[The confirmation does little to calm him. So what if the resort’s parody kanji still lingers? It proves nothing. And, in the wake of his experiences with Carmilla—where his Watch conveniently refused to activate—Stiles remains convinced the seemingly omniscient House will employ whatever tactics necessary to force cooperation among guests. Unless the oni somehow make an appearance here and rebrand him with an official “onore,” he can’t deny the possibility of possession.

But these are not problems to burden Sasuke with.

With a wordless nod in acknowledgement, he goes through the motions of returning the mirror to the shoebox and sliding the container under his bed for a final time.]

I don’t have answers yet.

[That, if nothing else, is a confession he owes the other boy.]

If I figure anything out, though… I’ll let you know. [Stiles has to remind himself to look at Sasuke—to offer a wan smile.] Thanks, buddy. You’ve helped me out a ton today. Don’t be a stranger, okay?

[It’s a clear, if gentle, dismissal.]