"Can you remind me what we're doing here?" Bucky asks, looking around doubtfully.

"Before you start chasing girls, you need to learn to walk again." I answer.

"So you're not going to ask me to talk to a girl tonight?"

"No, I'm saving that for later. Today, I want you to relax and immerse yourself in the surrounding atmosphere. Look around you, everyone's flirting! It's a true source of inspiration."

"If you say so." He says with an amused smile as he takes a sip of his drink.

The bar I chose for this first approach isn't very big, but there's a friendly atmosphere in the air. At least it's not too crowded. I have no intention to bully him.

My strategy appears to be working, as Bucky seems to relax a little as we talk.

"When are you leaving?" I inquire, playing with a coaster.

"In a few days, why? Are you going to miss me?"

"See, I told you!" I gloat under his quizzical look. "It's already starting to come back."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about pickup line."

"But I wasn't flirting with you."

"Of course, I know. But you have to use that confidence you obviously haven't lost. I'm willing to bet it's a natural skill for you. And for the record, maybe I'll miss you."

"I knew it. Don't worry, doll, it shouldn't take too long." He tells me in all seriousness.

I look at him confusedly before a teasing smile appears on his face.

"Well done. Even though you weren't supposed to train on me. Will you get us some more drinks?"

"You're sure? Just because I can drink as much as I want doesn't mean you can."

"Are you questioning my alcohol resistance?"

"That's not what I said, but yes." He smirks.

I sigh as I watch him make his way to the counter.

Coincidentally, this is the moment a tipsy fellow chooses to approach me and strike up a conversation. "Hi."

"Hi." I answer politely.

"I'm new in town and someone told me to come here to find a pretty girl in a blue top who-"

"Really?" I cut him off with a sneer.

"I swear. And when I walked in, I knew it was you." He assures me with hilarious confidence.

"That's kind of you, but I'm not looking."

"Can I give you my number for when you start looking?"

Before I can reply, Bucky comes back and puts two glasses on the table. As he meets the cold gaze of the super soldier, the annoying guy runs away without a second thought.

Bucky isn't much of a talker, but he's got very expressive eyes. He has this remarkable ability to communicate with his eyes, simply staring silently at his interlocutor. He knows exactly how to use it to make a John Walker or anyone he doesn't trust shudder.

"Poor guy. You scared him."

"He seemed to be bothering you."

"Well, this is a perfect example of what not to do. Avoid approaching a woman who is already accompanied. You'll just waste your time."

"Got it, prof. Sam also said I needed to renew my wardrobe."

"Is he kidding? Don't listen to him, he doesn't know what he's talking about. This bad-boy look appeals to women."

"What bad-boy look?"

"The leather jacket, the motorcycle, that dark, distant look..." I explain. "Don't ask me why, but it works every time."

The evening ends in great spirits. I really enjoy spending time with Bucky. Since he opened up and talk to me a little more, our conversations have always been interesting. His bad-boy look is completely misleading. He's actually kept a remarkable interest in both literature and film.

Gallantly, he even walks me home before heading back to his own place.

"Have you ever been to a nightclub?" I inquire as we arrive in front of my little house.

"Those places where people dance pressed up against each other? I didn't really get the chance."

"Perfect." I ignore his sarcasm. "Tomorrow night, we're going dancing with Sam and Sarah."

"Is this part of your plan to 'open me up to the world'?"

"We'll meet at their place at 9pm. Get dressed." I evade with my most innocent air.

He rolls his eyes and runs his tongue between his lips.

"What you just did there, with your mouth." I say as I walk through my front door. "It's a weapon of mass seduction. Use it wisely."

"What the hell is she talking about now?" I hear him grumbling behind my back.