Unexpected Sweetness

Insights and advice

Authors note: The language and experiences with Autism in this chapter are my own preferences and experiences. Please take in to account it is a spectrum and everyone experiences it different.

The chill of October blew as Bucky walked to his neighbor's. He had asked to talk to her. He scrubbed his face with a hand, nervous as hell. She had quickly become a fixture in his life. It was like she felt his loneliness on some subconscious level and was not going to have it in her orbit. He had been trying to flirt for weeks, even resorting to calling one of her best friends, who had promptly put him on video chat and the whole book club had given their two cents.

"She is painfully shy." One voice had piped. Earning the speaker a smack and rebuke. "She is autistic, rude ass." Kristina snapped. He recognized her voice. "Has she explained it to you? Or do you have an understanding of basic traits?" Rachel asked, her mothering vibe loud and clear. "I mean I just figured she was just quirky. We didn't really have autism as a thing when I was a kid." Bucky admitted, rubbing his neck. "It's okay. Hers tends to present in her 'superpowers' as she calls them. She doesn't like eye contact. And when she has been in public she gets too tired to mask. She doesn't pick up on basic social cues and interactions. Body language is a hit or miss at best. Not for her lack of trying or wanting to be part of the group. But on the flip side, her hyper focus is great for getting projects done. And her hyper fixation is super handy at trivia night. The hyper sensitivity is a pain at times. She has what she calls the "ickies." It's sounds, textures or consistencies that are no's." Rachel explained, sipping her cup of tea. Kristina sighed, "it's also why she has the girls and is super about routines and lists. She likes you, she thinks you are very handsome but she has self confidence issues. She feels rarely seen as more as the fat funny friend." Bucky sighed, "She is sweet and kind and adorable. So she is curvy, it makes no difference to me." Kristina smiled smugly, "I keep telling her that. But she says this is good and comfortable and she is content. She is a terrible liar." "I think he should just be direct and ask her out. No room for misinterpretation." The Latina, who was named Kyra suggested, the other women agreeing. So Bucky was looking at the door, digging out his key. It was now or never.