mystiicmaster:
Stephen was never really fond of group activities of any kind. Other people had a tendency to slow him down, and he wasn’t usually inspired to hold himself back to let other’s keep up. And, as the few people in his life loved to point out— fun wasn’t exactly something he had in his vocabulary.
This— sitting in a silent room while reading spell books in an attempt to find a solution to the multiverse problem— couldn’t be described as fun, either. But he felt comfortable around Clea. Comfortable enough to know that the silence in the room was not awkward, and comfortable enough to fight against the need to be right and to find the solution first. They could work together. And actually.. it felt nice to have a partner.
Stephen let out a grunt and held up a finger as he finished scanning the last few words on the page in front of him. Once he finished, he took in a deep breath and let his hand fall back down to the desk. His expression remained tight and concentrated, but his voice was tired. “Tea sounds lovely.” Two fingers gently pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to stifle a yawn. “Anything but Sleepytime— whoever was behind the creation of that blend must have some experience in sleeping spells, because it puts me out fast. I don’t need you shaking me awake after falling asleep at my desk.”
How very Stephen of him. Clea regarded the man and the finger he held up in mild amusement. She busied herself by returning the book to the shelf by hand, fingers brushing over the spines of its neighbors. She had always loved the library; words had the possibility to bring such light to the world in addition to darkness. It cut through the inkiness of her childhood before she had refused the Dark Dimension.
Summoning an already boiled pot, Clea observed the variety of teas and spices that were collected in small glass jars. They were used for diving at times but she did like a classic rose tea with a little sugar. “No Sleepytime.” She hummed. “I’m sure Wong could refer you to a list of specific sorcerers who dealt with potions. You’re very likely onto something.” Reading the vials, the white haired witch held one up. “Peppermint? It’s good for focusing. So is tumeric or ginger.”
