[ One of them is, at the very least - though Zechs wasn’t certain; ]

Speak plainly or - stop taunting me. [ Zechs was more frustrated with this entire situation than Treize himself. But also: ] I’ve spent years ignoring my own childish fancies - our goals were far bigger than for me to pursue them either way.

[ Zechs is being forced to say any of this - forced into this entire conversation. But suddenly, part of him actually wanted to know - ]

I don’t want you to say things you don’t mean, Treize. Your feelings haven’t been burnt out of you - what do you want from me, my cage of comfort aside?