Those Who Fall: Falling Series 3 (Modern Domestic Stucky AU)

Thirty-Seven

Making sure that the kids looked okay, and looking at himself in the mirror, Steve decided it was good enough. It had to be since there really wasn't anything that he could do about it now. At least the blood and snot had been cleaned from Ethan's face. Really, that was the most that he could do. But Steve still finger-combed through his hair before deciding he couldn't do anything else.

Climbing out of the van, he helped the kids and led them around to the back. After dropping the kids off at school that morning, Steve had stopped by the store and bought some more candy. Originally, it had been for the trick or treaters, but now he had no qualms about using them both up.

Opening one of the mixed bags, Steve poured it into two plastic jack-o-lantern pails, and handed one to each of the kids. His stomach was still in knots, but he knew that once he was inside, he'd feel so much better. Even if all they did was stop by real quick.

As he entered the building, the three greeted the security guards and the receptionist. Offering them all some candy, so it looked more casual and that they were there for a fun time instead of what they were really there for. Every person that they passed, the kids handed out the candy. Seemingly enjoying it more than they did when they were actually receiving it.

When they finally reached the floor for Shield Designs, they were greeted with a large welcoming grin from their favorite receptionist. The kids instantly yelled, "Darcy!"

"Hiya, rugrats," the brunette leaned on her desk, so she could get some candy. Steve allowed her a few -- or a handful -- more than everyone else. As she started unwrapping a Kit Kat, she said, "James should be back from the meeting."

Shit. Steve forgot about the meeting. Nevertheless, Steve was balancing on the precipice of an anxiety attack, and he needed to see his husband. Even if it was just giving his face a quick glance and getting one of those winks that always reminded Steve just how lucky he was.

"Thanks," Steve weakly smiled, leading the kids over towards Bucky's office. Bucky's office that was practically a glorified janitor's closet -- Bucky's words, not Steve's. Steve was proud of his husband and proud of his success in the company. Especially when Bucky was one of the youngest members of the company and had earned every accolade he had received.

Wanting to have just a moment alone with Bucky, Steve suggested to the kids, "Why don't you see if everyone else wants some candy?"

"Okay!" They both easily agreed and started walking around to the different cubicles where Bucky's colleagues indulged almost as much as Steve's students would.

Meanwhile, Steve continued walking towards Bucky's office in the back. Once reaching it, he paused and felt like the rest of his world was crashing down as a voluptuous blonde in a purple pencil skirt and a sparkly black blouse openly flirted with his husband. Steve was already having a bad day, he didn't need his insecurities being exploited by the universe today!

Clenching his jaw to hold back the tears, Steve lifted his fist and knocked on the open door. Immediately, Steve gained Bucky's attention, but the woman was still leaning against the desk, not even bothering to look his way.

"Steve," Bucky beamed, obviously glad to see him. Which assuaged some of his insecurities. Especially with how genuinely happy Bucky was. Even if he still didn't mind the woman leaning against his desk. As if she didn't care about someone interrupting them. As if she did this often.

"Isn't this a pleasant surprise," Bucky rose from his chair and crossed the office for Steve. Greeting him with a sweet kiss that he smiled through and asked, "What's the special occasion?"

"Just, uh," Steve worried his lower lip before looking off to the side of Bucky, so he'd get the hint, "Just thought it could be... fun."

Looking over Steve's Peter Pan costume, Bucky wiggled his brows suggestively and agreed, "Fun."

Feigning exasperation, Steve rolled his eyes, but a small smile stayed on his face. Bucky always knew how to make him smile. Even when Bucky didn't know Steve needed his help in doing so. It helped. It helped a lot. It helped everything. Steve knew this was a good idea.

That was before Bucky's observant gaze turned his expression into one of concern. Not turning to look back at the woman, he said, "Vicky, will you excuse us, please?"

"Of course," Vicky replied in a naturally sultry tone that made Steve's skin crawl. Hating that her voice was just as sexy as her appearance. As she left Bucky's office, she wished them both a, "Happy Halloween."

"Thanks, you too," Steve deadpanned, while Bucky closed the door behind her.

Turning to face Steve, Bucky asked, "What happened?"

"Hmm, where do I even start?" Steve humorlessly laughed. Crossing his arms along his chest as he bitterly answered, "Ethan finally snapped and got into a fight with Lance and got three days suspension. I met Lance's stepdad, who just happens to be the absolute last person I wanted to see. The protection order against Brock is expired. Oh! And when I come to visit my husband at work, one of his colleagues was flirting with him!"

Brows furrowed, Bucky asked, "We knew the order expired."

"Right," Steve nodded, the tears building in his eyes once again. "But we thought that he was still in fucking Florida."

It clicked for Bucky then as he correctly assumed, "Brock is his stepdad."

"Yup," Steve confirmed, his throat tight with emotion. His lower lip quivered as a tear escaped. Wiping the salty droplet from his cheek, Steve confessed, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do Monday."

"Maybe you should wait," Bucky suggested, stepping forward and wrapping him up in a hug, "Use some of those vacation days." Rubbing over Steve's back, and kissing his temple, "At least until we can figure this out. And we will figure this out."

"I just --" Steve cut himself off. Not knowing how to end his sentence. Just knowing that he felt sick and his heart ached. But also knowing that Bucky made it better. He had Bucky. He always had Bucky. Bucky would make it better.

"It'll be okay," Bucky promised. Rubbing soothing circles around Steve's back, "It'll be okay."