shipmaster | (no subject)

[ Ah. That's a concession they will probably fight over, in actuality, but in theory? Miles can't argue with it. Hell, Miles won't argue with it. ]

Agreed. As my bodyguard, it would be natural for you to make such decisions. Lest I endanger myself terribly that way.

[Probably a lot, but for now...

This could world. This could really work. Bel can't help but smile, the first one to reach their eyes since the surface of that planet.]

Agreed, then. Let me know how I can help you get it past the usual committee.

[ Miles considers that. ]

Not too much. Given how unhappy I was about demoting you at all, they'll take it as a concession.

You really are too kind for this business. But I suppose that's why we all follow you.

[ Miles just grins a bit evilly at that. ]

Well, your first assignment is coming with me to Barrayar.

What?

I'm going to need something stable in my life while I'm there. Or I may break under the strain of trying to remember.

[ He is still rather deathly afraid of going home and feeling alien. Having someone from the Dendarii will help allay those fears. ]

Well, between the two of us, we'll give em something to look at. [Oh god, this is going to mean ... meeting the Vorkosigans.. possibly Illyan... possibly every small terror that world had to offer. There were a LOT. They weren't scared of the people or the prejudice but the top brass...]

Just so. Should be interesting. [ A pause... ] If you would like to go by a different pronoun while we're there, you would likely pass well enough.

[Bel's face screws up with undisguised distaste.] Absolutely not. I'd rather bring a stunner than leave my pride behind, sir.

[ Miles' grin looks a bit lopsided at that. ]

Good. I admit I'd have been a bit unhappy with that, but ..

[ He sobers. ]

Don't underestimate the prejudice either.

[They do, at least, stop and think about that, rather than give the usual devil may care face. Bel has done the research.]

No... I figured you were out here for a reason.

[ Miles nods at that. It's all a muddled mess yet, but some patterns have emerged. This is one of them. ]

A number of reasons. I feel as though I must have been very cramped on Barrayar.

[That was the first they'd heard of that, though. Their brow raises and Bel takes a sip of tea.]

How so?

[ Miles half-lids his eyes, trying to put this together coherently... ]

I was constrained. Willingly in some ways, unwillingly in others. I was judged enough for my stature that I found myself hurling myself against it in specific ways. LIke - joining the military.

The Dendarii are different.

Mm. Most of us end up out here for our own reasons. You're hardly alone with us.

... You understand even better than most, eh?

[ Miles hesitates a moment, then reaches out a hand for Bel's face. ]

[Bel's eyes slide closed at the touch, chin lifting a little.]

You do remind me that we have an agreement. Unless you've remembered too much....

[ Miles shakes his head slightly. Sure, he's gotten back more, but it's the Barrayaran side that feels unreal... ]

You promised me a full cycle after I'd resettled.

[They smile at that. Bel's hand settles over Miles' keeping it there as they lean into Miles' space.

Bel... hadn't expected it to hold once he got enough Vorkosigan back. But they'd take it. If it was just once, damn if they weren't going to make it something to remember.]

I'm not sure if you're up to all that. [Bel smirks cheerfully.] But there's more than one way to make sure you're well rested.

[ Miles' own expression goes fond and sly. ]

Planning to tire me out?

Feel free to take it as a challenge. [They're that confident.]

Oh, I intend to. You may find me to be a bigger handful than you expected.

The question is here and now or really make a scandal on Barrayar.

[Because someone IS a little shit.]

[ Accordingly, Miles flushes darkly at that. ]

I ... er, I'd prefer not to rock that boat until I'm sure of my footing. Here is better.