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

Twenty-Three

Laying on the futon in Bucky and Clint's room, cuddling, Bucky had his head on Steve's chest.  The pair were absentmindedly watching a rerun of some sitcom from the 90s that both had vaguely remembered watching at one point or another during their childhoods.  Bucky's arm was draped over Steve's torso, and occasionally, Bucky would tenderly stroke Steve's ribs through the soft material of his lilac sweater.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look in purple?"  Bucky sweetly questioned, tilting his head so he could look up at Steve.

Steve grinned down at Bucky and soothingly raked his hand through Bucky's soft tresses, "Maybe once or twice."

Playfully, Bucky dug his fingers into Steve's side, tickling him as he mocked, "Maybe once or twice."  Steve giggled even more at the awful impersonation.  Bucky fondly watched Steve and said, "I mean it, ya know."

"Mean what?"  Steve asked once his laughter had died down.

"That you're beautiful," Bucky mused.  The fond expression on his face unwavering.

Steve blushed and averted his gaze.  But Bucky reached up to caress Steve's face, trying to turn his face, so he'd look at him.  Once he had Steve's attention again, Steve noticed a vulnerability in Bucky's eyes that caused his heart to stutter in his chest.  Especially once Bucky lifted himself up, so he could kiss Steve.  Nearly stealing Steve's breath entirely with the gentleness of his touch.

Deepening the kiss by licking his way into Steve's mouth, Bucky pressed in even closer.  Steve didn't mind and, in fact, hooked his leg around Bucky's waist, reeling him in.

Sure, Steve would've been content innocently cuddling on the futon while watching cheesy sitcoms.  But Steve would be lying if he said that he wasn't thrilled by the turn of events.

Bucky pulled back, causing Steve to whine and chase after his lips.  Of course, that only caused Bucky to chuckle under his breath.  As he looked down at Steve beneath him, Bucky lazily grinned, "You know that I wasn't just complimenting you just to get into your pants, right?"

"Yup," Steve confirmed, beaming up at Bucky.  Squirming underneath Bucky, Steve was pretty sure that Bucky could feel his erection, but decided to audibly suggest, "Now how about you get me out of my pants, yeah?"

Bucky leaned down to kiss Steve once more.  Steve wiggled again, and Bucky teased around Steve's lips, "You're so bossy."

"I'm not bossy," Steve argued.  Bucky good-humoredly scoffed as he tugged off his own shirt.  Steve sat up to remove his shirt as well and told Bucky, "I just know what I want."

"Yeah?"  Bucky quirked a brow.  A mischievous glint in his eyes as he leaned forward.  Pressing his lips to Steve's, Bucky asked, "And what do you want?"

"You," Steve honestly answered, running his hand up Bucky's torso.  Sliding his hands all the way up and around Bucky's neck, Steve genuinely whispered, "Just you."

The flash of appreciation that crossed Bucky's expression caused Steve's soul to burn.  Steve felt it again.  That he should tell Bucky that he loved him.  That Bucky might feel the same.  However, they were taking it slow.  Which meant that Steve needed to wait.

No matter how much Steve desperately wanted to make that confession.

To tide himself over, Steve wrapped his hand around the back of Bucky's neck and pulled him down on top of himself.  Thoroughly enjoying the feeling of Bucky's body against his own.  Enjoying the way that Bucky occasionally allowed his weight to rest fully on top of Steve's.

"Aren't we supposed to be taking it slow?"  Bucky breathlessly questioned around Steve's lips, still rutting against Steve's pelvis.

A moan slipped out of Steve's mouth when their pricks slotted along one another.  Then, Steve told Bucky, "We can stop."  Moaning again when Bucky started peppering kisses down the column of Steve's neck, Steve smirked, "If you want."

Groaning, Bucky nipped at Steve's lobe, causing Steve to arch up into Bucky.  With his lips still on Steve's ear, Bucky admitted, "I want you."

"If you keep doing this, I'm gonna come," Steve whined, practically writhing beneath Bucky.

"Fuck," Bucky groaned, briefly pressing in closer.  Pulling back, Bucky lustfully gazed down at Steve while he panted.  Raking his hand through his dark hair, he allowed his eyes to roam over Steve's topless frame.

Steve assumed that Bucky would return to his previous position between Steve's legs.  When he didn't, and instead gently moved Steve's leg so he could sit on the futon, Steve worried.  Worried that he had done something to upset Bucky.  Or had said something.

Situating his erection, so it wouldn't be as much of a nuisance.  Then, he sat up too.  Worrying his lower lip, Steve asked, "Is everything —"

"Yeah, it's fine," Bucky quickly stated, turning to face Steve.

"Then, why...?"  Steve questioned, gesturing behind him as though it was a looking glass to the past.  Steve's brows furrowed, "I mean, did I... Did I, uh, do something?"

"No," Bucky loudly reassured.  Placing a comforting hand on Steve's slender thigh as he said, "You didn't do anything.  It's, it's me."

"Oh," Steve nodded, but still looked positively confused.

"I just —" Bucky started and immediately paused.

Not knowing what Bucky was going to say, Steve's heart dropped down into his stomach.  Afraid that Bucky was going to say he made a mistake.  That tonight was a mistake.  That he didn't really want to be with Steve.  That he didn't want Steve at all.

Bucky gave Steve's thigh a tender squeeze and said, "I don't want to ruin this."

"I think that we went about it wrong the first time.  Well, I did, at least," Bucky paused.  Steve was watching him intently as Bucky continued to confess with such a vulnerability that Steve's breath hitched.  "I want you.  Trust me, I want you," Bucky gave his tented lap a pointed look, causing Steve to blush.

Rubbing soothing circles into Steve's thigh, Bucky admitted, "I just really don't want to fuck things up this time."

Completely melting, Steve reached up and affectionately caressed Bucky's jaw as he reassured, "You're not going to."  Not knowing if Bucky even wanted to kiss him, Steve hesitantly leaned forward.  When Bucky closed the short distance and pressed a sweet kiss to Steve's lips, Steve relaxed.  Steve pulled back and told Bucky, "And we don't have to do anything that you don't want to do."

"Be my boyfriend," Bucky suggested.  In shock, Steve's eyes widened and, trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming, he rapidly blinked his eyes.  Bucky blushed at the eagerness in his own tone and he calmly questioned, "I mean: will you be my boyfriend?"

Still stunned, Steve wasn't able to form words.  So, in reply, Steve enthusiastically  kissed Bucky.  Nearly climbing on to Bucky's lap in his excitement.  This was better than Steve could have ever dreamed.  To have Bucky want him.  Really want him.  Want him as a boyfriend.

Around Steve's lips, Bucky teased, "Is that a yes?"