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

Four

"Out of professors," Sharon started. Licking the latte foam from her lips, Sharon set her cup down and theatrically wiggled her eyebrows while gleefully proposing, "Wed, bed, behead. Go!"

"Um," Steve paused, thinking for a moment. Out of his professors? Steve asked, "Just this semester?"

Sharon pursed her lips as she thought and said, "Full year." Slightly shimming in her seat across from Steve, Sharon merrily admitted, "I'm so excited to hear who you choose."

"Okay, but you have to choose yours too," Steve insisted through his chuckles.

It was strange. Steve hadn't set out that day to befriend someone who was interested in dating the love of his life. Yet, there he was. At the small coffee shop that he and Bucky often visited. And Steve couldn't deny that he was actually having a good time.

As he thought, Steve tapped his chin with his index finger. Admittedly, Steve hadn't given his professors much thought. However, he held his hand up and counted on his fingers as he confessed, "Behead: Pierce, bed: Banner, and wed: Carter."

Sharon had been taking a drink of her vanilla soy latte and immediately choked on the liquid. Setting her cup down on the table, Sharon covered her mouth and nose to make sure that no liquid spilled forth. Entirely concerned, Steve asked, "Are you okay?"

Sharon nodded. Once she had calmed down, she said, "Sorry. Just wasn't expecting you to want to marry my aunt."

"You're aunt?" Steve questioned, his eyes wide in surprise.

At Steve's reaction, Sharon loudly giggled. Even snorting. Sharon seemed completely at ease in her own skin -- something that Steve greatly envied. Trying to calm her giggling, Sharon asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Steve confirmed and admitted, "Just a bit surprised."

Sharon cocked her head from side-to-side as she conceded, "Yeah, it is a bit odd, I guess. Especially since -- clearly -- I'm not British." Steve nodded, agreeing, and Sharon continued, "I mean, she's technically my step-aunt because my mom married her brother... But still family."

Nodding, Steve once again couldn't help but think about just how much he truly liked Sharon. Not romantically. Nor sexually. Obviously. Settling into a budding platonic friendship, Steve couldn't help but genuinely like Sharon.

"She's single, by the way," Sharon stated just when Steve went to take a drink of his red eye. Causing Steve to sputter briefly and nearly choke on his coffee while Sharon smirked around her own cup. Nonchalantly, Sharon half-shrugged, "Just letting you know."

"Oh my god," Steve chuckled, covering his blushing face. Steve informed the blonde, "I'm gay. So, thanks, but no thanks."

"You're gay?!" Sharon feigned a scandalized tone before giving Steve a knowing wink.

Even though Steve knew that it would be difficult to see Bucky be with someone else. Again. Steve oddly felt like he wouldn't mind all that much if it was Sharon. After all, Steve and Bucky weren't together. They weren't going to be getting back together anytime soon. And at least if it was Sharon, he knew that he wouldn't mind spending a lot of time with her.

Unlike the other girls that Bucky had dated. Of course, Steve had enough insight to realize that he probably didn't like those girls simply because he wanted Bucky for himself.

"So, um," Sharon started, glancing at her stylish pink watch. Sharon slung her bag over her shoulder and said, "I have a lecture in ten. But, um..."

Steve started packing up his items as well and stood from the table when Sharon did. As Steve slipped his bag onto his shoulder, Sharon was handing Steve a piece of paper. With furrowed brows, Steve read the phone number and assumed, "I'll give this to Bucky."

"Thanks, but it's for you," Sharon giggled, regaining Steve's attention. Steve's brows furrowed even more and Sharon admitted, "This was nice. You're nice."

A small smirk tugged at Steve's lips as he said, "Thanks."

"Of course," Sharon sincerely stated. Gathering her long blonde hair over her shoulder, she said, "Anyway, my sorority is hosting a mixer this weekend. I think it'd be really cool if you came."

Never having been asked to a social gathering before -- barring Bucky -- Steve was pleasantly surprised by Sharon's invitation. Steve teased, "This is just a clever way to make sure Bucky's there, right?"

"Oh, totally," Sharon mockingly agreed. Giving Steve another wink, Sharon said, "I'm gonna expect to see you there!"

Waving after Sharon, Steve flipped over the paper to see that it wasn't just some random piece of neon pink paper, it was a flyer for the mixer. Well, at least now Steve knew where to go.