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

Nineteen

Fixing the faux cherry on the top of Tibby's head, Bucky kneeled in front of his sister. Once the pom-pom was in the place that Tibby wanted it to be, Bucky shared an excited grin with her before standing again.

"Are you sure you don't want to put on another sweater?" Bucky asked Tibby for the fifth time.

Tibby rolled her eyes and said, "I'm already wearing three!"

Bucky held his hands up in mock surrender and exchanged an eye roll with Steve. Steve replied with a silent shrug and followed the kindergartner downstairs to the first floor. There was no doubt that Tibby was stubborn, but she was a six year old who was ready to trick-or-treat. So, Steve couldn't blame her.

As she tugged on her glittery sneakers, Becca called out, "Hey, Tib, bring back lots of candy."

Tibby smiled, showing off that she was missing a few teeth, and quickly stood. Excited to finally get to go. Especially after Bucky meticulously attempted to prepare her for the weather. Even though Tibby's sundae costume consisted of a thick white sweatshirt, brown shawl with construction paper "sprinkles", and thick tan sweatpants that had the design of a waffle cone.

Of course, that didn't stop Bucky from acting on his overprotective brother role and worrying about Tibby getting sick due to the chilly weather. It also didn't stop Steve from absolutely melting. It was unavoidable. Undeniable.

"Here," Bucky declared, handing Steve a jacket. Steve's brow quirked as he looked down at both the tan jacket and the Heather blue sweatshirt that he was already wearing. Bucky sweetly demanded, "Just put it on. It's cold out." Then, Bucky teased, "I'd hate for you to get sick and miss out on the first great snowfall."

Worrying his lower lip, Steve had to refrain from overanalyzing Bucky's intentions. Really though, that was easier said than done. Especially when all Steve wanted to do was think about how Bucky absolutely must feel something for Steve since he insisted that Steve wear one of his jackets because he didn't want Steve to get sick. Steve couldn't remember anyone -- outside his family -- that cared about Steve's health.

So, Steve slipped into the jacket, and allowed his heart to stutter at the pleased smile on Bucky's perfect mouth.

Bucky held the door open and gestured for Tibby and Steve to exit the brownstone. Tibby went first, skipping down the steps and hopping off the last step. Steve went next; once at the bottom, Tibby grabbed a hold of Steve's hand.  Never having siblings or cousins, Steve wasn't used to this.

"What am I? Chopped liver?" Bucky teased when Tibby started pulling Steve down the sidewalk in the direction of other trick-or-treaters.

Chuckling, Steve turned halfway around and held out his other hand for Bucky to grab a hold of. Never thinking that Bucky would actually take his hand. When Bucky did, Steve's breath hitched and he was positive that he was going to die right then and there. Die and go straight to heaven.

"Bruh, trying to be the best big brother?" Bucky teased, giving Steve's hand a comforting squeeze before, unfortunately, letting go of Steve's hand.

Trying to ignore the warmth leaving his skin, Steve shoved his free hand into the pocket of the borrowed jacket. In reply, Steve shrugged and reminded Bucky, "You did offer me one of your sisters because you have three."

"I did," Bucky agreed with a small sigh. Theatrically tilting his head up to stare at the sky before pouting, "But I thought you'd take one of the others. Not my favorite."

"Beggars can't be choosers," Steve mockingly mused.

Bucky rolled his eyes, but the grin on his face was amused. As they reached the next brownstone, Tibby let go of Steve's hand to run up the steps to knock on the door. Once the door opened, Bucky's elderly neighbor greeted Tibby with a smile as she complimented the small child's costume while placing a full size candy bar into the glow-in-the-dark pale.

As Tibby happily skipped down the steps to join Steve and Bucky, Bucky asked Tibby, "What do you say," and Steve's knees felt weak.

Of course, there was absolutely no future with Bucky. Especially not one with a picket fence and kids. Yet...

"Thank you!" Tibby yelled before starting to skip down the sidewalk to the next house.

Steve followed and gave Bucky a sideways glance. However, Steve quickly looked away when he found that Bucky was already looking at him. Steve's heart was racing, but he felt compelled to look over at Bucky again. So, Steve chanced another glance. Sure enough, Bucky gazed over at Steve.

Sincerely chuckling, Bucky bumped his shoulder against Steve's and told Steve, "I'm really glad that you decided to hang out."

"Yeah?" Steve questioned, sounding much too surprised for his own liking.

"Yeah," Bucky confirmed with a chuckle. Still following Tibby as she quickly made her way down the line of brownstones, Bucky considered, "Does it not seem like I enjoy hanging out with you?"

Steve thought for a moment before conceding, "I guess, I'm just not used to... having friends."

"Well," Bucky let out a heavy sigh. Then, he reassured Steve, "Now you do."