Bucky is not Captain America. He isn't Steve Rogers, who Zemo already has plenty of complicated feelings about. He isn't an icon, made to continue the sort of life his hero friends expect. Bucky also isn't an attack dog, to be dragged out when aliens are brought to their home or the next mad icon decides to destroy the world. If retiring is what Bucky wants, before he's too burnt out to do anything else, then Zemo can't deny him that.
... Although the irksome worry is frustrating. If he's ever gone, he'd rather... Bucky be out in the world. "Ah, well... you've certainly called me crazy as well. There are worse things we could be."
... Like terrorists, murderers. Hm.
"I would be grateful," Zemo admits, a warmer look coming to his face. "He has no family either. I-- do not like the thought of him being alone."
Of course Oeznik is perfectly capable, if that is the case. But Zemo can't say he doesn't worry about someone who has been in his life since he was a child, a constant. "I haven't any heirs left, no family to speak of beyond the two of you. Certainly no desire for more as a wanted man. Whatever I have is yours, James. You do with it as you want."
When he's gone, of course, but even now -- it isn't as if Zemo is terribly inclined to say no. "Your fate is not... sealed in the way mine is, James. I do believe there is still a place out there for you. A proper life."
And he'd rather see him pursue that than go hide, but it isn't so simple as giving a command or order, is it?
"Although I should be cross with you, James. I was prepared for you to kill me, the very minute I saw my name in that book of yours, and then you end up giving me reasons to live instead." It's rude, really.
"To the point I would be a liar if I said I did not have the desperate thought of staying this way if it means more time together, less worry." He won't, of course, but it is still something that has crossed his mind.
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... Although the irksome worry is frustrating. If he's ever gone, he'd rather... Bucky be out in the world. "Ah, well... you've certainly called me crazy as well. There are worse things we could be."
... Like terrorists, murderers. Hm.
"I would be grateful," Zemo admits, a warmer look coming to his face. "He has no family either. I-- do not like the thought of him being alone."
Of course Oeznik is perfectly capable, if that is the case. But Zemo can't say he doesn't worry about someone who has been in his life since he was a child, a constant. "I haven't any heirs left, no family to speak of beyond the two of you. Certainly no desire for more as a wanted man. Whatever I have is yours, James. You do with it as you want."
When he's gone, of course, but even now -- it isn't as if Zemo is terribly inclined to say no. "Your fate is not... sealed in the way mine is, James. I do believe there is still a place out there for you. A proper life."
And he'd rather see him pursue that than go hide, but it isn't so simple as giving a command or order, is it?
"Although I should be cross with you, James. I was prepared for you to kill me, the very minute I saw my name in that book of yours, and then you end up giving me reasons to live instead." It's rude, really.
"To the point I would be a liar if I said I did not have the desperate thought of staying this way if it means more time together, less worry." He won't, of course, but it is still something that has crossed his mind.