"It seems to be a common thing to be curious about," said Stein with a lopsided grin. "Tyler was even curious as to whether it would grant wishes. Of course, there's no way such an un-scientific tool could exist." Outside the realm of demon tools, anyway. "To answer your question, it helps me think." He gave it a couple more cranks, as if to prove his point.

Ah, amusing. Stein watched Peter's actions like a scientist observing insects - because that more or less exactly what he was. Stepping in between them, both shield and barrier, trying to keep him from interacting with Scott or the other boy from interacting with Stein. With himself in the way. That kind of heroic impulse was familiar to Stein - in others, anyway. No, not himself of course.

"Oh, nothing much. Just thought it might be nice to see you were doing, Tyler," he said. "And get to meet your friend as well! So how's the trip treating you two? Shame about the weather, huh?"

Scott's aversion was amusing as well, but there wasn't much point in calling him out on it, since he already knew what the problem was. He'd let Tyler have this little victory for now and concentrate his questions on him for the moment.