And yet? Stiles does exactly the opposite. He keeps his hand gripping Jackson's arm, and it seems to get even tighter. If Jackson were to look, he might see those black lines that indicate pain is being taken away. Pain. Chaos. Strife.

"Shhhh, it's okay, Jackson. Don't worry about it. It's not like she'll care. It's not like anyone will care. You didn't even bother getting back with the pack, why should they?"