The maine coon couldn't exactly relate to Gordon- Buckingham never felt very uncomfortable in large groups. In the past, Bucky used to be apart of two groups, and he'd consider them both to be relatively large. He didn't live in the first group for very long, as some problems quickly arose, but he considered the second group to be his home for a long time. The two groups were like polar opposites, the first being peaceful and friendly, the second being violent and brutal. While people here might not seem to realize it, Buckingham fit well into the second group- he wasn't bothered by their aggressive actions, and didn't hesitate to take part. For a long time, before he even got fully into the group, Bucky used to be someone's asset- very quickly the male was shaped into an assassin, and he wasn't afraid to kill.

Though, even after months of breaking away from his handler, Bucky continued to live in the group. He continued to be an assassin, but instead of for his handler, he did it for himself. He thought he'd never be able to truly let go of the person he was molded into, and that once sweet, humble tom was gone for good.

It took him a lot of courage to leave. He knew it was hard to change his mannerisms after having them driven into his skull, but it was taking a toll on him. He was getting fucking tired, tired of tearing families apart, making people weep over their dead loved ones, and taking innocent lives. He had to escape that dangerous life, which was why he forced himself to leave it behind and don't look back. He wants to change this time around, he doesn't want to kill without reason.

Buckingham found himself padding near the border of Sunhaven, each step light as ever, as if his paws were feathers. The male barely put any weight into his paws, the end result being- barely making a sound. This was one thing that Bucky just knows he can't get rid of from his time as an asset- being sneaky as fuck. Trust me, he's tried to get out of this habit- he failed at every attempt. Padding near, but not at the border has it's perks. The maine coon is able to watch scenes unfold without people even noticing his presence- as if he's hiding in the shadows. The male blinked slowly as he noticed Gordon jump back, pricked ears picking up every word coming from Gordon and Stellamaris- with his enhanced senses, it makes things like this easier. Gordon Cipher, it certainly isn't a name that sounds familiar to the tom.

Without saying a word, the former assassin began to pad over to the felines, light blue eyes locked on Gordon. As before, each step he made was delicate and gentle, barely any noise radiating off of his body. When the male finally arrived to the scene, he padded near Stellamaris, appearing as if he came out of no where. "Welcome to Sunhaven, Gordon," Buckingham spoke up with an expression that could barely be detected- a minuscule smile. "I'm Buckingham Barnes- but feel free to call me Bucky."

☀ — just two ghosts standing in the place of you and me

The timidness, the scarring, the stutter- if there was one thing Pierce could see in this girl, it was himself. He did not know her history, no, didn't know if she had been born with her speech impediment or if it was trauma-induced, like his, his that still resurfaced, had been. He didn't know if the horrid scar across her stomach was from a surgery or accident of sorts or from battle, but he could at least see that same nervousness in her green eyes, the same one that he had struggled with for so long, especially when he was young - though, who was he kidding, he still struggled with it now.

Pierce meandered over shortly after Buckingham, honey visionaries flicking over the much smaller feline's form as he stood, quiet, for the time being. If she was intimidated by Bucky's size, Pierce was certainly no better, but he had a rather unassuming demeanor, with his little leather bag filled with flowers and pencils, the smudge of paint on his chin, and his freckled cheeks. Despite the ugly scars that were carved into his flesh, he looked rather innocent, eyes large and sparkling and a kind smile upon his features. "Welcome to the clan, Miss Gordon," he spoke gently, voice like the sweet whisperings of the breeze as he instinctively tacked the "Miss" onto her name, as an old "friend" had taught. The thought of said friend made the muscles in his jaw tense ever so slightly, but it didn't show on his face.  "I'm Pierce- it's nice to meet you! Let me know if you need help with anything, okay, hun?" He was always glad to help his clanmates - and anyone, really - out when needed. It was gratifying, yeah, but it made him feel useful above all else, which god knew was something he needed.

"speech"