[He isn't surprised that Bucky doesn't want to talk about what may be spinning around in his head, really. There are likely many reasons for that - the era he grew up in, what HYDRA did and the horrors probably still lurking in that head of his, that he's sure Bucky would rather not think about at all.

But it's easy to see the flush to his cheeks, the way his eyes seem to almost want to tear up.

For a moment, Zemo feels frozen for his own reasons. Conflicting urges to soothe James' worries, to give him what he needs, and that creeping little voice that says he's being foolish giving himself-- something to lose again. And he will lose it, one way or another.

He's not sure where he would be then. He knows where he was after his family.]

I know, James. [He ignores the sting in his own eyes, looking away briefly as he tries to settle his rushing thoughts.]

This is a rather complicated mess we've found ourselves in. [He breathes out something that may be a laugh, although it hardly sounds happy at the moment.]

Tell them what you need to tell them, James. [Because short of suicide watch, he can't come up with very many other plausible reasons to stay with Bucky... and even this one, Valentina will likely see through. She may tolerate it though.]

For the record, I don't look forward to the day I will lose you the same as everyone else I've held as dear to me. But for now, perhaps I can stay for a time.

[He pauses, looking around, and in an attempt to perhaps add something lighter into their conversation--]

I hope you don't mind if I add some personal comforts if I'm allowed to stay.