He, unfortunately, does. "Sir," Ivan departs with a proper salute at his dismissal -- finding the reluctance to do so concerning but not overly alarming. The next month goes by without much incident; Ivan reminding Duv to go home and the occasional accompanying walk back to the Residence when his security staff needed a break or found their resources stretched by Duv's long hours. He's found himself welcoming Duv's company, even if the other man still doesn't show any sign of recognizing the flirtatious edge in his smiles or turns of phrase.

It's one day, when Duv is out, that Ivan hears the news -- his mother and Simon Illyan are planning a trip Komarr-side on their way to Sergyar and Beta Colony. And of course Simon wants to meet with Duv; and both of them with him. "Busy," says Ivan when his mother calls to ask, pushing down the instinctual fear he always gets at the promise of time alone with his mother, "I've got something to go over with Duv."

He doesn't.

But what he does do is use Duv's office to hide out -- his PA tells him he won't be back the rest of the afternoon, which is good enough for Ivan. And sure, he sits on that couch with an ereader and flimsies to do work. Except it's a very comfortable couch, and it really wouldn't be a terrible thing to just lie down and read over paperwork, right? He's been working late for the past few days, so even if he had to rest his eyes for five minutes no one would blame him.

Which is how he ends up sprawled comfortably over Duv's couch, drooling and snoring slightly, fast asleep.