folkmeme | Truth Meme

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truth meme

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Char takes them down one of the vertical shafts through Tides- the fast way, by grabbing Zechs and jumping. He lets them free-fall, using his wings to balance and control their fall so they don't develop too much spin before the jet thrusters kick in once they reach the correct level.

It's a short flight to his apartment, but probably one of the longest flights they've done with Char holding Zechs. In through the balcony, and then Char is pushing Zechs along towards the guest bedroom.]

I know you once said the idea of being a Newtype- of being known that completely- bothered you, but it would be much better than this, where you're left spouting everything you can without the benefit of that perfect understanding.

[ Zechs was scrambling to try and get the scarf off his face and the glove out of his mouth, but didn’t stop Quattro from pushing him back. ]

[ He might just manage to get his face clear, and say the very truest thing right just then - ] I am tremendously thirsty and I think I’ve ruined your glove.

[ There are so many other things that he wanted to truthfully communicate just then but he didn’t appreciate just how drying being gagged would be, thank you. ]

Yes, it's hardly ideal as a gag- I'll get you some water, and you- think about the most boring and well known things you can think of!

[Quattro hastily retreats. It's like he's made a wish on a monkey's paw- Zechs is more talkative and honest about what he wants, but in the worst possible way. He'll leave the glove as a sacrifice to their mutual sanity and friendship and go get some water for Zechs. And a snack, because he's a good host and has good manners.]

I hope you'll forgive me for asking, but since you're always so polite about accepting hospitality- what are your favorite foods and snacks?

[It's as much a diversionary tactic as it is an honest question to forestall whatever new subject Zechs might spring on him when he returns with the water.]

Thank you. [ Even compelled to tell the truth - apparently it was important and true enough to voice genuine gratitude before expanding upon anything else, for Zechs. He accepted the water and took a large swig, immediately feeling better. ]

I do not fault you for asking me such a question, Quattro, it comes from a place where you are attempting to divert my impulsion to speak the truth and protect my privacy - your understanding and empathy are among your great qualities. [ Zechs looked at his glass of water instead of at Quattro, at that, eyes slightly hidden by bangs. He cleared his throat. ]

Things I remember from when I was very young. Pfeffernusse, lebkuchen ... one can find hanuta in shops around Europe. Of savory dishes, pirozhki, bourguinon, paupiettes, pommes anna ... [ bemused; ] ... somehow the more rustic presentations are what I prefer, even if I believe a lavish presentation would've been more faithful to what I had actually eaten, once.

[Quattro is momentarily speechless over that extremely honest compliment, but he gives Zechs a big, genuine smile a moment later that says more than he could manage with words on the subject.]

I'm not much when it comes to baking, the cookies and hanuta I recognize. There was a large European population in the part of Earthsphere where I grew up.

[German, specifically.]

Bourguignon I can manage. I suppose we're lucky the spoons can bring us what my baking skills lack.

Young Zechs Merquise made quite the fine little aristocrat. I understand, though. I'm unfortunately very familiar with the political and social maneuvers one often finds with lavishly presented food.

[He's more free of that game now than he ever has been, and he doesn't miss it.]

Is there anything else I can bring you? Or would you rather just be alone now, until this wears off.

[ There’s an echo of a smile back, though it’s far smaller and more subdued for Zechs. ] I want to find more ways to bring that smile to your face.

[ Of course, he blushed immediately afterward. It felt - embarrassing. ]

[ Talking about food is, at least for the moment, a welcome subject change. ]

Too many dinners endured with Romafeller for me to associate elaborately elegant meals as anything comforting, I’m afraid. I would feel as if I am wearing a mask once more.

[ Bluntly; ] I would find it both more comfortable and more miserable to be alone - I prefer having company even when it causes me discomfort. I have read that pushing past those sorts of uncomfortable moments bring greater growth, but I doubt those writers were ever magically compelled to tell the truth against their will.

Do you think you will regret it later, if I do stay and keep you company?

[He knows how awful loneliness can be, even when being around other people is difficult. This is a unique situation, however.]

There's moving past discomfort, and then there's doing something that's too much too soon- training injuries are a think when improving our bodies, after all. I see no reason this kind of progress wouldn't be susceptible to the same.

I don’t know. [ The honesty keeps him from giving a comforting lie in either direction. ]

[ He winced because he can predict what will come out of his mouth. ] Those injuries rarely stopped me in my youth, even recognizing the logic in what you say now and what others had said then.

Yet this is different, surely, the only underdeveloped muscle I have in being a normal, socialized human being is metaphorical and not physical. And I cannot in fact die from embarrassment regardless of what I might think.

I'll stay, for now. But you know as well as I do that physical injuries heal much more easily. You wouldn't have used rose scented shampoo for so long if you didn't have those kinds of feelings, and lingering wounds to go with them.

[It's perhaps unfair to bring up while Zechs is stuck telling the truth, but Quattro sits on the guest bed and makes himself comfortable.]

[ For the first time that day, Zechs winced because of something another person said. He frowned - suddenly afraid of what he might say, he frankly went a little pale. ]

That is in remembrance, and as penance, because I do not wish to forget what I had become and what I had lost in becoming it. Even with him here, it doesn’t change the fact my actions lead to his and others’ deaths. Even though he meant to die that day. Perhaps meant me to die as well. I should have been the better man and found some other way. With him alive now in this place, it’s especially important I do not forget myself and slide backward.

[ He looked a little green, then. ] I would like to discuss anything else.

Yes. I apologize.

[Quattro will bring up the rest of his thoughts on that subject another time. For now he grabs Zechs and pulls him to sit on the bed.]

I'm sorry, I'm having a hard time thinking of things to say that won't lead us to topics that are unfair for you.

[Spotting some stray lint on Zechs' shoulder, Quattro brushes it away with his ungloved hand.]

Although I have a running list of subjects I intend to bring up with you later when you're capable of refusing to answer- it's so much more fun to get you to admit and ask for things when I have to work for it, like that time I took your sword, or when you were being evasive about what you wanted us to do with a gun in the bedroom.

[Quattro's eyes widen in horror while he talks, hidden away from Zechs by his sunglasses.]

I had no intention of saying any of that because I know it will cause you to say things which I have tried very hard to avoid asking about. I was worried this might be contagious back when you first started to talk uncontrollably at me- I may have to change both my appearance and my name and adopt a new identity after this, I hope you won't feel that it's your fault if I find myself no longer able to face you.

You’re forgiven. [ It’s not all right, that’s untrue - but Zechs did not hold this curse against Quattro. ] It is not your fault that I am so uncomfortable around my own truths.

[ Quattro’s eyes are hidden - but he heard the dawning horror as well as just noticed the unfettered speech as the man continued. Zechs’ eyes also went wide. ]

Shit. I think you’ve become affected by this same curse.

[ He reached in an attempt to cover Quattro’s mouth; ] I’d far more embarrass and humiliate myself than have you decide not to face me. I value you too highly as my friend.

[The desire to continue speaking has Quattro grabbing to stop Zechs from silencing him.]

I've already told you how I prefer you silence me- although I think the compulsion to keep talking might make it difficult to fully enjoy your natural talent. I'd be quite happy right now if you found some way to keep me from talking, which feels hypocritical as I would have no complaints against you knowing everything about me if we were capable of connecting as Newtypes.

I know you enjoy being embarrassed, we should do that instead if you can't shut me up. I am very sorry about saying that.

It doesn’t seem hypocritical to me - you were explaining how that understanding is far different from this compulsion. In addition, being a Newtype is only natural for you, this forced honesty is decidedly not.

I’d always prefer to suffer in place of a friend. [ Zechs looked particularly determined. ] But I would like to attempt to silence us, we should enjoy it.

[ Zechs would at least begin by leaning in with the intent to kiss Quattro, see how long they could both stand to keep their mouths busy that way. ]

I am such a poor Newtype that it doesn't feel natural to me, if I were better, I would not have made so many mistakes in my life.

[Quattro pulls back from the attempt to kiss long enough for him to say something else.]

I do not wish for you to suffer in my place, you already inflict more of that on yourself than you deserve.

[As soon as he can manage to stop talking for a moment he presses his mouth against Zechs' mouth, to feel how soft his lips are. He does not last long before he's talking again.]

Your lips are so soft, and so is your hair. But I've always been surprised that your hands are a little rougher than mine even though we're both soldiers and wear gloves often. Or is that simply my perception of your hands being different?

I don’t want you to elaborate on that at this time. [ Which was the absolute truth. Perhaps that’s why it’s easier, at least in that moment, for him to keep trying to kiss Quattro - it mattered more to him than drawing out any secrets. ]

[ Yet the compulsion finally distracted him again at that topic. ]

Why are you so surprised? I also believe yours are softer - I only took that to mean that your skin, surely, must be of more luxuriant quality. Some quirk in genetics. Your hair is delightful to comb fingers through, different than mine as well.

I take good care of my skin- I grew up without sunlight on my skin at all for many years when I was young, but now I moisturize regularly and try to take good care of my hands in particular. I want people to enjoy the feel of my hands when I touch them, I have gloves I wear on nights I sleep alone to help keep them soft- you take such lovely care of your hair, do you not do the same?

[Quattro's very relieved he doesn't feel the need to address the subject of genetics, given the work he puts into his appearance. That would not go anywhere good for either of them.]

Your efforts have paid off. I very much enjoy the touch of your hands - whether they are gentle in ways it’s difficult for me to express what I want - or when they’re rough in ways it’s difficult for me to express what I want. [ Zechs very nearly rolled his eyes, but did not. ] Yes, it seems more than obvious I have difficulties expressing that, the compulsion needn’t make that more awkward.

[ Wry: ] You’ve seen what I looked like as a boy. The length helps some, but my hair is fine enough that were I less strict with it, it would become a frizzy, impossible mess. I can’t say I bother with anything else. My hair takes enough time on its own.

I would show you even more gentleness, if you allowed it, if I didn't worry you would shy away and feel as though I was doing too much for you. I've often wanted to ask you to sit back and relax and allow me to massage around your knee after we've sparred, or after I've had you on your knees for a while. I'd enjoy spending that time on your hair as well.

[Well, at least he could be sure that Zechs knew he meant it and wasn't just saying it to be kind or make him feel better.]

[ Zechs sighed, a soft sound at himself instead of Quattro; ] It's easier knowing it's something you want. I don't know why I am the way I am, and I often find it as frustrating as you might. Yet we're both unable to lie, and now that I know you truly want to give that comfort to me - as strange as I think that is - I don't want to deny you.

It is one of the many benefits of our sexual rendezvous that you always insist on that comfort afterward. I'm incredibly grateful. [ Even if he looked embarrassed admitting it. ]

If our positions are reversed, I know you would do the same for me. I know you enjoy it, and I'm glad if this leads to you being less reluctant to accept it when it's something we both enjoy.

[Quattro is aware of his own selfishness, but he keeps his worst impulses in check. One of them has to know how to step on the breaks, and he doesn't think it's going to be Zechs.]

Especially since you're so accommodating when I'm actually being selfish in my requests. That has it's own set of problems, though. I wish I could be sure you would tell me if something was too much, or you didn't enjoy something or didn't want to do it. I wouldn't have to hold back as much.

If I think I'm selfish in what I allow you to do - then you surely cannot be selfish in doing so. I realize only now that this word is perhaps meaningless in this context - we're both doing what we want. [ He blinked a little as the truth was revealed to him like this, looking surprised. ]

[ And then ... chagrined. ]

It had never been my intention to have you hold back, merely by being eager. For the first time, I think I can take advantage of this curse to my benefit. Would you believe me if I gave you my word, as I am so affected now, that I will tell you if I disliked something, or if you went beyond my limits?

[Quattro grins when Zechs finally realizes what Quattro has known for quite a while. He's been giving Zechs paths to justify his way into things he clearly wanted almost from the start.

Then he frowns.]

When we both want the same thing, are we both being selfish, or are neither of us? I rather hate that kind of philosophical tail-chasing, it simply loops back in on itself with no answer.

[He wants to say yes to the question, but that's not what comes out after Zechs asks if Quattro would believe him. He's not good at trusting people.]

I don't know.

[Quattro is silent for a moment, because he has to really consider it to arrive at the truth.]

If you did, you would obviously mean it now, but I'm well aware that it's possible to intend to do one thing and then to change your mind and do another later. Yet I also know you are very strict with yourself, and would hate to fail at doing something you said you would do. So, yes. If you told me now that you would do that to the best of your ability, I would believe you.

[It's Quattro's turn to be a little surprised by what he's said, even if he can't fault his own truth-compelled logic.]

Neither us, I believe. Much of philosophy is that sort of tail chasing, in my opinion, but logic seems to say neither of us are selfish in that.

[ Zechs would try and meet his gaze squarely. ]

To the best of my ability. You have my word.

Edited 2025-02-17 00:05 (UTC)

[Hearing Zechs say that, and mean it, is a relief for Quattro. He smiles at Zechs and reaches up to gently brush some of the hair that hangs down in front of his face back to tuck it behind an ear.]

You are extremely appealing when you're really enjoying yourself. The more of a good time you're having the hotter you are- although I do also imagine what you might've looked like when you wore a red uniform and a mask. If it would be as obvious when you're turned on with so much of your face covered.

[Quattro latches on to the immediate desire to apologize instead of continue talking about red uniforms and masks.]

I'm sorry. I hope that wasn't difficult for you to hear. The part about the mask and uniform, obviously, not about you enjoying yourself.

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cw: discussion of sex

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