Chapter 4
Zemo smiled softly at his lovely wife, Heike, holding her close. His family was out on a picnic, his son, a distance away, running around and playing happily. Zemo leaned into his wife, nuzzling his head on top of hers. They kept that way for some time, Zemo enjoying the gorgeous sunset as he glanced at Heike.
"Isn't the sunset gorgeous, Heike?" He asked in Sokovian, feeling at ease with it all.
This caused Heike to giggle, shaking a bit in Zemo's arms as she responded, saying," It's lovely, my darling. I'm so glad we can share this moment."
He enjoyed the view, glad to be with his family again, before perking up as the sky darkened, concern covering his face.
"It looks like we'll have to head home, Heike. It seems like it's about to rain." He explained to Heike, an uneasy feeling filling him as he didn't hear his wife comment.
Once he focused on it now, the body in his arm had grown cold and heavy in his arms. He felt the world around him had stopped, every fiber of his being telling him not to look down. To not see what had happened in his arms, but he felt as though his body was separated from his mind as he slowly turned his head.
He stared at his wife's dead body in his arms, eyes open and haunted. Her entire body slumped against him as large wounds could be seen riddled along her body. Injuries he had seen when he had first seen when he dug them out of the rubble of their home, blood covering her body. He felt his body shake at the scene, going to stand and back away from the scene instantly. He felt sick, feeling all his agony and sadness fill him. That was when he heard soft whimpers and cried near, turning his head as fast as he could, searching for where the sound had come from.
He would look down in horror seeing his son crawling on his stomach with tears staining his eyes. Zemo moved as fast as he could, kneeling to his son, unsure how to hold him. The original dark clouds now pelted them with rain, harsh and unforgiving weather.
"P-papa..." He heard his son say faintly as he looked up to him with saddened eyes," Wh-why?"
"C-carl, what do you mean?" Zemo questioned, his body unable to move as he could only listen to his son's words.
"Why did you leave us, papa?"
The words ran Zemo's body cold, the panic fully enveloping him as he felt tears spill down his face at his son's innocent question mixing with the rain that fell on them.
"I-I... I had to..." Zemo said weakly as he went to pull his son into a hug," They called for me... I had to go back."
He watched his son's shallows breath, eyes unable to leave Carl. He would see the life go from his eyes, and Zemo held him close and tight, apologizing softly as he had his son close. Why did he leave? Why didn't he stay with them to protect them? Why was he the only one left still alive?
Zemo would suddenly feel a significant presence from behind him, turning to see a massive wave of water approaching him. He could not move, the panic and shock of everything too much as he could only watch as the waves crashed into him, pulling him under to drown.
Zemo would jerk awake, sitting up in a panic as he attempted to breathe. He felt as though the air was taken from his lungs, struggling to breathe as he held his chest tight. He needed to breathe, needed to ground himself. He would whimper a bit while trying to keep himself grounded and calm. In the middle of his attempts to calm down, he felt a presence not far to his right and quickly turned to see who was there. He would stare at James, who had a genuine look of concern written on his face. James seemed to have awakened due to Zemo's nightmare, sitting at the edge of his bed as he carefully observed Zemo trying to think about what to do.
"Hey, Zemo, it's okay. It's me." James said softly, showing both hands to give Zemo some security," I'm right here."
Zemo's breathing would slow slightly, the sight of James giving him something to focus on. James was here in front of him. They were in a hotel room in the States, not in Sokovia. He was alive.
Once Zemo found himself grounded and breathing fuller, he would give James a slight nod before looking down at his lap.
"Apologies... for waking you," Zemo stated softly, his eyes never leaving his lap.
He heard movement from James, feeling the bed dip a bit as James sat near him, saying," It's okay. You had a nightmare. It happens."
Zemo would simply nod, the two sitting there silently for some time. James would be the first to get up, giving Zemo a small smile before going to change to get ready for the day.
"Well, it's clear we're not going back to sleep, so how about some early breakfast? We can head out to the dock early and continue work. I think the engine needs some refining." James hummed, trying to change the subject to help lighten their mood.
"I'd be surprised if the mechanics inside that little ship of Samuels still work." Zemo chuckled softly, finding his mood lifting thanks to James.
He would return Jame's smile, getting up and following suit with Bucky. James had forgone the usual jacket and simply wore a blue sweater, Zemo following suit as he merely wore one of his many turtlenecks colored magenta. They would then take their leave to walk through the mostly empty morning streets of the town. The weather was excellent, and with the roads mostly deserted, it was peaceful. Some of the townsfolk would greet the two as they passed, both returning the greetings. They would arrive at a small cafe, entering the homey place before looking at the menu.
"Anything catch those fancy eyes of yours?" Bucky asked with a hum, eyes glazing over the menu for anything he found interesting.
Zemo shrugged, reading each item's description, saying," Not mainly, although I can say that coffees here in Louisiana are based on French blends. Perhaps, this can do."
Zemo pointed to a coffee drink with a reasonably detailed description. Bucky gave a huff and smirk at this. Of course, he would pick such a drink.
"Expected nothing less from one of the most cultured people I currently know," James teased, glancing at Zemo before returning to the menu.
James would order for the two, the Baron insisting he pays as he pulled out some cash and paid the cashier.
"Where do you keep all that money on you?" James asked curiously as they sat down at a table nearby," You just have extra pockets full of cash, or do you get them when I'm not looking?"
"You jest, James," Zemo chuckled, going to rest his head in the palm of his hands as he looked to James," I had Oeznik help in the procurement. He simply left the money in places I know to look for."
"Right, you have that butler of yours who helps you." James laughed, leaning back in his chair," You're insufferable with all your little quips, you know that?"
"Oh, I know." Zemo hummed back, a peaceful silence filling them as they waited.
Zemo's eyes kept on James, admiring the casual look he had. It was gorgeous to see James so relaxed compared to their earlier times during the little escapade. He could get used to this if it meant seeing this side of James more. However, his eyes would be drawn away from James when he heard the jingle of the front door to the cafe. His eyes would be drawn to the new customers seeing a mother with her child. Zemo's smile would slowly disappear as he watched the small family. They smiled and spoke to each other happily. Zemo felt his chest tighten at the scene, the hollowness of his chest becoming all the more present the longer he stared.
"Zemo? Zemo!" James stated to the man, snapping Zemo from his stare as he looked at James. He would go to smile again, covering up the hollowness that filled him.
"Ah, apologies, James." faking an air of calm in his words," Did you need something?"
"No, it's just... i saw you staring, and you looked so..." James stated softly, trying to find the right words to describe what he said," lost."
Zemo would move his eyes from James, finding himself unable to look at him. He couldn't handle the pitiful look on James' face when he spoke those words.
"It's fine, James," Zemo said, a sternness in his voice, hoping James would drop the subject.
Luckily for Zemo, their drinks came out before he could attempt to pry further, and the two took their leave to head toward the docks.
The rest of the walk was quiet, Zemo keeping his gaze on the ground in front of him as they walked while Bucky glanced at the Baron occasionally. They would reach the boat, looking at the quiet sunrise covering the sea. It was gorgeous, and the two took it in. Zemo was first to move, heading towards the entrance to where the boat's engine was, looking into it and smiling at seeing Sam.
"Good morning to you, Samuel," Zemo hummed with a playful tone as he entered.
Sam would glance up at Zemo before returning to work, saying," Morning to you too, Zemo. Some's in high spirits this Morning."
"Had a nice rest. What can I say?" Zemo teased, getting a frown from Bucky, who came down to join them.
"Zemo, go loosen those screws. Bucky, help me hold this so i can screw this," Sam instructed, ignoring Zemo's chipper attitude.
The three worked like clockwork, silence mostly filling it, with the only exception being Sam, who barked orders at them. It wasn't long before the three were sitting around a water pump filter. Sam had insisted they try to fix it for his sister.
"I don't think that's right, Sam," Bucky stated, shaking his head at Sam's detailed explanation of how the pumps worked.
"What? No way, Zemo. What does the book say??" Sam asked Zemo, his face frowning at the accusations against him.
Zemo would flip to the page with a version of Sam's explanation saying with a smirk," Apologies Samuel, but Jame's correct. That is not how the pump works."
Sam gave a frustrated sound before looking over the pumps once more.
"Ah, ah, what is this?" Stated a firm female voice coming upon them.
The three turned to where the voice came from and saw Sam's sister, arms crossed and an upset expression. Zemo's smirk widened as he closed the book with one hand while the other two men sat up straighter.
" I told you specifically that the water pump was not the problem, yet here you are." Sarah, Sam's sister, stated.
" Yes, Samuel," Zemo hummed, sitting up and giving Sam a teasing smile.
Sam shook his head, saying," In our defense, we were supposed to be done long before you woke up."
Sam held his hands up defensively, trying to keep a playful attitude.
" I don't come up to the sky to tell you how to barrel roll, so don't come down here and mess around with things you clearly don't understand." She stated sternly, Sam looking surprised and almost hurt by her words.
He shook his head, saying," Wow, wow!"
She would then shoo the three men away, Zemo and Bucky smiling as the trio left the pipes and headed elsewhere.
" She's a very mean person," Sam stated, Bucky going to pat him on his back.
" It's tough, love," Bucky shot back, chuckling softly.
" No, if you two did what i told you to do, we would have been done before any of this took place."
Zemo rolled his eyes, saying," Samuel, not to add insult to injury, but you were nowhere near close to completing it that easily."
He got a playful glare from Sam from the comment, Zemo responding in kind with a smirk.
" We would have done it!" Sam stated with slight disappointment in his voice.
Zemo and Bucky shook their heads, saying," yea, no way, there's no chance you were going to fix that thing."
Sam continued to bicker with the two until they got off the docks, Sam and Bucky looking at one another, seeming to need a little talk. Zemo would look between the two before deciding to speak up.
" Well, it seems you two are in need to talk, so perhaps we could go somewhere discreet?" Zemo suggested, giving them both a polite smile.
It took the two a second before Sam sighed and decided to lend them a small hand, saying," Alright, you both can come with me to my sisters' house, But you two can't go inside, got it?"
Zemo would look surprised, finding Sam's willingness to open his arms to the two almost frightening.
" Are you sure, Samuel? We could always go to a nearby park or so?" Zemo suggested, not wanting Sam to have to be so open to them. Especially considering Zemo definitely didn't deserve such kindness.
" It's fine. No one's home, and from what I've seen and heard recently, I doubt you'll do anything with the information. If you do, then we'll make sure you regret it." Sam explained with a sigh.
" Thank you... Samuel." Zemo said hesitantly, uneasy about accepting such an olive branch from him.
"Yeah, whatever, let's just go," Sam stated, ignoring Zemo's gratitude, thinking it was just for show.
Zemo would just go along with it, following the two as they made it to the lake house. Once there, Zemo and Bucky noticed several trees with padding tied to them. Zemo seemed confused as he hung back from them, opting to wait by the porch while giving the two some time alone. Sam had gone inside the house while Bucky looked at the surroundings, admiring it all.
" Here we go," Sam stated as he returned, the Captain America shield in hand.
Only then did Zemo realize what was going on. The two were going to speak on Captain America and the shield. About who it should go to. Zemo knew this would not be his place to interfere, so he went to take a seat on the porch, just watching the two. He would rub his hands together, observing the quiet lakeside home, finding it very comfortable. It reminded him of one of the many summer homes he used to rent with his family. The memories of his time there with them resurfaced, making his heartache. He wished he could experience the memories again, if only for a moment.
In all of his reminiscing, it took him some time before realizing that a pair of eyes were watching his back. He would slowly turn to see two young children, both having just gotten home. It was most likely from school, and they were simply peeking out the door, unsure whether to approach Zemo.
Zemo smiled at the two children saying softly to them," Did your mother never tell you it is never polite to stare?"
The two boys looked startled at Zemo's words, acting like deers in headlights as they stood there. Eventually, the older sibling would come out slowly to try and speak to Zemo.
" Wh-who are you?" The one with glasses asked, a curious but cautious expression written on their face.
" Ah, you can call me Zemo or Uncle Zemo if you would like. Could you give me yours?" Zemo asked nicely, going to turn a bit in his seat to face them.
" Uh, I'm Cass." The boy stated before gesturing to his brother," He's AJ. What are you doing here with Uncle Sam?"
" Well, Cass, it's a pleasure to meet you two. I'm here with your Uncle Samuel to help him." Zemo explained with a gentle hum, going to run his hands into his pockets to look for something.
"ah," Zemo stated as he pulled out some Turkish delights," Would you two like some? These are called Turkish delights. Where I'm from, children love these. My son also loved these when he was your age."
The two brothers looked hesitant before each took one and tried it curiously. Zemo would enjoy watching the two boys try it, finding himself reminded of his own son. The way he would light up when given treats, or how he would cry out 'Papa' when he got home after being away for serving his country. How he missed him.
Zemo took his eyes off the two boys, looking at Sam and Bucky as they tossed the shield around the mats. They were in a deep conversation, one that clearly affected Bucky profoundly.
Zemo's attention would be drawn away from them once more, Cass asking Zemo a few questions, and he would reply in turn. He found it enjoyable to listen and converse with the two.
Bucky would smile at Sam, grateful for his advice saying," Thank's Sam. Call me when you have a lead, and Zemo and I will be there."
" Speaking of Zemo, where did he go?" Sam hummed, looking around the area with Bucky, only to see Zemo with Cass and AJ.
At first, Sam was alarmed, instantly going to make a move to stop Zemo until Bucky's arm moved to stop him, saying," Hey, hey, it's alright. I know you're worried about Zemo doing something to the kids but look at them. It seems like they're having more fun than anything."
Sam looked slightly irritated at Bucky before returning back to Cass and AJ. The two kids were having a blast playing with Zemo, doing a game similar to tag. Zemo had tried to reach for AJ, only for AJ to hold out his hand, acting like he had blasted Zemo with some type of beam. Zemo would dramatically fall to his knees, making the two kids laugh. Zemo would also smile at them, his expression much more genuine than the usual sneers or smirks he gave before.
" I guess you have a point there..." Sam said slowly, watching over the three cautiously still," He does seem genuinely happier, to say the least."
The two men slowly stride over to them, Bucky smirking, saying," What are you three doing over here?"
Cass, AJ, and Zemo would perk up at the question, looking over to Bucky and Sam. Zemo would get up quickly, brushing his turtleneck and pants to remove the debris.
" We were playing superheroes!" AJ stated excitingly," Uncle Zemo was playing as the big bad villain we had to fight!"
" Your big bad villain, eh?" Sam huffed, crossing his arms and giving an amused look to Zemo.
" They needed one, so i offered to be it for them." Zemo shrugged," You can't simply say no to children with such propositions."
" Right," Bucky laughed before looking to the kids," Sorry, kiddos, but Uncle Zemo and I need to head out. We have to catch a flight and head home."
They would give sad awe's before hugging Zemo and wishing him bye.
"Goodbye to you two as well. Make sure to behave and listen to your mother, okay?" Zemo stated in a motherly fashion, the two kids nodding before heading inside to play further.
Zemo would see the slightly upset look on Sam's face once the children left, holding up his hands and saying," In my defense, they came to me first."
" You're lucky Bucky is here to vouch for you because if he wasn't, i would have knocked you out with this shield already," Sam stated, shaking his head a bit.
Zemo would give a wince saying," That sound a bit harsh don't you think?"
" For you? No," Sam stated with a smirk, getting an eye roll from Zemo," But this is where we'll part ways for now until I get some info on Karli."
Zemo would nod at this, going to shake Sam's hand, saying," I see; I will also work on keeping you informed if any of my friends from the other side know anything about Karli too."
"Until then, then," Sam said with a nod, waving the two off as Zemo and Bucky headed to their hotel.
The walk was peaceful, the two men strolling side by side down the vacant streets. Zemo's eyes would wander around the empty place, enjoying the view. The two's hands would brush against each other lightly, gaining their attention as they looked at one another. They both felt a bit embarrassed about it and quickly looked away. Zemo would hold his hands behind his back while Bucky simply crossed his arms.
" So, what did you and Samuel discuss earlier?" Zemo asked curiously, trying to fill the awkward silence," It seemed like quite the serious discussion."
" Oh yea, Sam was just helping me clear my thoughts. Helped me figure out what I could do to help heal from everything you know? He's so much better than my therapist." He explained with a sigh," We also talked about the legacy the shield had... What it meant and what it could mean now."
Zemo would nod at this, saying," I see... It's good to see you working on your closure. I'm happy for you."
Bucky would perk up at this, raising an eyebrow.
" You're happy for me?"
" Of course, i am, James. It's inspiring to see someone of your past work on making yourself better after all you've experienced."
" I never expected you, of all people, to be happy for me to do that."
This made Zemo sigh, knowing what Bucky meant by his words.
" Like I told you when we first met, I hold no ill will against you, James... You were just a... a means to an end."
The words felt horrible in Zemo's mouth, describing James in such a way.
" Well, thanks... It means a lot to hear that." Bucky hummed as they continued their walk before remembering something," Ah, forgot to have Sam talk to you."
" Why were you going to have Samuel speak to me?" Zemo asked, looking a bit confused
" Well, I wanted him to talk to you to try and help you process... you know..."
Zemo looked confused for a long moment before realizing what James meant. He sighed before speaking.
" Ah, well, there's no need to bring Sam into my issues, James. It is nothing I can't handle, and over these past few days, I've been slowly adjusting to it."
" Really?"
James looked confused at Zemo's words, concern still peppered in his eyes as he asked.
" Yes, James. The little training regimen you've put me through the past few days has also helped immensely. I cannot thank you enough for it."
Zemo smiled as he looked at James, genuinely grateful for what he had done for him.
The two would continue their walk for some time, stopping at a small restaurant to get to go before getting back to their hotel room. Once in the room, the two settled down and ate the food.
" I called Oeznik, and he will prepare the jet for us tomorrow to head up to New York," Zemo explained, going to take the plastic fork and small container of rice.
James would nod, going to scoop some gumbo from his plastic container and eating it, saying," That's good to hear. Thanks, Zemo."
Zemo would simply nod, the two continuing to devour their food.
" So I am to assume, as a Super-Soldier, we must eat more than normal?" Zemo asked Bucky, going to set the now empty plastic container down on the desk.
James would nod, saying with some food in his mouth," Yep, we have increased metabolism, so we need the extra energy."
Zemo would nod at this, going to use a napkin to clean his face before stretching.
" Well, if you need anything or wish to talk, James, you can call for me. I shall be taking a bath. Playing with Cass and AJ earlier has me all worn and weary."
James would nod at this, continuing to eat as Zemo left to bathe. James would wander over to where Zemo had sat at the desk, turning the chair to look at the night view they had of the quaint town. He enjoyed the relaxed look of the city and felt himself comfortable. It was nice. After these past few days, Bucky could get used to doing this more often, especially with his new partner in crime. He stopped eating, taking in what he had just thought. He considered Zemo, his partner. Not just that, he enjoyed having Zemo around. This made Bucky concerned, wondering if becoming so casual with someone you first thought of as an enemy was normal. He didn't know how to process that.
His thoughts were interrupted by Zemo coming out from the bathroom, humming to himself in a robe. Bucky would turn to glance at Zemo, staring a bit at the man. The robe was tied together reasonably well. However, it did leave a small opening in Zemo's chest, and Bucky couldn't help but stare at it. It was simply a sliver of skin, but it tempted Bucky. It made the man want to see more of Zemo, his thoughts leading to more innocuous places.
" Are you alright, James?" Zemo asked curiously, looking at the man concerned. This would snap James from his thoughts, blushing a bit.
" I-I'm fine." James stuttered," It's nothing. I should go shower."
The man moved swiftly, ignoring Zemo's attempt to speak to him, and disappeared into the bathroom as quickly as he could. Zemo huffed at this, confused at what that whole scene had been about.
He ignored it and continued to get himself dressed for bed, sighing a bit as he went to lie down. He struggled to fall asleep, turning to face the other bed across from him. He would stare at it, imagining Jame's sleeping body and how he could look. It made Zemo smile a bit, finding James's sleeping face cute. The thought helped him relax, finding himself falling to sleep easier.
When James came out of the bathroom, he noticed Zemo fast asleep. He smiled gently at this, going to walk over to the man quietly. He would see some hair on Zemo's face and carefully used his flesh hand to brush it away. The scene made Zemo look adorable, and Bucky would ingrain this image into his mind to look back to later.
He realized what he had done and stepped away, covering his mouth a bit in embarrassment, muttering," What have you done to me, Zemo."
He got himself dressed for bed and tucked himself in. He would turn to stare at Zemo, the peaceful look on his face making James relax a bit and drift to sleep easier. His last thoughts before drifting off were of Zemo and how he had been the past few days. Domestic, caring, and damn it all cute.