[ Close enough, or so he had felt until Gregor had turned his hand and actually laced their fingers together. The combination of that with that cold wash triggers another quiet little spark of guilt, this time held well away from his friend. Gregor can't even touch him like this without revulsion, eh? Whether a direct comment on Miles - which he gladly doubts, his free hand drifting towards the spot on his chest where still feels the brand - or a reflection of Prince Serg, which seems more likely. He doesn't want to cause that kind of reaction in Gregor. He wants ... he wants ...

For all that they can pull each other out of their slumps, they sure can slide in together too. He feels a sense of freefall now, lost between guilt and gratitude once again. Charge forward anyway. Maybe they'll come out the other side unharmed.

(Stubbornly, though, he picks the topic he thinks Gregor will have the worst time defending.) ]

I am a physical curiosity at best. Really, Gregor, there are few enough women on Barrayar that they can have their pick of any face they like, and have a sparkling personality to match.