An Entity Within | Stephen Strange

16 - Dissonance

That was...better.

There were begrudging grumbles of acceptance, reluctant nods and resentful stares with a few supportive glances peppered throughout the crowd.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

They left the Kamar-Taj library rapidly after the reveal, Stephen practically ushering the Entity out. The people needed time to process, and they had other matters to attend to, matters that hadn't yet been brought up to them at the unwanted gathering. If Stephen really wanted to prove he was competent enough to be their Sorcerer Supreme as had been foreseen by the Ancient One, then he needed to get on top of these pressing matters immediately.

The Entity, while it wanted nothing more than to be a little cowardly and to conceal itself in the darkest corner of Tessa's mind, remained in control for the time being, wishing to discuss a solution to their problems before it allowed Tessa to seek rest.

Stephen spoke first though, "Seeing as we are nearing the end of our month here, I was thinking that after tomorrow, we should head back to the New York sanctum. Might be good to lay low after today."

The Entity scoffed, "Now you wish to return?"

"What?"

"I told you both before we came here that we should not, that we should have stayed in the New York Sanctum..."

Don't be salty, Tee.

"You didn't have to save me," Stephen said.

Abruptly, the Entity stopped, grabbing the sorcerer's arm, "And if I did not save you, my host would be a blubbering mess because she is too attracted to you to cut her losses."

For Christ's sake, Tee!

"She's attracted to me?"

"You humans truly are oblivious sometimes. Why else does she want to go to dinner with you?" It rolled its eyes and continued walking.

Stephen stood there, dumbfounded yet also smitten, as he processed the rest of the Entity's words, "Hang on, what did you mean by 'cut her losses'."

*He also has a point, what did you mean by that?*

"It will benefit neither of you to be romantically involved."

"Then why did you set us up to go to dinner?"

"Because Tessa wished it."

"But you don't?"

"I...no."

*Tee, I know what you're thinking...*

"Tessa..." The Entity sighed.

"Let her astral project," Stephen suggested, "We can talk together then."

"Elsewhere. Come."

Tee led the doctor to Tessa's room and promptly shut the door before approaching the bed and lying down. Seconds passed prior to Tessa's astral form appearing beside Stephen who both gave each other an awkward smile after the Entity's uncalled for revelation. Now the sole occupant of her body, the Entity sat up in the bed, moving to stand and face both of them.

"Go on, Tee, explain." Tessa encouraged.

"At first, your subtle micro-expressions were endearing but after Marcus, the other Entity...the sorcerers...your fondness of each other endangers you both."

Hearing how it spoke with care towards them, both sorcerers shared a look with each other. They were half-beaming with pride in how much sympathy it showed yet also half-devastated as they knew the Entity wasn't wrong. With a sore sigh, the Entity's gaze dropped to the floor.