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

Ten

Just as Steve suspected, Tuesday was awkward. Steve had debated skipping the class entirely, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Not when he would get to see Bucky after the weekend that seemed to never end. At least Steve could admit to himself that he had a strong masochistic streak. As if that explained -- and excused -- Steve's positively pathetic need to see Bucky as much as he possibly could.

Even though Steve had been anticipating seeing Bucky after a three day withdrawal -- the longest since meeting near two months ago -- Steve was still anxious. Steve's teeth worried his lower lip as he trained his gaze on the doorway. All of Steve's anxieties rushed forward and he tried his best to seem nonchalant.

It didn't work.

However, when Bucky finally entered the classroom, Steve couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of relief. For some reason, Steve feared that Bucky would stay away. Steve even briefly thought that Bucky would even transfer out of the class. Silly as that would be considering the semester was nearly over, Steve hadn't ruled it out in his uneasy mind.

Of course, then Steve was fearful that Bucky would choose another seat instead of the one that he usually occupied beside Steve. Yet, despite Steve's distressed brain, Bucky sat down next to him, just like every other class period.

A bit bashfully, Steve glanced over at Bucky. It was as though Bucky hadn't seen Steve wanking himself within an inch of his life. Although, Steve was still embarrassed, he was also thoroughly relieved. Maybe they could just move on from then. Just pretend like Bucky wasn't Steve's walking wet dream.

"Good morning class," Professor Carter announced as she seemingly floated into the room.  Effortlessly, elegantly moving as though it was a runway or a stage.

Even though Steve wasn't interested in women, he was well aware that the beautiful British brunet was absolutely flawless. Steve would like to imagine that if he were interested in the opposite sex, that he'd be with someone like Professor Carter. A strong, independent woman who knew exactly who she was, and what she wanted.

Steve chanced a glance at Bucky. Perhaps Steve had a thing for confident brunets.

Turning to face the front, Steve sat with perfect posture and gave his undivided attention to Professor Carter. They were starting a new section. Professor Carter cheerily informed, "Art in the Nineteenth Century part one: Neoclassicism and Romanticism."

Thankfully, it was a thrilling lesson, and one that didn't cause Steve to struggle with keeping his focus. Normally, Steve had great difficulty with attention on the lesson rather than glancing over at Bucky. It was probably because of the embarrassment that was still simmering inside of Steve's petite frame, rattling all of his nerves, even in that very moment.

Of course, it also doesn't hurt that Steve was also extremely intrigued in the art. Especially that of neoclassicism.

Due to the interesting lecture, Steve didn't realize that the hour was up until Professor Carter wrapped up with, "Well, I guess I'll see you all Thursday!"

"Hey, um, what are you doing later?" Bucky casually asked Steve.

Pausing his packing, Steve snapped his gaze up to Bucky. Steve's heart was tripping over itself when Bucky smirked expectantly down at him. Swallowing down the lump in his throat, Steve managed to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth to answer, "I have one more class. But, uh, after that, I'm all, uh, I'm free."

"Cool," Bucky said, his smile growing. In turn, causing Steve's own smile to grow. Slinging his backpack onto his shoulder, Bucky suggested, "There's this... thing, at the Stark Expo tonight. You in?"

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod, Steve excitedly thought. Distracting himself by fixing the strap of his messenger bag along his chest, Steve agreed, "Sure." His breath was becoming more difficult for him, but he told Bucky, "That could be fun."

"Great," Bucky merrily confirmed with a smile that put the sun to shame. Raking his hand through his short tousled hair, Bucky started heading the opposite direction that Steve was going, but he still faced Steve as he stated, "See you at, say, eight?"

Quickly, Steve nodded as he repeated, "Eight."

Steve was on cloud nine. First, stopping by the café to get his usual Vienna Roast Red Eye. Then, headed to the library to drop off some books before entering his dramatic literature class.

Taking his regular seat next to Natasha, Natasha watched Steve for a moment. Quirking a brow at her in return, Natasha mused, "Look who's in a good mood."

"Am I?" Steve coyly questioned.

"Mhmm," Natasha hummed with a pleased smile on her face. "What's the reason?"

"Can't I just be happy?" Steve good-humoredly scoffed.

"Of course, you can," Natasha replied. She rested her head on her hand as she wistfully continued, "But you seem in an especially good mood."

Trying to seem nonchalant, Steve took a drink of his caffeinated beverage. However that was also the exact moment that Natasha teased, "Hot date tonight?" And Steve choked on the hot drink while Natasha rubbed his back to help him through it as he gasped for air.

Bewildered and elated in equal measures. He knew that he shouldn't get his hopes up. But he could also recognize that it was too late for that. The only thing left for Steve to do was to hope that Bucky would catch him when he inevitably fell.