“No one’s ever accused me of being that, so far as I know,” he replied dryly. Most people ended up screaming at him rather more about him being the opposite. “But while smart I may not be, that doesn’t qualify me as a complete moron, so I’ll keep my chances on this side of the door, thank you.”

He waited, perhaps over long after the other was done speaking, waiting for more information to be provided. When none was forthcoming, he raised a brow at the other man knowing and hating that he was going to have to invest himself by daring to ask the question that was literally being dangled in front of his nose. 

“Well, that was blunt alright, but unhelpful.” He knew the name rang a bell, but the other seemed to be wanting to dodge the matter of just who he was even if he wasn’t avoiding what he was. Whether he would figure it out in time… he would just have to find out. “I’ll give you one thing, you’re certainly not Dickensian. But I’m going to need a bit more information than that before I agree to anything. Like just what these problems of yours are, and why you need my help.”

_{truth be told, there were many reasons as to why ky needed his help, but he couldn’t – no, he wouldn’t voice them. maybe if he trusted strange, he would have, but the problem was he didn’t. nor did he think he would anytime soon.}

_{still, ky knew that this was his best chance. maybe it wasn’t exactly the smartest, but anything would have been better than simply repeating the same cycle several times over. what he truly wanted was control – though, he could do that later. more or less.}

_{as for right now… he needed to get in the door. then he could actually try to explain things. though, there was no doubt in his mind that the other would eventually find out just who he was, and when that happened? well, he hoped the reaction wouldn’t be too… violent.}

_{“since you know what i am… i think you can take a few guesses.” controlling his rage was something he hadn’t mastered, but it wasn’t the only reason he was here. no, the real reasons was that he was running, and the last thing he needed was to be sent back home. especially when he knew he’d face more than just a stern talking to if he ever returned.}