maskormenacelogs | (no subject)

You don't need to reassure me, love. I can see the evidence plain as day in my arms right now.

[ She places another tender kiss to his hair. ]

... But that could be how this test goes as well. The gift might not be apparent until much later.

I suppose that's true.

... Maybe later. After she's settled.

Don't put it off too long. There are too many secrets in our little extended family as it is.

[ It's soft as she speaks, but that great weight of guilt underneath the surface of Cordelia's mind rises that little bit closer to the surface along the link. ]

[ Miles can't help but notice that. He turns towards his mother, expression questioning. ]

You're not hiding anything from me, are you?

Even if I was, do you think I would tell you?

[ But she relents, her voice lowering. ] But no, nothing really about or against you. Not really.

I think you might, yes. And then refuse to tell me.

... Which is how I read this reaction, just so you know.

[ She snorts faintly. ]

I'm from the time around your birth. Now think of all the political happenings, and then try to tell me I couldn't have secrets from around then.

I. Er. I think you'd have secrets from everyone.

[ She just raises her eyebrows at him, her point proven. ]

It's not as though they're here. I could keep a secret.

Except some are, Miles.

... Just Kareen. And I thought we just had a long conversation about not keeping things from her.

There are some things that are going with me to my grave, Miles. Even from Kareen. Though come to think of it, I'm not sure if she knows or not.

That important?

And that complicated.

Fine, fine. I won't press.

[ Another gentle squeeze. ] Thank you.

[ Miles shrugs a bit, but doesn't move to escape her grip just yet. It's nice to just sit. ]

How are you feeling, Mother?

[ She lets out a slow, quiet breath, leaning against him a little more. ]

Can I get back to you on that?

I poured my heart out for you, didn't I? We ought to be even.

[ He leans back, gently. ]

I think I'd need some wine first. Care for some yourself?

God, please. By all means.

Then I'm going to make you get it, kiddo. Scoot.

[ She playfully (and gently!) shoves at his shoulder, making him get up from the couch. ]

[ He gives her a casual two-fingered salute in response and heads out the door. It'll only take him a few minutes to clamber up on the counter, get the glasses, then tuck a bottle of wine under his arm. ]

[ She takes his brief absence to gather her thoughts. She'd already vented at Aral; she doesn't want to spread it to Miles. ]