𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 (𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐃)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

A/N: Sorry for the really long wait! I've just been stuck on what to write and I have been writing some other stories for some reason...anyways I honestly don't like this chapter but hope you enjoy!

It's been a couple of days since Alejandra met Bucky, and things were going pretty good. They weren't like two peas in a pod or anything but whenever she engaged him in conversation, he would respond and not look annoyed anymore, so Alejandra counted that as a win.

"You know, this whole time, I never asked for your name." Alejandra remarked, watching Bucky wash the dishes while she dried them with a rag. Of course, she knew his name, but didn't want him to know that.

"It's Bucky." He replied, stealing a glance at the girl, searching her expression for any hint of recognition. Finding none but a smile, he looked away, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

Dare he say he was used to kid now and would find it difficult if the girl was afraid of him and leave, making him all alone again. It might've been selfish, he knew, but he couldn't help but want some normalcy amidst the chaos in his life.

"Cool name."

Bucky chuckled softly. "Thanks."

One they finished, which didn't take long as there was only a few plates, silverware, and two cups, Alejandra sauntered over to the couch and flopped down. Despite having just eaten, she still felt hungry.

She recalled the time when the nurse had checked her and mentioned she was slightly malnourished. Alejandra had thought she'd be used to it, as the portions in the orphanage weren't all that much because there was a lot of kids there, but now, the portions seemed to be getting smaller and smaller.

She didn't blame Bucky though.

Her stomach rumbled, and Alejandra quickly glanced back at Bucky, hoping he hadn't heard. But, of course he did, and he simply sighed, his expression softening as their eyes met.

"Sorry." Alejandra muttered, feeling a twinge of guilt and looking away.

"It's fine, kid." Bucky said as he pulled out his phone. With practiced efficiency, he dialed a number and began speaking in terse tones, seemingly arranging jobs that would earn him some much needed cash.

"What kind of jobs do you do?" The girl asked as soon as he hung up the phone.

"Just some odd jobs." He replied cryptically. "Enough to put food on the table."

Well, if she didn't know who he was, she would sure be suspicious. Alejandra nodded anyways and resolved to trust him.

"I'll be back." Bucky said, grabbing his jacket and slipping it on.

"Wait, you're going now?"

He rolled his eyes. "I have a pestering kid to feed, so yes, now."

"What am I supposed to do?!" Alejandra asked, definitely not whining as he walked to the door.

"Read a book." He suggested with a small smile before disappearing out the door.

Alejandra huffed as she leaned back on the couch. She heard the humor in his voice; he knew she didn't really like to read. It made her want to burn every book in here just to be petty.

But she refrained, at least for now.

She trudged back to her-Bucky's room and sighed as she looked at the small bookcase in defeat.