[ there are better methods than these, surely, to soothe the mind of the savage beast. gentler methods, perhaps more nurturing ones, but zemo has seen the version of james barnes that he would rather deny exist than embrace. that is not a man that looks to be nurtured. that's one that longs to be acknowledged.
still, zemo's aim is hardly to knock the man off his feet. james's stability, while questionable, benefits them all, and to take it from him jeopardizes not only their safety, but the success of the mission.
but what he sees, in flashes of darkness and angst, is something zemo can't bear to let go of. like pulling on a loose thread, james' crisis of identity is something zemo longs to help unravel. and maybe, if he's careful, he can help james gather it back up again, form him into something new.
before he realizes what's happening, james is advancing on him, weight pitched forward, low. he's on zemo in a blink, and while generally he takes pride in his ability to school his reactions, he can't help the way his spine straightens, eyes widening in excited fear. the breaths he takes are quick, but his gaze hardens in the moment before he moves his head to very obviously give james another once over.
even if james can strike animal fear into him, zemo is still master over his own person. his chin lifts minutely and after a moment of consideration, nods. ]
I think you expected agony. The same pain that follows you into every dream and nightmare. But you did not find it, did you?
[ there's a challenge there that zemo knows is testing the limits of james' self control. if only he were capable of stopping himself. his voice grows more rough as the pupils dilate. ]
It was convenient. Too convenient. And that's what troubles you.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2021-05-10 12:17 am (UTC)still, zemo's aim is hardly to knock the man off his feet. james's stability, while questionable, benefits them all, and to take it from him jeopardizes not only their safety, but the success of the mission.
but what he sees, in flashes of darkness and angst, is something zemo can't bear to let go of. like pulling on a loose thread, james' crisis of identity is something zemo longs to help unravel. and maybe, if he's careful, he can help james gather it back up again, form him into something new.
before he realizes what's happening, james is advancing on him, weight pitched forward, low. he's on zemo in a blink, and while generally he takes pride in his ability to school his reactions, he can't help the way his spine straightens, eyes widening in excited fear. the breaths he takes are quick, but his gaze hardens in the moment before he moves his head to very obviously give james another once over.
even if james can strike animal fear into him, zemo is still master over his own person. his chin lifts minutely and after a moment of consideration, nods. ]
I think you expected agony. The same pain that follows you into every dream and nightmare. But you did not find it, did you?
[ there's a challenge there that zemo knows is testing the limits of james' self control. if only he were capable of stopping himself. his voice grows more rough as the pupils dilate. ]
It was convenient. Too convenient. And that's what troubles you.