Came for the Low- Revised

Untitled Part 34

Why was he nervous?

    Just pick her up, Zemo scolded himself.

    He was standing in the dark bedroom of his apartment peering down into the bassinet, watching Galina fuss and squirm in her sleep, knowing that she would wake up crying soon.

    Funny how much she looked like a tiny version of himself and yet, he did not know her. Still, she needed him, but he couldn't bring himself to do it, in fact he'd avoided holding her without even realizing until now, when he wanted to so badly but hesitated. It wasn't like this was his first baby, in fact, he'd held children of various ages enough times over the years to know exactly how to do it. But this wasn't a practicality issue, this went much deeper. A father of two boys and he'd never felt this way before. There was something about this time, about her.

    She was his daughter. His most precious girl and he, was scared of her.

    Zemo laid his hand on her belly, all soft and warm under the onesie and gave her a reassuring wiggle, wishing he could find some comfort too, but reality was throwing him for an unexpected loop.

    This was his baby, here in the same room, living and breathing, not just a beautiful idea birthed from his loneliness, but a tiny person who would depend on him, and that was terrifying. It was like he'd suddenly become aware of all ways he could ruin her life, and just how much time there was to make it happen... was this anxiety? He paused looking off to question it but Galina grabbed his attention threatening to cry again.

    Four months on this earth and her tiny lungs were more more powerful than all the heroes and gods combined. He couldn't help but to smile. Shady government agencies and black market dealers had nothing on this little creature who owned his heart and would hold him captive to her many demands for years to come.

    Zemo smoothed his hand over her silky hair that had just started to curl up at the tips knowing he would have it no other way.

    He whispered to her in his native tongue still amazed by just how small and perf...her lip turned down, poking out with all the anger she could muster. She'd had enough of his existential bullshit.

    Yanked from the loving haze of fatherhood, he snapped to attention and carefully scooped the child up from her cradle, holding a deep breath as he did.

    She didn't open her mouth to wail miserably as he'd expected, but instead tucked her little chin when he laid her against his chest, cradling her head as she nestled high in the crook of his arm. She made the funny grunts and soft squeaks that babies make but there were no tears.

    Zemo exhaled and glanced over at the bed relieved to find Christine still asleep and deservedly so after their long journey. Without the Wakandan ships travel could feel painfully slow, even in a jet.

    He turned away bouncing the baby, hoping that he would be enough to settle her down. Please let me be enough, he silently begged as he moved with her. His hard chest was no match for the soft comfort of her mother, but he patted her bottom as he walked the floor all the same until she did calm and nuzzled against him, her little fist gripping his shirt.

    Pausing his steps, Helmut looked down as she tilted her head back and opened her eyes looking directly into his. He didn't dare move.

    Galina's inquisitive expression made him chuckle softly. "Hello little one." He said and she blinked, her face relaxing as if she approved of the stranger holding her.         With a sigh and a smile he watched the way she rubbed her nose into his shirt, not fussing so much as she was familiarizing herself with him. And then she sank into his hold and slowly closed her eyes again, her soft cheek pressed to his heart.