[Art Link](https://x.com/Y_unevenness/status/2019003000191328451/photo/1)

Setting aside the paper with bleary eyes and sluggish shoulders, Jonathan groaned.

".....how many more pages?" He mumbled, his voice hoarse and low.

"Fifteen more." Came Yulha's reply, sounding about as tired as he *felt*. "There are still the complaints and compensation requests from Mr Collier's Animal Shelter, Mama Henrietta's Bakehouse, The Gold Standard's Jeweller-"

She kept talking, but Jonathan couldn't hear her any more over the growling bubbling up within his belly, quickly joined by grinding teeth. His pen squeaked in protest as his fist curled around it.

"You know what, Yulha?"

"What, Newbie?"

"This time I really *am* gonna do it. I swear to God."

"If you really are going to end it all, then please go somewhere else. I have enough paperwork to deal with as it is."

"I really AM going to **spank** Drake and Laplace until they *get* that jumping through windows is *not* a valid way to enter and exit rooms any more. I've had it RIGHT up to-"

He trailed off, holding up a hand high above his head, indicating some imaginary patience line that had LONG since been crossed. Letting out one more growl and feeling a yawn forcing it's way up behind it, Jonathan set his pen down. He shook his head and stood up.

"I'm getting coffee."

"Get me one, too."

"What kind?"

"Quintuple strength."

"They don't make it that strong."

"Then surprise me, Newbie."

"Got it."

He hurried along the hallway outside the office, beelining for the nearest vending machines. He was immensely thankful that the Central Government had seen fit to shell out for installing extra in the courtroom. Finally, something they did *right*! Hooray for small victories.

He made it to the machine in under a minute, muttering a small thank you to Rumani for insisting he keep up his cardio at all times. However, he was so focused on reaching for an option that he almost bumped right into the bluenette already standing near.

"Hwuah!?" She cried, stumbling back and almost spilling her two coffees.

"Oh, sorry sorry!" He mumbled, stepping away himself. Once he actually focused on the girl, he saw it was-

"C-Commander? What are you-!?" A shocked and lightly flustered Privaty cried. "U-Um, I thought you were still doing paperwork with Yulha."

"I was. I am. Just need a pick me up to keep going. Good thing for these coffee machines, eh?"

Despite his fatigue, he found the energy to smile and wink at Privaty. As expected, her blush brightened, and those bright amber eyes struggled to meet his blues.

"W-Well, w-what a coincidence then. I, ah, I-I couldn't decide which flavour of coffee to get, s-so um...."

Her face softened, and she held out one of the cups to him.

"-h-here. Y-You like black coffee more than me, r-right?"

"I do. Thanks, Priv." He grinned, reaching out to take the offered cup. He made sure to let his fingers linger against Privaty's for a few seconds before taking it, cherishing the squeak she failed to keep down.

"Say, mind getting one more for Yulha before we head back? She needs one too."

"M-Mmm hmm!" Privaty nodded, valiantly trying to hide how tomato-y her face was getting by turning away.

"Y-You'd better head back now!"

"Yeah. And hey, I could use some help with the leftovers. Mind lending that expert touch?"

Though Privaty turned as much as she could to the vending machine, insisting on ordering a new drink, he could still see the edge of her smile.

"W-Well, i-if you *really* need my help that badly, then I guess I can't refuse! For work!"

"Yeah, for work."

[Privaty Government Grunt Encounter: It's Just For Work!]