lets_see_what_happens | Answering Machine

...Oh my God. [drags a hand over their face, bending inward in a gigglefit] Nice to know he comes by it so honestly. [from your side too, even! c: remembers to take another drink of water, finally feeling more like they're in a hangover-recovery session rather than a psychiatric trial.] You know, his mother made quite a splash leaving Beta for Barrayar, for all they tried to sweep it under the rug later on. There are so many Naismiths in the Survey, it could easily have been a coincidence, but I admit to have had a feeling about it. She left only a few years before I did.

[it worries the Inner Circle too, Bel's seen how their faces fall, sometimes, when he isn't looking, watching him at full speed and fearing the inevitable wall. he'd nearly bled to death internally the first time they'd known him, and so many other times, of course the fleet at large thinks him indestructible, but there are so many ways for that small fiery frame to break....

has an idea what might do it, though. it's what Miles has been waiting for all along -- finding the right Lady Vorkosigan would make his return an advance, a conquering storm, instead of a bitter, unchosen retreat. but who could love Miles and Barrayar at the same time? they've seen that too, too often, in the eyes of those close to him. but there's definitely no way to talk about that.]

He might surprise us both. He's... incredible, that way. [looking down at their hands, remembering the heat of Miles's cheek leaning into their palm for the first time, just for a moment -- wondering again if those last few moments had just been a dream.] I know he'll never stop surprising me. [beat, small smile] Starting to think you won't, either.

Yes, I heard a bit about it. Ever since I caught the live vidcast of her booting Steady Freddy right in the nuts I've been grateful I haven't received the same treatment as a head of state. God knows I've deserved it more than once.

[Gregor watches Bel for a moment before an odd little smile spreads over his face.]

Indeed, he is. [He hesitates, just a bit.] Ah--good surprises, I hope?

[snickering, nostalgic grin] Oh, yes. It was all over the vids for months. And again when she left. And again when he started making noises about another run for president. I heard there was something of a political cleanup after that. [very dry smirk. not going to touch the notion of that last mental image with a ten-foot pole, but it's a little dizzying that Greg must know the notorious Captain Naismith so much better than that oft-repeated clip.

smile softens] Oh, yes. Very good.

I should ask... speaking of capital offenses. What would I get if I patted the head of state on the hand and thanked him for coming to see me today?

[Gregor's eyes light, almost teasing for a moment before his hand flashes out to catch one of Bel's, closing around their fingers.]

That would hardly be considered a capital offense. And anyway, as Our word is law, We officially decree that anyone so bold would receive a sincere assurance that it was no trouble at all and said head of state was very glad to. [He draws Bel's hand up and manages a sitting half-bow over it, his eyes bright over their knuckles as he brushes his lips against them in an exceedingly courtly gesture, warm and dry.] Do you find Our punishment entirely suitable?

[ENTIRELY UNFAIR, YOU VOR ARE THE MISCHIEF, SRSLY.<3 a quick breath of delight; the swift movement is answered by Betan reflexes rather than military ones, hand curling happily into his, right at home wherever he wishes to take it.

and that is a very acceptable destination indeed.

still pasty and drawn from the previous evening, curled up around the water bottle in their lap -- nothing of the demure upper-class here -- but inclining toward him, tired eyes aglow with definite teasing.

sly murmur] A capital punishment indeed! [he'll catch the pun, surely.~ cradles the hand in both their own, not in the Barrayaran way but holding it gently from either side. has anyone ever told you you have beautiful hands, Gregor? because people should.] Not quite enough to make me rethink my politics, but I don't think I've ever been faced with a better argument. You do have to wield this power carefully.

[clearly not averse at all to basking in it, should he choose to bestow it.~]

Thank you for coming over, Greg. I'm glad you did.

[Gregor laughs, the sound soft in his throat, and he doesn't take his hand back immediately.]

In my experience, when Betans come into hard contact with Barrayaran politics, it's usually Barrayaran politics that come out worse for wear. I do not, perhaps, have the best control sample for this, however. [He tilts his head in half a nod.]

I'm... glad also, Bel. I feel like I should be thanking you.

[what a good laugh.<3 may he never lack for reason to sound like that....]

Now there's the seasoned diplomat talking. [runs a thumb over his knuckles, savoring the moment before letting him go -- alas, someone has to be the grownup around here. keep it professional, Thorne. as professional as a blear-eyed, mop-headed, hung-over merc can get, bundled in blankets and sharing a bunk (albeit above the covers instead of underneath) with someone so kind, sensitive, beautiful....] Oh... I would love to hear some of those stories.

[wets lips, taking another drink to settle their own jumping pulse, with a small gesture to suggest that Greg consider the bottle he's still holding his own. an emotional struggle can take a lot out of one; he should probably rehydrate too. how often does he have the luxury of unburdening himself? how often does he allow himself to take it?]

Then I hope you'll come again. If you ever miss the Betan perspective, or.... if there's anything you want someone to hear. [an impish half-smile. it's impulsive, maybe unwise, with so many potential conflicts of interest and security already stretched far beyond the dictates of prudence or official necessity, but unofficial necessity has its place too; the Dendarii have been that demonstration, over and over.] Miles can confirm I'm a good listener.

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