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[chokuto]

UN: 火
𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓 / 𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐎 / 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎 / 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 / 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖
𝟖♣ ( 𝑬𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝑳𝑼𝑩𝑺 )

Comments

[mensrea]

[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.]

[chokuto]

[The disengagement is acknowledged with a nod of his head, but Sasuke does not leave yet.]

Stiles. I'm not far. If you need assistance in the future, I'll be there.

[Only a room away — and suspecting who it is that had helped Stiles once before, he feels compelled to go on. If he knows Cy at all, he knows this is true for them both.]

There are people here who don't wish to see you hurt. You aren't alone in this.

[Then, rising to his feet, Sasuke is respectful to give the other boy space and privacy. He does not know him well enough to persist in his worry, or feel justified overstaying his welcome given what Stiles has just endured — so with that he will slip out, shutting the door gently behind him.]