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

Thirty

Almost in a haze, Steve made his way over to the tutoring table. Taking a seat across from Bucky, it took Steve a moment to realize that the girl that Bucky had been tutoring wasn't there. It took another moment for Steve to realize that he should've taken the empty seat beside Bucky.

Drifting his gaze over to the book stacks, Steve tried his hardest to forget what Brock had said. He didn't want to hear it. He knew that he didn't want to hear it. But he had still asked for it. And, unfortunately, he had gotten exactly what he asked.

Steve honestly didn't know what he had been expecting to happen. He knew Brock. He knew that Brock didn't often back down once challenged. Brock was a lot like Steve, in that aspect. Maybe that was why they got along so well.

Trying to keep the thought from his mind, he abruptly directed his attention away from the book stack. Instead, turning his attention to the handsome brunet across from him. Who was also looking expectantly at Steve.

"What?" Steve quietly questioned.

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Bucky's gorgeous lips as he gestured towards the other drink, "Is that mine?"

"Oh," Steve shook his head, trying to shake Brock's words out of his mind. Sliding the drink to Bucky, Steve said, "Yeah, sorry. It might be a bit cold."

"It's alright," Bucky smiled, bringing the coffee up to his mouth. Taking a drink, Bucky kept his gaze on Steve and under Bucky's studying eyes, Steve suddenly felt abnormally guilty. Bucky asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah," Steve nodded, completely lying.

Of course, Bucky could see right through Steve's lies. Of course, he could. Because Bucky knew Steve.

After a moment of Bucky just studying Steve, Bucky finally asked, "Wanna get out of here?"

"Yeah," Steve readily agreed, letting out a breath of relief.

Standing from the table, Bucky walked around to Steve. Steve's brows furrowed curiously in a silent question. Bucky simply set his hand on Steve's waist and pulled him closer while saying, "C'mere."

Steve allowed Bucky to pull him in and tilt his chin up, so Bucky could press a sweet kiss to his lips. Kisses from Bucky was always Steve's favorite thing. Well, one of Steve's favorite things. Another one was being wrapped up in Bucky's embrace and held close in his lanky, yet strong, arms.

So, why then, did Brock's words echo in Steve's mind?

"Thank you for the coffee," Bucky said around Steve's lips. Pressing another kiss to Steve's mouth before leaning back and confessing, "I really needed it."

"No problem," Steve replied. Bucky beamed down at him, and Steve looked away. Feeling entirely loathsome, and probably looking just as guilty.

"Everything okay?" Bucky asked, rubbing soothing circles along Steve's hip with the pad of his thumb.

"Yeah," Steve lied, and took a step back. Stepping out of Bucky's embrace while grabbing his drink. Chancing a glance, Steve found Bucky was still watching him, and Steve asked, "Ready?"

Silently, Bucky simply nodded his reply and held his hand out to Steve. Although, Steve was typically jumping at the chance to hold Bucky's hand, he didn't. He held his coffee in the hand closest to Bucky and started heading towards the library exit.

It took a moment for Steve to realize that Bucky wasn't right beside him. And it took another moment for Bucky to catch up. Once Bucky did, he very deliberately shoved the hand closest to Steve into his own pocket.

Not that Steve could concentrate on the action though. Especially not when they walked through the lobby and found Brock standing behind the counter. Carefully, Brock's eyes followed the pair. A small, sad smile was on Brock's face and he lifted his hand to give Steve a small wave.

I'm in love with you. I only want the best for you.

Stepping out of the library, Bucky turned to look over at Steve. Since he was looking at him, Steve looked right back at Bucky. However, he wished that he hadn't when he noticed how Bucky was worrying his lower lip with his teeth. Especially not when he noticed the confusion and concern dancing around in Bucky's hypnotizing steel-blue eyes.

"So, um," Bucky looked away. Busying himself with taking a drink of his latte, "Did you want to come over? Hang out?"

I'm in love with you. I only want the best --

Steve felt pathetically ashamed. Ashamed for running to Brock when he wasn't with Bucky. Blameworthy for unwittingly leading Brock on. Apologetic for jumping into a relationship with Bucky. Not only jumping in, but then unintentionally rubbing his relationship in Brock's face. Especially after Brock admitted the one thing that Steve wanted to hear from Bucky, that he was in love with him.

"...Steve?" Bucky questioned with his brows in a heavy furrow as he studied Steve.

"Sorry, what?" Steve asked, trying to shake the haze from his mind and the guilt from his conscience.

Bucky stepped in front of Steve, causing them both to pause on the sidewalk. Tentatively, Bucky reached up and pushed Steve's tousled blond hair away from his eyes. Letting his hand linger as he cupped Steve's face, Bucky asked, "You sure everything's okay?"

I'm in love with you. I only want --

"Yeah," Steve fibbed. Reaching up, Steve wrapped his hand around Bucky's wrist. Holding Bucky there while grounding himself in the moment. Steve took a step closer and tilted his head up. Looking into Bucky's eyes, Steve said, "I've just got a lot on my mind."

"You don't have to keep it all in, ya know. You can tell me anything," Bucky sweetly smiled, resting his forehead against Steve's. Bucky reminded Steve, "I'm your boyfriend, it's kind of in the job description."

"Job description, huh?" Steve weakly smirked. Bucky nodded and closed the distance between them, so they could sweetly kiss.

I'm in love with you.