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To his credit, Bucky had tried. He figured maybe Zemo would be okay with some mouth action while he figures his own body out. His mind had even ventured to butt stuff. And while he wouldn't say this is better or worse than their normal fare, it is certainly different. Wet in different ways, a kind of tightness that feels different, and slightly less violent, and Zemo almost finishes him off like he's a horny, hormonal teenager that's just eager to blow his load.
Nothing to see in that suspiciously rocky SUV at all. Nobody's noticed. They don't have to worry about anything.
He doesn't mind Zemo's biting at all, but Zemo doesn't bite too hard in comparison. In fact, maybe he likes it a little. Just a bit of a sting from time to time is enough to get him cumming like it's his first time.
He had been a little indecisive, a little anxious at the end, so in his worry he makes a bit of a mess, most of his load ending up somewhere low past Zemo's stomach or on his inner thighs.
"...mm- sorry..." There's at least a box of tissues sitting between the front seats because Bucky likes to eat in the car when they go through a drive-thru, and Oeznik always makes sure there's bottles of water stocked in the doors. Bucky resists the urge to just flop over the car floor, curl up and pass out, and instead reaches over to pull out at least a half dozen sheets of tissues, trying to clean up his mess quickly as if he'd be embarrassed if Zemo saw the crime scene.
Nothing to see in that suspiciously rocky SUV at all. Nobody's noticed. They don't have to worry about anything.
He doesn't mind Zemo's biting at all, but Zemo doesn't bite too hard in comparison. In fact, maybe he likes it a little. Just a bit of a sting from time to time is enough to get him cumming like it's his first time.
He had been a little indecisive, a little anxious at the end, so in his worry he makes a bit of a mess, most of his load ending up somewhere low past Zemo's stomach or on his inner thighs.
"...mm- sorry..." There's at least a box of tissues sitting between the front seats because Bucky likes to eat in the car when they go through a drive-thru, and Oeznik always makes sure there's bottles of water stocked in the doors. Bucky resists the urge to just flop over the car floor, curl up and pass out, and instead reaches over to pull out at least a half dozen sheets of tissues, trying to clean up his mess quickly as if he'd be embarrassed if Zemo saw the crime scene.
"Mnh..." He looks down for a moment when Bucky seems to hastily be trying to clean up. Maybe they'll try the butt stuff later, or more mouth action, when they have room to stretch out... but right now, Zemo feels loose-limbed and rather content where he is.
There's a hazy little smile before Zemo is reaching for the other in an attempt to pull him back in for a lazy kiss or two -- once the clean up is handled.
"Not bad, James," he murmurs, teasing.
There's a hazy little smile before Zemo is reaching for the other in an attempt to pull him back in for a lazy kiss or two -- once the clean up is handled.
"Not bad, James," he murmurs, teasing.
Of course--
[He is fine with starting now. There isn't anything pressing, and even if he is out of his cell, there is still a certain.... mindnumbing redundancy to confinement still. Just a bigger space to roam.
He would welcome anything new.]
I am not allowed much, but an old friend of mine managed to bring me a player, some old vinyls that were dear to me. Yann Tiersen was among them, if you would rather that.
[He is fine with starting now. There isn't anything pressing, and even if he is out of his cell, there is still a certain.... mindnumbing redundancy to confinement still. Just a bigger space to roam.
He would welcome anything new.]
I am not allowed much, but an old friend of mine managed to bring me a player, some old vinyls that were dear to me. Yann Tiersen was among them, if you would rather that.
[It was meant to be a fairly simple and straightforward assignment. Break in, gather some intel, get out. Old dusty files, ancient computers. Zemo had felt rather in his element, and he'd even been in a rather good mood to start. Walker had stayed back. It was simply James, and they worked well together. They made a rather fantastic team, in his very humble opinion.
Nothing was supposed to go wrong.
Except when it did. Despite every precaution, despite everything he did to maintain their safety...
They ended up tripping some sort of failsafe somehow. Nothing quite like a self-destruct switch being flipped in a building you can't quite get out of quickly enough before it starts to cave in on itself as explosives detonate.]
James!
[He barks the name roughly as they maneuver through corridors, his heart pounding in his chest louder than anything else around them. He's seen buildings fall. He's seen countries fall, and this is not so dissimilar. He would like to say that he's doing well, but--
His stomach twists with fear, with the urgency to at least get Bucky out before they're both buried.]
This way, quickly!
Nothing was supposed to go wrong.
Except when it did. Despite every precaution, despite everything he did to maintain their safety...
They ended up tripping some sort of failsafe somehow. Nothing quite like a self-destruct switch being flipped in a building you can't quite get out of quickly enough before it starts to cave in on itself as explosives detonate.]
James!
[He barks the name roughly as they maneuver through corridors, his heart pounding in his chest louder than anything else around them. He's seen buildings fall. He's seen countries fall, and this is not so dissimilar. He would like to say that he's doing well, but--
His stomach twists with fear, with the urgency to at least get Bucky out before they're both buried.]
This way, quickly!
[The hand holding is-- nice. Unusual and certainly overstepping any sort of friends with benefits arrangement they should likely stick to, for both of their sakes.
But it is nice, and the trip is even nicer. No one recognizes him, or if they do, they don't say anything. It's a nice bit of freedom that he hasn't had in a while.
Even if there's a bittersweet feeling that freedom, true freedom, feels like an odd fit at the moment. When you've lived over eight years in a cell, it's strange to not have that redundancy, that lack of choice.
He still manages to enjoy the day regardless -- whether he and Bucky are discussing the history of the island or the monument, or slyly flirting here and there. Daring to hold hands or stay near each other. It's a day worth remembering.
Eventually, Oeznik returns them to Bucky's home and he takes it upon himself to put away their new clothing. His, as well, even if he shouldn't be so comfortable with this arrangement.]
James-- did you want to go to dinner tonight or order in?
[He had intended on taking them somewhere nice, but... they have been out for the majority of the day. Perhaps staying in wouldn't be so terrible...]
But it is nice, and the trip is even nicer. No one recognizes him, or if they do, they don't say anything. It's a nice bit of freedom that he hasn't had in a while.
Even if there's a bittersweet feeling that freedom, true freedom, feels like an odd fit at the moment. When you've lived over eight years in a cell, it's strange to not have that redundancy, that lack of choice.
He still manages to enjoy the day regardless -- whether he and Bucky are discussing the history of the island or the monument, or slyly flirting here and there. Daring to hold hands or stay near each other. It's a day worth remembering.
Eventually, Oeznik returns them to Bucky's home and he takes it upon himself to put away their new clothing. His, as well, even if he shouldn't be so comfortable with this arrangement.]
James-- did you want to go to dinner tonight or order in?
[He had intended on taking them somewhere nice, but... they have been out for the majority of the day. Perhaps staying in wouldn't be so terrible...]
"Crap..." Bucky looks serious, eyebrows furrowed like he's playing Operation down there. Which is probably not good if he's trying to get Zemo to relax. Trying to slip his arm between the driver's seat and the door, he almost gets stuck retrieving the water bottle, but he manages to free himself without breaking the car with a firm yank.
Tipping some water out onto another fistful of tissues, Bucky cleans up with a wet pass followed by a final dry pass. Only then does he allow himself to relax a bit, hanging partially off the edge of the seat hovering over Zemo kissing him gently.
"We can. Still watch some of the movie. If you want..." He tugs on the throw and moves to cover Zemo with it partially, hoping they can figure out the clothes later before they need to head off. The only missed the first bit but it's probably some kind of slow intro or a convoluted plot point that will work out to be not really that important in the end.
Tipping some water out onto another fistful of tissues, Bucky cleans up with a wet pass followed by a final dry pass. Only then does he allow himself to relax a bit, hanging partially off the edge of the seat hovering over Zemo kissing him gently.
"We can. Still watch some of the movie. If you want..." He tugs on the throw and moves to cover Zemo with it partially, hoping they can figure out the clothes later before they need to head off. The only missed the first bit but it's probably some kind of slow intro or a convoluted plot point that will work out to be not really that important in the end.
"James?" That look is a little bit-- unsettling. And the 'crap' to be fair. At least he pieces together the issue soon enough... and he's really not going to complain about Bucky taking it upon himself to clean them up a little, or the throw that's put over him after a bit. The kiss is returned and the fabric is held close to his body before he's finally making himself move...
Mostly to press in against Bucky's side, nuzzling into him softly as he settles in. "Mhm..."
He has no intention of moving just yet anyway. They need to dress, but fitting himself up against Bucky is much nicer at the moment. Warm, comfortable. "We can finish the movie."
Although he can't quite help but ask-- "Was it worth it?"
He will assume so, the way Bucky seemed to react.
Mostly to press in against Bucky's side, nuzzling into him softly as he settles in. "Mhm..."
He has no intention of moving just yet anyway. They need to dress, but fitting himself up against Bucky is much nicer at the moment. Warm, comfortable. "We can finish the movie."
Although he can't quite help but ask-- "Was it worth it?"
He will assume so, the way Bucky seemed to react.
[ He hears the low rumbling before Zemo calls out, the infrasound-level vibration of deep explosives tripping every mental alarm Bucky has. When they meet in the corridor, the explosions are louder, shrapnel and debris flying as charges throw chips of masonry and piping at them.
He doesn't think of the scaffolding in Azzano.
He doesn't think of the Triskelion.
Bucky forces his legs to keep moving, wills his feet to carry him as fast as they physically can. He'll outpace Zemo in a split second, so he reaches back for the man's hand to tug him along, yanking hard enough to hurt (but they have more pressing concerns than sore ligaments).
Just before they reach the stairwell that will take them out and back into the open air, the roof collapses and blocks their exit with rubble. Bucky shouts, ripping at whatever loose pieces he can, desperate to try and dig them out. ]
He doesn't think of the scaffolding in Azzano.
He doesn't think of the Triskelion.
Bucky forces his legs to keep moving, wills his feet to carry him as fast as they physically can. He'll outpace Zemo in a split second, so he reaches back for the man's hand to tug him along, yanking hard enough to hurt (but they have more pressing concerns than sore ligaments).
Just before they reach the stairwell that will take them out and back into the open air, the roof collapses and blocks their exit with rubble. Bucky shouts, ripping at whatever loose pieces he can, desperate to try and dig them out. ]
[ Sensing Zemo's prompt, Bucky quickly agrees. ]
I'm kinda pooped after all the sightseeing. My therapist said it's normal to run out of energy when being around lots of people all day.
[ And he is, but not so much he couldn't find a second wind if Zemo wanted. It doesn't seem that he does though, and that's just fine with Bucky. A nice dinner in could help them recharge after a long, packed day. ]
I could look for some candles if you want to set the mood.
I'm kinda pooped after all the sightseeing. My therapist said it's normal to run out of energy when being around lots of people all day.
[ And he is, but not so much he couldn't find a second wind if Zemo wanted. It doesn't seem that he does though, and that's just fine with Bucky. A nice dinner in could help them recharge after a long, packed day. ]
I could look for some candles if you want to set the mood.
[He grunts when he's grabbed like that, feeling muscles and joints protest the pull from someone whose strength exceeds his so much. It's difficult to worry too much when his thoughts are whirring around in his head as everything collapses around them --
Flashes of his home falling and the irony that he should survive so many years only to die in this way later. Not that he wants to accept defeat so easily, but they don't quite make it to the corridor that would see them out before the structure gives way and caves in.
Strangely enough, what makes his heart skip a beat and his chest tighten isn't his own demise -- that is something he has been long since ready for -- but it's the idea of Bucky being buried like that. Super Soldier serum or not, he has seen what being crushed alive does to a body.
And he isn't so sure he has it in him to dig out someone else he has grown fond of. He can't. Although from the looks of it, he will end up buried as well, crushed.
He ends up close to Bucky when the roof caves in and they're indeed trapped inside. He's able to ignore whatever pain comes from any debris that falls on them, but not the panic gripping his chest or the miles of bad memories assaulting him too quickly. He shuts his eyes tight for a moment, trying to will it away before he barks out some curse in his native tongue.
He's not sure what else to say, really. All he can think to do is aid Bucky where he can. Try to clear out what rubble he can manage to lift before the precarious structure left standing collapses around them.]
James, I would rather not jinx us, however... [This is certainly not looking good.]
We are on borrowed time.
Flashes of his home falling and the irony that he should survive so many years only to die in this way later. Not that he wants to accept defeat so easily, but they don't quite make it to the corridor that would see them out before the structure gives way and caves in.
Strangely enough, what makes his heart skip a beat and his chest tighten isn't his own demise -- that is something he has been long since ready for -- but it's the idea of Bucky being buried like that. Super Soldier serum or not, he has seen what being crushed alive does to a body.
And he isn't so sure he has it in him to dig out someone else he has grown fond of. He can't. Although from the looks of it, he will end up buried as well, crushed.
He ends up close to Bucky when the roof caves in and they're indeed trapped inside. He's able to ignore whatever pain comes from any debris that falls on them, but not the panic gripping his chest or the miles of bad memories assaulting him too quickly. He shuts his eyes tight for a moment, trying to will it away before he barks out some curse in his native tongue.
He's not sure what else to say, really. All he can think to do is aid Bucky where he can. Try to clear out what rubble he can manage to lift before the precarious structure left standing collapses around them.]
James, I would rather not jinx us, however... [This is certainly not looking good.]
We are on borrowed time.
I suppose it is a bit of an adjustment... [His therapist isn't wrong, most likely.
Zemo pauses at the agreement though, a brief hint of amusement flashing across his features.]
Candles. Very romantic, James. [He shifts to face him, tilting his head curiously.]
I would not say no. Although I am not certain candlelit dinners were supposed to be part of watching me.
Zemo pauses at the agreement though, a brief hint of amusement flashing across his features.]
Candles. Very romantic, James. [He shifts to face him, tilting his head curiously.]
I would not say no. Although I am not certain candlelit dinners were supposed to be part of watching me.
Edited 2022-03-31 04:03 (UTC)
It's just as well they don't play Operation. It would frustrate him to no end that Oeznik would beat him at it over and over and over again despite him having the upper hand, with a whole arm that doesn't tremble by design.
Somehow he manages to squeeze himself in the seat and lie on his side so Zemo can use him as a big spoon, leech all the warmth out of him once they've sweated it all out and the cold starts to set in again. The water bottle is set down within reach so Zemo can take a drink if he wants. There's not enough room for Bucky to stretch his legs out fully so it's a little more crammed on the other half of the backseat, but they are able to make their configuration work regardless.
"Sure, I mean, we didn't miss too much of it... If you tune in now you'll still get what the movie was about." Is Bucky completely oblivious or being sarcastic? Honestly, isn't he both?
Somehow he manages to squeeze himself in the seat and lie on his side so Zemo can use him as a big spoon, leech all the warmth out of him once they've sweated it all out and the cold starts to set in again. The water bottle is set down within reach so Zemo can take a drink if he wants. There's not enough room for Bucky to stretch his legs out fully so it's a little more crammed on the other half of the backseat, but they are able to make their configuration work regardless.
"Sure, I mean, we didn't miss too much of it... If you tune in now you'll still get what the movie was about." Is Bucky completely oblivious or being sarcastic? Honestly, isn't he both?
[ he doesn't need to speak Sokovian to know what that word means. For his part, Bucky is mad, insane with desperation as he tries in vain to pull blocks of rubble loose. Even with his enhanced strength and Vibranium arm, he can only chip away pieces with his fingers or punch dents in the masonry. Gravity has pressed the debris too tightly together, and in his blind rage, he punches until the stonework smears dark red and his fist aches.
He howls, a feral shout of animal emotion when it becomes increasingly obvious he can't free them. All his training, all the brutality he endured, rendered useless under the weight of the building above.
Shaking, he tips forward, forehead resting against their new prison wall. His breathing is shaky, ragged, teetering on the edge of a breakdown. He can't be left here alone to die again, he can't. Even knowing Zemo is with him does little to quell the lizard-brain fear threatening to overwhelm him. Even the murmuring trickling from his lips serves little function other than giving his brain some sort of process to manifest so Bucky stays coherent. ]
He howls, a feral shout of animal emotion when it becomes increasingly obvious he can't free them. All his training, all the brutality he endured, rendered useless under the weight of the building above.
Shaking, he tips forward, forehead resting against their new prison wall. His breathing is shaky, ragged, teetering on the edge of a breakdown. He can't be left here alone to die again, he can't. Even knowing Zemo is with him does little to quell the lizard-brain fear threatening to overwhelm him. Even the murmuring trickling from his lips serves little function other than giving his brain some sort of process to manifest so Bucky stays coherent. ]
[For a very brief moment, Zemo almost thinks Bucky may manage it. Perhaps he will dig them from their cage, from their certain death. But that hope is fleeting. There's too much of it. It's too heavy.
There's a soft, humorless laugh that leaves his lips as he moves back until his back bumps against something solid. Then he's sliding down until he's sat on the dirty ground. He pushes a hand through his mussed hair, wonders idly how much oxygen they'll have over the murmured chorus from Bucky's lips. Will it be that, or will something else give way?
Maybe he's just trying to push back the flood of bad memories and dread and hopelessness threatening to slide in. Losing his composure won't help either of them.]
James. [He tries again, more firmly.] Look at me.
There's a soft, humorless laugh that leaves his lips as he moves back until his back bumps against something solid. Then he's sliding down until he's sat on the dirty ground. He pushes a hand through his mussed hair, wonders idly how much oxygen they'll have over the murmured chorus from Bucky's lips. Will it be that, or will something else give way?
Maybe he's just trying to push back the flood of bad memories and dread and hopelessness threatening to slide in. Losing his composure won't help either of them.]
James. [He tries again, more firmly.] Look at me.
He wrinkles his nose a bit at that response, unsure if Bucky is serious or joking. There's a look over his shoulder. "I am glad that fucking did not make you miss too much of the movie, James. That would have been a shame."
There's no real heat behind the words as Zemo squirms in a bit closer, tries to arrange the blanket around them properly again.
"I still expect company in the hot tub when we are home."
There's no real heat behind the words as Zemo squirms in a bit closer, tries to arrange the blanket around them properly again.
"I still expect company in the hot tub when we are home."
[ the stern voice trips some half-buried wire in his mind, some abandoned bit of code that used to call him to heel. Bucky turns his head, jagged breaths soft yet strained as he tries to calm himself.
Maybe something in his eyes pleads with Zemo to be the voice of reason, to offer some glimmer of hope. ]
Maybe something in his eyes pleads with Zemo to be the voice of reason, to offer some glimmer of hope. ]
We were sent here. Others know that we are here and will notice that we do not return. We will not be forgotten.
[Not if this intel is as important as they were led to believe, at the very least. Or perhaps it is wishful thinking, but the look he is given... well, he knows what Bucky is after.
He at least attempts to push down his own deep sense of dread.]
Sit with me.
[Not if this intel is as important as they were led to believe, at the very least. Or perhaps it is wishful thinking, but the look he is given... well, he knows what Bucky is after.
He at least attempts to push down his own deep sense of dread.]
Sit with me.
"You said you wanted to watch it," Bucky insists quietly, trying to arrange Zemo's hair. It's honestly an impressive overnight growth, thick and silky soft to the touch, but it looks like it might need an extra ten minutes in the morning to tame. He gives it a few testing, furtive touches, rubbing between his fingers without pulling on it like Steve might knead on the bed.
"You'll have to tell me what it's about." He's not necessarily tired but he is in that floating, winding down phase, the stress of the day and the sex and everything else starting to pull him into a satisfied, quiet lull.
"Mm..." He nuzzles and nudges against Zemo's shoulder with his nose, kissing and nipping gently at the soft, unmarked, sensitive skin. "I'm guessing you don't mean Oeznik..." Or Steve. Who might, at the most, sit on the edge, glare at the bubbles until he thinks it's safe to stick the tips of his claws into just the rippling white surface, and then try and lick all that water and chlorine off his paw pads... Hopefully curiosity won't kill this cat.
"You'll have to tell me what it's about." He's not necessarily tired but he is in that floating, winding down phase, the stress of the day and the sex and everything else starting to pull him into a satisfied, quiet lull.
"Mm..." He nuzzles and nudges against Zemo's shoulder with his nose, kissing and nipping gently at the soft, unmarked, sensitive skin. "I'm guessing you don't mean Oeznik..." Or Steve. Who might, at the most, sit on the edge, glare at the bubbles until he thinks it's safe to stick the tips of his claws into just the rippling white surface, and then try and lick all that water and chlorine off his paw pads... Hopefully curiosity won't kill this cat.
"Mhm, and then something better came along.. Your fault, really. You have been terribly sweet today." Even if there's some paranoid part of Zemo that insists he is only doing it because of anatomy changes. It's hard to dwell on it when there are fingers in his hair or lips on his skin.
"I think our action hero is trapped among terrorists," Zemo explains absently, breathing out a contented sigh at the soft kisses and nips. He won't fall asleep like this, but it is coaxing him to relax, to let his mind wander to far more pleasant things, only half paying attention to their movie. "He is trying to fit in."
There's a light chuckle. "No, and not the cat either. You have made your choice to keep your ring on, James. That means we are still very much on a honeymoon... perhaps truly this time. That means I want to enjoy time with my husband."
And pretend it doesn't feel strange on his tongue. Husband. Not in a bad way or anything, but it is not a word he thought he would use.
"I think our action hero is trapped among terrorists," Zemo explains absently, breathing out a contented sigh at the soft kisses and nips. He won't fall asleep like this, but it is coaxing him to relax, to let his mind wander to far more pleasant things, only half paying attention to their movie. "He is trying to fit in."
There's a light chuckle. "No, and not the cat either. You have made your choice to keep your ring on, James. That means we are still very much on a honeymoon... perhaps truly this time. That means I want to enjoy time with my husband."
And pretend it doesn't feel strange on his tongue. Husband. Not in a bad way or anything, but it is not a word he thought he would use.
"Mm. Are we watching a movie or your documentary?" Bucky teases. Often Zemo does make the mistake of thinking that Bucky's trapped in a small, confined space with him, and not the other way around.
"Maybe you should grow a moustache." Bucky pokes Zemo in the cheek. Zemo can most definitely feel that grin against his skin. "You can twirl it menacingly while you take over the world." Or, you know, they can just be a disgustingly touchy-feely honeymoony couple spooning in the backseat or splashing around in the hot tub laughing at the caricatures this world has made of a grieving, displaced father and a forsaken, unstable veteran.
Did Bucky finally come home from the war, find a wife, settle down in a farm somewhere to live out the rest of his days enjoying what time he has left to savour The Dream? It sure looks like it from the outside. He wouldn't mind enjoying it for a little while longer. But at some point, hopefully before this all comes crashing down on them, they'll have to try and fix Zemo. Maybe he'll act a little differently then. He doesn't know.
"I chose you. Whatever you-- look or feel or smell like." It's not really about the ring. And he doesn't care if it also looks like Zemo is twirling his proverbial moustache from the outside. Nobody who genuinely thinks that is seeing anything from the inside.
"Maybe you should grow a moustache." Bucky pokes Zemo in the cheek. Zemo can most definitely feel that grin against his skin. "You can twirl it menacingly while you take over the world." Or, you know, they can just be a disgustingly touchy-feely honeymoony couple spooning in the backseat or splashing around in the hot tub laughing at the caricatures this world has made of a grieving, displaced father and a forsaken, unstable veteran.
Did Bucky finally come home from the war, find a wife, settle down in a farm somewhere to live out the rest of his days enjoying what time he has left to savour The Dream? It sure looks like it from the outside. He wouldn't mind enjoying it for a little while longer. But at some point, hopefully before this all comes crashing down on them, they'll have to try and fix Zemo. Maybe he'll act a little differently then. He doesn't know.
"I chose you. Whatever you-- look or feel or smell like." It's not really about the ring. And he doesn't care if it also looks like Zemo is twirling his proverbial moustache from the outside. Nobody who genuinely thinks that is seeing anything from the inside.
"Oh, are you the action hero now?" It isn't really much of a question. Of course Bucky is the well-muscled action hero... although he thinks they don't usually spend their time wrapped around the villain of the story, least of all married to them. They must be breaking a rule or two somewhere.
There's a laugh and Zemo twists to look back at Bucky. "I could grow quite an impressive mustache if I so wanted, I will have you know."
... Or could. Probably not so easily as he currently is. It will need to be fixed, of course. If it isn't gone by tomorrow or the next day. Otherwise, that's-- quite a life change. Zemo has lost quite enough -- his family, his home. Is he truly ready to accept another loss in the form of a body he is far more familiar with? Even if it means more freedom, staying like this.
... But for right now, it is nice to not have to second guess every lingering look, or wait for others to recognize the terrorist from television. They can both just exist. Almost happily so. "You know, plenty of people would call you mad for that. Sam, certainly. Any other friend you have with the remaining Avengers... When they find us, they will be rather certain I have once again messed with your mind."
But Bucky doesn't seem to share that sentiment really. He lifts his hand to reach back, fingers brushing over Bucky's jaw.
There's a laugh and Zemo twists to look back at Bucky. "I could grow quite an impressive mustache if I so wanted, I will have you know."
... Or could. Probably not so easily as he currently is. It will need to be fixed, of course. If it isn't gone by tomorrow or the next day. Otherwise, that's-- quite a life change. Zemo has lost quite enough -- his family, his home. Is he truly ready to accept another loss in the form of a body he is far more familiar with? Even if it means more freedom, staying like this.
... But for right now, it is nice to not have to second guess every lingering look, or wait for others to recognize the terrorist from television. They can both just exist. Almost happily so. "You know, plenty of people would call you mad for that. Sam, certainly. Any other friend you have with the remaining Avengers... When they find us, they will be rather certain I have once again messed with your mind."
But Bucky doesn't seem to share that sentiment really. He lifts his hand to reach back, fingers brushing over Bucky's jaw.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the terrorist." He's got the scars and some crazy ideas about how the world should be. Some things were just better in the last century. Besides, he has no doubt that Zemo is a hero to many people. Especially these days when the world is so... tattered, left in pieces because of some men and their hubris.
"I'm with someone I want to be with, out in the middle of nowhere just enjoying the rest of my days. And you're not starting any trouble or planning anything. I finally don't have anyone to tell me what to do, where to go, how to live, who I can be around. Any real friend would be happy for me. Happy for us," Bucky insists stubbornly.
"We should be happy... We are happy." he insists quietly. "You deserve to be happy. After everything."
"I'm with someone I want to be with, out in the middle of nowhere just enjoying the rest of my days. And you're not starting any trouble or planning anything. I finally don't have anyone to tell me what to do, where to go, how to live, who I can be around. Any real friend would be happy for me. Happy for us," Bucky insists stubbornly.
"We should be happy... We are happy." he insists quietly. "You deserve to be happy. After everything."
"Then you should be the one with the mustache, I suppose." He playfully scratches along any stubble along Bucky's jaw. He's rather certain that it isn't quite the case -- that he'd be the hero to anyone. He's not one. Just a man who did what needed to be done, what was necessary.
But there were lives lost and actions done that he can admit were... regrettable. Even if he is also equally certain that he'd do it all over again. Difficult to brood over that when Bucky is talking again though.
Where he wants to be. Zemo is rather glad to hear it, honestly. He's not-- certain about some of it. There's a quiet agreement that Bucky should not see some people he had counted as friends. The Wakandans, for instance. But Bucky also seems to be free of regret or resentment right now.
That is something, isn't it? Even if Zemo isn't quite certain how they've managed to get to this point. Neither of them ha been trying after all.
There's a brief smile regardless. "Oh, I am planning plenty of trouble for you, James. Just none of it is to do with explosives or taking lives. Most of it involves seeing if I can get get you to shove me face first into a pillow later, like old times."
It is easier to tease, to deflect, but Zemo squirms back against Bucky as much as he possibly can as he settles back towards the movie. "I am very happy, James."
Saying it feels like a curse, even if he knows that logically, it is not. Admitting it won't make it crash down, end horribly... at least not yet. "I am with the people I want to be with as well. Even Steve, the menace that he is."
And he's rather certain he'd be desperate enough to kill to keep it, to not return to to a tiny, lonely little cage away from what is his, willingly his. "... It is a bit daunting, you know, admitting that. I used to countdown the days that I would be able to reunite with my family, and now I find myself wanting to live more and more. I find myself not wanting to leave you."
But there were lives lost and actions done that he can admit were... regrettable. Even if he is also equally certain that he'd do it all over again. Difficult to brood over that when Bucky is talking again though.
Where he wants to be. Zemo is rather glad to hear it, honestly. He's not-- certain about some of it. There's a quiet agreement that Bucky should not see some people he had counted as friends. The Wakandans, for instance. But Bucky also seems to be free of regret or resentment right now.
That is something, isn't it? Even if Zemo isn't quite certain how they've managed to get to this point. Neither of them ha been trying after all.
There's a brief smile regardless. "Oh, I am planning plenty of trouble for you, James. Just none of it is to do with explosives or taking lives. Most of it involves seeing if I can get get you to shove me face first into a pillow later, like old times."
It is easier to tease, to deflect, but Zemo squirms back against Bucky as much as he possibly can as he settles back towards the movie. "I am very happy, James."
Saying it feels like a curse, even if he knows that logically, it is not. Admitting it won't make it crash down, end horribly... at least not yet. "I am with the people I want to be with as well. Even Steve, the menace that he is."
And he's rather certain he'd be desperate enough to kill to keep it, to not return to to a tiny, lonely little cage away from what is his, willingly his. "... It is a bit daunting, you know, admitting that. I used to countdown the days that I would be able to reunite with my family, and now I find myself wanting to live more and more. I find myself not wanting to leave you."
[ what he doesn't say is that Steve and the Howlies knew he fell into that ravine. That they knew and didn't come back for him. Didn't come for him in the freezing Russian bunkers, either.
Bucky doesn't say he still feels the need to finish downloading data for the mission, that he's brittle and flailing and trying to stop falling back on old routines.
He sits, more slumping to the floor than strictly lowering himself with intent. A beat, before he presses the comms button on his earpiece. ]
John, please respond. [ the line crackles with static in his ear. ] Anyone on this frequency, respond.
[ Nothing. Just the hiss of snow and electric blizzard, mocking him. Bucky tilts his head back, knocking it against the rubble wall with a sigh. ]
Bucky doesn't say he still feels the need to finish downloading data for the mission, that he's brittle and flailing and trying to stop falling back on old routines.
He sits, more slumping to the floor than strictly lowering himself with intent. A beat, before he presses the comms button on his earpiece. ]
John, please respond. [ the line crackles with static in his ear. ] Anyone on this frequency, respond.
[ Nothing. Just the hiss of snow and electric blizzard, mocking him. Bucky tilts his head back, knocking it against the rubble wall with a sigh. ]
[He doesn't quite have to, does he? Not with the amount of research that Zemo has put into his favorite pet subject. It doesn't need to be dug into. They need to keep their heads about them...
He draws his knees up to his chest after a moment, to brace against as he looks around their prison, brows furrowed.]
I dug my family from the rubble with my hands when Sokovia fell. By the time I found their bodies, huddled together, they were nearly worked to the bone. Even years later, I can still feel the scars if I look, and I remain surprised that no permanent damage was done.
[There's a sigh before he closes his eyes tight, only to snap them back open a moment later. Too many foul images playing through his mind.]
It is unfortunate that I am not on the other side this time.
He draws his knees up to his chest after a moment, to brace against as he looks around their prison, brows furrowed.]
I dug my family from the rubble with my hands when Sokovia fell. By the time I found their bodies, huddled together, they were nearly worked to the bone. Even years later, I can still feel the scars if I look, and I remain surprised that no permanent damage was done.
[There's a sigh before he closes his eyes tight, only to snap them back open a moment later. Too many foul images playing through his mind.]
It is unfortunate that I am not on the other side this time.
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