[170] By Candlelight

[wanderinghiatus.livejournal.com]

Challenge: [170] Insomnia
Title: By Candlelight
Word Count: 306

The only noises in the dimly lit basement were that of a pen scratching away at a scrap piece of paper, and the somewhat disconcerting sound of something bubbling, as if in a witch's cauldron. The wavering candles surrounding the workspace made the shadows dance on the walls and on the surprisingly clean grey, cement floor. Vexen paused mid-sentence at a grating, creaking noise near the door.

Suddenly, with a small click, the overhead lights came on and startled the Chilly Academic with momentary blindness.

"Turn them off, imbecile!" He hissed, trying to squint through the too-bright lights up the short flight of steps to the laboratory door.

"Sorry." A familiar voice yawned. Vexen sighed as his left hand re-grasped the pen he had dropped in shock.

"Demyx, what are you doing awake? And why did you feel the need to come disturb me, as well...?"

"Eh, I dunno, just felt these weird vibes coming from this clos-"

"Laboratory! Not a closet." Vexen interrupted, slightly moodily.

"Gee, don't bite my head off... I was just kidding..." The Melodious Nocturne sat down on the steps. "Why do you work by candlelight? That seems like something Saix would do."

"Is that an insult? Go back to bed."

"I'm curious. Answer my question first."

The Chilly Academic rubbed his temple in frustration. "One cannot see just how bright the light truly is until they first grasp the darkness."

Demyx blinked at him. "So, you're trying to find the light? In the clo--"

"Laboratory!"

"--set? With the lights turned out?" The Ninth stood to leave. "Whatever. You science Nobodies..."

Before he could pull the heavy door shut, Vexen called: "And the bathroom's farther down the hall!"

Demyx chuckled to himself, leaving the Fourth to his quiet 3 A.M. musings, and quickly found his way to the bathroom down the hall.