（ he hums lightly, accepting the statement for what it is. given the kid's reaction and the ensuing inquisition, he's more heartsick than surprised at the truth that spills out between them. it's so much, it is so much to put on a kid, a fucking kid. yet he can't even find it in himself to be angry — in a lot of ways, the idea of feeling anger on someone else's behalf feels like wild hypocrisy. ）

Yeah, I figure possession of any kind is probably right up there in the 'sucking outloud' category.

（ it's not said with pity, or any especial understanding. just acknowledgement. it does surely suck. and then he moves on to the next thing. ）

My guy, realtalk? I've spent more time teaching than anyone who's ever tried to cram algebra into your head, so let me bestow sagacious ancient wisdom upon thee like a royal knighting: there's no such thing as a bad student, there's just ones you haven't been fucking teaching properly. Let me worry about that. All you need to do is show up and give a shit. I've got like half a guitar made in my room right now, soon as I'm done with that you will have your lessons, sirrah.

（ a nod to stiles' hands. ）

You build callouses fast?

（ he has no idea how humans work. what even is a callous. ）