✧･ﾟ* CHAPTER SEVEN
Stay, I Pray You
(Season 1, episode 3)
"How to go where
I have never gone before?"
ANYA LOOKED GOOD.
The fabric of the dress felt expensive. It was a gorgeous dark purple color with gold woven through the hem. The dress stopped right above her ankles and had a slit running up the left side that stopped halfway up her thigh.
More importantly, the neckline was high. It went all the way up her throat, covering her scars. The dress opened again right under her collarbone, revealing a plunging neckline.
Zemo had looked confused when she had requested something to cover her neck. He didn't ask any questions but Anya could tell he certainly had some.
Still, Anya loved the dress. It was sexy yet elegant at the same time and certainly the nicest thing she had ever worn. She had put her hair up, letting a few loose strands fall and frame her face and did her best to apply some makeup. Not bad.
The heels however, were something she would have to get used to.
Anya and the boys were walking down a long empty highway. It was dark and the lights from the city of Madripoor illuminated the street. Anya walked between Zemo and Bucky, taking in the sight in front of her.
"We have to do something about this," Sam groaned as he looked down at the flashy suit he was wearing. "I'm the only one who looks like a pimp."
"I think you look nice," Anya said. "It suits you."
"Only an American would assume a fashion-forward black man looks like a pimp," Zemo replied. "You look exactly like the man you're supposed to be playing. The sophisticated, charming African rake named Conrad Mack, aka the Smiling Tiger."
Zemo handed his phone to Sam to show him a photo of the man he was supposed to be playing. Sam scoffed.
"He even has a bad nickname." Sam rolled his eyes. "Hell, he does look like me though."
"Who am I supposed to be then?" Anya asked. "A conwoman? An assassin? Or am I just The Siren?"
"None of the above," Zemo shook his head. "If you were to be The Siren, you'd be dressed much differently. Besides, The Siren is supposed to be dead. That is why you don't have that amplifier of yours. You are to be my partner."
"Oh, like a business partner?" Anya nodded.
"Not exactly." Zemo replied.
Something seemed to click in Sam's head and he leaned over to look at Anya before turning back to Zemo.
"Now hold on a damn minute," he said. "You're making Anya your sugar baby?"
Anya had watched enough television to know what that meant.
"Fuck no!" She exclaimed.
"Definitely not." Bucky said firmly, stopping in his tracks and getting in Zemo's face. "She is not doing that."
"It is purely a character." Zemo explained, gently pushing Bucky back before turning to Anya. "I mean no offense Anya. But the less like yourself you are, the less likely you are to be recognized."
"I guess that makes sense." She admitted.
"Yeah, but does she have to be a sugar baby?" Sam huffed. "Does that make me her pimp?"
"This is a bad idea." Bucky shook his head. "If she just had her amplifier-"
"The amplifier will attract attention, James." Zemo cut him off, sounding tired of their objections. "And it doesn't exactly match her dress now does it? And Sam, you are not a pimp, let alone Anya's pimp. She will not be my 'sugar baby' either. I wouldn't belittle her as such. She is to simply... be with me."
Bucky was still frowning and glaring at Zemo. It looked as if he was analyzing the man, looking for any ulterior motive. But Zemo was paying him no attention. He was looking at Anya.
"I truly hope you don't mind, Anya." He said. "But you'd be surprised at how far I can get with a beautiful woman on my arm."
Anya straightened a bit at that as they all began to walk again. She couldn't remember the last time she was called "beautiful." In fact, she didn't think it had ever happened before. A slight surge of confidence ran through her.
"Beautiful woman," She repeated with a small laugh. She nudged Bucky next to her and gave him a cocky smile. "That's me."
Bucky stared at her for a moment as if he were about to say something. But instead he rolled his eyes.
"I mean purple is definitely your color, Birdie." Sam said. "It's mine too. I think we should trade outfits. I'll be the sugar baby, you be my pimp."
Anya laughed and shook her head and even Zemo gave a small chuckle. But Bucky stayed silent, looking straight ahead.
"You smell this?" Zemo asked them.
Anya took a deep inhale and wrinkled her nose.
"Unfortunately yes." She replied.
"Yeah," Sam agreed. "What is that? Acid?"
"Madripoor." Zemo replied. "No matter what happens, we have to stay in character. Our lives depend on it. There's no margin of error. Which means Anya, you will stay silent."
"I won't sing." She promised. "Don't worry. It's too risky without my amplifier."
"That isn't what I'm worried about." Zemo shook his head. "Your normal voice. It will raise suspicion. I don't want any risk of you drawing attention. With your voice, of course. You will be turning heads regardless."
Anya thought for a moment. Ambrose was still out there. If Madripoor was a cesspool for criminals, he may be here. As much as she wanted to find him, she was helping Sam and Bucky. Drawing Ambrose to her now would not be very beneficial for any of them. So she nodded to Zemo, pretending to zip her lips closed as a car pulled up in front of them.
"High Town's that way." Zemo said as the all approached the car. "Not a bad place if you want to visit. But Low Town's the other way."
"Let me guess," Sam said. "We don't have any friends in High Town."
But Zemo simply smiled and got in the car. Sam, Bucky, and Anya all exchanged looks. Bucky got into the car without another word. From opposite sides of the car, Sam and Anya looked at each other over the roof.
"I'm still not 100% on trusting him." Sam said.
"Same here," She agreed. "I feel like he knows a bit too much. About everything. Like how did he know my size?"
"Of your dress?"
"...Not just the dress."
"Wait, what?"
*
Low Town reminded Anya of one of those cool actions movies Grayson showed her. Ones full of bright lights and edgy looking people and assassins doing incredible stunts. She followed behind the boys as much as she could but couldn't help but gaze around at her surroundings in awe.
The people all looked dangerous. But Anya knew that the most dangerous people in the vicinity were the three men she was with. And probably her as well.
Music blared as they walked down the street. Zemo walked like he owned the place. Anya wouldn't be surprised if he actually did. Sam looked wary and Bucky kept glancing back at her as if he was making sure she didn't disappear.
They entered a club a moment later. Anya held her head high, trying her best to look like she belonged there. All eyes were on them as they weaved through the crowd. They were looking more at Bucky than anything. Anya understood why.
The Winter Soldier was in Madripoor.
Anya heard whispers as they walked. Eyes flickering over the four of them but always going back to Bucky. Fingers pointing and hands covering gossip flowed through the club.
They finally reached the bar. Anya stood beside Zemo, slightly unsure of how to play her role. She guessed if she just stuck by him things would be fine. He certainly knew his way around this place but she wasn't completely sure if she should be thankful for that or not.
"Hello gentlemen... and lady." The bartender nodded to them. "Wasn't expecting you, Smiling Tiger."
Sam nodded to him, trying his best to look stoic and tough.
"His plans changed," Zemo explained. "We have business to do with Selby."
The bartender frowned. He looked them all over suspiciously before turning back to Sam.
"The usual?" He asked.
Sam nodded again and they all watched as the bartender took a dead snake out from behind the bar. Anya's eyes widened as he sliced the snake open and removed what looked to be it's heart before dropping it in a full shot glass. What the hell was the usual?
"Ah," Zemo looked amused. "Smiling Tiger, your favorite."
Sam looked less than thrilled. Anya had to admit, it was kind of funny. She bit back a smile as Sam picked up the shot glass. Two more, without the snake heart, were placed in front of her and Zemo.
"I love these." Sam said.
Zemo picked up his own drink and glanced at Anya for her to do the same. She picked her shot glass up, reminded of the champagne she had drank earlier on the plane. She remembered the reaction she had to that and grew nervous, reminding herself to look like she belonged.
It could be worse. She could be Sam right now.
"Cheers," Zemo clinked his glass with hers then Sam.
Anya took the shot, clenching her jaw to hide the reaction of the burning alcohol going down her throat. She glanced over at Sam who was having a much harder time than she was. Finally, he downed the drink, a bitter look on his face. He gave a strained thumbs up to the bartender who simply looked unphased.
Anya was about to fight back a giggle when someone slid up next to her. A man looked down at her, a cocky smile on his face.
"Hey there," He said. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Now what's a pretty thing like you doing in a place like this?"
"Seriously?" Anya raised an eyebrow, forgetting she had promised to be silent. "That is probably the worst pickup line you could have used."
"Maybe it was a bit cheesy," The man chuckled, leaning towards her. "But what would you say about getting out of here? I like a broad with curves like yours. You'd look even better under m-"
"I hate to interrupt," Zemo had wrapped his arm around her waist from behind and leaned over her shoulder to lightly push the man back. "But she isn't interested."
"Oh." The man's smile faltered for a moment as he looked Zemo up and down but quickly changed back to a cocky smirk. "But you got her just for the night, yeah? How much you paying? Cash or does she take credit? Checks? Venmo?"
Anya was ready to take this guy down silently. She certainly didn't need her voice to tear this guy a new one. But Zemo's grip around her waist tightened as if he could sense that she was ready to attack. Anya looked up at him to protest but was surprised to see that he looked just as angry as she was. Zemo glared at the man, eyes shooting daggers at him. He opened his mouth to say something when someone else stepped between them all.
Bucky shoved the man back roughly. He stumbled before standing back up and taking a step toward Bucky. But then his eyes glanced down at the metal arm that was clenched into a fist and took a step right back.
"I think you should go, man." Sam snapped.
The man slunk back into the crowd, looking defeated. Anya shivered, now aware of the hungry eyes of the patrons of the club grazing over her. She shrunk down slightly but Zemo pulled her closer so he could whisper in her ear.
"I know you are more than capable of handling oafs like those," He whispered. "But stay silent. Stay in character."
"Sorry." She whispered back.
"No need to apologize," Zemo leaned back slightly to look at her, still holding her waist. "I told you that you would be turning heads. And you did just that without your voice."
Anya's cheeks tinged pink and was very thankful when someone tapped Zemo on the shoulder.
"I got word from on high." He said gruffly to Zemo. "You ain't welcome here."
"I have no business with the Power Broker." Zemo shrugged. "But if he insists, he can either come and talk to me..."
The man was now looking warily at Bucky, recognizing The Winter Soldier in front of him. "New haircut?"
"Or bring Selby for a chat." Zemo finished.
The man frowned and gave a curt nod before walking away.
"A Power Broker?" Bucky asked. "Really?"
"Every kingdom needs it's king." Zemo replied. "Let's just pray we stay under his radar."
"Do you know him?" Sam asked. "And ease up on Birdie would you? Getting kinda handsy."
"Only by reputation." Zemo replied, releasing his arm from around Anya's waist and resting a gloved hand on the small of her back instead. Anya couldn't help but feel slightly more exposed without his arm around her. "In Madripoor he is judge, jury, and executioner."
A few people were stalking towards them, looking ready for a fight. Zemo simply turned to Bucky and said in Russian: "zimniy soldat, nastupat."
Anya frowned. She understood what that meant. "Winter Soldier, attack." Anya never learned Russian. How did she understand it?
There was no time to dwell on this new thing. One of the men grabbed Zemo's shoulder and Bucky leapt into action. With his metal arm, he twisted back the man's wrist before throwing him to the ground. Another advanced on him and Bucky took him down just as easily. One by one Bucky punched, kicked, destroyed.
Anya hated that in that moment she was afraid of him.
"Didn't take much for him to fall back into form." Zemo said to Anya and Sam.
The two exchanged hesitant looks. Anya wanted nothing more than to step in and help Bucky and she knew Sam did as well. But they couldn't. With so much at risk, they had to stay in character. Anya gripped Zemo's arm tightly as she nervously watched Bucky fight.
She couldn't imagine what this must be doing to his head. The Winter Soldier was something he was free from, a part of his past that he should leave behind him. Yet here he was, playing the role a little too well.
The sound of several guns cocking filled the club. Bucky had his metal hand around the throat of someone he had thrown onto the bar. Sam reached out and grabbed Bucky's arm to stop him. Anya moved to do the same but Zemo held her back, shaking his head at both of them.
"Stay in character or the whole bar turns on us." he said in a hushed tone before turning to Bucky. "Otlichnaya rabota soldat."
Anya knew what that meant too. "Well done soldier." With a nervous look at Bucky, Anya stepped back right into Zemo's chest. She jumped but he caught her gently, holding her arm. Bucky reluctantly let the man go, not looking at any of them.
"Selby will see you now." The bartender said.
"Thank you." Zemo replied.
The crowd began to disperse as they followed Zemo. Sam leaned toward Bucky.
"You good?" He asked.
Bucky didn't answer out loud but gave Sam a quick nod. Anya didn't believe him for a second. She felt guilty about being afraid of him moments before. She reached out and gently took his hand as they walked. He looked up at her in surprise and she gave him a reassuring squeeze before letting go and going to walk next to Zemo who offered her his arm. She took it, still trying to stay in character.
But she glanced back at Bucky behind her, still trying to see if he was alright. Bucky was already looking at her, his face set. She knew he was thinking. What about, she could never be sure.
They were escorted to an expensive looking room in the back of the club. A white haired woman sat on the couch. Selby.
"You should know Baron," She said as they entered. "People don't just come into my bar and make demands."
"Not a demand," Zemo corrected her. "An offer."
Zemo sat in the armchair across from Selby. Bucky stationed himself by one of the doors and Sam by the wall. Anya stood awkwardly next to the chair, unsure of where to go or what to do with her arms. She looked down at Zemo who gave her a disgruntled look. She really was a bad actress and he knew it. She could blow their cover at any moment. Well, she could show him just how in character she could be.
Anya sat in his lap.
Zemo looked surprised for a moment before regaining his composure. He wrapped an arm around her waist for the second time that night and pulled her closer so she wouldn't slip off. Anya threw an arm around his shoulders, finally getting a feel of the soft fur on his coat. She could smell the expensive cologne he was wearing. His other gloved hand rested on her knee as if this was a completely normal occurrence.
From her spot Anya could see Sam's surprised look. He raised his eyebrows at her but said nothing. Bucky was behind her but she could feel his eyes on her.
"A lot has changed since you were here last." Selby said. "I see you have a new friend there."
"Lovely, is she not?" Zemo chuckled, patting her knee as Anya flashed Selby a smile. "Just full of... surprises."
"Hm," Selby eyed Anya with intrigue for a moment. "By the way, I thought you were rotting away in a German prison. How did you escape?"
"People like us always find a way, don't we?" Zemo replied casually. "I'm sure you've already figured out what I'm here for."
"You're taller than I'd heard," Selby pointed at Sam. "Smiling Tiger."
Sam stiffened slightly but nodded to Selby who purred at him. Selby smiled then looked back at Zemo.
"What's the offer?" She asked.
"Tell us what you know about the super soldier serum," Zemo said. "And I give you him."
He gestured for Bucky to come closer. Bucky complied and stood next to the chair they were occupying, his face devoid of emotion.
"Along with the code words to control him, of course." Zemo continued. "He will do anything you want."
Zemo reached up and tweaked Bucky's chin, trying to get a reaction out of him. But none came. Selby looked Bucky over with great interest before her eyes lingered over to Anya.
"Throw her in and we have a deal." Selby said.
"...I'm sorry?" Zemo paused.
"Is the beauty in your lap for sale as well?" Selby asked. "Y'know she could make me a lot of money looking like that. I have clients who would absolutely adore her."
Anya tensed up, her false demeanour faltering. Her jaw clenched as memories of past "missions" Hydra had her do played in her mind. She did not like the sound of that. Not at all.
She had been down that road before. It did not end well.
Anya looked down at Zemo who was already gazing at her. His face was twisted in a frown. He definitely could feel her tense up, her grip on him had tightened in shock and... was that fear? He looked back at Selby and shook his head.
"Not for sale I'm afraid." He said. "This little songbird only sings for me."
"Is that so?" Selby scoffed.
"Yes," Zemo nodded, his hand that rested on her knee slid up her leg. "Isn't that right, liebling?"
Anya snapped back into her persona and nodded. She tried her hardest not to turn red at the feeling of his hand that was now on her thigh where the slit in the dress was.
"Doesn't look like it," Selby said. "You both seem so... stiff."
"Trust me," Zemo brushed a loose strand of hair behind Anya's ear. "We are anything but."
Anya wasn't looking at Zemo, her eyes were on Selby. She was so focused on the woman in front of her and what she might do or say next that she didn't even notice Zemo pulling her even closer.
All she felt was a warm kiss on the small part of her neck that the fabric did not cover. Anya was thankful that no scars were visible that high up. But the last thing she expected to touch that exposed part of her neck was a pair of lips.
Anya's eyebrows shot up but she stopped herself from jumping out of surprise. Instead she stayed in character and smiled down at Zemo, running a hand through his hair as if she had done it a million times before. He returned the smile before looking back at Selby with a look that said "I told you so."
"Now that's the Zemo I remember." Selby said. "I'm glad I decided not to kill you immediately. Keep your girl, you obviously get more use out of her than I ever would. I will take the Winter Soldier though."
Anya glanced over at Sam who looked just as shocked as she felt. She looked at Bucky who was still standing next to them. He wasn't looking at her but staring straight ahead. But his jaw was clenched more than before and his metal arm was curled into a fist. She didn't blame either of them. After all, the war criminal she was sitting in the lap of just gave her a kiss.
"Yeah, you were right to come to me." Selby continued. "Arrogant, but right. The super soldier serum is here in Madripoor. Dr. Wilfred Nagel is the man you wanna thank. Or... condemn. Depending on what side of this you're on. The Power Broker had him working on the serum but things didn't go as planned."
"Is Nagel still in Madripoor?" Zemo asked.
"Oh," Selby chuckled and stood. "The breadcrumbs you can have for free but the bakery is gonna cost you, Baron. And before you get all cute don't think you can find Nagel without me-"
Selby was cut off by the sound of a phone going off. Everyone in the room looked around for the source of the sound. Sam reached into the pocket of his suit jacket. Anya's eyes widened. Idiot didn't turn his phone off.
"Answer it." Selby demanded. "On speaker."
Sam hesitated for a moment before answering the phone. Anya took in a nervous breath. Who could be calling Sam at a time like this?
"Hello?" Sam said, trying to sound authoritative.
"Hey," A woman's voice came through the other end. "Um, we need to talk about this situation. It's been driving me nuts."
"What situation exactly are you talking about?" Sam asked.
"...Are you high?" The woman asked. "You know what situation. It's the only situation you and me have."
"What situation Sarah?" Sam said, his voice rising. "Say it."
"The damn boat!" She exclaimed. "And watch your tone. Okay? I let you slide at the bank."
"Yeah the bank," Sam chuckled unconvincingly. "Yeah laundered so much... Yeah they'll come around."
"If that was the case then why'd they dog you out, big time?" The woman replied, sounding annoyed.
"Yeah you're damn right I'm big time." Sam replied. "You'll see when I have that banker killed."
"Cass!" The woman called out. "What'd I tell you about the Cheerios? I don't have time for this! Sam, I'm sorry. Let me call you back."
"Sam?" Selby repeated. "Who's Sam?"
Anya, Zemo, Sam, and Bucky all exchanged looks of panic.
"Kill them!" Selby exclaimed.
Before anyone could move, something shot through the window and hit Selby directly through the chest. She fell to the floor, dead.
They all sprang into action. Sam and Bucky both attacked the nearest guards. Anya leapt off of Zemo's lap and attacked the third one. She flipped him easily over her shoulder before stepping down hard on him with her heel.
"They're gonna pin this on us." Sam panted as they headed for the exit.
"We have a real problem now," Zemo sighed. "So leave your weapons and follow my lead."
"Sam, you're a shitter actor than I am." Anya said as they hastily made their way out of the building and down the street.
"Still better than the role you had in there." Sam replied, glancing between her and Zemo.
"This is not good." Zemo said as people began looking their way. They walked faster.
Then for what seemed like the hundredth time that night, all hell broke loose. Gunshots rang out from every direction, barely missing them. Anya felt a gloved hand grab her wrist and pull her forward. She didn't have to be told twice. She ran like a bat out of hell.
She and Zemo were separated from Sam and Bucky as they ran in a different direction. She worried about her friends but right now her priority was not getting killed.
Zemo grabbed her wrist again, pulling her into a dark corner of the alley they were running down. Anya was against the wall, Zemo's arms caging her in. He looked over his shoulder then back at her as people ran right past them, shouting and shooting.
"By the way," Zemo whispered, his face inches from hers. "I sincerely apologize if I made you uncomfortable before-"
The shouting started up again, this time getting closer.
"Now is not the time for that!" This time Anya grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. Zemo pulled out a gun of his own and shot at the people chasing them.
They turned a corner and saw Sam and Bucky running towards them being chased by thugs of their own. They were cornered.
Suddenly, more gunshots rang out, hitting everyone but the four of them.
"You seem to have a guardian angel." Zemo said.
"Well this is too perfect." A voice said from behind them.
They all turned around to see a woman take off the hood of her jacket and point a gun at them. Or more at Zemo.
"Drop it Zemo." She snapped.
"Sharon?" Bucky asked in surprise.
"You cost me everything." Sharon began to advance on Zemo before Sam stepped between them.
"Sharon wait," He said. "Someone recreated the super soldier serum and Zemo has a lead."
"Well that explains why you guys are here." She said. "And why Selby's dead."
"So what are you doing here?" Bucky asked.
"I stole Steve's shield, remember?" Sharon replied bitterly. "I also took the wings for your ass so that you can save his ass from his ass." She pointed at Sam, Bucky, and Zemo in turn. "Unlike you I didn't have the Avengers to back me up. So I'm off the grid in Madripoor."
"Hey don't blow that smoke I was on the run too." Sam replied.
"Was." Sharon said. "Is. Big difference. I don't speak to my family anymore. I can't. My own father doesn't know where I am."
"Listen Sharon," Bucky stepped forward. "We need your help. Please."
"This isn't over." She sighed before her eyes finally landed on Anya. "Who the hell is she?"
"Are we really gonna go through the whole Birdie origin story again?" Sam groaned. "That's Anya. She sings. She's cool. She's with us. Let's move on."
"...I expect more details later." Sharon said to Anya before looking at the others. "I have a place in High Town. You should be safe there for a while."
Sharon turned on her hell and started walking. The others followed her. The alleyway was suddenly very cold now that they weren't running. Anya shivered and hugged herself as they walked.
Suddenly, something soft and warm was draped over her shoulders. A familiar cologne now filled her nose and she looked up to see Zemo walking next to her without his coat. She began to protest when he held up a hand to stop her.
"Consider this part of my apology." He said simply. "As you did not let me finish before."
"...Thank you." Anya said.
Zemo gave her a nod and strode ahead of her. Bucky took his place, looking down at her with a frown. She simply shrugged.
"All apologies should include nice coats." She said.
"He has a lot more to apologize for." Bucky grumbled. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Anya replied, not entirely believing herself. "More importantly, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Bucky said, his tone the same as hers.
Neither of them were fine. But they just left it at that.
JILLIAN SPEAKS!
I know y'all see Zemo and Anya in this chapter 👀 Is Bucky jealous? Mayhaps. Is Sam shook? Most definitely.
Sorry for the kind of delayed update. I'm gonna try and do an update at least once a week again. In the meantime, keep on voting and commenting!
Okay love y'all <3