imeeji_frontstage | (no subject)

[ Early in the afternoon, the members of sensitIV get a message on dissonance from Artemis to meet in the dorm room without any context. If they try to push any questions, he doesn't respond.

Later, when they gather -- ]

... Everyone. I have to tell you something.

[ He pauses, like he's almost considering not doing it. Like he's on the edge of a high-dive, looking down at the water and remembering that he doesn't know how to swim.

But ... At this point, it isn't fair, is it ... ? Things have changed, both within the team and outside of it. He can't keep this up, for any relationship he has here. ]

All this time, I've been lying to you.

[ Another pause, but -- Ah, he's already jumped off, hasn't he ... ? He can't turn back and go to the safety of dry land, now. ]

My name is Kujou Tenn. I never lost my memories. All this time, I've been pretending that I was brought to this place just the same as anyone else -- When, in actuality, I opted to come here. I kept it a secret from you -- from anyone but other auditions, for my own gain. I didn't want any doubt cast on me for any connection I may have to Hell, and so it was easier to pretend and re-broadcast memories while I pretended that I was buying them. But -- ... With Noah-san, that's too selfish, isn't it ... ? Initially, I'd asked him to keep my secret, but --

Mm. If he were to face that same weight that I was hiding from by keeping my status a secret, I don't think I would be able to forgive myself.

... I don't expect any of you to forgive me, either.

[He's just kind of watching and like, waiting for it to get worse, but...]

...Is that it?

... Yes? I was lying about who I am.

Okay... But now we know who you are and what your deal is. And like you said, Noah's the same.

Is there anything else we need to be concerned about?

...Ng-

No, but--

[Just gonna

go and pat him on the back, I'm sorry, he's the designated obnoxious unitmate.]

Then there's no problem!

...

Honestly---

Do you want there to be a problem?

[oh, honey.]

...I really was perfectly willing and able to keep your secret, you know. But if this is taking a weight from you, then I am glad.

That wasn't my intention. It's what was unfair to you from the outside -- not your willingness within.

Ah, well. If it bothered you.

[ who is this, anyway

studying artemis' face, in serious consideration ]

. . . What is this weight that you speak of?

[ you spend a considerable amount of time as a woman. ]

If he were to be scrutinized due to his status as an audition, while I got to fly under the radar.

[ don't be mean ]

Then you're prepared to hold that weight, too - and to mend what lost trust exists, now.

Is this a confession meant for the public, or one meant only for our ears?

[ After a moment, he shakes his head. ]

Others can know.

Mm, I see. Then - well.

[ with a pause, and he moves to pat artemis on the head ]

That's fine, then. I'm glad you were able to say this much, after all this time.

I don't know how other people might feel about it, but as for myself - it doesn't bother me one bit, whether you remember or don't remember.

Edited 2020-01-24 08:05 (UTC)

...I see.

[he had been reading before, but had closed his book when Artemis had begun talking, attention focused on him.] ...that weight to carry, all this time.

...It's not fair to call it weight, I think.

Secrets hold their own weight, don't they?

But if you would not call it that...what would you call it, instead?

Lying.

I, ah, do not mind that you...did this.

But what name would you, ah, like for me to call you?

Well, I suppose that I rather you would have trusted us, but, ah, I sympathize with why you did what you did. You did us no injury by it, and I am not offended.

...Artemis is still a pretty good name, though.

...Mm.

If you'd still like to call me that, then it's fine. I -- ... There are some similarities between myself and my namesake, in the end.

I have always dreamed of living in the woods as a master huntress, ruling over the inscrutable wilds, to whom hunters pray in whispered tones, surrounded by my beautiful and adoring nymphs, so I understand.

...That was a joke by the way. But it's alright, I mean, we all have our reasons, and even if you haven't seen much of it, I haven't always acted, well, completely on the level either. But as my unitmate, I'll always try to be in your corner.

Th- that's not it, either way--- ... I have a twin brother, who's like the sun. If he showed up here, I don't think I'd be able to help myself in suggesting "Apollo" as his name.

Though-- ... Mm. That's-- you're just accepting it ... ?

Your loss, I suppose.

Should I not?