Atticus's glare softened when the blond put her hand on his shoulder, but when she made the comment about them being the new "social elite," he found himself becoming irate, but he decided to pull it back and let the feeling pass. It seemed like everyone in the room had just been winding themselves tighter with each passing word, and he wasn't about to contribute to what would likely erupt in a fight. So he placed a hand over the one she rested on his shoulder, and met her eyes, exchanging a look of understanding with her. He could tell she meant well, even if her words stung, and he was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. At worst, she was just naive.

He became aware of eyes on him, and turned to see the Japanese girl sitting on the barstool smiling at him. She quickly hid it when she noticed him looking, but there was a coyness to her that hinted at something deeper. Maybe she saw him in a similar light to that "Wolverine" fellow, who she clearly admired. He sincerely hoped he never ended up like that. The older man had too much pain in his eyes. Atticus had been through some rough shit, but he'd bet that Wolverine wouldn't even sneeze if he told him that. So he shelved it for now, deciding to play it by ear and see how things went later. He barely even knew anyone's name. Another boy around his age had introduced himself as Samuel, and Erik had addressed the dark-haired, dark-eyed girl behind the counter as "Estella," but it seemed as though most of these people were as guarded as he was. Probably for the best. In Atticus's experience, those who presented themselves as trustworthy usually weren't.

Suddenly, another new boy literally fell through the doorway, and was promptly assailed by over a dozen blue... gremlins, or something. Atticus's instincts took over again, though he wasn't certain if it was due to the new boy or because Estella had just risen into the air, surrounded with crackling electricity. He'd have to be careful around her in the future if she was going to do that every time she got spooked. Atticus's claws came out again, and the ionized air prickled his skin, raising goosebumps all over. The blond brushed against him, and he instinctively pulled her to his side, grabbing her waist and moving her firmly but not suddenly. After he had placed himself between Estella and the blond, the dark haired girl descended and the electricity subsided. It was then that Atticus registered the blond's apology, and he allowed himself to relax again, claws sliding back into his hands. "No need to apologize." He didn't look her in the eyes this time, he was too focused on Wolverine reemerging.

Wolverine's gaze kept meeting Atticus's, as though he were trying to size the younger man up. Atticus met his gaze levelly, analyzing Wolverine the same way. When the older man told them all to follow him, Atticus obeyed quickly. As he walked, the blond turned to him and introduced herself, winking at him. Atticus grinned back, and looked at her, meeting her deep blue eyes with his electric green ones, simply responding, "Atticus Finch. We may as well see what these people have to offer. The big man may be tough, but I might have a few tricks up my sleeve." His eyes flashed as his grin broadened, looking for all the world like a schoolboy at a carnival. Atticus was finally excited about something. It had finally hit him that he may have at last found a home, and dysfunctional though it was already proving to be, a family.