Linux vtty forever! Can't cat data into the framebuffer when your desktop is getting in the way!!
Jk I use gnome terminal for everything, or whatever default is available. It's quite amazing that most of them handle all but the most niche terminal features these days.
When I need to install a terminal emulator for some reason I always go for urxvt.. but it is pretty terrible (it's a great vt but mouse interaction is clunky and graphics are old school) compared to pretty much everything else.
Can confirm the faking it is obvious from the kids point of view. Wasn't terrible but we'll never know what could have been.