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

Thirteen

Tony Stark wasn't known for his subtly. So, of course, the Stark Expo was just as flashy as the man, himself, was. Starting with a choreographed dance to a heavy metal song while the dancers all dressed in sexy Iron Man costumes. Steve wondered what that had to do with innovations and making the world a better, more advanced place, but decided not to question it aloud.

As the Ironettes finished up, Tony Stark made his grand appearance. Steve had learned about Tony Stark in school. He had also watched many news broadcasts about the famous billionaire that exposed him as either a playboy or a philanthropist.

"... It's about legacy. It's about what we choose to leave behind for future generations," Tony declared. The crowd cheered and Tony introduced the first genius, "Let's kick off this year's expo by welcoming the brilliant and imaginative woman who will -- without a doubt in my mind -- be ruling the world, Dr. Helen Cho!"

"Holy shit," Bucky exclaimed with renewed excitement next to Steve. Steve turned to look at Bucky questioningly and Bucky explained, "Dr. Helen Cho is the leader of U-GIN."

Steve smirked at Bucky's clear dorkiness, but had no idea what he was talking about. So, Steve asked, "What's U-GIN?"

"It's a bioengineering company in South Korea. Working mostly with trying -- and succeeding -- with regenerating human tissue," Bucky elaborated, not taking his eyes off the stage. Bucky was in awe as a petite Korean woman shook hands with Tony Stark. Dreamily, Bucky stated, "There were rumors about U-GIN being here this year, but nothing concrete."

"You're really into this stuff," Steve fondly mused, watching Bucky.

At that, Bucky redirected his attention to Steve. Gauging Steve's reaction. Realizing that Steve wasn't teasing, just observing, Bucky agreed with a half-shrug, "It's cool. We're at the starting point of the future."

A slow smile spread across Steve's face as he realized -- not for the first time, and certainly not for the last time -- that Bucky was indeed perfect. Then, using some of his self-deprecating humor, Steve teased, "Maybe they can make me a new pair of lungs."

Bucky couldn't help but throw his head back as he laughed at the personal dig at Steve's small, frail body. Since Bucky's laughter was contagious, Steve joined in too. Jessica quirked a brow at the two laughing boys and smirked as she leaned over and asked, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Bucky said as his laughter died off. Jessica turned her attention back to Emily, and Bucky looked breathlessly over at Steve. That look alone nearly gave Steve an asthma attack, from the apparent affection in Bucky's steel-blue eyes.

Not wanting his own feelings to be revealed, Steve turned his attention away from Bucky. On stage, Dr. Cho was informing the crowd of U-GIN's current projects and successes. Steve wasn't paying attention though. He was all too conscious of the handsome brunet beside him and how his hypnotizing eyes were trained on Steve.

The crowd cheered again as Dr. Cho's colleagues brought out a large futuristic-looking pod that Dr. Cho called a, "Cradle." Only then did Steve feel Bucky's gaze leave his petite frame. Dr. Cho informed the audience, "With the Regeneration Cradle, the whole process could take as little as twenty minutes."

"Looks like your new lungs could be here tonight," Bucky leaned over to whisper to Steve.

"Forget that," Steve playfully scoffed. "I'm thinking about a whole new body."

"Go big or go home?" Bucky softly chuckled.

Steve corrected in jest, "Go big then go home."

Companionably, Bucky patted Steve on his bony shoulder while he laughed at Steve's correction. Although they were both on a date with girls, Steve couldn't help but let his imagination get the better of him. For some reason, it felt like they were on a date.

Or at least, that's what Steve imagined a date to feel like since he, himself, had never been on a date.

Steve had always had an overactive imagination and usually he cursed himself for having such. But in that moment, all Steve could do was let his creativity to run free. Fantasizing about Bucky taking his hand in his and lacing their fingers together. What it would feel like to have the rough pad of his thumb rub soothing, tender circles along the smooth surface of the back of Steve's hand.

Imagining the exact texture of Bucky's lips and how they would taste. Steve wondered if Bucky would place his large hand on the back of his head and gently tangle his fingers in the blond strands at the back of his neck. Wondered if Bucky would softly nibble on his lower lip as though it was edible.

Steve really hoped that Bucky would.

Unfortunately, when Steve noticed that Bucky was kissing Jessica, he felt sick. Especially once Steve realized that Bucky did, in fact, hold the back of his partner's head as they kissed.