When Zemo was told he would have a visitor, he did not expect it to be the man who was affected the most by his plan to tear apart the Avengers. He had many connections across the globe, there was a multitude of people who might visit him. If he had to make a list of the people least likely to visit him, James Buchanan Barnes would be at the top of that list along with Mozart and Picasso.
As it was, James was in front of his cell, sporting a new haircut and layers of plain clothes. He did not look excited to be in a German prison, but there was also a mischievous glint in his eyes. He had something planned, and Zemo intended on finding it out.
“Желание, Ржавый, Семнадцать.” Zemo whispered into the dim space of his cell, fully intent on breaking James’ resolve.
“Those days are over,” James replied.
“I know,” Zemo responded with a shrug of his shoulders. “I just wanted to see how the new you reacted the old words. Nice haircut, by the way.”
“Thanks,” James rolled his eyes.
Zemo approached the glass of his enclosure. He was considered dangerous and put into solitary confinement. He was perfectly content to live out the rest of his days in a prison. It was as if he was destined to be in prison because he failed to protect his family. It was actually much less complicated than that, but Zemo knew he deserved to be there. He could have killed himself, but that was the easy way out. No, he needed to live with what he had done. He should not be granted the peace of reuniting with his wife and son, at least that is what he thought. He carried around a lot of guilt for what happened almost a decade ago in Sokovia.
“There’s still something in there,” he teased. “Anyways, at least you weren’t conscious for most of your imprisonment.”
“That time wasn’t exactly a picnic,” James murmured.
“And for that, I am sorry if it’s worth anything. It was never personal. You were only a means to a necessary end.”
James’ face was unreadable. “Someone recreated the super soldier serum. We need to find out who.”
“The fact that you came to me means you are desperate,” Zemo remarked. “You also assume that HYDRA has something to do with all of this. Lucky for you, I know where to begin.”
James didn’t respond, instead his eyes fell upon a book on Zemo’s nightstand. Zemo traced his gaze to the copy of Machiavelli. It was one of his newer books, brought shortly before James arrived. Zemo picked up the book, knowing that there a game afoot. Shying away from the security cameras, he opened the book to the first page that fell open. In that page was a keycard, more specifically, the exact keycard the guards use.
“Bye Zemo,” James whispered before turning out of the room.
Being the mastermind he was, Zemo knew exactly what to do. There was going to be a distraction and he needed to wait for it. It was exactly what he would do if he were planning this desperate escape. His thoughts proved true moments later when a buzzer sounded. That specific buzzer meant that there was a fight. Somewhere, guards needed to respond to the altercation. Zemo took that as his window to leave. The guard was posted outside of his cell, in another room. He opened the door and had a few moments of surprise on the guard before instincts kicked in. Those few seconds of hesitation were all Zemo needed to get the jump on him. Zemo grabbed the guard’s arm that held a gun and twisted it. Using that leverage, he put his arm around the guard’s throat and choked him, dragging him into a bathroom stall where he incapacitated him. He quickly undressed the guard’s clothing before putting it on himself. Now, he was able to move around mostly undetected.
When he had reached the cafeteria, the fight had escalated to a full-on riot. Everyone was engaging with one another. This distraction was important to Zemo, who was able to escape from the cafeteria and into the main hallway due to his uniform and card. Once he reached the main hallway, he tripped the fire alarm. Dozens of guards started down the hallway, all trying to round up the prisoners to leave the building. Zemo ducked into an empty room and waited for the hallway to clear before moving on. From there, all he had to do was walk out. He was almost free.
On the outside in a parking garage, Zemo turned over the keycard to find an address and notes to locate a vehicle. Moving as quickly as possible, Zemo tracked down the old vehicle and drove to a familiar location.
His family owned an assortment of garages for vehicle repairs. Collecting cars and working on them was a passion from his father, Heinrich, who passed down his love to Zemo. Zemo enjoyed working on older vehicles, which is why he had repair garages in multiple countries. He could continue his passion from anywhere. James had found one of them and used it as their rendezvous point. Smart, Zemo thought.
The garage had sat abandoned for years, which showed through its worn brick exterior and busted windows. Still, Zemo made his way inside, pushing past a door and moving into the light, where James and Samuel appeared. Recognition lit Samuel’s face and he immediately tensed.
“No, no, no, what are you doing here,” Sam yelled. “You are going back to prison!”
Zemo held his hands up, “if I may—”
“No!” James and Sam spoke at the same time.
“Apologies,” Zemo whispered.
“We can’t tow him along, not when she is coming,” Sam whispered, but Zemo was able to pick up on the exchange. This mysterious woman intrigued him. Who else were they bringing along on their adventure?
“They know the risks,” James whispered back. “They also talked me into it.”
Sam groaned at this, “you told them?”
James looked to the ground, “she’s invaluable.”
“You also just risked their life for your dumbass plan,” Sam threw his hands into the air.
“She knows what she’s doing,” James muttered. “They were a SHIELD agent long before you became an Avenger.” Sam doesn’t respond to this.
“When Steve refused to sign the Sokovia Accords, you backed him. You broke the law, and you stuck your neck out for me. I'm asking you to do it again.” How hilarious, James did not run his plan by Sam.
“I really think I’m invaluable—”
“Shut up,” Sam groaned when Zemo had started speaking again.
Nobody spoke for a minute or so, Sam’s hand was pressed to his head. He was obviously distressed about the situation. Not much he could do, Zemo was already out of prison.
“Okay,” he finally said. “You don’t make a move without our permission. Understand?”
Zemo nodded, “fair enough.”
Sam sighed, “where do we start?”
-
Zemo had taken them to one of his old hangers. It was large and contained varying vintage vehicles. Weapons were are also stored here, but Sam and James did not need to know that.
“So, our first move is grand theft auto,” Sam questioned as they moved deeper into the garage.
Zemo scoffed, “these are all mine.” He stopped by a yellow car and opened a compartment space. “They were collected by my family over the generations of our barony.” He supplied an arsenal of weapons into his duffle bag. He was going to leave it at that but discovered a purple mask laying in the backseat. He swallowed slowly before picking it up. Nobody has been here since before the Battle of Sokovia. His father was here a mere three weeks before the battle. He had seen the mask before but had forgotten about it. His father left it here. He hesitated before putting the mask into his bag. It might come in handy later on. He also grabbed a designer winter duster.
“What’s your plan,” James said, snapping Zemo out of his thoughts.
He took a deep breath before closing the compartment and turning back to the two men. “I spent years hunting HYDRA and the people who were behind the serum. Once the serum is out there, someone can make an army, like the Avengers,” he added. “This serum can’t exist. I will end it. I do not intend to leave my work unfinished.”
Sam and James exchanged looks with each other. Zemo didn’t know what they were thinking, but he was very clear with his intentions. He would do whatever it takes to make sure there were no more super soldiers.
“First stop,” he said. “Is Madripoor.”
-
“So, all this time you’ve been rich,” Sam questioned as they approached a mid-sized jet.
“I’m a Baron, Sam,” Zemo said with smug satisfaction. “My family was royalty until your friends destroyed my country.”
He didn’t wait to see their responses, instead, walked ahead and murmured something in Russian to the man waiting for all of them. They greeted each other with a kiss to the cheek before Oeznik welcomed them aboard.
Inside, they were not alone. You tossed up a small wave to the three men entering the cabin. You were already seated, not caring to get up to greet them.
“And who is this lovely woman,” the man you knew as Baron Helmut Zemo said.
“Not a woman, asshole,” you snapped as Bucky sat next to you.
Zemo cocked an eyebrow, “my apologies. What pronouns should I use to refer to you?”
You were pleasantly surprised by his apology and correction. “She her and they them pronouns.”
“Thank you for letting me know.” He offered a curt nod your way as he sat down across from you, much to your dismay.
Sam and Bucky briefly introduced you and your status as an ex-SHIELD agent, but did not delve further into your backstory, just in case Zemo tried to exploit you.
Just then the butler who welcomed you into the cabin came out from the galley and spoke to Zemo in Sokovian. Sam and Bucky looked to you for a translation, but there was no way you were going to reveal that you knew Sokovian. You were stationed there a while back and picked up on the language. Pretending as if you didn’t know the language would benefit you on this mission.
Oeznik disappeared after telling Zemo it was good to have him back. You texted Sam and Bucky the translation without looking down at your phone. It was carefully concealed under your jacket in your lap. You were trying to be discreet after all. Zemo’s conversation was harmless, but the boys seemed pretty keen on knowing everything he said.
“It is good to be back,” Zemo smiled and folded his hands into his lap. “You don’t know what it is like to be locked in a cell.” He peered over at Sam. “Oh, wait, you do.”
If Sam was phased by Zemo’s comment, he didn’t show it. “Why don’t you tell us where we are going,” Sam said.
“I’m sorry,” Zemo said with a sly look on his face, “I was just fascinated by this.” He held up a small notebook—Steve’s notebook. “Who is Nakajima?”
In a flash, Bucky had crossed over to Zemo’s side and placed a hand around his neck. A vein popped out of Bucky’s forehead as he spoke, “if you ever touch this again, I will kill you.” He snatched the notebook away from Zemo and returned to his seat.
“I’m sorry,” Zemo appeared to be apologizing a lot, not that he meant it. “The list of names must be who you wronged as the Winter Soldier, no?”
“Don’t push it,” you warned.
“Hey that’s Steve’s book isn’t,” Sam asked, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “I told him about Trouble Man, and he wrote it in there. What did you think of it?”
Bucky was looking towards Sam, but not looking directly at him. “I like forties music so—”
Sam looked hurt, “you didn’t like it?”
“I liked it.”
“It is a masterpiece James,” Zemo spoke up. “Complete. Comprehensive. It captures the African American experience.”
Sam looked over incredulously at Zemo, “he’s out of line, but he’s right. It’s great, everybody loves Marvin Gaye.”
“I like Marvin Gaye.”
The answer from Bucky was not enough to satisfy Sam. “Steve adored Marvin Gaye.”
You stayed quiet during this whole exchange. The three men entertained you and it was funny to watch them bicker.
“You must have really looked up to Steve,” Zemo noted. “But I realized something when I met him. The danger with people like him, America’s super soldiers, is that we put them on pedestals.”
This conversation was heading somewhere dangerous very quickly. “Watch your step, Zemo,” you threatened.
He ignored you, “they become symbols. Icons. And then we start to forget about their flaws. From there, cities fly, innocent people die. Movements are formed, wars are fought.”
You knew he was going on a tirade about super soldiers, but the last couple of sentences tugged at something within him. You were trained to read people’s emotions by their faces and body language, but Zemo seemed very closed off, until it came to his family.
Whatever emotion you saw previously was wiped off his face when he turned to address Bucky. “You remember that, right? As a young soldier sent to Germany to stop a mad icon. Do we want to live in a world full of people like the Red Skull? That’s why we are going to Madripoor.”
There was a slight pause before someone spoke up. “What’s up with Madripoor,” Sam asked. “You talk about it like it’s Skull Island.”
Bucky responded before you could. “It’s an island nation in the Indonesian archipelago. It was a pirate sanctuary back in the 1800s.”
You knew this, of course. You had a high level of SHIELD clearance. You had never been to Madripoor, but you heard the stories. It wasn’t your area of expertise to do away with arms dealers or other illegal exports.
“It has kept its lawless ways since then,” Zemo remarked before regarding Bucky. He smirked slightly, “James, you will have to be someone you claim is gone.”
Everyone’s face dropped, except Zemo’s. You and Sam did not want Bucky to fall into the role of being controlled. The Wakandans worked carefully to make sure they removed the brainwashing from Bucky’s brain. You had a lot of faith in Bucky but falling back into line as the Winter Soldier could trigger unwanted memories and emotions. He has already suffered enough.
“Can’t he be anything else,” you spoke up after not speaking during their exchange.
Sam flashed a knowing look towards Bucky, “yeah. They could be each other’s dates.” Sam said while gesturing between you and Bucky.
Bucky gave Sam a look, but you could not decipher it. “That could work,” you agreed.
“I need James as a bribe for Selby, specifically the Winter soldier.” Zemo smiled at Sam and Bucky before his gaze fell upon you. “Your friend will be filling in as my date.”
A collective round of “no’s” proceeded from Sam and Bucky. You too piped up with your own concerns. You did want to spend your night next to a wanted criminal who turned the Avengers on each other. He was a mastermind, one of the few to go against the Avengers and be successful in his plans. He didn’t necessarily scare you, but you knew you had to on your guard around him. You also had a mission to accomplish, that’s why Sam called you in the first place. You became a private investigator after you returned from the blip. People needed help finding their loved ones and you were able to provide that service, but that was put on pause when Sam needed your help. You worked with the Avengers sometimes during your SHIELD days, which is how you came to know Sam and then eventually Bucky through Steve. You had secretly aided Steve in Wakanda while he was on the run. You met Bucky during the later stages of his treatment. Sam even joined these trips as well. The four of you, five including Natasha Romanoff, became very close. Natasha wasn’t always around as much, so you didn’t know her as well as the others. Still, her and Steve’s absence impacted you greatly, though you never showed it. Your therapist knew all about it though.
They were still arguing while you were lost in your thoughts. Bucky was going on about your safety while Sam was accusing Zemo of trying to pull something. It wouldn’t surprise you, but you couldn’t abandon your duties. If Zemo was planning something through his many contacts, you needed to find out. You knew Sokovian and if he tried to plan anything, you would put a stop to it. You needed to stay close to him, plus you could handle yourself.
“I will do it,” you sighed. Sam and Bucky met you with bewildered looks.
“See,” Zemo smirked, “they consented.”
Nobody said much after that. The tensions were still high in the cabin. Bucky had his jaw set forward and was looking at the wall, clearly angry. Sam looked more annoyed than anything, especially since he didn’t know the character he would be playing. Zemo gave a vague “you will see,” when he was asked about it. Zemo seemed to be the only happy one. It infuriated you, especially Sam and Bucky’s reaction. Could they not trust you?
“Is there a place where I can lay down,” you asked Zemo. Surely, in this private jet, there was somewhere where you could escape the testosterone.
“Yes, of course.” Zemo stood up and held out a hand for you to take, which you promptly ignored. You walked past Sam and Bucky and followed Zemo to the back of the plane and past the galley through a door.
“It isn’t much,” Zemo remarked as you entered a small area the contained a full-sized bed. “This is one of my smaller planes.”
“I would prefer a queen-sized bed, but this will do,” you joked as you took off your boots and laid on the bed. Zemo was still standing there.
“Please let me know if you need any blankets, snacks, or refreshments,” he said, looking down at you.
“Do you enjoy this,” you asked before he left the room.
“Enjoy what, liebling,” he remarked.
You paused at him calling you darling in German but regained your composure quickly. “Taking care of people? You put on a great show, but I think you miss being able to care for someone.”
He regarded you inquisitively before responding. “I do. I miss it dearly—”
Zemo was interrupted from speaking further when Bucky came into the room. “You okay,” he asked, directing the question towards you before his eyes trailed over to Zemo.
“All is well,” you responded. “I just had a question about blankets.”
Bucky didn’t notice your lie, which you expected him not to. You were trained in spying and not betraying your intentions. Lying was your specialty. However, a quick glance towards Zemo almost made your blank face falter. He had a glimmer in his eyes, probably relishing in the fact that you lied about the conversation you were having with him. Maybe he enjoyed that he had something against Bucky. You couldn’t guess what he was thinking.
Bucky nodded and gestured for Zemo to follow him out, but you stopped him by putting a hand on his arm once Bucky left.
“Yes, liebling,” he cocked an eyebrow and looked down at where your hand rested.
You put on a charming smile and released his arm, “call me darling again and I will break your arm.”
He walked out of the room, but not before letting out a quiet laugh.
-
Sam regarded his clothes with annoyance, “we have to do something about this. I’m the only one who looks like a pimp.”
You were all changing on the plane after landing, thanks to Zemo’s large supply of clothing. He had given Sam’s a reddish-brown suit with swirling designs and lots of chains and rings to go with it. Sam did not like it.
“Only an American would assume a fashion-forward black man looks like a pimp,” Zemo said while handing Bucky a black harness-vest combination. He then pulled out his phone to show Sam a picture. “You look exactly like the man you’re supposed to be playing. The sophisticated, charming African rake named Conrad Mack, AKA the Smiling Tiger.”
You all glanced over to look at Zemo’s phone, where a man who looked similar to Sam was displayed on the screen. Still, Sam was not pleased.
“He even has a bad nickname, but he does look like me,” he admitted.
You smiled before heading back into the room after grabbing your bag. You figured Zemo didn’t have any clothes for you on the plane. It is a good thing you come prepared for any situation. You set you bag down on the bed before pulling out a black dress of knee-length and a modest neckline. The material was clingy, but also thick and made you feel secure. You were also able to hide the knife holster you had around your thigh. You quickly changed and put on a pair of heels that had a thick heel, just in case things went sideways.
After folding up your clothes into your bag, you ventured out of the door and back into the cabin, where the three men were still bickering. When you entered, all eyes fell on you. Sam gave you a thumbs-up while Bucky looked surprised but was most definitely checking you out. Zemo looked disappointed at your outfit.
“This will not do,” he remarked and gestured to your dress. “This is Madripoor, and I need us to attract attention so we can visit with Selby.”
You scoffed, “is the man with a metal arm not enough?”
He tsked softly before looking down at his own outfit. He wore a maroon turtleneck and black slacks. He had also shaved in your absence. “You don’t match with me.”
“I’m wearing black. Black goes with everything,” you pointed out.
“There are different shades of black, and yours doesn’t match,” he said before rummaging through a closet near the cockpit entrance. Meanwhile, Sam went to go change in the bedroom while Bucky went off to the bathroom to change.
He returned with what appeared to be a skimpy maroon dress to match his turtleneck.
“I’m not wearing this,” you said, not accepting the garment from him.
“My dear,” he whispered before coming closer to you, “you have to attract attention and possibly help us by charming your way to Selby.”
You rolled your eyes, “are you not charming enough?”
His eyes flashed with amusement. “I am going to take that as a compliment, but no, not to Selby. I annoy her more than anything.”
It is for the greater good, your mind thought as you looked at the dress in his arms. Yeah, Sam was going to owe you a big favor after this adventure.
“Fine,” you finally said as you took the dress, “but I’m keeping the heels.”
“Done,” Zemo agreed as Sam stepped out of the room.
You moved past him into the bedroom and looked at the dress. It was a beautiful dress, made of high-quality materials and obviously expensive. You shed your old dress and then put on the new one, which was now too short for your thigh holster.
“I am going to kill him,” you whispered into the empty room before going to look at yourself in the mirror. The dress was very short, just barely reaching a mere few inches below your ass. It also had spaghetti straps and a low v-neckline. You were showing a lot of skin, not that it bothered you, mostly just annoyed you because Zemo would have to be all over you. Though, you had to admit that he was still pretty attractive. You’ve posed as a date for other men on missions and they are not attractive at all. Zemo, even though he is an asshole, was very confident in himself and let everyone know it. Having confidence like that was appealing to you.
You stepped out from the bedroom once more to see the cabin empty, but the plane door open. You peeked out of it and saw the three men talking to each other, however once your heel hit the first step out the door, they turned to face you. Zemo, being the gentleman he is, approached your side by the stairs to hold your hand as you descended. You slapped it away, which made Sam stifle a laugh while Bucky gave you a half smile. His eyes followed your every move down the stairs. You were about to walk towards him until Zemo gently grabbed your arm. You tried to pull away, but he gripped you tighter.
“I have contacts that will listen to me, but their loyalty is to the power broker. We have to be convincing starting now. There are eyes everywhere.” His brown eyes poured into yours as he loosened his grip on your arm. He looked down on you slightly before completely letting go. You nodded and took his outstretched arm for you to snake your hand under and around to rest on his bicep, which was surprisingly firm. Sometimes you forget that he was a colonel in the military. He is stronger than he appears.
He leaned down to your ear before starting towards Sam and Bucky. “Sie sehen atemberaubend,” he whispered. His breath tickled your ear and gave you goosebumps. He knew his words and closeness had an impact on you, even if you tried not to show it. It had been a long time since someone attractive had called you breathtaking, let alone beautiful.
“You’re only saying that because I’m practically naked,” you joked to him.
He laughed, “no, I think that regardless.”
You gave him a once-over, trying to ignore the blush that was creeping onto your face. Luckily, it was dark outside, but the landing strip lights still illuminated your features. “I think I prefer you in your prison blues.”
He laughed again, “I pull those off very well.”
You both stopped fake flirting once you approached Sam and Bucky. Sam looked really good in his suit, despite him complaining about it. Bucky wasn’t looking at you, but instead looking at your body in the dress, and your hand on Zemo’s arm. He looked miserable. You felt bad he had to pretend to be the Winter Soldier. All three of you were wearing/doing something you didn’t like. Zemo was the only one who looked cheerful as all of you approached a car with blacked out windows. Sam took the front seat while you sat in the back between Zemo and Bucky. The driver was giving the lot of you a look, trying to see if you all looked to be the people you were pretending to be. Of course, he didn’t know that any of you were pretending. His eyes in the rearview mirror scanned Bucky and then fell onto you and Zemo. His brows furrowed at the two of you. Zemo picked up on his hesitation too and pulled you closer to him and slid an arm around your waist and placed a hand on the inside of your thigh. You tensed and he pressed a kiss to your temple before whispering “tut mir leid.” He was apologizing for having to touch you this way, he didn’t want you to be uncomfortable. Maybe you were wrong about his intentions.
The driver focused back on the road in front of him and took off towards the neon lights of the city. The sights were pretty, but Zemo whispered to you that you were heading for Low Town, away from the sights.
The drive was only ten more minutes before you pulled up to a place called The Princess Bar, an establishment that was crawling with people. Music thumped loudly from the inside.
“No matter what happens, we have to stay in character,” Zemo whispered to the four of you after you exited the vehicle. “Our lives depend on it. There’s no margin for error.”
The words left you slightly unnerved, but you didn’t show it as the four of you walked into the bar. Sam was in front, you and Zemo were close to each other behind him, while Bucky brought up the back. Your entrance brought up lots of stares. People undressed you with their eyes and you pulled yourself closer to Zemo. You hadn’t been here before, but the other SHIELD agents told stories of what happens to pretty people in this city.
Zemo noticed your tension and tightened his grip on your waist. He knew as well as you did that there are some disgusting people out there.
“Is that the Winter Solider,” someone whispered as your group approached the bar.
Bucky didn’t show any sort of reaction, he just stood next to the bar and looked at nothing. There was a scary look to him. You silently hoped that this wouldn’t affect him drastically.
“Hello everyone,” the bartender greeted. He looked at Sam, “wasn’t expecting you, Smiling Tiger.”
“His plans changed,” Zemo said quickly, “we have business to do with Selby.”
The bartender nodded, but was still staring at Sam, “the usual?” Sam nodded back to him in confirmation, though his face dropped as the bartender took a snake out of a jar and sliced it open. He let one of its’ organs drop into the shot glass. The bartender filled it up with liquor before sliding it over to Sam.
“Ah,” Zemo smiled, “Smiling Tiger, your favorite.”
Sam gave him an annoyed look while the bartender slid over you and Zemo a glass of amber colored liquid. “Cheers, Conrad,” Zemo said before taking his shot. You did the same, enjoying the burn it left as it went down your throat. Liquid courage.
A man approached your group. He was angry and looked ready to fight. “I got word from on high that you ain’t welcome here.”
Zemo didn’t seem bothered. “I have no business with the Power Broke, but if he insists, he can either come and talk to me,” he gestured towards Bucky, “or bring Selby for a chat.”
The man reluctantly left, but slowly, another man approached the group. This one was definitely looking for a fight. The man reached out to put a hand on Zemo’s shoulder, but then he whispered in Russian for Bucky to attack.
Bucky grabbed the man’s arm and twisted it around. More people were coming to fight. Bucky fought them off effortlessly. You had never seen Bucky fight, but he was good at it. He fought with no facial expressions, just focusing on the task at hand. Zemo thought it would be funny to toss another person over for Bucky to fight and leaned over to Sam to say, “it didn’t take much for him to fall back into form.” You dug your elbow into his side. He would regret doing that later, not now when their lives depended on staying in character.
All of the sudden, Zemo had his hands on your hips and was backing you closer into him just as Bucky slammed a man down onto the bar, his hand around the man’s throat. Guns clicked all around you.
Sam’s demeanor changed as he pressed a hand on Bucky’s arm, he hated seeing Bucky like this.
“Stay in character or the whole bar turns on us,” Zemo whispered before calling off Bucky, who released the man and continued to stare at nothing.
“Selby will see you now,” the bartender said.
You breathed a sigh of relief and sank back into Zemo without realizing it. He had one hand on your arm and another still on your hip. You also felt something hard against your ass.
“That better be a fucking gun,” you whispered to him.
He removed his hand from your hip and guided you through the hallways. “I am always prepared, liebste.”
You finally reached a large room after slipping though the hallways. Several men carrying guns were displayed around the room, but there was a couch and an armchair in the middle. A lady with cropped white hair sat with her legs crossed. She had an arrogant look on her face as all of you filed into the room.
Sam stood next to the couch where Selby sat, and Bucky stood next to the armchair across from Selby. He had a perfect soldier stance. He was really good at standing there and looking at nothing.
It was then after Zemo let go of you that you realized he was waiting for you to come sit. He patted his thigh as a gesture for you to sit in his lap. You obeyed, but there was some hesitancy on your part, hopefully nobody picked up on it. You looked over at Sam, who looked uncomfortable under the gaze of Selby, who was obviously flirting with him.
As you sat down, Zemo offered you a look that seemed to convey everything you needed to know. This was life or death, you had to stay in character. He noticed your hesitancy before even if nobody else did. He was incredibly observant that way. You got in between his legs before sitting on his thigh, pressing closely to him as you wrapped an arm around him and placed a hand on his chest. He held you in place by placing one hand on your upper thigh, where the dressed covered the material. Selby gave you two a look and you noticed the lack of trust on her face. Zemo did too and gave you a soft look before slipping his hand down to the hem of the dress. He moved his hand inward and calmly traced circles with his thumb. You pressed a kiss to his forehead as a silent gesture that you were okay. Fortunately, Selby seemed to be believing it.
“You should know, Baron,” Selby started, “people don’t come into my bar and make demands.” She lifted her drink to her lips for a sip. It was a clear liquid, but you couldn’t identify it.
“Not a demand, but an offer,” Zemo tipped his head towards Bucky. You weren’t sure where this was going.
“I thought you were rotting away in a German prison,” she questioned. “How did you escape and find time to pick up this beautiful woman.” She tossed a wink towards you.
“Not a woman, but she and they pronouns will do,” Zemo said on your behalf. Selby picked up on what he meant quickly and gave you another wink. You smiled in return, hoping to look convincing.
“People like us always find a way,” Zemo said, interrupting her stare at your body.
“What’s the offer then,” Selby asked.
Zemo looked towards Bucky, “tell us what you know what the super soldier serum. And I give you him,” he pointed to Bucky. “Along with the code words to control him, of course.”
It was at that moment that Zemo decided to get up and walk towards Bucky. You decided to sit back down on the chair, not liking where this conversation was going.
“He will do anything you want,” Zemo said while running a finger over Bucky’s chin.
Selby grinned as Zemo walked back to the chair you were sitting in. You stood up and sat back on his lap once he was seated again. “Wow, Baron. I am glad I decided not to kill you immediately,” she said while eying Bucky up and down. “You were right to come to me. Arrogant, but right. The super soldier serum is here in Madripoor. Dr. Wilfred Nagel is the man you want to thank or condemn. That depends on which side you are on.” She raised an eyebrow towards Zemo, but then decided to keep going. “The Power Broker had him working on the serum, but things didn’t go as planned.”
Zemo pondered this for a moment before deciding to speak. “Is Nagel still in Madripoor?”
She laughed, “oh, the breadcrumbs you can have for free, but the bakery is going to cost you. And before you get all cute, don’t think you can find Nagel without me. This information requires some,” she paused, trying to find the right word, “testing on our deal before I can give you more information.”
Your heart started pounding. You were afraid Bucky was going to have to kill people in front of her. This was not good.
“I want to see you and your partner kiss,” Selby said with a devilish smile.
This is not where you expected this to go. At least Bucky was safe from killing people, but that meant you had to kiss Zemo. At least it was only a kiss.
You and Zemo turned to face each other, the look in your eyes telling each other that this was okay. A simple kiss was nothing. It was you that leaned forward and pressed yourself to him. His lips collided with yours. He tasted faintly of whiskey, but his lips were soft against yours. He was the one who pulled away. It was a nice kiss; you wouldn’t mind doing that again if you were forced to.
“No,” Selby yelled, “I want to see you put on a show. Make out with each other. Give me and Smiling Tiger over here something to watch.”
You did not want to make out with the Baron, but the evil glint on Selby’s face left you no other choice. Zemo leaned toward by your ear to speak: “Hör auf, wenn du dich unwohl fühlst,” he murmured into your ear. He wanted you to have the control in this situation. If you wanted to stop, he would let you stop, not that that was really an option. Still, you were glad you had his comfort. You nodded ever so slightly, and he put a hand to your check before bringing you in. You met him halfway and pressed your lips to him once again. This time, it was hungry. You both needed to be convincing enough to get Selby to stop. You had your fair share of sloppy make out sessions before, but Zemo was good. He knew exactly what to do. You opened your mouth for him to enter in with his tongue. No, this wasn’t sloppy at all. This was intoxicating. Your hands slid down his body to find themselves on his coat, which you clutched to pull him closer to you. He elicited a slight groan when you did that. You could tell he was getting into this, especially when you felt something firm against your thigh. This time, it wasn’t his gun. He was hard. For some reason, it almost made you forget that you were surrounded by other people. Nobody had touched you the way he had.
You sucked on his bottom lip before he pulled away to kiss at your neck and down your collarbone. You tilted your head back so he could get better access. His lips dipped right where your cleavage began, but he didn’t go anywhere further. When he found himself back at your face you were surprised to see that calculated look of his go away. He was filled with lust, but he was still being a gentleman.
“I’m bored,” Selby fake yawned. “I want things to get interesting. Zemo, bring on your attack dog.”
“I don’t share, if that is what you are implying,” Zemo threatened.
“Don’t worry,” Selby stood up. “He won’t get the goods.” She winked and ordered for you to stand up and sit on the couch. You obeyed and hurried over to the couch. Zemo stood up and walked over to you. He sat you protectively on his lap. Selby took her place on the seat you were previously sitting in.
“Let’s start off slow. I won’t make anyone get naked, I just want to have some fun,” she teased and leaned forward in her seat. “Touch her.”
“They aren’t too keen on public displays,” Zemo’s eyes darkened and his grip on you tightened.
Guns clicked. You had no choice.
Zemo looked to you. You gave him a quick peck to signify that you were okay, and that’s when he slipped his hand into your dress.
It caught you off guard by how quickly he moved. He wanted to get this over with, at least that’s what you thought. His hand pinched at your nipple which brought out a breathy moan that was louder than you intended it to be. Zemo liked hearing the sounds you made, but he also knew that this was a life-or-death situation. He shouldn’t be enjoying himself, but the look in your eyes when he came back up from sucking on your collarbone left him dazed. His hand was still grazing your nipples, making goosebumps appear on your skin.
“I’m bored again,” Selby called out. “Bring your soldier into the mix.”
The gunmen aimed towards you and Zemo but didn’t fire. They were anticipating your hesitation. “Idi syuda, soldat.” Zem ordered for Bucky to come over to you. Selby spoke up, “tell him to sit next to your partner.”
Zemo sighed, “Syad'te ryadom s ney.” Bucky did as told and sat next to you on the couch.
“Good,” Selby cooed at the three of you. “Now I want the soldier and your partner to make out while you finger her.”
You would be lying if you weren’t wet right now. Being touch-starved and Zemo’s careful handling of your body was enough to have your underwear soaked. This is not how you imaged being touched. Maybe a hookup, but not one of your old friends kissing you and a criminal fingering you.
With one flick of her hand, Selby’s guards circled in closer. There was no way out of this.
Zemo knew this too. “Soldat, potseluy ikh.”
Immediately, Bucky kissed you. His lips were soft, but not as soft as Zemo’s. He also seemed to be out of practice. It was good, but neither of you wanted this. Or, well, you didn’t want to be kissing one of your best friends.
Slowly, Zemo slid his hand underneath your dress and parted your thighs. The feeling of his hands inching their way to your warmth made you gasp into Bucky’s mouth. Your gasp just made Bucky press onto you harder, tracing his way down your neck with his lips. All the while, Zemo was teasing your slit through your wet underwear.
“Eager thing they are,” Selby giggled. “They are so wet.”
You kept kissing Bucky, his tongue entering your mouth, but a single tear slid down the side of your face. You hated that Selby announced that you were turned on, especially in front of Sam and Bucky. It would also give Zemo some sort of leverage over you.
Bucky noticed the single tear on your cheek, luckily it was on the side not exposed to Selby. He carefully wiped it without anyone noticing it. He took your hand and held it tight, trying to reassure you.
“Stop teasing,” Selby groaned.
Zemo kissed your cheek before proceeding. He wanted you to be comfortable, but Selby was not going to let up. He slid your underwear off and set them on the couch next to you. Another kiss to the cheek, and then he was back at your warmth. His fingers lightly slipped into between your folds to gather up the wetness. He then proceeded to press his thumb to your clit, slowly circling the spot before picking up his pace. You moaned softly and pressed back against Zemo. You didn’t know if you were going to be able to hold out for long. You can’t imagine how it was going to be when he put his fingers inside of you.
Your hand was held in Bucky’s, placed near his inner thigh, where you could feel his hardened bulge. It seems you were capable of turning on two men by merely kissing. The moans and gasps you were making as Zemo worked your clit were probably making matters worse.
You weren’t expecting it, but one of Zemo’s fingers slipped inside of you and curled to hit your spot. He slowly went in and out before picking up the pace. Once you relaxed more into him, he added another finger. The fingers stayed inside before flexing to hit your g-spot faster, making you moan loudly. You hated that you were enjoying this, but Zemo made you feel so good. Bucky did a great job of trying to distract you from remembering this was Zemo fingering you, but the German words of encouragement and apologies in your other ear diminished all of that progress. You liked the praise, and you liked how gentle Zemo was being, even though he was unravelling you with the twitching of his fingers.
You were so close to your peak, and you were on the edge when Zemo placed a third finger inside of you. You could feel pre-cum leaking through Bucky’s pants. It was hard to imagine Bucky being turned on by you, but it was probably just a natural human response. You knew you were attractive, so you weren’t entirely surprised, but coming from Bucky? Yeah, that was not expected.
You couldn’t take it anymore. You tried to hold back, but Zemo telling you “Komm für mich, schöne,” was all it took. He was giving you permission to cum on his fingers. You did as instructed, feeling your walls tighten on the three fingers inside of you. You could barely hear Zemo telling Bucky to stop kissing you. You were so focused on your orgasm. It was wonderful, more than you expected, even with the watchful eyes of everyone in the room. You let go of Bucky’s hand just as Zemo pulled out of you and put your underwear back on.
Still coming off of your high, you faced Zemo and looked at his eyes. He enjoyed your performance, even if he was pretending not to you. Your gaze focused down to his wet fingers, covered in your cum and wetness. Without thinking, you grabbed his wrist and sucked on each of his fingers, tasting yourself. His eyes went wide and grabbed one of your hips tight, probably steadying himself more than you. You had no idea what came over you to react that way, but Selby seemed to be buying it. It was for the good of the mission.
When you pulled away Selby clapped her hands slowly. “Amazing show, now let’s move on to the encore—”
That’s when a bullet shot through the glass and right into Selby’s chest.