Steve Rogers has just returned from his second tour of duty. Just like his best friend Bucky he enlisted when war broke out in the Middle East. Over the fourteen years he spent in the U.S. Army he distinguished himself many times over. He never left a fallen brother behind. When Bucky was wounded in heavy crossfire, Steve bravely crossed the battle field to bring him back. When Bucky was sent home, Steve was left behind. After his promotion to Captain, he finally received his honorable discharge, and the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving his entire platoon in their final battle of the war. His first night back, Bucky insisted on celebrating.

"You know I'm not taking no for an answer Stevie."

"Buck, I just got home. After a twelve hour flight, I just want to take a shower and get some much needed shut eye."

"Not a chance of that, man. I've been back for a year, and now my best friend is home as well. What more of a reason do I need to celebrate?"

Steve is still reluctant, and tries to change the subject.

"Yeah, how has it been over the last year? How are you doing with the prosthetic arm?"

"You're stalling Steve. We've known each other our whole lives. The arm is fine, but tonight is not about me. There's this new bar two blocks away, Sam owns it. He promised me that if I got you to come drinks were on the house for us and anyone we bring."

Sam Wilson is another friend of theirs. He and his wingman Riley were para-rescue. When they both came under fire, Steve and Bucky provided the cover fire so Sam could get Riley to safety after he was shot down. Riley didn't make it, and after the funeral, Sam formed a quick bond with the two soldiers. They've been friends ever since.

"So Sam finally got his bar. I remember it was all he talked about."

"That's not all. He also volunteers down at the V.A. He does a lot of good helping returning soldiers with P.T.S.D. Come on, it's just tonight. Besides, Sam also made me promise that I would drag you out there. Even if you were kicking and screaming the whole way."

"There's really no way out of this for me is there, Buck?"

"Nope, now let's go! If we don't get down there soon, all the girls will already be partnered up with someone."

Something about the way Bucky said 'the girls' made Steve tense up. Despite his early reluctance he resigned himself to going and became determined to enjoy himself; but his mind goes back to the one woman who captured his heart completely. He and Bucky were just starting their sophomore year of college. Steve was always an early riser, and as usual he had to try and drag Bucky out of bed so they could make it to registration on time.

"Come on Buck! If you don't get your butt in gear, we're gonna be late!"

"Just five more minutes Steve," Bucky's voice was muffled by his pillow and the door of his bedroom in their apartment.

"Oh no buddy. I tried all last year to get into this art history class. It's one of the prerequisites I need for my major. I'm not going to miss out on it this year because you've got a hangover."

Soon enough, loud snoring was coming from the other side of the door again. Steve finally gave up and dashed out the door determined to get registered for the class. Ten minutes later he was running towards the front door of the art history building. As the door opened he collided with a girl just exiting the building. Her books went flying and Steve was dumbfounded at the accident he just caused.

"Why don't you watch where you're going, jerk!"

Trying to regain his composure, Steve could only stare at the sight before him. Her auburn hair, and her green eyes blazing with fiery anger. He started gathering up her books while trying to apologize.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't see you. I…"

"Yeah, obviously," the girl cut him off. "Why don't you give me my books, so I can go get registered for the renaissance artists' class. Don't just stare at me like that, move it."

She grabs her books and turns on her heel, headed for the fine arts building. Steve is able to get one of the last places available in the art history class. While he didn't get her name, this was how he first met Natasha Romanoff.

"Steve quit your daydreaming! The celebration is about to begin," Bucky shouts, trying to get Steve's attention.

"All right Bucky. Let's get this over with."

On the drive to Sam's Bar, Bucky tries to make idle small talk with Steve, but he is barely listening. He nods when he thinks it appropriate, and goes along with everything he hears. Once or twice he heard mention of the girls they would be meeting, but he was still thinking about her.