it was unknown if the men would fall for it or not. There was a hope that they would.

that he was paying no mind to the men.

"Hey. Long time no see." He had no idea who this was but he was willing to pretend for the time being.

"Glad that we could meet up. Remember that place I mentioned? It's done the street from here." He gave her a look, one that said to follow along but

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had caught his attention. He wasn't too far off from where they were.

The final decision was made. He was going to resolve the balling trouble.

Before the men could even try anything or even mutter a single word, Bucky stepped in front of Anastasia, facing in her direction. It was clear

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He gives a nod then turns on his heel to walk down the sidewalk. After all, he had walked to the cafe.

On the way back, Bucky kept an eye on Tony to make sure that he was alright.

Once they made it back, he offered a warm smile. "It was nice. You know, this walk. Even if it was short."

Bucky gently squeezed his hand in return. "That sounds like a plan to me. I know a good pizza place. It's not too too far from here."

"Why don't we head back then?" He was already turning around but his eyes never left the other.

"Shuri." He began, giving her a look. "You know that you never do. You're welcomed here as much as you welcome me to Wakanda."

"Should we head back?" Bucky didn't want him to suffer with the cold.

"I think he'll be surprised as well." He stated with a smile of his own. This was a lot nicer than he had expected.

When the weather started to get a bit more chilly, he shivered slightly under his layers.

"Are you cold at all?"

Bucky took his phone back, sending a quick message to Tony saying that it was him before stuffing the device into his pocket once again.

"This is nice. I think that Steve will be happy that we're uh...you know, getting along."

The nights were growing longer and more difficult. Memories, no, 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙨 haunted him every night. Not a moment of peace.

He jolts awake for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He needed a breather. Somewhere to go.

Bucky walks the streets, the fogged and chilled air filling his lungs.

He didn't know any of that. It was good to know that now. "What about pizza? Is that a bad first date meal? Or would you prefer something less greasy?"

Bucky could think of a few restaurants.

"It sounds exhausting." He couldn't imagine being in her shoes. "If you ever need to stop by and relax, my door is always open. I'm sure Alpine would love to hang out."

"Oh. Let me give it to you." He pulls out his phone which is very much out dated.

"Just put your number in my phone actually. I'll text you and let you know that its me."