly has the chance to react before Theta chimes in with his worried reminder; the AI was kind enough to show up on North's shoulder to put it out there, too.

    " Hey now, we just got that renewed, remember? I think our friend here's in capable enough hands. " Don't blow his cover, buddy. " ... I'm sorry, Temple, you haven't had the chance to meet my friend Theta yet. I was going to hold off on that for a little while, but... I guess now's as good a time as any, huh? "

[churchofinvention-a]

@technicolortroopers [x]

There's already half a grin on North's face as he waits patiently for Temple to get through it. He was trying, that was all that mattered.

The reveal isn't... anything special, but there was something about the train of thought leading up to it that kept it from being a total flop. It makes North laugh. Nothing malicious, of course, just... amused.

    " I've heard boyfriend material is pretty highly sought after. I'd sure hope it was comfortable at that rate. " He shifts, folding his arms over his chest. That grin is lingering. " That was cute. You got any others hidin'up your sleeves there? "

[homunculus-argument]

Goal: Being so kind that your anger is a fucking nuclear weapon.

Always having something sweet, kind and helpful to say, always having a way to calm, soothe and comfort. To see the humanity in everyone, and reach towards it. That anyone approaching you can expect you to have something to say that will settle their soul.

 That it hits like a freight train when you, out of all people, cannot see goodness or humanity in someone. When the nicest thing you can say is “well, the world will be wonderful once you are gone.”

 Kindness is not softness, and I will hit you with my sword.

[churchofinvention-a]

So, North. Any reason you've taken such a liking to your.. imprisoned friend? Kinda weird all things considered-

     “ I think that’s kind of a weird question to ask, all things considered. “

There doesn’t seem to be any malice in his tone, but he definitely didn’t seem to be content with being interrogated so suddenly. In all fairness though, who would? Being questioned in any capacity didn’t usually make for a comfortable situation.

And that mild discomfort looked to be vaguely apparent on the man’s face. North hummed tunelessly, rubbing the back of his neck.

     “ I’m just... trying to stay on his good side. It’s not really all that deep. The friendlier you are with someone, the more likely you are to get information out of them. All I want is the chance to have a few questions of mine answered. “ Something about the way he said that, however, made him seem distinctly displeased with that situation, despite being the one to bring it up. But... that was the intention; what could he say?

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

Temple is becoming increasingly aware of the differences between the two of them. Their appearance is almost… disturbingly similar, sure, he’s not blind. But after that? Nothing is the same. Temple seems to just stare at Church while he speaks, troubled gaze latched onto the other’s face while his brows furrow. And he’s right, he shouldn’t be trying to turn this into an argument for both their sakes. Temple shouldn’t be returning that energy, either. 

“… You’re a much better man than I am, Church.” One that clearly didn’t act on his desire for revenge- though it’s as plain as day to see that it still troubles him. Oddly enough, Temple almost wants to comfort the poor guy. He’d wished someone had comforted him. He gestures quietly to the chair on the opposite end of the table, focus unbreakingly still settled on Church. Sit or leave.

“It’s not just that I was done wrong,” he starts softly, finally pulling his gaze away from Church to stare down at his clasped hands on the table. “How can you say it’s only one person’s fault when this is something that happens to SIM troopers regularly? Or happened, I guess. Things are a little different now.” Way different, but that’s off topic. “It’s a whole system of people doing bad things to good people. My friend was one of those. His girlfriend, their baby.. imagine being told your partner is expecting your child and then immediately getting killed. I couldn’t even see her in person! It was over a fucking phonecall that I had to tell her! I don’t–.”

Temple has to stop himself there, eyes closing as he inhales, opening again as he exhales. “.. I set them up, you know. In high school. Her name is Georgina, and.. I didn’t even get to learn their baby’s name. I couldn’t talk to her after that.” 

    " Oh, I... " Some part of him wants to say that yeah, that certainly is a given, given that his own kill count is substantially lower, but... the overwhelming majority of him would rather just brush it off. His lips press together thoughtfully for just a moment before he decides to take up the offer -- no, the uncomfortable demand -- to have a seat. He can do that.

It was almost unsettling, how much sense Temple's argument makes the more depth he gives it. His concern was one... small instance of a much bigger problem; something that had snowballed out of control even beyond the old man's influence on things. That realization seems to bother Church, something in his eyes or the way his brow furrows as he listens to Temple's softened explanation. He's not sure what to say.

    " ... Yeah, I guess that wouldn't be an easy phone call to make. Before or after the fact. " You couldn't think of anything better to say? If nothing else, Church did at least seem genuinely sorry, even if he hadn't said it aloud yet. " You guys were pretty close, huh? I guess you'd have to be if you're setting those two up in high school and all. I'm, uh... I'm sorry that it had to happen like that. Of all the shitty things that inevitably come out of a military career, I wouldn't wish that shit on anybody. "

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

“Of course.” Temple murmurs in agreement, head bobbing once in a nod as he listens to Dallas continue. He’s well aware he could stop whenever he pleased; what’s anyone else gonna do about it? It’s not like he’s holding info or anything- which certainly begs the question as to why Dallas is here, but he’s trying not to think about that. He just wants to talk. He wants Temple to talk. He came here.. of his own volition, to speak with Temple–he’s doing it again. Temple blinks, seeming to mentally re-enter the conversation when his company speaks again.

And… oddly enough, that gets a little snort out of him, brow arching while his head cocks to the side. “I wouldn’t exactly call me feeling those feelings very good. You definitely don’t have to say as much, either.” A pause. “I’m.. very aware I did a bad thing. And it’s not okay. And I shouldn’t have done it, or… enjoyed it, but here we are. I know I’m not a good person, Dallas; you don’t have to hide that fact from me.”

That’s enough of that, though. Temple’s throat has a little lump in it, which he quickly swallows back and continues. “… To be fair, I only spiraled once. And I just… stayed in it. For years. I don’t- I think.. when I was actively.. doing what I did, I just.. every time I needed to remind myself what I was doing I’d remember what happened–.” Mmmm. He stops himself short, huffing out a soft breath. Maybe this is gonna be hard. Temple’s arms unfold, hands scrubbing his face briefly. 

“.. Do you know.. the whole incident? That caused this?”

    " Well--. " He certainly wasn't planning on saying anything, but... he didn't seem to have it in him to argue, either. Not in a way that would downplay the gravity of the situation, anyway. " ... I don't... think I'd call you a bad person. You're a person who's done bad things, I won't try and say that that didn't happen, but there's more to a person than just their actions, too. The fact that you can sit down and not only acknowledge that you did something bad, but feel remorseful over it... that's proof enough on its own. "

Something in that, he's more than aware, could be coming from an odd bias of his, even if the situations were vastly different. Just because someone's done something bad, doesn't mean they're bad. But that was the last thing North wants to dwell on right now.

He listens patiently as Temple goes on, hands folded neatly in his lap. Alright, next step then, but he wouldn't interrupt Temple's thought process to make that point just yet. There's more that he wants to hear.

    " Mmm... little bits and pieces, maybe. I certainly wouldn't mind getting the whole story, if that's where you're going with this. If you’re alright talking about it, that is. "

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

“My ass has already been gotten,” Temple says tiredly, gesturing to the room around them. Just because there’s no literal bars for him to be behind doesn’t mean he’s not being held. Though he seems to perk up at Church’s mention of the project - though less so for any concern and more so because, for some fucking reason, he’s still just as eager as ever to soak up any information he can about it. 

“I never claimed to be better!” he snaps suddenly, growing agitated with the growing harshness of Church’s words. And he didn’t. He just wanted something done. Something has cracked inside of him, he knows- how else do you actually enjoy this sort of thing? Asking himself if he likes the vindication instead of the actual murder itself doesn’t necessarily free him from the fact that he still did it. “Do you think I’m trying to frame myself as some sort of hero? Some savior? I’m perfectly aware that no person in their right mind would- this wouldn’t be cathartic - it shouldn’t be -  to some people, I…” 

Temple trails off, mouth remaining open with words that try to linger but instead fall short as he closes it. He’s refusing to meet Church’s gaze, opting to just.. pull out a chair from the table in the room, quietly take a seat, and scrub his face with his hands. “.. I know. I know. I’m not sugarcoating it for you. Nobody who has anything left to lose does something so fucking stupid. But do you think that’s what they’re actively considering at that point in time? I’m not–. I’m not here to defend myself. But when you lose someone like that, you crack a little. You want to see that everyone responsible comes crashing down. You want them to hurt as bad as you’ve been hurt- it’s not about what’s right or wrong, or.. if it’ll help in the long run. It’s the fact that you want to hurt people. You want everyone else to sit there and stew in the heartbreak, too.”

Get a grip. What this situation did not need was two angry idiots shouting at each other, although Church could already feel his head throbbing with the beginnings of a headache. What was it he had come here for again? A desperation move to try and figure out what the hell this guy had been thinking, some pent up anger at the stolen and abused identity. Something. But he's damn sure that he didn't just come in here to get this guy all worked up about things that couldn't be changed. He was already detained, everything had already been taken care of. What more can he ask for at this point? It still didn't feel like enough.

Church takes a breath. The sudden drop in Temple's mood seems to catch him off guard, but he'll wait patiently for him to finish all the same. Clearly he had some shit to get off his chest. Which... was probably to be expected, he supposes.

    " I get it. " Church sighs, rubbing at the back of his neck before he decides to pull up a chair himself. " I lost someone that was very important to me, too. Because of that shit show, no less. And it is hard to deal with; all you can think about is revenge. It’s all you can think about! The things you go through to make damn sure that someone pays for all the pain they caused everyone. We went through so much trouble, and we didn’t--. “

He’s saying too much. Church drags his hands down his face, leaving them cupped over his mouth and nose as he sighs into them. That’s not what he’s here for.

     “ ... I didn’t come here to start a fight. I shouldn’t be standing here trying to turn this into some weird, profoundly psychological bullshit argument. “ He shouldn’t be making comparisons like that, for both their sake. “ You hurt so many people because you were done wrong by one person. I just... I don’t fucking get it. I keep saying I get it, because I get it, but I can’t wrap my head around it. I’m sorry.  “

[churchofinvention-a]

technicolortroopers​:

“But–.” Even as Temple is about to protest, Dallas waves his worries aside and he goes quiet, simply… nodding when the other mentions needing to vent. That’s.. something about this doesn’t quite seem right. But what the fuck is Temple gonna do about it? Tell him to leave? Lose his company? As if. He’s a little wary, but even he isn’t dumb enough to turn down someone that actually wants to talk to him- especially if they’re being nice about it.

Temple leans back in his chair then, arms folding over his chest in a loose, semi-comfortable position while he eyes Dallas. “… I don’t mind talking serious. It’s all I’ve ever been talking about since I got here.” To say he’s used to it would be an understatement. Though- it’s.. refreshing, that someone tells him he had the right to be angry. That’s a little nice. He won’t let it get to his head, he promises. 

“You were saying something about a first step of sorts? Do you..” He pauses, looking down at his folded arms for a brief moment before moving back up to Dallas. “.. Do you have any advice on the second?”

He needs to work on that story. Just based off what he had heard about the guy, he was almost surprised that it didn't cause more of an argument. There's concern bubbling in the back of his head again, but North's quick to try and quiet it again. No need to get so worked up. Maybe Temple is suspicious, but he clearly also just wants someone to talk to. No harm, no foul. He'll keep an eye out.

    " If that's what you want. But if you wanna take a break from it at any point, you just let me know, alright? " Not that North minded in any capacity. He had come here to see what he could glean from Temple's perspective, but forcing it certainly wasn't going to get them anywhere.

He hums thoughtfully, leaning back in his own chair. " Well... seems like you've done a pretty good job of letting yourself feel your feelings. That’s very important. " Although, he did find himself having to cut that sentiment short. He felt that irritation rising in his chest; he couldn’t find it in himself to praise that process.

    " Maybe you can think about what it is that sends you spiralin' like that. You gotta figure out your triggers; it’ll help you understand why you’re feeling the way you are. Grief is normal, but what is it that’s going through your mind when you start to get angry? What are you thinking about? “

[wagyubeefs]

“the fandom has decided - ” “everyone agrees that - ” “we all know that this is the only right way to - ”

[thepuppyclub]

ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID????? Kindest regards,