middaeg | (open) i paced around for hours on empty, i jumped at the slightest of sounds

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(open) i paced around for hours on empty, i jumped at the slightest of sounds

Who: Stiles Stilinski and YOU
When: Night of Aereuer 8 (full moon)
Where: Various spots in Aefenglom
What: Semi-feral Arachne party games on a very special 18th birthday
Warnings: Language, animal death

[ After escaping from Sheva in the Wildes and absconding to Aefenglom, Stiles begins his hunt. Honestly, he’s not quite sure what he’s exactly on the hunt for – only that there’s a voracious hunger rising within him, an appetite that won’t be whetted by just any meal. And so, humming the happy birthday tune to himself loudly and offkey, he prowls from district to district from the city skyline. Those eight spider legs carry him vertically up edifices with no apparent effort, even make impressive leaps across significant distances between buildings. The sense of fear that usually holds Stiles back is gone; uninhibited, he experiments with his superhuman abilities in boyish delight, that joy tempered only by the unkind, savage grin stretching his mouth too wide. ]

It’s my party and I can cry if I want to, [ comes one such inspired ballad, interrupted by his sniggering as he swings upside down from where he’s currently perched. ] Cry if I want to, cry if I want to!

[ That’s if you’re lucky. Sometimes it’s – ]

It’s yo birthday, so I know you wanna ri-i-i-ide out. [ There’s a dog howling somewhere nearby in sympathy. ] Even if we only go to my-y-y-y house.

[ During the night, Stiles will make a nuisance of himself. Expect to find him cavorting through the streets doing eight-legged cartwheels, singing obnoxiously despite the hour, spinning webs in inconvenient locations, dropping by homes to pay friends unexpected house calls, etc. ]

( ooc | Full Moon Shift appearance details, CR & plotting comment, and info & permissions page. Stiles will not be hurting anyone. If threatened with violence, his Arachne instincts will force him to flee the scene. If you want to figure out a specific prompt for your character, hit me up! )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Groaning with the histrionics of a child being told to get ready for school, Stiles stands on human legs. A brisk wind rolls through the city skyline, momentarily drawing his attention to the cooling streak of dried blood on his back. While chilly temperatures may not affect spiders, this transformation hasn’t actually made him cold-blooded; shivering, Stiles tries to fold the limbs in around his body for warmth. ]

Anyone’s capable of anything. Me, you, Sasuke – even Jonas. That’s reality. Maybe instead you should ask, do I have a history of violence?

[ Feet patter softly across the roof as he steps up to the edge, peering down at the street below. ]

Hey, do you like riddles?

[Where's Jonas when you need a healer, and Sasuke when you need a cool-looking cloak. Alas, Stiles is trapped in this conversation with Itachi, who continues to gaze on unfazed. He notes the body language and questions whether this should be continued. If there's a way to disengage, should he try it? Where will Stiles go? Is there concern to be held if Stiles goes to Sasuke?

Perhaps that's what he's been trying to determine this whole time. Whether or not Stiles is a threat to Sasuke, and if he is, what can Itachi do about that?]

I don't have an opinion on them. Are you going to share one with me?

[He remains where he is, still and immovable, closer to the center of the roof. An oppressive gaze never leave Stiles.]

Edited 2020-04-12 01:24 (UTC)

It feels tonally appropriate, [ he remarks airily. ] I’d offer them in Japanese, but my memory isn’t that great.

[ Stiles doesn’t deign to explain what he means by that. Instead, as he begins to walk the edge of the roof as if it were a tightrope, he calls out his first riddle to Itachi. ]

“When you say my name, I disappear. What am I?”

[Okay... then...]

Silence.

[It's said after a moment of genuine thought. He'd puzzled it out by focusing on the act of speech, the effect of what it caused.]

Have you taken an interest in Japanese?

[ A poor attempt at a handstand is made. Is it cheating when four auxiliary limbs steady you before you teeter off the side of a building? ]

No, [ he scoffs, sounding almost insulted by the mere suggestion. ] Well… I guess that’s not totally true anymore. Before? Only to translate lines in the bestiary. Now? Maybe.

[ Once again, Stiles fails to explain – neither what he means by the bestiary, which he’s only described to Sasuke, nor what’s changed since.

The latter, at least, is probably within Itachi’s ability to deduce. ]

“If I give you one, you’ll have either two or none. What is it?”

[... Definitely cheating. Itachi looks on, not for the first time devoting effort in the study of another monster, struck at once by their strangeness and the ease at which Stiles moves, using all limbs in unconscious motor control. So different from those he'd met in the dream, awkward and uncertain in new skin and feathers and scales. The power of the full moon.]

How long are you intending to play this game?

[This riddle takes longer thought. His mind goes through options, first considering literal objects before he turns to concepts and abstract ideas.]

'Choice'. Is that your answer?

Until you lose.

[ The wording is deliberate; this exercise has less to do with Stiles feeling like he’s won so much as ensuring Itachi doesn’t. He’s always possessed a vicious streak, as Jonas recently discovered. But his relative cruelty tonight has no purpose here other than to bring someone he finds difficult to interact with down low. Well, as low as an unsolved riddle can bring anyone, at least.

His next question is asked in a darker tone, Stiles pausing in his gymnastic antics to stare Itachi down. ]

“When is a door not a door?”

[While this Stiles is different from the one who tailed and harassed him days ago, there are some similar threads he's beginning to see as this conversation wears on. What he perceived first as a physical threat is still there, but not the blind, blunt frenzy of a wild animal on the loose, and instead something more playful, more calculative.

These riddles will keep coming until one of them surrenders. Stiles' previous stubbornness tells him that he'll be outlasted. And that, if he cuts this thread now, Stiles will see it as a victory against him. What is the motivation? A battle of will and ego, driven simply by his relationship to Sasuke?

It reminds him of someone else.

After a length of silence, Itachi crosses the roof to approach the edge where the Arachne is balanced on limber spider-legs.]

You want me to lose for your own satisfaction. What do you believe that's going to accomplish? If I say I don't have the answer, that is not a poor reflection upon myself. I should be willing to admit my own ignorance.

[ Despite the casual air with which Stiles watches Itachi’s approach, a single spider limb takes a moment to attach a connected thread of silk to the roof – ensuring he won’t fall to his death should the man push him. It’s the first time tonight that he’s acknowledged his own mortality; even when high off the full moon’s power, Stiles demonstrates signs of paranoia. ]

Then admit it, [ he suggests sweetly, batting eyelashes up at Itachi from his awkward position upside down. ] If it’s not an issue for you, go ahead. Don’t worry. I won’t judge you. No one’s perfect.

[ In a smooth movement, he leverages himself back upright, face flushed from all the blood rushing to his head. ]

Well? Let’s hear it.

[He has no desire to push Stiles from the rooftop no matter how annoying these riddles are becoming, although that intention is obfuscated behind the total lack of expression on his face. Itachi simply stands there and looks on. That thread of silk catches the moonlight, belayed to the edge, a shimmering silver lifeline.]

I don't know.

[See, that wasn't so hard.]

See, when I admitted that about another riddle, I got yelled at.

[ An extremely watered down version of events from his hallucination at the hands of the Nogitsune, but not necessarily untrue. Stiles continues his pattern of Not Explaining What the Fuck He’s Talking About and barrels along carelessly. ]

The answer is, “When it’s ajar.” Cute, right?

[ Stiles straightens, peering at Itachi speculatively. ]

Anyway, you lost. Time to go home, buddy. You shouldn’t be out tonight. C’mon.

[ And he offers a hand for Itachi to take. While still standing at the edge of the roof. ]

... I don't understand. It is not a door when open?

[The 'cute' play on words is unfortunately lost in imperfect translation, Itachi's brow furrowing. He points a perplexed look at the extended hand and makes no move to accept it. Why would he?]

I am capable of protecting myself even in these conditions, so that's unnecessary.

[But it seems to him that, regardless, this interaction is coming to a natural end. Itachi looks out over the city, then down to determine the most efficient route to the street given that a single leap is no longer possible for him.]

[ While the Witch considers an escape route, Stiles stares at him in blank miscomprehension until it finally clicks why Itachi fails to understand the riddle. Oh my god, he hates this world. It’s the worst. The fucking worst. This is such a great riddle and Itachi can’t get it because of magic translation bullshit. Unforgivable. Aefenglom must pay. The Coven will rue the day that Stiles couldn’t lord his victory over Sasuke’s older brother. Rue it.

Okay, he’s over it. Moving on. ]

Yeah, no. [ The fingers of the proffered hand curl inward invitingly before opening again. ] You really, really can’t. So, how about you shelf the unnecessary pride and let me designated driver your nonexistent, flat ass back home?

Edited (i want to die) 2020-04-21 16:19 (UTC)

[Unnecessary pride is how Stiles puts it, when from his own perspective, he sees a different reality: he's capable of getting down on his own and has no need of the aid. It may take longer without chakra and a direct route, but as he's found a way up, so too can he descend to the street. If nothing else it serves to keep him physically in shape, especially after the setback of injuries upon arrival. His body responds worse to idleness.

So Itachi eyes the hand, frowning. And ignoring the blithe insult...]

I'm fine. I don't require your assistance.

[Let him break his newly healed leg on his own, this is his cross to bear.]

Oooh, wrong again.

[ Patience thoroughly taxed, Stiles prepares to take matters into his own hands – though, admittedly, he’d been hoping for this exact outcome; there’s nothing better to him right now than exerting his will over someone else’s. And so, retracting that hand with a shrug, Stiles strikes. Six Arachne limbs tear through the air to seize Itachi’s arms, clamping them to the man’s sides before he has an opportunity to inflict damage on Stiles. The remaining two limbs prepare freshly spun silk, looping it around the shinobi’s torso to bind him. ]

This itsy-bitsy spider, [ he begins in a gleeful croon, winking at Itachi should he catch the man’s eye, ] isn’t currently taking no for an answer. Don’t struggle, little Witch – you’re just going to make it tighter.

[Even as refined reflexes sense the coming danger, there's little he can do about it, no chakra or magical spell available to rescue him from the strike of those dangerous limbs. He should have kept his guard up, should not have approached—distance was everything when confronted with an enemy that could not be beaten through physical strength alone. Distance afforded reaction time, and with that time, speed might make the difference.

It doesn't matter now; scolding himself for the mistake is useless. Tight, silvery string is spun around his body with the efficiency of animal nature, Stiles working fast and well-practiced, each loop gluing arms down at his sides as a steel bar might feel melted into place. Itachi's expression crumbles into a genuine look of frustration. Brows furrowed, mouth twisted, hands in fists even as he doesn't fight what is an inevitable loss.]

What, [this gritted almost into a growl except for how punctuated each word is,] are you doing?

[This is the second time Stiles has backed him into a corner. Desperation rises with adrenaline in his throat, and he rolls his shoulders, flexing the muscles down his arms as if to test the strength of the webbed silk. Ignoring that wink even as he glares blackly at the monster.]

Edited (it is not my day today) 2020-04-25 05:12 (UTC)

[ My, my, my…doesn’t Itachi look delicious trussed up and pissed off like this? Stiles takes a brief moment to appreciate the view before brown eyes glaze over with animalistic hunger. Instinct urges him to sample the Witch’s magic for himself. Just a taste. Nothing Itachi can’t handle. And after the man’s stunt at the library, hasn’t he earned it? But instead of acting on these desires – or trying to suppress them altogether, because control is overrated – Stiles reminds himself why it’s so important for Itachi to be inside on a night like this. He’s Sasuke’s brother. ]

Is this the part where I’m meant to menacingly whisper in your ear, “Payback’s a bitch,” and then toss you off the roof? [ Amused, he tugs sharply on a lock of dark hair, as if chastising Itachi. ] Dude, I already told you what I’m doing. You’re getting an express ride back home, free of charge.

[ Though they’re the same height, Stiles wonders what the weight difference between them is. He moves away from the edge before attempting to lift the other man, in the off chance that he loses balance. The precautionary measure proves to be unnecessary; with a strength he doesn’t normally possess, Stiles sweeps Itachi up into a bridal carry, utilizing one Arachne limb to help him with the weight. ]

I gave you a chance to accept my help on your own terms, [ he continues, mockingly throwing Itachi’s words back in the Witch’s face. ] You should have listened.

[The flat, contemptuous expression doesn't fall away at those taunting words, instead solidifying into one of great and lasting disdain. He jerks his head as soon as that strand of loose hair is pulled, cheek turned stubbornly away, out of reach.]

Stop—

[A hiss of protest comes with the sudden movement. When he's lifted into that hold, his legs automatically swing out, at once trying to drop his weight and unbalance them — at the cost of a downward plunge to the street, yes, he's that prideful — and at once to get those hands off of him. The physical contact crawls over his skin.

For a man who values control over his life, a man who has so rarely been hunted to a point of powerlessness... Itachi is not taking this well. The black look in his eyes won't soon fade. Just let him crack his skull open; it's his choice.]

God, you’re such a pill.

[ With an overdramatized sigh, Stiles begins the process of further binding Itachi – this time securing his legs to keep the Witch from hurting either one of them. Unfortunately for the other man, his eight Arachne limbs are more than enough to keep them both stable. Sorry, Itachi. No death for you today. Unless that death is from mortification, because… ]

Uh, what the hell is Sasuke doing here?

[ The moment that Itachi turns his head or even glances in the direction where Stiles points, a spider tarsus quickly snaps a picture with the comm watch. Cackling, the Arachne accepts the device back and takes a moment to appraise the image. Then he helpfully shows it to his captive. In it, Itachi looks as ridiculous as he must feel – wrapped up in silk like the most unflattering bodysuit, posed in Stiles’ arms as the damsel in distress he certainly isn’t. Behind Stiles, the free spider paws are all giving the camera peace signs. ]

Nice! Hey, don’t worry. I’ll send a copy to you so you can remember tonight too. I can tell that being powerless is a novelty for you, after all. [ He levels an unpleasant smirk down at Itachi. ] If you were an actually well-adjusted person, maybe you could internalize this as a life lesson! Oh well. Baby steps, right? Right.

[ And so Stiles takes a baby step forward, off the roof – chuckling all the while. ]

[He shouldn't have brought attention to his legs. He should have waited for an opportunity to use that meager freedom to his advantage when Stiles was distracted — it doesn't matter now, but it's impossible to keep his mind from criticizing the mistake. Fully bound in webbing, Itachi can do nothing but suffer the punishment of being hefted into that surer hold. All he shows for the click of the picture—after a quick glance—is a brief flicker of eyelids. A non-response.

It isn't because it doesn't bother him (like a thorn might irritate the skin it sits beneath), but the current predicament of complete immobility is far worse.

A novelty. That may be so. Never has this happened to him, not in the sense of losing autonomy of his physical body, not when he had chakra and ability. Never has he been rendered this powerless. As Stiles takes a step forward and off the roof, gut swooping at the sudden move, Itachi is forced to slam down tightly on the screaming corner of his mind. He has no choice but to ignore this reaction at the risk of losing composure, something he won't allow.

Even that takes an extreme amount of willpower to carry his mind over his body's instinct. Successful out of sheer experience with discomfort, Itachi glares ahead, unspeaking, mouth a flat and unhappy line. The suffocation of panic will pass, eventually, so he'll bear it. Until then Stiles gets to deal with the most boring dead weight in the world.]

[ With Itachi hellbent on being a wet blanket, Stiles takes it upon himself to provide them with the quality entertainment they clearly deserve as he Tokyo drifts down the side of the building. ]

Go girl! [ he sings, jostling his captive to the imagined beat of a drum. ] It’s your birthday! Open wide, I know you thirsty. Say aah – aah, aah, aah, aah. Say aah – aah, aah, aah, aah.

[ Instead of continuing downward all the way onto the street, he leaps from their current building without warning. Powerful Arachne limbs propel them through the air and easily across the cobblestoned road below. His landing on the opposite building could use some polish; both Itachi and Stiles smack into a window more forcefully than intended. ]

Whoops, sorry about that. Still learning. So, where’s your place?

[ While he waits for directions, Stiles climbs horizontally to an adjacent side of the building, leading them down an alley. ]

[Grit his teeth and bear it.

That's the current reality as Stiles careens down the building and sings his bizarre, inharmonic song, lyrics so far outside anything he knows to the point of being basically meaningless—and then they're jarred by that bad landing.

Itachi makes a small noise, flinching at the crash, hating how out of control it makes him feel. His whole body is a fire of frayed nerves and numbness beneath the webbing. He was practicing evocation spells, if only he could...]

No.

[He's not that dumb, just dump him somewhere, let him be free.]

Weird! I haven’t heard of that street. Is that in English or Spanish?

[ Having already anticipated this – Itachi knocked him unconscious and stuffed his comatose body in a fucking closet to avoid having his privacy breached, after all – Stiles continues on his current course for Sasuke’s building. He’d briefly entertained bringing Itachi back to the cottage for the night, only to dismiss the thought; this isn’t someone he trusts and the idea of allowing Itachi into his home near his Witch sets his teeth on edge. No, Itachi will not be returning with him to the cottage. ]

So, am I going to sing the whole trip, or you going to offer anything more than monosyllabic responses to the conversation? Your choice.

Everything I say is automatically translated.

[Congratulations, the irritation is raw in his voice, a similar level of emotion Stiles ignited in him back during the public harassment of the library trip. Itachi is beginning to associate these exchanges to unpleasantness. He'll have to be careful to avoid them at any cost in the future.]

The sooner you end this and release me, the more willing I will be to forget this happened.

[If not... the future looks bleak.]

If a guy like you chooses to forget this happened, it’s only because your pride demands it.

[ Another jump from one building to the next, this time with a better landing. ]

I’ll let you in on a well-kept Earthling secret, [ he continues conspiratorially, shifting Itachi higher in his arms before making the downward climb to the street. ] The word for “no” is the same in English and Spanish. It was a joke.

[ If Itachi is familiar with Sasuke’s neighborhood, he’ll recognize where they’re headed now. Stiles casually waltzes down the street on his human legs, luxuriating in the strength of his body. A tarsus claw carefully selects some of the tighter strands of silken webbing from around Itachi to cut – not freeing the man, but loosening the most restrictive bindings. ]

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infomods you

permitted

i'm ooc in this tag

im already in ur hmd flaming u

:repress:

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