It's not exactly reassuring to know that Michael's been through worse, knowing what Michael's been through. That's a lot in and of itself and while Maria does not want a repeat, she wants better for him. At least now he's out of the Down and some place safer, more comfortable. But the fact that he had to go through that, and Alex and Liz, it breaks her heart a little.

She quirks her lips into a smile. She doesn't really want to start from scratch, but she understands that that's just the name of the game, even here for Dominants. She needs to keep herself busy, anyway, and useful. That will help with keeping her mind off all the other bullshit.

"I'd appreciate that, actually. We could work together, instead of me resisting the urge to knock you off a bar stool."

Her little smirk fades to something more sincere as she follows him to the window. She takes his hand in both of hers.

"I think I'm pretty well caught up on everything, but there's things you should know. Several things, but one big thing."