Chapter Text
Sucy quietly mumbled the next steps to her potion making under her breath as she measured out exactly 3.2 grams of troll blood. Gently pouring the blood filled vial into the tiny cauldron, she allowed herself to exhale quietly and slowly. Judging by the quiet simmering bubbles and the purple mist that spilled over the sides of the cauldron, it wouldn’t be exploding anytime soon. She glanced at her notes once more and decided that the few minutes it needed to simmer would be a perfect time to stretch the kinks out of her back. Luckily for her, Akko was catching up with Diana. That meant no distractions, disruptions, or wild behavior would be endangering her delicate work. It would be safe to breathe for a few seconds.
She blinked lazily and indulged in a skyward stretch, careful not to disturb the bundle resting on her lap. Sucy’s fluid movements ensured that Lotte’s head stayed in place. She carefully brushed her fingers through Lotte’s hair and listened to the quiet murmurs that followed. Any other witch would be concerned to even be in the same room with Sucy as she brewed her potions, but Lotte trusted her and Sucy wouldn’t violate that trust. Besides, she had Akko as a guinea pig. Why bother with anyone else when her go to test subject was always somewhat willing. At least, that was what Sucy would tell herself. Admitting she had a soft spot for Lotte would reveal a chink in her otherwise impenetrable armor.
Sucy continued to pet Lotte’s hair as she relaxed in the quiet room. The sprite that Lotte had called earlier for Sucy gently wavered it’s blue glow, making the shadows flicker. Sucy had pretended to be bothered by Lotte’s kindness, but she really did appreciate the gentle light the spirit provided. The harsh glow of a lamp always gave her a headache when she had to focus hard on her brewing. Lotte must have noticed. Sucy stilled her hand as she felt Lotte shift ever so slightly. After Sucy heard the quiet breaths resume, she continued to play with Lotte’s hair. As grumpy as Sucy was, she wouldn’t trade her moments with Lotte for the world.