[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

[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! [/font]

 

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...