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

Thirty-Three

In record-breaking time, Steve reached Bucky's dorm. He even bypassed the elevator and opted to take the stairs since the elevator was taking too long. Entirely too long.

So, naturally out of breath, Steve reached the dorm and didn't hesitate to knock on the door. Sure, it might have been a bit more aggressive than he had originally intended. But Steve knocked on the door and reached into his pocket for his inhaler.

As Steve took a hit of his medication, Steve's heart continued to race dramatically in his chest. Especially once the door was pulled open. A flash of an awful memory of what it was like the last time Steve surprised Bucky made him feel ill. But finding Nat greatly eased those anxieties.

"Christ, you alright?" Nat asked, her expression twisting from annoyance into concern when she found Steve.

Steve nodded his confirmation and asked, "Bucky... here?"

"No," Nat shook her head and clarified, "Thursday evenings, Bucky tutors."

"Oh," Steve deflated. He had ran all the way here, and Bucky wasn't even there.

"Bucky's at the library," Nat explained. With a smirk, she leaned a bit closer and playfully admitted, "He knows that we like to have the room."

"Gross," Steve teased. Blushing, he averted his gaze when he spotted Clint in his boxer briefs.

Nat laughed and crossed her arms along her chest as she asked, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be at class?"

"Probably," Steve answered with a sigh. Taking another hit off his inhaler, Steve assumed, "Bucky at the library."

"Pretty sure, yeah," Nat confirmed, but Steve was already walking towards the elevator. As Steve waited for the elevator, Nat called out, "Hey, Steve?"

Steve looked back at her with a quirked brow as he silently questioned her. Nat had a wolfish grin on her cute little face as she sing-songed, "Have fun."

As Nat theatrically winked, Steve stepped into the empty elevator. Blushing the whole trip down. Once he was on the main level, Steve rushed out of the elevator. Sure, he probably shouldn't have been running clear across campus to the library, but Steve felt invincible in that moment.

His lungs didn't feel invincible, however, and by the time that he reached the library, he felt like he could pass out. Of course, that might have also been because of the knowledge that Bucky was in love with him. Still, Steve grasped onto the outside railing and tried to catch his breath.

Gathering himself the best that he could, Steve entered the library and headed towards the table that Bucky typically tutored at. Fully expecting to find Bucky there. Instead, there was a full table of people at Bucky's usual spot. Granted, Bucky could have been at another table. Steve looked around the area, and didn't find him there either.

With furrowed brows, Steve prayed that Bucky wasn't on another floor. Especially when the elevator was on the other side of the floor. And Steve really didn't feel like making that walk.

Yet, Steve wanted to find Bucky. Needed to find Bucky. More than anything. Even if it meant putting himself through more discomfort. Especially if it meant putting himself through some discomfort. Bucky was worth it.

As Steve started crossing the room to the elevator, someone grabbed onto his arm and pulled him into a book stack. Stunned, it took a moment for Steve to focus on the brunet in front of him. Sure, it was a handsome brunet who's name started with a capital B. It just happened to be the wrong one.

"Hey," Steve greeted, pulling his arm from out of Brock's impressive -- and slightly terrifying -- grasp.

Brock had a warm grin on his face as he quirked his brow and questioned, "Don't you have that, 'Drawing from Life,' seminar on Thursdays?"

Steve puffed out his cheeks as he wondered, how in the hell does everyone know my schedule?! Letting out the huff of air, Steve confirmed, "Yup."

"What is that anyway?" Brock questioned, crossing his arms along his chest.

"It's, um," Steve checked the clock on the wall behind Brock's head, "Learning how to accurately draw the human body."

"I told you that I'd model for ya," Brock offered, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Scoffing, Steve said, "I don't think Bucky would be too happy with that."

"But it's for education," Brock mocked. Steve glanced at the clock again, not even caring if Brock noticed. And, of course, Brock did notice and Brock asked, "So, why are you here?"

"I'm looking for Bucky," Steve answered, figuring that if anyone would know where Bucky was in the library, it'd be Brock. Or one of the girls that drooled over him, but Brock was right there.

Brock's brows furrowed, "So, why are you here?"

Steve's brows furrowed as well as he clarified, "Because Nat said that Bucky tutors on Thursdays."

"Well, he's not here," Brock said.

Narrowing his eyes, Steve questioned, "Then where is he? This is where he's been tutoring."

Brock made a face and it was clearly an attempt to suppress the smile that was begging to break free. It was easy for Steve to recognize and even easier for Steve to hate. Especially when Brock suggested, "Maybe he's not tutoring."

"Oh my god," Steve sighed in annoyance and openly rolled his eyes.

As he started to head for the exit, Brock followed and asked, "Where are you going?"

"To find Bucky," Steve brushed off Brock's intrigue.  Determined to find the man who loved him.  To find the man that he loved.