Chapter 3
The two men were sitting in Zemo's private jet as they were flown to the states, heading to Louisiana. The flight would take a while, and the two men sat across from each other, silent in the plane. Zemo was taking sips from his champagne as he sat, occasionally glancing at James, who was watching outside the window. The silence was far too loud for Zemo, and he decided to speak up with his usual charms.
" So, mind explaining to me our new plans, James?" He asked, having not questioned Bucky's direction up to this point," I understand we are going to the States; however, we never discussed the specifics of said trip."
James would perk up at this and nodded, sighing a bit before saying," We're going to Louisiana. Sam has agreed to help me help you learn to control your new powers."
Just mentioning his new strengths made Zemo straighten up a bit, tense at the memory.
" He has a renovation project that requires strength and delicacy, and it could be a good start for you in order to learn how to use your powers.
Zemo would give a curt nod, going to lean his head into his free hand, looking anywhere but at James.
" I see. Well, let us hope Sam holds no grudges if the boat turns out worse for wear from us."
James would smirk at Zemo's little joke, going silent afterward. Silence would fill the plane again, this one a bit more uncomfortable as the weight of the topic lay on them.
Zemo looked at his champagne, now wishing it was something a bit stronger, as he went to take a large drink of it. He would stare at the glass, his mind wandering to the events leading to his gained powers. To Walker, who was the reason he even got these powers in the first place. He felt anger slowly build in him against Walker. Against how power-hungry he had seen Walker. Against how insolent the man was. He swore he would make Walker pay when he saw that man again.
His thoughts were interrupted when he perked up at the sound of glass breaking, his eyes focusing back on the glass in his hand, which was gone now. Pieces of the drink scattered in his hand and on the floor, as the champagne spilled all over his glove and floor. James' eyes would perk up at this as well, drawn to the mess of glass and champagne in Zemo's hand. Silence stayed there for a bit as Zemo took in what he had accidentally done. His anger had affected him so much that he had shattered his drink. It startled the man by how easily his anger had affected him already.
" Apologies," Zemo murmured, going to stand and move through the plan to clean his hand up and get Oeznik to help clean up the mess.
Bucky looked concerned as Zemo left for the bathroom, worried about what was happening in that man's mind. He would look at the mess on the floor and help Oeznik by picking the glass from the floor and into the trash bag Oeznik held. Zemo would return, looking surprised to see James help clean. He had taken off his coat, leaving himself in his purple sweater without gloves, similar to how he looked at the party in Mandipoor, except for the gun strap that wrapped around the back of his upper body.
" On your knees to help clean up my mess, James?" Zemo jabbed lightly," You're too kind."
" Oh, shut up." James shot back quickly, seeming to blush a bit as he continued to work.
Zemo seemed unsure of what to do, so he simply stood to the side. He would soon kneel down next to James, a towel in his hand, as he gently went and tried to dry up the champagne that was now staining the floor of the jet. James would look puzzled at Zemo, who kept his expression blank as he silently worked to clean up. James wondered why Zemo had joined him in his cleaning, finding it easier not to question it. James would take a second before returning to work, the two taking the silence as they cleaned.
Once the two finished, they would sit back in their seats and avoid looking at each other. Neither could explain it, but the shared moment felt... peaceful. Right, in the sense of the word, which confused both men. They couldn't explain why it felt so comfortable, but they decided to not spare a thought to it as they left themselves to their devices while awaiting to arrive in Louisiana.
They would land some hours later, leaving the landing grounds to head to the car Zemo had prepared for them. When they approached, one of the Dora Milaje could be seen standing off the side of the car with a metallic suitcase. Bucky smiled at this, going ahead to meet up with the warrior to take it, thanking them in Wakandan before turning to watch Zemo catch up to the car.
" If i may, what is in that suitcase, James?" Zemo asked curiously as he observed the silver and black case.
James would hum at the question saying," It's something for Sam. Nothing you really need to worry about right now. Let's head to the hotel first, then head down to the docks where Sam's boat is. Think of this as community service."
" I can't wait to put my services to your use." Zemo rolled his eyes as he spoke.
They got in the car with Zemo in the passenger seat and James in the back. The ride didn't take long as they soon arrived at a nice-looking hotel, both heading in to check in and go to their room. James held all the luggage, having insisted that he could do it with Zemo, simply letting James do as he pleased while giving him snide remarks.
Once in the room, they settled in and enjoyed the moment.
" Your hotel choices are pretty nice, Zemo, although I shouldn't expect any less from someone who's a Baron." James complimented as he set the luggage down.
Zemo smirked at this a bit, seeming to be back to his old self, remarking," I'm glad to know you enjoy my taste, James, although i can't say i return the favor when it comes to yours."
" Hey, I live comfortably with what i have. Besides, not everyone can just live in the lap of luxury." James shot back, the two smirking at each other before realizing what they were doing.
James was the first to look away, seeming embarrassed and frustrated by how easily the two slipped into witty banter with each other. On the other hand, Zemo just kept his smirk, finding James' reaction adorable before turning to the window. He would part them a bit, taking in the scenery the height of their room gave them. He enjoyed the quiet, quaint look of Louisiana.
Zemo would be taken from his gazing as James spoke up, saying," Alright, I think we're done here. Ready to head out and start our little training session?"
" Of course, lead the way, James." Zemo nodded, giving a curt smile as he gestured towards the door for James to begin their journey.
James had pulled out his phone and was using google maps to lead them to the destination. The scene made Zemo smirk, holding a small laugh and seeing one of the most dangerous men using the internet to get his directions.
Bucky didn't miss his look and turned to him, raising an eyebrow and saying," What's so funny, Zemo?"
" Ah, nothing in particular." Zemo shrugged, smirking still," I just find it ironic seeing someone with the known reputation of the Winter Soldier using a phone app to find his directions."
This surprised James before frowning in embarrassment as he turned away to look at his phone again, stating," Screw you, Zemo."
This made Zemo slightly chuckle, finding Jame's unraveling humorous as they continued their walk.
The longer they walked, Zemo would notice that they were taking many back lanes to their location to avoid the loud crowds. Whether this was for the population's safety or in respect of Zemo with his struggles with the super abilities was unsure. Either way, Zemo was grateful for it as they continued. The scenery was gorgeous. Soon the dock would come into view, many people scuttling about.
Bucky would pause momentarily before they got any closer to the dock, taking a deep breath before looking at Zemo with a serious expression.
" Alright, remember, no sketchy business with anyone here. We're here to help you train, thanks to Sam, so you need to behave." Bucky stated to Zemo, who would simply nod.
" Wouldn't dream of it. To be ill-mannered and betray my word would be to insult my family name." Zemo hummed back before the two approached the dock. Bucky held himself relatively high, looking firm, while Zemo walked relaxed, hands behind his back and smiling at those who gave them a glance. They were like polar opposites in how they held themselves.
Sam could be seen speaking to two men. The three seemed to have some history, so they decided not to interrupt them.
The two men looked at the machinery, and Bucky smiled at it before looking at Zemo. The Baron looked confused between Bucky and the machinery, unsure of what James wanted.
" What are you waiting for? Get it off the truck. This is part of your training." James stated with a smirk, using his thumb to gesture to the machinery.
Zemo would roll his eyes before sighing, removing his coat, and tossing it to James, who caught it. He didn't want to ruin his favorite coat. He would go up to it as Sam questioned how they would remove it, grabbing it and slowly gauging his strength on how to pick it up. It was a surprise to Zemo himself when he picked it up easily with both hands, going to set it down on the floor nearby with a grunt.
He would stand up, rolling his neck and shrugging his shoulders as he tried to loosen his muscles. He hadn't done much physical labor in a while, and it felt refreshing for him when he did it.
He would turn to look at James, a slight smile on his face. He did some jazz hands to show he had done it, stating," Happy?"
Zemo would stop his little drama show as he perked up at being stared down by Sam.
" Well, you're welcome for the help Samuel." Zemo hummed to Sam, giving him a curt nod.
Sam's expression didn't change. His suspicion of Zemo was evident as he said," I'm keeping my eyes on you, Zemo."
" I would expect nothing less," Zemo smiled at Sam, clearly trying to taunt him.
Bucky just sighed at the two, going to set down the briefcase where the machinery had been saying," Here, a little gift for your cooperation Sam."
A few eyes from the gathered people there would glance at the briefcase as Sam observed it thoroughly, going to touch it curiously.
" I called in a favor from the Wakandans. Hope this can help make it up to you a bit." Bucky stated, gesturing to Zemo, who stood there with his tight smile and hands held together behind his back.
Suddenly a pipe would burst on the boat, causing steam to spill. A woman called for Sam about it, which got them into movement. The two men would quickly head over to it, with Zemo following after, curious to see the two men work. James would greet the woman by saying 'hi,' and the woman responding in kind. Zemo would simply give her a nod of greeting before watching James and Sam.
" Hold on, hold on. You gotta go up." James stated, taking the wrench from Sam.
He used his right hand to fix the problem, seeming satisfied with his work as he looked between the two men. Sam looked confused, while Zemo simply had on his signature smirk.
" What?" James asked, now confused about why they looked at him in such a way.
" Your strength is admirable, James, however..." Zemo began with Sam finishing saying," Why didn't you use the metal arm?"
This made Bucky look at the arm, sighing slightly at his oversight before glancing at the two men and saying," I don't always think of it immediately. I'm right-handed."
This made Sam and Zemo hold back their laughter, Bucky trying to change the subject while telling the two to shut up.
" So, this is the boat, huh?" Bucky asked, looking around at the boat with Zemo doing the same.
Sam would nod, saying," This is it."
" Well, if my words mean anything to you, Samuel," Zemo began, trying to be more amicable to the man," It's quite a vessel for its current state."
" Sure, whatever you say, Zemo, i bet this is nothing compared to all the rich shit you got tucked away somewhere." Sam said, almost shrugging off Zemo as he huffed at the man briefly before looking back at the boat," Just remember what Buck told you. You're lucky that i trust him enough to keep you in check."
" I'll keep myself out of your way," Zemo stated, nodding slightly to Sam and raising his hands in surrender before looking to James for direction," I wouldn't dare bite the hand that feeds."
" Well, what do you need help with?" Bucky asked Sam, smiling a bit as Sam began to lead them to their first few tasks.
Bucky would halt for a moment, talking to the woman from before in a flirtatious way, and Zemo could see the confused face of Sam, who was glaring at Bucky.
" We should get a move on James. Wouldn't want to disappoint our host, would we?" Zemo hummed, going to jab Bucky into the side lightly before gesturing for Bucky to look at Sam.
Sam was unamused, and Bucky's smile turned nervous as he realized who he was just speaking to. This got a laugh out of Zemo as they would move on to work on the boat.
Renovating the boat would be quite a task, and the work given to Zemo was nothing he couldn't handle. All the tasks were easy and tame, which Zemo suspected was so he couldn't try anything or over-exert himself with his powers. Most of what he did was heavy lifting items from one area to another, holding some things still to either be removed or implemented and helping tighten or loosen pipes that others simply couldn't do. Zemo couldn't help the genuine small smile on his face as he worked. He would speak with many locals, learning more about them and Sam.
Learning his limits with his new strength felt nice. It also kept his mind occupied with what was present. It grounded him even. There was also something about helping a whole community here that gave him a sense of commodore. One that he hadn't felt since he had lost everything. At the thought of all he had lost, his emotions dampened. He felt guilty for enjoying himself when there were those he had lost who couldn't experience it anymore. It made his smile disappear a bit as he looked back to his current work, painting the side of the boat. His sleeves were rolled up to avoid tarnishing them, and some paint was stuck on his hands and arms from his work. He would focus intently back on the task, his thoughts wandering as he worked a bit.
He thought of his wife, Heike, who he often cooked with. The two enjoyed the shared work in the kitchen and enjoyed their conversations. Their son occasionally ran into them, interrupting their attention on him. The memories were so bittersweet as he felt himself feeling hollow at the memories. The emptiness of his loss of them. He would focus back on his duties, trying to keep his thoughts at bay as this was not the time for it. He would finish where he was and set the paint and brush down. He looked at his paint-covered hands that were slightly riddled with paint, going to rub them together in an attempt to remove them there instead of on his favored clothes. He would then move to search for James, ready for his next task to distract himself.
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Since they began to work, James noticed how Zemo's tension left him as he got into a rhythm with his work and how his usual personality returned to him. Despite his usual sly tongue and charms returning, he spoke down to earth and was pretty docile with the locals. He had been friendly and seemed to listen more than talk with those he worked with. It was a side of Zemo Bucky had never seen before but found it strangely tranquil. In all honesty, he enjoyed this side of Zemo with no manipulation, no truly demeaning sharp tongue, and no anger or murderous look in his eyes. It was nice to see. He would have liked to see this more often.
Sam seemed to be slowly warming up to Zemo while they worked. Albeit not as quickly or warmly as Bucky, it was something. James could recall some aspect of Sam speaking of how well Zemo was at one point in the day. Sam would also be surprised by how easily he got along with everyone, although it was something they probably already knew would go well with Zemo's history.
" Looks like Zemo's blending in just fine here." Sam commented, having glanced at Zemo as well but noticed Bucky's stare at him," Think this is some game of his to try and catch us off, guard?"
Bucky would look back to Sam and shake his head no, saying," Nah, it doesn't look like it. And besides, what can he really do right now anyways? He has a tracker on him by the Wakandans, and there's us watching him already. He doesn't really have anywhere else to go or anyone he knows here, probably. He's got no real motive to do anything against us. It's safe to say he's okay right now."
Sam would hum at this as he focused on his attempt to remove some metal plating over the boat's railing.
" Well, he seems like he's doing pretty good here. Even looks like he enjoys himself. Think this is helping him with coping with it all?"
" It sure does seem like it," Bucky grunted as he tightened a screw on a pipe," It's hard to tell. Honestly, he's so manipulative it's never easy to know with him."
Bucky would glance over to look at Zemo, smiling and seeming to laugh at some conversation he had while moving equipment. Bucky would smile softly at it, taking in the image to keep for later.
"But, honestly, I think he's genuinely enjoying himself."
Sam would smile, noticing how James looked at Zemo's brimming expression saying," I'll trust your word on that. How do you think his training is going?"
" It's good. He adapted to the strength easily, but it still looks like he doesn't really wanna bring it up in conversations." Bucky stated, frowning a bit at the observation.
Bucky would nod at this, sighing slightly as they returned to work.
" Go figure, the one guy who plays with other people's emotions doesn't wanna let out his own." Sam gave a dry laugh as he spoke before perking up at the concerned, almost pleading look Bucky gave him, making him sigh," You want me to talk to him, don't you?"
" Please...? You're the one who's a trauma counselor. You have more credentials and experience with that stuff than me." Bucky pointed out Sam sighing as he had to agree with the man.
Sam would take a second, glancing at Bucky several times before saying defeatedly," Fine. I can try to talk to him for you, but even if i speak to him, It's up to Zemo whether or not he takes it. Even then, i think he takes your word more seriously than mine."
" He'll need all the help he can guess," Bucky shrugged," Thanks for your continued help. It's really appreciated."
Sam's defeated expression turned to a small smile, saying," Anything for my friend."
After the conversation, the two would go their separate ways, finding other things they need to do further.
Zemo walked to the front of the ship, noticing James sitting on the railing playing with one of the tools as though it was a weapon. The scene made Zemo smile softly, finding it silly how Bucky played with the tool. Only then did Zemo even realize what he was doing. He couldn't believe himself fawning over James as he did. It was frankly unwarranted and embarrassing as he tried to cover it up. He would try hiding it with a smirk and snide comment as he approached James.
" Enjoying yourself, James? I don't know how Samuel would feel about you using his tools as a weapon." The man asked, startling James from his thoughts as he turned to focus on Zemo.
" Oh please, you and i both know how interesting it can be to try using random things as weapons." He chuckled," And I'm surprised you've come to see me. Finished with the paint job already? Thought you'd take longer."
" What do you take me for, James? The project was simple and easy to finish." Zemo sounded almost insulted at the prospect that he would take so long to paint the part of the boat he worked on. It sounded similar to the Baron James had known when they first broke him out of prison.
" I just thought it'd take longer since I know you would never want to ruin your luxurious clothes. I couldn't imagine you doing a rush job on the boat." Bucky teased as he smirked at Zemo.
" You underestimate me and my abilities too much, James." Zemo smirked as he sat near him," Is there anything you need assistance with?"
" No, actually, I think we're done for today. Let's wait for Sam so i can chat with him a bit before we leave for New York. I have an apartment up there we can stay at while we wait for any leads. Sam told me how he got one of his friends on the force searching for them."
Zemo would nod at this, looking out to the sea, thinking how nice it looked before saying," Perhaps I can try to see if any of my contacts have heard of Karli. It may not lead to much, but it wouldn't hurt to try."
" The more information we have, the better." Bucky nodded, a silence covering them.
The two would watch the open seas, the visuals resulting in both feeling at ease. Bucky went to set the tool down and went to rest his vibranium hand on the railing, only to accidentally touch Zemo's hand. The two would perk up at this, pulling their hands away before looking at each other. Zemo would look away first, apologizing, setting his hand into his lap while James simply nodded and set his hand in his own lap. The two felt embarrassed, their cheeks flushing a bit from the contact.
James couldn't believe his feelings currently. He was appalled at how embarrassed he was. Zemo was his enemy, someone who had used him as a tool, yet he was, acting almost like a schoolgirl with her crush. Perhaps something in their dynamic had changed, something Bucky was unsure about. He didn't know if he wanted the dynamic to change, didn't know if he wanted Zemo to become not an enemy but an ally. It made his head spin a bit as he tried to look at Zemo's expression to see if he could read anything to help his thought process.
When he looked at Zemo, his features seemed to glisten in the setting sun. The red and yellow rays of the light bounced off his skin, making him look soft and domestic. He had a mild confusion in his eyes, looking just as uncertain as Bucky felt. It was strange yet intriguing for James, and he couldn't decide how he felt about it.
James was distracted from his thoughts when he heard Sam call out to them.
" You two boys enjoying yourselves?" Sam joked, holding three beers as he came over," Sorry, these aren't anywhere near the fancy bottles you own, Zemo."
Bucky took it happily, Zemo chuckling as he took it, saying," This will be fine, Samuel. Thank you."
Sam would simply nod at this as he settled down near them.
" We're done with our end. How are you on yours?" Bucky hummed, going to take a swing from the alcohol bottle.
" We finished alright on my end as well. We decided to pack it up for today and head home. You two should do the same." Sam suggested as he drank his own drink.
Bucky would nod at this, a gentle silence covering the trio as Sam's eyes wandered to the suitcase meant for him.
Bucky and Zemo would glance at one another before they began to stand to get ready to leave.
" Well, we should head out now. Zemo can schedule a flight for us tomorrow to head back to New York."
" Best we get out of your hair," Zemo added with a curt bow.
Sam would chuckle at Bucky's words saying," So you're just gonna set me up like that and leave?"
" Well, Sam, we don't want to out-welcome our stay, and I'm sure you wouldn't want Zemo here any longer than he has to be." Bucky hummed as he gestured to Zemo.
Sam would roll his eyes at this, sighing a bit as he seemed to stare at Zemo. Zemo gave a slight shrug before smirking a bit at Sam's look.
" What's with that look, Samuel? Perhaps second thoughts?" Zemo teased, clearly reading in on the mood and proceedings of what was to come.
Sam shook his head, saying," Fine, you two can stay here. The people in this town are the most welcoming people in the world. Although I'm not sure how welcoming they can be with a known terrorist, I think they'll make do with it. Plus, I could still use some help with the boat."
" Thank you, Samuel, for your warm invitation for us to stay here in Louisiana," Zemo stated, seeming genuine in his gratefulness for the man.
" Yea, well, you've been behaving, so consider it extra privileges. Just don't get any ideas because if you do, I won't hesitate to put you down in cuffs and take you to the Raft myself."
" Wouldn't dream of it." Zemo hummed with his own wink before the three said their goodbyes to one another, Zemo and James taking their leave to the hotel while Sam left with his sister to their home.
Zemo would glance at Sam as they left before looking at Bucky, feeling remorse for causing Bucky to watch him over being with his friend. The man shouldn't have felt so bad over it, but he did, and currently, he couldn't really do well with controlling his feelings. As they took their leave, Bucky watched as Zemo took out his phone and called some old acquaintances to see if he could get a handle on Karli.
When they returned to the hotel room, Bucky noticed a change with Zemo since he had gotten off his last phone call. He seemed saddened, almost? as though his mood had dropped due to whatever was said. He also noticed Zemo's constant gaze toward him as they returned to the hotel room.
" Hey, are you alright, Zemo?" Bucky asked curiously, eyeing Zemo with worry and caution.
The man perked up at the question and sighed. The ordinarily cocky and aristocratic Zemo is unsure if he should reveal his feelings to Bucky. He feared it would be crushed if he gave a bit of himself away. He didn't want to share part of himself without knowing what would happen to it.
"I...I'm fine, James." He said, trying to feign a neutral state," Why do you ask? Something catches your eye?"
Zemo would try to look sly, only for it to turn into a slightly concerned frown when he saw Jame's concerned expression.
" Zemo, you can't shut yourself off forever. You can tell me what's bothering you." Bucky said softly, his eyes seeming to shimmer with concern.
Zemo took a deep breath at it, finding himself unable to deny Bucky when he looked at him in such a way. Curse his heart.
"James... I don't know how to explain this. Everything for me has been questioned recently, and it has been hard to come to terms with it. To be honest, I've been trying to avoid thinking of it, but it's difficult not to at this point." He asked, sitting on the bed and looking over his hands," Even now, I feel the serum coursing through me. Nothing physically has changed, yet it feels like a part of me has simply warped into... something I don't particularly understand. It is a part of inside that makes me want to just..."
Zemo didn't finish his thought, the look of frustration covering his face as he gripped his hands together tightly. The discomfort in his own skin and struggles with knowing what he had come now were clear. James only now understood what kind of turmoil the Baron was going through.
James was never the best at comfort, finding it more difficult than it should be. He took a second before slowly striding over to Zemo.
" Hey, listen, It'll be okay. I know it might be really messing with your brain, and it really sucks being stuck with something you don't want with you. But I'm sorry to say there's nothing you can do about it now. It's in you, and now you have to learn to just... roll with it. I know it's easier said than done, but that's why I didn't let Ayo take you to Raft. I know how it feels to navigate stuff like that on your own, so I want to help ease the process for you, for what it's worth.
He would gain a slight glance from Zemo before looking away again. Bucky tried to appeal to Zemo's empathy but found it easier said than done.
James was unsure of what to do from there, going to simply pat his hand on Zemo's shoulder in an attempt for comfort.
"Things will probably get better as time goes on. Just got to give it time."
Zemo would simply nod, giving a small smile to James, saying," Thank you, James."
" I'm here to serve you as you are to me and Sam." Bucky stated lightly, chuckling," Think of it as a mutual exchange."
They sat like that for a while before the two would go and prepare for bed. They planned to continue their super-soldier training and help with the boat the next day. Before either got into bed, however, Zemo's phone lit up. The Baron went to look at it, Bucky holding out hope for a lead, only for Zemo to frown and set it down.
" Nothing yet, but my associates have said they'll contact me when they get something," Zemo explained, reassuringly smiling at James, who nodded.
" Alright then. Good night Zemo," James hummed as he turned out the lights and got into his bed, Zemo following after in his own muttering," Good night James."