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

Seven

Although Steve personally detested the holiday, he couldn't help but see the appeal. He knew that it was because of Bucky. But he wasn't going to acknowledge such. Not even to himself. And especially not aloud. Nope, Steve planned to pretend that nothing was wrong. That nothing was out of the ordinary.

Steve especially attempted to go about his life as normal as possible when he met up with Brock at the library. It was their regular meet up. Mainly because Brock worked there. Of course, Steve enjoyed the quietness and the private setting. Steve also couldn't deny that he rather enjoyed that others often chose not to approach him while he was quietly sketching, unlike how other places where people seemed to simply not care.

Since Brock was still working, Steve decided to peruse the book stacks. He wasn't sure what exactly he was looking for. Well, Steve didn't know what he was looking for in a book. In a boy? Well, Steve knew exactly what he was searching for: B--

"You're in a good mood," Brock quietly mused as he restocked the shelves.

"Am I?" Steve asked, hoping that Brock wouldn't dig too deep into the situation. Especially when Steve didn't even want to admit to himself what he was feeling, let alone tell someone else.

"Yeah," Brock confirmed. Reaching above Steve's head to put one of the large books in its correct place on the shelf. Teasing, Brock asked, "Gotta hot date later?"

"C'mon," Steve scoffed. Going for arrogant, Steve tilted his chin as he reminded, "You know, that's not the first time that you've assumed that."

"Really?" Brock softly chuckled. Steve nodded his confirmation and Brock shrugged, "Maybe you just seem like the type to have people constantly throwing themselves at you."

"You can't be serious," Steve, once again, scoffed. Crossing his arms and shaking his head while looking down at the ground. Steve mocked himself, "Yeah, because it really seems like people are just throwing themselves at me left and right."

"Maybe you just have really bad periphery," Brock teased, gaining Steve's attention. Once he had it, he gave Steve a sly wink.

Not having a smart reply to that, Steve simply averted his gaze. Of course, Steve's blush was answer enough. In fact, it was more than. And Brock seemed entirely pleased with himself. So pleased in fact that Brock felt emboldened to ask, "Hey, what are you doing tonight?"

"I, uh," Steve ran his hand through his floppy blond hair, "I was invited to the Delta Beta Beta Phi Valentine Mixer."

"Really?" Brock asked, only sounding mildly amused. Brock admitted, "I was actually just about to ask if you wanted to go."

"You were?" Steve questioned, not capable of hiding his surprise as much as he would've liked.

"Yeah," Brock softly confirmed. Leading Steve down another book stack, Brock glanced over his shoulder and offered, "Wanna go together?"

"Oh," Steve paused. He must have sounded even more shocked than he originally assessed because Brock paused his shelving to look over at Steve. Taking in a deep breath, Steve informed, "I already made plans to go with Sam and Kristin, and Bucky and Clint and Nat, too." Steve hoped that Brock wouldn't notice how Steve slid Bucky into the group and said, "It's a group thing."

The one word and Steve felt immensely guilty. Especially considering everything that Brock had done for Steve, and Steve didn't even give it a second thought to not invite him as well. Steve felt even worse considering just how close Brock and Nat were.

So, it was as though the words were fighting to quickly leave his mouth as Steve asked, "Do you want to join us? Join... me...?"

"You don't... I don't want to intrude," Brock assured. Although there was an easy grin on his face, Steve knew Brock well enough to know that that wasn't how he actually felt.

"You wouldn't be intruding," Steve insisted, "I think it would be fun."

Of course, Brock was more stubborn than Bucky. Even more stubborn than Steve himself. Which Steve was still surprised by. Especially considering how often Steve found himself and Brock butting heads over things. Mainly about what movie to watch or what take out they should order. But still.

"I," Steve started and instantly paused. Sure, Steve wanted Brock to be a part of their group. And yes, Steve liked to spend time with Brock. Yet, a thought flittered through his mind that perhaps him being so insistent was bound to lead Brock on. Shaking the thought from his head, Steve continued, "I want you to join us -- join me."

And just like that, Brock was in.