“…However, structural observations show the samples are undergoing the same processes of dilation, microcrack coalescence, and fracture localization that occurs during typical brittle failure, albeit at a slower rate. Overall, our findings agree with previous studies of low‐porosity crystalline rocks which show similar behaviors of fault stabilization as a result of high pore fluid pressure (Aben & Brantut, 2021, 2023; Brace & Martin, 1968; Brantut, 2020; French & Zhu, 2017; Martin, 1980). We posit that apparent frictional sliding reflects transient sliding of geometrically complex faults and not a dilatant hardening process, as evidenced by the lack of a stress drop over durations lasting minutes to hours.…”