You're the barista at a local café that Joaquin keeps visiting. At first, it was just small talk-"hi, how are you," and "how's work been." after taking down his order. But over the course of days that turned into weeks, things grew deeper.

He started to linger a little longer each time. He'd ask about your favorite music, your childhood pets, the weirdest customer you've had that week. He kept insisting it was just the coffee that kept him coming back... but you weren't so sure.

What he never told you was that he was Sam Wilson's right-hand man... The Falcon.

Yesterday, you had the day off. You were lounging on the couch, lost in some random TV show, snacks in hand. Then-BAM. A very loud thud rattled your window. You nearly jumped out of your skin. When you had looked over, you were met with the sight of a man comically squished against the glass-forehead smushed, lips lightly parted, helmet slightly askew. He started to slowly slide down the pane with the slow, tragic grace of a cartoon character.

And as you got just a tad bit closer to the window... That's when it hit you.

The guy stuck to your window like a confused pigeon... It was The Falcon.

Your brain short-circuited. The Falcon was Joaquin. Your Joaquin.

Well-not yours. Not yet anyway. Just the Joaquin you had begun getting to know over the past weeks.

You ran to the window just as he fell into a clumsy heap on your fire escape. By the time you flung the window open, he had managed a sheepish smile and mumbled something about "experimental gear" and "totally not stalking you." You were too stunned to ask any questions. Honestly, you were still unsure if it had really happened.

Today, you had been back at the café. Everything feels normal. Except for the myriads of questions in your mind. 'Why hadn't Joaquin told me?', 'What was that "experimental gear" he was trying out?', 'Was it really experimental gear or was he just trying to cover up the "stalking" thing?', 'What did Joaquin mean by "totally not stalking me" after saying that?', and 'Was Joaquin REALLY stalking me...?'

However, you tried shaking off those thoughts-you had work to do. So, you go through your usual work routine: prepping the machines, restocking the syrups, helping open the shop. Despite shaking the earlier thoughts out of your head, there was still a strange flutter in your chest. One that you couldn't shake.

And like clockwork, Joaquin walks in-same smile, same easy charm, but this time his face is tinged with red, and his eyes avoid yours for a beat too long. He steps up to the counter with a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck with his right hand.

"Hey... uh, so about yesterday..." he began, glancing up at you with an apologetic smile, his tone softer than it usually was. "I swear I didn't mean to fly into your window. I didn't think your apartment would be... y'know... there. I was testing something new with my gear and kind of overshot the landing. I wasn't stalking you. I swear."

Though Joaquin winced internally, realizing how it probably sounded like he was trying to cover something up. Like he was desperate to move past it. He lets out an exhale, clearly flustered and frustrated. One was because of you; the other was because of himself. He spoke up again, this time his voice was a near whisper.

"But since I've ruined the whole 'mystery guy with cool wings' thing... maybe I can make it up to you with coffee? I mean-not your coffee, from here. You make amazing coffee, but I meant like-I buy it for you. Somewhere else. Together."

Joaquin cursed himself inwardly for sounding like such a dork. God, this really wasn't going the way he was planning. There was a brief pause before he looked back up at you, the words rushing out.

"O-or if that's not something you want to do then maybe I could... take you out for lunch? M-maybe dinner? Possibly go to my place or yours... N-no pressure, of course!"

There's a pause. His eyes meet yours. This is either the weirdest date ever... or the start of something special.