wizardmanor | floor one, room two

What's it matter if I trust you or not?

[That sardonic grin remains on his face even now, even with his blood rushing, warning him of impending doom. He ignores it - it's not like he can do anything about it.]

...You'd kill me either way. [He's weak. That's just the way it is, no matter the circumstances.] Or- is it betrayal you're so scared of?

[Feeling like there was trust to break in the first place...?]

Anyway. Don't flatter yourself so much. I don't trust a single person here.

( That... might be approximately what he was looking for, he guesses - a way to convince Ahito to put up his guard, or to bait him out of his comfort. But even though this is about what he wanted, it doesn't sit right in his stomach, and he can't name why.

...

He drops his grip on Ahito brusquely. )

... I'd have only myself to blame, if you betrayed me.

( Which is not posturing, for once. He blames himself for the bad things that happen to him. )

Why act so friendly if you don't care about anyone?

[The answer will have to wait until he's had a good cough and regained his breath.]

-Two different things.

[Is the short version. Another cough followed by a soft sigh of physical relief.]

...Just because I take an interest in people doesn't mean I think they're safe.

( ... )

... I'm neither of those things.

( Interesting nor safe. )

So you should leave.

["Vampires aren't interesting" sure, Mika. But he'll let it go, he's not in a hurry to get grabbed by the neck a third time.]

Should I consider my open invite revoked?

[As he moves to head out the door.]