Answering Machine

[lets_see_what_happens]

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[lets_see_what_happens]

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?

[hellsbel]

[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?

[lets_see_what_happens]

[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?

[hellsbel]

[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.

[lets_see_what_happens]

[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.

[hellsbel]

[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.