He was the only one in this god- forsaken city that I still trusted to not literally stab me in the back. Zemo had been my best friend for what seemed like our whole lives. He'd come to me at daybreak with a message from my father- or a job, rather. Zemo had managed to irritate him again and, as the Shadow Broker, he decided who lived and died in Madripoor. If I wanted to keep my best friend alive, we had a target to kill after the sun went down.

Zemo occupied my kitchen, as I was not usually one up to wake before the morning was in the double digits. The smell of coffee and eggs was more enticing than usual, so l groggily rolled out of bed and fumbled down the stairs.

"Is that one of my shirts?"

I looked down at the unbuttoned t-shirt. "Yep. One I snagged last month on vacation." I plopped down on a chair by the island, only my underwear protecting me from the chilled faux leather. For the life of me, I couldn't understand why Z enjoyed the cold.

"One? How many did you take?" He slid over a plate of eggs, turkey bacon, and buttered waffles.

"Two." I stared at him as my stomach rumbled from the smell. "This blue one, and a white one." I reached for the syrup in the middle of the island, but he gently caught wrist.

"I know not to expect those back, but please tell me next time so I know what to replace." He kissed my open palm and smiled softly as I cupped his check.

"I'm sorry, Z. I'll tell you next time-I promise." I smiled lovingly back. We had never hidden our feelings about one another, but we had also never acted on them because of my father.

I still felt responsible for what happened to his family in Sokovia.

"Thank you, liebe." His gaze met mine as I pulled my hand away. Those eyes were the only thing in the world that could make me melt. Zemo had always been the one person I didn't have to act like a total bitch around, and I'd never be able to express my gratitude for that.

"So tell me more about tonight's mission." I began to munch absentmindedly on the food he'd so lovingly prepared. Baron or not, he never lacked skills in the kitchen the whole time I'd known him.

His glance drifted. "You won't be fond of this one, I'm afraid. We have to do away with your favorite bartender."

I exhaled softly. "I told Mihale his talking was gonna get him killed one day. Just didn't expect it to be so soon."

His soft chuckle drew my attention back to him. "Well, between him and Selby, your favorite bar is due for a change in management." I groaned in response. This is why I never got close to people. As soon as my father found out, their head was on my Hightown doorstep within 24 hours.

I hopped down from my chair and headed to get my alcohol from the top of the refrigerator. Or so I thought. Zemo put his arm up in front of me as I approached. "Leysa, it's not even nine in the morning. Why are you looking for your whiskey?"

I scoffed. " Is it not obvious? I either get a head-start on drinking, or I have to spend the weekend sober. And it's my birthday tomorrow, so I have no intention of doing that."

That smile again.

"Speaking of, would you like your present now or later?"

"The best presents are given when wasted, so lets wait until we get back from this stupid job. Which reminds me, don't take Mihale out until he has a chance to get me a birthday shot. Would be a shame to let free alcohol go to waste."

————

"You're positive he works in an hour?" I chatted casually with one of the other bartenders. She confirmed his shift, so Zemo and I had time to kill. I thanked her, grabbed the two drinks I'd ordered, and headed to a far corner that Z had claimed for us.

"We still have plenty of time before Mihale shows up. Pregame?" I put both glasses down before sitting casually on his lap. He gestured for one and I obliged as one of his hands caught the small of my back.

"Let me guess- you already had two at the bar?" he smirked as he took a drink.

I playfully stuck my tongue out. "One shot and one drink, so close." I continued scanning the room to make sure my dad didn't get any wild ideas about sending HIS men in to MY bar. Zemo knew I was getting paranoid about being in the open. My cargo pants and combat boots made me feel safe, but I couldn't say the same about my cropped tank top.

"Why don't I get you another one of each." He leaned in, resting his chin on my shoulder so I could feel his breath on my neck. "Would that make you more comfortable, schön?"

I shivered slightly and blushed at his boldness. It wasn't uncommon for us to lightly flirt with one another, but he had slowly been testing how far he could go since he'd come back from the Flag Smasher ordeal. "I know money is no issue," I turned my head slightly towards him so I could speak softer. "But we do still have a job to do."

He moved back just slight enough for his breath to hit my lips. "Then may I buy you a drink after work?" His gaze met mine and I saw a look in them that I was unfamiliar with.

Longing.

I felt the heat rising in my face again, slightly annoyed with myself for some reason. "As many as you'd like, Shatz." I purred.