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

Thirty-Seven

As the day flashed by, the more Steve wished that it would just freeze. Mentally musing that eternity wouldn't even be enough time with Bucky though. With Bucky rubbing soothing circles into the back of Steve's hand with the rough pad of his thumb, Steve never wanted Bucky to let go. Not to mention the way that Bucky caressed his foot against Steve's. Or the way that Bucky dramatically lolled his head to the side, briefly resting his head on Steve's shoulder as he laughed at a particularly cheesy joke.

All that considered, Steve knew that he was in too deep. Had been from the very beginning. Ever since Steve laid his eyes upon the beautiful brunet. Steve would like to think of himself as a level-headed person who used logic before jumping in, but with Bucky, that had never been there. Steve dove in head first and didn't care if he drowned.

But with Bucky beside him, their hands linked, Steve hoped that he'd be able to stay afloat. And the longer that Bucky held his hand, the more real it felt.

Once it started getting dark out, the group started migrating back to their own dorms. First with Brock. A pang of guilt shot through Steve when Brock made it a point to not look at Steve or Bucky. They had spent the whole day together, and Steve tried to ignore the sensation that Brock was waiting for something to happen between himself and Steve. Then, when nothing did, Brock left a little more solemn than Steve remembered ever seeing him before.

Next was Sam and Kristin who both agreed to escort Bridgette back to her dorm first. Steve thought that Bridgette would've been more upset by the turn of events, but was pleased when he didn't sense any animosity from the petite blonde. In fact, Bridgette even seemed more observant than Steve would've originally taken her as she teased Bucky, "You better behave," and gave Steve a knowing wink.

Which was more than what Steve could say about Sam, who exited with, "I don't think I'll need to kick your ass, but just know that I won't hesitate."

"Dude," Bucky scoffed, dispelling Sam's concern, "You have nothing to worry about."

Steve couldn't help but think that Bucky was alleviating his negativity, not just Sam's. And Steve couldn't help but smile at that. Of course, he bit the inside of his cheek in hopes of containing himself just a bit.

Sam just playfully rolled his eyes and obnoxiously ruffled Steve's hair on his way out the door. Leaving Clint, Natasha, Bucky, and Steve in the dorm. Holding his breath expectantly, Steve assumed that either Clint or Natasha would say something. When another episode passed and neither said anything, only then did Steve start to relax.

That was also when Bucky let go of his hand.

Steve tried not to be too melodramatic about it. After all, there had been moments throughout the day when they weren't holding hands. But like Steve had mused earlier, it wasn't nearly long enough.

Bucky stood then, taking a moment to stretch. His arms high above his head, Bucky wiggled his fingers as though he was reaching for the ceiling. And like every other time that he had stretched, his shirt rucked up, exposing the lower part of his abdomen, just below his belly button. This time though, Steve couldn't help but wonder what his body would feel like on his lips. Or what Bucky would taste like.

Bringing his arms back down, Bucky fixed the long-sleeve tee he was wearing and held his hand out to Steve. Steve gave Bucky's hand a glance and quirked his brow up at the brunet.

"I need to stretch my legs," Bucky answered, wiggling his fingers enticingly at Steve.

Pushing the blanket off himself, Steve took Bucky's hand and allowed Bucky to help him off the floor. Being pulled off the floor, the pair stood close, and Steve couldn't help but blush. Which, of course, only caused Bucky's grin to turn smug.

Bucky wasn't the only one though, Steve realized as he took a step back, noting that Clint and Natasha equally seemed amused by Steve's blush. But Steve tried to ignore them as he put his outdoor apparel on. Focusing on how much he couldn't wait to be alone with Bucky.

"You two have fun," Bucky sing-songed, following Steve out the door.

"Dude!" Clint chastised while Natasha tossed a pillow at the door as Bucky closed it behind himself.

Raking his hand through his brown locks, Bucky said, "Let's go."

Steve half-expected Bucky to take his hand as they walked down the hallway. When he didn't, Steve cleared his throat and asked, "Any destination in mind?"

"Nope," Bucky smirked. A mischievous glint in his eyes, "Isn't it exciting?"

All Steve could do was smile in silent reply. Everything about this moment was exciting. Everything about Bucky was enticing. And Steve braced himself for whatever came next. Knowing that he was thoroughly, deliciously in way over his head.