Bucky is-- useful. Strong, resilient. Zemo is still a soldier, a leader. Sometimes it's impossible to turn it off, but he likes to think he treats Bucky better now. Sees him as a man, even if his feelings about the serum are still complicated. Then again, so are his feelings about Bucky and what they're doing in general, but-- he's as close to happy as he's been in a while. It may lead to additional paranoia, the fear of losing what they've got, but...

He's content. That's all he can really ask for or expect after so many years, living like he has.

"He'll always fret about those he's close to," Zemo answers with a shrug. "He is rather good at that."

He worries about Bucky too, he's sure of it. Despite all the complaints, all the warnings he's given Zemo... he's rather certain it comes from a place of concern for both. Zemo hopes he doesn't leave either of them anytime soon, but at least he can relax a bit, knowing Oeznik has someone to occupy at least a bit of his time.

His thumb idly rubs over the back of Bucky's hand as he quietly digests those words, rolls them over in his head. He's not certain if it's a good thing really, being Bucky's reason for anything at all, but it's still nice to hear that he's contributed a bit all the same.

"I suppose I can be content with doing better today." It is deeply frustrating, not being steps ahead, but... he will deal with that. They will deal with that. Right now, enjoying what's left of the day sounds far more appealing.

It's why he starts to slip his hand out of Bucky's and flashes him a look. "Are you ready to go home?"