#zemo mcu

[gremlin-girly]

The Orchid Offering

Pairing: Zemo x f!reader

Additional characters: Natasha

Dividers by me, made in canva pro. Credit to the OG artists for the art :)

This can be read as stand alone but sits as part 3 of the Vrăjitore AU 💜 I do not give permission for my work to be reposted, copied, translated or put through an AI machine.

Tags/warnings: Fluff, secret relationship

Summary: Zemo sends you a gift.

Word count: 882

Vrăjitore = Enchantress (witch)

A/N: I was peacefully listening to music in bed last night when a spider crawled on my face and another (bigger) one was not 2 feet away from me. Suffice to say I have not slept very well so apologies for any mistakes lol.

Zemo Masterlist | Vrăjitore Masterlist |

Main Masterlist | Pots and Petals AU

"That's a pretty orchid."

Natasha eyes the plant, gently caressing the purple flowers with her pointer finger. It was yet another gift from Zemo and, while you couldn't tell her that, pride swelled in your chest.

"Thanks." You desperately want to add 'my boyfriend got it for me'; but that would lead to an interrogation, the inevitable revelation and the horrid reaction from all of your friends. Instead, you opt to continue making her coffee, letting her scan your apartment and hope she doesn't catch on to an invisible trace of your boyfriend.

"I didn't know you liked them." She comments moving away from the orchid and collapsing onto your sofa with a sigh.

"Oh, I - um..." You swallow thickly. You hadn't realised either. You'd never paid them much thought since they were usually expensive and required more care than most houseplants. However, Zemo's gift had come prepared already; complete with a small manual and orchid feed so you didn't have to worry too much about what to do with it.

"Neither did I, it was on offer." You lie, kicking yourself as you feel Nat's eyes narrow at the back of your head.

"You're a terrible liar." She says and when you turn to her with two steaming mugs of coffee you see she's smiling. "So, who's the lucky guy?"

You end up spilling your guts to Natasha about your mystery boyfriend, making her promise not to dig deeper.

"We've... kinda just started seeing eachother." You confess, hiding your nervous smile behind your mug. "Everything's a bit... fresh."

"Is it serious?" Natasha asks sipping her coffee.

"I hope so." You sigh cradling your mug in your hands. "I don't need you or the guys scaring him off, though."

Natasha laughs. "Not unless he deserves it."

You crack a smile at your friend. "Of course not."

"Well, so long as he's good to you - I won't bite." Natasha shrugs and then smirks at you. "But I do want all the gory details."

You can't help the relief that washes over you and the joy about finally being able to share some of your experiences with Zemo as a boyfriend to one of your friends is incomparable. You'd spent weeks wanting to blurt something about your boyfriend, to share the romantic gestures and lavish gifts he seemed to love bestowing on you, but were too afraid of someone finding out who your boyfriend was.

Your joy is infectious and Natasha is soon excitedly animated as you gush about your mystery boyfriend to her.

You grin sheepishly. "He actually got me the orchid. It came last week."

"Wow," she blinks. "You've hit the jackpot."

"Thanks, I hope so." Then you sigh. "I do worry that the romance will... go. If he gets bored."

Natasha looks thoughtful for a moment before responding. "I guess and I'd be careful. But he seems to be head over heels for you; and I don't blame him!"

"Vrăjitore," Zemo's silken voice carries through your phone speakers and you shiver when he calls you by your pet name. "How was your day?"

"Good," you nod to your living room, nursing a tea this time. Natasha had long since departed and now that you were alone, you could enjoy your weekly phone call with your boyfriend. Being a wanted criminal had its downsides - like changing his number every so often. "I caught up with Nat today."

"Oh?" There's a hint of surprise to his tone but its still level.

You swallow awkwardly. "She likes the orchid you gave me."

"Ah. Do you like it, Vrăjitore?"

"I love it." You murmur quietly, eyes flickering to the plant. Something stirs in your chest that you dare not name, and quickly continue speaking. "I told her about you too - not by name or anything. Just -"

You stop yourself from blabbering with a nervous laugh. "Just that you're, um, you know..."

"Your boyfriend?" Zemo offers helpfully and you can hear his smile through the phone. You can see it, the smug smile of satisfaction knowing he's got you blushing like a teenager from hundreds of miles away.

"Yeah." You say a little breathlessly. "My boyfriend."

It sounds silly to say out loud; bordering on childish. However, the word makes you feel giddy and you want nothing more than to fall to your couch and cup your face and kick your feet.

"At least you have someone to talk to about me," he adds. "Even if it's not about me."

"Very true." You bite your lip thoughtfully. "Anyways, tell me about your day. What happened?"

Zemo gives detail to some of the more mundane things he did, like reading, and some throw away lines about legal and business related work. Although he doesn't go into detail about the latter, you know its probably better that you don't know what he was actually up to. You'd be in enough trouble if your friends or the government found out about your relationship but without knowing knowing entirely what was going on you could sweetly feign ignorance. Not that you wanted to lie to your friends about this.

But that was another downside of fugitive boyfriends. The upside being you were swept off your feet by a charming gentleman who had another surprise incoming sooner than you expected.

END

Taglist - add yourself here

@irishhappiness @late-to-the-party-81 @ooking1016 @jeremyrennermakesmesmile @almostglitterybear @blackhawkfanatic @peaches1958

[the-savage]

When someone is talking to me but all I can think about is that fact that my father’s legacy is truly going to die with him because our home is gone therefore I can’t be the baroness. I can’t rule what’s gone.

[mohish-ko]

★"I'm handling the negotiations here. Him? Consider him absent"★

[florida3exclamationpoints]

Marvel + text posts

[notafunkiller]

Bucky Barnes is the best super soldier

How it was subtly emphasized in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier:

He always holds back

With the Flag Smashers and even with John Walker. We could see the difference in the last 3 episodes. Sebastian Stan did an incredible job making it clear in a subtle way.

I want to mention that famous "Stay there" scene, and how it was visible Bucky was not punching as hard as he can in the fight with John.)

This is the thing about Bucky, he isn't after the kill, he just does his part. He doesn't try to show off his skills or that he is a good guy. He doesn't try to play the victim role, either. In the scene where Zemo fake-activates the Winter Soldier in Madripoor, he just makes a point. He's obviously not even trying hard.

If he wanted those in the club dead, they would be. But his self control was wow. Sebastian acted so well, his exes said everything.

*And to be honest, even when he was TWS, he could have killed everyone, but he didn't. He could have killed all of the Avengers in Civil War is they were his mission, but they weren't. This is how Natasha survived when she met him, too. It depended on what kind of mission he had (if he wasn't allowed to be seen, then the witnesses would die too, but otherwise? He didn't bother).

2. His skills

People tend to forget how smart and good at making strategies Bucky is. He's been fighting (even though he hates fighting and never wanted to be in the army) for years before he was even captured by Hydra. And this is the reason why government still want him, after all. They can use his strategies as a leader (*cough* Thunderbolts *cough*).

In the last episodes of TFATWS, we could see how he outsmarted everyone. Karli was so terrified of him.

3. Karli Morgenthau

And talking about Karli, the phone call was interesting:

She asked him if he's not tired of fighting for the wrong side, and then told him she's fighting for something bigger than herself.

"And with all the bodies you've collected, have you ever been able to say the same?"

The first thing I wanna point out is how everyone talks about the deaths Bucky caused when he was controlled by Hydra, but everyone ignores the fact that all the Avengers killed far more, but since we consider them the good side, we just don't care.

Clint, Tony, Steve, Wanda etc. They all cause(d) far more deaths than "two dozen" (known assassinations - to quote Natasha), and neither was controlled. The double standards are something else, especially for Clint. (One of the reasons why Tony was on the other side in CW was because of his guilt, after all.)

The second point is how Bucky's answer says a lot more than we might realize at first:

"You don't think I ever fought for something bigger than myself? That's all I ever tried to do, and I failed twice."

Even as TWS, Bucky had to be convinced he is on the right side, that what they do is to save the world, to give "the world the freedom it deserves".

Even brainwashed and put to sleep all the time, he had to be lied to. Bucky as TWS was a victim too. He is not a victim only because he didn't have memories or control, but also because they lied to him and used him as a toy. That milk scene is so loud. (And I am gonna talk about it in a different post). He had no rights, no choices. He was used to being tortured.

[And I wish they explored it more. We deserved and deserve a WS film - maybe with him in Romania getting back his memories, writing in his journal etc.]

"You think your cause justifies all this death, but in the end, the nightmares won't go away. You're gonna remember all the ones you killed. Trust me. Don't do this. Don't go down this path."

Despite being on opposite sides, Bucky still said this to Karli, trying to help her, to make her see the big picture, sharing how he felt and feels.

He is on "the right side". He is a hero, and Bucky being thanked by that man for saving everyone's life was touching.

4. Baron Zemo

You can see how smart, strong, and rational Bucky is when he decides to break Zemo out of jail (his plan was amazing too), risking so much (his relationship with Wakanda people and his own freedom) to get his help for the mess. He puts the cause above his own (huge) trauma. And this makes that moment in Madripoor even more disgusting (he is treated as an object, as a toy):

Zemo: Tell us what you know about the super-soldier serum. And I give you him, along with the code words to control him, of course. He will do anything you want.

The way he keeps his composure, reacts and manages the situation... absolutely incredible!

This conversation also says a lot:

Zemo: The desire to become a superhuman cannot be separated from supremacist ideals. Anyone with that serum is inherently on that path.

Bucky: Maybe you're wrong, Zemo. The serum never corrupted Steve.

Zemo: Touché. But there has never been another Steve Rogers, has there?

Bucky positions himself below Steve, who's considered a good hero, a good person... like no other. But Steve never had to go through what Bucky did: from being kidnapped like that, to being tested on, to falling off the train, to being tortured, and used, and brainwashed for decades, and put to sleep when he was not needed and having n "keepers".

Also, interesting how all Steve wanted was to fight (for a good cause, but still)... and fighting still means violence, meanwhile Bucky never wanted to fight, not even before becoming TWS, in the army (and yet he is still great at fighting. And he is deadly, even when he holds back.). All he wanted was peace.

Despite not getting the "perfect serum", despite being brainwashed, put to sleep, and forced to fight for decades, he is still himself. He never gave in to the dark side for real. He fought in his own way. The first thing he did when he woke up was to choke the Hydra guy with a whole new arm!

Bucky is so underrated: from his intelligence and fighting skills, to how human he is. Being flawed, keeping his sassiness and charm from the 40s, but getting more mature and carrying his past on his shoulders... he's so relatable and real. And every day, he shows Zemo he is wrong.

The show he makes in his final scene with Zemo is absolutely fantastic. He doesn't just prove the point he isn't defined by the serum and Hydra (AND not even by Steve, thanks to Sam. His speech made him realize the important thing about himself: that he decides who he is, not others - even those who know him before becoming TWS- "And this might be a surprise, but it doesn't matter what Steve thought. You gotta stop looking to other people to tell you who you are." parallel to "Steve believed in you. He trusted you. He gave you that shield for a reason. That shield, that is… that is everything he stood for. That is his legacy. He gave you that shield, and you threw it away like it was nothing. [...] So maybe he was wrong about you. And if he was wrong about you, then he was wrong about me."), but also that he is superior.

When Zemo tells him that he decided to let him alive (probably so he can kill Karli) and basically calls him a killing machine: "programmed to kill", Bucky plays the role, lets Zemo talk him into killing Karli, and then Bucky watches him waiting for his own death.

[Also, Bucky's line: Imagine my relief is hilarious.]

The acting was incredible: the shock on Zemo's face and the amusement and somehow relief on Bucky's after he pulls the trigger and lets the bullets fall... He proved him he's THE standard of the super soldier. Because despite everything he went through, he is the best.

Zemo telling him to cross his name off felt like a fresh start (+ telling Nakajima the truth).

5. John Walker

John, on the other hand, is lucky Bucky is an understanding person. He gets what is like... the pressure, the environment, the loss, and even tries to help.

Bucky: Don't go down that road. Believe me, it doesn't end well.

John: I'm not like you!

Of course he is not like Bucky, because Bucky has control. He is not killing to get revenge in a cynical way.

"That serum doesn't exactly have a great track record."

John kept judging Bucky every time they spoke, somehow placing himself above this "broken" man.

"This is all really easy for you, isn't it? All that serum runnin' through your veins. Barnes, your partner needs backup in there. Do you really want his blood on your hands?"

This is so wrong on every single level, especially because Bucky didn't choose to take the serum, and he always had his friends' back. He's loyal and ready to sacrifice himself.

The "funny" part about this is John ending up taking the last super soldier serum vial. All the judgement, the disgust, the patronizing tone, just to do that. Plus, of course, to kill someone with the shield.

(John proves Zemo's point about super soldiers, and Bucky does the opposite.)

And what is it easy for Bucky anyway?

He's under government conditions (so CACW coded), he has a vibranium arm that I bet the government would try to take after he dies (HOPEFULLY WHEN HE'S 200 YEARS OLD IN HIS BED, as Sebastian wants too) if he isn't in Wakanda, he is haunted by nightmares (which also can mean he is still Hydra's TWS in another universe as we found out from Strange), and he has to learn how to live for real. He's smart, charismatic, has values and principles, and he's incredible.

We need to see his version of TWS going after everyone Hydra helped. TWS is him, a part of him, and doing that on his terms, having control over it would help him heal.

[supercalifragipopculturevomit]

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) Daniel Brühl as Baron Helmut Zemo

[nxtaliaistyping]

Need Baron Zemo to fuck me with the mask on :(

Authors note: omg i'm not really into the mcu anymore, but nothing can stop me thinking about this man I need him so badddddd (and daniel bruhl in general tbh)

18+ nsfw, villain kink, mask kink, fingering, rough sex, brief mention of killing

Thinking about being his girl, his pretty thing that sits in his lap while he drinks the most expensive wine in his expensive penthouse (just because he's on the run, doesn't mean he can't be in style)

You know who he is, the things he's done, but you just don't care. Not when he caresses you so gently, cooing soft words in your ear of how beautiful and enchanting he finds you, how much you fill the empty void left within him after Sokovia fell and everyone he loved was wiped out.

And if anything, he's too gentle. Not wanting to frighten you, the poor little lamb that you were, cuddling up to such a dangerous man every night. So he attempts to shield things from you, what he's done and what he's capable of.

But that changes one day, you feel the compulsive need to find out more about your lover, or at least see what he's like when he's the ruthless and strategic criminal that you've been told about. This leads you to following him, not an easy task, but you see how readily he is able to get his hands dirty. Tracking down some old HYDRA agent that has information that is useful to him, and you watch in slight horror and slight awe how he interrogates the man.

Although you have to look away at certain parts, hearing presumably the agent's body hitting the cold ground with a soft thud. While you try and leave quietly, you underestimated how much planning had went into his operation, because on your attempted escape you feel a large hand grab your upper arm, yanking you towards him with force and the start of a threat before he stops.

"dragă? what are you doing here?" he asks, his tone still slightly deeper than usual as you stare into his brown eyes; the only facial features visible while he wears the dark purple mask.

As you stumble over your words, telling him that you wanted to see the real him, he can't help but notice the slight flush of your skin, the way your chest rises and your lips part. In that moment he finally understands.

"Oh...I think I understand now. My little girl likes that i'm so dangerous, hm?" he asks, and you can hear the smirk behind his teasing lilt, his head cocked to one side as you nod, embarassed.

Soon enough, he has you pinned to the wall, hand stuffed between your thighs as he fingers your tight cunt from under your skirt. You whimper and whine at his treatment, and he revels in the fact you're so depraved, so naughty, and all for him.

"Do you like this, hm sreco? I was going to take this mask off, but I have a feeling that isn't what you desire." he rasps against your ear, and you nod breathlessly at how right his assumption was. All you can do is look up at him, clenching and making a mess around his fingers as you whine.

When he pulls his fingers away, he doesn't give you time to recover before you find yourself bent over a wooden crate and his cock is forcing its way in your pussy. He's never treated you as roughly as this before, but something about his girl loving how ruthless he is, wanting him to keep his goddamn mask on, flipped a switch in him as he starts a rough pace. The echoes of his hips slamming into your ass make you flush with embarrassment, gripping the edges of the surface for dear life, pretty nails he paid for digging into the wood.

"So filthy for me, my little girl is nothing but a slut." he groans out, squeezing your ass before giving it a harsh spank. The rhythm of his cock railing you has your eyes nearly crossing, as you try not to think about the fact you're fucking an older man after he's literally just killed someone.

When he cums, he buries himself to the hilt inside of you, feeling the way you tighten around him and squeeze every last drop out. As his breathing returns to normal, so too does his headspace as he rips the mask off quickly, pulling out to shush you gently and hold you in his arms.

"There we are dragă i'm here, i'm right here. I'm sorry for being so rough."

Taking you home, he'd spoil his good girl with a bath and food, but in the back of his mind he's already planning out how he can fuck you like that again.

·:¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨:·

[sweeneysshit]

Y’all can keep your happy endings — I survived 2021 thanks to the repressed homoerotic tension between a brainwashed assassin and a fabulous baron.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Collision 2

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, blood, injury, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: you find yourself in the hands of unexpected saviours after an accident.

Characters: Bucky Barnes, Helmut Zemo

Note: Sorry about the pause.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

You ease back into the bed. Bucky’s shadow lingers before you fade into the haze. There you can’t feel the broken bones, thought which ones can’t be discerned from those still intact. It’s too much pain to pick apart one ache from the other. 

When you come to again, the room is dim. The curtains are drawn against the receding hue of afternoon. You groan as you shift. It’s not quite agony yet, but uncomfortable nonetheless.  

You don’t try to move much further than a twitch or a wiggle. You won’t dare. Not if it means this gets worse. 

You stare at the bell. You're uncertain. You remember Bucky, his gentleness, his help. Yet it seems he did this to you all the same. Or rather that man’s he’s with did. Zemo. That name. A criminal. A terrorist. Why would a hero be hanging out with him? 

It hurts too much to think. It doesn’t matter. If they meant you harm, they would have left you. Bucky says he’s helping. And he has. So far. 

“How are you feeling?” His voice cuts through your thoughts of him. 

You lift your head as much as you can. Bucky stands in the doorway. His shadow crosses the room and he reaches to turn on the lamp beside the grand bed. You watch him. 

“Overhead light’s bright,” he says. “Your head must be going, huh?” 

“A little,” you croak. 

“Have some water,” he taps the brim of the glass on the night stand before he moves closer. 

You lock up, the tension causing a throb in your shoulder, and you let him bring you up to sitting. You feel a bit stronger than before but wobble like jelly in his hold. He takes the glass and brings it to your lips. You drink cautiously. 

“I’m--” 

“Sorry?” You finish before him. 

He pauses, “yeah, I keep... saying that, don’t I?” 

“Mm,” you hum. 

“Well...” 

“What... what happened to me?” 

He sniffs, “I’ve been trying to figure that out. I mean--” He combs his fingers through his hair. “I know what happened...” he puts the glass down. “That-- guy I’m with knocked the building you were in down but you weren’t supposed to be there.” 

“I-- but--- the interview,” you scrunch up your face as you think. 

“Was across the street.” He crosses his arms. 

Your eyes search the wall. “Oh.” 

Another stupid mistake and this one nearly got you killed. You swear you checked the email a dozen the times. The map app was a bit back and forth on the way but you just thought it was your natural lack of direction. Well, so it seems, it was. 

“If I knew innocent people could be hurt,” he says. 

You blink. You’re too weak to dwell on it. It’s all you can do to keep from whimpering. He stares at you. 

“You’re in pain? Or am I making it worse?” 

You choke out a breath. “no, you’re not... I’m just... I feel... unattached to my body. I don’t know. It's hard to... um...” You let your head fall to the side. 

“I know what you mean,” he frowns. 

“Soldat,” the slither makes you tense and grunt. Bucky’s cheeks visibly tick. His eyes drag to the door. “I knew I’d find you close to the damsel.” 

“Zemo,” Bucky’s posture turns rigid as he faces his colleague.  

“Ah, and she is awake. How unfun.” 

Bucky repeats his name and receives a mocking chortle in return. 

“I kid. How is the broken bird? Is she ready to fly?” 

Bucky growls and rolls his shoulders. 

“I am compassionate my mighty soldat,” Zemo taunts. 

“You know my name.” 

“Yes, but you do not give me that delightful snarl when I say it,” he cackles. “Anyhow, the lady, she would require some... upkeep. To wash. And I thought we might offer a sponge bath or some--” 

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Bucky bristles. 

“I’m certain it’s all you can think of,” the other man chimes. 

“And you don’t think,” he retorts. “I’ll deal with it.” 

“Oh, surely.” 

“Quit.” 

“Quit? What? I am being considerate,” Zemo shrugs. 

“I think I could manage--” 

You try to push yourself up. Bucky spins and shows a palm, “please, careful,” he warns, “In due time.” 

“Oh, certainly--” Zemo begins. 

“I said stop,” Bucky snaps then pinches his nose. “She’s bad enough without you.” 

“Mm, yes, such a pest I am. I’ve provided her this respite to recover. A bed, a room, whatever she may ask...” he nears the foot of the bed, “and she will have it.” 

“What about me? Because I’m asking you to go,” Bucky sneers. 

Zemo laughs again. “You are smart, yes? They certainly unscrambled your brain.” 

Bucky moves faster than anyone you’ve seen. He has Zemo by the throat as he growls. He only gets a snort in return. 

“Oh, go on then, break my neck. See if that will cozen her,” Zemo teases. Bucky shoves him away. “As it were,” Zemo rubs his neck as he leans to see around the other man, “if there is anything I might do or acquire on your behalf, very well let me know, darling.” 

You can only stare. Bucky shoos him with his fingers. They glare at each other for a moment before Zemo leaves with a ‘ta’. 

Bucky turns to you. You look at him. “Can I sleep a bit longer?” 

“Sure,” he answers. 

“Thanks,” you rasp and try to get comfortable. 

“Is it bad? Do you want help?” He moves up the side of the bed. 

“Please, I don’t think... I’ll just close my eyes,” you assure him. 

He sighs, “alright...” 

“I... thank you. I... I appreciate it.” 

“Don’t. Please. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Not again,” he sniffs. “I’ll make it up to you.” 

“You already have,” you assure. “You saved me.” 

His blue eyes swim as he watches you. His forehead creases and his cheek twitches. You shut your eyes and sink into the pillows. It’s easier to just block it all out. 

💞

You second meal is easier to digest. Bucky places a tray over your lap and you manage to grip the spoon yourself. He hovers, watching as if you might choke at any moment. You take your time, your body adjusting to the movement and the food. 

“Do you prefer honey or sugar?” Zemo draws Bucky’s dull gaze as he strides in, a cup and saucer in his hands. 

“What is that?” Bucky asks. 

“Well, my dear American companion, we serve tea in this sort of china--” 

“Why?” Bucky undercuts. 

Zemo’’s cheeks dimple and his lashes flick, “I am doing my part. And as I am host, I should display my hospitality in full.” 

“Display? Huh,” Bucky sets his feet wide, “no one needs to see your chest hair.” 

Zemo looks down at his shirt, the top three buttons undone. He tilts his head at his companion as you sit silent. Too confused and weak to interject. 

“So uptight,” Zemo comes towards you and places the saucer next to the bowl of soup. “Darling, I apologise for him. He was programmed to be this way--” 

“Don’t,” Bucky warns. 

“Yes, yes, he is not that soldier anymore, forgive me. He is a fine man,” he stays close, his back to the other man. “Listen, it was me who placed the explosives. Had I known you’d be there, I surely wouldn’t have hit that button--” 

“Would you leave her alone?” Bucky grabs him and spins him away. 

“Take your own advice,” Zemo brushes Bucky’s grip away. “How do you think she feels? You’re here, like some mother hen, clucking around--” 

“Better than your yammering--” 

“Please, Barnes, let us save this venom for closed doors. It is not etiquette to be so uncouth in front of company.” 

“You started it,” Bucky sneers. 

“How mature,” Zemo pats his arm with his knuckles and faces you. “So, honey? Sugar? Anything I might fetch you?” 

You shake your head, “erm... thanks.” 

“Yes, of course, I hope you enjoy. I wasn’t sure of what you would prefer. It is a white tea. Keeping in mind your current state, a black brew might be too much,” he explains. 

“Thinks so much of the tea but not the one thing I told you.” Bucky grumbles. 

“Yes, yes, well, we are both old dogs with bad habits,” Zemo turns to him again. “Aren’t we?” 

Bucky growls. He peeks at you then exhales. 

“We’ll leave you alone,” he says. 

You nod. The men don’t move. They just stare at each other. 

“After you,” Zemo gestures to the door. 

“I insist,” Bucky doesn’t budge. 

“Ah but that would be rude of me--” 

“Just--” Bucky blusters and storms toward the other man.  

He grabs him by the arm and marches him to the door. He shoves him through then spins and pulls it shut behind him. The snap of wood makes you flinch. 

How strange this all is. 

💞

Breathless, you curl forward over your lap. The silk pajamas are cold against your skin. You have no idea where they came from, you didn’t have a mind to think of what you’re wearing through all the pain and confusion. 

You heave a breath and whine. It took all your effort to get to the edge of the bed. You need to use the bathroom but have no idea where it is. Or if you’ll make it that far. 

You stay like that, gathering what little strength you have. You lift your shoulders just a little and sidle closer to the end post. You grip the wood and bite down. You slide off the bed and your soles hit the floor. You cling to the bed and whimper. 

It’s a mistake. 

Your legs tremble and your single arm isn’t enough to hold you up. The door swings open as you tip and you’re caught with a jarring force that send a twang through your shoulder. You screech as Zemo hooks his arms behind you and grunts as he moves you back to the bed. 

“Ah, little bird, you’ve fallen from your nest,” he muses as he fixes the collar of the lush pajama shirt. “Be careful--” 

“Sorry, I... I... the... bathroom,” you puff out. “I... I’m sorry.” 

“Oh, I did warn him you are human. You have needs beyond his pecking,” Zemo tuts, “Yes, I can assist.” 

He turns and sits next to you. He snakes his arm across your back. He takes your uninjured one and guides it behind his neck. 

“Shall I count?” He offers. You’re silent. “One three. One, two, three--” 

He stands you up and you falter. You squeak and panic, leaning into him as you hook your arm around his neck and face him. Your press your cheek to his shirt and moan. 

“Oh, darling,” his hand brushes down your side. “Never fear, I mightn’t be enhanced but I might do.” 

He bends slowly and angles you around. He scoops you up in his arms and you groan. The dearth beneath you makes you dizzy. 

“Hm, yes, let us get you to where you need--” he drawls as he approaches the door. 

He stops shorts as a sole scuffs. Your head lolls over as Bucky appears in the frame. He is in a robe, his hair damp, the smell of aftershave rippling from his freshly shaved jaw. You shrink into Zemo. 

“What are you doing?” Bucky snarls. 

“Helping,” Zemo retorts. “As you are in your self-care era, I am helping this one care for herself.” 

“Where are you taking her?” 

“Is nothing sacred? This soul deserves her privacy,” Zemo steps forward. “She requires to tend her most human needs.” 

Bucky squints then winces. “Oh, uh...” 

“Yes, so I am only helping as she is struggling to convey herself.” 

“I can help--” 

“You can move. We haven’t time to argue. I feel her squirming.” 

You murmur and let your head fall next to Zemo’s. Bucky sniffs but retreats. Zemo continues out of the room and into the high-ceilinged hall. Your eyes roll over the walls as he strides along to a door. Bucky reaches past him to twist it and pushes it inward. 

“Ah, see, we work well together,” Zemo reproaches as he steps inside. “I will set you down now, my darling.” 

“Yes,” you utter, “thank you.” 

He places you on a cushioned stool near the long counter before antique mirrors. The bathroom is spacious and smells of artificial rain scent. He helps you steady yourself and toys with the satin along your shoulder. 

“She doesn’t need an audience,” Bucky snarls. 

“Certainly,” Zemo draws back and faces the other man. “But wouldn’t it be amusing.” 

You groan as your muscles quiver. You wait until the door closes, then let yourself slouch once more. He did most of the work but just getting off that stool will sap the last of your strength. 

[gremlin-girly]

Day 8: Sparkling Snow

Pairing: Zemo x f!reader (MCU)

Warnings/Tags: FLUFF, established (secret) relationship, suggestive themes, just lovey-doveyness, pet names (Vrajiatore), Zemo is a gentleman

Summary: You tell your friends that you're headed to Germany for the holidays as a treat to yourself. Little do they know that you're off to see your favourite Sokovian Baron.

word count: 1.8k

Not beta'd. I do not give permission for my work to be translated, copied or reposted or put through an AI machine.

A/N: This is a direct follow on from Flufftober 17 🥰 I kinda love these two... maybe we need another part? 👀 There is a second part that will be linked in an author's note under the cut. Sorry this is late, some unexpected plans popped up yesterday so I couldn't finish editing all of the fics - Love, Grem x

Dividers by: @/cafekitsune

Translations: Vrajiatore (meaning witch/enchantress)

Prev | Next | Flufftober 2024 | Masterlist @fluff-cember

When anyone asked your plans for the holidays, inviting you to after-work drinks or their holiday meals in December you had politely declined, saying you had booked yourself a holiday to Germany to see the sights and Christmas Markets.

Everyone seemed pleased with this answer, although you felt guilty for feeding them half truths. They wouldn't really get it and, in fact, may even try and stop you. But then again, when does ' I'm visiting my ex-terrorist, rich Sokovian boyfriend' ever really roll off the tongue?

Zemo had been the one to organise your trip. With the dust finally settled and him in one location, he desperately wanted to see you again; which of course meant sending your one-way first-class ticket to Germany to you via post attached to one of his letters.

At first, you wanted to say no. The trouble it would cause if Sam and Bucky found out. Finding the time to take off work and come up with a suitable lie for your friends and family as to why you wouldn't be around for the holidays making anxiety bubble in your stomach. But the moment you held the tickets between your fingers, you knew you had to see him again.

The tickets were for an open return; Zemo had said in his letter he didn't want you to feel like he was keeping you hostage and that, should you choose to come there was a bed waiting for you, and the moment you wanted to head home you could.

With the only firm date being the outbound flight, you realised that you would have plenty of time to explore and plenty of time to spend with the Baron and you weren't sure which made your heart skip more.

You confirmed your flight before writing back.

It shouldn't have surprised you that you flew first class. Or that Zemo had pre-ordered champagne for your flight. What was surprising, however, was being greeted by a chauffeur.

"Madam L/N," The old man had grinned at you on your approach, setting aside a very pristine piece of A4 paper with your name scrawled on. "The baron sends his regards. He unfortunately cannot enter because -"

You hold up a hand with a soft smile. "No need to explain. I know."

The old man continued to smile as he took your bags, despite arguing you could carry your own, and led you to the car. On the drive to Zemo's family home, you find out the man's name is Oeznik and he has served the Zemo family all his life, having helped raise Helmut (your Zemo) as a baby. You hoped it had been the jet lag when you felt your head swim; first-class and chauffers were already leagues from your day-to-day living but butlers?

The air was crisp when the car finally pulled into a long drive way, the peak of a mansion barely visible over the trees. You scooted forward on the leather car seat, awe-struck at the giant home before you.

"This manor has been in the family for generations," Oeznik says, sounding as awe-struck as you felt, as if he were seeing the house for the first time too. "Helmut grew up here, though it has just been myself and Ms. Anstrom - the head maid - who have been living here until recently."

"Riiiiight." You say quietly, your breath condensing against the window. As soon as you begin to think that this was a terrible idea, that Bucky and Sam should rightly drag you back home for, you see him.

The car is all but parked when your door is flung open and Helmut Zemo stands before you. The excitement radiating from him is palpable and infectious; you're already unbuckling your seatbelt and beaming up at him.

"Vrăjitore," Zemo greeted politely, trying to contain his excitement behind a soft smile. Even though it had been months since you last saw him in person, he hadn't changed much. Clean shaven, soft chestnut hair that was only a little bit longer and those ridiculously enchanting brown eyes that still glimmered when he looked at you. The scent of his cologne travelled to gently caress your nostrils and you felt like a cartoon character floating after the smell of a pie placed precariously on a windowsill.

He offers you a hand, helping you out of the car as Oeznik goes to grab your suitcase and travel bag from the trunk. Zemo raises your hands to lips and placed sweet whispers of kisses against your knuckles that made your heart swoon.

"I trust you had a good flight, yes?"

Your answer was to pull him in close into a tight hug, relishing the scent of him, relishing him entirely. Letters didn't come close to having the real thing before you.

"Yes," you say into his coat, grinning when you felt his arms encase you to him. "I can't believe you had champagne served to me on the flight."

"The least I could do." He chuckles lightly. "You can't fly first class without it."

"I've not been here a day and you're already spoiling me." You peek up from where you're hidden against his chest and grin. "You're setting and awfully dangerous precedent."

Helmut cups your cheeks and places a quick kiss to your lips, opting not to answer your tease. "I'll show you around the house first so you can get acquainted with your surroundings. Then we can eat if you're hungry?"

Nodding your head, you follow Zemo up the stone steps and through the large oak doors, waving a quick goodbye to Oeznik.

The manor is exactly as you'd imagined it to be. The velvet carpets can't find the fact they are worn in some places, nor the cold air that seeps through the wooden flooring that has that dusty old house smell. The windows are thin and creak at every meager breath of wind and you feel a little idiotic for thinking two older people could easily run the upkeep of the estate. However, there is still a charm to the old house. The parts that were more lived in, like the kitchen and living room were pristine.

No cobwebs excepts for the chandeliers, no dust bunnies buried in the corners, and even the big beast of a portrait of Zemo's great grandfather above the fireplace looked like it had just walked out of a gallery.

When you finally climb the long staircase upstairs, munching the cookie Ms. Anstrom thrust into your hands when you visited the kitchen, you have to pause. Downstairs may have been a little worse for wear but the upstairs... you felt like you had just waltzed onto the set of Bridgerton.

You walk down a never ending hallway, Zemo showing you the gorgeous large bathroom, drawing room and one of several guest rooms before stopping at the final one at the end of the hallway.

"This will be your room." He gestures you in first and like the other guest rooms it's huge. Big bay windows show the frosted Christmas Card-esque grounds outside. Unlike the other rooms, however, your bed has soft, silken fitted sheets that you'd dread to guess the price of. As you walk the floors creak slightly but when you take a quick inhale there's no musty smell; it actually smells like a mixture of lavender and vanilla.

"Wow." You say trying to take it all in, doing a short 360-twirl in the centre of the room. "It's..."

But then, you blink at him. Perhaps it was a bit presumptuous of you to think you'd be sleeping in the same bed together; after all, this was technically the second time you'd seen eachother. You could feel a blush rising as you clear your throat.

"If it's not to your liking then there are several others to choose from as you've seen." Helmut adds, watching you with a smile. "I can ask Ms. Anstrom to move the bed sheets if-"

"No! - no. This is... great." You blurt quickly and give him a sheepish smile. "It's perfect, really."

His gentlemanly behaviour never ceased to amaze (and woo) you. Perhaps it would be better take everything one small step at a time.

"Excellent." Zemo offers you his hand and a kind smile makes his cheeks dimple. "My room is just across the hall so I won't be far. Now, I believe you've been dragged around enough, food should be served shortly."

Dinner came and went; the vibrant, warm chatter between yourself and Helmut was added to by Oeznik and Ms. Anstrom; who very kindly shared stories and pictures of Helmut as a child and a very grumpy teenager. You never thought you'd see Zemo look so embarassed, his dimpled cheeks glowing as his sweet, doe eyes gave you an almost apologetic look.

After yawning a third time, Ms.Anstrom insisted you head to bed and chided both the men for keeping you up so late.

"They're excited to have someone new around." Zemo commented, walking you to your room. "I think they are bored of me."

You chuckle and give him a playful nudge. "They're lovely. And I hope you aren't jealous from the lack of attention."

"Of you? Never."

You snort and shake your head, pushing open your bedroom door slightly and you turn back to him. "I guess this is good night?"

"Goodnight Vrăjitore," he says, leaning forward to give you a gentle kiss. "I'm glad to have you here with me. You know where I am if you need anything."

He moves away slowly, almost resistant to go, and moves across the hall to his room. You watch him go, giving him a small wave as his door closes and you retreat into your room.

You don't know how long you'd be able to resist his gentlemanly charm. Resist him. But as you crawl under your covers you begin to smile to yourself as the memories of the day take root and wonder what the rest of your holiday has in store for you.

The snow glittered along the grounds, coating everything like powdered sugar. Your eyes were alight with childish whimsy but you still shivered as a gust of icy wind howled against the window. You were so lost in your own mesmiration that you didn't hear Zemo behind you, wrapping warm arms around your waist and resting his chin onto your shoulder.

"Vrăjitore," He murmurs to your ear. "Why are you awake so early? Come back to bed."

You rest your head against his, chuckling softly as you watch a dusting of snow blow across the icy plane outside. It was tempting. He was tempting. He was still deliciously warm and toasty, the hair on your arms prickling when his hands brushed down them and he pecked your cheek.

Your eyes catch his in the reflection of the window. Zemo's brown eyes are still heavy with sleep, his hair softly tousled and styled by the silk pillows, but he still manages the effortlessly loving gaze that you are helpless to fight against.

"Fine." You sigh, taking one last look at the sparkling snow before turning your head to him and cupping his warm cheek in your hand. "Let's go back to bed."

[buckybarnesss]

do you ever think about zemo's plan to break the avengers and what exactly it says about steve rogers?

he clocked steve rogers so hard (and tony too but this isn't about him).

he wanted the avengers to destroy each other from the inside out so he found the exact pressure point to press and that pressure point was that steve rogers isn't entirely reasonable when it comes to bucky barnes.

(this isn't about the accords exactly. they were just a means to an end for zemo).

and i actually think it lends credence to what many of us already suspect about the end of the first avenger. steve was at minimum passively suicidal when he went down with the valkyrie and that his actions were directly connected to the loss of bucky.

and that this connection is able to be drawn as a matter of historical record in the mcu if you're looking for it.

even if one couldn't draw that connection from steve's actions during the first avenger the hydra files that natasha dropped might've lent some clarity.

(what would i give to know the academic fighting over steve and bucky's relationship in the mcu.)

also, maybe controversially, at the end of civil war steve admits in his letter to tony that not telling him the truth of howard and maria's deaths was sparing himself but was it? or was it another attempt to shield bucky? because in protecting himself from that hard discussion it also protected bucky. but the point is that again and again and again we are shown that steve's emotional core is defined through his relationship with bucky.

[mohish-ko]

☆ - you’re even more annoying than Sam

[teaterstots]

rework of a very old rough Zemo sketch from the fatws days left the bones of the sketch 4 you all to see and as a reminder that im better at art now

[welikeimagines-andfandoms]

Can I Hold Your Hand?- Zemo x Reader

Summary: Zemo looks after a super soldier friend of Buckys when she’s scared

Word count: 637

✨Want to be tagged in my next Zemo fic? Click here✨

A/N: Sort of sick of seeing ex hydra/red room characters or readers being all broody and angry from PTSD, so I decided to show the other and very real side of it. This isn’t me infantilising reader, it’s just a genuine way to experience PTSD

The great expanse of the wide open streets bustling with life and music, soon became small and dangerous. You were trained, and knew that anyone who did try to approach Zemo or yourself wouldn’t get far if they tried to attack, but the thought of a conflict caused your heart to race.

Zemo was confused when Bucky had asked him to care for his fellow ex Hydra friend while he was away. Most people who had escaped Hydra or the Red Room could take care of themselves. While they were riddled with anxieties and nightmare they still managed alone, but you needed people, you needed care.

The result of years of abuse at the hands of Hydra had caused you to become vulnerable, and often needing an almost child-like protection. You’d tried to hide this need for so long, but according to a therapist Bucky had found for you, it was a very normal and natural response to PTSD.

As the walk from your day out with Zemo continued, any person you passed or sudden noise caused you to walk closer and closer to the man walking beside you. Your cowering posture and protective proximity did not go unnoticed by the Baron, but he just kept watching you, both intrigue and worry filling his mind.

Trying to remember the breathing exercises and grounding techniques you’d learn, you tried not to be afraid, but after passing under one broken street light and a box of broken glass smashing into a bin, you couldn’t help but jump. Clinging desperately onto Zemos arm, you looked into his eyes sheepishly.

“Ca-can I hold your hand?” Your meek voice asked shamefully.

Smiling down at you, Zemo knew he should have revelled in seeing an all powerful super soldier so weak and powerless, but all that flashed in his minds eye was the image of his son and his wife. Instead of disdain or twisted pleasure, your scared eyes and innocent question caused him to feel warm, and for the first time in a long time, he was a caregiver again. He felt like he was needed in the most simple and wholesome way possible.

“Of course you may, and here,” the Baron spoke as he began to take off his large expensive jacket, “take this, please, it will keep you warm. Wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I let you freeze.”

Slowly you took the coat from his hands, and slipped your arms through the jacket sleeves. Once on, you gingerly reach for his now ungloved hand.

Zemo must have taken his gloves off just to hold your hand. The thought of such a small act of kindness made you feel more cared for then you had in a long time.

The next ten minutes back to his apartment were silent, but comfortable, and as the walk continued you found yourself being closer and closer to him. By the time you arrived, your arms were linked together, and your head was resting peacefully against his shoulder.

Opening the door he ushered you inside, and though you were safe now, neither of you seemed to let go of the other. Instead his hands had slipped around your waist, and yours now rested against his chest.

You both stared into each others eyes, as if you were trying to search for an answer. He found that you were scared and safe with him, but the underlying feeling of joy that brought him, also confused him. Why did he care for you suddenly? He had only known you a few days, and yet he wanted nothing more then to see you happy and cared for.

“You’re safe now,” he gently spoke, a soft warm kiss placed on your forehead.

You can’t help but lean into his soothing touch, his very presence feeling like home.

[legalandnotease]

it is concerning how much faith Tony fans have in the government and the political establishment: especially the ones who call themselves "liberal".

Like, its a consistent theme throughout the MCU that establishment figures and politicians cannot be trusted. They're almost always the villians or aligned witht the villians.

They never pass up an oppurtunity to screw over the little people. Which is arguably one of the most realistic aspects of the MCU.

Take how they say Steve "should have gone throught the right legal channels" to help Bucky in Civil War.

The movie takes great pains to show us that Steve *tried to do that*. Like Bucky let himself be arrested as soon as he got away from Ross kill squad.

And what happened? He's handed over to the CIA and denied a trial or legal representation (E. Ross laughing at the idea of him having a lawyer which is a human right enshrined in International law)

Its clearly shown that those in power were *not interested* in who really bombed the UN. They just got hold of the nearest convenient scapegoat and wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible to look good. To look as though they were doing something.

No due process, no investigation. Zip. They didn't even bother with proper security at the detention facility considering Zemo was just able to walk in armed only with a fake ID card.

Steve was basically *forced* to clear Bucky's name himself, because the establishment were not interested in real justice. It wasn't even some "arrogant American" version of justice either.

Like... finding the *right* person who bombed the UN and killed King T'Chaka should have been a priority for anybody.

Convicting the wrong person for a crime is contrary to most people's interpetation of justice, because it means that the person who actually did it goes unpunished.

[supercalifragipopculturevomit]

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) Daniel Brühl as Baron Helmut Zemo

We needed more scenes with that uniform.