We're more alike than you think

108. Expectations

"Y/n," you heard Matt coughing.

You snapped out of your bubble and felt your cheek turn red as you turned around towards the rest of the group. Matt didn't even see anything, but he stood there smiling. Ross was looking straight down at the floor, probably as embarrassed as you were. The agents kinda acted as nothing happened. Guess all that overthinking wasn't necessarily about how to greet Zemo. Things seemed to always fall natural between the two of you, even when you found yourself in unusual places. Zemo intertwined your fingers as you turned your body towards the rest. You looked down at the floor where you had melted the ground. You moved your lips from side to side, a bit unsure about what to say. Instead of words you reached your hand out and altered the floor, making it ever again.

"I'm sorry, but to my excuse, you promised you would fire him," You said, almost a bit shy to talk. Ross nodded his head as he looked up at the two of you.

"My fault," he said easily as he pointed his hand towards the elevator, hinting that it was time to leave. You gave him a little nod as you walked together with Zemo into the elevator. Ross went in last and turned his back on us.

"What have I unleashed," he muttered under his breath.

You looked back up at Zemo with a smile that grew as you took in every detail of his face. Ross had a point, the two of you were definitely not a normal couple if you were a couple at all and he had to handle us. Like two teenagers causing trouble in the streets, the only difference is that you were supposed to make it better and safer for people. Zemo leaned on his side and took one of his hands on your cheek, softly brushing your cheek. It was so good to feel his touch against yours. It almost had a lingering feeling to it. The second the door opened you turned to it and immediately followed the others out the door and into the plane.

When you came onto the plane you couldn't help but feel a bit lost. You didn't know what to do with yourself. You wanted to be close to Zemo, but at the same time, you wanted to be professional. You looked up at Zemo. He looked good. He was wearing all black, jeans and a turtleneck, almost making it look like the two of you had tried to match each other. You gave him a little smile before you let go of his hand and walked over to the front of the flight where Ross found himself. It was clear that he tried to ignore you as you leaned into the back of the chair in front of him. You rolled your eyes at him.

"Honestly, what did you expect?" you asked and leaned down so your faces were at the same level. He laughed low and shook his head.

"Nothing, I'm just glad you're happy," he said looking up at you for the first time since the little episode inside of the prison happened. You laughed low, you knew something more was coming. He had been way too kind about this situation. Tony worked with the man, and their work relationship was fine, but Ross was way more snappy than he had been with you until now. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat.

"You are the one that's gonna have to handle the media pressure when you're with him. No matter how much he has changed, he will always remember him as the guy who killed T'Chaka and many other civilians," there it came, this was the Ross you had heard so much about.

"Well, if you care about the media, 70% have voted the two of you as the hottest couple on earth. Seems like people are into the whole 'bad guy thing," Matt said while walking over, placing his hand over Ross's seat with a gentle smile towards you.

You leaned to the side, looking over at Zemo who sat quietly by himself. You took a deep sigh and looked up at the two guys before you stood up. Guess you should be happy about what Matt said, but you were still afraid. You and Zemo needed to talk. You were no longer a private person or a secret. If you were to be together with him, you knew Ross was right. It had to be handled. You couldn't keep shying away from it.

"I will handle it," you said and crossed your arms and looked over at Zemo.

"After we have welcomed him to the base, I need time," you said strictly. Ross gave you a little nod, confirming he got your message.

You slowly walked back to Zemo and sat down beside him. You leaned your head into the wall and closed your eyes. You had to admit that this week had been more stressful than you thought it would be. It was easy to say that you prefer being on missions way more than you preferred meetings. You were exhausted. Zemo looked down at your hands before he carefully took one hand and slowly removed the glove. You looked up at him as he intertwined your fingers together. You smiled weakly as you looked down at your hands. They were perfect together.

"So how is life as a superstar?" he asked. His voice was like sweet honey to your ears. You didn't even care that he was making fun of you. This was all you wanted. You laughed low and shook your head.

"How much have you heard?" you asked back, lifting an eyebrow. If he thought you didn't know that normal inmate's didn't have access to radio in the prison he was truly being stupid. You knew that most surely Zemo had heard every press conference, interview, and show that you had done. It wasn't like it was that much to do inside of that prison cell and you knew how Zemo was. Zemo liked to have control and all the knowledge he could about the people close to him. Not even just the people close to him, he wanted the most knowledge he could about everything in general. He smiled when you asked and leaned his head against the wall.

"Oh, everything. I even listened to debates and other shows about you," he said with a laugh. Yes, you were right about the man. You laughed with him, he was such a dork sometimes.

"I know you aren't particularly fond of... talking about yourself and especially not publicly, but if I'm being honest, it was good to be able to hear your voice throughout the week. Made me feel like you weren't that far away... Like you were right there with me," He said softly looking down at you.

Your heart was melting at his words. It was almost a bit strange hearing Zemo being so genuine, without any silly comments or laughing coming after. Absurdly, you appreciated it. It was nice, cause you didn't need to doubt what he was saying, it was easy in that sense. Of course, you were a bit embarrassed as you almost felt like tearing up by his words. Why had Zemo turned you into this soft-ass vulnerable person? You hated it. You looked into his beautiful hazel brown eyes and took a deep breath.

"We have to talk later," you whispered looking down at his lips.

"I know," he said, kissing your forehead softly before he wrapped his hands around you, laying your head on his shoulder.