Post MoM AU, general post

[use_everything]

And then one day, it was over.

The memory of how it happened was hazy. Perhaps it was as simple as being ported out, perhaps there was a great experiment, bringing together physicists, chemists, alchemists and scientists to get something WORKING. But like the memories of that time, that other dimension, singular events come and go, like a dream, or an age past.

From the very start, however, there were changes.

Comments

[rathercommon]

Well, given the fact that I didn't have a bit of money? I'd say so! I've had to travel around as a vulture. And it's been bloody hard finding something to eat. I tried some of the plants around here - the alien-looking ones - and I had the violent shits afterwards. Wretched.

[dendarii]

[ That sobers him for a moment, despite how disgustingly happy he is to see her. If she'd come all this way only to get poisoned or hurt ... dear god. ]

Ah. Yes. They're mostly poisonous. A good rule of thumb is to never eat anything red.

[rathercommon]

Oh, now I figure that out.

Anyway, that was like a day ago. I've not died yet. So I'll be all right, so stop looking so pained.

[dendarii]

It's worrying, all right. I'm allergic to half of them myself.

[ But he forces himself to relax. ]

We'll just have to find you some real food. Maybe even in a restaurant, if they let me out after this.

[rathercommon]

If they let you out? What, are you being held hostage by the Cadre Of Repressed-Looking Old Men in there?

[dendarii]

[ Miles snorts at that. ]

Of course not. But I'm trying to be very good here. Gregor and I just got back from remembering everything. I'm supposed to be careful.

[ He says, cuddling a talking cat in a public waiting room. ]

[rathercommon]

Hm?

[ Her voice turns sly. ]

How unlike you.

[dendarii]

Is it. Maybe you're remembering someone different.

[ His eyes are alight with amusement. ]

[rathercommon]

Oh, yeah? So are you timid, then?

[dendarii]

Paranoia and timidity are two entirely different things.

[ He continues to pet her gently. ]

Now, I could hardly be faulted if I were never seen leaving this room ...

[rathercommon]

What if a bird were seen leaving instead?

[dendarii]

Much safer that way.

[rathercommon]

What if a bird went and shat on the crustiest conservative in that room?

[dendarii]

[ Miles chokes back another laugh. ]

Less safe, but infinitely more satisfying.

[rathercommon]

So which one are you for? Safety, or satisfaction?

[dendarii]

[ Is it possible that Miles Vorkosigan is even considering the safe option? He might just be. ]

Safety, just this once. But only because it's a special occasion.

[rathercommon]

What!

[ Laughing, she says - ]

Rubbish. What special occasion?

[dendarii]

Well, you see, a very good friend from another world showed up. Doesn't happen every day.

[rathercommon]

[ Aw. ]

Really? That's so weird. Two interdimensional travelers in one day? Who's this other person?

[dendarii]

[ Miles grins and continues scratching behind her ears. ]

Utterly vibrant. Gorgeous, lively ... likes to run off and do all the stupid things I like to do. Some people think she's too old for me, but they're wrong.

[rathercommon]

[ Her eyes close, and she leans into his hand. ]

Oh, is that so? How old is she?

[dendarii]

You know, I never asked. It seemed a bit rude.

[rathercommon]

[ Hey. She drops the act for: ]

Hold on. How old do you think I am?

[dendarii]

[ Miles blinks at that, surprised by the shift in tone. ]

Er - my age? Twenty? Twenty-one?

[rathercommon]

[ Oh, all right. ]

Just as long as you don't actually think I'm seventy-five or something.