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[experienceandpatience]

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[podchinyatsya]

[ The memory of breakfast in Riga--specifically the conversation at their table--comes flashing back into Bucky's mind. How he'd described that floaty, almost autopilot-like haze and the distress such an unconscious reaction had caused him.

Then the memory of willingly slipping into it on the plane a few hours later, only for Zemo to notice and keep him afloat during.

Those thoughts are interrupted by Oeznik, replying to Zemo with a wry grin: "Of course, my Baron. It has been far too long since I have had the opportunity to provide a lavish--and I assume private--dinner for yourself and guests. I will see to it while you shop." ]

Used to throwing parties? Or are we talking business stuff?

[experienceandpatience]

[That memory-- it's still one he quite likes to think back on.

In part, at least. Zemo doesn't quite do well with... exposing weakness, vulnerability to others and he'd done quite a bit of that over food, same as Bucky had. But overall, it had been an... enlightening conversation.

He wonders briefly what this dinner will bring them, if anything.

There's an amused huff and a grateful thank you in Sokovian. He's also missed this. Oeznik, especially. There's a brief pause before he adds-- "Only things that pass the smell test this time, of course."

They'd had their fun on the plane.

He slips back into English when his eyes slide towards Bucky.]

A bit of both. Oeznik has been with my family since I was a young boy. He's had his hand in a number of things, James.

[podchinyatsya]

[ Oeznik echoes, "Of course," with a soft chuckle. Then he adds, "When the Baron was a boy, he would spy on his father's business, whether personal or diplomatic. To quell his curiosity, I would set aside small portions of the catering for him and perhaps also a bit of gossip. All in preparation for his eventual inheritance, of course."

Oeznik, for his steely demeanor, is quite openly fond of Zemo, and seems to want to keep him as near as possible. Perhaps Zemo is the only family this old man has left too. And naturally, his hand has been in things as benign as family matters...and otherwise. It's an open secret that the timely dispatch of the remaining Flag Smashers was the doing of Oeznik.

Bucky, amused by this insight into Helmut's life as a boy, grins ear to ear. ]

Gossip? How very mischievous.

[experienceandpatience]

[There's a slight narrowing to Zemo's eyes, a purse to his lips that looks slightly put-off by the old man speaking of his childhood -- though it hardly seems to last long before he's shaking his head at the memory.

Oeznik is truly more family than servant -- one that he seems content to keep near as he can in return.]

I've always had an inquisitive nature, I suppose. You'll have to blame Oeznik for always indulging me in it, even when my father wished otherwise.

[podchinyatsya]

[ "It was for the best. Your father benefited greatly from your shrewd insight. My English is not as good, Sergeant Barnes; I believe 'gossip' may have given the wrong impression." Oeznik seems to sense Zemo's displeasure rather than see it, and offers a soft hum. "Perhaps you will forgive this old man for a bit of wistful memory at your expense." ]

Oh no, do go on. I'm having the best mental image of a little Baron in short pants, peeking around the corner to eavesdrop on the grownups.

[experienceandpatience]

That's not how it was, James.

[That was exactly how it was, of course. Curious little boy, eavsdropping into affairs he shouldn't have most likely. He shakes his head, a slight smile tugging at his lips.]

I wouldn't deny you the chance to reminisce. [Even Oeznik is doing so at his expense.]

Although it's a bit unfair... No one is around to tell what you may have been like as a hild, James.

[podchinyatsya]

[ When Zemo protests, Bucky knows that's exactly how it was. And he chuckles over it. Little Baron, precociously insisting he knows better than the foolish foreign investor, nearly coming apart at the seams to interject as much.

It's quite nice that Bucky can somewhat draft off of Oeznik lightly roasting Zemo and ally them a bit. At least he won't wake up with his torso in pieces. ]

Well, maybe one or two. But they're all old and senile by now. [ and Steve is on the moon ] I was a good kid. Didn't get into much trouble, always looking out for Steve's scrawny ass and keeping an eye out on my sisters.

[experienceandpatience]

[There's a slight smile as Zemo's eyes drift towards James, sizing him up a bit. He can believe he likely was a good kid, honestly. Perhaps a bit of trouble here and there, no more than other children.]

You sound like you were a rather charming child.

[podchinyatsya]

[ Bucky didn't have as much time to make mischief before the War started. Then it was all anyone could talk about until Bucky enlisted. ]

That's what everyone except Rebecca said.

[experienceandpatience]

A sibling, I presume... younger or older?

[Not that he's an expert on siblings, by any means.]

[podchinyatsya]

Younger sister.

[ bucky smiles, a soft quirk of his lips though his eyes seem a bit sad. ]

You got any? Siblings, I mean.

[experienceandpatience]

Ah, no. I was an only child.

[It's not easy to miss that look in Bucky's eyes, the sadness that must come along with knowing that your siblings are either gone or lived entire lives without you.]

[podchinyatsya]

[ Bucky nods, understanding all that implies. And how the more tragic it is when Zemo lost his family, unable to keep the name going.

Unless-- but that ship has sailed, according to the man himself. ]

Did you get on with kids in the neighborhood?

[experienceandpatience]

[That ship has certainly sailed. The idea of another family, another potential lost... it isn't quite worth it and he has had many years to make peace with the Zemo name dying out, along with everything else he may have held dear.

But it's not the time for such morose thoughts.]

Ah-- what do you think, James? [He gives a teasing smile.] Do you think I would have been charming as a child an befriended the local children or do you think I would have been too spoiled for any such thing?

[It's mostly curiosity that prompts him to ask.]

[podchinyatsya]

I think you did whatever suited you...when you bothered to interact with them.

[ Zemo comes from wealth, and that brings a certain silver-spoon upbringing and mentality. But he also hails from a largely war-torn region of Europe, where small villages and tight-knit communities are the norm.

Zemo likely spent much of his time indoors with tutors, but learned to interact more in secondary school or university (if he went). ]

I thank Your Grace for socializing with a commoner like myself.

[experienceandpatience]

Please, James... [That earns an amused huff, lips curling up into a slight smile.]

My country is gone... I am hardly still a baron.

[And there's no Sokovian royalty left anyway, is there? With the country long gone and forgotten.

But perhaps he had been-- mostly kept away from other children in his younger years. Education had been an important goal of his father's, prepping up his son to one day take his place.]

There were other children I befriended, but-- I was kept rather busy growing up. I would say Oeznik had to deal the most with my childhood antics.

[podchinyatsya]

Antics? [ now it's Bucky's turn to chuckle. ] Okay, so tell me about them. Did you put gum in the hair of girls? What about greasing the kitchen floor so it's slippery?

[ All devilment, but largely benign. ]

[experienceandpatience]

How childish, James. [and truly, if he had made any such mess that made its way back to his father? He's certain the punishment would have been worse than any temporary amusement.]

Are these things you may have done?

lyingggggg

[podchinyatsya]

[ huff. ] Of course not.

lying liar

[experienceandpatience]

[Oh, that's a skeptical look Bucky earns -- though it seems that Oeznik has gotten them to their destination to distract him for a moment...

For right now at least.]

You'll have to tell me more about your childhood at some point, James.

[podchinyatsya]

[ As he's getting out: ]

I've already told you the high points. Everything else is history.

[experienceandpatience]

Of course.

[He doesn't quite believe that, but he's willing to put that aside for now. They do have clothes to find -- Bucky especially.]

You need a suit.

[podchinyatsya]

[ Bucky follows Zemo into the shop, frowning at how high-end it is. Everything is designer, bespoke; certainly nothing he'd pick for himself if left alone. He idly brushes a fingertip over some sleeves as they walk among the racks of jackets. ]

These cost more than my bike...each.

[experienceandpatience]

Don't worry about the price, James. It is my treat after all.

[And Zemo seems quite in his element at the moment. It's been a very long time since he's been able to add to his wardrobe from a tiny little cell. It's almost... a strange, having this sort of freedom again. If he allowed himself to dwell, it may even be overwhelming.]

Everyone should experience a properly fitted suit at least once, and I imagine you have never had the opportunity.

[podchinyatsya]

Nothing like this. I had a nice suit in the 30s and early 40s but it wasn't tailored the way these are.

[ Most guys like him had at least one good suit and maybe a spare if they were lucky. Post-Depression economics didn't really allow for a lot of luxuries, but he got by.

Bucky still feels weird having someone spend so lavishly on him. In a lot of ways, he's still the Brooklyn kid scraping by or living a meager existence. His eyes drift to basic blacks and dark grey, but the shop attendant approaches them mid-thought to offer a tastefully pleasant greeting and the opportunity to be measured.

Bucky looks to Zemo for cues, and the employee graciously defers to him. It's actually surprising not to feel judged for being new at this, or for being lower class than the type of person who would frequent such a place. (At least in Bucky's estimation.) ]