Rumor's Confirmed

          "Well, it's not," he said defensively.  "I'm sorry, Grandfather, but it really isn't.  It's mine, and it's Harry's, and besides, neither of us can help who we love."

          "Love?  You're too young to know what love is."

          "Really?  Like I was too young to enter the Academy?" he snapped back, his arms lifting to cross over his chest, barely suppressing the wince of pain that the move cost him.  

          : Rory, stop it, babe.  He's just worried about you and trying to look out for you, as any father and grandfather would."

          : I do NOT need to be protected, Rodolphus! : he snapped back at him.

          : THAT, my love is a matter of opinion, : he said dryly.  : Shall I remind you you stepped in front of a knife that was thrown at me? :

          : I remember quite well what I did, Rodolphus, as well as WHY I did it.  And for the record, I would do it again in a heartbeat. :

          : We WILL be discussing this later, Roark Christopher Peverell Potter. :

          A soft, internal chuckle sounded.  : Of course, we will, Dolph. :  "Look, Grandfather, let's not argue about this.  We'll just agree to disagree, how's that?"

          A small smile.  "Very well."

          "I made the decision to take Rodolphus as my lover, just as Harry did Rabastan, each of us knowing that there would be more than a few who would disapprove.  However, it WAS our choice...and we do not, nor would we ever regret the decisions we have made concerning the Lestrange brothers.  Everyone agrees that they are not good, or even kind men.  They are killers.  They enjoy killing a little too much,  They are often cruel, heartless. :

          : Wow, babe, tell it like it is, why don't you? :

          : I just did. :  A deep chuckle sounded in his mind.  "But then, everyone sees what they are meant to see, not what truly is.  They are, after are, Counter-Intelligence Undercover Specialists, and I am sorry if we have disappointed you."

          "You haven't, Rory, any more than your brother has, we will eventually work past this in concern to the Lestrange's." A sudden smile.  "You know your brother as well, if not BETTER than I do."

          A nod.  "It'll blow over soon enough if it hasn't already.  Now," a pause, a midnight brow arching as his head tilted slightly.  "Are you, by any chance, planning to tell me about what this Inquiry was REALLY about?"

          "Ah, yes...well, Captain, it's like this--"

          "CAPTAIN?!" he gasped.

          Adama chuckled at the stunned look that transformed his grandson's face.  "You know, Harry reacted the EXACT same way.  Yes, Roark, while the council DID want to hear, in your own words, what had happened that day, we were really trying to determine whether you deserved a promotion or not.  All but three agreed that you did,  Congratulations, Captain Roark."

          : Congratulations indeed, love, : came softly.

          : Go away, Rodolphus. :

          Another chuckle from him.  : Sorry, darling, no can do.  I'm reporting in now, but we still need to talk.  After that...if you decide you want me to leave you, I will. :

          Roark reacted immediately to the sadness he could hear in his lover's tone.  : Rodolphus, whatever gave you the idea I wanted you to leave?  I-- :

          : Listen, I'm at Admiral Roark's office now.  Can we talk about this later? :

          : Absolutely. :