Jump then Fall: Falling Series 2 (Modern Stucky College AU)

Two

Long after Brock left for his class, Steve remained at the table that they had been sitting at. Steve's hand slid along the paper, expertly smudging the intended areas and ignoring the residue on his hand. These were the moments that Steve preferred. The quiet moments where it was just Steve and his sketch.

However, Steve was caught off guard when someone came up behind him unannounced and pressed a platonic kiss to his temple. Surprised and squirming away from the person, Steve turned to find out who the stranger was. That was also the moment when Bucky took the seat beside him.

"Hey," Bucky greeted with an easy grin.

"Hey," Steve smoothly replied, redirecting his attention to his sketchbook.

Bucky leaned closer, resting his chin on Steve's shoulder as he asked, "What cha drawing?"

Trying to remain calm with Bucky's face so close to his own, Steve gave a half-shrug while saying, "Nothing too spectacular."

"I'm sure that's not true," Bucky smirked. Reclining back in his seat, Bucky stretched his arms high above his head.

Even though Bucky completely ignored the way that his own shirt exposed his happy trail, Steve wasn't able to. Of course, Steve was using his sketchbook as an excuse. Pretending to be looking at the sketch, but really looking down at Bucky's delicate skin and the hair that disappeared under his waistband. Steve wanted nothing more than to trail his lips along the soft expanse.

Not wanting to get caught, Steve instantly redirected his attention to the sketchbook. Steve reasoned that he wasn't all that convincing though. Especially not when his cheeks immediately started to turn pink.

"You know what your problem is?" Bucky asked, conversationally. Companionably tapping Steve's knee to get his attention. Once Bucky had it, Bucky continued, "You're too humble."

"Oh, is that right?" Steve good-humoredly rolling his eyes, "That doesn't exactly sound like a problem to me."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Bucky smiled. His gaze fell to the sketchbook and Steve hoped that Bucky wouldn't ask why he wasn't using the one he had gifted him. Especially considering the current sketchbook was relatively new.

"Still," Bucky shrugged, "You deserve all the praise you receive. Actually," Bucky paused, resting his chin on his hand and looking up at Steve from beneath his eyelashes, "You deserve more."

All Steve could do was blush. He wasn't used to compliments. Nor was he used to having a crush speak with so much admiration in regards to him. After all, Bucky had been the first person to ever reciprocate his affection to some degree.

Bucky wasn't done yet though. Bucky teasingly continued, "I mean, you deserve an entire wing -- No! An entire museum!"

"Oh my god," Steve shook his head, but couldn't keep the smile from his face.

"It's okay, Stevie," Bucky teased, "I'll just be over here, still stanning."

Steve loudly chuckled, gaining a few dirty looks from the other library goers. Steve gave them an apologetic look before crumbling up a piece of paper and tossing it at Bucky while scoffing, "Shut up."

"I mean it," Bucky shrugged. He was picking at the label on his water bottle -- keeping his gaze solely trained on his task -- and admitted, "I feel blessed to have been gifted one of your masterpieces."

Shaking his head, Steve decided to focus on his sketch. Of course, as Bucky grew silent, Steve grew curious. Glancing over at Bucky and instantly regretting it though.

The way that Bucky was looking at Steve was a way that Bucky shouldn't be looking at Steve. A way that caused butterflies to congregate in Steve's stomach. A look that caused Steve to fantasize about everything that he and Bucky could be. A look that could get Steve's heart into a lot of trouble.

Deciding that he needed to get out of there quick -- if only to protect his heart -- Steve stood from the table and started packing up his bag. In his haste, Steve accidentally knocked over the chair. But Steve was only concerned about his own self-preservation.

"Jesus," Bucky chuckled, picking up the chair. Steve was already making his way across the open area towards the exit. Steve had been hoping to outrun Bucky, so to speak. However, due to Steve's all but worthless lungs and Bucky's tantalizing long legs, Bucky obviously managed to catch up.

Once Bucky finally reached Steve, he gave Steve a sideways glance while questioning, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Steve breathlessly lied. All that hustle without a single payoff, unbelievable, Steve couldn't help but think, completely annoyed with himself.

"You sure?" Bucky asked, narrowing his eyes as he studied Steve.

Trying to catch his breath, Steve simply nodded. Hoping that him nearing an asthma attack would mask his inability to lie, Steve fibbed, "Gotta get to class."

"Oh," Bucky stated, seemingly buying Steve's excuse. He raked his hand through his brown tresses, "Want me to walk with you?"

"No!" Steve answered a little too loudly as they walked down the sidewalk. Steve amended, "It's... okay -- more so! -- and I don't want you to go out of your way."

For a moment, Bucky just studied him. And perhaps, Bucky would've protested. Perhaps Bucky was about to tell Steve that it wasn't out of his way.  Or that he didn't mind.  But Steve didn't give him the chance to. Instead, he turned and cut across to head down some side streets. Sure, they might've been a little out of his way. But Steve's next class also wasn't for another hour and a half.