Answering Machine

[lets_see_what_happens]

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[hellsbel]

Ha... [bright, affectionate, wistful look. speaking of taboo-breaking -- and forthrightness? never let it be said they don't aim high.]

On Beta, they'd think nothing of it if I took you both out at the same time. They'd... think nothing of a lot of things....

[including, sadly, your idea of honor, or the potential for jealousies and non-actionable personal hurt, or the long list of reasons you've just given for not being on the market. no illusions about everything being perfect back there either; all of those are important, not least simply because they're important to you.]

I would, you know. 'f it would come out right. [there are too many ways to make it wrong, but Greg didn't even have to visit in person, and here they both are. prudence is one thing, but he should know this.]

Options're open, though. [aaand the teasing is back, just a little.] Can't be the only man on board who's thought about it.~ Most... egalitarian crew I've seen in years.... give or take.... Still'd have to be someone worth you, though. [no compromises on that.<3]



[[today in things I did not know Bel was going to go and do ^^<3 Can edit if needed, since it's all this way back in a backtag. (100th inbox comment though! :D)]]

[lets_see_what_happens]

You--

[Gregor stops, looking genuinely and entirely blindsided by this, his eyes widening helplessly as he stares at Bel for a beat as though waiting for the punchline to the joke. He seems to realize that this poleaxed shock is a bit uncharitable and rehinges his jaw, clearing his throat as color creeps into his cheeks, swallowing before he speaks again.]

I hadn't even thought... I mean. I never labored under the assumption that you would be excessively monogamous, but you love Miles. You've loved him for years. I've always known that. He just--he has the tendency to arrest the entirety of one's attention.

[hellsbel]

[not a joke in the slightest, and God, that high color in his cheeks? enough to make anyone's heart flip over. did he think Miles burns so brightly as to leave him in shadow?]

Yes? We just 'stablished... that didn't take years to set in. [crooked smile] I don't love him less for what I see in you. 's what 'not excessively monogamous' means. [thoughtfully] I don't... get the impression he is, either... but... not sure he's aware of it.....

[Miles falls in love so easily; Bel's watched it happen, more than once. but it's who he lets himself be with, and why, that ends up mattering.... and there it is, isn't it?

the puzzled, curious look gives way to gentle affection, and Bel reaches over to settle the good hand on Greg's arm, letting the other remain safely in his grasp.]

Gregor.... [it feels important, using the full name; this isn't just about the friendship he's shown since Bel arrived, or what his eyes do sometimes before he remembers to hide himself. those only made it easier.] You're... astounding. All on your own, no title required. [hasn't anyone told you?] God knows I'll never live on Barrayar -- 's not about that. Just want to see you happy.