Steve Rogers X Black F!reader

steve rogers x black f!reader

breaking your own heart for him to find peace and happiness

warnings: angst

in the dim light of your small apartment, you sat curled up on the couch, clutching a worn copy of your favorite book. the cover of the book read ‘God Help the Child’, tales you had lived and breathed since childhood. but the words felt heavier tonight, tinged with the sorrow of reality

steve stood in the doorway, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow. his eyes, usually so full of determination, were clouded with a mixture of gratitude and regret

"y/n.." he began, his voice a soft whisper, "i can't thank you enough for everything. you’ve been my anchor, my confidant”

you forced a smile, though your heart felt like it was being torn apart. "steve, you deserve happiness. real happiness" you paused, gathering the strength to continue. "peggy is your past, your future. she's your soulmate”

he moved closer, the scent of his familiar cologne wrapping around you like a bittersweet embrace. "what about us?" he asked, his voice cracking. "i care about you, y/n. more than you know”

tears welled up in your eyes, but you blinked them away, trying to stay strong. "and i care about you, steve. that's why i have to let you go. you and peggy... you have a chance to live the life you both dreamed of. don’t you see? you’re a man out of time, but she’s a part of that time”

steve reached out, his hand trembling as he brushed a tear from your cheek. "you’re incredible, y/n. i wish things were different

"me too..” you whispered, your voice barely audible. "..but they aren’t. you need to be with her. you deserve that happiness, even if it means i have to let you go”

he pulled you into a gentle embrace, and for a moment, you allowed herself to melt into him, memorizing the feel of his arms around you, the steady beat of his heart

the , with a deep breath, you pulled away. "go, steve. go to her"

he looked at you one last time, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face, before nodding slowly. "thank you, y/n. for everything and for a second chance”

as the door closed behind him, you collapsed onto the couch, the weight of your sacrifice settling heavily on you shoulders. you had given up the one person who made you feel truly alive so he could find his own happiness

and in the quiet of your now empty apartment, you allowed yourself to mourn, knowing you had done the right thing, even as it shattered your heart