A Place to Fall: Falling Series 1 (skinny!Steve x Bucky Barnes College AU)

Six

"I'm not, like, a hundred percent certain," Bucky said, idly stirring his hot soy chai latte, "But I'm like at least ninety-five percent sure that I want to be an architect."

"Sounds pretty definite to me," Steve mused with a smirk before taking a sip of his Vienna Roast Red Eye.

Bucky gave a half-hearted shrug and asked, "What about you? You know what you want to do?"

"I, uh," Steve desperately tried not to watch Bucky lick the foam from his latte off his upper lip.

Steve failed miserably.

Nevertheless, Steve quickly looked around the small coffee shop. It wasn't the busiest place and Steve enjoyed the cozy, laid-back vibe. Although, Steve could admit to himself that he might've liked it just a little more than he usually would've because of his current company.

It was Bucky's idea. To get coffee after class since they both had some time to kill before their next class. Not to mention that Bucky thought that -- in his words -- Steve was a, "cool guy." And that was the exact reason why, even though Steve was crushed that he didn't stand absolutely any chance with the handsome young man, he followed Bucky into the coffee shop like a lovesick punk. Which was precisely what Steve was.

"I think I've always wanted to be an artist," Steve softly admitted, keeping his gaze on the small wooden table that they were sitting at, especially the small carved heart that was on the corner.

"Lucky," Bucky stated, causing Steve to look up at him to find an attractive, crooked smile on his stupidly handsome face.

Breathily, Steve chuckled and reached out for his coffee with a noticeably shaky hand. Taking a drink of the hot beverage, Steve tried to think of something to say. Possibly something to ask. However, there was so much that Steve wanted to know about Bucky that he didn't know where to start.

"Seriously though," Bucky declared before Steve could even think about something to say. "It's awesome that you know that. Not very many people can say that."

"Thanks," Steve replied. Keeping his gaze on his hands, Steve humorously criticized himself, "I think I just got lazy and decided, 'hey, I like to draw. Might as well stick with that.'"

Bucky loudly laughed at that, causing Steve's smirk to turn a bit smug; proud that he was the one to make Bucky laugh like that. Steve honestly couldn't think of a better feeling in that moment. Sure, Steve was always slightly self-congratulatory when he made a witty comment or told a good joke. But in that moment, Steve was simply over the moon.

"With that logic, I chose to be an architect because I liked creating houses on Sims," Bucky teased. Then, a flash of genuine surprise and recognition washed over his expression as he said, "Holy shit."

Not even hesitating, Steve effortlessly chortled. So much so that Steve embarrassingly snorted. Quickly, Steve covered his nose and mouth, but it was too late, Bucky had already heard it. Steve wanted to die. Especially once Bucky started laughing as well.

"Dude, what was that?" Bucky asked before dissolving into a fit of loud, high pitch chuckles.

"I don't know," Steve helplessly snorted again due to just how contagious Bucky's laughter was. Throwing his head back and clutching at his chest, Steve's stomach was sore. The good kind of sore that made you want to stop laughing but made it nearly impossible to stop.

When Steve's laughter turned to wheezes, Bucky's expression twisted into one of worry. It was as though a switch had been flipped as Bucky almost instantly stopped laughing and asked, "Are you okay?"

"Ye-yeah," Steve managed, gasping in between bursts of giggles while waving off Bucky's concern.

For a moment, Bucky just watched Steve with an amused smirk turning the corner of his attractively red lips up. Butterflies fluttered in Steve's stomach as the laughter died down. Steve was certain that even if the coffee shop stereo wasn't playing Etta James' At Last, Steve would still hear it in his head.

Looking over Steve's shoulder, Bucky's eyes widened and he quickly stood as he exclaimed, "Oh, shit!"

Startled by Bucky's outburst, Steve's eyes widened as well as he worried that he had confessed aloud how he felt. Or that he had said something to offend the beautiful brunet. Especially when Bucky nearly knocked over his chai latte in his haste as he slipped his backpack back on.

"Is, uh, is every-- everything... okay?" Steve stuttered, hoping that it wasn't anything that he had done in particular.

"What?" Bucky asked, brows furrowing, then realizing how it must seem. "Oh, no. I just forgot that I was supposed to meet up with someone."

"Oh," Steve said, nodding as though his heart wasn't completely crushed by the sudden abandonment. Looking down at his hands, Steve softly said, "Okay, yeah. That's -- okay."

Bucky was already walking towards the door, but he turned around and called out to Steve, "I'll, uh, I'll see you."

Not expecting Bucky to reply at all, Steve was a little surprised. Fixing a pathetic smile on his face, Steve eagerly agreed, "Yeah. See you. Around, ya know."

Endearingly, Bucky chuckled and gave Steve one last wave before leaving the coffee shop. Hopelessly, Steve laid his head on the table. This would happen. Sure, Steve was well aware of the possibility of falling for someone at college. And yes, Steve was relieved that he didn't fall for his roommate -- which had been a massive concern for Steve going in, because that would've been torturous. But why did he have to fall for someone so... so... effortlessly... perfect?!