shipmaster | (no subject)

[Bel sits up, suddenly not just flattered, but deeply curious as to what Miles WOULD pick out for them.]

Can I see them?

Of course. I wasn't sure what you would like, so I just ... made sure to get a range.

[ He retreats for a moment, then returns with a small stack of boxes. There are two complete outfits that can be intermingled with each other for a combined look, if Bel chooses. A full Vor lady getup, and then a matching Vor lord outfit. Mostly gray and silver, with hints of brown. ]

[There really wasn't mistaking the design and color. It was meant to be a matching compliment to Miles' traditional fields of brown and subtle splashes of silver. Openly and brazenly.

This was different, wildly different than the one night they'd had. The subtle arrangements around things... even this was without words... but a far more powerful statement. Had he told his family? Was THIS telling his family? Hell, his whole planet in one go.

Is this agreeing to stay? Is it going to force them to leave? Bel had no idea what was even going to happen.... just knew that this was one of those cliffs you either walked off of or never came back to...

Oh hell.

Bel looks up at Miles, almost unaccountably nervous. You don't get practice for this in little flings and dalliances. They pick up the boxes.]

Wait here.

No, first, help me find someone who knows how to get INTO this, and then wait here.

[ Is that a yes? (Does he know what he's asking, even? Hell. He's not sure.) So for now, he just nods and gestures for a servant. ]

Er - here, can you help them? Thank you.

[ At least this servant has been around enough not to so much a blink at Bel by now. ]

[It's lucky that Miles had gotten ready early, because he's left to wait and wonder out in the foyer for quite some time now.

In the mean time, Bel had some time to marvel at the tailor Miles (and likely Alys) had set on this particular task. The bodice, corset and half sleeves looked just as sharp on the dress slacks as they did buttoned back neatly to a seamless fit with the skirts. And the more masculine top could be paired with a smart bustling to streamline the skirts to a sleeker fit.

It really could be mixed and matched without some stubborn mending, and almost everything was some sort of flattering. Which really didn't make deciding easier. Bel simply settled on both mood and... what they didn't get to do often. Mismatching was as uncomfortable for observers as much as it was almost expected. And masculine uniforms were just the standard easy route...

The full turn out though... That they didn't get to do often. They turn to the servant, who doesn't even blink at the mischievous set taking Bel's features. If anything, the bland expression turned a touch more interested.]

So. [However Miles had taken to pass the time was interrupted by a slightly softer alto. Drawn up as a Vor Lady in full, Bel Thorne struck a particularly sleek figure. Someone had taken a hot iron to their usual androgynous cut and gave it a bit of curl. The makeup is subtle, accenting the more handsome features, rather than blur them.

Miles' own mother's hand is clear in it by the silver and brown garnet necklaces and bracelets from her own collection, as well as a matching earcuff to compliment the Betan earrings Bel had fished out for the occasion.

It's different. Elegant even.] What do you think?

[ It's jaw-dropping, is what it is. Miles had been alternately pacing and pretending to peruse holonovels. When Bel returns at last, Miles takes them in with a shocked sort of awe. He'd be happy with Bel in any form - any mix, anything the former captain might have chosen. But dear god, there's something special about seeing Bel in full Vor lady getup.

He continues staring for a moment, mouth dry. A bright flush pricks his cheeks. ]

I - er - it suits you very well. Extremely well.

Edited 2016-11-25 16:58 (UTC)

[Was there any greater compliment than the stop and stutter that was? Bel couldn't think of one. They don't fill it quite to Barrayaran taste, but that wasn't what they gave a damn about anyway. There's a bit of an extra saunter in their step as they move now.]

I might need help getting it off later. [Bel teases, a bit wickedly given their abstinence. They continue quite a bit more brightly.]

You would not believe how many weapons I've got hidden in here too. I will say, there's some practicality to volume.

[ Miles laughs at that, finally picking his jaw up off the floor. The flush is still bright in his cheeks, though. ]

Gladly, and with great vigor. [ He's so very relieved that Bel seems to like this. ] And you know that's the whole point, right? I could even dredge up a Vorfemme knife for you, I'm sure.

I hadn't. I somewhat expected foot binding and nunneries, for how much you see a Barrayaran woman off planet.

[There's no bite to it. No, these weeks had opened up their eyes a lot. Still... whatever the hell a Vorfemme knife was, it sounded like a weapon.]

Better than a vibrablade?

We're not that bad. We've just ... not been as good to our women on the whole.

[ He cocks his head at the question, considering. ]

Mm, perhaps not quite as good. But very sharp regardless, and traditional.

Oh I know. Your mother and I have been talking shop the last few weeks.

Eh. I'll trade tradition for utility.

Talking shop.

[ He holds out his arm for Bel to take, if they choose. ]

Should I be concerned?

[Bel smiles, striking a high chin pose as they settle a hand on Miles' shoulder in a fair imitation of what they'd seen between the Count and Countess in the house.]

Well, she does have an awful lot of videoes of your childhood.

[ Miles relaxes a bit at that. It's a familiar gesture and he recognizes the significance of it. ]

Oh, god. Which ones? Dare I even ask?

[They were going to be a spectacle. An unavoidable, stop and stare sort of spectacle. Might as well give them something to look at.]

I'm not entirely sure how you got on the counter with three limbs in soft splints, but I can't say I'm surprised, either.

[ That surprises a laugh out of him. He, for one, is prepared for the spectacle. ]

Sheer tenacity. And the cook had left out a tray of pastries.

So. Nothing's changed at all.

I'm a bit less likely to break myself for pastries, at least.

Depends. If a committee told you you absolutely couldn't have any of them...

[As they walk, conversation and the burble of the House in activity rings out from down the hall. It was getting close to time.]

Then I suppose I would have to.

[ Miles tighten his grip on Bel's arm lightly. Slowing his pace slightly as a thrill of nervousness goes through him. ]

You don't have to do this, you know. If you don't want to.

I have no idea what to even expect, much less what I want, Miles dear.

[They eye up Miles, looking for those little warning signs, the white around the eyes, the little shows of pain that show themselves differently.]

If you want to have a nice excuse to duck the evening, we could skip right to the end.

[ No warning signs today. He'll be clear for a few more days at least. ]

No ... no. I want to go. And I want you to come with me.

[They pull Miles to a stop just short of the door. The headmistress of the house can be clearly heard harrying the armsmen. Cordelia laughs, bright and joyfully at something unheard and unseen.]

Hold up. Just a moment.

[ Another wave of anxiousness goes through Miles as he looks up at Bel. Halting obediently... ]

What is it? Something wrong?

No, just want a moment from you. [And at that, they lean down, press a kiss to Miles' lips.]