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

Twenty

Obsessively running his hand through his floppy blond hair, Steve examined his new haircut in the mirror.  It wasn't too different from his typical hairstyle.  Maybe a little shorter on the sides and back.  Maybe intentionally messy on top.   But that wasn't the issue.  The issue was that it just wasn't doing what he wanted it to do.

Which, of course, it wouldn't.  Not with Steve trying to style it a certain way.  Not with Steve attempting to stay calm, even though he was, admittedly, freaking out.  Not with Steve worrying his lower lip with his teeth and his body nearly thrumming with his anxieties.

As Steve sighed, defeated, a series of knocks came from the main door.  Steve took one last glance at his reflection.  Smoothing his hand over the lilac purple sweater that Kristin had given him ("I never wear it.  It's just gathering dust and taking up space.  Plus, I never got you a Christmas present, and purple is your color." Even though the tags had still be on the damn thing), Steve left the bathroom to get the door.

With a clammy hand, Steve reached for the door.  Steve knew that he had no reason to be this anxious.  Yes, it was a date.  But it was casual.  It was supposed to be a chill, absolutely no pressure, type of night.  And it was with Bucky.

Taking in a calming, grounding breath, Steve pulled the door open.  Immediately he went slack-jawed when he found Bucky standing there with a bouquet of beautiful purple and blue carnations.  Steve's heart stuttered and a sweet smile tugged at his lips.

"You didn't have to," Steve stated at the same moment that Bucky complimented, "You look amazing."

"I wanted to," Bucky commented about the flowers while Steve feigned confidence, "This old thing?"

When they realized that they were unintentionally speaking over each other, they both went silent.  Bucky handed over the bouquet and Steve gestured for Bucky to enter the room.

As Steve took the extended bouquet, Bucky took Steve's hand in his and pulled him close.  Leaning in, Bucky pressed a sweet kiss to Steve's lips.  A kiss that Steve was quick to reciprocate and even quicker to mourn when it ended all too soon.

"I like your haircut," Bucky sincerely complimented with a small smile and a sweet kiss.

"Thanks," Steve contently sighed as Bucky rested his forehead against Steve's. "And thank you for the flowers. You really didn't have to."

"I wanted to," Bucky repeated his earlier sentiment. Pulling back so Steve could slide on his sneakers, Bucky shrugged, "If I knew how much you liked the gesture, I probably would've done so sooner."

"Well, I love them.  Thank you," Steve smiled, feeling his cheeks heat at the admission.

Bucky beamed over at Steve and held out his hand for him once his shoes were on.  Of course, Steve still needed to slip on his jacket, but he wasn't going to pass up the chance to touch Bucky.  So, graciously, Steve took Bucky's hand and allowed Bucky to pull him close again.

With his free hand, Bucky reached up and slid his hand to the back of Steve's head.  Caressing the soft, shorter tresses, Bucky leaned in once more.  Steve brought his own hands up to snake his arms around Bucky's torso, holding him flush against himself.

They could've spent all night doing this.  Just kissing.  Just holding each other.  However, they already had plans.  And Steve was one who stuck to his commitments.  Especially when it was something involving their friends.

"If we don't leave now, we'll be late," Steve said around Bucky's lips.

Speaking into the kiss as well, Bucky countered, "We can be fashionably late."

"It's a play," Steve giggled.  Especially when Bucky started pressing a succession of sweet kisses to Steve's lips.

"We'll go tomorrow," Bucky replied.

"We have to go tonight," Steve leaned back from the kiss.  Bucky mockingly pouted and Steve reminded, "Its opening night and we promised Nat and Brock that we'd be there to support them."

Playfully, Bucky rolled his eyes before theatrically sighing, "Fine."

Despite his best efforts to not humor Bucky, Steve couldn't help but chuckle as he left Bucky's grasp.  Slipping on his jacket, Steve declared, "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"Yup, I'm well aware," Bucky flashed a shit-eating grin.

"Of course, you are," Steve teased.

Once Steve knew that he had everything that he needed, they made their way out of the dorm.  Bucky stood close as Steve locked the door, and immediately used his opportunity to take Steve's hand in his once Steve was done.  Rubbing soothing circles into the back of Steve's hand on their way down the hallway and into the elevator.