experienceandpatience

[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.

Ah, well, James, I didn't think you'd be too heart broken over your only current choice. I'm clearly not impressive enough to enjoy the sweettalking you offer your other suitors after all.

[Another sigh as he goes to retrieve a cap -- and one of Bucky's jackets. Anyone who remembers him from the news will hopefully not notice him dressed down a bit. It's been eight years -- he thinks it will be more than fine at this point.

After he's ready, he moves to follow Bucky out. It's... strange, honestly. He's rather used to solitary confinement at this point. The prospect of going out in crowds without any sort of goal is certainly a new one.]

[ Just before the threshold, Bucky tugs at Zemo's waistband hard, pulling their bodies flush so he can mouth over Zemo's ear. ]

I got you over here with a selfie and some emojis. [ His voice is a low murmur, hot and dangerous even as his left hand snakes below the covering of loose pants so he can curl metal fingers into the meat of Zemo's ass. ] Maybe you're a cheap date...or I'm not the only one with limited choices.

[ Just so his comment isn't taken too seriously, Bucky plants a long, open mouth kiss to the column of Zemo's neck, sucking a small hickey into the pale skin there. A mark, something possessive Zemo can't hide while they're mingling with shoppers.

Once he's satisfied the hickey will stick, Bucky leans back to survey his work before cupping Zemo's cheek. A moment passes while he simply takes in the man, those dark eyes, before Bucky smiles softly. ]

Wait til we're dressed up.

[There's a sharp intake of breath when he's pulled back against the solid body in a way he hadn't expected at all. He parts his lips to protest the idea of being cheap, even as unyielding metal dig in in ways that sent a shock of arousal through him.

Fingers slide up to tangle into Bucky's shirt, torn between giving him a push and keeping him there -- even as heat creeps up from his neck, towards his face as Bucky leaves his mark. Unfair, really, when Zemo can't leave one in return that will stick.]

James-- [And just like that, it feels like Bucky's managed to catch him off guard with a simple touch to his cheek and soft smile. For all his teasing, he's not entirely sure how to respond to being looked at like that anymore. He ducks his head for a moment, a small smile gracing his lips before he gives a careful tug at Bucky's shirt.]

... Speaking of-- we should go. I'll need a few things at least if I'm staying here.

[ Bucky reaches up to wiggle the bill of the baseball cap covering Zemo's hair. ]

You bet. Gimme a minute.

[ He grabs his boots, zipping them up with a quickness he'd never admit to being eager, and tosses his keys a few times in his palm. ]

Let's go.

[ He dons the sunglasses and leads them out to his motorcycle, pausing for a moment before pressing his lips together. The motorcycle is nice, but doesn't have adequate storage. ] You know, I think we might need to take something with a little more space, if we're coming back with clothes.

I could call a car for us, if you'd rather.

[Although the motorcycle had been almost tempting... perhaps another time.

He reaches out to give a playful tug to Bucky's sleeve.]

You could do with more than one set of new clothes after all.

[ taking the bike was supposed to be a way for them to get some thrills from speeding through traffic...but it will have to wait. The temptation to be spoiled is a bit too much to suggest a cab. ]

Who am I to turn down a Baron's car? [ a beat ] Even in my pauper's clothes.

You're in luck, then. Oeznik insisted upon staying close when he learned I wouldn't be locked away in The Raft permanently. At least not yet.

[And Zemo would trust him over a cab any day -- even if it isn't the most low profile means of travel.

He takes out his phone to send a quick message before he looks over at Bucky.]

We'll have a few moments to wait.

[ He perks up. ] Oeznik! Do you think he'd mind it if I called him Niki? Mm. Maybe not, he doesn't look like a nickname kind of guy.

I'd probably wake up with a grenade in my bed.

You're not supposed to be the one with a death wish, James.

[He jokes, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he puts his phone back in his pocket.

They'll have a few moments before the old man arrives, so he reaches out to hook a finger in Bucky's waistband, giving him a short tug forward, a more playful expression gracing his expression.]

We'll already have judging looks when he sees your marks left behind, I'm certain.

[ Bucky's gaze drops to Zemo's lips, then to his neck. Tempting. ]

Am I gonna get the shovel talk?

[ He winks, then brushes some nonexistent lint from Zemo's shoulder. ]

For all he knows, you could be macking on Valentina.

[He doubts Oeznik will say much at all to Bucky about it, in truth... though Zemo suspects he may receive a word or two about it.]

Please, James... as charming as she can be, she's not quite my type.

[Least of all when she's currently the one deciding whether or not to let him rot in The Raft if he steps one toe out of line.

He pauses, teasing--]

Unless I could seduce my way into a lighter sentence, but somehow... I think she's a bit more intelligent than that.

[Which is something he also appreciates about her, even if it's infuriating... she knows them all so well. She knows how to play them.]

Hey, intelligence goes out the window when it comes to seduction. [ is he speaking from experience? Maaaaaybe. ] You make a person feel special enough, and they're putty in your hands.

[ And this is definitely something he's not going to admit to himself because if he thinks about how Zemo spoils him, how good he is with his hands and his tongue... ]

I somehow doubt she's the type... [She's clearly got her eyes on an entirely separate prize from what he can observe. Besides, his own attention is perhaps a bit too focused on the man in front of him.

He reaches up to gently grasp Bucky by the chin after a bit of consideration, guiding him down to a proper kiss.]

Besides, your time is what I want if I'm not to sit in a cell alone for the rest of my life. Wasting my freedom with someone else seems a waste of time.

[Even if he is more of a convenience for Bucky -- someone that is far too knowledgeable about what and who he is, someone he doesn't have to try to be normal for.

One day, he'll want something normal -- Zemo has little doubt of that. But for right now, he'll selfishly indulge in... whatever this is.]

[ Something about the way Zemo kisses him in broad daylight, gingerly guiding him by the chin, makes him feel like he could float right out of his boots. When their lips part, Bucky takes a moment to blink the daze away. His voice is a low rumble. ]

Now see, that's the kind of stuff that gets a gal all fluttery.

[It isn't as if there's anyone around them that Zemo cares about seeing them -- and he's never been inclined to shame anyway. He gives a playful pat to Bucky's cheek at the comment before he takes a step back.]

Looks like our ride is arriving, James.

...right. [ god he feels like all Zemo would need to do is crook a finger, and Bucky would just float right after him.

How far gone is he?

Trying to square his shoulders and not look so dazed, Bucky clears his throat as the car pulls up. ]

Oeznik, my man! Good to see ya. Stylish as always.

[ A bit of irreverence to throw off the scent as Bucky claps the man on his arm. Of course Oeznik holds Zemo's door but Bucky doesn't wait for such a gesture before clambering in.

"Has my Baron exchanged one captor for another?" he asks in clipped Sokovian. ]

[There's something gratifying in seeing the reactions he gets from James - a tiny reassurance to negate the little voice that tells him this is a foolish move.

Getting involved with this particular man, opening himself up in uncomfortably vulnerable ways.

It's easy to push aside when he sees Oeznik though -- his familiar friend. He greets with an easy smile on his lips, exchanges brief greetings before he goes to slip in the back. Eyes trail towards Bucky at the question, thoughtfully. "It remains to be seen... So far, he has been a rather welcome relief from the cell."

He's not entirely sure if it will get a stern look from the older man, a reminder to not let his guard too far down. But lying to Oeznik has never been terribly appealing.]

[ Oeznik gives a suspicious look, something crossed with skepticism if the narrowing of his eyes is any indication; the man knows better than to question further, though he clearly has reservations. "Where shall I take you and Sergeant Barnes?"

Bucky leans in to confess something, his own voice a soft murmur: ]

I don't do high-end, so I hope you know some brand names.

["I need clothes since I will not longer be wearing prison garb only." He trusts that Oeznik will take them somewhere that will have the quality he expects. He's not worried about that in the slightest.

Part of him is rather eager to be out of prison garb or the few items he managed to reclaim here and there.

He turns to Bucky, giving a bit of a smile.]

Don't worry, James. You'll look very sharp by the end of this.

[ "I believe there are a few bespoke tailors and shops in the city that will suit your tastes."

Of course Oeznik has noticed the stray item poached from Bucky's closet, but is far too polite to comment on its suitability for his master's sartorial presentation. He does switch to English, ostensibly for Bucky's benefit, adding, "Will Sergeant Barnes require additional wardrobe as well?" ]

I think the Baron here has decided to give me what the kids call a glow-up.

We're having dinner later, so he really should look the part.

[He gives Bucky a passing look over, lips quirking up in a brief smile.]

I can't recall the last time I was in a position to add to my wardrobe... it's almost exciting in a way, to do something so normal.

[ Bucky cuts a sly glance to Zemo before scanning the streets they pass. It's so easy to forget that Zemo was locked up for five or more years, only being able to wear plain clothing and the occasional hoodie provided to him. Certainly nothing fancy or bespoke. It'll be interesting to see what he chooses for himself outside of a mission, when he doesn't have to make room for a gun holster underneath a heavy coat. ]

How fancy is this dinner-- are we talking nice, or tuxedo nice?

I won't make you put on a tuxedo tonight.

[Although the thought is rather appealing, now that Bucky has brought it up... he's certainly filing it away for now.]

But somewhere nice enough. I haven't gone out anywhere since... Riga, I suppose, when we shared breakfast.

[Zemo would say Walker missed out on a perfectly fine morning that day, but the further away Walker is from him significantly improves his own day enough to not want to encourage him around too much.]

I'm certain Oeznik can make suitable arrangements... isn't that right, old friend?

[He's always managed to exceed Zemo's expectations after all.]

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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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