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[ Bucky curses softly, eyes fluttering closed as the wet heat of Zemo's mouth envelops him. He can't imagine ever tiring of this, of how skilled and attentive Zemo is.
When those deft fingers press into his skin, Bucky's hips rock forward instinctively. Then his weight settles back against the counter, the fingers of his right hand drifting into fine hair. Combing through the short length yet not pulling Zemo in...yet. ]
When those deft fingers press into his skin, Bucky's hips rock forward instinctively. Then his weight settles back against the counter, the fingers of his right hand drifting into fine hair. Combing through the short length yet not pulling Zemo in...yet. ]
"I'm not HYDRA," Zemo answers simply. Some situations, you have to leave others behind. They were soldiers. They both knew lost causes when they saw them -- and how they had to be handled, whether you liked it or not. Honestly, Bucky had been one of those lost causes, hadn't he? Perhaps if someone had come back for him back then, he wouldn't have been dragged off to HYDRA's hands.
No need to dwell in what-ifs of the past though. "And anyway, don't be dramatic, James. It's a cut to the hand. Hardly worth leaving anyone behind over..."
Maybe he's willfully ignoring the implication there. Zemo hadn't really considered that Bucky... wouldn't make it. Couldn't make it. He'd thought him a murderer still, maybe, but doubting his will to survive? Just looking how far he's come should attest to some sort of will to not die. Or maybe it's just that he hasn't had the option otherwise yet.
"I want to." It's better than letting him bleed or hurt. Quietly, Zemo wraps the gauze around his hand, eyes focused on his work until it's done, but there's a bit of a softer look when Zemo looks back up.
"I wouldn't have cared to marry you if you were so disappointing, James, drunk or not. You've been-- very good. More than I expected. Good to me, good for me. I also don't have any intention of giving you up anytime soon, so you can put that worry to rest." If it was a worry at all.
Once the bandage is done, Zemo guides his hand up to brush another kiss over the back of it -- a mirror of that night at the clinic. "There. Go dress and have dinner, James."
... And let Zemo browse through his phone in peace, of course. He has no doubt Bucky told him a bit of truth, but he can't help but be curious what exactly was said, what slander is being thrown his way. "I'll see you downstairs in the hot tub later."
No need to dwell in what-ifs of the past though. "And anyway, don't be dramatic, James. It's a cut to the hand. Hardly worth leaving anyone behind over..."
Maybe he's willfully ignoring the implication there. Zemo hadn't really considered that Bucky... wouldn't make it. Couldn't make it. He'd thought him a murderer still, maybe, but doubting his will to survive? Just looking how far he's come should attest to some sort of will to not die. Or maybe it's just that he hasn't had the option otherwise yet.
"I want to." It's better than letting him bleed or hurt. Quietly, Zemo wraps the gauze around his hand, eyes focused on his work until it's done, but there's a bit of a softer look when Zemo looks back up.
"I wouldn't have cared to marry you if you were so disappointing, James, drunk or not. You've been-- very good. More than I expected. Good to me, good for me. I also don't have any intention of giving you up anytime soon, so you can put that worry to rest." If it was a worry at all.
Once the bandage is done, Zemo guides his hand up to brush another kiss over the back of it -- a mirror of that night at the clinic. "There. Go dress and have dinner, James."
... And let Zemo browse through his phone in peace, of course. He has no doubt Bucky told him a bit of truth, but he can't help but be curious what exactly was said, what slander is being thrown his way. "I'll see you downstairs in the hot tub later."
The wary look Bucky shoots him is slightly less accusatory than before. He's not just talking about the cut on his hand, but he suspects Zemo knows that already. He's also not having an averse reaction to being kissed better, as unfamiliar as the gesture is to him.
"Thanks," he replies quietly, a one-worded response to summarise a lot of other words that had been rolling around his head that he's either not sure or not willing to say. Maybe Zemo deserves more, but he finds that both Zemo and Oeznik understand him without him having to use his words and it's letting him silently cultivate bad habits of just grunting and glaring his way through most conversations.
Flexing his hand once it's returned to him, Bucky pulls a clean shirt and trackpants on and gathers up the laundry to be done, tidying up in the bathroom a bit before slipping back out. If he isn't oblivious about the snooping, he evidently doesn't seem to care. Although, more likely than not, he's oblivious to a lot of things.
Anyway, it's not anything Zemo wouldn't have expected. There's nothing polite in the messages about Zemo's character. The only thing that looks vaguely polite is how Bucky needs help and it's okay to ask for help, he needs to turn Zemo in before putting himself in a situation he can't walk back from, and some other thinly-veiled threats masquerading as concern and helpfulness.
Besides, Bucky's more or less forgotten about it. By the time he's downstairs he's getting shit from Oeznik about not disclosing Zemo's predicament this morning and being adamant about not wearing the board shorts (no, not even once to humour him).
"Thanks," he replies quietly, a one-worded response to summarise a lot of other words that had been rolling around his head that he's either not sure or not willing to say. Maybe Zemo deserves more, but he finds that both Zemo and Oeznik understand him without him having to use his words and it's letting him silently cultivate bad habits of just grunting and glaring his way through most conversations.
Flexing his hand once it's returned to him, Bucky pulls a clean shirt and trackpants on and gathers up the laundry to be done, tidying up in the bathroom a bit before slipping back out. If he isn't oblivious about the snooping, he evidently doesn't seem to care. Although, more likely than not, he's oblivious to a lot of things.
Anyway, it's not anything Zemo wouldn't have expected. There's nothing polite in the messages about Zemo's character. The only thing that looks vaguely polite is how Bucky needs help and it's okay to ask for help, he needs to turn Zemo in before putting himself in a situation he can't walk back from, and some other thinly-veiled threats masquerading as concern and helpfulness.
Besides, Bucky's more or less forgotten about it. By the time he's downstairs he's getting shit from Oeznik about not disclosing Zemo's predicament this morning and being adamant about not wearing the board shorts (no, not even once to humour him).
To his credit, Bucky has done a lot of talking today, a lot of sharing. He supposes he can give him a break for the one worded thank you, let him retreat back into his grunts and stares for a bit. It isn't as if it's difficult to figure out what he's thinking -- not for Zemo, at least. Not for Oeznik.
For now, Zemo slips into a robe, waiting until Bucky has slipped out before he goes to sit on the edge of the bed. He spends a bit of time scrolling through the messages on his phone - and it's not surprise to Zemo to see he's once again the villain. It is a bit... tiresome, the threats and that sense of being closed in on, sooner or later. Zemo isn't sure what will happen when that day comes.
He's not sure if it wouldn't be better in the end to slip out quietly and leave Bucky and his cat be before they're all put in the Raft or the ground together. In the end, he knows he won't actually do that. Somewhere along the way, he started to genuinely care about the man. Abandoning him now wouldn't do much good for any progress he's made, well-intentioned or not.
And then there's the selfish part of him that doesn't want to give up something that's his, something that he wants.
After the phone is put back where he found it, Zemo lets himself lean back on the bed for a while, hands folded over his stomach as his mind wanders, as he tries to figure out some plan for-- anything. His current predicament, or if Sam Wilson shows up on their doorstep one day.
Or worse, the Wakandans.
And some of it's just dwelling on this new body, whether it will right itself or if they'll have to reach out to the witch or the doctor or any other person who boasts themselves knowledgeable about magic.
Eventually, he knows he can't brood the entire night away and gets up to slip into the swimsuit he got. It's just a simple one piece, flattering but nothing risque, and it's covered by a robe before Zemo goes to get some towels. His goal is to slip down to the hot tub without facing Oeznik again. He's already gotten a proper enough talk from the old man that he doesn't think he needs to see whatever other exasperation or worry is there.
Technically, despite the changes, he's fine. He's healthy. He's not mutating or anything. That should count for something, yes?
And he feels better by the time he can slip into the hot water and chase some of the chill from the night air away.
For now, Zemo slips into a robe, waiting until Bucky has slipped out before he goes to sit on the edge of the bed. He spends a bit of time scrolling through the messages on his phone - and it's not surprise to Zemo to see he's once again the villain. It is a bit... tiresome, the threats and that sense of being closed in on, sooner or later. Zemo isn't sure what will happen when that day comes.
He's not sure if it wouldn't be better in the end to slip out quietly and leave Bucky and his cat be before they're all put in the Raft or the ground together. In the end, he knows he won't actually do that. Somewhere along the way, he started to genuinely care about the man. Abandoning him now wouldn't do much good for any progress he's made, well-intentioned or not.
And then there's the selfish part of him that doesn't want to give up something that's his, something that he wants.
After the phone is put back where he found it, Zemo lets himself lean back on the bed for a while, hands folded over his stomach as his mind wanders, as he tries to figure out some plan for-- anything. His current predicament, or if Sam Wilson shows up on their doorstep one day.
Or worse, the Wakandans.
And some of it's just dwelling on this new body, whether it will right itself or if they'll have to reach out to the witch or the doctor or any other person who boasts themselves knowledgeable about magic.
Eventually, he knows he can't brood the entire night away and gets up to slip into the swimsuit he got. It's just a simple one piece, flattering but nothing risque, and it's covered by a robe before Zemo goes to get some towels. His goal is to slip down to the hot tub without facing Oeznik again. He's already gotten a proper enough talk from the old man that he doesn't think he needs to see whatever other exasperation or worry is there.
Technically, despite the changes, he's fine. He's healthy. He's not mutating or anything. That should count for something, yes?
And he feels better by the time he can slip into the hot water and chase some of the chill from the night air away.
[There's an encouraging noise when fingers slide through his hair, when Bucky's length slides just a little deeper into his mouth. He presses forward, lets his eyes drift shut for a moment to just focus on the taste on his tongue, on the way Bucky feels and responds as Zemo finds a rhythm.]
Steve comes wandering in for a bit of attention from his favourite human after napping for the better part of the day, and Bucky indulges. He indulges Oeznik plenty too, which is probably why the old man has taken a liking to him. Past the initial resistance phase, he lets himself be fed and clothed, tries to do things how Oeznik likes things to be done, and doesn't complain about the things Zemo complains about because he thinks he's too old to be looked after. He won't go pester Zemo to come down and have a bite since he has a soldier to feed. It's so much nicer when feeding one of them doesn't become an arduous mission.
Oeznik engages Bucky in conversation about how his day had gone out in town. Bucky mostly grunts and shrugs and nods his way through it, although eventually Oeznik manages to pull a few more words out of him. Bucky confesses that he thinks Zemo had a good day, going around town and not having to worry about getting recognised. He stops just short of saying this unexpected, unwanted sudden change might be a good thing, but it's implied. They can at least both agree that there's a few advantages. A silver lining and all that, depending on how they look at it, but ultimately it's not for them to decide since it's Zemo's body.
The topic meanders and circles around to Bucky having a wife, and he shrugs and says it's the same. Mostly. But Oeznik had picked up on a shift in the vocabulary Bucky tends to use. He's never talked about treating Zemo right or things a man should do up until today. It doesn't sound like it's the same, to Oeznik, and he's not sure if that's solely because of how Zemo must be acting out, either, but it's filed away for later when he has the opportunity to probe Zemo further.
Oeznik shoos Bucky away after he's finished his second helping, kicking him out of the kitchen before he can attempt to do his own dishes. Isn't his wife waiting for him in the hot tub, he jabs, and he doesn't let Bucky slip away before reminding him again to not get his new bandages wet.
"I think that went well," Bucky comments when he joins Zemo in the hot tub, wearing black trunks that don't look too different from his sleeping attire. He's not delicate about throwing a stack of towels on the edge, or each step down making a bit of a splash, or that squeaky noise as he sinks down into the seat, leaving his arm raised and resting around the edge of the tub to keep his hand out of the water.
"I mean, Oeznik seems okay." Possibly an understatement, and possibly also because he doesn't know what conversation Zemo and Oeznik have already had.
"It's hot in here." Of course it is. It's a hot tub. And while Bucky wouldn't want to sit in a tub of cold water this time of the year either, it's just. Going to take him a little while to get used to it.
Oeznik engages Bucky in conversation about how his day had gone out in town. Bucky mostly grunts and shrugs and nods his way through it, although eventually Oeznik manages to pull a few more words out of him. Bucky confesses that he thinks Zemo had a good day, going around town and not having to worry about getting recognised. He stops just short of saying this unexpected, unwanted sudden change might be a good thing, but it's implied. They can at least both agree that there's a few advantages. A silver lining and all that, depending on how they look at it, but ultimately it's not for them to decide since it's Zemo's body.
The topic meanders and circles around to Bucky having a wife, and he shrugs and says it's the same. Mostly. But Oeznik had picked up on a shift in the vocabulary Bucky tends to use. He's never talked about treating Zemo right or things a man should do up until today. It doesn't sound like it's the same, to Oeznik, and he's not sure if that's solely because of how Zemo must be acting out, either, but it's filed away for later when he has the opportunity to probe Zemo further.
Oeznik shoos Bucky away after he's finished his second helping, kicking him out of the kitchen before he can attempt to do his own dishes. Isn't his wife waiting for him in the hot tub, he jabs, and he doesn't let Bucky slip away before reminding him again to not get his new bandages wet.
"I think that went well," Bucky comments when he joins Zemo in the hot tub, wearing black trunks that don't look too different from his sleeping attire. He's not delicate about throwing a stack of towels on the edge, or each step down making a bit of a splash, or that squeaky noise as he sinks down into the seat, leaving his arm raised and resting around the edge of the tub to keep his hand out of the water.
"I mean, Oeznik seems okay." Possibly an understatement, and possibly also because he doesn't know what conversation Zemo and Oeznik have already had.
"It's hot in here." Of course it is. It's a hot tub. And while Bucky wouldn't want to sit in a tub of cold water this time of the year either, it's just. Going to take him a little while to get used to it.
By the time Bucky joins him in the tub, Zemo has let his head fall back, eyes shut as he debates-- what to do. There feels like there are multiple problems. His body, and what to do about it. Bucky and his ever persistent "friends." The way he can't quite-- put his finger on the shift in Bucky's demeanor and whether it actually comes from a place of concern because Zemo was taken aback or if it's some old fashioned mentality he's not shed.
But all in all? It hasn't been a bad day. Possibly one of the best in a while. There's just part of Zemo that wants to go back inside and pick Oeznik's brain about... everything. See if an old friend has any insight or advice on what to do next.
He has a feeling Oeznik would tell him it's all his choice, of course. "It's a hot tub, James."
Zemo cracks open an eye to look at Bucky before he's shifting to fit up against his side. As much as he wants to seek out Oeznik-- Bucky is... his spouse. That means that they should be able to have frank discussions, doesn't it? Even if neither of them seem talented at it, depending on the topic.
"... Do you think that I should stay like this?" He ventures after a moment, not quite doing more than giving Bucky a quick once over. "And if I did, would it change anything between us?"
A pause. "Besides new birth control concerns, of course."
An attempt at a joke, but he isn't terribly inclined to be a parent again, not with this sort of life they've got. Then add in the serum in Bucky's blood and it becomes an even bigger headache...
But all in all? It hasn't been a bad day. Possibly one of the best in a while. There's just part of Zemo that wants to go back inside and pick Oeznik's brain about... everything. See if an old friend has any insight or advice on what to do next.
He has a feeling Oeznik would tell him it's all his choice, of course. "It's a hot tub, James."
Zemo cracks open an eye to look at Bucky before he's shifting to fit up against his side. As much as he wants to seek out Oeznik-- Bucky is... his spouse. That means that they should be able to have frank discussions, doesn't it? Even if neither of them seem talented at it, depending on the topic.
"... Do you think that I should stay like this?" He ventures after a moment, not quite doing more than giving Bucky a quick once over. "And if I did, would it change anything between us?"
A pause. "Besides new birth control concerns, of course."
An attempt at a joke, but he isn't terribly inclined to be a parent again, not with this sort of life they've got. Then add in the serum in Bucky's blood and it becomes an even bigger headache...
Bucky stops fidgeting because he's pretty sure Zemo has had enough of him having the occasional shitfit over what he would deem inconsequential. Yes, he knows it's a hot tub. But he also runs warm so it's hot on top of hot which makes it uncomfortably hot. Anyway, he doesn't expect Zemo to understand, so he just finds an angle that's comfortable for Zemo and doesn't move too much after that.
His arm can handle the soak, but he does end up lifting it so Zemo can lie down against his side instead of trying to work with that uncomfortable hard metal, and Bucky lets it rest on the edge of the tub out of the water. It almost powers down to a kind of unnatural stillness that he readily adopts.
"I think you were happier today like this. Or at least, more relaxed. But I don't know if it's what you would want, long term." Only Zemo would know that for sure. Would it change anything between them? He doesn't think so.
"I mean. Nothing's changed between us today, has it?" Apart from the fact that they were able to move a little more freely around town. That was a nice perk more so than anything else.
"Ultimately I don't think you'd want somebody to just. Do this to you, and make you deal with it, and it's all just. Fun and games to them, or whatever." That's the only thing Bucky feels strongly about, if he felt strongly about anything. If they let whatever happened just get away with it, then, they might as well just issue a free pass to let whoever feels so inclined to just fuck with them.
His arm can handle the soak, but he does end up lifting it so Zemo can lie down against his side instead of trying to work with that uncomfortable hard metal, and Bucky lets it rest on the edge of the tub out of the water. It almost powers down to a kind of unnatural stillness that he readily adopts.
"I think you were happier today like this. Or at least, more relaxed. But I don't know if it's what you would want, long term." Only Zemo would know that for sure. Would it change anything between them? He doesn't think so.
"I mean. Nothing's changed between us today, has it?" Apart from the fact that they were able to move a little more freely around town. That was a nice perk more so than anything else.
"Ultimately I don't think you'd want somebody to just. Do this to you, and make you deal with it, and it's all just. Fun and games to them, or whatever." That's the only thing Bucky feels strongly about, if he felt strongly about anything. If they let whatever happened just get away with it, then, they might as well just issue a free pass to let whoever feels so inclined to just fuck with them.
They won't linger in here long. Zemo knows Bucky's aversion to heat... but right now, it's nice enough, especially when he runs cold. He turns his face in towards Bucky's chest to press a soft kiss there, idly, either as a way to buy time or appreciation for joining him in one of the last places Bucky would want to be. Some-- things felt different, but fundamentally? Zemo can't say it's changed too drastically.
"It was nice for a change. A reminder of a life I thought I'd left behind." In multiple ways, with the spouse and everything else.
"I don't like it. I don't know if it was just a bit of unfortunate mischief, but--" He doesn't have to explain the violation, does he? He lets it trail off because he knows Bucky is well aware of the horrors. Waking up to a body that doesn't quite feel like your own anymore, with no knowledge of how or why.
"... So we try to find who did it and why." At the moment, Zemo would rather have some revenge for that first. Or at least a question or two answered.
"Although we may run into your friends along the way. I'm not-- sure they will let you stay with a wanted terrorist and not check up on you, James." There's a wry smile.
"I don't suppose I could pass for your displaced Sokovian wife? Or American. I am not terrible at accents." There's no chance. As different as he may seem, he's familiar enough under all the softer features and longer hair.
"It was nice for a change. A reminder of a life I thought I'd left behind." In multiple ways, with the spouse and everything else.
"I don't like it. I don't know if it was just a bit of unfortunate mischief, but--" He doesn't have to explain the violation, does he? He lets it trail off because he knows Bucky is well aware of the horrors. Waking up to a body that doesn't quite feel like your own anymore, with no knowledge of how or why.
"... So we try to find who did it and why." At the moment, Zemo would rather have some revenge for that first. Or at least a question or two answered.
"Although we may run into your friends along the way. I'm not-- sure they will let you stay with a wanted terrorist and not check up on you, James." There's a wry smile.
"I don't suppose I could pass for your displaced Sokovian wife? Or American. I am not terrible at accents." There's no chance. As different as he may seem, he's familiar enough under all the softer features and longer hair.
Bucky wraps his arm around Zemo and holds him close, rubbing his upper arm in small reassuring strokes. Would he ever lean over and kiss Zemo on the forehead if this hadn't happened to him? Probably not. But he's not even really noticing that he's doing it right now, chaste and spontaneous as the gesture is.
"Okay." He's determined to help Zemo out, whether he wants to find out who's done this or whether he wants to get help.
"It's not up to them, who I want to be with. Or what I want to do," Bucky insists. He knows the consequences, he knows what they're thinking, what Zemo must be putting him through. But it's nothing like that. He's choosing to be with Zemo. He can't help them see things his way. He can only live with his choices and deal with the fallout when the time comes.
Bucky just scoffs when Zemo suggests to try and pass off as his wife. He resembles himself too much to get away with that, even if he can manage a different accent.
"No one would willingly marry me knowing they have to put up with-- all this." Not sober, definitely. "That alone would give you away." He makes a bit of a splash with his metal hand in the water before idly playing with the tips of Zemo's hair.
"They know we got married. I don't expect them to-- be supportive. But they could just leave us alone. I wouldn't bother them if they wanted to go live on a farm with-- I don't know. Thanos?" Not that he's comparing Zemo to Thanos, but the point stands. It's none of his business, just as this would be none of theirs.
"Okay." He's determined to help Zemo out, whether he wants to find out who's done this or whether he wants to get help.
"It's not up to them, who I want to be with. Or what I want to do," Bucky insists. He knows the consequences, he knows what they're thinking, what Zemo must be putting him through. But it's nothing like that. He's choosing to be with Zemo. He can't help them see things his way. He can only live with his choices and deal with the fallout when the time comes.
Bucky just scoffs when Zemo suggests to try and pass off as his wife. He resembles himself too much to get away with that, even if he can manage a different accent.
"No one would willingly marry me knowing they have to put up with-- all this." Not sober, definitely. "That alone would give you away." He makes a bit of a splash with his metal hand in the water before idly playing with the tips of Zemo's hair.
"They know we got married. I don't expect them to-- be supportive. But they could just leave us alone. I wouldn't bother them if they wanted to go live on a farm with-- I don't know. Thanos?" Not that he's comparing Zemo to Thanos, but the point stands. It's none of his business, just as this would be none of theirs.
[ just hearing Zemo--knowing he enjoys this--makes Bucky throb, makes him ache for more. The steady pace Zemo settles into, like he's putting on a familiar garment. It's heady and hot and Bucky's fingertips curl into the shorter hairs at the nape of Zemo's neck, nails scraping lightly back upwards in a slow drag. On a whim, he tugs lightly, curious as to what response it will elicit. ]
Zemo weighs pointing out again that Bucky is acting... strangely towards him. The kiss to the forehead, the way his fingers play through his hair. But it won't solve much in the end beyond making Bucky tense and self-conscious. Besides, they have so much else on their plate right now... is it really worth making a fuss over this particular thing?
Still, he lets out a sigh as he tips his head in against it's rested comfortably on Bucky's chest. They both know why they can't leave them alone, and it feels morbid to ask Bucky if he will still want him even when they're both put in a cell.
There is a soft chuckle that leaves him at Bucky's insistence. "I would hope I am at least better company."
He understands his point though. "Although I feel like you are questioning my taste in partners, James... I did very willingly marry you." Although he was drunk, admittedly.
Still, he lets out a sigh as he tips his head in against it's rested comfortably on Bucky's chest. They both know why they can't leave them alone, and it feels morbid to ask Bucky if he will still want him even when they're both put in a cell.
There is a soft chuckle that leaves him at Bucky's insistence. "I would hope I am at least better company."
He understands his point though. "Although I feel like you are questioning my taste in partners, James... I did very willingly marry you." Although he was drunk, admittedly.
[The pressure from the tug sends a jolt right through him, right to his neglected cock, draws out a hungrier noise than he intends to make. He doesn't disapprove of a bit of rough treatment, it seems. He responds by sinking deeper on Bucky, nudging him closer back towards his throat.
Bucky just scoffs at that. "You were so wild that night." Not that he's implying their marriage wasn't real or anything like that. But Zemo wouldn't have asked if he had been sober or in a bad mood instead of winning it big on the casino floor and celebrating in a bigger than usual way.
His hand goes back to rubbing Zemo's arm, holding him close. There's no need to point out anything negative tonight. This is their current predicament. They should just enjoy it.
"You look good in this swimsuit," Bucky comments. It's nothing that offends his delicate old man feelings. But it's still very flattering. "You wear a lot of-- different stuff, today." Not just the usual long sleeves or turtlenecks and trousers, is what he means.
His hand goes back to rubbing Zemo's arm, holding him close. There's no need to point out anything negative tonight. This is their current predicament. They should just enjoy it.
"You look good in this swimsuit," Bucky comments. It's nothing that offends his delicate old man feelings. But it's still very flattering. "You wear a lot of-- different stuff, today." Not just the usual long sleeves or turtlenecks and trousers, is what he means.
"I was winning." Mostly. He apparently lost in a very big way if that's what set him down the path to magical mischief, but-- he's not dwelling on that right now. He's a bit distracted by the hand rubbing over his arm, in a much more pleasant way than dwelling on how odd Bucky has been acting on and off.
"Thank you, James." He lets out a quiet laugh at the compliment, turning his head up enough to press a kiss to Bucky's jaw.
"Mhm... well, I didn't want to look too much like myself." Although he doesn't think he chose anything that outlandish either. Maybe some of the underwear, but-- he hasn't heard James complain about that. Yet.
"If the car is anything to go by, you seemed to enjoy the new look quite a bit." Not that Zemo hadn't been just as insistent...
"Thank you, James." He lets out a quiet laugh at the compliment, turning his head up enough to press a kiss to Bucky's jaw.
"Mhm... well, I didn't want to look too much like myself." Although he doesn't think he chose anything that outlandish either. Maybe some of the underwear, but-- he hasn't heard James complain about that. Yet.
"If the car is anything to go by, you seemed to enjoy the new look quite a bit." Not that Zemo hadn't been just as insistent...
"You were pretty lucky." Bucky was actually impressed that Zemo managed to walk away from Vegas winning that tidy haul, even if they had to get Oeznik to collect the winnings.
"You do look a bit like yourself, I guess." He feels a lot different, for sure, but some of the features are still there. Despite the... soft bits. Softer. But it's true that Zemo's wardrobe has grown in unexpected ways. Even though it must be weird wearing women's clothes...
"The important thing is what you like and what you're comfortable with," Bucky deflects deftly from the car. They were both involved there and, to be fair, he didn't hear any complaints about Bucky putting all sorts of things in his mouth that time, did he?
"If everything goes back tomorrow, at least you'll have had a good day." It could have been worse. Zemo's handling it well, all things considered. Bucky would have just locked himself away and sulked or lost his shit or, well, not bought clothes and sat in a hot tub, that's for sure.
"You do look a bit like yourself, I guess." He feels a lot different, for sure, but some of the features are still there. Despite the... soft bits. Softer. But it's true that Zemo's wardrobe has grown in unexpected ways. Even though it must be weird wearing women's clothes...
"The important thing is what you like and what you're comfortable with," Bucky deflects deftly from the car. They were both involved there and, to be fair, he didn't hear any complaints about Bucky putting all sorts of things in his mouth that time, did he?
"If everything goes back tomorrow, at least you'll have had a good day." It could have been worse. Zemo's handling it well, all things considered. Bucky would have just locked himself away and sulked or lost his shit or, well, not bought clothes and sat in a hot tub, that's for sure.
It may have been tempting, but-- well, there isn't a way that Oeznik would have let him barricade himself in the bathroom, or Bucky for that matter. It's better to be up... trying to solve the issue anyway. Or at least keeping busy enough to not let it crush you.
Then again, they've got so many things that could crush them at any given moment, it's best to not think about that.
There's a smile at those words, Bucky trying to reassure him or put a positive spin on things. That's not how it usually works. It's as weird as all the affectionate little touches, the way he's been talking to Zemo now. All those subtle little differences Bucky swears to not notice.
And either way, it still has Zemo shifting his position until he's sat on Bucky's lap and leaning in to give him a kiss - it's something soft, affectionate. Not like many of their usual kisses, perhaps, but Bucky is certainly inspiring it. "A very good day."
A very strange one, but good nonetheless. "You've made it quite... difficult to imagine life without you, you realize."
Which was never how it was supposed to be. Not really.
Then again, they've got so many things that could crush them at any given moment, it's best to not think about that.
There's a smile at those words, Bucky trying to reassure him or put a positive spin on things. That's not how it usually works. It's as weird as all the affectionate little touches, the way he's been talking to Zemo now. All those subtle little differences Bucky swears to not notice.
And either way, it still has Zemo shifting his position until he's sat on Bucky's lap and leaning in to give him a kiss - it's something soft, affectionate. Not like many of their usual kisses, perhaps, but Bucky is certainly inspiring it. "A very good day."
A very strange one, but good nonetheless. "You've made it quite... difficult to imagine life without you, you realize."
Which was never how it was supposed to be. Not really.
A hand splashes into the water to make sure Zemo doesn't slide or fall off his lap, resting on his lower back. Finally they're at a better height for kissing, and Bucky is the one who has to tip his head back and lean up to meet those soft, wet lips.
"Have I?" He hasn't noticed. Most of the time he's a fairly inconspicuous presence, silently skulking here and there. When he has a little project to work on he'll keep out of sight and out of mind until he shows up pestering Oeznik in the kitchen for food or when Steve demands attention and lures his favourite target down to the floor to play with him.
He's pretty sure Oeznik wouldn't agree. He'd rather deal with one disaster than three. (Okay, fine, two and a half. Steve's messes are a lot easier to clean up, and he's gotten less and less feral over time as the men in the house have tamed him in their own ways.) But he's been kind and patient and firm so far and whatever grievances he takes up with Zemo, Bucky is completely oblivious to.
"I'm planning on sticking around a while." Although he does feel like he's getting older. It's been strange, in and out of cryo, the Blip - losing all these snippets of time, remembering and yet not being able to piece together a lot - but he's not going to pull an Old Man Bucky anytime soon.
Or dying. He's not planning on that either, but. Who knows, at this rate? The world's getting crazier by the day.
"We made vows, Helmut. You're not supposed to have life without me."
"Have I?" He hasn't noticed. Most of the time he's a fairly inconspicuous presence, silently skulking here and there. When he has a little project to work on he'll keep out of sight and out of mind until he shows up pestering Oeznik in the kitchen for food or when Steve demands attention and lures his favourite target down to the floor to play with him.
He's pretty sure Oeznik wouldn't agree. He'd rather deal with one disaster than three. (Okay, fine, two and a half. Steve's messes are a lot easier to clean up, and he's gotten less and less feral over time as the men in the house have tamed him in their own ways.) But he's been kind and patient and firm so far and whatever grievances he takes up with Zemo, Bucky is completely oblivious to.
"I'm planning on sticking around a while." Although he does feel like he's getting older. It's been strange, in and out of cryo, the Blip - losing all these snippets of time, remembering and yet not being able to piece together a lot - but he's not going to pull an Old Man Bucky anytime soon.
Or dying. He's not planning on that either, but. Who knows, at this rate? The world's getting crazier by the day.
"We made vows, Helmut. You're not supposed to have life without me."
For all of Oeznik's complaints, Zemo likes to think they've grown on him -- both Bucky and Steve. He's rather certain if anything ever happened to him, the old man would at least stay with Bucky... for better or worse. There's some comfort in that, knowing his oldest friend will not be alone and lost and to know that his-- husband will have someone to remind him to eat and to sleep in a bed at least once in a wile.
There's a soft laugh at Bucky's reminder, his fingers sliding up to stroke over the side of his face. "We did. I lost one spouse and joining her didn't go very well at all. I expect you to not put me in that position again anytime soon, James..."
There's a soft laugh at Bucky's reminder, his fingers sliding up to stroke over the side of his face. "We did. I lost one spouse and joining her didn't go very well at all. I expect you to not put me in that position again anytime soon, James..."
Bucky turns his head a bit to give Zemo more access to his face. He's used to the touching, the chiding, the rubbing his stubble by now, although from time to time Zemo still gets grunts and disgruntled noises out of him.
Honestly he wouldn't know what Mrs. Zemo would have wanted. Seems pointless and empty to say she would have wanted him to live on or do whatever with his life. Especially since so many people want him dead or gone. But Bucky wants Zemo around and surely that ought to count for something now that they're married?
"Well, no promises," he says dryly. Is it too soon for that kind of joke? He's not sure. But he's still a soldier and dying is pretty common as far as soldiers go. "If I can help it we'll only do the positions you like," he jokes instead. Maybe a bit of that casual flirty European charm is finally rubbing off on him. Or at least, trying to fight off those tired, old, traditional puritanical values he unconsciously holds dear to his heart.
Honestly he wouldn't know what Mrs. Zemo would have wanted. Seems pointless and empty to say she would have wanted him to live on or do whatever with his life. Especially since so many people want him dead or gone. But Bucky wants Zemo around and surely that ought to count for something now that they're married?
"Well, no promises," he says dryly. Is it too soon for that kind of joke? He's not sure. But he's still a soldier and dying is pretty common as far as soldiers go. "If I can help it we'll only do the positions you like," he jokes instead. Maybe a bit of that casual flirty European charm is finally rubbing off on him. Or at least, trying to fight off those tired, old, traditional puritanical values he unconsciously holds dear to his heart.
Oh, that actually surprises a chuckle out of Zemo, lips curling against Bucky's lips before kissing him again, just a little bit deeper. "You did suggest you were going to show me some positions tonight, didn't you?"
... Maybe it's just easier to focus on something lighter, something a little more amusing than all the bad. It has been a good day after all. A weird day, but a good one in a lot of respects.
And Bucky is still here, actually joking and not just glowering and grunting in response. There's another kiss pressed this time to the corner of his lips affectionately, sweeping along his jaw.
... Maybe it's just easier to focus on something lighter, something a little more amusing than all the bad. It has been a good day after all. A weird day, but a good one in a lot of respects.
And Bucky is still here, actually joking and not just glowering and grunting in response. There's another kiss pressed this time to the corner of his lips affectionately, sweeping along his jaw.
"Mmh." Either Steve is picking up on his habits or he's picking up on Steve's habits but he does tip his head to encourage more of Zemo's little kisses. "Not gonna just spoon like an old married couple?" Do old married couples spoon? He's not sure. Maybe theyre more likely to sleep on his and her sides of the bed and leave each other alone. But he'd like to imagine that they do.
He barely remembers to keep his freshly rebandaged hand out of the water, ending up needing to let his metal arm take a dip so he can rub up and down Zemo's waist and side, hand sliding up enough to cup the outside of his breast before disappearing under the water line again.
He's hoping it's not retaining too much heat but he expects Zemo to swat him away if his hand is getting too hot. In which case he'll just have to pull them both out of the water and attempt to dry off with a bit of towel in his teeth.
He barely remembers to keep his freshly rebandaged hand out of the water, ending up needing to let his metal arm take a dip so he can rub up and down Zemo's waist and side, hand sliding up enough to cup the outside of his breast before disappearing under the water line again.
He's hoping it's not retaining too much heat but he expects Zemo to swat him away if his hand is getting too hot. In which case he'll just have to pull them both out of the water and attempt to dry off with a bit of towel in his teeth.
Edited 2022-04-24 05:15 (UTC)
[ he remembers what it was like being on his knees in Valentina's plane. The hard flight deck, the give of leather upholstery, the scent and taste of Zemo in his mouth, legs spread like a decadent king on his throne. Bucky remembers that feeling of sinking deeper into a lust-haze, his cock throbbing and straining for release. Now being on the other end of it, hidden from prying eyes in the comfort of his own home, he has an appreciation for the position of power and the visceral gratification of knowing Zemo wants it...making him want it.
He pulls on a fistful of hair, hard enough to tug Zemo back and free his mouth for a bruising kiss. Bucky leans down to claim those lips, tasting Zemo, tasting himself. When he finally pulls back breathless, Bucky can't help the rough edges in his voice. ]
Show me how hard you are. I wanna see.
He pulls on a fistful of hair, hard enough to tug Zemo back and free his mouth for a bruising kiss. Bucky leans down to claim those lips, tasting Zemo, tasting himself. When he finally pulls back breathless, Bucky can't help the rough edges in his voice. ]
Show me how hard you are. I wanna see.
"Is that what you want to do? I suppose if you'd rather just spoon..." A metal hand in the hot tub may not be the wisest choice for long term play, but-- there's no immediate swatting at least.
He gives a playful nip along Bucky's neck, sharp enough for him to feel. "This may be easier in bed..."
He gives a playful nip along Bucky's neck, sharp enough for him to feel. "This may be easier in bed..."
He stifles a soft moan by chewing on his lip. Any shenanigans happening in the hot tub is unwise long term. He's already on the brink of sweating in the heat despite the cold ambient air and the tub is so new, it'd be a shame to break a part of it off in his excitement.
"I-- thought you liked it here." Is that what they were talking about?
"I-- thought you liked it here." Is that what they were talking about?
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