[ That... actually makes her laugh. Short, quiet, but genuine. ]
We're terrible at this, it seems like.
[ Somehow it works. Some of the tension dissipates. She no longer looks like she's about to bolt any moment now. She squeezes his hand, but doesn't let go. Surely her secret couldn't be the worst thing in the world?
But maybe his is.
The treacherous thought comes unbidden and it almost makes her visibly bristle. Just almost, thankfully. ]
I know you said I don't gotta bring anything, but I brought us some wine.
[Oh good - she's laughing! That instantly makes him feel so much better. Almost like all the tension's just gone poof.
...Almost.
The look of sheer discomfort on his face softens, becomes much more easygoing and relaxed. He even manages a smile amidst his faint chuckles.]
We are, yes. Quite terrible. [But now he's smiling even more, completely at ease. In record time, really.
What was he so worried about again...?]
Did you? [His eyebrow raise at the admittance. He casually glances towards her bag.] You didn't have to, but perhaps we'll need some after the tea, hm?
[A playful jab, of course. The potential threat of... whatever their discussion is going to include still looms overhead. But he's made her laugh and she's brought a gift unprompted and maybe this will turn out alright in the end.
Zemo doesn't need to lead the way - since the elevator opens right into his penthouse here - but that doesn't mean he lets go of her hand. He would never. At least he's stopped gripping her tight by now.]
Let me put the kettle on. [He only parts from her once he's pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek and given her hand a gentle squeeze. She's been here enough - the place is practically hers if she wishes. She can get settled however she likes.]
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no subject
We're terrible at this, it seems like.
[ Somehow it works. Some of the tension dissipates. She no longer looks like she's about to bolt any moment now. She squeezes his hand, but doesn't let go. Surely her secret couldn't be the worst thing in the world?
But maybe his is.
The treacherous thought comes unbidden and it almost makes her visibly bristle. Just almost, thankfully. ]
I know you said I don't gotta bring anything, but I brought us some wine.
[ She's always been bad at following orders. ]
no subject
...Almost.
The look of sheer discomfort on his face softens, becomes much more easygoing and relaxed. He even manages a smile amidst his faint chuckles.]
We are, yes. Quite terrible. [But now he's smiling even more, completely at ease. In record time, really.
What was he so worried about again...?]
Did you? [His eyebrow raise at the admittance. He casually glances towards her bag.] You didn't have to, but perhaps we'll need some after the tea, hm?
[A playful jab, of course. The potential threat of... whatever their discussion is going to include still looms overhead. But he's made her laugh and she's brought a gift unprompted and maybe this will turn out alright in the end.
Zemo doesn't need to lead the way - since the elevator opens right into his penthouse here - but that doesn't mean he lets go of her hand. He would never. At least he's stopped gripping her tight by now.]
Let me put the kettle on. [He only parts from her once he's pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek and given her hand a gentle squeeze. She's been here enough - the place is practically hers if she wishes. She can get settled however she likes.]