Make you feel alright

Cass made a face when Maeven asked if she’d had a recent check-up, thinking back to the medical care that she’d received in prison. It wasn’t ideal, to say the least. Still, it was hard to dislike Maeven even if her jokes were iffy.

She stared with obvious hesitation as Maeven spoke again, Cass finding herself dangerously tempted to want to trust Maeven. 

“I- Okay. Thanks, I guess.” She spoke awkwardly, shifting her weight to the other foot. “If you know of anyone who needs extra manpower I’ve got a ton of time. Looking for work.”

Maeven chuckled a bit. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you go to the doctor. Believe it or not, I hate check ups.” She shrugged. They were a vulnerable experience, and Maeven often rejected vulnerability with a force likened to a rhino.

Maeven smoothed the fabric of the navy pencil skirt that stretched across her lap as she rode in the silent town car. The driver had taken Maeven on many a trip, but he wasn’t of the chatty sort. This fact didn’t bother Maeven in the slightest, because she usually had other things on her mind.

Today she was thinking about Graham’s medical situation. She knew his family well enough through her medical care, and she knew that money would likely be an issue for the MRI and following treatment for his injuries. It was a sad fact that many of the citizens of Muddy Waters would be thoroughly fucked over by the catastrophe of the recreational center.

The town car pulled to a stop in front of the Neuvilles’ home. The driver beeped his horn twice to indicate that Graham could come on out now. Maeven waited patiently.

Maeven would never admit it, but sometimes when the night was quiet and the wind was warm, she thought of Elodie. One of many college relationships, only not quite like the rest. Elodie was a lot of things, but forgettable wasn’t one of them. Maeven isn’t one to pine, per say, but there are certain things that remind her of Elodie and she can’t deny herself the simple pleasure of reminiscence when the opportunity arrives.

Dr. Maeven Graves: Like No Other | Muddy Waters Task

Cassie didn’t have many contacts in town so she was anxious to meet with this person, especially since they were interested in meeting her. She desperately needed a source of revenue and was eager to get something up and running even if it violated every single condition of her parole. Going back to prison didn’t really scare her nearly as much as living out here did.

She saw the older woman when she entered, taking Maeven’s hand and giving it a firm but brief shake. “Hey,” She dropped into the chair across from Maeven. “They said you’re a doctor?”

Although Maeven hid it well, she was a tad surprised by the face in front of her. The kid had a firm handshake, sure, but she was definitely - well... a kid. Maeven knew this, and yet seeing her right now made her realize that she didn’t really let that sink in. Still she smiled casually and nodded. “Yes, I’m a doctor at the clinic. Have you had a check up recently?” She winked, not really all that serious about the question. 

She observed Cassie’s appearance, trying to make inferences about the type of individual she was - and how much of a threat she might actually be. For now, she’d try to remain neutral on her, though.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I wanted to meet you. To be frank, I simply heard there were some new people lately within our tight-knit little community and I do like to meet and greet as needed. Make everyone feel welcome, you know.”

Maeven sat with coffee mug in hand, pastry in front of her, and eyes out the window of Sweet Cheeks. The occasional passerby caught her gaze as they went on their way, as was often the case since Maeven liked to people-watch. When a petite, generally androgynous young woman came to the door of the bakery, Maeven knew it was likely who she was waiting for. She’d requested that a couple of Rascals set her up with this person because she’d heard that Cass was trying to get in on the business of supplying - and obviously Maeven needed to know who her potential competition was. Cass seemed young, but Maeven knew from how she, herself, was at a young age that no one should be underestimated.

“Cass?” She stood and held out her hand, a discerning smile on her face. “I’m Dr. Maeven Graves.”

Awhile. Eva could live with that. She wasn’t in a rush, or anything, but it would be nice to be able to get back to her old self sooner rather than later. 

The mention of medication brought about hope within her. It wouldn’t be bad if she had help with her anxiety, particularly now that it was worse than before. Biting her lower lip, she simply nodded, and said, “That would be nice, thanks, Maeven.”

All she wanted was to be back at home, away from the mess of it all.

Maeven sat back in her chair and crossed one leg over the other, nodding. “Why don’t you tell me a little bit about what you’ve been experiencing. Were you feeling anxious again before the accident, or has this been new?” Even though Maeven wasn’t a psychiatrist, a lot of her Muddy Waters patients came to her and a few of the other Clinic doctors for psychiatric medication because there simply weren’t the resources for it here, and it was expensive and inconvenient to go all the way to Chicago for regular treatment.

“Are there any moments where you find yourself particularly anxious, or is it just random?”

Crutches. Eva would need to use crutches until her leg and ankle fully healed. It wasn’t the best case scenario, but being on a wheelchair would be much harder. Being mindful of her appearance always came with a price. “How long before I can wear heels again?” 

It wouldn’t be easy for her to simply open up. The blonde had guarded herself, kept her walls up for a reason. It took years before she finally started opening up to Clara. Doing so to Maeven would entail years of trust. 

She did, however, understand where Maeven was coming from; she was only trying to help. Nodding her head in silence, Eva remained tugging at the thread, her gaze burdened with absent-minded sadness. “I think my counselor friend can help me out.” she simply answered, unwilling to share her feelings with anyone just yet. In other words, she was postponing.

Maeven chuckled at Eva’s question. “Awhile, but if you take good care of it now then it will be like you never had to miss out on them at all.” Maeven could relate. She loved a good stiletto. 

She watched Eva’s wheels turn. It was obvious that Eva was a closed off kind of girl. Being rough and tumble as she was, it was no surprise. You can’t lead a hard lifestyle and not keep people at a distance most of the time. Maeven assumed Eva wouldn’t just spill her guts to her, and that was okay. She just wanted it to be clear that if she needed to, she could come to Maeven - as a doctor or a friend.

Dr. Maeven Graves | Muddy Waters RP Headcanon 2/?

The doctor’s words, though it only sounded like a bunch of science-y things thrown at her, was reassuring enough, that Eva nodded as she listened.

“I haven’t tried getting up or walking ‘round just yet.” The thought to actually get up hadn’t dawned on her until that moment. Perhaps it was the fear of making things worse that hindered her. “Crutches would be great, doc.”

Eva’s fingers started fidgeting absentmindedly, nervously tugging at a loose, white thread at the hem her hospital gown. Shaking her head, the blonde anxiously licked her lips. “There’s no one I can talk to about it.” she lamented quietly. Although if anything, it was half a lie. There was one person she could talk to about, but it was highly unlikely that they would be able to. After all, their relationship was already strained to non-existence. 

Maeven scribbled more down on the chart, then nodded. “If crutches work for you, they work for me. Based on the examinations of your leg, you can handle the crutches and then we can monitor your healing and possibly get a walking cast fitted for you.” 

She watched Eva fidget a bit and knew that she’d probably hit a bit of a sore spot. Anyone with a ear to the ground knew about the tension between Eva and Clara, and Maeven had known the women long enough to know that things were different. Clara didn’t discuss it much, nor did Eva, but Maeven could tell things weren’t right since the incident between them.