Conversation with Constance and Lucrezia
Part 1
“Lucrezia. You do look well. Absolutely glowing.”
“Constance, darling. I could say the same about you. Your skin is amazing.”
“Here are the papers for your Barnes clone, and I have to say, I do like the new name you have chosen for him: Sebastián. It’s very fitting.”
“Grazie, that was super quick. Thank you so much. I am delighted with him. I must congratulate you on your workmanship.”
“You are more than welcome, Sweetie. Florian is discreet, isn’t he?”
“Indeed he is. How’s your Baron? What did you decide to name him - Daniil, Danil?”
“Yes, Daniil. And, Oh, Lucrezia. He’s everything I hoped for, and more.”
“I know exactly what you mean. Sebastián is exceptional, so your Daniil must be exquisite. But a thought did cross my mind. Darling, you wouldn’t be interested in…? No…”
“Tell me. You know you can ask me anything.”
“You wouldn’t care to swap for a week or two?”
“Oh, Sweetie. I think I would. As a little treat, for us both. By all means, my dear. How does next Sunday suit?”
“Next Sunday? Oh, Connie, you’re wonderful. A true friend. Your generosity knows no bounds.”
“Bring your Sebastián along on Sunday morning and I’ll perform the necessary adjustments. You can leave him with me, and then take the Baron out for a spin for a fortnight.”
“Perfection. Utter perfection. I’m quite giddy with anticipation. But… could we make it Sunday afternoon instead?”
“But of course. Oh, and I must tell you - we’ve discovered something. Parts of the plans include hybrid clones.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I haven’t read them all myself yet, but there’s the possibility of mixing in animal DNA.”
“Oh… that is something to think about, isn’t it?”
“Definitely. Can you imagine? Florian says there are already blueprints for Barnes plus panther, and Zemo plus a caracal-ocelot mix.”
“Fascinating. Are they viable?”
“Unclear, at the moment. I have Florian looking into it. But the possibilities… oh, my dear Lucrezia. The possibilities.”
*
Part 2
Zemo and Bucky were sprawled together on the bed up in Zemo’s room; Zemo still slightly breathless after a particularly vigorous bout of hot monkey sex.
As the sweat - and other fluids - dried on their bodies, Zemo whispered, in that soft sexy accent of his, made all the more husky by his recent activities, “James, mein Schatz, our time at the lodge is coming to an end. What would you have us do next?”
Bucky mumbled sleepily, running his vibranium fingers lightly up and down Zemo’s back, “Anything…” He kissed the Baron’s tousled hair, breathing in his unique post-coital scent. “Everything…”
“Liebling,” murmured Zemo, face soft and doting. “Would you like us to go straight home, or on to pastures new?”
“Hel, love,” Bucky hugged him, “anywhere is home, if you’re there.”
Zemo’s heart skipped. He couldn’t help it. He adored this man. He pushed him lightly on the chest. “Who is now the old softie?” he whispered.
“Me,” said Bucky. “Definitely me. I’m very old.” He hugged Zemo to him. “And with you, very soft.”
“Well… parts of you are,” murmured Zemo. “Other parts of you, not so much.” His hand snaked down Bucky’s chest, down his abs, lingering around his sweet little bellybutton, then further, further... “Let me see if I can help with that.”
***