The response that came was ... unexpected. Sasuke's frown did not lessen in intensity so much as shift timbre from threat to slight confusion, the angle of the line between his brows perhaps changing ever-so-slightly. What the stranger said made no sense, and it was most definitely a stranger: Sasuke couldn't recall the last person he'd spoken to at any length who had been quite so polite, especially during the harried night shift.

Still, it certainly sounded like this was another patient following around for some reason. True that there were creatures in the Institute that could imitate humans, but why would they choose someone with whom Sasuke had no acquaintance at all?

Voice aside, the name that was given was -- somewhat familiar. Sasuke wracked his brains for a second, coming only upon the notion that Aidou had mentioned a very similar-sounding name. But surely that had been a place, not a person, or Sasuke would have attached a more particular tangible description to what the vampire had said?

Trying to remember exactly the significance of that vague familiarity had to take second place to the million-dollar question, however: "If you mean no harm, why were you sneaking around after me?"

Sasuke's sword remained where it was without changing a millimetre; clearly, he expected a concise response.