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

Seventeen

Waking up, degree by slow degree, Steve's thoughts kept circling around to Bucky. Of course, that wasn't entirely out of the norm. Considering Steve's thoughts were usually consumed by all that Bucky encompassed. This particular morning, though, it was more than just the usual Bucky-led thoughts. Mainly, Steve wondered what everything that happened between them over the night meant.

Did it mean a new start?

With every fiber of Steve's being, he hoped that it was. The way that Bucky had held him. Had comforted him. Had wrapped Steve up in his arms like he was never going to let him go.

And despite Steve's better judgement, Steve couldn't help but jump right back in. Even if his brain was desperately trying to warn his heart to tread lightly. All Steve wanted to do was to jump in and hope that Bucky would catch him.

Completely enthralled with all the possibilities, Steve rolled over to start this new part of his life and greet the person he wanted to start it with. However, Steve didn't find Bucky beside him.

With furrowed brows, Steve sat up and glanced towards the bathroom. The door was open, the light was off. Even more confused, Steve glanced to the side of the bed where Bucky's pile of clothes had been the previous night. Yet, the pile wasn't there either.

Feeling the anxiety rise in himself, Steve climbed out of his bed and pulled on a pair of boxer briefs. His chest tightening when he realized that Bucky's shoes and jacket were gone.

Bucky was gone.

After everything that they went through. After everything that happened the previous night. After telling Steve that he would always be there. That he wouldn't leave.

But Bucky was gone. Completely fucked off.

Fleetingly, Steve filled with hope that Bucky had left a note. Looking at his desk. Glancing at Sam's desk. Even looking over Sam's unslept, perfectly made bed. Nothing. There wasn't anything. Not even as he looked around his bed to make sure that it didn't fall on the floor.

Nope. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero.

And Steve's chest tightened as he couldn't help but think, not again. Feeling entirely foolish for trusting and believing Bucky. He should've known better. He should've protected himself. He should've --

Steve could feel the tears building in his eyes, and he hated himself for it. Hated that he had done this to himself. Hated that he had trusted Bucky, against his better judgement.

Trying to keep his cool, Steve decided to distract himself by getting ready for his day. Almost as though nothing had happened. Almost as though the previous night was just a dream. As though he hadn't given his heart to Bucky so easily.

Of course, he couldn't hide from himself. Especially not when his reflection showed the true heartbreak written all over his expression. Causing his heart to break just a little bit more.

Brushing his teeth, he heard the door unlock. Steve wasn't ready for Sam to be back yet. He still needed to gain control over his emotions. And Steve most definitely wasn't ready to see Sam because he knew that one look at him, he'd crumple. Crumple under the guilt and the crushing realization that he was an idiot.

Finishing up, Steve quickly spit the foamy dregs into the sink. Aggressively scrubbing his face in hopes that that would hide just how flush he was, but not really thinking that it would. Looking at his reflection only solidified his doubts.

Hoping that Sam wouldn't see through his charade, Steve exited the bathroom. Stopping dead in his tracks when he found Bucky trying to balance a drink carrier in hand while simultaneously attempting to take off his jacket as he clenched a paper bag in his mouth. Not to mention how Bucky was also trying to slip off his shoes.

Shoes off, half of his jacket removed, Bucky glanced up to find Steve. Blushing, Bucky removed the paper bag from his mouth so he could bashfully greet Steve, "Hey, I was try--"

Surging forward, Steve interrupted Bucky by capturing Bucky's lips in a passionate kiss. The weight lifted off Steve's tiny, fragile shoulders, Steve brought his hand to the back of Bucky's head, tangling his fingers in the soft tresses.

Leaning back so he could look up at Bucky's face, Steve stroked the hair at the back of Bucky's neck as he greeted, "Hi."

"Hi," Bucky softly chuckled, bringing his forehead down to rest against Steve's.