Frostbite |The Alternate Timeline

Riga

I had never been to Latvia, but apparently Zemo had been frequently. He had his own home here. Riga was beautiful with its close-knit homes by the sea. I loved the fact that it was a pedestrian only city. There were no cars, buses, or trains, which was pleasant on the eyes and ears as we walked through the streets. Zemo had no problem remembering the way to his apartment.

"I heard what became of Sokovia. Cannibalized by its neighbors before the land was cleared of rubble- erased from the map. I don't suppose any of you bothered visiting the memorial?" Zemo inquired, glancing at the three of us, "Of course not. Why would you?"

A twang of guilt shot through me, but I didn't say a word. He was right. I at least should have gone. Sam and Bucky had no part in what happened in Sokovia. What occurred with Ultron was one of my biggest regrets.

Zemo stopped in front of a set of stairs and waved to the building. "We're here."

We began to follow him inside, but Bucky hesitated, an odd expression on his face.

"I'm gonna go on a walk."

"You okay?" I asked, unsure if he should wonder off on his own. We had no idea where Karli was.

"Yeah. I'll see you guys in a bit."

With that, he turned away and we followed Zemo through the large metal doors, leaving Bucky alone. We reached his apartment, and he quickly unlocked the door.

"I need to freshen up. Make yourselves at home," he told us, disappearing into the bathroom immediately.

The inside was gorgeous. The floors had intricate designs that swirled across the living space, and the back wall was lined with stained glass windows. They brightened the room up with soft yellow and orange hues, giving off a comforting vibe. Large ornamental pillars sat on either side of the hall entrance. There was an island separating the kitchen and the rest of the room. No wonder Zemo had been more than willing to volunteer this place.

I reclined on the large couch, waiting for Zemo to get done so that I could clean up as well. The grimy feeling was driving me insane. Sam sat next to me, sighing as he rolled his neck. We sat in silence until he just couldn't take it any longer.

"So, now that no prying ears are around... Do you wanna talk about it?" he smirked, giving me that look. I instantly knew what he was talking about.

I snorted and replied, "Do you honestly think I want to talk about it?"

"No, but it'll be good for your soul."

"Sam-"

"I'm joking," he chuckled, elbowing me lightly, "Seriously, though."

"It happened. I don't know what else there is to say. We slept together one time, and that is that," I shrugged, tossing my hair over my shoulder in agitation.

He shook his head and said, "You mean you slept together and it created a rift that has caused you two to go for blood every chance you get."

"Oh yeah," I laughed, "I forgot you're a mind reader. It is what it is, Sam. We can't take it back so."

"Hey, I'm not judging. Just trying to help, because it doesn't seem like either of you know how to sort through your own emotions healthily."

My eyes narrowed at that, but I let it go.

"There's nothing to sort through. He made it perfectly clear that it would never happen again."

Sam pursed his lips as he chose his next sentence, "Okay- Can I ask you something?"