[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

You can push it in..

MAES: No, it's- the leg wounds.

A-ah!


The ghost repositions to get some weight off of her, ears flopping back as Maes tucks herself back in. There's a look of guilt on both of their faces, the mood shifting quickly from intensely passionate to nervous- everything having to end so suddenly.


Sorry..

MAES: No, I...I want to, I just.
MAES: ...god, now I feel extra stupid for doing it.

You want to go all the way but it hurts too much.


Maes sighs, looking even more frustrated now.

MAES: ...not as if that's not normal for me regardless...

If only you were like us, right?  Many dolls with the same strings taking turns playing the puppeteer.

MAES: You do make it sound appealing.

You'd be able to play things out as another you while Maes Artag gets to rest.


The karacel's ear twitches, snapping her out of her rumination if only for the moment.

MAES: ...what do you mean?

Our experiences are shared, every warm moment felt by each of us.. But folks want turns to play things out as themselves too.

MAES: Yes, but...what do you mean, another you?

A proxy, at least in our case specifically. None of us are any less Charon Judgment


Maes folds her hands, sinking into the bed.

MAES: I mean- I don't have one-
MAES: ...
MAES: I mean...I have been having these, weird dreams-

...Oh?

MAES: ...they're just dreams, but.
MAES: Another you reminded me.
MAES: I usually look and feel like myself in dreams, but-
MAES: Lately it's been strange, and last night, it was so vivid...

...Like?

MAES: ...it feels embarrassing to say.

You don't have to share.

MAES: ...yes, I know.
MAES: I just.
MAES: It nags at me.
MAES: But it was just a dream-
MAES: I don't get it.

Maybe resting here will help.. there's more lucidity and clarity to dreams in this castle.

MAES: ...could we sleep on this, then?
MAES: I tend to heal quickly, so...maybe with a little time...

Mmhmm..

It's awkward as the blankets are ruffled, put back into proper place- the mess wiped up as much as Kettle and Maes can with their bodies weak, sheets used as rags tossed to the side for later.

After it's said and done, Kettle flops over to the side for Maes to pull her in close, the cat reaching her spare arm around for Charon.

The dog scoots toward her touch, snuggling up under her arm. The ghost resting on the other side is very still, almost like a toy.

MAES: ...is it really okay that I stay here?

The dog finally speaks up, his body having been practically knocked out during cleanup.

CHARON: As long as you don't mind the occasional magical oddity.
MAES: I'd say I'm enjoying those so far.
CHARON: Good to note.. really went further than I thought to be quite honest, all of them are knocked out.
MAES: I don't really know what got into me...
CHARON: I'm impressed honestly.
MAES: ...oh?
CHARON: Managed most of the crew.
CHARON: Tired Kettle out enough to get her to share at the end.
MAES: I just-
MAES: I know I don't technically have work tomorrow, so...
CHARON: We're making after hours into a vacation really.
MAES: ...oddly enough, I don't think I mind.

She rolls over, leaning in.

MAES: ...can I wish you goodnight?
CHARON: Absolutely.

[id: maes and charon leaning in for a careful, goodnight kiss- both of them covered in messy hair and ruffled fur.]

Maes moves in for another kiss, far gentler this time. Charon returns it with just as much softness, letting her taste the remaining slime on his lip before she reaches up to wipe it clean.

MAES: ...is it like you hoped?
CHARON: Better.
MAES: Me too.
CHARON: Can I try something tomorrow?
MAES: ...oh?
CHARON: The others let me show pieces that I can't always express myself so... I'd like to try being the others more so you can see the rest.
MAES: I'd like that.

She rests her head against his chest, closing her eyes.

MAES: ...Good night, Charon.
CHARON: Goodnight, Boss.