Chapter Text
“Holy mother, have you finally decided to take pity on your child and send one of your angels to me?”
Zemo stands in front of a girl, stunned into silence under the gaze of probably the most beautiful woman he'd seen throughout his school years.
“Helmut, yes?” She said,
Her voice, although deep, was soothing and could've lulled anyone to sleep. Heavens, she's just beautiful. It's his first day yet he can already tell this school year might just become something other than boring.
“Yes, that is me.” He answered.
She smiled. Gods, she smiled. She seriously can't be his pretty. How can someone be this pretty?
“I’m Loki Laufeyson. A pleasure to meet you, Zemo.” She extended her hand.
Zemo internally cringed with how eager he must've looked when he immediately took her hand. Embarrassing.
“Likewise, Laufeyson.” He shook her hand.
It might've been his delusion but Zemo swore she held his hand far longer than necessary.
“Come, I'll lead you to your first period before we both run late,” She said before she turned her back to him.
Zemo looked down at his hand and cursed himself for how it was affecting him. He shook his head before he followed her.
You're crazy, Hel.
Lunch soon came around and Zemo entered the cafeteria with Wilson and Barnes—who Zemo had become friends with after 2nd period.
“Sam, it's the kid that's always with Strange and the witchy Maximoff kid,” Barnes said.
Wilson tilts his head, still confused.
Zemo had asked them earlier if they knew Loki but had been met with confusion. Or at least with Wilson. Barnes seems to know him well.
“OH! That guy!” Wilson realized.
“It took you that long, Gandalf?” Barnes rolled his eyes.
Wilson shot him a glare. "Watch it, Barney.”
Barnes shook his head and looks over to the Sokovian. He raised a brow at how his eyes scanned the room, looking for someone.
"You looking for Loki, dude?” Barnes asked. Taking a tray and passing it to Zemo.
“Ah, thank you.” Zemo accepted the tray. “Yes, I am. She said she will be showing me around.”
Barnes nodded, taking another tray and putting it out of arms reach when Wilson attempted to take it.
Wilson stepped on his foot and took the tray from him when Barnes faltered.
“Bastard.” Barnes glared.
Wilson turns to Zemo. “Well, we can get some food first and then wait for her.”
Zemo nods, casting a glance at the entrance of the room. " Yeah.. we can do that.”
Wilson must've noticed because his next words made Zemo pause.
"You like her, don't you?” He smirked.
Zemo looked at him like a child caught in the act of doing something bad. He puts down his spoon.
"I- what? Why are you- where did you even get that?” He chuckled. Nervously. Damn it.
"Relax man, you aren't the only one. Even Stark had a crush on him.” Wilson said with a thumbs up.
"Her, Wilson. Her.” Barnes corrected before he took a bite of his food.
“Ah right, sorry. I get confused.” Wilson rubs his nape.
“Him? She's a guy?” Zemo asked. Confused and taken aback.
“Well, not exactly. She's genderfluid. You can tell what pronouns to use by her clothes." Barnes said without looking up from his tray.
Zemo nods. Genderfluid? Even better.
The doors to the cafeteria open and comes the loud laughter of two males. But they weren't Zemo's focus.
His eyes scan the group and once it laid on her, his stiff shoulders relaxed. Did he already mention how beautiful she is? He still can't believe it.
She was laughing along but her laughs were more like chuckles. Quiet, small. His eyes memorize how the corner of her eyes turned into crescents when she smiled, finding humor in whatever they're talking about.
Holy mother of love, you really took my prayer seriously.
“Dude, move your eyes before her son stabs you with his fork,” Wilson said with an amused chuckle.
Zemo's attention came back to the present, his head turning back to them and flinching slightly when he met Barnes cold gaze.
“Son..?" Zemo questioned.
Wilson nodded to Barnes.
“Yeah, Buck is pretty much like Loki's son. Kind of started like a joke but they took it seriously eventually.” Wilson said as he waved around some bacon.
"Eyes off of my mami, will ya?” Barnes said. Pointing his fork at Zemo.
"Darling, there you are.”
Loki's voice captured their attention. She smiles at them.
“You've met Bucky, that's wonderful.” She sat down beside Zemo. Elbow on the table and leaning her head on her knuckles.
“Mami, he—”
“Buck, eat some more, would you?" Wilson shoved his piece of bacon in Barnes' mouth.
Snitch
Barnes glared at him, Loki raised a brow.
“Anyways, come, I'll show you around before the bell rings.” Loki said, turning back to Zemo and taking his hand.
As Loki dragged Zemo out of the room, Wilson had to pull Barnes back by the back of his collar just so he wouldn't follow them.
“Man, relax. It's not like they're going to have sex for fucks sake." Wilson sighed.
"That's pretty much all you need to know,” Loki said, popping open his can of soda.
"Of course, you're free to explore the place if you wish to find secret spots,” Loki sat down next to him, "The campus is quite large after all.”
Zemo nods.
The whole time he was barely listening to what Loki was saying. He was too busy looking at her face and listening to her voice. How can he not? She was too beautiful to not be stared at.
That came out horribly wrong.
Zemo licked his dry lips before he shot his shot.
“Hey, Loki, would you-.. like to go out with me this weekend?” he asked and immediately regretted it.
Loki stared at him for a while before bursting into laughter. Zemo turns flushed. Was he laughing at him? Too early perhaps..?
“Are you-.. are you asking me out?” Loki asked with a teasing smile.
“I-.. kind of.. yeah,” Zemo admits. "Is it too early?”
Loki only shook his head and took the tab of his can. He took Zemo's hand and placed it neatly on Zemo's palm and smiled at Zemo again.
“I’ll see you at the front of the school. Let's have brunch together.” Loki said.
Before Zemo could even say anything else, Loki already stood up and started walking away.
Was he the one asking me out or did he just agree? What's with the tab—should I keep it? Gods, she's beautiful.
Oh.. what did Zemo get himself into. His mother will not be amused.