The often cold and hardened exterior that Baron Zemo exuded had slipped away .. for now he carried himself in a soft grey sweater, a slightly wrinkled charcoal jacket and a crimson colored flannel scarf .. an innocent smile and kind eyes locked upon yours.. this was a look he reserved only for you. A vulnerable look .. a look that he would never dare show to anyone else..
“Where are we going darling?” You asked with anticipation.. Helmut held your hand in his as you walked along an old cobblestone pathway.. “you’ll see my love” he said with an affectionate tone… he knew you had always enjoyed the colorful display of Autumn, the rose & apricot highlighted clouds at sunset, long cozy nights sipping warm brandy.. “we’ll be alone soon” …
Walking hand in hand the sound of crunching leaves under your feet at every step, you watched the light dance through the overhead branches.. the crisp autum air hitting your cheeks with an enticing smell of aspen and pine hovering through. Helmut wraps his arm around you tightly leaning to your ear…. “And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and autumn is awakened…” ..he whispers gently.. “as is my heart” .. breathless at his eloquence and romantic nature you watched his chestnut brown eyes as he spoke.. with hints of passion sparking in them you placed a small kiss on the top of his gloved his hand .. “my love, shall we” .. you nudged his arm ever so slightly and continued along the cracked pathway lined with sunburnt leaves.
You come upon a shaded meadow, there stands a beautful tall tree.. the tree was aged.. full of history as it had a story to tell.. strong branches, with petruding hardwood roots, the bark was furrowed and veined with sap.. the leaves the color of amber & scarlet rustling in the breeze .. Helmut guides you underneath where a large blanket rests.. a picnic basket filled with delights, glasses and carafe of wine.. He kneels down onto the blanket “join me won’t you” he requests while removing his leather gloves one at a time.. you watch him patiently as he pours a glass of the mulled wine and hands it to you.. cradling the warm glass, hints of cinnamon & anise arouse your senses..
You kneel down beside him as he places a small plate in front of you .. lined with various scrumptious looking canapés.. “do you still trust me? He asks "close your eyes” .. intrigued by his inquiry you do as he suggests .. flavors of crisp green apple, pistachio, warm brie & honey enter your lips.. you open your eyes as you savour the creamy sweet on your tongue… you note some sticky golden honey left on his fingertip … “Helmut, allow me” you whisper… You grasp his ungloved hand.. Taking his smooth index finger towards your lips you slowly close them around it.. you gently suck the remaing honey off his fingertip and give it a playful nip.. his eyes flashed with a amorous glance.. you snicker with a half smile and continue to sip the spiced wine..
Helmut relaxes himself up against the large trunk, you lay your back onto his chest and cuddle into his embrace. Under the sweeping branches he carsesses your neck.. and gently tangles his fingers into your hair ..
“I could stay lost here forever” ..his voice was tender ..“I could stay safe under the shelter of you” with deep yearning you snake your fingers into his.. locking hands.. The leaves seamlessly float from the higher branches around you.
And like the seasons changing the breeze dissipates and there is a calm in the air… all you could feel is the soothing vibration of his heartbeat.. you sighed and melted into the sound of his gentle breaths..
Helmut reached for a broad Maroon colored leaf that had dropped from above beside your arm … you closed your eyes as he glided it across your forehead and down your nose.. taking in a deep breath you inhale the feeling of fall.. the scent of musk, maple & moss .. you were entirely Immersed in the warmth of his body.. wrapped in the fabric of his being. Drifting off together as the fiery sun sets you were both in sync…. in complete contentment.
There was only one place in the world you’ve ever felt that way, felt like your true self.. felt loved and protected.. And that place.. It was in Helmut’s arm’s.
