The job was quick and easy- for Zemo and me, at least.

Mihale had only been at work for half an hour before he "stepped out for a smoke break" and didn't come back. Zemo and I decided to get a head start on my birthday immediately after the job. He'd had his eyes on me all night, even when I'd taken a shot from our target before taking him out. I had a high alcohol tolerance, but I wasn't interested in keeping track of my drinks tonight. And I doubted Zemo was going to be counting his, either.

"I'm surprised you're not out dancing, Liebeling." His Sokovian accent grew thicker the more he drank, and he'd just brought another round for both of us over. We toasted, drank, and set the glasses on the table.

"You know I don't dance alone." I playfully pushed him as I bumped in to the wall. He stayed on his feet, though, landing with his arms on either side of my head and his face mere inches from mine. His breathing was drenched in whiskey and getting heavier.

"Then dance with me." His gaze met mine as I inhaled, but I tried to play it off.

"You hate dancing and I know it, so you must be pretty drunk to suggest that." I flattened my back against the brick. He cupped my face with one hand, lightly dragging his thumb across my lips. They parted easily for him and it drew his attention.

"Ich habe dich vermisst," he breathed against them. ("I've missed you.")

"Zemo," I whispered, my eyes now resting on his lips as well. Most of my reasoning was to the wind, but I was going to make sure he wanted the same thing I did.

Before we could discuss it further, gun shots rang out through the bar. We instinctively ducked, pulling away from one another. My hand went for the pistol on my hip as the chaos began. I had enough time to see Zemo pull out his own weapon before I heard more shots.

"Long live the King!" One of my father's radical followers.

I grimaced. Of course something like this would happen on my birthday. Zemo and I made eye contact and nodded. Having been in EKO Scorpion together for years, we worked flawlessly in sync. I made my way left as he went right- the best we could, anyway. Most of the patrons were running away, but a handful were staying to fight. This was my bar, and those in it were loyal to me.

I watched Zemo weave between bodies with ease and felt some relief. I was glad several hours of drinking hadn't ruined his form. As soon as I had eyes on the asshole who led the raid, I took a shot. And missed. Bullets continued to break glass as I cursed myself under my breath. Zemo might be able to hold his own, but I didn't know if I could.

Another shot, and the man on the bar fell. My wishful thinking was that it was over, but more radicals were right outside. I was pissed. My father might not have sent them himself, but I'm sure he hadn't discouraged their attack either.

"Leysa!" Zemo darted my direction. "There are more on the streets. We need to get you out of here."

I was hesitant. "I don't want them to think I'm running scared."

"No one will think that. Those who know you will care more about your safety-"

"And I care more about my bar. I'm not leaving until they're all dead or caught." More gunfire made him duck down again, cursing in Sokovian.

"No, Leysa. We're getting you out of here. Your life is worth more that some dämlich bar." He grabbed my wrist tight enough to make me wince. "We're going out the back alley and that's final."

I didn't get a chance to protest before he pulled me towards the back, doing our best to avoid the broken glasses and tables. We managed to slide out the delivery door and jog several blocks before we felt safe enough to breathe.

"Why did we have to leave? We could have easily defended the bar!" I was equal parts thankful to be alive, and irritated my bar was a wreck as I holstered my pistol.

Zemo faced me, pure anger in his eyes as he walked toward me. "I've lost everyone I love but you, Leysa. And I'm not about to loose you, too." He towered over me and now I could see that it wasn't anger in his eyes, but fear. My eyes widened. I'd never seen him afraid. "All you ever do is run in to the fight with no regard for your own life. I know that's how you've always been, but now that I'm back, I'm not going to allow your reckless behaviour to continue."

I broke first, throwing my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his in one quick movement. There wasn't even a shadow of hesitation as his hands found my hips and pulled me close. There was nothing in this embrace but pure love. He was my best friend and I'd waited till we were in the military to even tell him that, for fear of my father. I wasn't going to go any longer without telling him-

"I love you, mein schatz." He pulled away just far enough to whisper, before pressing his lips back on mine. I could feel the heat rising in my face and I'm sure he could, too, because he pulled away again and rested his forehead on mine. "And I'm tired of pretending I don't. That we aren't made for one another. Your father no longer intimidates me because my love for you is too strong to know fear."

I met his gaze to find it as sincere as his words. "I love you, Zemo." I spoke softly, afraid if I was too loud I would somehow fracture him. "While you may not be afraid of the Shadow Broker, I still am. But together, I think we'll be okay." I smiled softly and was met with a smirk in kind.

We hesitantly released one another before I dug my phone from my pocket and called a friend to pick us up. We both agreed it was best to avoid Lowtown for a few days, but that wouldn't stop us from planning another party in the morning. Firefight or not, birthdays only come once a year. And I had a good feeling about this one.