Time Of Truthiness!

[unbroken_chain]

Who: Everyone!
Where: All over the city!
Summary: The Time of Truthiness is upon Hinoto-Ri!
Warnings: Basically everything.

It begins. A strange aura spreads out over Hinoto-Ri, stealing into the hearts, minds, and mouths of every denizen of the city, changing them - embiggening their souls with the power of TRUTHINESS.

For one week, Hinoto-Ri becomes a city where no lies can exist. Who is responsible for this? Will their dedication to ABSOLUTE TRUTHINESS bring them victory...or defeat?

DUN DUN DUUUUUN

Tune in to the Destiny Strings Broadcast Special: Time of Truthiness to find out!


ooc: okay folks, go ahead and mingle!

Comments

[bondsofsuffering]

[There's a distinct pause as he runs over his options, but right now it's probably best to try to play it cool. He brings up a smile as per the norm, even if it isn't as bright as it normally is.

The facade is cracking.]

--Taro. Hey. I'm fine.

[...Physically, that is.]

[hachitaro]

... You sure?

[He reaches out to put his hand on the other's shoulder, but slowly enough that he can move away if he wants.]

You looked kind of worried there. Did you have a bad result from a test or something?

1/2

[bondsofsuffering]

My tests came out almost perfectly. It's--

[Nothing, is what he wants to say. Of course, lying like that isn't permitted right now.]

--just that I'm worried I might live too long.

2/2

[bondsofsuffering]

[The second he finishes speaking, he gives a jolt. The facade only breaks down further, his expression becoming one of confusion and, frankly, terror.

What did he just say?]

[hachitaro]

[His eyes widen a little, and he tilts his head. Huh? That doesn't make any sense?]

[Then again...]

Why? Though... heh. Living a long time isn't all it's cracked up to be.

[... Wait did he say that?]

[bondsofsuffering]

[He tries to calm himself. He can still roll with this. Attribute it to depression or-- or whatever. There's at least one person who knows - it wouldn't be that surprising.]

"No one wants to live forever", right?

[hachitaro]

More like "live long enough and you see your family die slowly in an internment camp", but yes.

[... His face pales. He really, really did not mean to say that.]

[bondsofsuffering]

[Wow, okay then.]

...Think we should just cut the conversation there?

[Since this seems to be bringing out a bunch of uncomfortable truths for the both of them.]

[hachitaro]

[He opens his mouth to say yes, but what comes out is...]

No. Because I'm worried about you.

[bondsofsuffering]

It's not like you can do anything to help me!

[The frustration and fear in his voice is genuine - probably more genuine than anything else he's said to Taro before.

Why does he keep talking about all of this...?!]

[hachitaro]

[Okay that's it - hug attempt is go. He tries to get an arm around the other's shoulders and the other around his back.]

Hey. Shh. Just... calm down. Try to explain to me.

[bondsofsuffering]

[He stiffens at the hug-- it's been years since he's been on the receiving end of one. And with the situation being what it is, he instinctively begins to pull back, his voice quiet and shaky.]

I-- ["can't"] shouldn't. Outsiders shouldn't be involved.

[hachitaro]

Oh hell. I know what that's like, trust me. It's been like what, eighty years since we started getting the Underground together?

But this place is full of weird stuff. So you can tell me. It's not like I can't keep secrets.

[bondsofsuffering]

[He shakes his head, looking down - and effectively leaning his head against Taro's shoulder in the process. It's not that he doesn't hear the things Taro speaks of, but frankly he's in a panic that he's just said as much as he did.]

--Can't go against his command. People shouldn't even know about me.

[hachitaro]

Whose? I'll fight them for you.

[Not that... he's much of a fighter. He chuckles, and gives him another squeeze.]

And I'm glad I know you. Know about you. Whatever. I can't claim to totally understand what's going on, but I'm here.

[bondsofsuffering]

Even if you try, there's no way you can beat him. Even if you try, you can't stop him. He'll just use you like he does with everyone else.

[He's tried. He tried so hard.

As for Taro's opinion on him... he just remains silent.]

[hachitaro]

I can try. I'm already dead at home. If it's for a good cause then I don't really care - and helping a friend is a good cause.

[He leans his head against Hizumi's a little.]

I don't really care what happens to me. I've done some terrible things. But if I can help at least one person be happy, it's worth it.

[bondsofsuffering]

[Dead...?

So he's another one...

His voice is still shaky, lowering to barely a whisper. There's sorrow in there, and anger, but more than anything else, there's fear.]

...You can't fight God. No matter what he does--

His path is the most "righteous". He can't be stopped.

[hachitaro]

[God. Not gods. ... Ah.]

I don't care. I don't care. If someone threatens my friends, I'll protect them.

And... I like it when you smile. Actually smile, not pretend to.

[- Dammit Hinoto-Ri.]

[bondsofsuffering]

[There's a small, short exhale there, almost like a laugh. So he'd been caught. Then again, it's not that hard to spot, if you know the signs (and who could know them better than someone else who pretends?).

But still...]

...It's not a threat. And I shouldn't be protected.

[hachitaro]

Tell me why not.

[He loosens his grip, but still keeps Hizumi in a bit of a hug. You will be cared about dammit. >| ]

[bondsofsuffering]

[This time, he doesn't try to pull away. He's too tired. Too beaten.]

...I'll try to kill them.

[hachitaro]

... Fine. Then kill me. But you're my friend and I'll still fight for you. Okay? You're not shaking me that easily. I've seen enough friends die - enough family die - to let go so fast. I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't keep clinging. But I can't help it. So you're stuck with me for now. Deal with it.

[bondsofsuffering]

It's not like I want to--!

[A pause, biting his lip.]

...It'll just... happen. Once I become an adult, I'll try to kill them-- humans.

I was supposed to die before that, but--

[His grip on the papers just tightens.]

It's not happening. My body is still perfectly healthy.

[hachitaro]

I won't let you kill anyone, okay? I promise.