Begin Again | Sam Wilson

Chapter Twenty One

"Do you have to leave?" Sam asked from the bed as he watched Brianna pack her things after spending the weekend with him.

She shook her head with a smile. "Yes. Some of us have to work for a living."

"Alright, I see how it is." He teased and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He slipped his pants and shirt back on before standing up so he could help her with her things.

Brianna didn't want to actually leave. She wanted to lay in bed all day with Sam like they had done Saturday, but she did have to go back to work Monday after taking a leave. She had to admit, she was slightly nervous about returning to work. She knew she would be greeted with stares and sympathetic looks. They would more than likely want her her to ease back into work, but she didn't need that. She needed the distraction of being overwhelmed.

"I have an idea." She spoke up after she finished packing.

"You do?" He asked as he folded his arms along his chest.

"Mhm. My brother, Cooper, is turning sixteen this week. Normally we have a small, family dinner at my dad and Laura's place that Saturday. Maybe you could come with me? You don't have to get him anything obviously. I've got that covered." She explained.

Sam was slightly surprised by her question. They had only just begun dating and she was already asking him to join her for family events. Then again, he knew Clint. "You sure?"

She crossed the room and wrapped her arms around his neck while gazing up at him. "I'm very sure. They'll love you. Promise."

"You know what the means?" He asked.

"What?"

"You have to meet my sister and nephews."

"And I will...when I have time." She gave him a quick kiss. "I need to go now. I've got to do laundry and get everything ready for tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too." He told her as she began to walk out the front door. "Sounds like you're making an excuse to not meet her though."

Brianna shook her head with a smile. Truthfully, she was nervous to meet his sister. She knew how protective sisters could be over their brothers since she had four brothers herself. She was also nervous to introduce Sam to her family as her boyfriend. She didn't know how her dad would react to her dating yet another Avenger. Especially so soon after going through a break up.

****

Brianna figured people would stare at her on her first day back at SHIELD. However, she wasn't anticipating that much attention. The moment she walked inside the building everyone stared at her. Those who were standing with someone would whisper as she walked past. She didn't think her mother dying would have that much of an affect on those she worked with. Perhaps they thought she was coming back to work too soon?

She stopped in front of her usually clean desk. A bouquet of flowers and a large stack of cards sat on it. It was a nice touch, but she had already received many flowers, cards and sweet messages from those she worked with. She let her bag hit the ground with a soft thud and sat down in her chair. As she cleared off her desk and powered on her laptop, she noticed Carter, the agent that faced her, was staring at her with wide eyes.

"Good morning..." Brianna said awkwardly, trying to ignore his intense gaze.

"M-Morning." His voice squeaked.

She stopped typing her login in and looked at him. "Alright. What's going on? Why is everyone staring at me? Including you."

"You don't know?" Carter asked.