Begin Again | Sam Wilson

Chapter Twenty Seven

Brianna loved Sam more than anything. However, in the current moment, she loved him slightly less for asking her to go with him to the opening of Steve's new exhibit. She was in a really good space all things considered. She had a good job. An amazing boyfriend. She had lost her mom, of course, but she was starting to cope better. She just didn't know if she could handle sitting in a crowded room full of people who admired Steve while she knew, deep down, the man he really was.

She ran shaky hands over the navy blue dress she had chosen before stepping into a pair of heels. It was a simple dress that had short sleeves and hugged her figure. The hemline of the dress stopped just above her knees. She had left her hair down, but pinned part of it back to keep it out of her eyes.

"Hey, do you think you could-" Sam stopped talking as he walked into the bathroom to find Brianna staring at herself. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." She said with a forced smile.

"Could you help me with my tie?" He asked.

She obliged and walked over to him. She took the silk tie from his hand and looped it around his neck before starting the process of tying it. The entire time Sam kept his eyes fixated on her face. She was avoiding looking at him directly, but he could still make out a hint of sadness.

"Hey," he whispered as she finished with his tie. He hooked his finger under her chin and lifted it up so their eyes could meet. "It means a lot that you're going with me. I don't know if I could do this alone. Thank you."

"You're welcome." She managed.

He pulled her into him, stealing a quick kiss before they gathered their things so they could go to the museum. Her eyes landed on the leather bag that contained the shield. She still didn't fully agree with Sam's decision, but she did understand it. After the ceremony the two of them would head back to his place to change and grab their things before taking a flight to Louisiana, so she could finally meet his sister. Honestly, she was more nervous about the ceremony than meeting his sister.

The world knew about Steve and Brianna. By now, they had figured out that the two of them were no longer together. Questions of course arose as to what happened to the seemingly happy couple, but she swore she would never tell what actually happened. All eyes landed on them as their car pulled up to the marble steps of the museum. Cameras began to flash. People began to shower them with questions. Brianna swallowed dryly and reached for Sam's hand.

Brianna didn't consider herself a dependent person, but in the moment, she needed Sam and he needed her. She didn't care about what crappy articles would be written about the two of them. Probably something about her fucking Captain America's sidekick. Everywhere she looked, there was Steve. His cold, blue eyes seemed to drill holes into her body. She could feel anger growing in her, but she tried to suppress it.

She could feel even more people staring at the two of them as they took their seats on the front row. She was however, happy to see Rhodey there. He looked okay considering that he lost his best friend six months ago. Brianna sat quietly, almost stone like, as a few introductions were made. Then, it was Sam's time to speak. In the moment, regardless of why the moment was happening, she was proud of him.

"Steve represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. And he mastered posing stoically. The world has been forever changed. A few months ago, billions of people reappeared after five years away, sending the world into turmoil. We need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we're in. Symbols... are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning. And this thing..." Sam spoke as he reached down to unzip the case and produced the shield. "I don't know if there's ever been a greater symbol. But it's more about the man who propped it up, and he's gone. So, today we honor Steve's legacy. But also, we look to the future. So, thank you, Captain America. But this belongs to you."

Brianna clapped and smiled proudly at Sam as did everyone else in the room. She could see the sadness and even a small amount of regret in eyes as he handed it over. It almost was sealing the fact that her life with Steve was over as they closed the case. It was like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

"So," Rhodey began as they stood out in the atrium waiting for Sam. "How long have the two of you been together?"

"That obvious?" Brianna asked with a smile.

"Well, the two of you kind of walked in hand and hand." He stated.

"Three months. I know it may seem soon to some people, but he's...he's a really good guy. Anyways. How have you been?" She asked.

Rhodey shrugged his shoulders. "I've been okay. Taking it day by day."

"I understand that." She agreed just as Sam joined them. She reached up to kiss him softly. "You did good."

"Thank you." He told her.

"Would it be okay if I stole Sam from you real quick?" Rhodey asked.

"That's fine. I have to go do a few things anyways. I'll see you at the house." She told Sam.

By a few things, she meant check on Bucky. Fury was still having her check up on him every so often. She didn't mind for the most part. Unless he was in a foul mood. Usually she would either pick up a few groceries or take out since he was still essentially a hermit crab. Today, it would be groceries since she would be out of town for a little while. She carried armfuls of groceries up the stairs and stopped at his door. She attempt to knock with her hand, but settled with kicking the door gently since her hands were full.

"You could have called me. I would have helped you." Bucky said annoyed as he helped her inside.

"Yes, well, in case you didn't notice, you don't like to answer your phone. Sam and I have been trying to invite you over for dinner for months." She said.

"Can you please stop bringing me groceries? I'm not a child, Brianna."

Brianna raised an eyebrow at him. "Not a child. Let's see about that."

She went to the fridge and opened it to see it empty aside from a few beers and almost empty carton of milk. She walked over to the pantry and opened it. Also empty.

Bucky raised his hands up. "Alright, alright I get it."

"Without me, you would starve. Most people would say 'thank you' and not argue." She said and began putting the groceries. "I also made you a couple of meals, so you don't have to cook."

"Thank you. Why are you dressed so nicely? Not that I mind. It does a good job of showing your as-"

Bucky stopped himself when she threw a roll of paper towels at him. She paused putting the groceries up. She had realized she had never told Bucky about the ceremony. She felt like a complete idiot.

"Did you not get the invitation?" She asked, trying to cover her tracks.

"The one for Steve? Why would I want to go to that? People would just stare at me and take pictures. Wait. Why did you go? You don't like Steve." He asked.

Brianna swallowed thickly. "Umm, I went because Sam went."

"Liar."

"Sam gave the shield to the museum."

Bucky's face hardened. "But Steve gave it to him."

"I know, Bucky. I know. I tried to convince him to keep it, but...." She trailed off.

"So, now it's just going to sit in some damn museum? He could have at least given it to me."

"I'm sorry, Bucky. I really am." She glanced down at the time on her phone. "I'm sorry. I have to go. Just, call me if you need anything. I mean it, okay?"

"Okay." Bucky mumbled and watched her go.