[image description: a close up shot of mar's white metal hand brushing against maes' tail, with the proxy's hand visibly battle damaged, and faint black scars on maes' tail.]

 
Maes avoids turning to face Mar, her ears drooping.



MAES: Doing all of those back to back tasks was productive, but…

 
She seems outright ashamed to admit it.



MAR: Charon!

 
The proxy calls out toward the dog.



CHARON: You need a bit of quick care before we get going?
MAES: I-

 
Even more ashamed now.



MAES: …

 
A sigh.



MAES: Yes.
CHARON: Where does it hurt?
MAES: …my back.
MAES: That's the usual spot, along with my calves.

 
Charon makes his way over.



CHARON: I've got you, Boss.
CHARON: Turn around.

 
She shuffles around,  the slightest slouch to her posture- and it's clear that she's still trying to cover it up.

Charon presses his hands down against her back, just slightly.



CHARON: Overwork?

 
She tenses up at first, unused to the touch.



MAES: …I don't overwork.
CHARON: Then what's got you?
MAES: Nothing.
MAES: …this is normal.
CHARON: …Chronic pain.
MAES: ….

 
She doesn't answer, ears drooping more.



CHARON: Boss….
MAR: You can talk about it…
MAES: I can manage it.
MAES: I have for a very long time.
CHARON: You're not used to having people around to see it.
MAES: It's not exactly something I enjoy.

 
Charon positions his hands.



CHARON: Could I try something?
MAES: …tell me what it is first.
CHARON: Technique, field tested in crisis situations.
CHARON: Sends a vibration through my gauntlets, eases the tension in your body to reduce pain and allow healing to happen easier.
MAES: …you're going to vibrate me?
CHARON: Just the sore spot.. maybe a bit more than that? Depends on the density of your internal fluids..
MAES: And here I thought you'd save that for after hours.

 
A sly smirk.



MAES: Vibration and internal fluids.
MAES: Very bold, Judgment.

 
Mar accidentally lets out a noise.



CHARON: Please excuse her.
MAES: Mmm.
MAES: Noted for later.
CHARON: Now… shall I?
MAES: …yes.

 
A single sensation, quick and distinct. Sudden alertness followed by the desire to nap.

She looks…startled, and then deeply content, enough for her droopy ears to settle into a relaxed state.



MAES: Ah..hh..
CHARON: Give it five minutes and you'll be good.
CHARON: Calves next, yes?
MAES: Yes…

 
He starts to scoot down into position before getting a bit sheepish, Mar's sudden bird-like shuddering audible.



MAES: That sounds like you see something you like.
CHARON: Mmhmm, you.
MAES: Don't let your mind get into the gutter.

 
She brushes her tail against his side.



MAES: You need to be ready for work in…five minutes.

 
He shivers a little.



CHARON: Then I'll make it quick, ready?
MAES: Mhm.

 
Another little discharge, Mar quick to catch her…

Maes flops into her arms, the tiniest bit of black blush on her cheeks.



MAR: Good save..
CHARON: Are you alright, doctor?
MAES: Y-yes…just my balance.

 
She doesn't seem too excited to leave, taking a few minutes before getting back on her feet.

She blinks, shifting her weight from leg to leg.



MAES: …not bad.
MAES: Not bad at all.
CHARON: Keep you going just a bit easier today..
MAES: …worthy of a reward, in any case.

 
Her phone alarm in her pocket goes off, easily solved with a quick button press.



MAES: Looks like you'll have to wait.
CHARON: Clock started?
MAES: We are now on company time.

 
She stretches out, approaching the entrance to the underground.



MAES: Make sure to behave yourself in the elevator.
MAES: This isn't a dirty movie.
CHARON: As much as the temptation is there we have a deal.  
CHARON: Afterward though.. perhaps I can show you more extensive treatment.

 
The elevator's the same it had been over the past four days, Maes resting her back against the wall.



MAES: We'll see.

 
Charon scoots inside, Mar squeezing in a little easier today than yesterday.



MAR: Sorry, doctor..
MAES: …No complaints, so long as you press the button.

 
Mar manages to squeeze up to it with a rehearsed motion.

The dog smirks.



CHARON: Got it in one.
MAR: Yes, well..
MAES: You learn fast.

 
The elevator heads down below at its usual fast rate, Maes having to resist flirting so blatantly any more.



CHARON: You know, it'd be good to tell us more often when you're feeling it.
CHARON: Work's hard.
MAES: Will I get that sort of treatment?

 
It feels like there's barely any time to chat.



CHARON: Nothing less.

 
The elevator stops, Maes making her way out with a slight tail swish.



MAES: My expectations are high, then.
CHARON: As they should be.

 
The dog lets Mar walk ahead, the proxy's fluttering making it clear she's maybe a little flustered.



MAES: …she's unused to this, isn't she?
CHARON: Doesn't have a poker face for this, no.
MAES: Very interesting.

 
The door to the facility opens with a bit of grinding- typical, for the rusty doors.

Ruby's sitting at a newly-installed desk, looking completely out of place in the large, warehouse-like space.



RUBY: …oh! Morning, Maes- and Judgment, as well.

 
Charon gives a confident little gesture in response.



CHARON: Morning, how's the fort holding up today?
RUBY: It's…

 
They make a face that could only be interpreted as a grimace, even with the cloth mask over their mouth.



RUBY: …Maes, can we, uh- change up the ssssschedule-?

 
Maes tenses her entire body, the relaxation from earlier lost.



MAES: Why.

 
Charon offers cat a hand for comfort.

Maes hesitates before settling for a brush of acknowledgment, subtle enough that Ruby didn't notice- at least not visibly.



RUBY: You know, it's just- I know you two have been on renovation duty and all-
MAES: Get to the point.
RUBY: …Achilles is out sick, and so's Botches.
RUBY: We need some help handling social check-ins.

 
The dog gives a little bow.



CHARON: I can handle that.
MAES: I- Judgment, that's-
RUBY: Thaaank you, Judgment!

 
They shoot a smug look at Maes, the other cat bristling.



RUBY: Remember, Maes- he works for all of us rehab management.
MAES: Ghh.

 
She takes a deep breath.



MAES: ….you're right.
MAES: I…am aware he answers to you as well.
MAES: Fine.

 
He gives her a nudge on the shoulder.



CHARON: It's the most important part of the job, hardly need to worry about me.
MAES: …

 
Maes nods, quiet.



RUBY: Great!
RUBY: It's settled.
RUBY: Maes, you'll come with me and help out with…Jester, Rosetta, and…Carrion.

 
She tenses at the second name, but nods again.



RUBY: Judgment, you've got Smith and Ginger.
CHARON: Mm, both in their rooms right now?
RUBY: Smith's in the gym…pretty usual for him.
MAES: …is he having-?
RUBY: Agitation issues?
RUBY: Oh, yeah.
RUBY: We can't figure out how to tire him out.
MAES: Great…

 
The dog raises his hand.



RUBY: Yes, Judgment?
CHARON: Could offer him a sparring session?
CHARON: Done some proper group training overseas.
RUBY: …you sure about that?
CHARON: You say that like I should be worried.
RUBY: Well…