So, I've been reading those few Ivan/Byerly and one Byerly fic that I've found, and it occures to me... Byerly can't really afford to have an open relationship with Ivan. You'd think it would be the other way around, but consider - Byerly's usefulness as an information gatherer depends on people accepting him as a rather silly, useless wastrel of a Vor lordling. Ivan, while not tremendously well-known, is still probably recognized as someone who's close enough to the Emperor that if he hears things he might repeat them to the right (or wrong, depending on your viewpoint) ears. If Byerly spends too much time around Ivan people might get the idea he might be repeating things to Ivan. Also, Byerly pretty much HAS to continue going out partying, and at least flirting with, other people all the time in order to gather information.
I think, if nothing else, there's good potential for conflict in any budding relationship they might have, most of it on Byerly's side. Because Ivan's not going to even think of this stuff.
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