Zemo's opinion on super soldiers had been clear from the beginning. It was the reason Bucky had kept such a close eye on him. He was the same as Karli and her band of followers; genetically enhanced. Experiments like him should have never existed. He'd agree on that. And he'd agree that he was dangerous, just like them. Ayo and Shuri had helped him break through HYDRA's control over his mind but who was to say that couldn't happen again? Or that he would go rogue one day? He'd been able to slip into that facade so easily in Madripoor. The threat of that alone was valid enough of a reason for Zemo to try and take him out. He'd expected him to. Just like Zemo had expected him to do the same.
Bucky hadn't trusted him. He definitely hadn't liked him. Not at first. A small part of him had even been afraid of Zemo. Of the control that he could have over him. He'd figured out a way before. Bucky wasn't about to underestimate him after Bucharest. But he'd never hated him. Never enough to take his life. T'Challa could have and he hadn't. If there was anyone who could rival Steve in what made a good man, it would have been him. The fact that he'd tried to claw the life out of him was something Bucky never held against T'Challa. But he'd spared Zemo's life for more than that reason.
He didn't hesitate to wrap his own arms around Zemo's middle, both hands fisting in the back of his robe, pulling him in. It was poor timing, maybe, given how raw and vulnerable he still felt but this was also something he'd been wanting for a long time. A kiss without strings. There was no reason to hold back now, so he didn't. If Zemo expected him to, Bucky was all too glad to surprise him again.
There was barely enough room between their lips for air to slip through. Not that Bucky needed much. He was sure Zemo could hold his own breath. In fairness, even if he could, Bucky was behaving like he was trying to steal every ounce of it. He hadn't expected this kiss but damnit, now that he had it, he wasn't giving it up so easily. His hand moved to the back of Zemo's neck, urging him closer as he pressed their mouths harder together.