Sonia hums contemplatively. "I guess I always thought of it in terms of choosing one or the other. But if I don't have to..."

Maybe she could tolerate, then, Barrayar's slow growth. Maybe she could bridge that gap. Maybe she could even facilitate it. Her eyes light up in thought, contemplating this new vision. And Miles -- Miles, so full of conviction, so faithful, so fierce that she cannot help but believe it. She rests her chin in her hand smiles slightly at him.

"Oh, Miles," she murmurs, leaning against him. "I've never had friends like you or Byerly before. I've never had friends I could just...fall back on." She blinks rapidly a few times, sniffing. Maybe it is about time to quit drinking. "I hardly even know what to do with you."