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

Twenty-Two

After the play, Steve wanted to curl up with Bucky in one of their beds and drift off peacefully.  Considering how Bucky was yawning, Steve figured that he felt the same.  Especially once Bucky was finished stretching and pulled Steve into him.

As Steve nuzzled into Bucky's broad chest, Bucky started, "How about we —"

"Stevie!"  A deep voice interrupted Bucky's offer.

Turning in the direction of the voice, Steve found Brock.  Which wasn't surprising in the slightest.  Steve was there to support his friends, after all.  Of course, that didn't stop Steve from internally sighing in annoyance that Bucky had been interrupted.  That they had been interrupted.  That the moment was no longer cozy the way that it had been.

"Hey," Steve greeted the muscular brunet while pulling away from Bucky.  Steve told Brock, "You were great up there tonight!"

"Eh, you're just saying that," Brock modestly reputed Steve's compliment.

"No, I mean it," Steve sincerely stated.

Blushing, Brock graciously accepted, "Thanks."

"Yeah, who knew you could act?"  Bucky teased, securely wrapping his arms around Steve's waist from behind.

Steve relaxing into Bucky, fondly recalled, "First time I ever met him, he and Natasha were acting."

"The first time we met, you were ready to kick my ass," Brock chuckled.

"Yeah," Bucky rested his chin on top of Steve's head as he conceded, "That sounds like my Stevie."

My Stevie.  MY STEVIE?!  Trying to remain nonchalant, Steve simply placed his hands on Bucky's and felt positively loved as Bucky intertwined their fingers.  Steve didn't mind being Bucky's Stevie.  In fact, he rather preferred it.

"Right," Brock coolly replied, crossing his arms along his chest.  A bit bitterly, Brock agreed, "Sounds a lot like Stevie."

Averting his gaze, Steve bit at his lower lip.  Although Steve had spoken to — well, told, really would be more appropriate — Brock about Bucky and how they were trying to start over, he wasn't sure if Brock approved.  For a moment, Steve felt bad about how tactile him and Bucky were, and hoped that it wouldn't come across like Steve was rubbing his blossoming relationship in Brock's face.  After all, Brock had been there for Steve when Bucky hadn't.

"So, um, are you going to the diner?"  Brock questioned Steve.  Practically ignoring Bucky entirely.

Not that Bucky seemed to mind.  Instead, Bucky chose to tighten his grip around Steve's waist.

Ignoring the fact that Brock's eyes briefly locked on Bucky's grip, Steve slightly shrugged, "I don't know..."

"Well, I don't think it's definite or anything," Brock sweetly smiled at Steve.  Shrugging, Brock continued, "We were all just talking, ya know.  Nothing definite yet."

"Well, we," Bucky started.  And when he said, we, he gave Steve's waist a comforting squeeze, "Were planning on doing something by ourselves."

"Oh?"  Brock asked, glancing from Steve to Bucky and then back again.

"Yup," Bucky happily answered, burying his face in Steve's recently cut hair.

Brock nodded, studying the pair again.  Smirking, Brock mockingly questioned, "Wait, is this a date?"

"Duh," Bucky teased.  At that, Steve elbowed Bucky behind him.  Bucky sighed and defended himself, "I'm joking.  It was a joke.  Brock knows it's a joke, don't cha?"

"Yeah," Brock deadpanned, "Just a joke."

Ducking his face, Bucky's lips were pressed to the hollow just below Steve's ear as he said, "See."

Brock rolled his eyes at that and gestured behind himself, "Well, I guess I should get going."

"Okay," Steve nodded, a small smile on his face.

For a moment, the three just stood there silently.  Seemingly waiting for something.  Steve detangled himself from Bucky and companionably embraced Brock in a platonic hug.  It didn't last long, but it was as though Steve could tell Brock wished that it did.

"You were phenomenal up there tonight," Steve complimented once again, pulling away from Brock.

"Yeah," Brock bashfully scrubbed at the back of his neck, "Thanks to your help."

"What help?"  Bucky asked with furrowed brows.

"Running lines," Brock smugly answered.  As Steve's cheeks started heating up, Brock winked at him, causing Steve's blush to darken.

Bucky securely wrapped his arm around Steve's waist.  Beaming down at the petite blond, Bucky mused, "I always knew you were multitalented.  Am I going to see you up on stage one day."

"No," Steve giggled, shaking his head and nuzzling closer to Bucky, "I'm no actor."

"Uh huh," Bucky teasingly brushed off and said, "He's always so humble."

"So humble," Brock agreed, keeping his gaze locked on Steve.

Feeling just a smidge uncomfortable under the brunet's intense stare, Steve averted his gaze.  Bucky must have been able to sense Steve's discomfort because he pulled Steve just a bit closer.  Attempting to ease Steve's nerves and trying to keep the blond safe.