experienceandpatience

[ 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. ]

This was a really fun movie!

[That has him huffing out a laugh. Little bears.

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.

[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?

[ 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.

[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.]

Were you much of a gambler back then?

[ 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.

[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?

[ He clicks his tongue, shrugging. ]

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.

Ooh, fancy parties. The life of a wealthy noble.

[ 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?

.. Riga.

[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.

[ he sighs, frowning a little even as Zemo's touch follows the edge of his jawline. ]

I dunno, seems like it lost its appeal when all I can think of is the last time I went. Who I killed there.

[ That and the lack of someone to really enjoy it all with. ]

There isn't any place on earth that doesn't hold such memories?

[Fingers slide back to comb through Bucky's hair, soothing when he notices that frown tugging at his lips.]

Perhaps it would be better to decide how we will spend the rest of the day for now. Is there anything you would like to do, James?

Not many.

[ But the petting soothes him, working as Zemo likely intended. A bit of tension that had sneaked into his shoulders loosens, and he seems to sink into the couch a little. ]

Honestly, as long as I'm with you, we can go anywhere in the city. I mean you might need one of my old baseball caps and some sunglasses, but you did say something about picking up fresh clothes.

It would be quite scandalous for you if anyone noticed you're with a terrorist, I suppose.

[And certainly bad for him if anyone learned he was out of The Raft, even if it's only on a very short leash. Still-- the prospect of fresh air and clothes do have him smiling.]

Some for you as well. Something nice... it's also been a very long time since I've been out for dinner. I expect it at some point, James.

[And at somewhere proper -- not quick takeout. Not that he has anything against that, generally, but there's something he's missed about sitting in a proper restaurant, with charming company.]

[ Bucky's eyebrows lift, his eyes meeting Zemo's. ]

Baron Zemo, are you asking me on a date?

[ With the 'nice' clothes comment and the requirement for an actual table-restaurant (and not pizza delivery). There's the ghost of a smile on Bucky's lips, something wry as he flirts. ]

[There's a huff at that, lips curling up despite himself.]

Well, I have been in bed with you multiple times... it seems appropriate at this point.

[He's teasing and it's obvious in his tone, he thinks.]

So, is that a yes, James?

[ Bucky finds way more enjoyment in making Zemo crack a smile than perhaps he should (the man scowls too much, his features light up when he's amused). ]

Keep this up and you might have me feeling like I'm not just your favorite booty call.

[ He can tease too, Zemo. ]

If I recall, James, I was not the one who did the calling last night... I suppose I should feel flattered that I'm the one you thought of first.

[And if he wasn't-- well, James should certainly keep that one to himself.]

And you were also the one who decided to keep me now that I think of it... Does that mean I'm your favorite as well?

[ Dry: ] It means there's no one in my phone book.

[ Besides Sam and a couple of others. Bucky's wildly undersocialized, and even when he has regular talks with neighbors, he doesn't spend quality time with them. If Bucky had a whole contact list full of people, he'd still only send texts like that to Zemo. (No sense in ruining his already tenuous reputation by scandalizing a civilian) ]

Which is pretty sad for me, but lucky for you. I happen to be very charming and handsome.

[Zemo's eyes narrow slightly as he seems to consider that. It's not surprising, really -- the reluctance to make any permanent ties, to socialize or become close with anyone around him. It's not a healthy thing, but it's not surprising either.

Zemo could carefully point that out, but Bucky has seemed to be brooding quite a bit since he arrived, on and off. So what he does instead is give a light push to get Bucky up and moving and an exaggerated sigh.]

Charming is debatable, James. Charming means you would at least make an attempt to make me feel like your best choice, not simply your only one. Perhaps instead of dinner, we should go somewhere where you could meet other contacts for your phone.

[ Bucky's mood has indeed been rather bleak recently, partially leading to his drunken texting. But he actually seems overdramatically offended at his charm being questioned as Zemo prompts him to get up. ]

Wow, dumping me already.

[ He makes a exaggerated pearl-clutching gesture, but he's reaching for the keys to his motorcycle and his sunglasses in spite of the show. ]

Let me get my boots on and you can roast me in public.

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Ok but does Disney+ exist in the MCU🤔

I bet it does! I hope it has a made-for-TV version of Rogers: The Musical too. 🤔

Hot Tub Time Machine= mcuSebastian Stan= mcuD+ = mcuMCUMUSICALS!

Oh my god, I always forget he was in that movie as the jerk, haha

"Bad news for you champ, I'm a PATRIOT" lol

lol sorry for the massive lag! Got the second dose of the vaccine and been mush!

It is ok!! I know the 2nd dose can be a doozy 😵

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i could HEAR the expression on Zemo's icon LOL