[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]
[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]
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-10-10 09:53 pm (UTC)[ 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.
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Date: 2023-10-10 10:08 pm (UTC)He shakes his head slightly, uneasily.]
...I don't keep slaves anymore. [he's not going to forbid anything, damn]
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Date: 2023-10-10 11:57 pm (UTC)All right. Then to phrase it a bit more gently: your disapproval is of consequence to me. I care.
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Date: 2023-10-11 12:09 am (UTC)[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.
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Date: 2023-10-11 12:30 am (UTC)That would be an idiotic thing to hold a grudge over. It would be my choice.
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Date: 2023-10-11 01:33 am (UTC)[He pauses, then, furrowing his brow right back,]
Byerly, why would you ever do that.
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Date: 2023-10-11 01:35 am (UTC)[ That's glib, surface-level. Easier than something more personal and true. ]
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Date: 2023-10-11 01:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2023-10-11 01:39 am (UTC)Is it? Do you have no concept of service amongst the Alti? No noblesse oblige, as the Orlesians say?
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Date: 2023-10-11 01:46 am (UTC)it’s stupid to do it for me.
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Date: 2023-10-11 02:19 am (UTC)[ It’s not malicious, this teasing. It’s clearly well-intentioned. ]
Where’s that preening narcissist I know and love? Where did he go?
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Date: 2023-10-11 02:31 am (UTC)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]
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Date: 2023-10-11 02:54 am (UTC)[ 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.
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Date: 2023-10-11 06:23 pm (UTC)[But it has gotten easier, all told.]
...I'll miss you around the office. Assuming I'm permitted to stay.
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Date: 2023-10-13 01:32 am (UTC)I'll be in, now and again. On the other side of the desk.
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Date: 2023-10-17 05:56 am (UTC)...if you ask nicely. [he is being a little shit on purpose]