It was you he loved. You who he cared for. You who'd give the world. Or burn it down for. He hadn't expected to feel so strongly for you, but everything you did set a fire in him. A warm, comforting fire, that silently raged when he remembered he couldn't make you happy.
Not like him. Despite his best efforts, he could never live up to the heroicness of the super soldier. A kind, brave man that knew you well and was learning how to express his feelings. Charming and caring, even when he wasn't the most blunt. How could he ever compete?
It's not like he hadn't tried. And he thought you appreciated it. Maybe even liked that he was doting you. The gifts, the sweets, the offers, the eagerness to listen to whatever you said. Maybe you just liked having a puppy. That's what Sam had called him. A puppy, begging for attention and love.
Even if you had considered him at one point, it was obvious who your choice was. Dear James, who'd been in the running long before the baron ever met you. James, who gained your trust over several years, not just a mere few months.
James, who had gotten him a pardon just to watch him suffer a breaking heart.
He could have handled the flirting, the way you looked at James, or even the dates. But not this. Not you standing there, looking more gorgeous than a god or goddess of beauty, crying happy tears as you accept the soldier's proposal. Not the look the other man gives him, as if to say 'this was your punishment'. Not the apologetic look you give him as he hugs you, trying to hide his own tears.
"Zemo, I-"
"Please, (Y/N). You know you can call me Helmut. Like you used to."
"Helmut... I know how you feel... I want you to know it was nothing against you. You're a great man, it's just-" He stops you with a tight lipped smile and a quick kiss to your cheek.
"My apologies, (Y/N). I have an early meeting tomorrow." He starts to leave, turning around to look at the two of you as the elevator opens, a few tears slipping down his face.
"Congratulations. I wish nothing but happiness for you."
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Helmut Zemo One-Shots: Zemo x Reader Because I Know Y'all Are Thirsty AF
FanfictionCover by: inima-neagra Don't judge. We all know why you're reading this. One-shots with everyone's newest favorite villain, Barron Helmut Zemo. Some angst, some fluff. I will put warnings at the beginning of any chapter that deals with dark/distur...
