Secrets 🖤

Chapter 3

Maggie has her bag packed early as she waited in the kitchen for Steve. She had just finished eating when she saw him come into the kitchen, "I made breakfast, do you want some before we leave?"

She heard him sigh, "no. I'm okay. Let's just go. Are you ready?"

"Sure." She went to grab her bag, but he grabbed both bags, carrying them to the car before climbing into the driver seat. They sat in silence for over an hour before she finally looked at him, "can I turn on the radio Steve?"

"Do what you want Margaret." She watched him drive for a while as she found music to listen to. She found a song and started singing along:

🎵I don't mind you hangin' out
And talkin' in your sleep
It doesn't matter where you've been
As long as it was deep, yeah
You always knew to wear it well and
You look so fancy I can tell
And I don't mind you hangin' out
And talkin' in your sleep
I guess you're just what I needed
I needed someone to feed
I guess you're just what I needed
I needed someone to bleed
I don't mind you comin' here
And wastin' all my time, time
'Cause when you're standing oh so near
I kinda lose my mind, yeah🎵

She looked at Steve and found him smirking at her. "Oh my god that's the closest I've ever gotten to a smile!" She watched him look at her and give a small laugh, "hallelujah Steve!"

Steve laughed, turning the music down a bit, "okay."

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They arrived at their destination to see they were sharing an apartment for a few days. They were supposed to pose as a married couple. They looked around to see only one bed, "I'll sleep on the couch. You can have the bedroom Margaret."

"You don't have to do that Steve. We can take turns."

Steve shook his head, "no. It's fine." He grabbed a box from his bag, opening it to display two rings. He looked up at her, "we're supposed to be married. Tony gave these to me." He took out the smaller gold band, sliding it delicately on her finger before putting on his own.

Maggie watched him slide the ring on her finger, his eyes not leaving hers as he did. She knew Bucky was right, he was complicated. She just wished he would let her in a bit.

After doing some recon, they returned back to their apartment with Chinese food and wine. She sat watching him for a bit, "so you and Sharon? How long have you been dating her?"

Steve shook his head, "not dating exactly. It doesn't matter, nor is it your business."

"Sure." She put the food down, "I'm gonna go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

Steve watched her get up and walk away from him. He sighed and put the food down. He knew all she wanted was for him to just let her in a bit, but he just couldn't. That would mean he would have to face how he was feeling. And he wasn't ready to do that. He stood outside her bedroom door, wanting to knock, wanting to talk. He could hear her crying softly behind the door. He silently reprimanded himself as he laid on the couch.

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Steve woke up in the morning to find Maggie reading in the chair nearby, "Margaret. How long have you been up?"

She looked up from her book to see Steve sitting up, the blanket falling to show his bare chest. She looked back down, "a while. I don't sleep much. Shower is free if you want one before we go out again."

"Sure. Thanks." He stood up, looking at her for a minute before grabbing some clothes to shower, leaving her alone in the living room.

While Steve showered, Maggie made them a quick breakfast, just sitting down to eat as he returned, freshly dressed. He smelled musky; like wood and mint with just a faint hint of orange as he sat down to eat. "Thank you for making breakfast."