I think the fact Ivan and Miles grow up knowing one another and playing together says they kept in touch. I think it'd be interesting to see a version where they politely tolerate one another because they have no other options, and a version where they become close friends, and so on. But I like the nod to Cordelia noticing that about Alys - it means she is paying attention to Alys and knows her well enough to realise that.

I do like the idea of them being good friends, but fanfic means I can consider all the possibilities. ;-)

And thanks for the story pointer, that was really nice!