Bucky has always wanted to protect him, Steve knew, starting from that first day when they met as children when he'd gotten into a fight trying to stop two older boys from tormenting a poor old dog and his friend had waded in to help. He thought it was also why Bucky had followed him out again as part of the Howling Commandos when he could have been honourably discharged home after the 107th had been rescued. Steve had been glad of his company then, even though he no longer needed to have bullies pulled off of him. Being protected was never what he wanted, weak-bodied or not; he wanted companionship instead. Even when Bucky did not remember, it seemed like this idea still remained in his friend.

Steve shot Bucky an exasperated look when his friend stopped him. "I know that. Going home isn't a task but helping whoever's getting mugged right now is, so I'm going!" If the police wasn't here yet, they weren't going to get there in time. He's never stood by idly while someone needed his help and he wasn't about to stop now. He did wish he had his shield though, even if his body right now can't handle it at all. Without a further word more, he moved further into the alley to attack the unsuspecting mugger inside.