Middle Ground I Bucky barnes & H.Zemo

6

The following morning when Bucky woke up he felt confused by the presence lying next to him. It was all new to him, feeling the warmth and company of someone else as soon as he opened his eyes to a new day. He hadn't felt so at ease and calm for in years: he didn't get any nightmare at all, he slept through knowing nothing bad would happen to him. 

The sun rays warmed his bare arm and the feeling of silk, of course the baron had to pick an expensive fabric even for his bed sheets, tickling his skin relaxed him.

-Hey- a hoarse voice distracted him from his thoughts only to drawn him to an even more beautiful sight. Zemo had just woken up, his eyes a bit puffy, a confused but reassured expression painted on his lips. He stared at him in awe, to him he was just as beautiful as a reneissance painting. 

He leaned in to give a soft kiss on James' forehead

-Goodmorning- Bucky pressed his cheek closer to Zemo's chest. He played with the pendant of his necklace, wondering what the letters stood for -I don't think I have slept so peacefully in ages, and that's all thanks to you-

He really meant it, it felt like all the voices constantly overshadowing his conscience were finally gone for good. He was calm, his heartbeat steady: he wished to stay in bed for the rest of the day, or week, or the rest of their lives, every instant was too flawless to be ruined by the out-the-door reality. There was nothing more for him to desire but to lay closer to Zemo, devouring every detail of his face, of his body, and his outstanding charisma.

-Glad to hear that, you are a sight for sore eyes my dear- the Sokovian brushed James' hair with care, slowly getting accostumed to having such a beauty all to himself. They clearly only had eyes for each other, completely lost in one's aura

-James, whatever you need I'll give it to you: I want to prove you I am a different man that you can trust with you eyes closed. I'm just scared we might not have as much time as you would need-

Bucky hid further in his neck and muffled against his skin

 -It's okay, let's take one step at the time - 

He didn't want to think about Ayo, or the Dora Milaje and how upset they'd be the moment they would find out about them. They had a point, but he didn't care.

-However, on a more imminent problem, I do fear we'll have to deal with a pretty mad Sam when we get out of that door- 

Bucky groaned out of mild annoyance. He wasn't exactly passionate about the conversation he was going to have with his friend.

-I'll deal with him. Let's get dressed, there's somewhere I want you to take me later when I'm done-

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-Really Bucky?- Sam couldn't find a proper spot to sit so he was just going back and forth in front of his friend, whose eyes were crossing in the failed attempt to follow him. He was waving his hands in the air and his face was red as a tomatoe

-Look man, I know this is not ideal...- he tried to insert himself in the out-loud-stream-of-consciousness Sam was having

-Ideal? IDEAL Buck? Oh I think this is way worse than "not ideal": this man took control over your mind countless time and you end up sleeping together? Hell man I ain't the Talking Cricket but I have to persuade you to give up this nonsense!-

Bucky felt so ashamed he didn't have the courage to look up. He was pinching his right hand with his metal fingers, it did hurt a bit, but he felt he deserved it. He didn't mean to be anyone's puppet or toy, he wanted to be respected, and being with Zemo only made him look like a pet wagglin his tail to its master. He ached for a relationship where he'd be considered as an equal.

-I am only asking you to be by my side, I need to know you won't ditch me because of him-

Sam sighed, a depiction of frustration spread on his face. He stopped in front of his friend and got down on his knees, trying to find eye contact

-I would never leave you, but I don't want you to get hurt so easily neither. If I am ruthless, too direct, it's because I care about you, and I woulnd't even trust Zemo with getting the groceries delivered, so how can you ask me to trust him with my best friend's heart? - he shook his head and took Bucky's hand in his -I worry about you, this is not the right path for you to heal from your past-

-I understand you want to protect me, but we both have to deal with our very different problems, and I see why being with Zemo is not the best solution to mine, but right now, right here, he's the only one who can make me sleep at night, feel safe- Bucky squeezed Sam's hands gently, as a flash of gloom sparkled in his eyes - don't get me wrong,  you're the best, you've been taking care of me from the beginning of the mission, you've been understanding and kind even when I didn't return the favour, only this is different, it's another type of affection, I hope you get what I mean. Zemo is gentle with me, he has made a promise and so far he has kept it, not giving me any clue to believe he'll break it anytime soon-

Bucky's cheeks blushed a bit 

-We only kissed, we slept together but we didn't do anything else because I didn't feel comfortable, and he respected that. He's not forcing or manipulating me Sam. Please tell me you won't get in the way-

-I can't say I will sleep on a bed of roses knowing you're out there...frolicking together, but I will always be here for you, and I hope I won't be the one to say I told you so- Sam pulled him into a hug -and if he comes up with any bullshit I'll personally shove those turkish delights he loves so much into places where they don't belong to. Now off you go wherever you were planning, I need time to process all of this- 

Bucky gave him a grateful smile: he was very satisfied with the outcome of their discussion, but there was something he still had to do. He quickly grabbed his leather jacket and the helmet, shouting Bye before closing the front door. 

Zemo was quietly waiting for him outside, standing against a wall with the wind blowing through his hair. He was silently observing the civilians walking down the street, scrutinizing the tiny details of their appeareance with a very focused gaze

-Ready to go?- Bucky smiled on him while securing the helmet on his head. The keys were rattling in his pocket

-Sure James- Zemo walked towards the parked motorcycle, waiting for him to seat before he'd take place behind -you lead the way-