bucky barnes imagines

xxxvii. PARENTS (s.s)

A/N – Honestly, I hate this chapter. I promise I'll have some better Seb imagines here soon.

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"In half a mile, your destination will be on the left."

"Oh, God," Sebastian sighed. His eyes widened slightly in panic as the sat-nav informed him that your parents' house wasn't too far away. After dating for just over six months, you were taking him to meet them for the first time and, even after comforting him for the entirety of the two hour drive, he was still incredibly nervous.

After a few more minutes of driving, he finally parked in the driveway. You unbuckled your seatbelt, climbed out of the car and began to walk towards the front door; however, you quickly realised that Sebastian wasn't following you. You turned back and walked around to his side of the car, opening the door to find him staring at you with puppy dog eyes, something that he often did when he was anxious. As he slowly stood up, you wrapped your arms around him, leaning up so that you could whisper in his ear.

"It's okay, Sebby, they'll love you. I've already told them lots about you."

In all honesty, you were quite worried yourself. Every time you'd brought a significant other to meet your parents, your dad had ended up being rude to them while you awkwardly sat through the uncomfortable conversation. You didn't want the same thing to happen with Sebastian, but you figured that it probably would, so it was best to get it over and done with.

Taking a deep breath, you grabbed Sebastian's hand and rang the doorbell. Before long, it swung open to reveal your mother, who immediately grinned and pulled you into a hug.

"So this must be Sebastian!" she gushed, sending a warm smile to your boyfriend, who was standing slightly behind you.

He stepped forward and extended a hand. "It's lovely to meet you, Mrs—"

"Oh, don't be silly! Call me M/N," she laughed. You giggled at Sebastian's surprised expression as she reached across to hug him too.

The three of you made your way into the dining room, where you would be eating; upon your request, your mother had cooked one of your favourite dishes, something which, coincidentally, you often made for Sebastian too.

Just as you were about to question the whereabouts of your father, he appeared in the doorway, helping to carry in numerous plates of food.

"Dad!" you exclaimed, hugging him quickly once his hands were free again.

"Hey, honey! It's so good to see you, and..." His words trailed off, clearly waiting to be introduced to your boyfriend.

"Hi, I'm Sebastian. It's an honour to finally meet you, Sir." The two shook hands while you silently thanked your lucky stars that things seemed to be off to a good start.

Throughout the meal, you could barely detect a hint of hostility in your father's interactions with Sebastian; everyone talked and laughed with each other as they ate. You were relieved and began to feel a little more optimistic – but, as it turned out, your hope would be destroyed.

"So, Sebastian – I have a few questions for you, if that's okay."

You groaned internally, trying desperately to think of something to say as a distraction. But you came up empty, and the serious talk began.

"So you guys have been together for... half a year, correct?"

You nodded, already anticipating what his next question would be. And, sure enough, you were correct.

"And have you... you know – gotten physical yet?"

Sebastian's face reddened and he chuckled nervously, but still managed to answer appropriately. "Yes, we have – but we're always safe and consensual. I would never want to put your daughter into a compromising situation."

Your father nodded in approval before swiftly moving on. "Alright... and I assume you have a steady career?"

"Yeah, I'm an actor, so—"

"Hm, tough industry to succeed in," your father interrupted. "Do you have any sort of qualifications to fall back on, in case your acting proves insufficient?"

You frowned at the borderline offensive question which, to his credit, Sebastian somehow managed to answer politely.

Your hands began to shake slightly out of anger as the uncomfortable conversation progressed and you found yourself zoning out. After a few more minutes of aimless talking, you finally started listening again – and you did not like what you were hearing.

"Sebastian, I'm going to be honest with you, man to man. I can't see you really being a part of this family, I mean—"

"Alright, enough," you spoke suddenly, raising your voice as you stood up, slamming your hands onto the tabletop. You raised your head to glare at your father, who looked shocked at your outburst.

"I am beyond sick of this happening whenever I bring somebody home to meet you! I've let this happen so many times before, but this time— this is the last straw, Dad."

You paused for a second and grabbed Sebastian's hand. He stood up beside you, a look of wonder on his face.

"Sebastian means the world to me, okay? I couldn't ask for anyone better; he's sweet, he treats me like a princess, he's everything I could ever want and I wouldn't give him up for anything, especially not to please you and your bullshit standards. I don't know what the hell you want from him, but I do know that I won't just sit here while you treat him like shit. And– and if you can't accept him as part of this family then I'm sorry, but I fully intend on spending the rest of my life with him. I love him and I won't give him up just because you don't accept that."

A stunned silence followed your speech. Tears pricked your eyes and you hung your head.

"We're leaving," you muttered, beginning to walk out of the room, Sebastian awkwardly following you.

"Y/N, wait."

Sighing skeptically, you turned around, expecting to be reprimanded for your hostile behaviour. However, you were shocked to see a broad smile stretched across your father's face.

"Honey," he began quietly, "there's a reason I act this way towards anybody you bring home, you know?" He paused for a second before continuing, looking earnestly towards you. "I'm your dad – I want the best for you, and only the best. I knew that when you found the right person, you would never be able to sit here and let me drive them away from you. I knew that somewhere out there, there was somebody worth standing up for, even against your own dad. And here he is. Sebastian – truly, I'm sorry for the way I've acted towards you today. The harsh comments and judgements, don't take any notice – you've earned my respect, and my daughter's heart."

Your father offered his hand and, looking slightly stunned, Sebastian shook it. You watched, your eyes wide as a tiny smile made its way onto your own face.

"Welcome to the family, son."