The weight of the lies

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America.

Ship: Steve Rogers X Reader.

Word count: 289 words.

Square: 24 "Stop lying."

Rating: Teen.

Summary: Steve's hiding something and lying

Major Tags: Lies.

Additional tags: This is my entry Valentine's edition.

There was something in the air that afternoon. You had noticed something strange about his behavior over the past few days. Something wasn't right, and you knew Steve wasn't telling you the whole truth.

But on this occasion, there was something different about him. He was more distant, more evasive.

You sat across from him, who was standing near the window, looking outside with that thoughtful expression he had learned to recognize.

"Steve," you said softly. "I know you're hiding something from me. Don't keep lying to me."

His body instantly tensed, and his gaze avoided yours for a moment.

"I... I'm not lying," he replied, his voice wavering. You didn't buy it.

"Steve, please, stop lying," you insisted, standing up and moving closer to him. "I know when you're lying to me. I'm not stupid. Don't treat me like I don't know."

It was hard because you knew what was going through his head.

There was a pause, and then, without warning, his eyes met yours.

"It's just..." Steve began, but the words seemed stuck in his throat. Finally, he sighed, lowering his head, and his shoulders slumped a little as if the full weight of the lie was crushing him. "I just don't want this... this to destroy us, you know?"

Your fingers brushed his arm, offering him comfort and, at the same time, gently nudging him to be honest. "Whatever you're carrying, you're not going to lose me over it. I'm not going to leave you alone, Steve. But I do... I need you to tell me the truth."

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he spoke. "I ate the cake you baked the other night; I blamed it on Thor, but it was me."