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[altusimperius]

tell him how pretty he is

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[altusimperius]

More scandalous, [Benedict remarks with a smirk,] how will you find the energy?

[bouchonne]

My dear lad!

[ He seems affronted at this question. ]

I have been scandal-free for going on four years now. Or close enough to scandal-free. I wouldn't even have to try to be more scandalous than I have been. If anything, it shall be like releasing a muscle that has been clenched for far too long.

[altusimperius]

Well, [fondly,] Maker help us all.

[bouchonne]

Mm.

[ His fingertips give a faint sense of awkwardness as he fiddles with his pen. ]

So you are...all right with this?

[altusimperius]

[Bene's smile dwindles into a more introspective set of the mouth, his brow furrowing self-consciously.]

I have to be, don't I?

[bouchonne]

Not necessarily.

[ The awkwardness grows just a bit. ]

You can, in fact, forbid it. If you so choose. I - will not leave you without protection if you truly feel you must have it.

[altusimperius]

[The incredulous look Byerly receives is genuine this time: Benedict fully doesn't know what to do with that kind of... what, control? Power over Byerly, of all people?

He shakes his head slightly, uneasily.]

...I don't keep slaves anymore. [he's not going to forbid anything, damn]

[bouchonne]

[ That extremely raw line gets a mildly impressed look from Byerly. ]

All right. Then to phrase it a bit more gently: your disapproval is of consequence to me. I care.

[altusimperius]

I know.

[The corner of his mouth twitches up in a sheepish smirk, which goes away just as quickly.]

But who would that benefit? Even if I could make you stay in the role, I couldn’t make you like it. I can’t… be responsible for that.

[He squares his shoulders.]

And besides, I don’t think you’d ever forgive me.

[bouchonne]

[ That earns a furrowed brow. ]

That would be an idiotic thing to hold a grudge over. It would be my choice.

[altusimperius]

Your choice to operate according to my whims? Even if we both knew you’d be unhappy?

[He pauses, then, furrowing his brow right back,]

Byerly, why would you ever do that.

[bouchonne]

Because I desire to be of service, I suppose.

[ That's glib, surface-level. Easier than something more personal and true. ]

[altusimperius]

That’s stupid.

[bouchonne]

[ An easy shrug. ]

Is it? Do you have no concept of service amongst the Alti? No noblesse oblige, as the Orlesians say?

[altusimperius]

[A pause. Then,]

it’s stupid to do it for me.

[bouchonne]

Oh, come now.

[ It’s not malicious, this teasing. It’s clearly well-intentioned. ]

Where’s that preening narcissist I know and love? Where did he go?

[altusimperius]

[Bene’s smile is genuine, even if there’s a bit of tension at its corners.]

Death by a thousand cuts, I think, [he says softly, uncertainly, like he’s not sure if he’s allowed to joke about it— you know, personal growth forced by bucketloads of trauma.]

I miss him a little. He always knew what to do. [ugh, principles]

[bouchonne]

Hmm.

[ From Byerly's smile, he certainly approves of that sort of joking. ]

Well, you'll get that back. It's like learning to speak a new language, you know - you start out clumsy at first.

[altusimperius]

I do know.

[But it has gotten easier, all told.]

...I'll miss you around the office. Assuming I'm permitted to stay.

[bouchonne]

[ It's a sweet sentiment. By relaxes just a bit, accepting that he does indeed have permission to do this selfish thing. ]

I'll be in, now and again. On the other side of the desk.

[altusimperius]

I'll still make you coffee.

...if you ask nicely. [he is being a little shit on purpose]