To Steve's surprise, the theater was almost completely packed. Scattered around were a few seats open, and Steve would've headed over to them if Clint didn't wave him and Bucky over. Bucky gave Steve's hand a soft squeeze and led the way.
On the way over to Clint, Steve was more than just a little conscious of how girls looked over Bucky. Hell, Steve, himself, had given Bucky the same look. Bucky continued as though he didn't notice. And maybe he truly didn't, but with how smug Bucky usually was, Steve would wager that he was at least a little aware.
Bucky must've felt Steve's anxious energy because he gave Steve's hand a comforting squeeze. Reminding Steve that they were together. That Bucky had chosen him.
"Not gonna lie, I've been feeling like Chandler, just sitting here by myself," Clint teased, sighing in relief.
"Don't be ridiculous," Bucky mocked, entering the row where Clint had been saving their seats.
"Where's Sam and Kristin?" Steve asked, shrugging out of his jacket before sitting next to Bucky.
"On their way," Clint attempted to mock Sam's voice — failing miserably — as he took the other seat beside Steve.
Steve smirked at that. And as though it was the most natural thing in the universe, Bucky took Steve's hand in his. While Bucky laced their fingers together, a blush spread over Steve's cheeks. Even tinting his ears at the simple, nonchalant gesture.
"Is this okay?" Bucky leaned over to whisper in Steve's ear once he noticed how rigid Steve was in his seat.
Steve turned to look at Bucky. With a small grin, Steve sincerely answered, "More than."
The genuine smile that broke out on Bucky's face was like watching a sunrise. Serene and welcoming, easing any and all of the nerves that Steve had. Then, Bucky leaned in to press a honey-sweet kiss to Steve's lips.
"None of that or we're leaving!" Sam's loud voice boomed, causing Steve and Bucky to look over at Sam and Kristin.
Smiling, Kristin playfully nudged Sam and told them, "No we won't." Locking eyes with Steve, she playfully rolled hers in a can-you-believe-him kind of way.
Steve smirked at that. Beside him, Bucky gave his hand a comforting squeeze, causing a pool of warmth to stir in his abdomen. All Steve could do was direct his attention to the handsome brunet next him. Who was giving him a dopey grin.
Man, did Steve love that boy.
Briefly, Steve thought about telling Bucky just that. Momentarily not caring about wanting Bucky to say it first. Not even caring if Bucky, himself, felt it yet. Just knowing that in that moment, he loved that boy and he wanted him to know it.
But then the lights dimmed. Signaling that the play was about to start.
Before Steve could direct his gaze towards the stage, Bucky reached up and cupped Steve's jaw. Bringing Steve's face to his own, Bucky leaned in to kiss Steve. Again. Just as sweet as the previous ones, but seeming more meaningful. Almost as though Bucky could read his mind and was agreeing that he loved Steve too.
Sure, it might've been all in Steve's head. But did that make it any less real? Especially when Steve swore that he could feel Bucky's love all the way in his bones.
All too soon, Bucky dropped his hand from Steve's face as he looked at the stage. Steve followed suit and watched as the deep maroon curtain rose from the stage. Although, most of Steve's attention was still fixated on Bucky, he was aware of the theater applauding for the actors on stage, and distractedly joined in.
Spotting Brock on his mark, Steve loudly whistled; hoping that Brock would — by some miracle — hear him and know that Steve was there, supporting him. Being so loud, in fact, that Bucky and Clint both glanced at Steve. Even the people sitting in front of them turned back to look at Steve.
Blushing, Steve slid slightly in his seat, as though he was trying to disappear. As the rest of the audience calmed down, Bucky set his hand on the armrest, waiting for Steve's hand. Of course, he didn't have to wait too long because Steve was more than eager to slide his hand into Bucky's. Thrilling at the way Bucky laced their fingers together.
That was more than Steve could have ever asked for. More than Steve had ever thought possible.
As if feeling the same, Bucky gave Steve's hand a soft squeeze. Then, rubbing tender circles into the back of Steve's hand. Correction, this was more than Steve could have ever asked for. This was what Steve wanted for the rest of his life.
Sure, Steve was young. But his parents had met young. So had his grandparents. Why should that matter though? He wasn't going to run off to Vegas and get married in a drive-thru chapel. All he wanted was to spend as much time with Bucky as he could. Preferably starting as soon as possible. What was wrong with that?
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Jump then Fall: Falling Series 2 (Modern Stucky College AU)
Fanfiction"Hoping that Brock didn't see the blush taking hold of his face, Steve quickly dropped his gaze back down to his sketchbook. At least with his gaze trained on the page, he could pretend to be focusing. Key word being pretend. Because despite himself...
