... You helped me with that, you know. I tried to imagine-- us on Barrayar, and me unable to admit I was with you, and how that would be construed. As much about how mutants are perceived as you being male.

And I couldn't do it. I thought-- you face that already. It curdled my stomach to think I'd be giving Imperial sanction to it, all of it, by being ashamed. [ Lowly, ] You deserve better. If you can face that, so can I.

[ It was much easier for Gregor to think of it in the context of what it means for Barrayar and Miles than what it means for himself. Doing things for others is always what gives him the strength to face the difficulties in his life, not doing things for himself. ]