Opposites Attract

Fifteen

Bucky wasn't a huge fan of the supernatural, so when he came face to face with a vampire at Steve's place, he was a little less than thrilled for the dinner to come. However, he was optimistic, so with a smile on his face he offered a hand to the paler-than-blond boy who stood by the door.

"This is Bucky. Bucky, Atticus," Steve introduced. Atticus nodded politely and offered a small smile.

"How do you do," Atticus drawled as he moved into the house. Bucky glanced at Steve, who smiled reassuringly.

"So, you're the new boyfriend?" Atticus turned to Bucky with a smile on his face. Bucky nodded uncertainly, his eyes flicking over to Steve's.

"That's me," Bucky agreed. Atticus grinned, his grey eyes lighting up.

"I just want you to know that I actually think it's pretty alright," he assured in a low tone, looking around a little nervously. Steve smiled gratefully at him and Bucky smiled back.

Maybe dinner wouldn't be so bad.

They all got seated and Bucky shifted in the uncomfortable wooden seat. Steve looked at him and Bucky tried to ignore the nervous look in his eyes.

Mr. Rogers stepped in first, then Mrs. Rogers followed. Atticus sat across from Steve, and Bucky was on Steve's left. They all took their seats and Bucky pretended not to notice Mrs. Rogers glaring into the side of his skull.

"Hey, everyone," he said meekly. Steve squeezed his hand under the table. "Um, I'm Bucky Barnes. Nice to formally meet you."

Mr. Rogers shook his hand and Steve eyed his father carefully.

"Strong grip," was all he said with a smile and a nod as he sat back down. Mrs. Rogers smiled a little and sipped her white wine.

"Steven, have you introduced your friend to Bucky here?" The word 'Bucky' sounded heavy and foreign on her tongue. Steve hid his smile against his cup as he took a drink and briefly met Bucky's eyes.

"Yes, I was delighted to meet him," Atticus chimed in. "I would also like to say thank you for inviting me over for dinner, Mrs. Rogers."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all, dear." She smiled sweetly and passed him the food first.

After everyone was served and beginning to eat, Mr. Rogers turned to face Bucky, and the brunet offered a small smile.

He had tried to mentally prepare himself for this moment. Of course, in all his mental enactments, Bucky was a charmer and knew exactly what to say to get on their good sides. Considering he knew them in person now, that seemed sort of like a long shot.

He could have never mentally prepared himself enough.

"So, Bucky," Mrs. Rogers drawled, as if rolling the strange name around to try and figure it out, "you aren't in school, correct? Do you work a job?"

"Uh, no, no. Not yet, anyway. I mostly watch the kids, so..."

Steve eyed his mother as she shot his father a quick look.

"It's alright though, we've got a home plan and mom usually teaches us," he added and took a gulp of water. Everyone was staring at him but Steve, who was quietly picking at his food to try and attempt a more jovial mood.

"That's good. Y'know, Sarah and I considered homeschooling Steve for a while, in middle school," Mr. Rogers said conversationally, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder.

"Really?" Bucky frowned. "Why?" This he posed to Steve, who all of a sudden looked like he very much wanted to get away from the situation.

"I just got a little bullied. I was a small kid," he answered quietly to Bucky, his cheeks beginning to burn. Atticus looked at them.