shipmaster | (no subject)

[ 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.

Well, as long as we're clear.

[Bel's expression is filled with a certain vile humor.. and quite practically, is pulling the teacup out of Miles' hands even as they pull him in for a first, intent kiss.]

[ Well, good. Miles would hate to break the cup or spill any of that precious tea. He leans into Bel's hands gladly, reaching one of his own to tangle in Bel's hair. He's ... rather more awkward than he was on Kharas, but he knows he likes this, dammit. It's a matter of rekindling it. ]

[Bel had a fairly good idea something had shifted, if just by the fact that Miles hadn't stubbornly, impulsively made the first move. The teacup rattles lightly as it is set down, and clothing whispers as Bel shifts a little closer, the kiss deliberately soft, breasts pressed against Miles arm, those little familiarities and safer starting points.

God, how long have they wanted this, though? They unhurriedly deepen the kiss. They've got a whole cycle to enjoy this.]

[ It is comforting to deal with breasts first. Miles can handle breasts. Has handled breasts, on multiple levels. He slowly deepens the kiss as he warms up to Bel's body. ]

-- Sit down on the bed?

[ It's kind of awkward with the table here. ]