The next morning, I was woken up by the smell of Sokovian coffee. I laughed lightly as I was hit with Deja Vu. Not just of the previous morning, but because it was how the former Colonel would wake me up when we were on deployment. Coffee from Sokovia hit differently when you weren't in the country. Stretching, I saw the clock read 0830. I sighed, but rolled out of bed and in to the shower.

I barely heard the soft knock. A cup tapped against the sink and the shower curtain rustled. Before I had a chance to wash my face, his arms were holding me against his chest, and the warmth of his lips were against mine. I tangled my hands in his hair and lovingly returned his embrace.

"Good morning to you, too." I smiled as we parted, but it quickly became a scowl. "You didn't tell me you got shot last night." My fingers grazed over his bicep. All he'd done was clean off the blood, but it definitely needed more attention than just that. He watched me carefully as I inspected the wound closer.

Then it hit me.

"Shit, Zemo! You're in my shower!" My face turned red as I whirled around, covering my chest out of embarrassment.

He snickered for a moment before putting his hands on my shoulders. "I'm sorry, liebling. I thought we had reached that level of comfort with one another. I can leave if you would prefer." It was his turn to have his fingers trace down my arms.

"No, you can stay." I spoke a little faster than I meant to and felt my face catch fire.

"Good." I heard the smile in his voice as he reached to grab my shampoo. The two of us remained quiet as we took turns under the water. He tenderly washed my hair, and I was very careful when he finally let me clean the wound. I did everything in my power to avoid letting my gaze wander, but it was only a matter of time.

And of course Zemo caught me staring.

"See something you like?" He put one hand on his hip as I continued cleaning the wound on his opposite arm.

I felt my face broil as I stuttered. "I don't know what you mean." I turned the water off and pulled back the curtain. Before I was able to step out, his hands found my hips to pull me against him. He breathed softly against my neck just as he had the night before. I couldn't help but roll my back against his chest and exhale softly. His hands rose to my chest and I let out a soft whimper.

"Would you like your birthday present now or later?" His warm breath against my ear made me want to melt in his arms. I caught his hands in mine and intertwined our fingers. I'd forgotten just how strong his grip was.

"I would love to have my present now," I mumbled as I turned to face him. "But we have too much that still needs done for the party tonight." I locked eyes with him briefly before our lips were pressed against one another. I signed constantly as he pulled away slowly.

"That is very true." He ran his fingers through my hair before cupping my cheek. "I'll let you finish up here while I go make some phone calls." He helped me out of the shower before heading back downstairs. I sipped on the cup of coffee he'd brought up as I tried to pick an outfit for the day. Deciding on shorts and a t-shirt until it was nightfall, I got dressed and headed downstairs. About halfway down, I heard what sounded like a struggle. I creeped down the stairs and peered around the corner.

"Zemo?" I questioned.

"Not to worry, schatz. I've already taken care of them." Donning nothing more than a robe and a carving knife, he walked around the corner, smiling. "I believe some of the men from last night came back with reinforcements. But don't worry- there's no one to call for a third try."

I smirked softly, stepping down to the landing. "Colonel Helmut Zemo strikes again leaving no enemy alive." He gave a mock bow as I half-heartedly saluted. "I appreciate you being here, Z." I walked over to the island in my kitchen and hoisted myself up. "I'd be dead a dozen times over were it not for you."

He walked over to the sink, dropped the blood- covered knife in it, and picked up two clean coffee cups. "You would be fine if you didn't have the temperament of a cobra."

I laughed lightly. "Hey, I earned my callsign. Venom fit me well on the battlefield."

That smirk. "Oh I'm well aware, liebe. Remember who started it." He handed me a cup of tea that I graciously accepted, smiling at him in thanks. "Now come, we have plenty to do before the party tonight, including some...deep cleaning."

I looked over to see the blood and bodies from earlier and sighed, chuckling.

Some things never changed.