[Honestly, that's by far the least of what happened. It was what Recuerdo did to him after that, the memory loss and the forced change in attitude, that claws beneath the surface and won't go away. And it's the look on Renart's face as she apologised to him, like it was her fault, that keeps him angry.]
But I can't forgive you for what you did to Renart in doing it. But I guess that's not important, doesn't matter if I forgive you or not. Matters if she does.
[To both of them.]
And if you're expecting retaliation, then don't. I don't do that any more.
[It's certainly a start to something. Monty inclines his head. He can, at least, recognize a noble gesture, even if it makes him want to sneer at the other man. Monty holds his tongue well when he has need to.]
I understand. And as I said, I'll not seek her out simply to tell her I've apologized. I leave that in your hands, sir. As for retaliation, I more expect that from those who care for you. I appreciate your assurances, but while the loss of my love is a grave one, I doubt those who call you friend would count it sufficient recompense.
[Monty can't help the flash of a dubious look at Bucky's assurances about Dr. Watson. From what he's seen, the man is like a terrier, vicious and persistent when it comes to outing people's darker secrets. Hadn't his first order of business when Mr. Gray arrived been to force the man to announce his misdeeds on the Bulletin Board? It's not confidence-inspiring.
As there's little to be gained from saying as much, apart from slighting the integrity of one of Bucky's confidants, Monty keeps the words to himself.]
I'll be certain to give him no cause to reconsider his stance on the matter, sir.
[As for telling Renart, Monty only inclines his head in acknowledgement.]
Then I believe we're done for today, Mr. Barnes, unless there's something else you'd like me for.
[The smooth and calm manners get under his skin in a way that anger wouldn't, it just makes him think that all of this is one long con. A part of him even wants to beat Monty into the ground, take his revenge for the pieces of his memory played with and lost again, because he doesn't have any of HYDRA here to take that revenge on.
But that wouldn't help anything, and it would hurt Renart more, so he has no choice but to take a step back and shake his head.]
[It's a great deal of effort not to roll his eyes, but Monty manages. Instead he once again inclines his head, demure and submissive.] Yes, sir. [The gentleman moves off. He does hope he's given Bucky something to struggle with, if nothing else.]
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[Honestly, that's by far the least of what happened. It was what Recuerdo did to him after that, the memory loss and the forced change in attitude, that claws beneath the surface and won't go away. And it's the look on Renart's face as she apologised to him, like it was her fault, that keeps him angry.]
But I can't forgive you for what you did to Renart in doing it. But I guess that's not important, doesn't matter if I forgive you or not. Matters if she does.
[To both of them.]
And if you're expecting retaliation, then don't. I don't do that any more.
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I understand. And as I said, I'll not seek her out simply to tell her I've apologized. I leave that in your hands, sir. As for retaliation, I more expect that from those who care for you. I appreciate your assurances, but while the loss of my love is a grave one, I doubt those who call you friend would count it sufficient recompense.
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[He's only mostly sure that John will listen to him, probably he will as long as Monty doesn't deliberately antagonise him.]
I'll tell Renart that we spoke, everything that was said here today.
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As there's little to be gained from saying as much, apart from slighting the integrity of one of Bucky's confidants, Monty keeps the words to himself.]
I'll be certain to give him no cause to reconsider his stance on the matter, sir.
[As for telling Renart, Monty only inclines his head in acknowledgement.]
Then I believe we're done for today, Mr. Barnes, unless there's something else you'd like me for.
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But that wouldn't help anything, and it would hurt Renart more, so he has no choice but to take a step back and shake his head.]
Go, and maybe keep your distance.
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