While reserved behavior had certainly been standard of the time, it never meant society was without variation. Ultimately, teenaged years went about the same even in those days, not that it’d be commonly seen in textbooks, but why would anyone report on such matters in cultural history anyway? Should anyone wish to, they likely would have been deemed a pervert of some nature, especially because of the social conservative secularism of the era.

Bucky’s answer had certainly been a reply of sorts, especially in the literal sense as it was obvious affirmation that he didn’t mind the idea. It hadn’t exactly been intended as a go, however.

Tensing in surprise when Henry leans in, Bucky relaxes once he realizes what Henry is actually doing, though the suddenness of it still leaves him rather shocked and despite the respectful lingering contact, Bucky doesn’t respond in kind through the gesture, his own eyes a wide in astonishment.

When Henry withdraws, he huffs, “I wasn’t ready yet,” a slight furrow set in his brow and mild indignance in his tone.