Truth Meme

[folkie]

Truth Meme

Somehow, there is kirin on you.

Most likely, it is the fur of the kirin that was caught in the environment of wherever you’ve been; there is a stray hair on you because one was on the seat you sat on upon the train or because it blew onto the brim of your hat in the wind.

Or it may be because you met the kirin—a playful ungulate moose-sized spirit who prefers not to speak—and engaged with him and gave him a pat, or a scratch behind an ear. Maybe the kirin nosed or licked your hand because you made him laugh (it’s an adorable ‘keh keh keh’ sound).

Unfortunately for both you and the kirin (who had not meant to trouble your day like this, truly), this exposure to his dander has only one reaction, and it happens to 100% of Star Children: you are compelled to tell the entire truth. About what is less specific; you are compelled simply to announce things about yourself—your life, experiences, thoughts, opinions, feelings. No matter if it’s something silly and inconsequential, deep or secretive, life-altering or commonplace. Some may choose to do this by employing Foxi and their relic; others by finding people to exchange truth with to face to face.

When you have met the kirin’s subconscious desire for four hours, you will be free from the truth telling and the recipient of 24 hours of good luck. The good luck will be sometime in the next year rather than in the next day, and you may have no idea where it came from, but you’ll know a lucky day when you have it!

• This meme is game canon unless marked otherwise at the start of threads! Threads can be used for spoons and application samples.
• Assume all characters involved on this meme are affected.
• Characters will compulsively state truths about themselves/their feelings on the network or in-person. Top-levels may include either/both options.
• Please include prompts in your top level.
• All questions will be answered with complete and total honesty. No special abilities, half-truths, or omissions can avoid sharing all of the truth.
• Meme is open until the next truth meme!
• After one month, you may use the kirin mechanic generally in game. It can be one-sided! All truth-telling characters must consent.

Comments

[zechs_isonfire]

You’ve not been the first to say so - but I have difficulty in seeing it, or even recognizing it. I fear I might have damaged something irreparably when turning myself into a soldier.

[ Perhaps an ocean to jump into wouldn’t be thorough enough, a volcano? ] Fucking hell this is mortifying.

[ And betraying just how distressed and conflicted he is, cursing like that. ]

I don’t know! I do not know. I don’t know what I want, what is possible, what I’m capable of - and this entire truth of the matter is why I view myself as so terrible at relationships as a whole!

[oz_leader]

So what you need is someone who can redirect you so you can find out? Who knows how to guide you in the proper directions to find out exactly what you want? [Treize moves, closing the distance between them, although he hasn't touched Zechs once.]

I don't think becoming a soldier destroyed it but it did bury the things you didn't want to face under the role you chose to keep yourself safe.

[zechs_isonfire]

From anyone else that would sound like some manner of trap - or trick. [ Because Zechs can’t help being honest. ] But those are not the sorts of manipulations you’re known for. I’m not concerned about what you’ll lead me to understand - but I would like to improve things between us, and your help and patience there is invaluable.

[ Treize’s words rang true, most especially under the kirin’s geas. He looked away. ]

I have been working tirelessly to improve myself here, Treize. And I don’t merely mean martially. I hope some of that does come through. [ And he can’t stop himself; ] I am ashamed that I still yearn for your approval, and yet I do.

[oz_leader]

You already have my approval, Milliardo and your hard work definitely shows and is appreciated by the people who know you here. [Treize hesitates a moment before he does speak again.]

You don't need to try so hard with me. All I want from you is your company in whatever form or fashion is most comfortable for you, be it just sparring and friendship as we had before our paths diverged. I never thought any less of you, not even during those final days. [Because that had been his fault in more than one way as well, given the nature of Epyon.]

You being by my side is all I've ever wanted from you, Milliardo.

[zechs_isonfire]

I hate hearing that name. [ Zechs winced again, and yet it’s the truth. But also true, clearly; ] You’re about the only individual I’d allow to even voice it.

[ He looked frustrated because he couldn’t silence himself, but also - ] If I kept to what I thought would be most comfortable I’d be entirely alone. I would not be caring for Alluka - I would not have the few friendships I possess - and I would never have spoken to you after your arrival. I would be more miserable and terrible for that mistaken attempt at comfort. Do not let me stay comfortable. I need to push past these masks I’ve built that have caged me.

[ He shook himself and tried to change the subject. ]

Now, come on. You promised me a duel. And you’ve always been devastatingly attractive when you’re smug with a weapon.

[ Zechs choked when the words left him. ]

[oz_leader]

I'm aware. [And that is probably a large part of why he does it, at least when they're alone. He does respect Zechs enough not to use it in mixed company unless they're already familiar with the situation. The last part of what Zechs said though has him looking at the other man for a moment.]

I think I like whatever is affecting you at the moment, Milliardo. [It's lighter, a little amused before he moves to fall into step with the other man.]

[zechs_isonfire]

[ Zechs cleared his throat, but he did feel a little relieved that Treize was only amused instead of disdainful. ]

Of course you do. I’m grateful you’re amused at my expense rather than - weary to have yet another soldier throw unwanted attention at your feet.

[ Even if speaking so honestly about it had him blushing, apparently the only thing to do was pretend it wasn’t a big deal. ] Perhaps this is the best case scenario for having a childish infatuation revealed - your amusement and endless ribbing in the future.

[oz_leader]

And what makes you think I have any intention of mocking you? [Treize's hand catches his, keeps the contact brief.]

Or that your attention would ever be unwanted? You've never been just another soldier, Milliardo.

[zechs_isonfire]

[ Zechs, normally so entirely coordinated, even graceful, and aware of himself and his movements at all times - nearly trips from the brief contact and the statement. ]

[ Of course, he can only be honest. ]

Mockery is the only explanation I can think of - why would you say that. [ This is worse than anything so far. Especially; ] This is mortifying, I am acting like - some blushing cadet, merely because you implied you’d return a fraction of my interest.

[ Of course, if it was as simple as Zechs wanting Treize to look at him with carnal interest - he would’ve simply said so before. But the truth instead wasn’t one he understood, since he both couldn’t put to words or even conceptualize what he wanted. ]

[oz_leader]

It would be far more than a fraction. [Since they're being honest.]

[zechs_isonfire]

[ 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?

[oz_leader]

I have no reason to speak falsely to you here, Milliardo. [He steps closer, speaking more quietly.] And we both had our roles to play before, things that werre best left unspoken for many reasons. [Some more murderous than others.

But perhaps words are less than ideal and Treize only hesitates a moment before he leans in, catching Zechs in a kiss.] Finding you here is more than I ever expected of any afterlife I might have found on the other side.

But I would still have waited there for you had they not intervened to bring me here.

[zechs_isonfire]

In retrospect, even if I’d have known - I can’t say if anything would have changed. Which I feel quite horrible about. [ Admitting this quietly - the breaking of their friendship, still accepting the chance to pilot his Gundam, what Epyon had shown him, and all that followed. ]

[ Zechs didn’t voice any of that aloud, because it’s clear they both knew that truth. The war, the roles they were cast in, wouldn’t have changed. ]

[ He might’ve expressed his honest desire to know what would now, before - his mind blanked with a firm press of lips. ]

[ And it took a moment for Zechs to find words again, finally parsing, piecing together … ]

[ Zechs sounded almost hoarse. ]

Whatever - whatever this is, Treize.

[ Something he didn’t still have words for, but; ] This is what I want.

[oz_leader]

Anything you want, I'll give to you, Milliardo. [His voice is softer, hand sliding into the blond hair as he steps closer.]

You would have suffered more than you already are. [Because even as much as he claims to be shut off, Treize knows better.]

[zechs_isonfire]

I don't want to think about the past right now. [ He closed his eyes for a moment and slightly leaned into the touch, as Treize carded a hand into his hair and stepped even closer. ] Even if it is inevitable with you here.

[ He's not intending to blame Treize - that was just how it was. Unlike everyone else here, Treize didn't need his past explained to him, he had been there - for better or worse. ]

[ But it's still true; ] I am so tired of it haunting me. I wish I could focus on this present moment, instead.

[oz_leader]

Then focus on me. We'll duel now if you want or we could put it off a little longer and pursue this instead. [Which would mean returning to his home but there is a space for dueling there as well. ]

[zechs_isonfire]

I am incapable of lying - I do very much wish to duel you. [ Deep breath. ] Perhaps it’s better if it’s less public, considering I’m now hoping you’d have your way with me at swordpoint after.

[ Mortifying. ]

[oz_leader]

We can duel after. [Treize says after a moment, his fingers. ]

As much as I do enjoy the visual of you at swordpoint or on your knees, I have other things I want to do first so if you can be a little more patient, we will grant your desires as well.

[zechs_isonfire]

I am eager to see what you want. [ Zechs was very much feeling humiliated by what he’s still admitting - but it felt slightly less fraught, now. ] I excel at being patient. But I am no less eager to do what you would desire.

[oz_leader]

I'm aware of how patient you can be given we've both done our share of waiting to achieve our own goals. [His thumb skims along Milliardo's jawline lightly before dropping back to his side.]

My house isn't far.

[zechs_isonfire]

(( ooc: continued here! ))