Over the next couple of days, I barely see Bucky. Fortunately, I can count on Sam to enthusiastically tell me about his success with the ladies and his countless dates. Emma seems to have already been forgotten. He even said that he now fully understood that reputation as Brooklyn's heartthrob of the '40s Steve had told him about. Although he's happy for his teammate, he hopes that all these women won't disturb him on their upcoming mission.

Besides, Sarah and I have planned a small party before their departure, to which we invited our nearest neighbors. Naturally, no one knows the reason behind this festive and convivial occasion. The inhabitants of our little island never miss an opportunity to get together for a community cookout.

I'm serving the drinks and chatting with the guests when Bucky finally shows up. My eyes widen in surprise as I overflow the glass I was filling. Despite what Sam told me, I wasn't prepared to see him coming with a woman on each arm. I quickly wipe up the soda I've spilled on the table and offer the newcomers a drink, not without giving my friend an impressed glance.

"Ladies, this is Sam." Bucky introduces his teammate.

"So, it's true, you're Captain America?" One of them marvels.

"Himself." The hero in question answers, rubbing the back of his head.

"You even thought to Sam, that's generous." I say to Bucky as I pour him a glass.

"I couldn't refuse them to meet Captain America."

"What a thoughtful man." I smirk.

When Sarah has finished putting the food on the table, she joins me for a well-deserved toast after our afternoon in the kitchen. "Well, you've done an amazing job in just one week." She comments, looking at Bucky.

"I have almost nothing to do with that. He apparently has an innate talent for seduction. It only took him 3 days to stand on his own two feet, and drop off the map at the same time. Look at these girls, it's like they're bewitched."

"Sounds like someone is afraid they'll steal their friend."

"Of course not, I'm not the possessive type. In fact, I'm very happy for him."

"It suits him, I think, to open up. He's almost glowing."

"It's true, he is." I nod thoughtfully as I watch him deep in conversation with his guests and Sam.

The corner of my lips stretches against my will at this sight. Bucky is smiling brightly and seems to radiate breathtaking confidence. I feel some strange, unwelcome sensations gradually intruding on my stomach. I look away and concentrate on my conversation with Sarah. I won't let myself be bewitched by this good-looking wizard of hearts.

As the evening goes by, I begin to give up all hope of speaking with my friends. They seem to be enjoying themselves as much as they seem to have totally forgotten about me.

Although relegated to the background, I feel guilty about these slightly selfish thoughts. We couldn't keep Bucky to ourselves forever. He had to take flight again, and I'm glad to see him blossoming. So why am I afraid that this new passion for seduction will take him away from us? Away from me?

Right now, I feel a certain bitterness at the thought that they're leaving tomorrow for who knows how long, and that I haven't spent this last evening with them.

A beer in hand, I move away from the festivities, not wishing to spoil them with my invasive thoughts. I sit on a bench and watch the last rays of sun disappear over the horizon.

"Hi." A voice comes from behind me. "Are you okay? Sarah told me to come and check on you."

Nothing escapes her, that's for sure. However, I didn't expect her to send me Bucky.

"I am, don't worry. I don't know why she said that, she shouldn't have bothered you."

"Mind if I sit?"

"You're not expected?" I ask, raising a brow.

"They can wait a little, I spent the whole evening with them. I didn't see much of you, though."

"I must say you've been pretty busy."

"It almost sounds like it's bothering you." He grins.

"No, of course not." I say faster than I would like. "If you're happy, I'm happy for you."

"Actually, I think it feels good to get out of my comfort zone."

"But you won't forget me, will you? When you'll have every girl in the country falling at your feet?"

"Why would I forget you? You were one of the first people to welcome me when I arrived here, without judging me. Even though you know who I was and what I did. You, Sarah, Sam... You were there for me when I needed friends. Your friendship means a lot to me, so don't think I can forget you so easily."

"I'm glad I met you too." I smile softly. I'm touched by his words, especially because he's not usually very expressive. His gaze is so deep and sincere that I can't help but feel confused.

Friends. We are friends and it's perfect that way.

So what's making this strange heat in my chest? Why do I feel my cheeks and head heating up too?

As he begins to walk towards Sam and his ladies, I call him out one more time. "Hey, Bucky. Tomorrow... Be safe."

He breaks into a smile that does nothing to cool my body temperature before stepping away.

I'm not one to lie to myself. I definitely feel a little pinch in the heart when I see him put his arm around his neighbor's shoulders and whisper sweet things in her ear. I may not be as immune to his charm as I would like to think. I'll have to fix that before things get out of control.

Maybe it's not such a bad thing that he's going away for a while. It'll give me a chance to get my head straight.