[He should find this satisfying, or a relief, to have broken through at last and dispensed with the pretense. Certainly it's what he's after. But instead it is... painful. Excruciatingly painful.

Gregor finds his reserve dropping halfway himself-- impossible not to, with a look like that on Miles's face, and however steeled he is against being manipulated himself he is not and can never be heartless. He can tell this is a wounded person, can only imagine what his life has been like on Jackson's Whole, for that must be where he's from. And none of that has to do with Miles. He aches to try to give him a life undefined by that, some wish fulfillment for himself, perhaps.

His voice softens, truly gentle.] You would swear obedience as much as I would swear protection. And you would get a look in mine, too. The link is truly neutral; there is no hierarchy to it. You can seal yourself off whenever you wish, once you learn how, and I couldn't force my way in.

But I really will be as vulnerable to you that way as you are to me. We both have to give all, or get nothing.