Bucky quietly watched the figure dig through the dumpster at the back of the diner. It wasn't the first time that he had watched the kid try and find some food. And each time he had witnessed their desperate attempts to survive, it had broken his heart a little more.

Life in the big city was hard for many people. But at least the majority had a roof over their heads. This kid on the other hand, just had cardboard boxes set up in one of the many rat infested back alleys that the city had to offer. It was true that many slept rough, but this particular person had caught Bucky's eye. And even though he didn't know what he could do, he found that he wanted to help.

He had first seen the kid when he had been out walking the streets of his old neighbourhood. Remembering the days when he and Steve were kids, playing stick ball on the corners. His feet leading him down an alleyway that he hadn't seen since the 40s, where his eyes had fallen on a tattered figure that was handing out food to other people. And from that moment he had been intrigued.

It was obvious that the person handing out the food didn't have much themselves. But were still willing to share what they did have, with the older people that found themselves living rough. And Bucky couldn't help but think that someone that did that, deserved to be helped themselves.

Even though he had been watching the good Samaritan for a while. Bucky had never actually seen the face of the kid. He had noticed that they always wore a big hood that hid their features, and many layers of clothing that made it impossible for him to know whether the kid was male or female. But whatever the case, he was determined to do whatever he could to help and put his little plan into action.

Taking a deep breath, Bucky stepped out from the shadows where he had been observing. Coughed softly, hoping not to scare the kid away.

"Look mister, I don't want any trouble, I'm just hungry. I'm leaving ok." A beautiful female voice said hesitantly, as she backed up against the dumpster.

"I'm sorry........ I didn't mean to scare you. I just didn't want you looking for something to eat in there." Bucky said, his eyes growing wide as the figure removed its hood to reveal features of a woman beneath.

She was older than the super soldier had expected. And despite the dirt and smudges on her skin, to Bucky's eyes she was completely exquisite. Her pale grey eyes looking nervously into his.

"I'll just go find another dumpster, got to eat somehow." She replied, as she tried to get away. Only to find Bucky's hand gently grab her wrist as she moved passed him.

"I....... I didn't mean that." Buck began, letting go of her wrist.

"What I mean is, let me take you inside and buy you something real to eat." He continued, Now hoping more than ever that she would accept his invitation.

"Why..... why would you want to do that?" The young woman asked, as she looked up at the stranger.

She had lived on the streets long enough to know who to avoid. Long enough to know who was a creep and who wasn't. And as she looked at the man, his pleasing soft features, his subtle stubble, sad eyes, and the dark hair that stuck out from under his cap, made her want to smile. Which was something that she hadn't done in a very long time.

"Because, well...... I've seen you dig around in there before. And I just wanted you to have something warm to eat instead of something out of the trash." Bucky explained, offering her his hand.

"My name is Bucky by the way. Well actually its James Barnes, but everyone calls me Bucky." He said, smiling as she took his hand.

"(Y/n). My name is (Y/n). It's nice to meet you, James Barnes." (Y/n) replied, as Bucky took her to the front of the building, opening the door so that she could enter.

"Order anything you like, it's on me." Bucky said softly. Doing his best to ignore the stares of the waitress and the cook as he led (Y/n) to one of the empty booths, handing her a menu as she sat down. Bucky unable to stop staring as he watched (Y/n) pull off the hat that covered her head. The old soldier almost gasping as curls of perfect white hair fell over her shoulders and down her back.

"Strange lookin aint I?" (Y/n) laughed, as she saw the slightly shocked look on Bucky's face.

"It's like a genetic mutation. I was born without melanin in my hair, so it's been white since I was a kid. I think it makes me look like an old witch." (Y/n) chuckled, as Bucky shook his head.

"I think that it makes you unique. I...... I think it's beautiful." Bucky told her. Smiling as (Y/n) blushed at the compliment.

"Wow, you really know how to impress a girl, James Barnes. Hot food and compliments. It's been a long time since I've had either of those. Especially from such a handsome man." (Y/n) replied with a sad smile. Bucky feeling slightly confused as he began to blush himself. The super soldier unable to remember a time when he had ever blushed at a compliment from a beautiful woman before.

                                                        >>-------------------------------<<

"Aren't you eating too, I mean I don't want to be the only one making a pig of myself around here." (Y/n) asked, as a huge pile of pancakes was placed in front of her. A torrent of syrup being poured over the sweet treats.

"No. I'm fine. I'm not hungry. I had some plums earlier so I'm good. I'll just stick to the coffee." Bucky replied. (Y/n) furrowing her brows at the idea of him preferring plums to pancakes.

"You know, I might not have much, but if there's one thing I do have, it's a good appetite. Wish I didn't though. It would make things easier if I wasn't hungry all the time." (Y/n) confessed, trying to be ladylike and not gobble down the entire plate of pancakes in one bite.

"Can I ask you something?" Bucky asked hesitantly. Watching as (Y/n) nodded between mouthfuls of food.

"How did you end up living on the streets." He continued. Passing (Y/n) a napkin to wipe the syrup from her chin.

"Oh, you know, the same old sad story. My mom and dad kicked me out of the house when I was just a kid. I was brought up in homes for a while, but because.........well because I'm a little different, I ran away. And with no prospects, no money, no support, like so many others, I just fall through the cracks I suppose." (Y/n) confessed. Bucky staring in disbelief at the nonchalant way that she described her life. Saddened by the way that she just seemed to accept her situation. Even more saddened that it didn't appear that she thought there could be something else. But also intrigued as to why her parents would kick her out when she was just a kid.

"Look, I live in this big building not far from here, with some friends. You could come back and have a shower. Get some clean clothes, a descent night's sleep if you want, and........." Bucky began. But before he could finish, (Y/n) stood up abruptly, throwing her fork onto the table.

"I should have known. No one in the fuckin city does something for nothin. Boy am I dumb. You'd think I'd know better by now. Yet here I was falling into the trap of thinking you were a nice guy. So, you think that you can buy me a plate of pancakes and you'll get into my pants? Well for your information I'm not that kind of girl, and I don't do shit like that. If you want that, then there are plenty of girls out on the corners that will do anything for the right amount of money." (Y/n) spat out. Pain and venom evident in every word.

"No, I didn't mean that." Bucky retorted. Grabbing hold of (Y/n) wrist again as she tried to make for the door.

"I just want to help. That's all..........." The soldier began to explain. Only to find himself interrupted by an angry looking cook.

"Hey! Get out. I knew you were gonna be trouble. I don't want your kind in here. You're disturbing the rest of my customers." The cook growled, as he stomped over towards the pair.

"Disturbing ya customers? I tell you what they will find disturbing. The fact that this shit hole is infested with rats, mice and roaches as big as buses. I think they will find it more disturbing that I've seen you cook food that you've picked up off the floor. Or the fact that your kitchen is that big a health hazard, I'm surprised that you haven't poisoned half the city." (Y/n) yelled out loud enough for every other patron to hear, the cook looking around awkwardly as he retreated back into his kitchen.

"Come on Bucky. Let's get outta this diseased flea pit. I wouldn't eat here if it was the last place on the planet." (Y/n) barked, as she pulled Bucky to his feet and pulled him outside.

"Look........I didn't mean that I wanted to........I just.........." Bucky spluttered out, as (Y/n) continued to drag him down the street.

"Yeah. I know. It's just........well I'm just not used to people being nice to me. But if the offer still stands. And your friends wouldn't mind me being there. I'd love a hot shower and a warm bed for the night." (Y/n) smiled, as they both came to a stop.

"But I hope you have something to eat at this big building of yours. Cos I'm still hungry." (Y/n) told him. Laughing as Bucky smiled back at her.

"Oh, I'm sure we can find you something." Bucky replied softly. A small smile gracing his lips as he felt her hand tighten around his.

"Well then. Lead on James Barnes." (Y/n) announced dramatically. Bucky smiling to himself as they walked. Their hands seemingly locked together. The super soldier hoping that maybe, just maybe, he would be able to help his lost girl after all.