“You know, it’s not good for you to be staying up this late, Ves.”

Magni Dezmond’s voice breaks Vesper Noir out of a slight stupor, slightly cracking open his violet eyes in order to look at the man leaning in the doorway. He’s lacking the coat today, Vesper thinks to himself as he rubs at his eyes.

“You’re one to talk, Magni. You’re up just as late as me.”

The alchemist chuckles and moves into the room, the gently flickering lamp highlighting his pale features as he makes his way over to the scholar. Before Vesper can react, Magni reaches into a satchel at his hip and is pressing a warm vial into his hand. When he looks very confused, Magni gives a smile that’s bordering on the edge of teasing.

“It’s just tea, I promise. I haven’t mixed anything else in.” The blonde takes a seat on the corner of Vesper’s desk, his eyes scanning the contents with curiosity. It seems that the man has been handling some paperwork on the behalf of their leader without him knowing once again, and judging by the ink stains on Vesper’s hands, he’s been at it for more than just a few hours. “You know Altare’s gotta start doing this himself.”

“He’s young, I’m not. He should be more focused on keeping morale and selecting missions – the paperwork is more in my wheelhouse.” Vesper dips a pinky into the inkwell and flicks a small amount of Magni’s bare hand, causing the pair to share a small laugh.

“Well, I know you’re not going to let me help out, so all I’ll do is make you go to bed for tonight.” Magni gently wraps an arm around the man’s shoulders, and is pleased when Vesper actually allows himself to be pulled away. “I really do worry about you.”

“It’s unfounded, I promise you.” Vesper removes his glasses, only to have them stolen and pocketed by the alchemist. Magni’s grin is all too cheeky.
“What’s this about?”

“I’ll give you them in the morning. I know you can’t see too well without them, after all!” The tired man can barely make out the alchemist winking at him as he flicks off the oil lamp. “I’ll guide you to your room, okay?”

Vesper gives Magni a playful swat to the head, before ruffling his hair.

“I know these halls like the back of my hand. I’ll appreciate the company, though.”

They share a smile as Vesper finally takes a sip of the alchemist’s tea.