Stucky High School AU

Gum Wrappers

James arrived a little early to school on Monday. He actually had to see Steve again, he couldn't avoid it. His first periods went as it had on his first day, he paid attention for a few minutes this time. Third period rolled around too quickly and James was nervous about seeing his old friend.

"Hey James." Steve smiled, walking over to James' desk.

"Leave me alone Steve." James rolled his eyes.

He wanted to talk to Steve, in fact he kind of wanted them to be friends again, but it had been so long since he had a normal friendly conversation with someone. Aside from Brock, who didn't think should count since they were dating, he didn't really talk very kindly to or with anyone. James didn't really know how to respond to people when people say something genuinely nice to him, most people are afraid of him, or are trying to pick a fight.

"I just need to know what I did?" Steve replied, nervously fiddling with his hands, "I haven't seen you in five years and you don't even want to say hi to me. We were best friends, what did I do?" He asked sadly.

James sighed, "You didn't do anything, alright? Just leave me alone."

"Alright I'm sorry I keep bothering you." Steve looked down and headed back to his desk, "But don't expect me to leave you alone forever, I really missed you. I want to be friends still."

That hit James in the gut. He missed him. Steve had missed him. And he said it. Brock never told him anything like that. Did Steve really care? No, of course not, Steve was the one who wasn't there for him, Brock was there, Steve's just trying to trick him! Isn't he?

James couldn't focus through the rest of the class even if he tried. Not that he did that very often. He kept thinking about Steve. It was always stupid Steve Rogers. Steve seemed to like him, the old him at least. He didn't deserve Steve treating him so well when has been a jerk, he knew that, but Goddamn it he actually liked it.

After what felt like forever there was only five minutes left of the class. James glanced over at the blond, finding his focusing on his notes. He pulled out a piece of gum and wrote a short message on the wrapper. He tossed it over to the other teen.

Steve looked up when he felt something hit the side of his head. He noticed a piece of gum sitting on his desk. He questioned if it was actually for him or not, then he saw the note. He knew that hand writing it was a little smaller and neater than he remembered but it belonged, undoubtedly, to James Buchanan Barnes.

'If you really want to know meet me at the side of the school during lunch. - James'

Steve smiled at the little note. He glanced over at his old friend who was looking at the clock. It was nice that he wanted to talk, Steve had missed him a lot, he wished they had stayed in touch.
Steve put the price of gum in his mouth and pulled out a pen.

After class James saw Steve walk out of the classroom without bothering to stop by his desk. After Steve was gone he left the room and headed to his locker. He opened his locker and a gum wrapper fell out. It was the gum wrapper. The back of it said 'Okay, I will. - Steve' under his note, the other side was a little sketch of a german shepherd puppy.

James smirked briefly, then pocketed the gum wrapper. Just as he was about to head to his next class someone crashed into him. It was a girl. James recognized her but didn't know her. She had short, poorly cut dirty blonde hair, she was a little tall for a girl, not big by any means and obviously likes to keep toned. She looked completely panicked.

"Shit. I'm so sorry!" She got up off the ground, "I really didn't mean to run into you."

James just glared at he. He really hated physical contact, he honestly even hated it when he had to shake the principals hand. He's alright with his dad, he's alright with Brock, but anyone else he can't handle. When your in a gang your trust in people leaves quickly.