#handgore

The nail punches between the delicate bones of his hand, puncturing veins and ripping through sinew. Peter's hand jerks back, but Zemo holds him firmly by the wrist.

"Ah, don't do that." Zemo clicks his tongue. "It will hurt worse if you struggle."

He takes out another nail. Strokes his thumb over Peter's middle finger to straighten it against the table. Then he positions the nail against the pad of his finger.

"Let's try this again." Zemo lifts the hammer. "Eyes on mine."

Peter obeys, but can't see Zemo through the tears welling in his eyes. "Please don't. Please--please don't."

"All you have to do is focus." Zemo strokes Peter's middle finger. Almost lovingly. "Focus, Peter."

The sickly sweetness of his touch makes Peter flinch.

"Ah," Zemo tsks, disappointed. He brings the hammer down again.

The finger hurts worse than the palm. Zemo has to bring the hammer down three times to drive the nail all the way through. Then he moves to the first nail, hammering it down until the head is flush with his palm. With each strike of the hammer, Peter can feel the nail vibrate deep within his hand.