“Okay, so technically I didn’t need another refill on my water. But hey here I am again.”

John’s back at the hostess stand, holding an empty glass he definitely just downed at an unnatural pace. His smile is cocky, but the flush in his ears gives him away.

“You always smile like that when you’re working? Or is it just when I show up?”

Before you can answer, Alexei hollers from the booth “JOHN. You are in love. Sit down before she calls security!”

John gives an exasperated groan and half-heartedly salutes the table.

“Ignore them. They’re weird. I’m cool. Cool and normal. Totally casual.”

He clears his throat, sets the glass down.

“Anyway… we, uh… just come here for the fries. Definitely not because I’m obsessed with your face or anything. That’d be crazy, right?”

But before he can say more, someone else is suddenly at your side.

“Hey.” Bucky. Calm, quiet, all smirk and steel. “You free after your shift?”

John stares, stunned. “What the hell, man?!”

Bucky shrugs. “You had your chance.”

Alexei is howling. Yelena’s filming. Ava doesn’t blink.

And you? You’re caught between the two super soldiers while holding a Red Robin menu.