It is a thing of which I am fully capable. Do you imagine I ran every direction for most of my life? For years, it was only ever Sibella.
I'm listening now, as well. I do not think that's what you ask of me, though. You would like me to obey your wishes. That is not the same as listening to them.
If you ask it of me, yes. But you must ask. We have never defined the limits of this relationship we have. Not properly. If that is one you need, then so be it. I can abide by it.
[He frowns at her second question, but doesn't respond. He thinks she's being a bit unreasonable, but holds his tongue for now.]
Then we can try it. I am at least willing to try. There are those I care for, but I can tell them I am promised only to you. I trust they will understand that there will be no further dalliances.
And what of... Mr. Barnes? [It's one of their sticking points. A rather glaring one.] I spoke with him, told him that if he wishes to pursue you and you him, I will do nothing to stop either of you.
[And they've only agreed that Monty will stop. He has yet to ask the restriction of her, technically.]
[Monty gives her a long, searching look. He doesn't quite believe her, but he's not going to say that.]
Then I will say no more of it and not speak to him, if you would prefer. I do not know that there is anything I could do to make amends with him, truly. To ease any trouble our being together may cause you.
[She scowls back at him. Just being friends isn't exactly an ideal situation, but she's realistic and she loves Bucky enough that continuing to have him in her life is enough.]
I don't want you going near him if that's what he wants. He was the one you murdered, not me.
And yet, you are the one whom I care about in this. What might I do to mend your heart? Is it simply time you need? I thought reaching out to Mr. Barnes might help you, that you could use his friendship here. I do want you to have friends, darling.
[They have to live with it forever. Because he is immortal now. He looks down at the Bookworms, and thinks this really is a poor way to be talking in front of them. One of them slithers its way up to Renart's shoulder and nuzzles against her cheek.
Monty takes a steadying breath and pushes down the desire to make it right now.]
Would you prefer it be something we speak of or not speak of?
[She's grateful for the Bookworm, it pulls her away from the conversation for a split second. Blinking at it, she nuzzles it back before looking to Monty.]
I don't know. What do you think would be better for us? Not just me - us.
[Monty knows what he wants to say... but it's probably not the right thing.]
In truth, I would bury the whole affair and never speak of it or think on it again. But I know that is not possible. Perhaps... an agreement to revisit what would be best for us each month? That way we continue to talk, but if we come to a point where we decide it is no longer necessary, we'll have the chance to come to that decision together.
Then let's try. [He nods before picking up a pair of Bookworms and setting them atop her head. It's perhaps very silly given the serious discussion topics, but he wants to break some of the tension. One of them tries to curl around her ear for purchase.]
Shall I fetch a book and we can read to them for a bit?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I'm listening now, as well. I do not think that's what you ask of me, though. You would like me to obey your wishes. That is not the same as listening to them.
no subject
Is this something you really want to argue with me on?
no subject
[He frowns at her second question, but doesn't respond. He thinks she's being a bit unreasonable, but holds his tongue for now.]
no subject
[She's tempted to start poking into his mind and see the truth of things, but she holds off for now. He's right, they need to actually talk.]
It was a lot easier to tolerate it in Between, since we didn't have any other options. But I don't want you to be unhappy here.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
She hopes she'll be wrong.
She gives him a small nod.]
Alright. I'm willing to try.
no subject
Very well. I am yours and yours alone.
And what of... Mr. Barnes? [It's one of their sticking points. A rather glaring one.] I spoke with him, told him that if he wishes to pursue you and you him, I will do nothing to stop either of you.
[And they've only agreed that Monty will stop. He has yet to ask the restriction of her, technically.]
no subject
Nothing is going to happen between us. How many times do I have to say it? This is what I mean when I say you don't listen.
no subject
no subject
no subject
Then I will say no more of it and not speak to him, if you would prefer. I do not know that there is anything I could do to make amends with him, truly. To ease any trouble our being together may cause you.
no subject
I don't want you going near him if that's what he wants. He was the one you murdered, not me.
no subject
And yet, you are the one whom I care about in this. What might I do to mend your heart? Is it simply time you need? I thought reaching out to Mr. Barnes might help you, that you could use his friendship here. I do want you to have friends, darling.
no subject
[It's frustrating that he has to ask, and even more frustrating that she just can't give him an answer. Taking in a deep breath, she calms a bit.]
I don't know. Time? You can't exactly take back what you did, so we both have to live with it now.
no subject
Monty takes a steadying breath and pushes down the desire to make it right now.]
Would you prefer it be something we speak of or not speak of?
no subject
I don't know. What do you think would be better for us? Not just me - us.
no subject
In truth, I would bury the whole affair and never speak of it or think on it again. But I know that is not possible. Perhaps... an agreement to revisit what would be best for us each month? That way we continue to talk, but if we come to a point where we decide it is no longer necessary, we'll have the chance to come to that decision together.
no subject
Mm... that might be a good idea. We could give it a try, at least.
no subject
Shall I fetch a book and we can read to them for a bit?
no subject
Then she can't help but smile a little, because this is really ridiculous.]
I think that's a wonderful idea.