"Crap..." Bucky looks serious, eyebrows furrowed like he's playing Operation down there. Which is probably not good if he's trying to get Zemo to relax. Trying to slip his arm between the driver's seat and the door, he almost gets stuck retrieving the water bottle, but he manages to free himself without breaking the car with a firm yank.
Tipping some water out onto another fistful of tissues, Bucky cleans up with a wet pass followed by a final dry pass. Only then does he allow himself to relax a bit, hanging partially off the edge of the seat hovering over Zemo kissing him gently.
"We can. Still watch some of the movie. If you want..." He tugs on the throw and moves to cover Zemo with it partially, hoping they can figure out the clothes later before they need to head off. The only missed the first bit but it's probably some kind of slow intro or a convoluted plot point that will work out to be not really that important in the end.
"James?" That look is a little bit-- unsettling. And the 'crap' to be fair. At least he pieces together the issue soon enough... and he's really not going to complain about Bucky taking it upon himself to clean them up a little, or the throw that's put over him after a bit. The kiss is returned and the fabric is held close to his body before he's finally making himself move...
Mostly to press in against Bucky's side, nuzzling into him softly as he settles in. "Mhm..."
He has no intention of moving just yet anyway. They need to dress, but fitting himself up against Bucky is much nicer at the moment. Warm, comfortable. "We can finish the movie."
Although he can't quite help but ask-- "Was it worth it?"
It's just as well they don't play Operation. It would frustrate him to no end that Oeznik would beat him at it over and over and over again despite him having the upper hand, with a whole arm that doesn't tremble by design.
Somehow he manages to squeeze himself in the seat and lie on his side so Zemo can use him as a big spoon, leech all the warmth out of him once they've sweated it all out and the cold starts to set in again. The water bottle is set down within reach so Zemo can take a drink if he wants. There's not enough room for Bucky to stretch his legs out fully so it's a little more crammed on the other half of the backseat, but they are able to make their configuration work regardless.
"Sure, I mean, we didn't miss too much of it... If you tune in now you'll still get what the movie was about." Is Bucky completely oblivious or being sarcastic? Honestly, isn't he both?
He wrinkles his nose a bit at that response, unsure if Bucky is serious or joking. There's a look over his shoulder. "I am glad that fucking did not make you miss too much of the movie, James. That would have been a shame."
There's no real heat behind the words as Zemo squirms in a bit closer, tries to arrange the blanket around them properly again.
"I still expect company in the hot tub when we are home."
"You said you wanted to watch it," Bucky insists quietly, trying to arrange Zemo's hair. It's honestly an impressive overnight growth, thick and silky soft to the touch, but it looks like it might need an extra ten minutes in the morning to tame. He gives it a few testing, furtive touches, rubbing between his fingers without pulling on it like Steve might knead on the bed.
"You'll have to tell me what it's about." He's not necessarily tired but he is in that floating, winding down phase, the stress of the day and the sex and everything else starting to pull him into a satisfied, quiet lull.
"Mm..." He nuzzles and nudges against Zemo's shoulder with his nose, kissing and nipping gently at the soft, unmarked, sensitive skin. "I'm guessing you don't mean Oeznik..." Or Steve. Who might, at the most, sit on the edge, glare at the bubbles until he thinks it's safe to stick the tips of his claws into just the rippling white surface, and then try and lick all that water and chlorine off his paw pads... Hopefully curiosity won't kill this cat.
"Mhm, and then something better came along.. Your fault, really. You have been terribly sweet today." Even if there's some paranoid part of Zemo that insists he is only doing it because of anatomy changes. It's hard to dwell on it when there are fingers in his hair or lips on his skin.
"I think our action hero is trapped among terrorists," Zemo explains absently, breathing out a contented sigh at the soft kisses and nips. He won't fall asleep like this, but it is coaxing him to relax, to let his mind wander to far more pleasant things, only half paying attention to their movie. "He is trying to fit in."
There's a light chuckle. "No, and not the cat either. You have made your choice to keep your ring on, James. That means we are still very much on a honeymoon... perhaps truly this time. That means I want to enjoy time with my husband."
And pretend it doesn't feel strange on his tongue. Husband. Not in a bad way or anything, but it is not a word he thought he would use.
"Mm. Are we watching a movie or your documentary?" Bucky teases. Often Zemo does make the mistake of thinking that Bucky's trapped in a small, confined space with him, and not the other way around.
"Maybe you should grow a moustache." Bucky pokes Zemo in the cheek. Zemo can most definitely feel that grin against his skin. "You can twirl it menacingly while you take over the world." Or, you know, they can just be a disgustingly touchy-feely honeymoony couple spooning in the backseat or splashing around in the hot tub laughing at the caricatures this world has made of a grieving, displaced father and a forsaken, unstable veteran.
Did Bucky finally come home from the war, find a wife, settle down in a farm somewhere to live out the rest of his days enjoying what time he has left to savour The Dream? It sure looks like it from the outside. He wouldn't mind enjoying it for a little while longer. But at some point, hopefully before this all comes crashing down on them, they'll have to try and fix Zemo. Maybe he'll act a little differently then. He doesn't know.
"I chose you. Whatever you-- look or feel or smell like." It's not really about the ring. And he doesn't care if it also looks like Zemo is twirling his proverbial moustache from the outside. Nobody who genuinely thinks that is seeing anything from the inside.
"Oh, are you the action hero now?" It isn't really much of a question. Of course Bucky is the well-muscled action hero... although he thinks they don't usually spend their time wrapped around the villain of the story, least of all married to them. They must be breaking a rule or two somewhere.
There's a laugh and Zemo twists to look back at Bucky. "I could grow quite an impressive mustache if I so wanted, I will have you know."
... Or could. Probably not so easily as he currently is. It will need to be fixed, of course. If it isn't gone by tomorrow or the next day. Otherwise, that's-- quite a life change. Zemo has lost quite enough -- his family, his home. Is he truly ready to accept another loss in the form of a body he is far more familiar with? Even if it means more freedom, staying like this.
... But for right now, it is nice to not have to second guess every lingering look, or wait for others to recognize the terrorist from television. They can both just exist. Almost happily so. "You know, plenty of people would call you mad for that. Sam, certainly. Any other friend you have with the remaining Avengers... When they find us, they will be rather certain I have once again messed with your mind."
But Bucky doesn't seem to share that sentiment really. He lifts his hand to reach back, fingers brushing over Bucky's jaw.
"I'm pretty sure I'm the terrorist." He's got the scars and some crazy ideas about how the world should be. Some things were just better in the last century. Besides, he has no doubt that Zemo is a hero to many people. Especially these days when the world is so... tattered, left in pieces because of some men and their hubris.
"I'm with someone I want to be with, out in the middle of nowhere just enjoying the rest of my days. And you're not starting any trouble or planning anything. I finally don't have anyone to tell me what to do, where to go, how to live, who I can be around. Any real friend would be happy for me. Happy for us," Bucky insists stubbornly.
"We should be happy... We are happy." he insists quietly. "You deserve to be happy. After everything."
"Then you should be the one with the mustache, I suppose." He playfully scratches along any stubble along Bucky's jaw. He's rather certain that it isn't quite the case -- that he'd be the hero to anyone. He's not one. Just a man who did what needed to be done, what was necessary.
But there were lives lost and actions done that he can admit were... regrettable. Even if he is also equally certain that he'd do it all over again. Difficult to brood over that when Bucky is talking again though.
Where he wants to be. Zemo is rather glad to hear it, honestly. He's not-- certain about some of it. There's a quiet agreement that Bucky should not see some people he had counted as friends. The Wakandans, for instance. But Bucky also seems to be free of regret or resentment right now.
That is something, isn't it? Even if Zemo isn't quite certain how they've managed to get to this point. Neither of them ha been trying after all.
There's a brief smile regardless. "Oh, I am planning plenty of trouble for you, James. Just none of it is to do with explosives or taking lives. Most of it involves seeing if I can get get you to shove me face first into a pillow later, like old times."
It is easier to tease, to deflect, but Zemo squirms back against Bucky as much as he possibly can as he settles back towards the movie. "I am very happy, James."
Saying it feels like a curse, even if he knows that logically, it is not. Admitting it won't make it crash down, end horribly... at least not yet. "I am with the people I want to be with as well. Even Steve, the menace that he is."
And he's rather certain he'd be desperate enough to kill to keep it, to not return to to a tiny, lonely little cage away from what is his, willingly his. "... It is a bit daunting, you know, admitting that. I used to countdown the days that I would be able to reunite with my family, and now I find myself wanting to live more and more. I find myself not wanting to leave you."
Bucky leans into the touch, enjoying the feel of blunt nails scratching through his five o'clock shadow. He's got the stare and the dead look in his eyes but he's not sure he can pull off a villain moustache. Maybe just a magnificent terrorist beard. He'd he more comfortable with that.
"Later?" he asks somewhat incredulously. They're not just going to sit in the hot tub, keep their hands to themselves and retire gracefully to his and her side of the bed once they've soaked long enough?
"I don't know what old times you're talking about... You do seem more energetic than usual," he observes quietly, teasingly, giving Zemo a light nudge. He can't be convinced that Zemo and Oeznik don't like Steve. He's seen them feeding and scratching the beast... Not unlike the way Zemo scratches his jaw, either. Apparently that's the fast and surefire easy way to get Steve and Bucky to relax.
"You survived Sokovia. I don't think it's for any reason other than not being at the wrong place at the right time. I don't know what your family would have wanted for you, either. But I don't want you to just-- throw this away. And Oeznik doesn't, either." He has to hope that even if Zemo gets caught, he won't just. Give up and restart the clock. Bucky is willing to fight for him. Make a case, grovel and plead, throw punches and make promises he doesn't want to make if he has to. But it's important to him that Zemo wants to fight for it too.
"You know, physically, I am older than you." Pushing into forties now, after his time in Berlin after the snap and the world went even darker. He wrinkles his nose.
"And yet, you act like the old man, scandalized by the thought of being intimate more than once." There's an exaggerated sigh, followed by a soft laugh at the nudging. Perhaps Zemo is in a far better mood than he had thought he'd have been in this morning. Perhaps that is largely because of Bucky humoring him, or getting to taste freedom for one day.
"You don't mind it." Zemo being energetic, that is, or the fact that Zemo may spoil Steve a bit when no one is looking... or invite the cat into bed when Bucky has decided he'd rather have the floor.
Although the amusement dies down a bit, the teasing note leaves his voice as he watches the screen for a few more moments, considering that. "I don't intend to throw anything away, James. I am... enjoying this time."
He's quiet a moment longer, not quite wanting to... bring up the topic that always seems to put Bucky on edge. But it can't quite be helped. "Oeznik says you do not do well when I am not around, you know. He says you stop sleeping in the bed, stop eating properly..."
Reverts back to less appropriate coping methods, it seems. "I worry. Unless I do stay like this, it is almost inevitable that I will end up back in a cage or worse... and while I have almost always gotten what I have wanted, I do not think I could talk or trick my way out of my punishment again."
"I'm not scandalised. I am old. I'm more than twice your age. But that has nothing to do with-- intimacy things," Bucky insists. Although today, the both of them are a little less irritable. Maybe it's Zemo being more comfortable in his new skin out in the open and being free to enjoy all the perks of not being recognised. Maybe it's Bucky indulging him, or trying to do the same. Even if he will be recognised, they haven't plastered his face all over the news saying he's on the run with his terrorist husband and all his old friends are looking for him. Any illusion that they're not currently together must have been shattered when their names showed up on some marriage register in Vegas. He's not sure whether they think there's still hope for him to just show up and turn Zemo in, or maybe they think it's some kind of trap and are just keeping their distance for now.
"I had a nightmare and-- didn't really. Wasn't in the mood to try. His dumplings..." Bucky lies, flinching and gripping onto Zemo a little tighter. Oeznik has no trouble calling him out and he's used to it by now, he'd never try talking his way out of trouble with Oeznik, but usually Zemo doesn't and lets Bucky get away with the occasional backslide.
"I got you out once. I can do it again," Bucky insists. "I'm not letting them take you away. I won't." Fingers dig into the soft throw until his knuckles turn white.
One of Zemo's hands smooths down Bucky's arm as it tightens around him. "James..."
They won't let him. They'll make sure Zemo is locked away, watched even closer... they surely won't let Bucky come for any sort of visit. He doesn't point that out though. There's a smile instead as his fingertips continue to rub over Bucky's arm, trying to coax him to relax.
"You're a very stubborn man." There's a soft laugh, even if it doesn't sound particularly humorous. "I will try not to be found."
Bucky is still living in some fantasy land where he's convinced himself that maybe everything won't be fine and they'll get caught - one slipup, one camera shot, one wedding, one international incident the same way Zemo flushed him out - but somehow everything will work out. Somehow he'll know what to say - somehow somebody will listen to him. Somehow things will just not go to shits when the time comes.
He has to believe it, or what are they doing all this for? They might as well just turn themselves in and save themselves the twisting, sinking heartache of being alone, isolated, censured again.
"We'll be okay here." Bucky nuzzles again, relaxing his grip, tugging on corners of the throw to make sure Zemo is covered properly. He's keen to sit up a bit and look for Zemo's clothes, but Zemo is snuggled in so close that he's hesitant to upset this balance.
Zemo has certainly considered it -- turning himself in, or running away because what is the point of this? One day, it will end, painfully. But then perhaps it's not so bad, making a few more good memories before the bad ones inevitably come back.
It's easy to see why he stays, when he's got Bucky wrapped around him and they're quietly watching a movie they've not really been paying attention to. "Mhm..."
They will deal with it, one way or another.
"In the meantime, if you could have anything, James... what would you want most right now?"
That's a difficult question, and honestly not one that could ever feasibly work out. Half the time he doesn't know what he wants, but if he gives it any thought, it either involves dead people, people he can't see anymore or places he can't go back to without risking this arrangement they have.
And if he's really being honest, sometimes he just wishes he could go back to the train, the way Steve could go back to the love of his life, and just. Make sure he doesn't survive the fall, so that nothing that's happened because of him since would ever transpire. But he's pretty certain Zemo doesn't want to hear that, either.
Taking in a deep breath, he breathes out a sigh and shrugs. "I just want everyone to just stop trying to kill us and leave us alone." He's finished with all this. He's pretty sure Zemo is finished too. "I think we're both pretty tired of all this."
"Mmmh." He's rather sure that's not the only thing Bucky could want, but he nods in agreement. That would be-- nice. Very nice. No more looking over their shoulders, actually getting to just stop and make some sort of life for themselves like they're doing here.
Like today has felt.
He shifts a little bit, goes to sit up ass he reaches for his discarded clothes. "I should get dressed. It would be rather inappropriate if someone looked over and saw."
Today has arguably been the most honeymoon day they've had since they got married. For as much as he loved the Alps, Zemo had been a little restless and seemed to be nursing some regrets that Bucky tried not to take personally while they were there. And then, you know, medical emergency, kind of put a damper on things. Bucky's a little despondent about the day inching closer and closer to being over.
"Okay," he agrees quietly, moving to sit up next to Zemo and offering wordlessly to help by turning a discarded piece of clothing the right side out again and gathering it up in his hands for easy wearing. It is probably starting to get a little cold, even though they've been snuggling in the car and he's kept the doors closed and the air conditioner off.
"I'm taking everything off again when you get in the hot tub." Let it not be said that Bucky is not enthusiastic about non-butt stuff. "You feel a little different... I want to spend some time casing you out." If that's not paranoia, who would know what is?
It's a little sad, it's true. The day is ending down and even if it's not the alps or Vegas or any number of other lavish locations they've been, it's one that Zemo direct want to see end. It's been... simple. They don't get simple often.
And it seems that they've reached at least some sort of decision about this marriage of theirs that is letting them both be cautiously hopeful. Happy, or as near to it as they will get.
Zemo huffs out a laugh at the declaration. "Ah, so you mean we won't just cuddle?"
It's flattering in a way. Bucky could be far too skittish to touch him like this, put off. Something. "I think you will like the swimsuit I chose, even if it ends up on the ground sooner rather than later."
There's a grin that graces his lips briefly after he's mostly managed to right himself. "But by all means, feel free to do all the casing you need. Wouldn't want you to miss something important."
If by cuddle he means giving Bucky a rough shove and a hard smack for latching onto him and slowly falling asleep in all that hot water, without giving Zemo the attention he wants, then sure, there will be cuddling. Bucky's probably the only one who would prefer to sit in less than lukewarm water. The heat will just make him whimper.
"What did you choose?" Is it something skimpy? Don't ask him why he assumes that. It's just-- Zemo had been so keen to cover himself up just the once, this morning. After that he seems to have gotten more and more comfortable with... his predicament.
Bucky has only seemed to have gotten more handsy since. More willing to be affectionate in public and in private. More open to touching and talking and being touched back, letting Zemo touch his metal arm and run his fingertips over those scale-like plates, and just the little things he doesn't do, like stroking Zemo's thigh while he's thinking and talking. It's a kind of obliviousness on a whole other level that he can't see how he's acting different.
Maybe he loves the tits. Or maybe he just has very strange ideas of how men are supposed to interact, and he doesn't let himself get affectionate because it's not what men do with each other, because he assumes Zemo doesn't want or wouldn't welcome this.
There will most certainly be smacking involved if Bucky falls asleep on him. Now is hardly the time for sleep -- and maybe Zemo is a bit afraid of what he'll wake up as tomorrow, what will have changed. If he turns into a cat or a blob or whatever else...
And it isn't as if he's missed the-- affection either. Or the willingness to be more so. Zemo hasn't been swatted away or given uncomfortable side glances. He can't decide it's nice -- well, no, it has certainly been nice. Bucky taking initiative on touching, or flirting more.
Maybe just the talking more, the little sweet promises he doesn't hear often or the other ways Bucky has talked that he isn't generally inclined... Maybe that has all been very nice, but very unexpected.
And Zemo isn't sure quite what it means, or what to do if it all goes away again if he's put back to normal.
"Oh, you will have to wait and see, James." It's probably not as skimpy as Bucky is thinking -- no more than how the majority of bathing suits tend to be. Zemo has always been inclined towards layers of clothes and now isn't much different, even if he was willing to share more with Bucky, specifically.
Clothes fixed, hair patted into place as much as Zemo can manage, he shifts back into Bucky's side with a soft sigh.
"You know, you usually do not announce when you are intending on undressing me," he points out after a moment, keeping any accusations out of his tone. Instead, there's just curiosity for now. It isn't as if they aren't-- often inspiring Oeznik to invest in earplugs or sending them off by themselves, but it seems... different, at the moment. Perhaps Bucky truly does enjoy his new body and its... attributes.
Well if he turns into a cat then Steve would have company and luckily, the cat tree will be set up in the sun room by then for him to perch in and enjoy. But Bucky is not really expecting anything either. Zemo could wake up like this or in his old body and at this point, with the aliens and the magic and the timey wimey, honestly nothing would faze him. Bucky could wake up next to a dragon tomorrow and just go back to sleep.
Despite letting him indulge, or even encourage Bucky's overbearing protectiveness, at some point when he's got Bucky's heavy arm draped over him holding him in this consensual spooning, all this power might get to Zemo's head, and he probably will need to set some ground rules if he wants to wean his Soldier off him and make this... marriage a little less dysfunctional and codependent.
For now, Bucky seems content to watch some running, shooting, explosions, swerving car chases and frantic phone calls while petting Zemo's hair, chewing on his bottom lip before turning to look at him. He tips his head in a way that most definitely would have his old friends accusing him of spending far too much time with Zemo.
"You'd-- rather I didn't?" Why did Bucky announce his intentions? It had seemed only natural the time... "I don't-- I'm not that kind of man. And you're-- I mean... you'd tell me if you didn't want me to. And I'd leave you alone." He wouldn't just go tearing swimsuits off a woman, is what he means. But Zemo isn't a woman. Well, he is right now, in flesh only so to speak, but. You know.
Bucky averts his gaze. He wouldn't go tearing swimsuits off other guys either. That's weird, to him. Well with Zemo he might, but Zemo might do it to him too, and they're rough, and they don't really talk about it, even when there's bruises afterwards and they probably should have said something. And Bucky's not sure he can articulate why it's different now, but it is different. A part of him is more worried about hurting Zemo physically or emotionally like this than when he's in his usual body.
Co-dependence had never been something Zemo had been worried about happening necessarily but now it... seems to be the case. With Bucky unwilling to let go, and Zemo resolutely not wanting to experience anything similar to the losses he's had over and over again. it's something that needs to be worked on, something they should strive to get to a healthier balance.
But right now, all Zemo wants to do is curl up into Bucky's side and watch some mindless film across the screen, and pretend his world isn't unbearably... large now. Aliens and magic and things he'd rather not deal with at all, or see anyone deal with. It's hard to not blame superheroes or mad icons for bringing this on the world. Perhaps it was inevitable though, something neither he nor anyone else could have changed the course of.
It's just feeling a little weightier than usual when he's currently afflicted with-- whatever is happening here, and trying to navigate his own feelings about it. Maybe it's simply easier to dissect Bucky's reactions and sentiments. Maybe that's why his mind keeps drifting, or maybe it's simple paranoia.
There's a wry smile at the fumbled out question. "Would I rather my husband not show interest in me? Of course not. It's... nice, James. Flattering."
It's just also a bit on the unusual, jarring side of things compared to the normal, and it feeds into paranoia that he is trying to keep tamed at least. "I know you'd stop if I asked."
It isn't as if Bucky hasn't gotten upset with him before for not speaking up when rough has slid over the line to painful before. He knows well enough that at his base, Bucky is not the monster that either of them may have thought initially years ago. Particularly when it comes to choices being taken away, it seems something he detests to do. No, Zemo knows full and well Bucky would stop if he asked. That isn't the issue. But things are certainly different now, in ways Zemo can't help but notice. Maybe they passed by his attention before. He'd never seen Bucky interact with a woman this way before -- not that he is a woman, despite his body.
"I was only making an observation. You're very rarely vocal about when you want me, that is all." Well, not counting when they're in the middle of the act. He can be rather vocal then when Zemo seems to be doing the right things.
The only people Bucky has interacted with are the people affiliated with the Avengers, or SHIELD, HYDRA, various handlers, maybe the occasional talking raccoon or sentient tree. The only one who's seen Bucky 80 years ago in a dance hall or at a party surrounded by laughing girls is Steve. And even then, Bucky is not that guy anymore.
"You mean I'm rarely vocal about anything," Bucky remarks, glancing over before letting his gaze slide back to the screen. Oeznik might beg to differ on those particularly 'sleepless nights' but he also knows that Bucky can fall into an unsettling, prolonged silence that is typical of anyone who's spent too much time alone even if he hasn't bore witness to those weeklong stints of wordless self-neglect in isolation. For as annoying as there is to have the village idiot hovering in the kitchen like a persistent fly, Oeznik would rather Bucky be there and show some interest in food than not coming out of a locked room for days and trying to gently talk to him through the door.
A part of Bucky doesn't know what he wants, and that'll likely remain the case for a while. But a part of him is also afraid that once he's made up his mind and said what he wants out loud, it'll get taken away from him. Nobody feels dejected or gets disappointed if he doesn't say anything.
"You also very rarely need the reassurance." Zemo's usually confident about everything - about himself. Bucky's not saying that this wouldn't throw him for a loop - it would mess with anyone - but he figures if he can help Zemo take things in his stride then this is the least he can do. But if Zemo thinks he's acting a little weird then he supposes he can just stop and fall back into his normal kind of distantly quiet, perpetually irritated, glaring and scowling demeanour. Sad as it is to admit, it is a comfortable and natural state of being for him.
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Tipping some water out onto another fistful of tissues, Bucky cleans up with a wet pass followed by a final dry pass. Only then does he allow himself to relax a bit, hanging partially off the edge of the seat hovering over Zemo kissing him gently.
"We can. Still watch some of the movie. If you want..." He tugs on the throw and moves to cover Zemo with it partially, hoping they can figure out the clothes later before they need to head off. The only missed the first bit but it's probably some kind of slow intro or a convoluted plot point that will work out to be not really that important in the end.
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Mostly to press in against Bucky's side, nuzzling into him softly as he settles in. "Mhm..."
He has no intention of moving just yet anyway. They need to dress, but fitting himself up against Bucky is much nicer at the moment. Warm, comfortable. "We can finish the movie."
Although he can't quite help but ask-- "Was it worth it?"
He will assume so, the way Bucky seemed to react.
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Somehow he manages to squeeze himself in the seat and lie on his side so Zemo can use him as a big spoon, leech all the warmth out of him once they've sweated it all out and the cold starts to set in again. The water bottle is set down within reach so Zemo can take a drink if he wants. There's not enough room for Bucky to stretch his legs out fully so it's a little more crammed on the other half of the backseat, but they are able to make their configuration work regardless.
"Sure, I mean, we didn't miss too much of it... If you tune in now you'll still get what the movie was about." Is Bucky completely oblivious or being sarcastic? Honestly, isn't he both?
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There's no real heat behind the words as Zemo squirms in a bit closer, tries to arrange the blanket around them properly again.
"I still expect company in the hot tub when we are home."
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"You'll have to tell me what it's about." He's not necessarily tired but he is in that floating, winding down phase, the stress of the day and the sex and everything else starting to pull him into a satisfied, quiet lull.
"Mm..." He nuzzles and nudges against Zemo's shoulder with his nose, kissing and nipping gently at the soft, unmarked, sensitive skin. "I'm guessing you don't mean Oeznik..." Or Steve. Who might, at the most, sit on the edge, glare at the bubbles until he thinks it's safe to stick the tips of his claws into just the rippling white surface, and then try and lick all that water and chlorine off his paw pads... Hopefully curiosity won't kill this cat.
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"I think our action hero is trapped among terrorists," Zemo explains absently, breathing out a contented sigh at the soft kisses and nips. He won't fall asleep like this, but it is coaxing him to relax, to let his mind wander to far more pleasant things, only half paying attention to their movie. "He is trying to fit in."
There's a light chuckle. "No, and not the cat either. You have made your choice to keep your ring on, James. That means we are still very much on a honeymoon... perhaps truly this time. That means I want to enjoy time with my husband."
And pretend it doesn't feel strange on his tongue. Husband. Not in a bad way or anything, but it is not a word he thought he would use.
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"Maybe you should grow a moustache." Bucky pokes Zemo in the cheek. Zemo can most definitely feel that grin against his skin. "You can twirl it menacingly while you take over the world." Or, you know, they can just be a disgustingly touchy-feely honeymoony couple spooning in the backseat or splashing around in the hot tub laughing at the caricatures this world has made of a grieving, displaced father and a forsaken, unstable veteran.
Did Bucky finally come home from the war, find a wife, settle down in a farm somewhere to live out the rest of his days enjoying what time he has left to savour The Dream? It sure looks like it from the outside. He wouldn't mind enjoying it for a little while longer. But at some point, hopefully before this all comes crashing down on them, they'll have to try and fix Zemo. Maybe he'll act a little differently then. He doesn't know.
"I chose you. Whatever you-- look or feel or smell like." It's not really about the ring. And he doesn't care if it also looks like Zemo is twirling his proverbial moustache from the outside. Nobody who genuinely thinks that is seeing anything from the inside.
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There's a laugh and Zemo twists to look back at Bucky. "I could grow quite an impressive mustache if I so wanted, I will have you know."
... Or could. Probably not so easily as he currently is. It will need to be fixed, of course. If it isn't gone by tomorrow or the next day. Otherwise, that's-- quite a life change. Zemo has lost quite enough -- his family, his home. Is he truly ready to accept another loss in the form of a body he is far more familiar with? Even if it means more freedom, staying like this.
... But for right now, it is nice to not have to second guess every lingering look, or wait for others to recognize the terrorist from television. They can both just exist. Almost happily so. "You know, plenty of people would call you mad for that. Sam, certainly. Any other friend you have with the remaining Avengers... When they find us, they will be rather certain I have once again messed with your mind."
But Bucky doesn't seem to share that sentiment really. He lifts his hand to reach back, fingers brushing over Bucky's jaw.
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"I'm with someone I want to be with, out in the middle of nowhere just enjoying the rest of my days. And you're not starting any trouble or planning anything. I finally don't have anyone to tell me what to do, where to go, how to live, who I can be around. Any real friend would be happy for me. Happy for us," Bucky insists stubbornly.
"We should be happy... We are happy." he insists quietly. "You deserve to be happy. After everything."
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But there were lives lost and actions done that he can admit were... regrettable. Even if he is also equally certain that he'd do it all over again. Difficult to brood over that when Bucky is talking again though.
Where he wants to be. Zemo is rather glad to hear it, honestly. He's not-- certain about some of it. There's a quiet agreement that Bucky should not see some people he had counted as friends. The Wakandans, for instance. But Bucky also seems to be free of regret or resentment right now.
That is something, isn't it? Even if Zemo isn't quite certain how they've managed to get to this point. Neither of them ha been trying after all.
There's a brief smile regardless. "Oh, I am planning plenty of trouble for you, James. Just none of it is to do with explosives or taking lives. Most of it involves seeing if I can get get you to shove me face first into a pillow later, like old times."
It is easier to tease, to deflect, but Zemo squirms back against Bucky as much as he possibly can as he settles back towards the movie. "I am very happy, James."
Saying it feels like a curse, even if he knows that logically, it is not. Admitting it won't make it crash down, end horribly... at least not yet. "I am with the people I want to be with as well. Even Steve, the menace that he is."
And he's rather certain he'd be desperate enough to kill to keep it, to not return to to a tiny, lonely little cage away from what is his, willingly his. "... It is a bit daunting, you know, admitting that. I used to countdown the days that I would be able to reunite with my family, and now I find myself wanting to live more and more. I find myself not wanting to leave you."
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"Later?" he asks somewhat incredulously. They're not just going to sit in the hot tub, keep their hands to themselves and retire gracefully to his and her side of the bed once they've soaked long enough?
"I don't know what old times you're talking about... You do seem more energetic than usual," he observes quietly, teasingly, giving Zemo a light nudge. He can't be convinced that Zemo and Oeznik don't like Steve. He's seen them feeding and scratching the beast... Not unlike the way Zemo scratches his jaw, either. Apparently that's the fast and surefire easy way to get Steve and Bucky to relax.
"You survived Sokovia. I don't think it's for any reason other than not being at the wrong place at the right time. I don't know what your family would have wanted for you, either. But I don't want you to just-- throw this away. And Oeznik doesn't, either." He has to hope that even if Zemo gets caught, he won't just. Give up and restart the clock. Bucky is willing to fight for him. Make a case, grovel and plead, throw punches and make promises he doesn't want to make if he has to. But it's important to him that Zemo wants to fight for it too.
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"And yet, you act like the old man, scandalized by the thought of being intimate more than once." There's an exaggerated sigh, followed by a soft laugh at the nudging. Perhaps Zemo is in a far better mood than he had thought he'd have been in this morning. Perhaps that is largely because of Bucky humoring him, or getting to taste freedom for one day.
"You don't mind it." Zemo being energetic, that is, or the fact that Zemo may spoil Steve a bit when no one is looking... or invite the cat into bed when Bucky has decided he'd rather have the floor.
Although the amusement dies down a bit, the teasing note leaves his voice as he watches the screen for a few more moments, considering that. "I don't intend to throw anything away, James. I am... enjoying this time."
He's quiet a moment longer, not quite wanting to... bring up the topic that always seems to put Bucky on edge. But it can't quite be helped. "Oeznik says you do not do well when I am not around, you know. He says you stop sleeping in the bed, stop eating properly..."
Reverts back to less appropriate coping methods, it seems. "I worry. Unless I do stay like this, it is almost inevitable that I will end up back in a cage or worse... and while I have almost always gotten what I have wanted, I do not think I could talk or trick my way out of my punishment again."
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"I had a nightmare and-- didn't really. Wasn't in the mood to try. His dumplings..." Bucky lies, flinching and gripping onto Zemo a little tighter. Oeznik has no trouble calling him out and he's used to it by now, he'd never try talking his way out of trouble with Oeznik, but usually Zemo doesn't and lets Bucky get away with the occasional backslide.
"I got you out once. I can do it again," Bucky insists. "I'm not letting them take you away. I won't." Fingers dig into the soft throw until his knuckles turn white.
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They won't let him. They'll make sure Zemo is locked away, watched even closer... they surely won't let Bucky come for any sort of visit. He doesn't point that out though. There's a smile instead as his fingertips continue to rub over Bucky's arm, trying to coax him to relax.
"You're a very stubborn man." There's a soft laugh, even if it doesn't sound particularly humorous. "I will try not to be found."
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He has to believe it, or what are they doing all this for? They might as well just turn themselves in and save themselves the twisting, sinking heartache of being alone, isolated, censured again.
"We'll be okay here." Bucky nuzzles again, relaxing his grip, tugging on corners of the throw to make sure Zemo is covered properly. He's keen to sit up a bit and look for Zemo's clothes, but Zemo is snuggled in so close that he's hesitant to upset this balance.
"Let's just. Deal with it when it happens..."
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It's easy to see why he stays, when he's got Bucky wrapped around him and they're quietly watching a movie they've not really been paying attention to. "Mhm..."
They will deal with it, one way or another.
"In the meantime, if you could have anything, James... what would you want most right now?"
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And if he's really being honest, sometimes he just wishes he could go back to the train, the way Steve could go back to the love of his life, and just. Make sure he doesn't survive the fall, so that nothing that's happened because of him since would ever transpire. But he's pretty certain Zemo doesn't want to hear that, either.
Taking in a deep breath, he breathes out a sigh and shrugs. "I just want everyone to just stop trying to kill us and leave us alone." He's finished with all this. He's pretty sure Zemo is finished too. "I think we're both pretty tired of all this."
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Like today has felt.
He shifts a little bit, goes to sit up ass he reaches for his discarded clothes. "I should get dressed. It would be rather inappropriate if someone looked over and saw."
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"Okay," he agrees quietly, moving to sit up next to Zemo and offering wordlessly to help by turning a discarded piece of clothing the right side out again and gathering it up in his hands for easy wearing. It is probably starting to get a little cold, even though they've been snuggling in the car and he's kept the doors closed and the air conditioner off.
"I'm taking everything off again when you get in the hot tub." Let it not be said that Bucky is not enthusiastic about non-butt stuff. "You feel a little different... I want to spend some time casing you out." If that's not paranoia, who would know what is?
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And it seems that they've reached at least some sort of decision about this marriage of theirs that is letting them both be cautiously hopeful. Happy, or as near to it as they will get.
Zemo huffs out a laugh at the declaration. "Ah, so you mean we won't just cuddle?"
It's flattering in a way. Bucky could be far too skittish to touch him like this, put off. Something. "I think you will like the swimsuit I chose, even if it ends up on the ground sooner rather than later."
There's a grin that graces his lips briefly after he's mostly managed to right himself. "But by all means, feel free to do all the casing you need. Wouldn't want you to miss something important."
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"What did you choose?" Is it something skimpy? Don't ask him why he assumes that. It's just-- Zemo had been so keen to cover himself up just the once, this morning. After that he seems to have gotten more and more comfortable with... his predicament.
Bucky has only seemed to have gotten more handsy since. More willing to be affectionate in public and in private. More open to touching and talking and being touched back, letting Zemo touch his metal arm and run his fingertips over those scale-like plates, and just the little things he doesn't do, like stroking Zemo's thigh while he's thinking and talking. It's a kind of obliviousness on a whole other level that he can't see how he's acting different.
Maybe he loves the tits. Or maybe he just has very strange ideas of how men are supposed to interact, and he doesn't let himself get affectionate because it's not what men do with each other, because he assumes Zemo doesn't want or wouldn't welcome this.
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And it isn't as if he's missed the-- affection either. Or the willingness to be more so. Zemo hasn't been swatted away or given uncomfortable side glances. He can't decide it's nice -- well, no, it has certainly been nice. Bucky taking initiative on touching, or flirting more.
Maybe just the talking more, the little sweet promises he doesn't hear often or the other ways Bucky has talked that he isn't generally inclined... Maybe that has all been very nice, but very unexpected.
And Zemo isn't sure quite what it means, or what to do if it all goes away again if he's put back to normal.
"Oh, you will have to wait and see, James." It's probably not as skimpy as Bucky is thinking -- no more than how the majority of bathing suits tend to be. Zemo has always been inclined towards layers of clothes and now isn't much different, even if he was willing to share more with Bucky, specifically.
Clothes fixed, hair patted into place as much as Zemo can manage, he shifts back into Bucky's side with a soft sigh.
"You know, you usually do not announce when you are intending on undressing me," he points out after a moment, keeping any accusations out of his tone. Instead, there's just curiosity for now. It isn't as if they aren't-- often inspiring Oeznik to invest in earplugs or sending them off by themselves, but it seems... different, at the moment. Perhaps Bucky truly does enjoy his new body and its... attributes.
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Despite letting him indulge, or even encourage Bucky's overbearing protectiveness, at some point when he's got Bucky's heavy arm draped over him holding him in this consensual spooning, all this power might get to Zemo's head, and he probably will need to set some ground rules if he wants to wean his Soldier off him and make this... marriage a little less dysfunctional and codependent.
For now, Bucky seems content to watch some running, shooting, explosions, swerving car chases and frantic phone calls while petting Zemo's hair, chewing on his bottom lip before turning to look at him. He tips his head in a way that most definitely would have his old friends accusing him of spending far too much time with Zemo.
"You'd-- rather I didn't?" Why did Bucky announce his intentions? It had seemed only natural the time... "I don't-- I'm not that kind of man. And you're-- I mean... you'd tell me if you didn't want me to. And I'd leave you alone." He wouldn't just go tearing swimsuits off a woman, is what he means. But Zemo isn't a woman. Well, he is right now, in flesh only so to speak, but. You know.
Bucky averts his gaze. He wouldn't go tearing swimsuits off other guys either. That's weird, to him. Well with Zemo he might, but Zemo might do it to him too, and they're rough, and they don't really talk about it, even when there's bruises afterwards and they probably should have said something. And Bucky's not sure he can articulate why it's different now, but it is different. A part of him is more worried about hurting Zemo physically or emotionally like this than when he's in his usual body.
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But right now, all Zemo wants to do is curl up into Bucky's side and watch some mindless film across the screen, and pretend his world isn't unbearably... large now. Aliens and magic and things he'd rather not deal with at all, or see anyone deal with. It's hard to not blame superheroes or mad icons for bringing this on the world. Perhaps it was inevitable though, something neither he nor anyone else could have changed the course of.
It's just feeling a little weightier than usual when he's currently afflicted with-- whatever is happening here, and trying to navigate his own feelings about it. Maybe it's simply easier to dissect Bucky's reactions and sentiments. Maybe that's why his mind keeps drifting, or maybe it's simple paranoia.
There's a wry smile at the fumbled out question. "Would I rather my husband not show interest in me? Of course not. It's... nice, James. Flattering."
It's just also a bit on the unusual, jarring side of things compared to the normal, and it feeds into paranoia that he is trying to keep tamed at least. "I know you'd stop if I asked."
It isn't as if Bucky hasn't gotten upset with him before for not speaking up when rough has slid over the line to painful before. He knows well enough that at his base, Bucky is not the monster that either of them may have thought initially years ago. Particularly when it comes to choices being taken away, it seems something he detests to do. No, Zemo knows full and well Bucky would stop if he asked. That isn't the issue. But things are certainly different now, in ways Zemo can't help but notice. Maybe they passed by his attention before. He'd never seen Bucky interact with a woman this way before -- not that he is a woman, despite his body.
"I was only making an observation. You're very rarely vocal about when you want me, that is all." Well, not counting when they're in the middle of the act. He can be rather vocal then when Zemo seems to be doing the right things.
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"You mean I'm rarely vocal about anything," Bucky remarks, glancing over before letting his gaze slide back to the screen. Oeznik might beg to differ on those particularly 'sleepless nights' but he also knows that Bucky can fall into an unsettling, prolonged silence that is typical of anyone who's spent too much time alone even if he hasn't bore witness to those weeklong stints of wordless self-neglect in isolation. For as annoying as there is to have the village idiot hovering in the kitchen like a persistent fly, Oeznik would rather Bucky be there and show some interest in food than not coming out of a locked room for days and trying to gently talk to him through the door.
A part of Bucky doesn't know what he wants, and that'll likely remain the case for a while. But a part of him is also afraid that once he's made up his mind and said what he wants out loud, it'll get taken away from him. Nobody feels dejected or gets disappointed if he doesn't say anything.
"You also very rarely need the reassurance." Zemo's usually confident about everything - about himself. Bucky's not saying that this wouldn't throw him for a loop - it would mess with anyone - but he figures if he can help Zemo take things in his stride then this is the least he can do. But if Zemo thinks he's acting a little weird then he supposes he can just stop and fall back into his normal kind of distantly quiet, perpetually irritated, glaring and scowling demeanour. Sad as it is to admit, it is a comfortable and natural state of being for him.
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