[ Whatever this is, Bucky damn sure isn't going to be sleeping with other people. Sure this is star-crossed, but it's nice. It's what he needs for the time being.
Just as he's about to lean in and kiss Zemo to drive the point home, there's a sharp knock at the door. ]
Pizza's here.
[ Bucky leaps up to answer the door and fish for some cash in his pocket. Once they're alone again, he brings the food to the coffee table and fetches some sodas. ]
[There's a smile at the easy agreement. He knows this can't be forever -- even if a tiny part of him may think that would not be so horrible. But while it lasts? He's certainly inclined to enjoy it.
And a selfish part of him is rather glad for the confirmation that he has Bucky to himself. He never claimed to not be a selfish man.]
Sugar is fine, James.
[It isn't as if he hasn't lived on worse. Possibly his steady diet of black coffee and bacon was worse than this.]
One day, I should cook for you. I am not so bad in the kitchen... and perhaps someone aside from me can appreciate Sokovian dishes.
Zemo doesn't like that!! Zemo will break Dw's knees 😡
[Zemo finds himself rather-- content with the contact. One arm stays around Bucky, fingertips idly brushing over his shoulder as he explains the local dishes -- plenty of familiar ones from goulash to chicken paprikash to various kinds of other delicacies he'd had as a child.
It strikes him somewhere how domestic this has already become -- and how he should truly be more guarded against it. He's never been a foolish man before, but this feels like something a fool would do, setting themselves up for another loss.]
This is strange, isn't it? I would not have guessed the day you found me in Berlin that I would be sitting in your home, making plans for dinner...
[ Bucky knows this is reckless, and probably more than a little selfish. The simple fact is that Zemo will not be allowed to stay free forever, despite how useful he has become. One day, they will have to separate and it will likely devastate one, if not both of them. Maybe Bucky needs companionship, but Zemo doesn't deserve to have his heart broken by loss again.
If that's even how deeply invested the man is; Bucky isn't sure how much of this is fancy or how much it's actual attachment. Is he a fling? Or something else?
Bucky sighs, trying to fight against the threat of reality shattering his little domestic bubble. ]
[He wishes he could say it was just a fling, something that doesn't matter at all in the end. It would be a lie though. Still, he brings his fingers up to cart through Bucky's hair, giving a smile as he stays settled in.
This will end poorly, but he can't bring himself to stop it.]
Mhm.
[He lets out a soft laugh.]
I'm afraid I'm distracting you from the movie though.
[ Bucky finds himself leaning into the touch, a thread of tension unwinding in his body. ]
Oh right. I wasn't even reading the text wall. Hang on, lemme roll it back.
[ he rewinds, letting the movie play as he starts eating. His attention is fixed on the film, marveling at the special effects. Zemo might see a bit of open wonder in his eyes, something youthful on otherwise experienced features. ]
[The movie is... old by his standards, but he has to admit there's a certain interest in watching Bucky's eyes light up during the film, marveling at it in ways most wouldn't nowadays.
It makes him look so much younger.
It's worth sitting through the movies for this reason, he thinks.
And for most of it, he's fine quietly watching, or dropping what little trivia he knows about the movies here and there just to feed Bucky's interest.
It feels strangely domestic still, but he finds himself sinking into it almost comfortably either way.]
[ Having missed entire segments of pop culture, Bucky hangs on every bit of trivia as they go. While it's frustrating at times to have gaps like that, it's also worth filling them in to see people's second-hand enjoyment. And really, the person giving the details is just as good as the information itself.
Domesticity is something Bucky never had a whole lot of experience with, not outside his mother and sisters. Certainly not like this, just quietly enjoying someone else's companionship (no matter how much it's going to hurt at the end). If things weren't so poorly fated, he could almost get used to it.
As the credits roll: ]
Okay, the little bears are cute. [ Bucky sits up to stretch, putting his empty plate on the coffee table. ]
To watch the reaction to the movie was far more entertaining than sitting through the movie itself, he thinks. It's always more fascinating to watch Bucky genuinely enjoying himself beneath the somber looks, the stony demeanor he puts on at times.]
And to think, you only have eight more movies to go.
[He flashes a playful smile as he shifts closer to place his own plate near Bucky's.]
[ Look, they're literally tiny bears! Call them Ewoks and Bucky will just shrug. His surly demeanor has softened somewhat now that he's settled into something more comfortable with Sam (who is a much better counselor than his court-appointed one), and actually helped save a few lives. Maybe he's finally finding his footing, or even his place in this world. ]
Eight? I think I'll stop here.
[ Bucky knows it's a joke, and that there's two more trilogies. But he's content to just enjoy this one for a while and not fuss with more of the franchise. ]
Other than movies, I'm not sure I can provide you with a lot of entertainment. I never really thought I'd have visitors so there aren't any board games or anything.
I bet it does! I hope it has a made-for-TV version of Rogers: The Musical too. 🤔
[He gives an amused huff at the suggestion of board games. That sounds so -- old fashioned in a way.]
You do not have to entertain me, James. [Not more than he generally does anyway.] Your company is enough. And besides, this is already more than I had back in my cell at the Raft.
[Movies, company... more intimate experiences as well, of course.]
What were your favorite board games?
Hot Tub Time Machine= mcuSebastian Stan= mcuD+ = mcuMCUMUSICALS!
[ Bucky flushes a little, embarrassed yet again when Zemo reminds him of the conditions of the Raft. Everything so stark, so devoid of anything resembling comfort or enjoyment. It's so easy to take things for granted, even when he's spent years in a freezer.
He deflates a little, opting to shift and lay his head in Zemo's lap, legs dangling off the arm of the couch.]
I dunno, checkers maybe. A lot of the good ones came out after I was already deployed. I like Battleship okay [ Even if he got beat the last time ] but honestly, I prefer cards.
Oh my god, I always forget he was in that movie as the jerk, haha
[Zemo sees no reason to be embarrassed really -- he sealed his fate so long ago now. Whatever enjoyment or comfort he gets now is likely more than what most would consider him deserving of.
When Bucky lies his head down in his lap, Zemo drops his hand to brush through his hair. Soothing, affectionate motions as he listens to him speak.]
[ It's soothing to have someone so casually comfort him when he's not as capable of comforting himself. Zemo's easy demeanor and automatic petting ease some of the embarrassment.
At the question, he chuckles softly. ]
Not more than most guys, really. My ma would've strung me up by my toes if she learned I was out in the alleys throwing dice or betting on card games. Some of the guys would gamble when we deployed, but we only had coffee rations or cigarettes to bet with.
lol sorry for the massive lag! Got the second dose of the vaccine and been mush!
[There's a soft chuckle in return as Zemo looks down and watches the other man. He likes the way his hair feels through his fingers, the way Bucky seems soothed by such a simple gesture.]
So then, James... what else did you do back then for fun?
You already know so much about me, Zemo, but I don't know much about you. Why don't you tell me what you did for fun, so we can go one-to-one.
[ Maybe reading a personnel file or Army dossier isn't the same as learning personal details, but even with the handicap of knowing most of Bucky's professional life story it still feels like starting on the back foot. So much of Zemo's life is a mystery to Bucky, outside the high points he's already mentioned. It makes sense to try and get to know him better, especially considering how they've already fucked a few times on top of sharing this place for the time being. ]
[He's quiet for a moment, brows furrowing as he considers that. It's been a very long time until he's done much in the way of fun...]
Books. I have always enjoyed reading. And music. [Those are two things he's gotten to maintain while in a cell, fortunately.]
Before that, travel. Being a baron, being connected to royalty, it meant maintaining certain public appearances. Ridiculous parties, extravagant affairs, making certain I was on good terms with those I needed to be.
[ that's the stuff most people can only dream of, socializing with kings, diplomats, businesspeople, families of note. Bucky wonders if that's how Zemo met his wife, but asking such a thing could ruin the casual mood they've established. Instead, he pivots to another detail: ]
Did you have a favorite place to go? Maybe-- I dunno, an island somewhere, or a cabin in the mountains?
[There's a huff of a laugh. He enjoyed that house -- his family did as well. There were enough fond memories lingering there, even if he's not sure when, if ever, he'll make it back.
But then again, Bucky's isn't so uncomfortable either.]
Berlin was nice when I was not there to be placed in a cell. [He tilts his head back thoughtfully.]
Perhaps one day, we'll be able to take a trip for pleasure again. [Perhaps together, even.]
Yeah, America's kinda unremarkable compared to that. We're still a young country. Not as much history.
[ And no real background of a titled class of landowning families. The push against monarchy and titles and nobility really split how Americans view themselves and how they relate to their European cousins.
Bucky shifts a little, relaxing his neck so it won't cramp while in Zemo's lap. ]
I'd always wanted to see the world growing up. Never thought I'd lack the choice in where or when, though.
[His fingers play through Bucky's hair for a few more moments before carefully sliding down over the side of his face, tracing over the line of a strong jaw as his eyes trail down.
He looks comfortable where he is.]
You could go, if you wanted. Anywhere you'd like, now.
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Ahh, awesome! I didn't make it this year. Hope you're having fun!
[He thinks he knows Bucky well enough to be able to make some suggestions, and the classics are well known enough anyway.]
It was a very good idea, but tomorrow, we will actually stock your kitchen, James. I will have to insist.
!!!! YOU GO TO DRAGON? ILU 3000
Bachelor pads aren't fit for barons.
💕!!!
[Not that he-- necessarily wants to label this, but it certainly isn't quite just an ill-advised hookup whenever they should cross paths now.]
Unless I should still expect the potential to walk in on you in another's company...
I FINALLY SAW SOME ZEMOS
[ Whatever this is, Bucky damn sure isn't going to be sleeping with other people. Sure this is star-crossed, but it's nice. It's what he needs for the time being.
Just as he's about to lean in and kiss Zemo to drive the point home, there's a sharp knock at the door. ]
Pizza's here.
[ Bucky leaps up to answer the door and fish for some cash in his pocket. Once they're alone again, he brings the food to the coffee table and fetches some sodas. ]
I know it's all sugar, but I ran out of beer.
DW hates seeing Zemos and notifs apparently!!
And a selfish part of him is rather glad for the confirmation that he has Bucky to himself. He never claimed to not be a selfish man.]
Sugar is fine, James.
[It isn't as if he hasn't lived on worse. Possibly his steady diet of black coffee and bacon was worse than this.]
One day, I should cook for you. I am not so bad in the kitchen... and perhaps someone aside from me can appreciate Sokovian dishes.
Zemo doesn't like that!! Zemo will break Dw's knees 😡
[ Bucky tucks his bare feet under himself and leans in against Zemo as he explains. ]
DW Does seem to be singling him out!! 😤
It strikes him somewhere how domestic this has already become -- and how he should truly be more guarded against it. He's never been a foolish man before, but this feels like something a fool would do, setting themselves up for another loss.]
This is strange, isn't it? I would not have guessed the day you found me in Berlin that I would be sitting in your home, making plans for dinner...
Dw is clearly Sokovian-ist
If that's even how deeply invested the man is; Bucky isn't sure how much of this is fancy or how much it's actual attachment. Is he a fling? Or something else?
Bucky sighs, trying to fight against the threat of reality shattering his little domestic bubble. ]
Birds of a feather, I guess.
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This will end poorly, but he can't bring himself to stop it.]
Mhm.
[He lets out a soft laugh.]
I'm afraid I'm distracting you from the movie though.
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Oh right. I wasn't even reading the text wall. Hang on, lemme roll it back.
[ he rewinds, letting the movie play as he starts eating. His attention is fixed on the film, marveling at the special effects. Zemo might see a bit of open wonder in his eyes, something youthful on otherwise experienced features. ]
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It makes him look so much younger.
It's worth sitting through the movies for this reason, he thinks.
And for most of it, he's fine quietly watching, or dropping what little trivia he knows about the movies here and there just to feed Bucky's interest.
It feels strangely domestic still, but he finds himself sinking into it almost comfortably either way.]
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Domesticity is something Bucky never had a whole lot of experience with, not outside his mother and sisters. Certainly not like this, just quietly enjoying someone else's companionship (no matter how much it's going to hurt at the end). If things weren't so poorly fated, he could almost get used to it.
As the credits roll: ]
Okay, the little bears are cute. [ Bucky sits up to stretch, putting his empty plate on the coffee table. ]
This was a really fun movie!
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To watch the reaction to the movie was far more entertaining than sitting through the movie itself, he thinks. It's always more fascinating to watch Bucky genuinely enjoying himself beneath the somber looks, the stony demeanor he puts on at times.]
And to think, you only have eight more movies to go.
[He flashes a playful smile as he shifts closer to place his own plate near Bucky's.]
Ok but does Disney+ exist in the MCU🤔
Eight? I think I'll stop here.
[ Bucky knows it's a joke, and that there's two more trilogies. But he's content to just enjoy this one for a while and not fuss with more of the franchise. ]
Other than movies, I'm not sure I can provide you with a lot of entertainment. I never really thought I'd have visitors so there aren't any board games or anything.
I bet it does! I hope it has a made-for-TV version of Rogers: The Musical too. 🤔
You do not have to entertain me, James. [Not more than he generally does anyway.] Your company is enough. And besides, this is already more than I had back in my cell at the Raft.
[Movies, company... more intimate experiences as well, of course.]
What were your favorite board games?
Hot Tub Time Machine= mcuSebastian Stan= mcuD+ = mcuMCUMUSICALS!
He deflates a little, opting to shift and lay his head in Zemo's lap, legs dangling off the arm of the couch.]
I dunno, checkers maybe. A lot of the good ones came out after I was already deployed. I like Battleship okay [ Even if he got beat the last time ] but honestly, I prefer cards.
Oh my god, I always forget he was in that movie as the jerk, haha
When Bucky lies his head down in his lap, Zemo drops his hand to brush through his hair. Soothing, affectionate motions as he listens to him speak.]
Were you much of a gambler back then?
"Bad news for you champ, I'm a PATRIOT" lol
At the question, he chuckles softly. ]
Not more than most guys, really. My ma would've strung me up by my toes if she learned I was out in the alleys throwing dice or betting on card games. Some of the guys would gamble when we deployed, but we only had coffee rations or cigarettes to bet with.
lol sorry for the massive lag! Got the second dose of the vaccine and been mush!
So then, James... what else did you do back then for fun?
It is ok!! I know the 2nd dose can be a doozy 😵
You already know so much about me, Zemo, but I don't know much about you. Why don't you tell me what you did for fun, so we can go one-to-one.
[ Maybe reading a personnel file or Army dossier isn't the same as learning personal details, but even with the handicap of knowing most of Bucky's professional life story it still feels like starting on the back foot. So much of Zemo's life is a mystery to Bucky, outside the high points he's already mentioned. It makes sense to try and get to know him better, especially considering how they've already fucked a few times on top of sharing this place for the time being. ]
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Books. I have always enjoyed reading. And music. [Those are two things he's gotten to maintain while in a cell, fortunately.]
Before that, travel. Being a baron, being connected to royalty, it meant maintaining certain public appearances. Ridiculous parties, extravagant affairs, making certain I was on good terms with those I needed to be.
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[ that's the stuff most people can only dream of, socializing with kings, diplomats, businesspeople, families of note. Bucky wonders if that's how Zemo met his wife, but asking such a thing could ruin the casual mood they've established. Instead, he pivots to another detail: ]
Did you have a favorite place to go? Maybe-- I dunno, an island somewhere, or a cabin in the mountains?
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[There's a huff of a laugh. He enjoyed that house -- his family did as well. There were enough fond memories lingering there, even if he's not sure when, if ever, he'll make it back.
But then again, Bucky's isn't so uncomfortable either.]
Berlin was nice when I was not there to be placed in a cell. [He tilts his head back thoughtfully.]
Perhaps one day, we'll be able to take a trip for pleasure again. [Perhaps together, even.]
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[ And no real background of a titled class of landowning families. The push against monarchy and titles and nobility really split how Americans view themselves and how they relate to their European cousins.
Bucky shifts a little, relaxing his neck so it won't cramp while in Zemo's lap. ]
I'd always wanted to see the world growing up. Never thought I'd lack the choice in where or when, though.
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He looks comfortable where he is.]
You could go, if you wanted. Anywhere you'd like, now.
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i could HEAR the expression on Zemo's icon LOL
Haha, the insult!! 😤
He is not subtle!!
He's not!! He's very expressive, haha.
it's adorable
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Talk about that booster shot hitting me like a FREIGHT TRAIN omg
Oh, no! I hope you feel better!
I was down bad on Sat but up and running by Sun night! Bodies are weird🤷♀️
Bodies are super weird! But I'm glad you're feeling better!
😁👍
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lyingggggg
lying liar
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Handwave fluffy Liberty Island trip y/n?🗽
y!!
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