rough notes on valara/prieta fic

Why ship Valarieta? Because they’re our version of Bashir/Garak … and Prieta Miran, as unlikely as that might seem, is our version of Bashir here!
What does Miran bring to the table? Supportiveness, a genuine anger at how Valara tends to be treated, a sense of passion, a charming naivete
What does Deva bring? Mystery, sexiness, dominance, surprising vulnerability
Why else ship ‘em? Well … it’s rather fun putting Miran into a weak position, watching her shed her façade of control.
Who else to include? Velal, of course. Not strictly speaking a rival. (Except in Sheari’s mind!) Zisfir, probably? Perhaps that one-off encounter with Orra, giving a bit more explanation? Kelley, because she has a great dynamic with Prieta. Vikeda. And … flashback only, but Desci. She has to come up.
I could also bring in Searchlight. Make it briefly look like rivalry, when there’s nothing of the sort.
What barriers stand between our lovers? Hmm. To start, they initially just saw this as friends with benefits; basically; it’s only after the relationship with Velal burns that things start to seriously take shape. Second, there’s an overarching question of trust. How do you put your trust in a sociopath? How, as a sociopath, can you bring yourself to trust anyone?