[Stiles does not correct him. The suggestion that this boy should take responsibility for putting him in danger is asinine, bordering on insulting—like Stiles himself had been too stupid to know better. But that backwards sense of personal obligation might possibly benefit him now. There isn’t even a fleeting moment where Stiles feels shame for his intention to manipulate the stranger’s sentiment; he’ll play whatever cards are at his disposal in order to survive. Beacon Hills taught him that much.]
Am I removed from danger?
[That body language may be casual and familiar to Sasuke, yet it comes across as a veiled threat to Stiles—accustomed to being threatened as he is. Brows furrowing, he studies the teen quietly, hoping to discern how much he can get away with. Unfortunately, reading the stranger is no easier than reading a chunk of granite.]
By your logic, you introduced me to the Below. Therefore, it follows that I won’t be out of danger until I’m aboveground again. [He exhales, tucking away the panic and horror and self-hatred from earlier. The time to unbox those feelings will come later, when he’s safe and alone.] Right? Right. Except I’m kind of on a mission. So, you interested in a deal?
[It’s a risk. At the end of the day, Stiles can’t depend on this boy—he doesn’t know if Sasuke’s strength or abilities are actually reliable, or if Sasuke won’t sell him out at first chance. But if he manages to convince the guy to accompany him, it should put less of a target on his own head. In theory, at least.]
no subject
Am I removed from danger?
[That body language may be casual and familiar to Sasuke, yet it comes across as a veiled threat to Stiles—accustomed to being threatened as he is. Brows furrowing, he studies the teen quietly, hoping to discern how much he can get away with. Unfortunately, reading the stranger is no easier than reading a chunk of granite.]
By your logic, you introduced me to the Below. Therefore, it follows that I won’t be out of danger until I’m aboveground again. [He exhales, tucking away the panic and horror and self-hatred from earlier. The time to unbox those feelings will come later, when he’s safe and alone.] Right? Right. Except I’m kind of on a mission. So, you interested in a deal?
[It’s a risk. At the end of the day, Stiles can’t depend on this boy—he doesn’t know if Sasuke’s strength or abilities are actually reliable, or if Sasuke won’t sell him out at first chance. But if he manages to convince the guy to accompany him, it should put less of a target on his own head. In theory, at least.]