Still more tension leaves Stephen's shoulders with his next breath out. He's calm, now -- any lingering frustration ebbs out of him. This job is so much easier when Linden lets himself be taken care of, and honestly? Hearing that vulnerability makes Stephen soften.

He puts a hand on Linden's shoulder, turning Linden's face back toward the counter, away from the rest of the room.

"I'll get you something for the headache," he promises, "something without a crash." Specifying that is important. "It's not just the Crowning you're going to have to be mentally present for. I hope you didn't make any appointments for tomorrow, because you and I are going to be working." He lets that implication hang. Linden's going to get it. Linden picks up on hints Stephen doesn't even make deliberately. This is more than enough to get the point across.