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Bucky grunts and misreads the cue, leaning over to eat out of Zemo's hand and grip the bacon strip between his teeth before clumsily manoeuvring it into his mouth with his tongue and his lips.
"Not really, but thanks." He's a little too stressed out to want to eat right now, but he's taking one piece to appease Zemo.
"Oeznik banished us into the mountains? I guess he's not too happy about the. Vegas thing." Although Bucky enjoyed it more than he's willing to admit. It was picturesque. And lonely. And cold. Zemo had to pack his bag for him or they wouldn't have made it back yesterday.
"Not really, but thanks." He's a little too stressed out to want to eat right now, but he's taking one piece to appease Zemo.
"Oeznik banished us into the mountains? I guess he's not too happy about the. Vegas thing." Although Bucky enjoyed it more than he's willing to admit. It was picturesque. And lonely. And cold. Zemo had to pack his bag for him or they wouldn't have made it back yesterday.
Zemo actually cracks a smile when Bucky leans over to eat out of his hand. It isn't quite what he meant, but-- it's almost endearing in its own way. His free hand comes up after Bucky eats and confesses he's not really hungry to comb through his hair.
"We had potential law enforcement on our trail... it was practical. You should blame me for it." For making very poor decisions in Vegas, tipping people off... But it's in the past now, he supposes.
"Come on, it is time for a shower, James." it isn't as if Bucky hadn't already gotten quite an eyeful of how he looks now this morning -- and he's afraid that if he doesn't insist, Bucky may skip it entirely.
"Then we'll slip out."
"We had potential law enforcement on our trail... it was practical. You should blame me for it." For making very poor decisions in Vegas, tipping people off... But it's in the past now, he supposes.
"Come on, it is time for a shower, James." it isn't as if Bucky hadn't already gotten quite an eyeful of how he looks now this morning -- and he's afraid that if he doesn't insist, Bucky may skip it entirely.
"Then we'll slip out."
"I liked it. The Alps. Up... until the part where I sliced my hand open. It was quiet, and cold." Colder than here, with a view you couldn't get in many other places. He would have happily traded Wyoming for that, but it's inconvenient to do groceries there, and the place was a little too small for the three and half of them.
Besides, even with the few changes, Steve is used to Wyoming. They shouldn't stress him out with so many changes in his old age.
"A shower? Um... Together?" They've had plenty of showers together before, but. Not with Zemo looking like that. Bucky obviously has more hangups about it than Zemo does.
"If... you're okay with it. I don't mind to wait if you'd rather go alone." Even if it doesn't hurt, it must be strange. If Zemo wants to have a moment to himself exploring all his new... bits, he shouldn't let Bucky interrupt him in the shower.
Besides, even with the few changes, Steve is used to Wyoming. They shouldn't stress him out with so many changes in his old age.
"A shower? Um... Together?" They've had plenty of showers together before, but. Not with Zemo looking like that. Bucky obviously has more hangups about it than Zemo does.
"If... you're okay with it. I don't mind to wait if you'd rather go alone." Even if it doesn't hurt, it must be strange. If Zemo wants to have a moment to himself exploring all his new... bits, he shouldn't let Bucky interrupt him in the shower.
Hmm. I suppose I could extend a modicum of mercy. For as long as it remains beneficial.
[ There's a ghost of a smirk sent Zemo's way.
Natalia drinks more of the tea before setting the pretty thing aside. She gracefully rises and the lace slides along curves before settling, clinging. ]
Unless you just so happen to have any of Yann Tiersen's work, may I connect my device somewhere? Assuming you would want to start now, of course.
[ Perhaps Zemo wanted to finish his tea or dine beforehand, perhaps he'd been working on something. ]
[ There's a ghost of a smirk sent Zemo's way.
Natalia drinks more of the tea before setting the pretty thing aside. She gracefully rises and the lace slides along curves before settling, clinging. ]
Unless you just so happen to have any of Yann Tiersen's work, may I connect my device somewhere? Assuming you would want to start now, of course.
[ Perhaps Zemo wanted to finish his tea or dine beforehand, perhaps he'd been working on something. ]
I dunno. Never really been spoiled before.
[ It's out of his mouth before he can stop himself, and his cheeks flush a slight shade of pink. ]
What do we do until dinner?
[ It's out of his mouth before he can stop himself, and his cheeks flush a slight shade of pink. ]
What do we do until dinner?
"That wasn't a very amusing part." Except for when Bucky unceremoniously fell out of bed, perhaps, but even that was brought down by the reopened wound. Easier to think of that than their current state of affairs, really.
"I am glad you enjoyed it, James." And he does mean that. He hadn't even minded the isolation for a bit, the chance to get away and think a bit clearer.
He pauses at the reaction he gets at the suggestion. There's a part of him that's momentarily irritated -- he's not so fragile, and there's nothing so... strange about this. Aside from the parts that are decidedly strange. New curves and parts to get used to. He huffs a little bit before pushing himself up to go towards the bathroom.
"It isn't as if you didn't see quite an eyeful this morning, but... very well, James. Alone, then." A quick shower and then... they'll figure out the rest of the day.
"I am glad you enjoyed it, James." And he does mean that. He hadn't even minded the isolation for a bit, the chance to get away and think a bit clearer.
He pauses at the reaction he gets at the suggestion. There's a part of him that's momentarily irritated -- he's not so fragile, and there's nothing so... strange about this. Aside from the parts that are decidedly strange. New curves and parts to get used to. He huffs a little bit before pushing himself up to go towards the bathroom.
"It isn't as if you didn't see quite an eyeful this morning, but... very well, James. Alone, then." A quick shower and then... they'll figure out the rest of the day.
If the government wasn't so adamant on keeping tabs on him he would have happily retreated alone to a mountain range somewhere, building a cabin to live in, and just live out the rest of his days on his own. He's too guilt-ridden to try and break free off on his own and actually do that, but the Alps was more or less a brief manifestation of that fantasy. And, maybe, Bucky's found that he prefers having company than being alone - as long as it's not Sam a certain type of company.
"You had your--... things out," Bucky protests quietly. They were just there. He didn't go looking or tear any clothes off or-- well, hey, what the hell does that mean, anyway?
"I wasn't perving on you!" he snaps a little bit louder than he'd probably intended to.
"You had your--... things out," Bucky protests quietly. They were just there. He didn't go looking or tear any clothes off or-- well, hey, what the hell does that mean, anyway?
"I wasn't perving on you!" he snaps a little bit louder than he'd probably intended to.
"Breasts, not things," Zemo calls back. It's-- possibly easier to fall back on needling Bucky than dealing with-- his own feelings on this. They're too far all over the place to begin that.
He peeks his head back out of the bathroom, eyebrow arching at the insistence. His eyes did seem to linger a bit longer than they should have -- until Zemo demanded he look away. He'd maybe beg to differ there was no perving, but-- "I never suggested you did, did I?"
And more curiously-- "Do I look that strange as a woman?"
He peeks his head back out of the bathroom, eyebrow arching at the insistence. His eyes did seem to linger a bit longer than they should have -- until Zemo demanded he look away. He'd maybe beg to differ there was no perving, but-- "I never suggested you did, did I?"
And more curiously-- "Do I look that strange as a woman?"
"I know what they're called," he hisses back, shoulders rising instinctively even though they must sound like twelve year olds right now with this back and forth.
"You don't look strange. Just-- different. You sound different. I'm just-- getting used to it." They already know Bucky doesn't like change. A combination of being old and stubborn and... mildly paranoid and what Sam would have called 'boring' and Bucky would have called 'set in his ways' had seen to that.
Give him a few days and he'll be fine with the house, the new Zemo, if that's getting stuck. Hopefully not. He'd like for one thing to remain the same. If tomorrow Oeznik comes padding over briskly screeching about his new body, Bucky might just walk out into the snow through the clearing and into the sparse smattering of trees and not come back for the rest of the day.
"You don't look strange. Just-- different. You sound different. I'm just-- getting used to it." They already know Bucky doesn't like change. A combination of being old and stubborn and... mildly paranoid and what Sam would have called 'boring' and Bucky would have called 'set in his ways' had seen to that.
Give him a few days and he'll be fine with the house, the new Zemo, if that's getting stuck. Hopefully not. He'd like for one thing to remain the same. If tomorrow Oeznik comes padding over briskly screeching about his new body, Bucky might just walk out into the snow through the clearing and into the sparse smattering of trees and not come back for the rest of the day.
There's a roll of his eyes at the protest. Bucky was the one acting as if saying breasts may burn his tongue or something.
"You are not the only one, James." Everything-- is rather different this morning, isn't it? Bucky is unhappy with the house, uncomfortable with him seemingly, and his body is entirely changed for unknown reasons. There's a bit of a deflated sigh after a moment before Zemo ducks back inside to start the shower and... start taking off clothes.
It's odd to look down, and uncomfortable to touch his own body and not really feel much familiarity at all. But hopefully they-- find a way to fix this, or it wears off, or-- something that doesn't quite end with law enforcement pounding at their door now that they've settled in somewhere.
And went through the trouble of a remodel.
At least he will make it a quick enough shower to avoid using up all the hot water for Bucky.
"You are not the only one, James." Everything-- is rather different this morning, isn't it? Bucky is unhappy with the house, uncomfortable with him seemingly, and his body is entirely changed for unknown reasons. There's a bit of a deflated sigh after a moment before Zemo ducks back inside to start the shower and... start taking off clothes.
It's odd to look down, and uncomfortable to touch his own body and not really feel much familiarity at all. But hopefully they-- find a way to fix this, or it wears off, or-- something that doesn't quite end with law enforcement pounding at their door now that they've settled in somewhere.
And went through the trouble of a remodel.
At least he will make it a quick enough shower to avoid using up all the hot water for Bucky.
Bucky busies himself stacking the empty plates and cups together and bringing the tray back downstairs. Oeznik won't let him leave without making him sit at the counter and eat at least a whole slice of toast. Bucky does his best to just casually mention that Zemo wants to head into town - get that broken phone sorted and buy a few other things - and they might be a few hours. It's easier to not tell the whole truth to Oeznik when Steve is perched in Bucky's lap and he's half-distracted, and Oeznik doesn't question it, simply nodding and agreeing to babysit Steve for one more full day.
By the time Bucky gets back upstairs, Zemo is already done. Bucky can't help but look at Zemo's lithe figure wrapped in a towel, standing in front of the wardrobe looking for something suitable to wear. There are curves in... interesting places. Long hair. It's all so different even if there's little hallmarks of familiarity here and there.
"Got something you can wear?" he asks quietly. He'd offer Zemo his wardrobe, but it's significantly emptier. Just monochrome, plain t-shirts and that suit. It's probably not as varied, and too cold right now to be wearing most of it.
By the time Bucky gets back upstairs, Zemo is already done. Bucky can't help but look at Zemo's lithe figure wrapped in a towel, standing in front of the wardrobe looking for something suitable to wear. There are curves in... interesting places. Long hair. It's all so different even if there's little hallmarks of familiarity here and there.
"Got something you can wear?" he asks quietly. He'd offer Zemo his wardrobe, but it's significantly emptier. Just monochrome, plain t-shirts and that suit. It's probably not as varied, and too cold right now to be wearing most of it.
There's a shrug at the question. None of his clothes seem like they will fit overly well, but he finds a pair of track pants that seem like they will stretch where they need to and a shirt to go with them. "Somewhat, I think. It will work until we find clothes in town."
... which will likely be at Walmart, won't it? There's a bit of a sigh before he moves to lie the clothes on the edge of the bed to dress, discarding his towel. "Is there anything else you need to do in town?"
It's easier to talk about the mundane than the obvious right now.
... which will likely be at Walmart, won't it? There's a bit of a sigh before he moves to lie the clothes on the edge of the bed to dress, discarding his towel. "Is there anything else you need to do in town?"
It's easier to talk about the mundane than the obvious right now.
He's not sure if Zemo's ever worn anything from Walmart. Maybe the thought of it alone might turn him into a nudist. They'll probably be able to find something slightly better than Walmart, although it won't be some designer Italian fare either...
"Just need a phone, at some point." Honestly, it wouldn't bother him at all if they didn't replace it. But he did tell Oeznik they were going to buy one - and Walmart is likely going to be one of the only places that still sells phones Bucky likes, with clicky buttons and a battery life of a week or so.
"And we'll get whatever you want for dinner. Lunch too. I told Oeznik we might be headed out for the day." Maybe some eating and mindless clothes shopping will help take Zemo's mind off his current predicament.
Not that he believes it to be all that bad. Being able to pass through anywhere unrecognised is a really significant silver lining to him. They should be taking advantage of it as much as they can.
"Just need a phone, at some point." Honestly, it wouldn't bother him at all if they didn't replace it. But he did tell Oeznik they were going to buy one - and Walmart is likely going to be one of the only places that still sells phones Bucky likes, with clicky buttons and a battery life of a week or so.
"And we'll get whatever you want for dinner. Lunch too. I told Oeznik we might be headed out for the day." Maybe some eating and mindless clothes shopping will help take Zemo's mind off his current predicament.
Not that he believes it to be all that bad. Being able to pass through anywhere unrecognised is a really significant silver lining to him. They should be taking advantage of it as much as they can.
"We will replace it." He'd press for something more modern, but he has a feeling one more change and Bucky may have an even bigger breakdown than this morning. He can keep his ridiculous, ancient phone. He is rather certain Walmart will have a few of them. After he's slipped into his clothes, eyed his closet warily for shoes -- maybe there are some sneakers in there somewhere that he may still be able to tie up tight enough to wear, even if they may be a bit too big now.
"Anything I want?" There's a spark of amusement at that. "You must be worried."
That's certainly a level of spoiling he wasn't expecting, not even a warning about not choosing anything strange or a token protest in sight. Turning on his heel, he approaches Bucky with a softer smile though. "I suppose now is as good a time as any to indulge a bit. We won't have to worry too much about being spotted, I think."
There's a shake of his head. "I suppose if any of your friends do spot and come after you, they will only see you've run off with a girlfriend and not a regicidal terrorist."
"Anything I want?" There's a spark of amusement at that. "You must be worried."
That's certainly a level of spoiling he wasn't expecting, not even a warning about not choosing anything strange or a token protest in sight. Turning on his heel, he approaches Bucky with a softer smile though. "I suppose now is as good a time as any to indulge a bit. We won't have to worry too much about being spotted, I think."
There's a shake of his head. "I suppose if any of your friends do spot and come after you, they will only see you've run off with a girlfriend and not a regicidal terrorist."
"Well. You might not be able to go out again tomorrow." Bucky gives him a small shrug. "If you're going to actually truly be free for a day, you should make the most of it." Which includes going to all the restaurants Zemo wants to hit up, slim pickings though they are around here, and ordering all the weird stuff he might want to try.
"I mean... Technically you're my wife," Bucky points out quietly, not at all an assertive husband. Wives do get to pick the lunch and dinner places and do whatever they like on the one day they can freely go to town.
"I'm gonna have a quick shower, and then we can go." And he won't be using that much hot water himself... he probably should give himself a cold shower just in case his other head starts getting wild ideas about Mrs. Barnes.
"I mean... Technically you're my wife," Bucky points out quietly, not at all an assertive husband. Wives do get to pick the lunch and dinner places and do whatever they like on the one day they can freely go to town.
"I'm gonna have a quick shower, and then we can go." And he won't be using that much hot water himself... he probably should give himself a cold shower just in case his other head starts getting wild ideas about Mrs. Barnes.
"Yes, wife." Which is a rather strange thing to say and agree with, but Zemo can't say his mood isn't picking up a bit at the idea of being truly free for even a day. No looking over his shoulder or worrying when police or Wakandans will show up.
And while there may be limited choices in town for food, it will be nice to go out and share something else with James. He hadn't quite realized how much he would enjoy the other man's company when they initially ended up together. Even with all the withering glares and grouching, it's interesting to see how Bucky reacts to the world around him, new experiences and all.
"Okay," he agrees -- and on second thought, leans up to press a quick, appreciative kiss to Bucky's lips. Not more than a quick, chaste brush when Bucky doesn't seem particularly comfortable with-- this current change at the moment. Or any of the changes around him.
But while Bucky cleans up, he can certainly finish getting ready -- and get Bucky some clothes ready to go.
And while there may be limited choices in town for food, it will be nice to go out and share something else with James. He hadn't quite realized how much he would enjoy the other man's company when they initially ended up together. Even with all the withering glares and grouching, it's interesting to see how Bucky reacts to the world around him, new experiences and all.
"Okay," he agrees -- and on second thought, leans up to press a quick, appreciative kiss to Bucky's lips. Not more than a quick, chaste brush when Bucky doesn't seem particularly comfortable with-- this current change at the moment. Or any of the changes around him.
But while Bucky cleans up, he can certainly finish getting ready -- and get Bucky some clothes ready to go.
[there's a brief pause at that reaction, eyes lingering on the slight flush before he just gives a soft, amuse huff.]
I had no plans beyond clothes. [And those have been aquired, so--]
A movie, perhaps? [Isn't that a very American... date? Dinner and a movie? It's certainly something to spend some time doing.]
I had no plans beyond clothes. [And those have been aquired, so--]
A movie, perhaps? [Isn't that a very American... date? Dinner and a movie? It's certainly something to spend some time doing.]
Ever seen the Statue of Liberty?
[ Bucky perks up, and looks to Oeznik for backup.
"Perhaps sight-seeing could provide a diversion until the tailoring has been finished."
Bucky affects a rather exaggerated waggle of his eyebrows, tempting Zemo with the idea. ]
[ Bucky perks up, and looks to Oeznik for backup.
"Perhaps sight-seeing could provide a diversion until the tailoring has been finished."
Bucky affects a rather exaggerated waggle of his eyebrows, tempting Zemo with the idea. ]
[He's not entirely certain for a moment -- being out somewhere so public. It shouldn't be an issue, of course. He'd have never thought of it as one years ago, but it seems such an odd thing now, after so many years in a tiny cell.
Still-- Bucky wants to go, Oeznik seems to be encouraging it in his own way, so after a moment, he nods.]
Of course we can go.
[Of course if anyone sees Bucky out with Zemo again, he won't be held responsible for any damage to his reputation.]
Although I wonder why you thought of it... Have you been?
Still-- Bucky wants to go, Oeznik seems to be encouraging it in his own way, so after a moment, he nods.]
Of course we can go.
[Of course if anyone sees Bucky out with Zemo again, he won't be held responsible for any damage to his reputation.]
Although I wonder why you thought of it... Have you been?
Not since the 40s, when I shipped out. C'mon, it'll be fun.
[ As if he can just turn them invisible and go parading around busy tourist spots. ]
[ As if he can just turn them invisible and go parading around busy tourist spots. ]
Bucky pads into the bathroom quietly, and turns the water to a slightly cooler setting before fumbling around with the plastic sheets to keep the dressing on his hand dry. It's a little annoying having to shower with his hand out of commission, but he'd rather spend these extra few minutes bagging and taping than have to get fussed over by the Sokovians or give himself an infection that can't easily be treated, and he's used to doing everything with one hand anyway even if it's usually the hand that's currently injured.
It takes him a couple minutes longer than usual, but he's insistent on doing everything himself, so he emerges still a little damp after binning the plastic and putting in a half-assed effort drying himself off. Of course Zemo's already picked out something that's a small step up from t-shirt and jeans. Bucky might be stubborn but at least he doesn't fight and has a seemingly unending amount of patience when Zemo wants to dress him up like a Ken doll.
"Are we going to the nicest barn?" he teases as he gets dressed with the towel still flopped on top of his head. There must be a dozen things Zemo wants to do for his first time being truly free to spend a few hours out in the open, so Bucky won't dally too long.
It takes him a couple minutes longer than usual, but he's insistent on doing everything himself, so he emerges still a little damp after binning the plastic and putting in a half-assed effort drying himself off. Of course Zemo's already picked out something that's a small step up from t-shirt and jeans. Bucky might be stubborn but at least he doesn't fight and has a seemingly unending amount of patience when Zemo wants to dress him up like a Ken doll.
"Are we going to the nicest barn?" he teases as he gets dressed with the towel still flopped on top of his head. There must be a dozen things Zemo wants to do for his first time being truly free to spend a few hours out in the open, so Bucky won't dally too long.
"Only the nicest." And while he'll give Bucky space to prevent any further freak outs, it hardly feels inappropriate to step up behind him to scrub that towel over his hair a bit before pulling it away.
"After clothes, of course. If I am to be Mrs. Barnes, then I suppose I should look the part." Wear something nice. He isn't entirely clueless about women's clothes -- he did have a wife at one point.
"Perhaps you can help me choose a swimsuit for the hot tub later." And with any luck, Oeznik won't get the wrong idea about Bucky in there with a mysterious brunette.
"After clothes, of course. If I am to be Mrs. Barnes, then I suppose I should look the part." Wear something nice. He isn't entirely clueless about women's clothes -- he did have a wife at one point.
"Perhaps you can help me choose a swimsuit for the hot tub later." And with any luck, Oeznik won't get the wrong idea about Bucky in there with a mysterious brunette.
The 40s.
[He moves to get in their waiting car, telling Oeznik where to go next. If the old man gives him any sort of looks, they're ignored for now. He can't help but tease--]
You should be careful. Someone may be under the impression this is a date, James.
[He moves to get in their waiting car, telling Oeznik where to go next. If the old man gives him any sort of looks, they're ignored for now. He can't help but tease--]
You should be careful. Someone may be under the impression this is a date, James.
"What're you thinking of buying?" Nothing against Zemo wanting to play dress up if he's going to go all in with 'Mrs. Barnes'. But what if this... their current predicament only lasts a day? What's he going to do if he gets a massive haul?
"Other than a swimsuit." Zemo can probably figure out the best one based on which one makes Bucky blush the most, which is likely to be the most revealing outfit.
"You're quite-- pretty even without clothes. I mean, nice clothes. I mean, you don't have to buy anything if you just wanna lounge around, like this..."
"Other than a swimsuit." Zemo can probably figure out the best one based on which one makes Bucky blush the most, which is likely to be the most revealing outfit.
"You're quite-- pretty even without clothes. I mean, nice clothes. I mean, you don't have to buy anything if you just wanna lounge around, like this..."
An outfit or two will hardly harm anything in the long run - if this lasts longer, he can worry about adding to things then. And explaining to Oeznik what is happening. "Something for the day, something for the evening... We will see from there tomorrow."
The insistence has Zemo pausing, tilting his head as Bucky seems to dig himself deeper. It's amusing at least, and a bit flattering. For all the complaints this morning, at least Bucky does seem to find him attractive, even like-- this. It shouldn't be... relieving, but it is, in a way. "I need at least shoes, James..."
The ones he owns now are a bit... big. "But possibly, I can be convinced to lounge in less later, if you would like."
Strange as that may be.
The insistence has Zemo pausing, tilting his head as Bucky seems to dig himself deeper. It's amusing at least, and a bit flattering. For all the complaints this morning, at least Bucky does seem to find him attractive, even like-- this. It shouldn't be... relieving, but it is, in a way. "I need at least shoes, James..."
The ones he owns now are a bit... big. "But possibly, I can be convinced to lounge in less later, if you would like."
Strange as that may be.
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