maskormenacelogs | (no subject)

What's something you compromised with Da on, then? Other than Barrayar.

[ She huffs through her nose, not quite a snort. ]

That's a pretty big compromise if you ask me.

Well. Yes, but. Could you have gone back to Beta Colony?

Not at that time, no. And not yet still, for me now. That was an accommodation I chose to make for him, or sacrifice if you want to word it that way.

Either, I suppose ... What did he accommodate for you, then?

Hmm ... You'd have to ask him for specifics, but he accommodates me and my particular neurosis every day.

You have a neurosis?

I live on Barrayar, don't I? Doesn't everyone there have their own neurosis?

[ She teases, elbowing him very gently, more of a nudge. ]

... Point taken.

[ Still. Now he's trying to think what it could be. There's a moment's silent as he considers... ]

Did you ever want to have any children other than me?

[ Her expression and manner sobers at that, but she stills has a smile, more sad than anything now. She reaches for his hand though, threading their fingers together. ]

... When I was first pregnant with you, I dreamt of having two. But then this was Barrayar where there was no restriction on parenting; no license to apply for, no forms to fill out. I could have three if I wanted. And when I was feeling especially greedy, I even thought about having six. I used the excuse that the Vorkosigan clan needed to be built back up to validate such greedy thoughts.

Six ...

[ Well, if that's greed, he's certainly feeling some of it now. A paternal greed instead of maternal, perhaps. He heaves a longing sort of sigh. ]

That sounds about right to me.

[ That prompts a laugh from her. ]

Maybe you inherited that neurosis too.

Let's share it, then. What were you envisioning? With six.

More daughters, that's for sure. You Barrayaran men are simple enough in your complexity, but at least I would have a better idea of how a girl thinks when growing up. I'd hope anyway.

"Simple," eh ... Should I be offended?

Take it as you like, kiddo. What about you?

[ Miles lets it go with a shrug. Hands folded over his chest, looking up at the underside of his bed. ]

A mix, I think. I - well, I'd really like sets of twins, but that could cause problems with succession.

Twin boys? I could see how that would go complicated ... What about a twin set? One boy, one girl?

... That might work. One the crown prince, the other not. And then another set to inherit the Vorkosigan Countship as well ...

[ She sniggers. ]

Are you going to talk to Gregor about this imperial lineage scheme you're brewing?

[ Miles flushes instantly at that. And moves to sit up, trying to reach the notebook he'd left on his desk. ]

-- No, not yet. Not at all.

No? How come?

It's highly presumptive. We've not even discussed marriage yet, let alone children. If we can even have children together ...

[ He manages to snag the notebook and settles back down with it, tearing out pages as he goes. ]

Edited 2016-05-22 21:43 (UTC)

Of course you could have children together.

[ She doesn't move to stop him, but she watches him tear up the pages somewhat sadly. ]

[ He pauses for a moment at that. ]

-- What?