bakerstreet | Only 3 choices

[Perhaps his jealousy is getting the better of him. Perhaps Bucky has read him for absolute filth. Both of these can be true. Zemo hates them equally.

The more Bucky steamrolls him, the more difficult it is to formulate any sort of response. And Zemo just ends up hunching where he sits, staring down at his feet. Utterly ashamed. Still beyond disappointed in so many things.

It seems like it takes far too long, but he eventually speaks. Carefully choosing his words.]

Is that what this is about? Him being upset with you for joining this team?

[Because that’s sure what it looks like. His ill-timed fuck confession probably didn’t help matters much either, he idly supposes.]

[ Bucky could just leave. He could just get up and walk out, and leave Zemo to reap whatever he deserves. Only- it's never really been like that, has it.

SO he doesn't move. He waits. He hopes there's more to say between them. He's not even really sure why, but it's there.

The question pulls a shrug from him, though.]

Maybe it is, yeah.

Things change. We do what we can to help, but also to get by.

Why take it out on me, then? [Shrug meet frown.] I'm the one stuck behind the glass, James. Things may change but I'm set to remain here unable to do much about any of that.

I'm not taking it out on you, I'm just telling you how things are now.

[and he always has, hasn't he? Despite their colorful past.]

You know, everyone talks about doing the right thing, but when it comes down to it, it just ends up being completely different. Ends up being not the right way instead of seeing it for what it is.

[He shakes his head, looking away.]

I don't have a whole lot of faith in myself most days, so I guess I get it. I just figured at least you... maybe you had some in me.

I never said I didn't, James. [He shakes his head slightly, catching himself before he smiles a bit too much.] You've come a long way and are more than capable. It's them I don't trust.

[And maybe his jealousy is coming through again with that statement. But he hardly cares.]

Them who?

[He raises a slight eyebrow, looking at Zemo. He doesn't feel more than capable right now. He doesn't feel trusted either.]

Your team.

[He says it plainly, his expression unreadable. Insinuating he knows more than he’s been letting on since the beginning of this unfortunate conversation.]

My team.

[Bucky said dully. That's insinuating a lot, yeah.]

So you did know. You're standing her talking to me about trust while lying to me.

[And digging himself into a bigger hole.]

Mm. [He’s just as unemotional about it, borderline bored-sounding.] Bits and pieces. Unfortunately it’s quite difficult to get the whole picture down here, so I make do.

How long were you going to wait to fill in the blanks, hm?

Clearly I don't need to. You've already filled it all in for me, and made your final judgments.

[This is it right here. That wedge that keeps growing. Zemo stands here pretending to be bored while lying to him, and Bucky is just supposed to roll with it.]

I don't know what you're asking me about then. You've made up your mind about all of it. About me. And you know what? I don't owe you anything. Least of all an explanation.

You’ve already decided you’re much better off without me.

[He hates having to stoop to finger-pointing. It’s so juvenile. But here they are.]

Even came all this way to tell me I’m as good as benched until further notice. That’s explanation enough.

[And there’s an unpleasant, throbbing pain slowly making itself known behind his right eye.]

I didn't come here to tell you that. I came here to talk to you. We haven't pulled you out for missions in weeks.

[He's definitely rethinking things now, though. It hurts, and it shouldn't. He's tired of trying to prove he's doing the right thing, that he's on the side of good, when it's all he's been doing- when it's all he's ever wanted to do. He's not going to stand here and defend those decisions to Zemo.]

You don't have to trust my team. Or me, if you've decided to change your mind about that. If you're so disappointed in me, maybe I shouldn't even come for visits anymore either.

[Yeah, visits. Because none of this had been needed, but he's been here anyway.]

[The hurt goes both ways. And now Zemo’s feeling foolish, like his silly little confession should’ve come sooner in order to avoid… whatever this is. Or he just should’ve kept his mouth shut altogether. Who knew his flirting would get him into this much trouble.

Of course, it could all be ill timing. A coincidence. A unfortunate miscommunication. But he’s much too inside his own head presently to consider other options. He’s just going to blame himself and his apparent selfishness.

He doesn’t say anything for a while, eventually scooting himself back onto the bed so that his back is against the wall of his cell, his feet almost dangling over the edge.]

I like your visits. They give me something to look forward to. Your company is the best thing you could give me, James, and I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful - because I’m not.

[ Zemo isn't really listening- maybe not quite catching on. It's alright, though. Bucky isn't sure there's too much left to say.

He's tired. Coming here might've been... some kind of escape. Somehow they had come to an understanding. Apparently even more than that, considering Zemo's confession. But Bucky sharing his own personal news had been too much, it seems.

Sam, Zemo... it's fine. Maybe at least Steve would've been proud of him.

He doesn't really know what to say to Zemo's words. He's struggling to find anything else to say that will change this or make it better. When push comes to shove, no one's got his back. Well. His team does now.]

I can try to talk to Sam to convince him to take you out on missions again. I know exactly what to say, and he'll go for it.

[No, he's listening. He's an excellent listener. Bucky is the one missing the point here.

Their mutual misunderstanding is infuriating.]

James. I want to be with you.

[It's a loaded statement, sure, but he doesn't know how else to articulate what he's feeling.]

[ Bucky breathes out slowly, crossing his arms, staring at a spot on the floor. After about a minute of silence, he looks up. Another breath out. ]

I'll keep coming. But I don't want to hear about my terrible decisions to work with people who want a second chance.

[Funny how that also includes Zemo, doesn't it.]

I hear enough about it from everyone else already.

Edited 2025-05-29 01:45 (UTC)

[The silence is so uncomfortable. It’s like sitting on pins and needles. He’s not used to restraining himself so much around Bucky, but now things are awkward. And it’s all his fault.

He tries not to laugh at the mention of second chances. There is the hint of a smile though.]

Tell me of your victories then? The stories I won’t get from the papers.

[He shakes his head, letting his hands fall to his sides. He's not the same as he used to be. He holds his own a lot better now. Doesn't let that doubt seep into his head as much as it used to. He had to be strong, running for congress. It was brutal out there.

He doesn't want to give here either.]

Maybe next time, Zemo. I don't really feel like telling you about any of it right now.

[Zemo makes a face at that, gives a shrug of his shoulders. But it’s all in good fun. His expression isn’t a grave one anymore, at least.]

Next time - sure. I’m not going anywhere.

[Zemo should know by now, after all this time, that Bucky isn't that easy anymore. Not pliable like he once was. He's not keen to Zemo's moods and whims either. The bored looks, the shrugs as if it doesn't matter, it doesn't impress him.]

I need some time to think about things.

[He looks up, making eye contact and intending to keep it.]

Alright. [A slight nod.] Take all the time you need.

[ He gives a single nod as well, then heads off without another word. He has a team to get back to. ]

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they’re pathetic.

speak for yourself Zemo >.>

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