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

Twenty-Seven

"Fingers crossed," Gemma nervously grinned at both Bucky and Steve as she shrugged on her backpack.

Almost entirely in sync with one another, Steve and Bucky both held up their hands, fingers crossed. The pair noticed and attempted not to laugh at their synchronization. Of course, it was nearly impossible. Especially once Gemma noticed.

"You practice that or something?" Gemma teased.

"Oh yeah," Steve sarcastically confirmed, lowering his hands at the same time that Bucky did. Causing Gemma to giggle.

"I guess the secret's out now," Bucky joked, "We're in a boy band."

"Oh god," Steve chuckled, hiding his face in the hoodie that Bucky let him wear while Gemma playfully confirmed, "I'd be down to see that."

Steve playfully rolled his eyes at the comment and tried to nonchalantly ignore Bucky and Gemma hugging goodbye. Instead, focusing on how the sleeves of the navy-blue hoodie were naturally too long and easily covered his hands. Focusing on how absolutely cozy he felt in the moment. Instead of counting how long the hug lasted.

Which lasted for a minute and 45 Mississippi's.

Not like it mattered.

Nope.

Not a big deal.

Absolutely not at all.

Eventually stepping back from the embrace, Bucky opened the door. Slyly, and briskly, letting Gemma know that it was time for her to leave without actually saying so. Steve hid his self-gratification that soon he would have Bucky all to himself.

"It was nice meeting you," Gemma told Steve with a small smile. When she looked over at Bucky, she still had the same heart eyes that she had earlier. For a moment, Steve felt bad for the girl. After all, Steve had been in that situation once. Wanting Bucky and not being able to have him.

Steve couldn't necessarily blame her either. Who wouldn't fall for Bucky?

With a genuine grin, Steve told her, "Likewise. Good luck with your test."

"Thanks," Gemma averted her gaze to her hands and mocked herself, "I'm gonna need all the luck I can get."

"Just try not to second guess yourself too much," Bucky advised with a caring smile and a companionable squeeze to her shoulder.

"Right," Gemma nodded, as though she was putting it to memory. Waving, Gemma left the dorm, and Bucky peeked his head out into the hallway to make sure that she made it to the elevator before closing the door.

Turning to face Steve, Bucky playfully questioned, "Now, where were we?"

Simply -- silently -- Steve opened his arms. Ready to fully embrace Bucky, the way that they had been cuddling before Gemma came over. And Bucky seemed more than willing to get back to cuddling.

Gladly, Bucky climbed onto the futon and into Steve's embrace. Absolutely adoring the way that Steve held him as they laid on the futon. Especially loving the way that Steve's legs comfortably cradled Bucky's lanky frame, and the way that he could hear Steve's heart thrumming in his chest. Lulling Bucky into contentment.

After a moment, Bucky curiously questioned, "What are we watching?"

Playfully cringing, Steve sheepishly answered, "Snapped."

"Did they just say that she ran over her husband three times with their daughter in the passenger seat?" Bucky asked.

"Yup," Steve confirmed.

For a moment, Steve was nervous that Bucky would think he was a psycho or something. Especially since Steve typically was more drawn to true crime shows. Steve didn't know what it was that made him love those shows, he just knew that he did.

Then, Bucky chuckled and turned his head, so he could rest his chin on Steve's chest and look up at him. Affectionately, Bucky teased, "You're such a weirdo."

"Hey," Steve mockingly complained, giving Bucky's side a loving tap. Like the little shit that he was, Bucky mischievously smirked and wiggled where he was between Steve's legs. Trying to control himself, Steve focused on the show at hand and informed Bucky, "Ya know, I've learned a lot from these shows."

"Yeah?" Bucky asked, lifting from his position and crawling further up Steve's petite frame.

Face to face, Steve swallowed thickly and nodded, "Uh huh."

"Like what?" Bucky asked, lowering himself onto Steve's body.

"Well," Steve started, but paused when Bucky ducked his head to pepper sweet kisses along Steve's neck. Toes curling, Steve attempted to remain casual as he continued, "Arsenic smells like garlic."

"Mhmm," Bucky hummed, letting Steve know that he was listening and waiting for Steve to continue. All the while, making the kisses more sensual in nature.

"And, um," Steve arched his back when Bucky's lips sucked at his sweet spot, just a little behind his ear. Breathing growing ragged, Steve continued, "Cyanide smells like --" briefly closing his eyes and curling his toes "-- smells like, uh... Um... Like bitter almonds."

With his lips still pressed to Steve's skin, Bucky stated, "I love almonds."

"I know," Steve breathlessly confirmed, arching into Bucky's frame again.

Bringing his hand down Steve's body, Bucky sensually tugged at Steve's earlobe with his teeth as he teased, "You just know everything, don't cha."

Steve chuckled as much as a person could when they were trying to catch their breath. As Bucky sucked Steve's earlobe into his mouth, Steve softly confessed, "Just the important stuff."

"Just the important stuff," Bucky mocked, pressing a sweet kiss to Steve's temple. Moving until he was able to gaze fondly down at Steve, Bucky feigned innocence as he said, "Wait! Does that mean that I'm important?!"

Rolling his eyes, Steve lifted his head, so he could kiss Bucky. Just a chaste peck to Bucky's too red lips. Pulling back, to rest his head on the pillow again, Bucky chased after Steve's lips, causing Steve to positively melt. Gazing up at Bucky, Steve admitted, "Of course, you are. How could you think you're anything except important?"

Bucky's reply was a smile. A grin that stretched up and crinkled up to his eyes. It was all that Steve needed. But Steve wasn't opposed to the tender kiss that Bucky gave him. Nor was Steve going to protest the way that Bucky's hands roamed affectionately over his body.