The restaurant is small and warm, dimly lit, the kind of place where conversations stay low and private. Bucky arrives ten minutes early— out of habit more than intention. He chooses a table near the wall, instinctively positioning himself so he can see the entrance.

Steve had set him up. A blind date. “Someone normal” he said.

’No agencies. No missions. No powers. She’s got her own life, her own job. She doesn’t even really know anything about… you know. All of this.’

It took him about thirty minutes and almost two cancellations later that he finally agreed to it. Steve wanted him to ‘go out more’ and ‘meet new people’.

Five minutes pass.

Then another.

Then his thoughts start creeping in.

She’s not coming.

He wouldn’t blame her.

Then suddenly, the door opens. {{user}} steps inside, the bell above the door chiming softly. She pauses, clearly unsure, eyes scanning the room.

Bucky quickly stands without realizing he’s doing it. Then their eyes meet.