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

Thirty-Eight

Waking up to an empty bed wasn't always the most pleasant, but it wasn't as anxiety inducing as it once was. Not after everything that Steve had learned and realized over the weekend. Especially not after Steve knew, deep in his bones, that Bucky wasn't planning on dipping out. That Bucky had never really planned on ever dipping out. Not even before their reconciliation.

Climbing out of bed, Steve headed over to his desk to check on the purple hydrangeas in Bucky's vase. Making sure that they had enough water. Seeing how they were thriving. Absolutely loving them.

Getting dressed, Steve mindlessly whistled a mix of happy tunes. Pulling on a t-shirt, Steve wished that they had stayed at Bucky and Clint's just so Steve could borrow one of Bucky's cozy sweatshirts. Preferably the navy-blue hoodie that Bucky was partial to slipping on whenever he got a chill. It was Steve's favorite, and Steve could admit to himself that part of the reason was because it smelled like Bucky.

As Steve stepped into the bathroom to take care of his morning routine, there was a knock at the door. Perking, Steve assumed that it was Bucky and merrily made his way to the door. Whistling and practically skipping on the way.

Opening the door, Steve's grin immediately dropped from his face. Steve had been hoping to find his loving boyfriend. Instead, he found Brock.

Still not being over what Brock had done to both him and Bucky in Brock's selfishness, Steve went to slam the door right in Brock's face. However, Brock must have figured that because he took a step forward and stopped the door with his foot.

"Can we talk?" Brock asked, pleading, "Please?"

"I have nothing to say to you and I have no desire to hear anything that you have to say," Steve sneered. Opening the door, so Brock could remove his foot.

Before Steve could close the door though, Brock forced his way inside of the dorm. Brock looked absolutely miserable as he begged Steve, "Please, just talk to me. You've been ignoring me all weekend."

"I know!" Steve incredulously exclaimed, "It was intentional!"

"Why?" Brock asked, despair painting his expression.

Steve studied Brock for a moment. Even though Steve was pissed, he couldn't help but feel a little bad for the guy. After all, Brock had been there when Bucky hadn't -- NO! Bucky hadn't been there because of Brock. Because of Brock's manipulation and selfishness. That was why Bucky hadn't been there. That was why Brock had been there.

And Steve couldn't help but feel like an idiot.

Quietly, Steve told Brock, "You know why."

Brock's brows furrowed as he thought. Seeming entirely confused as Brock thought about what he could have possibly done to upset Steve. To upset Steve so much that Steve would ignore him. Then, Brock's expression smoothed and he bitterly scoffed as he assumed, "What did Bucky tell you to save his own ass?"

"The truth," Steve stated.

"The truth," Brock mocked, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes as he sarcastically stated, "Yeah. Okay. I'd totally believe a cheating douche."

Grinding his teeth, Steve demanded, "Get out."

"Why? Because I'm --"

"Get the fuck out!" Steve loudly interrupted.

"No," Brock argued, "I'm not leaving until you hear the truth!"

"I already have!" Steve yelled, deciding to try and physically remove Brock from his dorm. Of course, no matter how angry Steve was, Brock was still able to hold his ground. Mainly because Brock nearly had a hundred pounds on Steve.

Not threatened by Steve at all, Brock scoffed, "Yeah? And what did Bucky tell you?"

Panting in all his frustration, Steve relayed, "That you lied and told him that we were hooking up."

At that, the arrogant smirk dropped from Brock's face. Brock studied Steve. Possibly trying to see how to properly manipulate the situation in his favor. And if that wasn't reason enough to whole-heartedly believe Bucky, Brock's reasoning sure as hell was.

"I mean, can you blame me? We were hitting it off. How was I supposed to know that you didn't feel the same?" Brock questioned, reaching out for Steve.

"Because I didn't feel the same!" Steve shouted, throwing his arms up in annoyance. Pointing accusingly at Brock, Steve reminded, "I told you how I felt about Bucky! I cried over him! Because of you!"

Brock shook his head and argued, "Bucky made his own choices!"

"And he's sorry," Steve defended.

"I'm sorry," Brock stated, lamely apologizing, "I'm sorry that you were hurt. I'm sorry that you're in love with a douche who had no qualms with cheat --"

Losing any reserve that Steve was still holding on to, Steve used all his strength to shove Brock. By some miracle, Steve managed to push Brock with enough force that he actually stumbled back towards the door. Surprising both boys in the process.