shipmaster | (no subject)

[ This is a hell of a way to test the suit implant, though... ]

Our deal still holds. If I say you need to rest, we break. All the rest, you can call the shots on.

[ Miles nods a bit at that. For once, he won't argue. ]

All right. That's fair enough, given that I'm still putting you at risk like this.

[ Bel just smirks. ]

Ah yes, risk. That's what puts me off.

[ Miles reaches over to swat lightly at them. ]

Are you really going to argue with me listening to you, Bel?

[ They grin and shove Miles's shoulder. ]

Risk to me and risk to you are two different categories.

[ Miles takes the shove with a bit of a grin. ]

Hardly. You're risking me when you risk yourself. You realize that, right?

[ An index finger cuts through the air. ]

Bodyguard. Mind you, I've no interest in dying short of my first century, but by definition I do have a job to do, Miles dear.

Edited 2017-01-03 15:39 (UTC)

Well - yes but - [ He huffs a bit, trying to put this into words without sounding ridiculous. ] - I care very much for you not getting hurt, Bel.

[ There's a frown here, but whatever is behind it remains packed up. ]

Well, lets keep the risks calculated, then.

And the plans shared.

Edited 2017-01-03 15:51 (UTC)

[ A wince at that. Well, he deserved it. Utterly and completely. ]

Of course. I'll tell you everything from here on out. [ A beat. ] As long as you don't stop me from carrying out the important ones.

[ Oh, this was the start of a long running argument, but for now... ]

I think we have a deal.

[ Miles slumps back a bit at that. ]

Good. A deal then. Damn Jacksonian.

[ Said with fondness, though, and exhaustion. ]

No need to get vulgar about it.

[ The reply was light, easy. There it was... if nothing else, now there was time. Assuming Illyan didn't ground both of their asses. ]

Rest up, we've got some fast talking ahead.

[ There is still that distinct possibility. Simon is going to have a fit when he sees what Miles has done to himself ... But not for a couple hours yet. Miles settles himself back down gingerly. ]

And me without any sleep to speak of ... Wake me when we get close, all right?

[ There's a light brush of fingertips over Miles' hairline. ]

Will do.

[ Miles leans into that. Reaching up to take Bel's hand in his own. ]

Thank you, Bel. I mean it ...

[ Their fingers curl around his.

It may feel like an instant later when a hand is shaking his shoulder. The other still wrapped around his. ]

[ Miles jolts awake with a start. It takes him a moment to reorient. ]

-- Where? Home?

Pulling in. By the number of vehicles, Illyan decided to wait for us.

[ Bel lets go, straightens and runs a finger comb through their own hair. ]

I've been informed he's in with your parents right now.

[ Miles curses faintly at that. ]

So I get to face all of them at once, eh. I don't suppose there's any chance of sneaking upstairs and pretending I was home all morning ...

Sneak into THAT house? If we had a month to plan it.

Come on, lets get this over with.

Right. Right ...

[ He takes a deep breath and enters the foyer. ]

[ Whenever the Count and Countess are home, the House takes on a certain liveliness known only by circuses and armies. Back today from the Surleau, and a brief trip to Hassandar before that, they were settled in the foyer as if receiving.

In a way, they were. Numerous ImpSec agents and Armsmen alike were chatting with staff or sitting at bored attention. In the mean time, Illyan was talking with the Count in low, urgent tones.

It was the Countess, and her sharp grey eyes, that fell on the two visitors who slipped in without formal announcement. ]

Sounds like you've had a day, kiddo. [ Cordelia's dry comment quiets the room. ]

[ Shit. Absolutely zero chance of slipping away, then. Or even making his case in front of as few people as possible. That strip of alien tech will be instantly obvious the first moment he turns his head ... So he sighs, faintly, and goes to kiss his mother gently on the forehead. ]

Hello, Mother. It's all been a little hectic, but I'm all done now.

[ She smiles, and the lines crinkle around her eyes warmly. ]

Well, lets have a moment then. I think we could stand to be a little less crowded in here.

[ She gives a significant glance around the foyer. ]