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

Thirty-One

With his head on Bucky's chest and his heart riddled with self-loathing, Steve closed his eyes so he could better listen to the steadiness that Bucky's heart provided. Listen to the even breathes and feel the rhythmic rise and fall that accompanied them. This was all that Steve needed. Bucky was all that Steve needed.

At least, that was what Steve was trying to convince himself.

While Steve laid there, half on Bucky and half on the futon, Bucky soothingly raked his hand through Steve's blond hair. Lulling Steve into a comfortable state between asleep and awake. Which was exactly where Steve wanted to be. Especially when Bucky affectionately caressed Steve's body.

However, then there was a knock at the door. Beneath Steve, Bucky tensed. Softly, Bucky sighed, "Fuck."

Tiredly, Steve just laid there. Even when another knock came from the door. Trying not to disturb Steve, Bucky started to remove himself from underneath Steve. Of course, it didn't work. Steve opened his eyes and looked up at Bucky.

Sheepishly, Bucky informed Steve, "Food's here."

"Oh," Steve sighed and lifted himself off of Bucky.

Finally out from under Steve, Bucky ducked down to kiss Steve's temple while he also made sure that the blanket was completely covering Steve's body. Steve fondly smirked up at Bucky and watched as Bucky took a moment to stretch. And since Bucky was taking a moment, Steve took the opportunity to playfully swat at Bucky's taut bum.

Playfully, Bucky narrowed his eyes at Steve. Giving Bucky a shit-eating grin in reply, Steve nuzzled further into the blanket while Bucky reluctantly got the door. This was everything that Steve needed. Everything that Steve wanted. Steve didn't know why the hell Brock's words kept swimming around in his mind.

"Hey," a familiar voice greeted Bucky once he opened the door.

Steve's ears immediately perked at the peppy tone. Damn it, Steve thought, god damn it. How does that always slip my mind. Of course, Steve knew how it had slipped his mind in that moment. Because god diddly damn it, why is he on my mind?!

Scrubbing his hand over his face, Steve could hear Bucky, "Hey. How've you been?"

"Good," Stephanie answered. After a moment, she said, "Thanks to your tutoring."

"Oh," Bucky brushed off, "I didn't do anything. It was all you and that pretty little head of yours."

At that, Steve sat up. When Stephanie giggled, Steve narrowed his eyes and listened, "You're such a dork. I knew you only liked me for my mind."

"Better than only liking you for your body," Bucky teased.

Very deliberately, Steve loudly -- some might have claimed dramatically -- groaned as he stood from the futon. Stepping into a spot where Stephanie would most definitely see him, Steve stretched his arms high above his head. Going for the theatrics as he tiredly yawned and walked up behind Bucky. Giving Stephanie a sleepy grin as he wrapped his arms around Bucky's waist before ducking his head and nuzzling into Bucky's broad back.

Stephanie must have been going to count out the change because Bucky told her, "Keep it."

"Thanks," Stephanie said. As Bucky went to close the door, Stephanie innocently teased, "You two have fun."

"We will," Steve declared because he could be a little shit sometimes.

Softly, Bucky chuckled under his breath and gave Steve's hand a tender squeeze. When Steve continued to stand there with his arms wrapped around Bucky's waist, Bucky sing-songed, "Stev-ie."

"Five more minutes," Steve said, with his lips pressed to Bucky's clothed back.

Giving Steve's hand another loving squeeze, Bucky allowed Steve to just hold him all the while, he held the bag with Chinese takeout. Seemingly more than fine that Steve was peppering his back with soft kisses. Soft kisses that were filled with everything that Steve wanted to say, but didn't. Especially the apologies for being so distant.

"Time for food?" Bucky softly asked, turning to look behind himself.

Sighing, Steve dropped his arms from Bucky's waist and conceded, "Time for food."

Being right on Steve's heels, Bucky ducked in and pressed a kiss to Steve's neck. Still leaning in, Bucky vulgarly joked, "Of course, I'm always in the mood to eat you."

"Oh my god," Steve loudly chuckled, tipping his head back so he could look at Bucky. Bucky playfully wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and Steve couldn't do anything but shake his head and ferociously blushed.

"Oh, you love it," Bucky teased, winking as Steve took his seat on the futon.

As Steve grabbed the remote, Bucky took his place beside Steve. Exactly where he belonged, Steve thought as Bucky started unpacking the boxes of takeout. Taking the container that Bucky handed him, Steve affectionately watched as Bucky took his hand and brought it up to his mouth to lovingly kiss Steve's hand.

Steve's heart stuttered in his chest. No matter what words Brock said, it didn't -- and could never -- hold a candle to the way that Steve felt in that moment. Even if Bucky never said those three words, Steve wouldn't want to be with anyone else.