An Entity Within | Stephen Strange

14 - A Little Bit Of Fun

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Tessa jogged on the spot, warming herself up as she waited for Stephen to appear. Her auburn hair had been tied up into a high ponytail and swished from side to side as she continued her warm up. A hand laid itself upon her shoulder and within seconds, she had spun to restrain Stephen's arm behind his back. Gasping as she heard a yelp and saw who it was, she let him go instantly.

"I'm so, so, so sorry, Stephen, are you okay?"

Stephen rolled his left shoulder, massaging it with his opposite hand as he did, "Yep." He paused, looking at her apologetically, "I didn't mean to startle you, but I feel bad for anyone who does so in future."

"Sorry," She bared her teeth in an awkward smile, "It is a bit of a reflex. Tee is on high alert practically all the time."

"I should've known better."

"At least now you do?"

He smiled humorously.

"So...what training are we doing today?"

Wrestling?

Tessa almost swore at the Entity, but she heard it laugh in her head and it was a pleasant laugh – mischievous – but pleasant. Pleasant enough for her to overlook the comment as it was the first time she had heard the being laugh. Its laughter wasn't menacing but one of genuine humour and she found it sweet that the Entity was learning to be more...human despite its teasing and mischief.

"I was going to suggest hand-to-hand combat – a little break from the boring stuff – but now I am questioning my own suggestion."

"I go back to – you can take on Dormammu but – "

"Yeah, yeah, alright, fine."

"Yeah so, stop being such a big baby about it." She smirked.

"I go back to – not exactly your average sorceress." He smirked.

Tessa rolled her eyes, Stephen shook his head, playfulness lighting both of their expressions. The sorceress moved to the centre of their training area, beckoning Stephen to follow. She bowed, showing respect to her inexperienced mentor before getting into a fighting stance. Stephen followed, both now circling each other and waiting for the other to move.

"Get ready because I'm about to kick your ass again." She chuckled.

A nervous laugh left Stephen's lips, "All I'm gonna say is try not to kill me."

"I'll – "

Before she could finish her sentence, Stephen had landed a kick to her middle, making her stumble back. Offended by this, she looked at him with her mouth agape and her brows raised high. Stephen shrugged, beckoning her to come forwards, to bring it on, accompanied by a cheeky smile.

"Less talking or you'll lose your focus."

You will beat him, but he does have a point.

Without a word, she nodded. Alright, we'll bring it then. Tessa sprinted towards him, leaping and kicking at him as she did – he blocked it, caught it actually, but not well enough as she brought her elbow down on his shoulder. He grunted at the impact, backing away to gain some distance from her again. She followed, knowing that if she took on the role of the attacker before he did that, she would stand a better chance of winning. She grabbed him, tussled with him for a moment until she held her elbow by his neck. Stephen smiled as he recognised this move and knew exactly what to do next.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Oh...nothing."

And then he took her arm, spinning her around so that he now held her by her neck, locking his arm in to make sure she wouldn't be able to get out easily. Tessa laughed, recognising his second move well.