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3336 Cream Puff Way

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[aigue]

That's ridiculous.

[Yeah, there's no way Bucky is getting away with that.]

You died and lost your memories again! Don't try to downplay that.

[advanced]

Renart.

[It's hard and firm and ever so slightly jagged at the edges. He can't think about it, he can't let himself feel the terror of losing himself again, because he might not come back from it.]

It's over, I'm fine. And you're the one that's lost a loved one.

[aigue]

[She wants to tell him that he isn't fine, there's no way he can be after all that, but she doesn't want to make things worse.]

I shouldn't love someone who is willing to hurt people I care about. I'm not brushing it off and neither should you.

[advanced]

But you do, don't you?

[It's not said with any measure of blame, more a sadness for her. She should love someone good for her, a good man, not a remorseless killer.]

I'm sorry, I wish it had been anyone but him. I never would've tried to come between you.

[aigue]

[She doesn't respond to his first question. She still loves Monty, yes, but right now she isn't sure if that's something that should continue.]

You didn't come between us. I kissed you. I shouldn't have done that.

[advanced]

Pretty sure we already covered that.

[Stop putting blame on yourself, silly fox.]

Have you told anyone else?

[aigue]

[Sorry Bucky, that's going to eat away at her for a while.]

No. I'm not going to tell anyone. This message is big enough without people sticking their noses into it.

[advanced]

You need to lean on someone, you shouldn't have to go through this alone.

[That's not fair, and only adds to the damage Monty is responsible for.]

I'm not saying tell the world what he did, but someone you trust. Someone who can help take care of you through this.

[aigue]

[Now she can't help being stubborn.]

I can handle this on my own.

Will John do that for you?

[advanced]

[He's not going to talk it out ever if he has a choice in the matter.]

You're not going to be able to handle this alone, nobody would.

[aigue]

I can. I'm not going to make things worse by telling someone.

[She's firm about that, regardless of whether that is true.]

What about you?

[advanced]

Then lean on me.

[He's not going to discuss him, stop asking.]

I might not be the best at it, but you need someone who already knows and I guess that's me.

[aigue]

[She pulls back enough to glare at him for being equally stubborn.]

I'm not putting that burden on you. I've already done enough to fuck up your life.

[advanced]

[He kind of wants to shake her now, continuing to put the blame for this on her own shoulders, but he settles for scowling at her.]

That's such bullshit.

[Plain and blunt.]

You might not have noticed, but I'm not the most social of people. You and John, you help me feel more like a human and less like a weapon, that's the opposite of messing my life up.

[aigue]

[God, he's way too much of a sweetheart. It isn't fair. None of this is fair.]

I'm happy to hear that, but... I'll try harder, so I don't mess up again.

[advanced]

Are you deaf or stupid today?

[Is she trying to rile him up? Because it's working.]

You didn't mess up, you don't need to try harder, if I have to say it again then I'll pull your tail for being so stubborn.

[aigue]

[Okay that has her frowning.]

You're the one who needs to stop being stubborn. I did mess up. Monty did too, but I'm not completely blameless.

[advanced]

[He reaches over and tries to tweak at her tail. Not a firm tug, he's always careful not to hurt anyone with his stupid strength, but enough to feel it.]

Want to run that by me again?

[aigue]

[That seemed like an empty threat, so when he actually does it she starts and squawks. Her reaction is purely out of surprise, leaving her staring at him, baffled.]

Did you just-??

[advanced]

I warned you.

[He folds his arms, utterly unrepentant.]

And I'll do it again, every time you're idiot enough to say any of this was your fault.

[aigue]

[Normally she'd be offended. Angry, even. But with things as they are she's only shocked he actually followed through on his threat.]

Then I'll just think it.

[Because she's pretty sure he'll do it.]

[advanced]

Then I'll just have to pull it every so often, to make sure I'm still telling you off for it.

[This is getting kind of dumb, but he'd rather it be dumb and perhaps get the point across, rather than it stay heavy and painful.]

[aigue]

[Okay now she is looking offended, her tail wrapping around herself so she can hold it protectively.]

You wouldn't.

[advanced]

[He's not backing down, even if he can tell this is probably a bad idea.]

Do I look like the kind of guy who makes idle threats?

[aigue]

... No.

[It's the guilt that's keeping her from getting way more offended.]

But I don't think it'll make me change my mind.