GUEST: Actor Kieran O’Connor

In a grimy alleyway outside the movie theater in New York City, a large man towers over Steve Rogers, landing another punch. “You just don’t know when to give up, do you?” he sneers.

Steve, bloodied but defiant, wipes his mouth. “I can do this all day.”

Bucky Barnes strides into the alley, grabbing the man by the collar. “Hey! Pick on someone your own size,” he snaps, kicking the bully out of the alley with a swift boot.

Bucky turns to Steve, shaking his head. “Sometimes I think you like getting punched.”

Steve, catching his breath, grins weakly. “I had him on the ropes.”

Bucky spots Steve’s enlistment papers on the ground and picks them up, scanning them. “How many times is this? You’re from Paramus now? You know it’s illegal to lie on the enlistment form. And seriously, Jersey?”

Steve brushes off his jacket, avoiding Bucky’s gaze. “You get your orders?”

“The 107th,” Bucky says, standing tall. “Sergeant James Barnes, shipping out for England first thing tomorrow.”

Steve’s eyes flicker with envy and resolve. “I should be going.”