[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

The dog nearly kicks Kettle in the face, having laid next to her all night.

CHARON: B-Boss?
MAES: One second-!
CHARON: Is everything alright out there?
MAES: Yes, just-

 

She manages to wedge her way in with Lash's help, precariously carrying a tray with a tea set on it- and taking very, *very* small steps.

CHARON: You made drinks for everyone?
MAES: Lash did, mainly-
MAES: I woke up to all of you drooling and swollen, and I can't have that.
MAES: Me falling asleep without aftercare after such a rough session-

 

Halfway to the bed, Maes clearly unfamiliar with handling something so precarious.

MAES: - is unacceptable.
CHARON: Maintenance.
MAES: Yes, and it should have happened immediately.

 

She finally reached the two of them, setting the tray in his lap.


[image description: a goofily shaped tea set on a tray, the teapot resembling kettle's head, and the teacups having strange, striped tail-like handles]

The drinks are warm, but not too hot- the novelty tea set familiar to Charon and Kettle at this point.

Herbs lay on the side, neatly arranged.

MAES: They're not ideal, but should be good enough to treat your impending stomachaches with some massage.
CHARON: Stomach aches?

 

Maes reaches over to give his abdomen a gentle stroke, raising her brows at the slight curve.

MAES: Could have been worse,
MAES: Scrap-dense slime is...difficult to digest, and can have side effects, especially in the quantity you all swallowed.
MAES: I...need to be careful.
CHARON: It was worth the risk.
MAES: ...I'm sure, but I don't want you nauseous all day.
MAES: Wake the rooks and drink up.
CHARON: Kettle-

 

The ghost's already sat herself down in anticipation, ears perked.

CHARON: ...Mm. The others will be ready soon.
MAES: Go on.
CHARON: Me or her first?
MAES: Either.
MAES: You all need to drink in the end.

 

Kettle punches Charon in the arm.

CHARON: I was going to go first regardless...

 

The dog takes a sip.

The tea is just slightly sweet, smooth going down and coating any soreness.

CHARON: That's quite nice..

 

The ghost follows suit, dog bracing himself for anything... only for a little appreciative squeak.

CHARON: It would go well with cookies, yes.
MAES: You can have some once your throat can handle crumbs.

 

Kettle pouts.

CHARON: Ignore her, she's a glutton for sweets.
MAR: ...Flor and Broth will be here soon, maintenance.

 

Mar is next to join in.

MAES: Drink it slow.

 

The knight tips her head into the cup much like a bird.

CHARON: I forgot she does this.. keep the tray steady.
CHARON: She's dipping.

 

Maes reaches out to do so, hair painfully close to Charon's face- and nice and messy, too.

He stays entirely still, frozen in place until Mar finishes up.

MAR: That was much needed.. thank you.
MAES: Good...Now scold Charon for saying it was worth risking it without this.:
MAR: Charon.
CHARON: Kettle spoke through me, not my words.
MAES: Kettle.

 

The ghost headbutts his shoulder repeatedly in response, a harsh hissing sound.

CHARON: Y-you absolutely are the one who had my strings last night-

 

Another hiss, unsure if trying to imitate a cat or a snake.

CHARON: ...No I suppose I can't prove you did that this morning.

 

Mar shakes her head.

MAR: I tried...
MAES: I'll have to discipline him, then.
CHARON: It was her libido-
MAR: If you blame her you have to acknowledge you took co-front of her last night too..
CHARON: ...Mm.. I'll retract my statement.
MAES: And for that extra bit of dodging, your punishment is settled.
MAES: No touching yourself for twenty four hours.
CHARON: Ah... well I was planning to offer someone else lead today anyway..
MAES: And if the opportunity provides itself, you will be made to watch.
CHARON: I mean yes that's how that works..
MAR: Did you decide who yet speaking of?
CHARON: ...Boss' choice.

 

There's a comfortable silence, the four of them enjoying the calm morning moment.

CHARON: ...I'm honestly especially glad you've been so good to the rooks, some of us here need a little extra help.
MAES: I see no reason why not-

 

Her ears perk.

MAES: Speaking of- where are those two?
MAES: They're more than a little late now.
CHARON: Ah, still busy.
CHARON: They're down the hall to the right
MAES: I'll go check on them-
MAES: I need to learn the layout anyway.

 

She grabs her cane by the nightstand, already moving.