[ This is absolutely going to end in emotional disaster for them both, but you only live once (as the kids say). It is better to have l—well. Better to have experienced something eh? Even if only for a time.
Bucky stands quietly, extending his arms or straightening his posture when prompted. The measuring is done in short order, and their attendant is off to gather various suits to present for their picking. All are black or charcoal, slim in the hips but accommodating for Bucky's shoulders.
"Should I expand the colors, or would you prefer a splash of something in say, a tie?"
Bucky presses his lips together, considering. The expression looks a bit dismayed, but his resting face can appear somewhat...dour to the uninitiated.
"A pocket square, perhaps?" The attendant quickly supplies, attempting to put Bucky back into a more comfortable zone. ]
Yeah. I'd like that. [ An awkward snort ] Not really a "tie guy."
[ "Of course." Then he's off to procure a menagerie of silken fabrics, each one more flamboyant than the last, save a collection which are muted patterns or single solids in mostly warm shades (to contrast with the black).
Bucky eyes them, starting to get that overwhelming feeling when presented with too many options. His eyes flick to Zemo, silently pleading for help. ]
[For his part, Zemo lets Bucky handle his business, have his choices. He resists the urge to suggest their attendant bring more suit colors out after all -- even if Bucky might end up detesting them.
But he also makes that decision for himself. Zemo can appreciate the ease Bucky is making choices for himself now, although he is quick to step in when Bucky seems to need it.]
Red is your color, or perhaps navy.
[He suggests helpfully. Nothing too flamboyant, but something at least.]
[ Just the sound of Zemo's voice gets the ground back under Bucky's feet, and he steadies. He does select some darker reds and a couple of navy kerchiefs, even with patterns! Once he's gotten started selecting things, it's easier to keep going.
[There's a smirk tugging at Zemo's lips as he steps closer to Bucky, hardly caring if anyone finds it a bit suspiciously close or not as he idly looks over the selection.
He tries not to be possessive... Bucky isn't any quite his after all, but-- there's a thrill that goes through him at the thought of the man in his color. Just a private little statement where they could never declare anything without others thinking them absolutely mad.
A private reminder to Bucky who he is returning to bed with for the foreseeable future.]
It would suit you as well, of course... [He tilts his head up, meeting Bucky's eyes.]
[ Bucky's chin mirrors the motion of Zemo's, a slight movement nearly imperceptible. The comment about dinner- that did it, that sold the whole shebang.
Bucky indicates one kerchief in that specific reddish-grape hue that most closely matches Zemo's asymmetrical tunic. ]
I think I'll definitely go with that one.
[ it takes immense will not to slide one arm around Zemo's waist and pull him in. Branding himself with a color sends a thrill through him; their own little secret. ]
[His fingers slide up to Bucky's shoulder, making a show of smoothing out material but it's mostly an excuse to touch in a way that won't garner them too many looks. He smiles to himself.]
Now give me a moment to pick up something a little more... appropriate as well. Then I think we could both use a few more... casual items as well.
[He's not going to be in prison garb the majority of the time, so he needs some items at Bucky's home at least.]
[ When the attendant isn't looking, Bucky winks and steps away. That moment between them had been palpable, a brimming sort of frission laden with promise of After Dinner.
Maybe Zemo will take that pretty pocket square and tie it in a pretty bow around Bucky's neck--
He stops the thought, not wanting to get riled up too early in the trip. (Or to make Oeznik retract the probationary good will.) ]
[He has little doubt his old friend will play nice with Bucky -- perhaps share an old story or two. Zemo can only imagine what sort.
Not that he dwells on it with so many more pleasant thoughts of their upcoming date (and after) springing to mind.
After he's made his own selections for the evening, he's off to find them anyway. When he does, they're both greeted with a short nod of his head and a pleasant enough look.]
I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important.
[ Oeznik has been...laconic. His replies to Bucky's questions have been incredibly brief, almost overly succinct (even terse) in the absence of the Baron.
So when Zemo reappears, Bucky is scrolling through his phone playing Candy Crush when he hears the footsteps. ]
Oh yeah I got the whole life story, dirty details and all.
[ Oeznik huffs, "Certainly not, sir," in Sokovian and Bucky snickers. ]
[He's not entirely certain for a moment -- being out somewhere so public. It shouldn't be an issue, of course. He'd have never thought of it as one years ago, but it seems such an odd thing now, after so many years in a tiny cell.
Still-- Bucky wants to go, Oeznik seems to be encouraging it in his own way, so after a moment, he nods.]
Of course we can go.
[Of course if anyone sees Bucky out with Zemo again, he won't be held responsible for any damage to his reputation.]
Although I wonder why you thought of it... Have you been?
[He moves to get in their waiting car, telling Oeznik where to go next. If the old man gives him any sort of looks, they're ignored for now. He can't help but tease--]
You should be careful. Someone may be under the impression this is a date, James.
[ Bucky lifts his eyebrows to the dutiful driver, looking for support. Oeznik merely replies in his non-committal and formal way, "The Baron may see whomever he wishes."
It's not a strict answer (and Oeznik is more or less filling the role of an adult chaperone with two teenage lovebirds), but Bucky winks at Zemo. ]
[He wants to argue that his superhero friends may, whoever is left around, but ends up just giving a shake of his head. He's not planning on drawing any more attention to himself than usual after all -- and he's not at all terrible at blending in.]
You may call me Helmut, if you would rather. I wouldn't mind it. [Even if few ever actually use it.]
[There's an easier smile at the touch, his hand sliding down to cover Bucky's easily. If he's worried about Oeznik's judgement, he doesn't seem to show it--
and besides, the old man will have the grace to save it for when they're alone anyway.]
I like the way my name sounds on your tongue, regardless of which one you use.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Bucky stands quietly, extending his arms or straightening his posture when prompted. The measuring is done in short order, and their attendant is off to gather various suits to present for their picking. All are black or charcoal, slim in the hips but accommodating for Bucky's shoulders.
"Should I expand the colors, or would you prefer a splash of something in say, a tie?"
Bucky presses his lips together, considering. The expression looks a bit dismayed, but his resting face can appear somewhat...dour to the uninitiated.
"A pocket square, perhaps?" The attendant quickly supplies, attempting to put Bucky back into a more comfortable zone. ]
Yeah. I'd like that. [ An awkward snort ] Not really a "tie guy."
[ "Of course." Then he's off to procure a menagerie of silken fabrics, each one more flamboyant than the last, save a collection which are muted patterns or single solids in mostly warm shades (to contrast with the black).
Bucky eyes them, starting to get that overwhelming feeling when presented with too many options. His eyes flick to Zemo, silently pleading for help. ]
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But he also makes that decision for himself. Zemo can appreciate the ease Bucky is making choices for himself now, although he is quick to step in when Bucky seems to need it.]
Red is your color, or perhaps navy.
[He suggests helpfully. Nothing too flamboyant, but something at least.]
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His finger hovers over one specific kerchief. ]
I was thinking maybe purple.
[ add a wry smirk. ]
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[There's a smirk tugging at Zemo's lips as he steps closer to Bucky, hardly caring if anyone finds it a bit suspiciously close or not as he idly looks over the selection.
He tries not to be possessive... Bucky isn't any quite his after all, but-- there's a thrill that goes through him at the thought of the man in his color. Just a private little statement where they could never declare anything without others thinking them absolutely mad.
A private reminder to Bucky who he is returning to bed with for the foreseeable future.]
It would suit you as well, of course... [He tilts his head up, meeting Bucky's eyes.]
Especially for our dinner tonight.
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Bucky indicates one kerchief in that specific reddish-grape hue that most closely matches Zemo's asymmetrical tunic. ]
I think I'll definitely go with that one.
[ it takes immense will not to slide one arm around Zemo's waist and pull him in. Branding himself with a color sends a thrill through him; their own little secret. ]
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Now give me a moment to pick up something a little more... appropriate as well. Then I think we could both use a few more... casual items as well.
[He's not going to be in prison garb the majority of the time, so he needs some items at Bucky's home at least.]
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[ When the attendant isn't looking, Bucky winks and steps away. That moment between them had been palpable, a brimming sort of frission laden with promise of After Dinner.
Maybe Zemo will take that pretty pocket square and tie it in a pretty bow around Bucky's neck--
He stops the thought, not wanting to get riled up too early in the trip. (Or to make Oeznik retract the probationary good will.) ]
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[He has little doubt his old friend will play nice with Bucky -- perhaps share an old story or two. Zemo can only imagine what sort.
Not that he dwells on it with so many more pleasant thoughts of their upcoming date (and after) springing to mind.
After he's made his own selections for the evening, he's off to find them anyway. When he does, they're both greeted with a short nod of his head and a pleasant enough look.]
I hope I'm not interrupting anything too important.
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So when Zemo reappears, Bucky is scrolling through his phone playing Candy Crush when he hears the footsteps. ]
Oh yeah I got the whole life story, dirty details and all.
[ Oeznik huffs, "Certainly not, sir," in Sokovian and Bucky snickers. ]
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Are there any requests on where you would like to go next, James?
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[ It's out of his mouth before he can stop himself, and his cheeks flush a slight shade of pink. ]
What do we do until dinner?
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I had no plans beyond clothes. [And those have been aquired, so--]
A movie, perhaps? [Isn't that a very American... date? Dinner and a movie? It's certainly something to spend some time doing.]
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[ Bucky perks up, and looks to Oeznik for backup.
"Perhaps sight-seeing could provide a diversion until the tailoring has been finished."
Bucky affects a rather exaggerated waggle of his eyebrows, tempting Zemo with the idea. ]
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Still-- Bucky wants to go, Oeznik seems to be encouraging it in his own way, so after a moment, he nods.]
Of course we can go.
[Of course if anyone sees Bucky out with Zemo again, he won't be held responsible for any damage to his reputation.]
Although I wonder why you thought of it... Have you been?
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[ As if he can just turn them invisible and go parading around busy tourist spots. ]
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[He moves to get in their waiting car, telling Oeznik where to go next. If the old man gives him any sort of looks, they're ignored for now. He can't help but tease--]
You should be careful. Someone may be under the impression this is a date, James.
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[ Bucky lifts his eyebrows to the dutiful driver, looking for support. Oeznik merely replies in his non-committal and formal way, "The Baron may see whomever he wishes."
It's not a strict answer (and Oeznik is more or less filling the role of an adult chaperone with two teenage lovebirds), but Bucky winks at Zemo. ]
See, totally fine.
Oh- you brought sunglasses, right?
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But this is Bucky's reputation to ruin if he wants, being seen in a rather public area with a known terrorist. Zemo isn't inclined to say no.
He does give a curious look at the question though.]
Why?
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Oh my god, for the disguise.
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[He makes a face at that, incredulous.]
James, I hardly think a pair of sunglasses will hide who I am.
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You may call me Helmut, if you would rather. I wouldn't mind it. [Even if few ever actually use it.]
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Bucky's used the given name before, but has gotten a bit fond of using it behind closed doors. Then again-- ]
Is that a request?
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[There's an easier smile at the touch, his hand sliding down to cover Bucky's easily. If he's worried about Oeznik's judgement, he doesn't seem to show it--
and besides, the old man will have the grace to save it for when they're alone anyway.]
I like the way my name sounds on your tongue, regardless of which one you use.
Handwave fluffy Liberty Island trip y/n?🗽
[ He offers a good-natured leer, flipping his hand over to link their fingers together. ]
At least until your guy Oeznik objects.
y!!
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