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xmalereader · 3 years

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Helmut Zemo X Male Reader

|| Masterlist ||

Contains spoilers from tfatws episodes 1-6 and its a Mandalorian AU, this idea was inspired by this user: @clints-lucky-arrow I read their idea about Zemo owning the Darksaber and couldn’t help but feel inspired to write something about it! :)

Summary: After the avengers broke up, Helmut Zemo was never captured or attempted suicide. Instead he went searching for an old artifact that comes from a different planet and that somehow ended up on earth.

Warnings: Slight dark theme, the mandalorian crossover, mandalorian history, darksaber, slight angst, tfatws spoilers, reader is Zemos partner.

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Romania — 2016

Two strangers have been searching for a special artifact for years, it was first found out about when they attended an auction a few years back. Zemo had been trying to get his hands on some Hydra files and a special notebook that contained the code words that can control the Winter Soldier. During their exploring they heard about an artifact that had come from a different planet located far away from their solar system.

Most people would scoff, asking themselves on how something so special could end up on earth, but many people believed that this artifact was real due to them already seeing strange things appearing in their cities and having to deal with alien existence. Zemo had stolen the red notebook and the information about this powerful artifact that has been around for years. He had given this information to his trustworthy partner, allowing him to read and decipher the files. Hoping that it’ll help guide him to this powerful artifact.

His partner, y/n, has been working with Zemo for as long as he can remember. The two have been through thick and thin. They were both loyal and truthful and not once have they thought about betraying the other. After Zemo had given him the files he would spend hours trying to figure out more about this artifacts history and why it was considered important. Both he and Zemo would visit multiple libraries from around the world, reading books that could help them find more information, but they always reached a dead end.

Both he and Zemo were close to giving up until they find something hidden in the Hydra files that were leaked a few years back. Zemo was able to decipher those files, finding information about the artifact and where it could be located.

“They called it the Darksaber.” Zemo read out loud as he sets a picture down in front of y/n, the Darksaber was straight, rectangular shape, with a guard. It didn’t look anything special to him as he raised a brow at the picture. “Where was it Last located?” He asks, pushing his book aside.

“Romania.” Zemo replies back, looking through the hydra files as he sets it down on the coffee table. “It says here that the Darksaber was a unique black bladed saber that was created by someone named Tarre Vizsla.” Zemo sits across from y/n as he explains where the Darksaber came from. “It says that the Darksaber came from a planet named Mandalore, a home planet where the most powerful and strongest warriors lived. They called themselves Mandalorians.”

Y/n looks at the hydra files and bites his lip. “Why do you think Hydra has this information? I mean—this Darksaber must’ve been important to these mandalorians.” He said. “So, why is it here or how did it end up here?” He asks. “The Darksaber is a powerful weapon that is won during battle and whoever wields it can claim the throne on Mandalore.” Said Zemo, giving him a small grin and a small tilt of his head.

“Wait, so your saying that if we find this Darksaber. It could be possible that we could rule a whole unknown planet?” The other whispers out in shock, not believing that a weapon like this could gain control over a lot of people and a whole planet. “Even if we find it here, it won’t be possible to rule over Mandalore. The planets location is unknown to us and the artifact is millions of years old, we don’t know if Mandalorians are still around.” Zemo explains. “Also, we don’t know much about them that it’s hard to say on how this Darksaber ended up here in the first place.”

The two wanted to find this Darksaber but still had a lot of questions about these Mandalorians and their planet, they still don’t know how important this artifact is or the history behind it. All they know that it used to belong to someone and that it’s used to claim the throne, but nothing else is mentioned. They don’t know what Mandalorians are or what they do, they don’t know anything about their culture or their ways of living. It all still remained a mystery.

After getting enough information they were able to find the Darksabers location near Romania, hidden deep inside a castle. Both y/n and Zemo had to find ways on how to find the Darksaber in the castle, they would take tours around the castle, hoping to find something that’ll tell them where it’s located. Sometimes they would break in late at night, taking out the guards and stealing their outfits as they searched around the castle grounds. It didn’t take long for Y/n to find the Darksaber, hearing a soft whisper through the tunnels during one of their late night break ins.

Claim me

Y/n felt himself shiver, not knowing if he was hearing things or slowly going crazy. He searches for Zemo that night, telling him that he could hear whispers around the castle. He expected Zemo to brush it off and tell him that it’s probably nothing, but the older man could only stare at him with wide eyes as he says.

“You hear it too?”

The two followed the voice through the tunnels, hearing it grow louder as they approached their destination. Y/n had to cover his ears at one point, not being able to take the voice anymore. It felt dark and desperate, wanting someone to claim it. Zemo was able pinpoint its location. The Darksaber was hidden behind a wall with Mandalore writing, but the two had no way of understanding the language.

The break in again the next night, bringing useful tool that’ll help them break open the wall. The two took turns breaking down the wall, hearing the voice grow louder as they got closer to the Darksaber.

Claim

The voice continued to chant as Zemo finally breaks a hole through the wall, Hearing the voice die down as a cloud of dust blocks their vision. Y/n coughs and waves his hand around, clearing out the dust as he look inside to see the Grey hilt lying inside. Zemo steps up and reaches inside, taking the hilt in his hand as he looks at it carefully.

Y/n looks back inside to see a small cylinder, reaching in he takes out the strange cylinder and places it in his hand. “What—?” He gasps in shock as the strange device lights up, showing a hologram of a stranger wearing silver armor.

“My name is Din Djarin, Ruler of Mandalore.”

Zemo steps up and gently takes the device from y/n, holding it out for the two of them to see.

“If you are receiving this message, it is because Mandalore has fallen. Throughout the years, Mandalorians have been trying to search for peace, wanting to claim Mandalore back and to rebuild their home planet. But, due to my claim of the throne the Mandalorians have split up. Some wanting to follow a leader that’ll help them through both battle and politics while others wish to follow a leader that followed the old ways.” Din explains.

“I won the Darksaber in battle by protecting my son. I had no reason to claim the throne on Mandalore and did not want this responsibility. I have tried many times on getting rid of the Darksaber, but due to our stories the only way that it can be taken is if the rightful ruler is battled for the throne.” Din goes silent for a few seconds before letting out a small sigh. “My people saw me as the rightful ruler of mandalore. They saw me as their leader and as someone they could look up too. I’ve lead a planet to peace and not war, I’ve worked my way through politics and wanting to keep my people safe, until a certain Mandalorian named Bo-Katan, challenged me for the Darksaber. She has battled me many times and not once did she succeed.” Dins shoulder tense as his helmet tilts to the side. “Bo-Katan always wanted power. She was selfish and didn’t think about her own decisions which caused another purge on Mandalore. The Darksaber is too powerful and dangerous, which is why I kept It hidden. If this message reaches you than please, keep the Darksaber safe. This is the way.”

The holo comes to an end as it turns off on its own, leaving he room in silence as Y/n and Zemo stare at the empty holo. Y/n gently lowers his arm down, gripping the holo as he sighs deeply and slips it inside his bag, turning back to Zemo. “A purge on their home planet, all because of that.” He points at the grey hilt that Zemo held in his hand.

“The Darksaber is a symbol to them, a symbol of leadership. Something that his people believed in until one of them focused more on the power of this weapon than on the symbolism that it represents.” Said Zemo. He tilts the hilt to the side and placed his hand on the small trigger, awakening the Darksaber as it ignites its dark blade.

Y/n’s widen in amazement as he steps closer, feeling the heat as he stares at the black balded saber. “Like the king said, we must keep it safe.” He hears Zemo say as he too stares at the blade before switching it off and seeing the blade disappear.

Germany — 2024

“Why is he out of prison?!” Sam shouts at Bucky as they stood in the same garage as Zemo. A few years ago Zemo was captured by t’challa, sending him to prison for the murder of his father. Zemo spent 6 years in prison until he officially broke himself out in order to help both Bucky and Sam with their super soldier situation.

“If I may—“

“No!”

Both Bucky and Sam say at the same time as they glare at Zemo.

“—apologize.” Zemo mumbles the last part in a soft whisper as he allows the others to argue like an old married couple while he makes his way around the garage, collecting some clothes to change into since he was still wearing the guards clothes.

“So what can you tell us about the super soldier serum?” Asked Sam as they followed the man closely as Zemo explains to them on how to find the serum and how he has connections with people that can help them out.

“But first, I suggest getting ready before we head off.” He gives the two a smile before leaving to change, he pulls out his phone and dials a number, placing the phone near his ear as he smiles at the sound of his partners soft voice.

“Liebling, prepare a private plane, I’m coming home.”

“Who’s this?” Sam asks as he nods towards the other man who stood outside of the private jet. Zemo smirks as he approaches the other man, “Liebling.” He says as he leans forward to place a kiss on his husbands lips. “This is Y/n, my husband.” He introduces to both Bucky and Sam.

Bucky scoffs. “That can’t be right.”

Y/n glares. “Is their a problem with me being married to a man?”

“I’m not worried about you getting married to a man, I’m worried on how you got married to him.” Bucky points at Zemo who only rolls his eyes and boards the plane. “Who I marry shouldn’t matter to you.” Y/n says back harshly as he boards the plane, sitting across from Zemo as he leans back in his seat.

“Hast du es mitgebracht?” Asked Zemo

Did you bring it?

Y/n opens the left side of his coat to show Zemo the Darksaber clipped to his belt. “I always keep it close, just as promised.” He answers back. The Darksaber has been in their lives for awhile now. They have been keeping it safe and away from people that’ll abuse it’s power. The Darksaber was special, it had spoken to them many times about its history and the darkness behind it. But, both Zemo and Y/n try their best to control the blades darkness and to not allow it to corrupt them.

“Where exactly are we heading?” Y/n asks as he takes Zemo’s book and flips through the first few pages. “Madripoor, their will find someone who will give us information about the serum and who is making it.” He explains, watching y/n closely as he bites his lip and sets the book aside. “Let’s hope we don’t get into any trouble.” He added with crossed arms as he too stares back at Zemo. The two making eye contact.

“I hate to break the sexual tension but—how exactly did you two meet?” Sam asks, causing y/n to blush hard as he looks out the window, ignoring both Sam and Bucky.

“Y/n and I used to work together, before Sokovia. He helped me through missions and planning the battle between the avengers.” He explains, noticing Bucky turn his harsh glare towards y/n. “He helped you find the records?”

“Actually, he helped on finding your code words.” Said Zemo, “the rest I did myself.” He adds in the end.

Y/n glanced over to Sam and Bucky and glares back. “You can be upset as you want, because what we did was the right choice.” He hissed out, curling up on the chair as he turns on his side. His back facing them as he tries to sleep for the rest of the flight.

Zemo chuckles and gives the other two a shrug. “I suggest not getting on my husbands nerves, he won’t hesitate to cause harm and I won’t be able to hold him back.” It was true, both y/n and Zemo were powerful together.

Both Bucky and Sam decide to ignore Zemo and try to get some sleep before they arrive to Madripoor to deal with the trouble that is coming for them.

Their mission to Madripoor become a disaster after their cover was blown. But, lucky for them they were able to find an ally who helped them through their issues. Sharon was able to find the scientist that was creating the super soldier serum, giving them the location and allowing them to deal with the man.

After Zemo had shot the scientist, chaos erupted around them. The place was blown up and bounty hunters were after them, wanting to claim the price on their heads. As Bucky and Sam struggled with killing off the hunters they quickly forgot about Zemo and Y/n who had disappeared a few minutes ago.

Y/n soon appears, dropping down in front of Sam and Bucky as he wore a black mask over his mouth. Covering half of his face as he glared at the bounty hunters. He removes the Darksaber from his belt and ignites it, feeling the power run through his body as he strikes down the first person In front of him. It only takes him a few minutes to take down all of the bounty hunters, using the Darksaber to block the bullets as he cuts them down.

Once the shooting grew quiet he stands over the dead bodies, removing his mask as he turns off the Darksaber and clips it back onto his belt. He turns around to face the others who stares back at him with fear in their eyes. Y/n sighs and turns back around to see Zemo approaching them with a car, giving them all a friendly smile. Y/n rolls his eyes and chuckles, “thought you left me behind.” He says and hops into the front seat.

Zemo shakes his head. “I would never.” He leans forward to kiss his head before driving off once Bucky and Sam get in. They drive back to their private jet, leaving the car behind once they arrived. As they board the plane once again they sit on their usual spots, with Zemo watching y/n read.

“What was that back there?”

Zemo raises a brow. “What was what?” He questions, tilting his head towards Sam. “That thing he had-“ he nods towards y/n. “What was it?” Sam grew curious, wanting to know what the weapon was.

Y/n sits up and removes the Darksaber from his belt, setting it on the middle of the table that stood between him and Zemo. “It’s called the Darksaber, it’s an ancient weapon that was found far away from our solar system.” Explained y/n. “The Darksaber already claimed Zemo as his owner, but it trusts me and allows me to use it.”

“That thing speaks to you?”

Zemo clears his throat. “It’s ancient and from another world. It only speaks to its owner or who they think is the rightful owner.” He takes the Darksaber in his own hand and smiles at the powerful feeling. “It is very powerful and special, we both keep it safe from prying hands.”

Bucky chuckles. “A weapon that dangerous shouldn’t be wielded by either of you.” He said. “We saw what you did back there, you slaughter those men like it was nothing.” He tells y/n who glares at him angrily. “Those men almost killed us, your lucky I saved your life or else I would’ve left you to die. This weapon protected me and saved us.” He hissed out.

“Besides, the Darksaber doesn’t respond to just anyone. It only obeys the wielder.” Y/n adds, looking at the Darksaber. Zemo holds the saber in his hand and gives it back to y/n, trusting him to keep it safe for the mean time. “I trust him to keep it safe.” He whispers under his breath, already knowing that the Darksaber was speaking to him.

“Will be making a stop in Riga, for now, get some rest.” Said Zemo.

Y/n Stands up and walks towards the back of the plane where a private room was setup for only him and Zemo. He pushes the curtain aside as he steps inside and closes it behind him, removing his coat and tossing it aside as he flops down on the bed. Letting out a loud moan, shifting into a more comfortable position.

It didn’t take long for Zemo to enter the private room, sitting on the bed as he leans down to kiss y/n’s temple. “Any word on the mandalorians?” He asks.

Y/n shifts onto his back with a sigh, removing the Darksaber from his hand as he hands it back to Zemo. “A few months back I met a Mandalorian—he was quiet small but powerful.” He furrows his brows together. “He said that he has been searching for the Darksaber for years, that it belonged to his father Din Djarin. I asked him if he was still around but the formal leader of Mandalore passed away many years ago.” He still remembers hearing the mandalorians voice go soft as he mentions his deceased father, feeling upset.

“I asked if he came to take the Darksaber back and he said no, told me that he does not wish to have saber. Said that it’s best for it to continue staying here on earth, far away from anyone else. He said that the Darksaber held too much power.”

Zemo examines the hilt as he listens y/n explain his interaction with a mandalorian. A group of people that they thought had either gone extinct or into hiding.

“He knows your the wielder and was able to feel the connection that both you and the saber have.” He hears y/n say. “The Mandalorian trusts us with it and believes that will take care of it.” Y/n leans his head on Zemos shoulder.

“As long as it stays here, it is safe.” Zemo responded back, setting the Darksaber to the side as he pulls his husband into a hug, placing a kiss on his neck as the two enjoy each other’s company, knowing that this powerful weapon could lead them into discovering new things that this world doesn’t know quiet yet.

#male reader #helmut zemo #helmut Zemo x male reader #zemo x male reader #baron zemo x male reader #baron zemo #the mandalorain #the mandalorian crossover #au #crossover

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mothsonasnailsmushroom · 2 years

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I don’t want to die but anxiety is really getting me over this whole immortality thing

Summary:

There was a teenager who became the next in line to be a harbinger of chaos, but they were only seventeen years of age when they accepted the ancient demonic creatures offer, four years later reality set in. They didn’t want immortality they just wanted the power so that no one could hurt them ever again but as always the truth took a toll on them. Whoever knew them and the truth found them to be a wicked monster. So they gathered the strongest people they knew of and put them on a planet in their hand me down universe and explained away the rules of their game: “push me to my limit see that I am evil and kill me that’s how you win and go home.”

———————————————————————

Practically father and son: IronMan: genius billionaire playboy philanthropist & SpiderMan, he’s the neighborhood’s friendliest.

The Super Soldier Duo: Captain America: The USAs golden child & The Winter Solider: hydra’s ultimate weapon.

The Sorcerer’s: Doctor Strange: Surgeon turned Sorcery & Wong: Librarian into Sorcerer Supreme.

The Asguardians: Thor Odinson: God of Thunder & Loki Laufeyson: God of Mischief.

Her, her lover, and her brother: The Scarlet Witch: Strongest Magic User, Vision: Earths Miracle,& Quicksilver: Fastest Man Alive

The King of Wakanda: The Black Panther

Protector of Ta Lo & Holder of the ten rings: Shang Chi

As all the hero’s appeared one by one on a unfamiliar planet they all thought similar things

Why am I here

What is this place

Why is it so desolate

But soon as all the warriors were gathered in the field a person appeared they looked tired and sad although it was masked by the wicked grin on their face they spoke ‘I see you’re all here. Well of course you are I brought you here, now listen carefully here is what’s going to happen you all will be scattered across this planet, you are to find me and kill me if you don’t kill me I will- they paused unsure of what would motivate these hero’s but they quickly started again ‘I WILL BLOW UP EARTH and the moon why not… any questions?’

Captain America spoke up ‘What have the people of earth done to you for you to want to destroy it?’

‘Three people have wronged me but besides them no one has wronged me enough to warrant this’

Spider man then piped up ‘well if there’s no reason for you to blow up earth why do it?’

‘It’s only so you will find and kill me quicker’

‘Why do you want to die?’

Everyone looked at doctor strange he continued ‘is there nothing worth living for on-

The wicked entity cut him off with a raised hand ‘Don’t worry I had plenty to live for but, I just don’t want to live with the fact that everyone who came to know me grew to be disgusted and disappointed by who and what I am.’

Loki chimed in ‘surely there was someone who knew you and accepted you who would always stay by your side?’

‘There was but I couldn’t bare the thought that if I had granted him immortality that he would only have me for the rest of time.’

‘That’s enough questions though it’s time for this endeavor to begin you each have been given a bag with water and nutritionally complete meat sticks in case you don’t reach me quickly these bags will automatically refill so don’t worry.’

Something was off Shang Chi felt the need to point out this weird feature of this adventure.

‘Why give us food and water if we’re your enemies’

‘That’s a good question I’m not a monster and I need you to live to defeat me but anyway let this whole thing begin!’

———————————————————————

All the hero’s turned as a circle of portals surrounded them, what they didn’t notice was the growing orb in the middle of the group. Well when they noticed a little too late it exploded sending them through their respective portals…

——————————-

Shang Chi and T’challa were sent through a portal together they ended up in a dense jungle type biome together they figured the best course of action was to get to where that person was hiding as quickly as possible.

Wanda, Pietro, and Vision ended up in a desert area. It wasn’t hot as it always seemed to be in a perpetual dusk on this planet, not quite night but definitely not day.

The two sorcerers ended up on a boat in the middle of a vast ocean but luckily for them there was an island not too far they just had to get to it with no oars

The Asgardians ended up in a thick forest but both ended up coming to different conclusions on how to best get to their goal. The trickster god managed to convince his brother to let his clone do recon before just he just flew off in a random direction.

The super soldiers were dropped in a expansive snowy basin, they would have to climb a considerable height.

The iron spider duo ended up in a fog coated swamp they ended up with Ironman expertly flying through the muck and Spider-Man swinging from tree to tree.

A day has now passed

Each team has now reached a checkpoint beacon

#iron man #spiderman #captain america #the winter soldier #doctor strange #Wong #thor odinson #loki laufeyson #the scarlet witch #quicksilver #the vision #black panther #shang chi #marvel

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moonlit-imagines · 4 years

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Headcanons for being T’Challa and Nakia’s child

T’Challa/Nakia x child!reader

warnings:

a/n: thank you anon 💕

prompt: anonymous: “i love your work so much!! can i request a headcanon for being nakia and t'challa's (mcu) child? sending my love to you💕💕”

your parents were very busy people

but they always made time for you

your mother, nakia, taught you tons about strength and kindness

your father, t’challa, taught you how to be humble and honest

they were good at their job

your grandparents adored you, they would spend every second with you if they could

“my son, where is my grandchild? send them my way when you have a moment”

“yes, father, i will”

your childhood was bright, full of love

your parents only feared your curiosity of the world, anything outside of wakana

shuri was your designated babysitter, she had a knack for teaching you vulgar language and hand signs

“ah, shit” -shuri after dropping a part on the ground

“shit”

“no! no, no, don’t say that. auntie shuri didn’t mean to say that. oh, your father is going to kill me”

but she also shared her smarts with you, a powerful weapon, in her book

it made t’challa proud

nakia carried you until you were too big to be carried

she was worried you’d get into some type of trouble just like your father

but she also taught you how to defend yourself

you had many paths ahead of you, one of royalty, one of a warrior, and one of knowledge

your mother was a caring person, she wanted to help others above all, you got your caring nature from her

your father saw much of your mother in you, which he found comfort in while she was away

you were a natural-born leader, as well, fitting for your future

“y/n, one day, you may lead our people to greatness, just like your grandfather”

“auntie shuri told me that i’m gonna be a ‘kickass (king/queen/ruler)’”

“oh, she did, did she?”

“she also showed me this” *sticks middle finger up*

t’challa had to have a word with his sister

family dinners were very exciting, you always sat next to your grandmother

she always gave you a bit of her dessert

“don’t tell your father, this is our little secret”

don’t get me started on okoye, that woman adores you

she would do anything for you

“okoye, can you cover for me if i sneak out for the day? i’d like to see more of the kingdom”

“you know i don’t like lying to your father”

“pleaaaase?”

“...fine. go along now”

you were very persuasive sometimes

your first trip out of the country was a bleak affair, it was supposed to teach you of diplomacy

but at this UN meeting, your grandfather was murdered, sparking a fire in you that your parents couldn’t ignore, you were just like them

okoye was supposed to make sure you stayed out of trouble while your father got his revenge, but something about this situation didn’t feel right

“okoye, i want to fight with him”

“you’re too young, y/n, i will not disobey direct orders”

“i need to do this!”

once your father learned the truth about the circumstances of grandfather t’chaka’s death, you returned home with a few passengers

soon, bucky barnes lived within your borders

“before i am king, i must get your mother”

“i thought she didn’t want anyone in the way of her mission?”

“extenuating circumstances”

“wonderful, don’t freeze up”

“did okoye tell you to say that?”

and your father was crowned king, taking on the mantle of the black panther

and you got to see your mother after some time apart

“my baby! how are you?”

“im well, mother, and you?”

she wrapped you up in a loving hug

“i’ve missed you”

you desperately wanted to be out in the field, you’ve gone as far as working in shuri’s lab on your own weapons and...other tech

“what’s that, y/n?”

“it’s a surprise tool that will help us later”

“you’re lucky im not a snitch”

she encouraged your work as a warrior

“do not waste your talent, my (neice, nephew, nibling)”

and you soon needed to use your inventions to defeat your second cousin, erik

you finally felt your father’s pain when erik murdered him in front of you

nakia rushed you and your paternal family away before any harm could be done to you

“mother, i cannot sit on the sidelines any longer!”

“and i cannot lose my lover and my child in the same day”

but your luck hadn’t run out yet, your father was still alive, barely clinging to life

“wake up, father”

and then he did, with a plan

your suit making it’s debut alongside your mother and aunt

“i don’t know whether to be upset or proud, my child”

“please let it be proud”

proving that you could kick some serious ass out there, which solved your previous ailment

“proud, it is!”

actually ending up worrying over your mother

“y/n, don’t worry about me, worry about yourself”

once the fighting had ceased, your father found you in your battle gear

“what do we have here?”

“...”

“it suits you, y/n”

“you’re not mad?”

“i cant be mad at you for following in my footsteps”

your mother stayed in wakanda for a while, everything seemed to play out well for a while

but time went on and new challenges surfaced

the avengers’ visit resulted in a massacre

you fought with your people and still failed to protect them like you were told to do

“father, there’s too many of them!”

“don’t worry, little one! i know you can do this!”

okoye was protecting you through part of the battle, much to your dismay

when thanos snapped, your father and aunt disappeared, leaving you to the throne

“grandmother, please guide me”

“i will, my dear, but you must follow your own path, as well”

five years went by and you worked to help rehabilitate your country after the loss of so many people, it wasn’t the same

until everyone suddenly reappeared

“father?”

“what happened here?”

“uh...you died?”

“what?”

“you died five years ago, i’ve been ruling ever since...”

“i assume this means we have a fight coming our way”

“i wouldn’t be surprised”

there was a great fight against a thanos from a decade or so ago

it was a rough fight, i’ll give you that, but this teamup was legendary

you were surrounded by an incredible array of heroes that wouldn’t let you down

and your father only worried about you a little bit, he trusted you

you on the other hand? you were terrified of losing him again

but your father was not the one to lose his life, instead it was the father of a young girl

tony stark gave his life so that the rest of you may live

the least you could do was pay your respects

you attended the funeral with t’challa

he let it be known that he was incredibly proud of how you handled yourself in the years he was absent

“oh yeah, well, when we get home, i think our people need their rightful king back”

taglist: @alwaysananglophile // @rorybutnotgilmore // @locke-writes // @sweetheartlisbeth // @queen-destenie // @natasha-danvers // @allthecreativeonesaretaken // @frostedgiant // @praellee // @emygirl // @lotsoffandomrecs //

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just-dreaming-marvel · 4 years

Text

Love Is Not Forced ~ 15

MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,325ish

Summary: At Asgard’s celebration, many talks are had.

The bed in the room which Y/N was staying, felt like a cloud. She had the best sleep she’d had in years. She might choose one of the Asgard Princes just for the beds. The royal family had suggested that the Princess rest until evening, so that she could have enough energy for the nights celebration. Y/N agreed, just so that she wasn’t making a bad impression. Wanda and the Asgardian servants appointed to help her during her stay, brought in food while she spent the day reading, writing letters, and napping.

Y/N looked through the many dresses and found one that she felt would suit best. It was a big green gown with gold embroidery. Loki’s colors. It would make a statement, catch many eyes. But, she knew it would definitely catch the eye of the man she wanted it to.

Once Wanda had her dressed and looking her very best, the Princess made her way to where the celebration was being held. She could hear that it had already started, but she didn’t expect them to wait for her. Y/N had been taught that it was good for a Princess to make a little entrance. The crowd grew silent as she made her way into the room. She smiled and gave small bows of her head as she made her way towards the King and Queen, who were seated on the thrones on the other side of the room.

“Your Majesties,” she greeted the King and Queen, giving them a curtsy.

“Rise, my daughter,” the King spoke, standing to meet her. “You do not need to bow to us here. Here you are one of us.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honored.”

“My sons are currently enjoying the festivities with their friends. I’m sure that they’ll come looking for you shortly. Until then, I would like to speak to you myself.”

The King held his arm out for her to take. She slipped her arm through and allowed him to guide her around.

“My sources tell me that you’ve been very close to my youngest son, Loki,” the King started.

“Is one of your sources my Father?”

“Yes. He is worried about your closeness with him. And he has a right to be. How much to you know about my son?”

“Well, he is kind, smart, trustworthy—“

“Trustworthy?” Odin chuckled. “That is not something Loki is usually called. I’m sure people have warned you of him. But, did they tell you why?”

“I’m afraid not.”

“Loki has always been jealous of Thor, that he is the heir to the throne. Loki is adopted, much like yourself. I found him after a war with his people. I took him in, knowing that issues might arise. Not long after we adopted him, his people joined Hydra. The Queen and I made the decision not to tell Loki about his past until he was in his mid-teens.”

“I can only imagine how that must have gone.”

“It didn’t go very well. Under our noses, he made connections with them. Formed an alliance with them. When it came time to celebrate Thor reaching adulthood, Loki and Hydra planned an invasion. They infiltrated the palace, trying to take the throne. We didn’t know Loki was at the helm of it until I was poisoned. He sat by my side, not realizing my wife was near, and admitted that he was trying to get the throne. He was thrown in prison soon after. My wife, who is very forgiving, convinced me to let him out after a year. I obeyed her wish. Loki thoroughly apologized. Thor and Frigga were quick to forgive him, unlike myself. I’m still concerned that not all his actions are made with good intentions. His friendship with you is one of them.”

“Your son has showed me nothing but kindness, Your Highness.”

“I am not surprised. I am telling you this just so you are on guard.” The King stopped, moving to stand in front of the Princess. “I can not honestly say that Loki is using you. But I want you to be careful. From what I’ve heard, you are an amazing woman, and I would hate to see anything happen to you.”

“Thank you for your honesty, King Odin. But I don’t believe that Loki is using me.”

“Just be careful, my daughter. Do not let your guard all the way down until you’ve been around him more.”

“Princess!” Thor’s booming voice bounced off the pillars the King and Princess had been walking passed. “You look absolutely stunning this evening.” The Prince grabbed her hand, leaving a kiss on it but not letting go. “Do you mind if I take her from you, Father?”

“Not at all,” Odin gave his son a small smile. “We had just finished our conversation.”

Thor quickly pulled her away from the King. “I hope he didn’t bore you, Princess. He can tend to make the most alert people fall asleep.”

“He was fine. Where are you taking me?”

“To meet some friends.”

Thor led her to a large side room. In there, she was introduced to Thor and Loki’s friends: Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, Fandral, Hogun, and Volstagg. Loki was in there, immediately greeting Y/N will a kiss to the cheek. The group stayed in that side room, away from the other festivities, long into the night. It was nice, for Y/N, to be around people close to her age. She’d hadn’t had that since she was a regular girl in the village.

As the night began to turn into morning, Y/N found herself leaning against Loki to help herself from falling over due to exhaustion.

“I’m going to take the Princess to her chambers,” Loki announced, arm around Y/N’s waist to keep her standing.

“Ever the gentleman, Loki,” Hogun laughed. “Better watch out, Thor, you’ve got some competition for her heart.”

“I’m not worried!” Thor bellowed as Loki led the Princess out of the room. Once the two were gone, Thor continued. “King Anthony has made his position clear. The Princess is to marry an heir to the throne. T’Challa has stepped away from the race for her heart. And King Anthony has said that he doesn’t trust Loki with his daughter and would never let her end up with him. So that just leaves myself and King Steven of Brooklyn.”

“Are you worried that King Anthony will choose King Steven over you?” Lady Sif wondered. “Alexandria and Brooklyn have a close alliance, and their union could keep it that way.”

“As I said,” Thor took a drink of the wine in his large cup, “I’m not worried. The Princess dislikes the King of Brooklyn. Though no one seems to know why.”

“Princess!” Wanda exclaimed when Loki entered the chambers with Y/N in his arms. “What happened?”

“She’s just tired,” Loki responded, setting the Princess down on the bed.

“I don’t think I can recall a time where the Princess has ever stayed up this late.”

“Well, I can only hope that she had a good time.” Loki looked at Y/N, brushing her hair off her face.

“You really do care about her. Don’t you?”

Loki simply gave a small smile, before pressing a kiss to Y/N’s forehead and taking his leave.

“I told her,” the King stated upon Loki shutting the Princess’ door. “I told her what you did. And yet she still stuck by your side all night. I don’t know if that says more about her or you.”

“I think that the Princess is wise enough to make her own decision on who should should spend her time with,” Loki said, walking away.

“Watch yourself, Loki,” the King warned. “One misstep on your part, could cause Asgard to be at war with all the other kingdoms.”

“Oh, trust me, I know.”

next chapter >

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tchallasbabymama · 4 years

Text

Gone

Hey y’all, here’s Chapter 6 of Playlist. Check out my masterlist HERE to read the other chapters if you haven’t already, and check out my other stories too!

CW: alcoholism

Word count: 4894

Two months had passed and T’Challa was still not taking it well. He was still internalizing the guilt he felt for putting Ashanti in harm's way, and it was all he could think about. He felt numb most days, and when he felt anything at all it was grief over losing his love. Whenever he wasn’t working he hid away in his chambers, staring at the walls and playing sad music. Today his favorite song to wallow to was “Gone” by N*Sync. He laid across his bed sipping from a bottle of whiskey with the song playing on repeat as tears ran down his face.

There's a thousand words that I could say

To make you come home

Oh, seems so long ago you walked away

Left me alone

I remember what you said to me

You were acting so strange

and maybe I was too blind to see

That you needed a change

Was it something I said

To make you turn away?

To make you walk out and leave me cold

If I could just find a way

To make it so that you were right here

But right now..

I've been sitting here

Can't get you off my mind

I've tried my best to be a man and be strong

I've drove myself insane

Wishing I could touch your face

But the truth remains..

You're gone..

Baby you're gone

Girl you're gone, baby girl, you're gone..

You're gone..

You're…

He barely spoke to his family anymore. Not even N’Jadaka could get anything out of him on their occasional walks when he would visit from Oakland. The king was a steel trap of emotions, and nobody could get in. His cousin could tell something was off, and began to worry about his health so he and Shuri decided to confront him about it. They knew it wouldn’t go well, but they never expected him to insult their intelligence.

T’Challa had been able to hide his drinking from Queen Mother, but it was hard to get anything past the other two. N’Jadaka had seen friends go down a similar route and he knew the signs, and Shuri had overheard the kitchen staff talking about sending three bottles a night to the king’s chambers. When he was scheduled to leave for a mission with the Avengers she was scared out of her mind that he would get hurt, so right before he left she and her cousin confronted him. He lied to them, for the first time ever, and straight up denied the accusations. Shuri was hurt to her core knowing her brother was in such a bad way that he would stoop so low, but N’Jadaka expected his response. When he left they saw him off as usual, but Shuri broke down in her cousin’s arms after the Talon took off. Ramonda quickly became worried for both of her children when Shuri told her of the burden she had been carrying for her brother. They both internalized too much, and Ramonda had Shuri start therapy immediately. She also had a grief therapist and an addiction counselor on standby for T'Challa's return. She would be damned if she lost her son to his depression.

The Avengers had also noticed a change in T’Challa’s behavior, so much so that even Sam of all people was concerned for him. Thor had tried to lighten the king’s mood with their usual banter, but nothing changed. Wanda tried to regale him with her physics-defying powers to no avail, and Natasha couldn’t get anything out of him in their sparring sessions. Eventually Steve and Sam took it upon themselves to do something, Steve as a friend and Sam as a former counselor.

“Catman, let me holler at you real quick,” Sam interrupted T’Challa’s brooding on the couch. He rolled his eyes, but reluctantly got up anyway. Sam led him into the kitchen, where Steve was already seated at the large table. Sam pulled out a chair and turned it around before sitting and resting his forearms on the back.

“Ok, talk. You’ve been moping around the entire time you’ve been here and you’re bringing the energy down-”

“I think what Sam is trying to say is that we’re your friends and we can tell something is wrong... come on, man, you really think I haven’t picked up on your new drinking habit?” he asked in all honesty before trying to lighten the mood a little. “You know, for a cat, you’re not that sneaky.”

T’Challa closed his eyes and sighed. He had hoped nobody else would notice before he could get it together. When Shuri and N’Jadaka confronted him before he left he lied to their faces. He had never done that before, and as soon as the words left his mouth he was filled with shame and had to leave quickly to avoid them prying any more into it. When he looked out the window of the Talon after taking off he saw his baby sister break down in tears, and his heart broke. He decided then and there that he would stop drinking, but it didn’t exactly work out that way. Here he was, a month later and still no improvement. He was doing his best to keep it under wraps, but for once his best wasn’t good enough.

“Problems at home?...Is it about Ashanti? I haven't heard you mention her in awhile.” Steve continued, trying to get something out of him.

A lump formed in the king’s throat and he nodded before averting his eyes to the table.

“She left me.”

He proceeded to tell them the whole story and watched their faces twist in disbelief.

“Wow, that’s...wow,” Steve couldn’t believe it and his heart went out to both of them for what they went through and for what T’Challa is putting himself through now. “You know, for the longest time I blamed myself for what happened to Bucky. It ate me up inside, but you gotta let that stuff go, man. If not, you’re gonna start spiraling out of control, and nobody needs that.”

“He’s right, T.”

T’Challa and Steve looked at Sam in shock, he never referred to him by his name or anything close to it. It was always “Catman” or whatever cat joke he could come up with at the moment.

“You need to talk to someone before this gets worse,” Sam said in earnest.

He thought back to his mother’s words shortly before he left Wakanda, “I’m worried about you, unyana wam. You have not been your usual bright self.”

T’Challa sat forward, placing his elbows on the table. He decided then and there that he couldn't keep doing this to himself. He was a king, he was a warrior, he was a superhero for Bast’s sake. He couldn’t afford to be a drunken shell of himself anymore, it was going to start catching up to him. He couldn’t keep blaming himself.

“You’re right.”

-------

After the incident, Ashanti moved back in with her parents so they could care for her. Kwame and Binta were over all the time, and Shuri even made a visit to bring her the new pinky she made for her. It took some getting used to how it felt on her hand, but she eventually got the hang of it.

At first, Ashanti was scared to leave her parents’ home, so they found a therapist that made house-calls. It took some time for Ashanti to trust her, but eventually she did and Jamila was able to convince her to go outside for the first time in two months. They stayed in her parents backyard for a few sessions, before Jamila gradually got her to move further and further from the home. After about 6 months, she was able to go to the bazaar on her own. She still wasn’t up for running Taj’s, so she let her new employees Zina and Jafari handle it. So far they had been doing a great job and she wasn’t too worried about getting back to it just yet. She took some time to find herself again, painting for the first time in almost a year and spinning clay at her pottery wheel whenever she felt the need. She caught up on the books she had been meaning to read, and she slowly got back into the habit of running in the mornings.

Ashanti surprisingly had no problem with moving back into the house with Binta and Kwame. She missed the twins more than she could verbalize, but really did need her time away. Eventually, things went back to normal and it was almost as if the chapter of her life that included T’Challa never happened at all.

After a few months the twins pushed her to get back out there and she started dating a River tribe guy she met on her run one morning. She had tripped over a root and ended up falling flat on her face, but luckily another runner saw her fall and came over to help. He was a hot doctor named Zane. After he checked her ankle, he looked up and was captured by her beauty. He asked her out then and there, and three months later they’re still going strong. He was sweet, and smart, and funny, and all the things she wanted in a partner...but he didn't automatically know her favorite flower, and she didn't feel electricity from his touch. His kisses didn’t ignite a flame, just a little spark. He was a great lover, but the passion wasn’t there.

In short, Ashanti was faking it, but she was too scared to break his poor little heart.

Even her parents and roommates could tell she wasn’t really feeling Zane, so they sat her down to talk some sense into her.

“Why does this look like an intervention?” Ashanti joked when she walked into her kitchen and saw her family seated around the table, all looking up at her.

“Because it is, girl. Sit down.” Kwame pulled out the chair next to him and she tentatively took a seat.

“Sithandwa,” Bisa started , “you know we love you-“

“What’s this about?” she cut her off, nervous and ready to cut to the chase.

“Zane.” Binta and Kwame stated, matter of factly.

Ashanti knew what was coming. Each one of them had pulled her aside at some point to have what was sure to be the exact same conversation.

“Honey, you’re playing with that poor man’s heart. We can all see you don’t want him, he’s the only one who can’t.” Kwame reached out and grabbed her hand in his.

Ashanti sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. She hated being called out on her bullshit, especially since it didn't happen often. She knew they were right though, she was wrong for stringing him along.

“He’s a good man, I know, but you both deserve to be with people who want you the way you want them,” Bisa added,

“I know,” Ashanti let out a sigh before hanging her head and collecting herself. “I know, I just- he’s a great guy so I just keep hoping he’ll grow on me. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Everyone seemed to look at each other out of the corners of their eyes without Ashanti noticing. They knew exactly what the problem was.

“Nothing is wrong with you, intyatyambo. You are just still in love,” Chidi cupped her face with his hand and she stared at him in shock.

“No, it’s been over a year. I’m past that now,” she tried to dead the conversation before it went somewhere she really wanted to avoid.

“Are you?” Binta asked. “Because everytime you see his hologram on the news you smile a little without even realizing it.”

“And don't forget when you ducked into a random bathroom and texted me panicking because you saw Dora Milaje in the bazaar and thought he might be there.” Kwame added.

“I-I just didn’t want to see him, that’s all.”

“Mhm, then how come when I called you were you primping in the mirror?”

“I was not!”

“Sis…” he gave her the look.

Ashanti hung her head again.

“Fine,” she gave in. She knew why she wasn’t feeling Zane and why her palms still started to sweat when she saw pictures or holograms of him and why her heart almost beat out of her chest that day in the bazaar. She still dreamed of him. Her body still responded to the thought of him. Hearing his voice still sent chills down her spine. She still loved him, but she never wanted to admit it.

“Fine?” Chidi asked as he and his wife shared a hopeful glance.

“Yes, fine, you’re right. Happy?” tears came to her eyes, and as hard as she tried to keep them from falling she eventually lost the battle. She hadn’t allowed herself to feel the loss after the breakup, and it was all catching up to her right there in front of her family.

She sobbed on Bisa's shoulder and Chidi wrapped them both in an embrace while Binta rubbed circles on Ashanti’s back and Kwame held her hand. All four of them were relieved to see her finally come to terms with her emotions. They had been concerned that she seemingly blocked out that whole chapter of her life, not sure if it was due to the trauma or the heartbreak or both. Her time in therapy had focused on getting her through the trauma of what happened to her, and barely even touched her breakup. All she had done was lock her feelings in the basement and throw away the key, but they were still there and just as strong as ever.

After a few minutes Ashanti pulled herself together and looked at the people around her.

“I love you all so much,” she was able to get out through her tears and snot. Chidi grabbed some tissue and wiped her face.

“We love you too,” they all responded.

_______

After that day, Ashanti found herself thinking about T’Challa a little more than usual...ok a lot more than usual. Everything she saw reminded her of him, and it was starting to weigh on her. She still felt the same way about being with him, but she missed him more than she could say. Eventually she got the idea to give him a call. She talked herself out of and back into the idea for several weeks, and one day just said “Fuck it” and pressed his contact on her beads. She never got around to deleting it.

The trilling sound that followed filled her with dread. What if he didn’t pick up? What if she’s blocked or he changed his beads?

She didn’t have time to go too far down that rabbit hole because the trilling stopped and her ex boyfriend appeared in the palm of her hand. They both stared at each other in silence before T’Challa spoke.

“Miss Ashanti, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

She was saddened by his formality but stunned by the smoky timbre of his voice. She had missed it so much.

“H-hi, how are you?”

“I am well, how are you?”

“I’m doing ok.”

“Just ok?”

“Yeah, just ok…” Ashanti trailed off, leading to a long silence between the two.

“Ashanti, is there something you need?”

“Oh, um, no not really. I just-,” she sighed, “You crossed my mind a couple times and something told me to reach out so I did.”

A small smile appeared on the king’s face.

“Just a couple times? I’m disappointed.”

She laughed, a sound he hadn’t had the pleasure of hearing in over a year, forcing his crooked smile to grow larger.

“Ok maybe a few times,” she said, while smiling back.

“But seriously,” her voice softened, “how are you T’Challa?”

The hairs on the back of his neck stood up when she said his name, but he wasn’t surprised she still had that effect on him since it happened every time he thought of her. He wanted to answer her honestly, he really did, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her about his drinking problem and stint in rehab a few months ago. He went back and forth on the decision for a few moments before making up his mind.

“I am well now, it has been an uphill battle.”

“I know what you mean,” Ashanti replied before they both just stared at each other in silence for a moment. “Well, I um, I know you're busy, and I didn’t really want anything so I don’t want to keep y-”

“We’re going to be late, baby,” Ashanti was cut off by a gorgeous woman in a red dress entering the room behind T’Challa. She hadn’t even noticed that he was talking to anyone, barely looking up from her beads as she walked back out of the room. T’Challa cleared his throat.

“Unfortunately you caught me at a bad time, tonight-”

“That’s ok! Uh, have fun!” she panicked and ended the call.

“Why would you just hang up like that?” she asked herself out loud before flopping back onto her bed.

After that embarrassment, she doesn't know if she’ll ever be able to talk to him again. Of all the different ways she imagined that conversation going she never accounted for the fact that he could have already moved on to someone else. She knew it was selfish and hypocritical since she had been with Zane, but something about the idea of him with anyone else made her blood boil and tears come to her eyes. She let a couple fall before getting up and going on about her day.

Late that night as she laid in bed scrolling through her social media she came across an article about the king’s 30th birthday celebration on the 9th. It was open to the public, and for a moment she considered going, but then she remembered the silky, high pitched voice emanating from behind T’Challa and decided against it. She’d rather not have to feel that embarrassment in public. Ashanti shut off her beads and closed her eyes, letting sleep take her for the night.

-------

The drummers were extra hype today, playing their hearts out as all of Wakanda danced and celebrated their king’s birthday. As they partied into the early morning T’Challa spent the whole time glued to his girlfriend Tamala, the Mining tribe princess. She had a habit of being clingy and wouldn’t allow anyone else to steal a dance. Around 1 in the morning, he had finally had enough and excused himself to go to the restroom. Making his way out of the venue, he caught the eye of someone he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Kwame?”

“My king,” he saluted T’Challa, but he waved him off.

“Please, you know me.”

“Better safe than sorry. Happy birthday man!”

“Thank you, thank you. Are you here alone?” T’Challa’s eyes scanned the crowd.

“No, I'm here with the usual people,” Kwame said, smirking in the king’s direction.

“So Ashanti is…”

“Over in the back corner avoiding you and the aggressive supermodel on your arm,” he took a sip of his rum punch.

“I can understand that,” the king and Kwame stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to continue the conversation. “It was good seeing you Kwame.”

“You too!”

The two quickly parted ways and Kwame ran straight to his friends at the table they had commandeered in the back. He sat down on Omar’s lap and told Ashanti of his interaction with the king, leaving out that he told him where to find her. Ashanti noticed Omar’s hands make their way around Kwame’s waist and she wished she could feel the king’s arms around her like that one more time.

“I knew I shouldn't have come here, why did I let you two talk me into this? He has a girlfriend already.”

“Because your man knows how to throw a damn party!” Binta slurred a little, very obviously teetering between tipsy and drunk. Ashanti rolled her eyes at her ‘your man’ comment but agreed, looking around at all the happy partygoers. She sighed, wishing she could enjoy herself like they were.

On his way to the restroom T’Challa was stopped by not one, not two, but three separate elders commenting on how good he and Tamala looked together and asking about marriage plans. T’Challa knew the council was anxious for him to get married and produce heirs, but no matter how much he wanted to, he just couldn’t see it with Tamala. She had everything he was looking for, but she was missing a special something. More like she’s not that special someone. She’s not her.

For the rest of the night, T’Challa avoided the elders and slyly kept his eye on Ashanti and her friends. He was mesmerized by her colorful curve-hugging jumpsuit and her natural hair that had grown much longer in the year they’d been apart. Her shoulders seemed to glow and her deep purple lipstick drew his eyes to her lips. His eyes travelled down her body, noticing that she had kicked off her shoes and he smiled fondly, remembering her disdain for heels. She looked up and caught him staring more than once, but he just couldn't stop. Everytime she caught him she’d quickly look away, too embarrassed to hold his gaze. His staring angered Tamala who also caught him staring more than once.

“Do you know her?” Tamala asked with an attitude, standing in his line of vision. T’Challa rolled his eyes because he sensed another argument coming. Tamala was a lot of wonderful things, but jealousy was her worst quality, hands down. He had never been one to have a wandering eye when he was with a woman, so normally her jealousy annoyed him to no end. However, this time he understood where she was coming from.

“Yes, I do. She’s an old friend.”

“A ‘friend’ huh? Do you think I’m stupid?”

“Tamala, please, not here. This is a celebration, try to be happy. For me, please.”

The Mining tribe princess rolled her eyes and stormed off, shoulder checking Prince N’Jadaka on the way.

“Yo, me and your girl are gonna fight fight one of these days. Like, for real,” he said as he walked up to his cousin.

T’Challa chuckled as he sipped some more of his non-alcoholic ginger beer.

“Let's go for a walk in the gardens,” he requested and the prince obliged. N’Jadaka pulled out a pre-roll and lit the tip, passing it to his cousin. “She’s upset because Ashanti is here.”

“Oh! She is, huh? Interesting...I’m surprised she showed.”

“I’m not,” he handed the blunt back to the prince, “she called me the other day. It was a very short conversation but...I still felt something and I think she did too. She looks good, really good. She asked how I had been but I couldn't really tell her the truth... She seems like she’s gotten so much better since the last time I saw her.”

The two walked in silence for a couple minutes passing the blunt back and forth before N’Jadaka broke the silence.

“So you still love her?”

T’Challa didn’t even have to hesitate.

“Of course, I never stopped.”

---------

The next day, Ashanti and her roommates were all laying in the living room nursing hangovers while they half watched an old classic Wakandan movie. Ashanti was sick to her stomach, but she couldn't tell if it was from the alcohol or the sappy love story she was forced to watch. After it was over, Binta pulled up the news and right as the meteorologist finished explaining the upcoming weather patterns, a huge picture of T’Challa and Tamala kissing took over the screen. Bile rose in her stomach as Binta scrambled to change the channel. Before she could, Ashanti heard the anchor say the very words she dreaded hearing, “Could there be a royal engagement on the horizon?”

Binta turned the hologram off altogether, and the three of them sat in silence for a while until Kwame couldn’t take it anymore.

“Are you ok?”

“I will be, it’s just rough right now. I’m happy he found somebody though, they look happy.”

Neither twin wanted to pry so they left it at that and changed the subject to food.

“I’m hungry, but I don’t feel like cooking.” Binta said in a huff, throwing herself back into the couch..

“Mood,” Kwame and Ashanti replied.

“Ooh how about I grab some food from my parents? They’ve been wanting me to stop by,” Ashanti offered.

“Bast bless you, my child.” Binta grabbed her hand and kissed it.

Ashanti threw her shoes on and was out the door in no time flat. She needed to get out of the house and clear her head. They looked so happy…

She was on autopilot when she reached the restaurant, barely even shooting a glance towards Taj’s before immediately heading back home. Chidi and Bisa could tell there was something bothering her, but chose not to pry.

Almost a week passed by with her being forced to see the new “it” couple everywhere she turned. It was starting to get to her so she called Jamila for a session, which turned into Ashanti seeing her on the regular. After a couple more months she no longer felt weighed down by her seemingly unrequited feelings for T’Challa and was genuinely ready to move on. She even downloaded a dating app on her beads and started meeting new people. Nothing really came of it, but she enjoyed herself nonetheless. Ashanti threw herself back into work, mostly focusing on her commissions while her employees handled Taj’s. Princess Shuri had spread the word about the artist after she received her necklace and since then Ashanti’s business had been booming. Everybody from farmers to nobility was knocking down her door for a custom piece. She even made a necklace for Shani, Chieftess of the Jabari. thAll was going well in Ashanti’s life and her therapy sessions were working, so when she saw the news of the royal engagement she allowed the grief to wash over her before shaking it off and going on about her day. On the other side of Birnin Zana, King T’Challa sighed as he watched the media coverage. He knew she was out there somewhere having to see it and he pushed back against the feeling of guilt that often tried to overcome him. He had to do it, though. He had been pushing the council to allow immigration into Wakanda and they just wouldn’t budge, just like he hadn’t budged on the issue of betrothal. It wasn’t until he announced to them that he had plans to marry Tamala that the council started to see things his way. This way everybody would be happy. He would be able to open up Wakanda more to the Lost Tribe, and they would have a queen and hopefully, soon after, an heir to the throne. A week later the news leaked to the press somehow and it quickly became all anyone could talk about.

During his weekly visits to the Merchant tribe T’Challa tended to avoid the Bazaar for fear of running into Ashanti, but this time he decided to venture in. People greeted him as he walked through, perusing the merchandise, and stopping periodically to chat. This is why he loved coming there, everyone was always so cheerful and bright. He had crouched down to talk to a nine year old girl who wanted his attention, and on his way back up he saw a woman in a purple headwrap walking out of a storefront, going in the opposite direction. He would’ve recognized that walk anywhere. T’Challa wanted to call out to her, but didn’t want to embarrass her or start a scandal. He watched her turn the corner and disappear from his sight. The king said goodbye to the little girl and her baba before heading off in the same direction she went, almost leaving his Doras in the dust. When he rounded the corner he stopped abruptly at the absolute vision staring right back at him. She was in shock, obviously not expecting to run into her newly engaged ex.

“T’Challa, h-hi.”

“Hi,” he said back, wanting to kick himself for not being more articulate.

“Um, congratulations on your engagement. I saw the news, well, everywhere.”

“Oh, uh, Thank you.”

“What brings you down here?”

“Just my usual weekly rounds.”

“Oh yeah, I remember those.” She smiled at the memory and his heart thumped a little louder in his chest at the sight. “You always looked forward to Mondays just for that…”

“I still do.”

They both awkwardly stood there, neither one of them saying what’s on their mind.

“Well, I uh, I have to go open up the store. I’ll see you around T’Challa.”

There was so much that he wanted to say, but he just couldn’t get it out. Being in her presence again after so long had him freezing up, something he never did.

She saluted him and winked before turning around and heading towards Taj’s. He couldn’t help but watch her hips twitch as she walked away and something told him she knew he was watching. She did.

Next Chapter

Taglist:

@maddeningmayhem, @theblulife

#cecewritessometimes #black panther fic #t'challa x oc #t'challa #playlist #black!oc

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anika-ann · 4 years

Text

WINSoD - Pt.5

If One Should Fall...

Type: series, soulmate AU series (part 1, part 2, part 3)

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader Word count: 3120

Summary: In which distribution of forces on the stones-retrieving mission changes. Because— reasons.The reason being a special visit someone pays you.

Warnings!: skip to post-Infinity War and the summary of it - you can imagine; deaths, violence....briefly tho, + language, mention of the inability to bear children, brief suicidal thoughts, kinda religious motives because SPN

A/N: Enormous time skip, because obviously CA:CW didn’t happen and the timeline is changed from canon already. Also, the title (What I’d Never Say or Do had I been in my right mind) is reeeeeally applicable in this one and somehow… it felt right to connect the chapters like this. Do not murder me…?

Part 4

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Forever was a funny word. A funny concept, perhaps. People always said they wished for some moments to last forever and what they meant was for them to last as long as possible, with no change in sight. Or they said that something unpleasant felt like it lasted forever, their souls craving an end of the misery, a fundamental change as the polar opposite to the first case.

You lived through both in the past years.

Sitting on your ass in a Wakandian palace, watching a battle unfold in front of you, an ensemble of great warriors fighting yet another army from space, that felt like forever, a never-ending nightmare and you only got to watch.

It set a pattern for you for several more years to come. To only watch.

You watched an alien creature steal the sceptre that the Avengers had decided to store in the palace and it did so while killing everything in its way. Princess Shuri had the great idea of hiding you and cuffing you so you wouldn’t stand in the creature’s path while she tried to stop it with the others. She ended up in shattered glass, only unconscious, as if thanks to a miracle.

You watched as… as she fell apart to ashes only minutes later; just like many, oh so many others.

Half of the population, they said.

Thanos, The Mad Titan, had wiped half of all living creatures.

The moment was carved into your brain forever. And the eternal time you waited for anyone to come back from the battle, to see Steve alive, because God, please, let him live – yes, that sure as hell felt like forever too.

Lives were lost. Bucky, Sam, Ryan, Wanda, Pietro, Peter, Shuri, T’Challa, Strange, Fury… the list went on and on. All of them, gone. Forever.

The world changed. Avengers ow officially didn’t exist and yet recruited new members all over the freakin’ space, which was the only way of finding out Tony Stark, who had disappeared on a spaceship, in fact, survived.

The missions of the greatest defenders of Earth changed as well. Some members took off to start a family, lucky enough to still have a partner to do so. Or to have the ability to pass their genes.

You couldn’t. Or maybe Steve couldn’t, it didn’t matter. You never pried after the source of your inability to have children; you two were one, a unity. You didn’t want to know so you could point fingers. You could tell Steve blamed himself, as well as he knew that your irregular period was definitely not helping. You made your peace. In fact, you admired Tony for finding the courage to create an environment for a child in this mad world; your lack of faith in being able to do the same had the opportunity rose ironically helped you to come to terms with the fact of your body was not functioning right.

In a way, it only drew you and Steve closer. You had valued each other before, yes, but now… you truly were like one. You backed him up in how he decided to honour Sam’s memory by starting a support group and he was the one to sense that in a search for reassurance, strangely materialistic, you craved an official bond with him, despite never saying a word.

You were Steve’s wife now – and you were each other’s rock, even during the poor attempt at defeating Thanos again.

Five years was a long time, a forever, one might say, but when Scott Lang, one of the people believed to been dusted, reappeared, forever and never became relative again.

Which led you to now; what was left of the Earth’s mightiest heroes was planning on retrieving the infinity stones.

Because they figured out how to time-travel.

Observing your reflection in the mirror, the circles under your eyes, you couldn’t but run your hand down your face and sigh.

You were still struggling with accepting the incredible fact of the possibility of coming back in time, yet you had to shush the hope inside you. Hope was a dangerous thing; certainly on such big scale as everything could being as it had been, hope that all the people who had lost their lives during the Snap could be resurrected.

As for a person who in fact had died once, it was easier for you to believe it was possible and you weren’t sure that it was a good thing. The fear of losing what you still had – read Steve, mainly – in the process, was paralyzing. It would mean your end, one you might deliver by yourself if it came to it, because you weren’t as strong as your husband. You wouldn’t make it through. Not after everything that happened.

You sighed again and tried to shake off the darkest thoughts.

When your eyes fell on the reflection again, a man stood behind your shoulder.

You spun on your heels and jerked away, your bottom bumping into the sink with a startled yelp escaping your lips.

In a fraction of second, several ways of defending yourself flashed through you mind; but the man was already three feet away; in a blink of an eye, before you could even move further.

Chest heaving with frantic breaths, hand over your heart, you stared at the intruder dressed in a three-piece suit and a red cravat. Of average height and maybe few pounds over healthy weight, smoothly shaven so his smirk could stand out, he looked… peculiar, especially given the fact he had found himself in the ladies’ room.

It shouldn’t have surprised you he spoke up with some kind of an accent on top of everything, but it did.

“Saving the world is exhausting, isn’t it?”

You stared at him, speechless. Your brain kicked into an overdrive, analysing how much of a threat he was, if he was like Pietro, too fast for Friday to catch him, or what was he-

“Who the-“

“I’m Crowley, darling. And you don’t need look so scared. If I wanted you dead, you’d be already lying here in a puddle of blood,” he reassured you like a sleazy businessman, all pretence at kindness.

You winced at the visual and narrowed your eyes.

“Alright, Crowley, what do you want? And what exactly are you?” you demanded, uncertain why you felt calm despite the man appearing out of thin air and speaking of you dying in the bloodiest way. Were you truly so numb these days?

He smiled, as if he was old friend. “I am a friend of Moose and Squirrel-“ What. “-or Sam and Dean, as you know them. I have no doubt they mentioned me. After all, my mother is assisting them more than she would like. You met her, incidentally.”

It didn’t take a genius to figure it out – you hadn’t met many people during your time with the Winchesters. This man… was probably a warlock. A witch. Rowena apparently had a son.

Well. Shit.

“Okay. So… you’re a witch or something. Means I shouldn’t trust you fully. Noted. Now what do you want?”

His face twisted in a theatrical insulted grimace, his palm laid on his chest as if you just shot him through the heart – which, by the way, would probably do nothing to him.

“First of all, I am here to help, so I don’t think you have other option than trusting me. Second of all, I am not a witch, I am the King of Hell, thank you very much-“

Somewhere in the back of your mind, Sam Winchester’s voice whispered something about the King of Hell having been Dean’s bestie for a while, which did not make you feel any better, only more confused.

“And thirdly… I’m here to tell you what you, my darling, need to do for this mission to be successful.”

You stared at him incredulously, his casual stance and animated speech bewildering, and had no clue what to make of it.

Yet, you let him speak. You let him give you the advice no one ever wanted to receive. Ever. But this sleazy man had told you about how he had saved the world before, side by side with the Winchesters and everything suddenly made sense.

Crowley, the King of Hell, answered the most burning question you had been asking yourself ever since coming back from the death, doing so more and more often these days.

Why.

Why were you given the second chance at life? Why you of all people? What was the purpose?

And now you knew.

Rowena was the greatest witch the supernatural world had ever created and she supposedly looked through all the possible futures she could. Tony had once told you, drunk and hurting, that Strange had done the same right before the battle and he only saw one way of how it could end with Thanos’ loss. Now Crowley told you the ‘one’ future was still in play, that everything was actually still on the way to the world’s victory.

The price of victory was high. History had taught you that.

But the price people paid for losing was higher.

And as much as you hated what you apparently had to do…

“Okay,” you rasped, guilt already gnawing at your chest, tears strolling down your face, fear eating you up from the inside, fear of unknown and yet known, instincts fighting the urge to do the right thing and finally actually help to the heroes you found yourself among while still useless.

You were only watching too long. Forever, one might say.

“Okay?” he echoed, clearly surprised by your antics.

You only nodded, wiping away your tears and forcing your breathing to calm and steady. There was no way you could go back to the base of operating in the living room like this. You needed to be a fucking grown-up. Grown-ups had to be okay with not being okay. You must finally become worthy of being Captain Amer- Steve’s wife.

“Yes, Crowley. I’ll do it. Though I still have no idea why you came here to tell me. Aren’t you supposed to be the bad guy?” you teased him lightly, your mouth speaking its will without permission, the question only half-expecting an answer.

“Well, my darling. It’s the end of the world as we know it. It doesn’t matter now if you’re good or bad. Not if you want the world not to end.”

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You were a terrible actress; a Razzies-nominee kind of actress. You couldn’t lie to save your life (the irony of such statement was not lost on you, yet it wasn’t properly appreciated either) and you were aware of the fact that Steve liked that about you. You could never lie to him. So you never tried.

You knew you couldn’t break that streak now, because he would see right through you. So you stooped lower than ever. Omitting the truth. Lying by not sharing the whole story. Whether you could make that work, only time would tell.

When you finally managed to compose yourself – at least more or less – and exited the bathroom, you found out that not much had changed. The team was still debating the details of best approach, uncertain but determined expressions on their faces.

Steve spared once glace at you and instantly was able to tell something was wrong. He hid you from the view of the others by his broad figure, concerned eyes scanning your face, observing and searching for any clue; for the source of your distress. As if the fact that they were – you all were, even if they didn’t know yet – about to time travel wasn’t enough to give one palpitations and serious stress-induced headache.

His tender fingers tucked a loose strand of your hair behind your ear as if it would help the mess your hairstyle must have been. A small encouraging smile graced his lips despite his own mind no doubt weighted down by numerous worries.

He didn’t have to ask for you to start talking, the brilliant colour of his eyes sweet and inviting enough.

“What if something goes wrong?” you questioned in a hushed whisper, not having to pretend to have such haunting thought. “What if… I don’t even want to think about what could it be. You’re going to need someone capable to pull you out. I am… I am not that capable. Definitely not when it comes to science of time-travel.”

Despite Steve acting like a human shield, your concerns were acknowledged by everyone, their heads snapping your direction. Steve, feeling all the curious eyes, cleared his throat and gently took your arm, leading you away from the prying ears.

“….excuse us for a second,” he hummed absently, waiting until he was out of earshot to speak with you again. “Doll… what- what is this really about?”

“What do you mean-“ you bluffed lamely in an instant, but the look Steve gave you shut you up.

“I know you, sweetheart. You can’t lie to me.”

If you weren’t dreading what you were about to do, you might throw a ‘watch me’ back at him. Instead, you aimed for an irritated tone – one that would be justified in case he would truly be questioning the claim you were about to point out.

“So you think I’m not afraid for you?”

A frown crossed over his face, his palm on your bicep tightening before he eased his hold to brush his thumb over the very same spot. “No! That’s not- I just know there’s something more. What is it?”

Gulping and averting his gaze, because the intense burn of genuine concern was unbearable, your mind raced with the effort to find the right words.

Your stomach was tied in tight knots, turning at the idea of playing Steve, more so for such nefarious purpose. But how else you could have convinced him that it couldn’t in fact be him and Natasha going to Vormir to retrieve the soul stone?

“I… I want to help. I need to help, Steve. You’re— you're so strong, always the hero and I’m not even close, I-“

“-need to prove my worth?” he finished easily, a knowing look in his eyes, and fuck him, how did he know—

He might not understand fully, he had no way of knowing what Crowley told you to do, but still, Steve was still able to recognize what fuelled your determination, what were your motives.

You opened your mouth uselessly, a shaky exhale brushing Steve’s face as he lowered his head to you, his eyes wide and genuinely troubled. God, you couldn’t bare the intensity of his gaze.

“Christ, doll. Where’s this coming from? Don’t be rid-“ From the corner of your eye, you saw him lick his lips as he swiftly cut himself off before calling you ridiculous. His large warm palms framed your face, forcing you to lock your gaze with his, passionate words accented by the burning fire of his irises. “You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Not to them, certainly not to me. You are my everything and you are the most amazing person I have ever met-“

You closed your eyes, a soft smile tugging at your lips despite your better judgement. You never doubted Steve’s feelings, yet he was always quick to reassure you, having the patience of a saint whenever he noticed a hint of insecurity.

“I know. I swear I know that, I know how you feel, but- let me do this. What if… what if you don’t come back? What if you don’t come back and I’d be just sitting here, knowing I could have done something, but I didn’t. You’re too familiar with that feeling, Steve. Please. Let me come with you,” you pleaded in a hushed voice, hating you reminded him of losing you, but knowing it might be effective. “You know you can protect me when it comes to it.”

Brows drawn together, Steve observed you, baffled and yet understanding at the same time, torn between the instinct to have you protected at the compound and the responsibility he felt towards this mission. This was the fight of your lives; deep down, he must have known he couldn’t afford to jeopardize that even if it came to you. Which, naturally, didn’t mean he had to like it.

A clearing of one’s throat that sounded a bit like a clap of thunder interrupted your staring contest and you both glanced towards Bruce’s huge green form in the doorway, sheepish expression comical on his massive face.

“…sorry to interrupt, but… we kinda all think she has a point so-“

Steve’s sucked in air between his teeth, letting his hands drop from you face, only for one of them to run through his hair, the other balling in a fist.

You shrugged, the battle of emotions – victory and defeat at the same time, because God, why – no doubt visible on your face as Steve turned his attention solely to you once more.

“I’ll give you guys another sec…” Bruce hummed, backing out of the door, leaving you to deal with clearly irritated and reluctant Steve.

Thanks, buddy.

Wordlessly, Steve’s fingers slipped beneath your jaw, pulling you in for one of the strangest kisses of your life. H poured all his emotions into one simple gesture, hungry and intense, intimate wet sound of a dirty encounter of mouths echoing in the otherwise silent room. You allowed yourself to get lost in the sensation of Steve’s lips on yours, in his arm grabbing you and pressing flush against his hard chest; it was all too harsh for anyone to believe it was not a display of affection of a half-desperate man.

Breathless and with vertigo nearly overcoming you, you rested your forehead against Steve’s, mirroring his action once you parted. His eyes were closed shut, as if too heavy to kept open, but you could see that something in his expression shifted; you and Bruce won.

Peripherally, you noticed Crowley’s faint figure, the shortest of appearances as he nodded in approval and goodbye. You suspected he did something so Steve gave in; you didn’t care what and how, hoping it didn’t harm your soulmate.

Tears stung in your eyes when you realized what was to come and you forced them to be kept at bay, shutting your eyes close again.

“Fine, have it your way,” Steve rasped, his voice clearly irked, yet resigned. “But if you get one scratch on you, doll, just one, I’ll hold you responsible.”

No, you won’t.

You charmed a guilty smile, a lame tiny thing, and he inhaled sharply, only for huffing the air out.

“How could I, having my chivalrous man by my side?”

It earned you a kiss on your forehead, Steve’s fingers interlacing with yours when you made your way back to the other room where everyone waited.

Oh, how much it now hurt, the amount of faith Steve could put into you, charmed by your teary smile, that little thing puling on his heartstrings.

Oh, just how much it would hurt…

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Part 6

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This chapter might seem a bit strange, but hopefully it fits the atmosphere of Infinity War and Endgame…

Thanks for being here. I love you for your encouragement :-*

P.S. Here, have the last part of a SPN guide - visuals and references for Amara (God’s sister who gave back ‘reader’s’ memories) and Crowley (from this chapter).

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devnicolee · 4 years

Text

The Chosen Ones (8)

A/N: Enjoy! If you read chapter 7 like shortly after it was posted, the council scene was originally in Chapter 7 but I moved it here because that chapter was too long. So you may have already it read the first section.

This is the last chapter - I am really sad to end this series :( but I might do an epilogue or something if anyone is interested. I have been writing this for literally a year so thanks to everyone who liked and commented and read a chapter here or there. I appreciate it!

Warnings: Smut

Word Count: 6,000 words

Pairings: M’Baku x OC

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Asha fidgeted nervously, sharing anxious glances with M'Baku as they waited with bated breath for her brother to enter the council meeting. They arrived back in the Golden City with mere minutes to spare before the meeting, two herbs in her pocket and a video of the garden. Shuri chastised them for giving her an ulcer during their long absence. However, she couldn’t hide the deep sigh of relief as the pair rushed through the tall gold trimmed throne room doors with triumph and hope in their eyes.

Asha scanned the council circle, passing by M’Baku’s reassuring eyes, to connect eyes with Elder Shani. Far from her usual contempt, her eyes were filled loathing and disgust. Instinctively, Asha felt herself starting to wilt like a dying flower. But something in her pushed back, forcing her to sit up straighter and send a pointed, cold glare back at the woman. Never again would someone else’s disdain silence her or force her to cower.

Their staring match only ended when the double doors entered. They all rose from their seats, saluting T’Challa as he walked to his seat, as cool and calm as ever. They did not have to wait long before he started speaking, getting right to the point of this meeting.

"I have called this meeting because much has changed in the last 36 hours, many things revealed about the Panther Tribe. Many have questioned my fitness to be king in light of these revelations. A lesser man would sit here and defend these lies but I cannot. They were an error in judgement, an error that was not my decision to start but could have,” he sighed, “Should have been mine to end once I became King. I did not. And for that, I am sorry. A king that cannot admit his failures is no king at all, only a tyrant. I know Elder Shani has lobbied many of you, encouraged you to demand a new challen-“

Elder Shani jumped up from her seat, her disrespect toward the throne on display as she cut the King short. "That is right! He is not fit to be King! Not while you and your family hid this abomination.” Her finger wagged in Asha's direction, forcing all eyes toward the young woman. She sat up a bit straighter, noting the looks of fear from some, the admiration from others.

"You expressed no qualms with our secrets when you were blackmailing my sister into an engagement with your abusive son, when it suited your needs. I have forcibly removed you from this throne room once, do not make me do it again. Sit down," T'Challa threatened, his voice low and menacing.

The elders of the Mining and Border Tribes shared a concerned look. They had taken the time to listen to Shani's pleads, and agreed with her in many ways. But they were quickly realizing the error in taking her words as the only truth.

"Now. I could plead my case, preach to you all about why I am fit to wear the crown of King and hold the mantle of the Black Panther. However, this conversation is not about me or my fitness. It is about our country's distrust and hatred toward the more powerful... the chosen among us... the Wakandan like my sister." He offered Asha a small smile before continuing, "Prior to today, Wakandan's future was in a precarious state. Prior to today, the mantle of Black Panther was to die with me. And if we went through with today’s challenge, the centuries-old legacy would die today. That is just one of many reasons why Elder Shani’s desires are so short sighted. However, Bast... and Hanuman, it seems, have other plans. Asha, a powerful and chosen member of this family, and Lord M'Baku, have breathed new life into our dying future."

"What do you mean?" Elder M’Kathu inquired, leaning forward with interest.

"I shall allow my sister to show you." T'Challa nodded at Asha, giving her the cue to pull the bright purple herbs from the pouch in her lap. They attracted everyone's eyes, captivating everyone with their glistening light.

The throne room filled with exclamations of shock, joy and excitement.

"How is this possible?" He asked in amazement. "N’Jadaka burned all the herbs."

"He burned all the herbs we knew of, yes. But there is another garden hidden on the edge of Jabariland. Bast led Lord M'Baku and I there. There are enough herbs on the top of that mountain to sustain the Black Panther for hundreds of years," Asha explained.

"Without my sister, without this gift Bast bestowed upon her, we... this country would have been lost. Without the Jabari so many of you despise, we would have been lost. Bast led the first Warrior Shaman to the herb years ago to save us from tearing ourselves apart. Today, she led Asha and a Jabari there to do the same. Together, two people, who represent what so many fear, opened a door that our failures shut forever.”

He stood up, pacing behind his chair as he spoke.

“That is bigger than me, it is bigger than Elder Shani, and it is bigger than our ignorance. Her campaign against me is rooted in hatred, hatred for a people who just saved our country. I ask you to vote against a new challenge, not because it suits me, but because we have the opportunity to build a new Wakanda. A Wakanda built on love and mutual respect for all of Bast's and Hanuman's people, not on the unstable foundation of distrust and prejudice.” He paused. “Now Elder Shani, I believe you have a proposal to raise for our vote. I await you all’s judgement and decision.”

Her brother’s passionate monologue was met with silence, silence as Asha watched each person introspectively think about the future they wanted, the Wakanda they wanted.

Elder Shani stood up once more, clearly unmoved by this new discovery or her brother’s passionate speech unlike everyone else in the room. It seemed she was committed to dying on this hill and was more than willing to do so alone. “This boy speaks of a new Wakanda, a new order. Wakanda prospered for hundreds of years before King T’Challa and it will do so after him. He does not think the way we do, he does not respect our traditions and so, he should not be King. I raise the motion to invoke a new Challenge Day, so we may have a King that will respect our traditions.”

“The motion is on the floor. Elder Shani, how do you vote?” Asha’s heart raced, praying that her faith in Elder M’Kathu and Elder Olabisi was not misplaced, that her brother’s words had swayed them to choose progress over hate. Asha felt Shuri’s hand grab hers and squeeze it tightly as they listened.

“Yay.”

“Lord M’Baku?”

“Nay.” Unlike his girlfriend, who was clearly filled with nervous energy, M’Baku seemed annoyed and bored with this whole spectacle, simply ready for this to be over so they could officially move on with their lives.

“Elder Kwame?”

“Nay.” Nakia’s stoic and quiet father responded swiftly with a nod to his daughter who sat beside the Queen Mother. Asha’s already racing heart seemed to beat even harder as they reached the two undecided Elders, the two that had the potential to change the fate of her family forever.

“Elder M’Kathu?”

A beat.

“Nay.”

Despite wanting to jump up and praise Bast, Asha maintained her composure, they all did. T’Challa offered the older man a head nod as a silent thank you for his support before finishing the roll out of obligation. For good measure, Elder Olabisi also voted against the motion, effectively leaving Elder Shani on an island alone.

“Thank you, thank you all. I believe together we can build a stronger Wakanda. Thank you for believing in that future as well. This meeting is now adjourned and I will see everyone at the King’s Exhibition.”

The room stood and saluted him, all except Elder Shani and her son who swept from the room as soon as the final word left T’Challa’s mouth.

At the official end of the meeting, Asha immediately walked to her brother and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“I am so glad I didn’t ruin everything,” she whispered in his ear, finally letting out that sigh of relief she had been holding in. She felt as if that weight finally evaporated from her shoulders. “Thank you.”

“Thank you,” he emphasized, pulling back to look at her. “You could never ruin us, Asha. You are the best of us. You saved us and for that, I could never thank you enough. You both,” he motioned for Shuri to join their group hug, “are the best sisters I could ask for.”

Asha broke apart from her siblings, giving space for others to congratulate her brother, and walked toward M’Baku. He stood, in the now-repaired window she destroyed, staring down into the heart of the Golden City, which was bustling with activity and life as everyone prepared for the coming festival.

She stood beside him, looking out at her home with something other than envy and heartache for the first time. Hope. They stood in silence for a bit, the chatter of Asha's family fading away as they slid back into their own small world.

"Thank you, M'Baku. T-this would not have been possible without you, without the Jabari. Thank Bast you decided to concern yourself with the drama of us lowlanders," she teased.

He chuckled, his brain conjuring that moment on the fields of the Great Mound, deciding to play along with her game. He remembered exactly how that conversation went… he would never forget it. "Well, it seems you all continue to need us to save you."

She turned briefly and smiled at his profile, leaning against the window. "Yes... it seems we do. Wakanda is forever in your debt. Perhaps she will find a way to repay you one day." She added, stealing his line.

A tug at her arm brought her close to him, the space between them evaporating. He cupped her face, uninhibited love and adoration passing between them. Her signature sparks immediately encircling the couple as he stared down at her, the love of his life, the woman he felt Hanuman destined for him to be with until the end of his days.

“She led me to you and now I am forever in her debt,” he whispered as his lips captured hers, the audience of her family mere feet away from them mattered little. The two kissed deeply for a few moments before a wolf whistle caused them to break away.

Asha laughed as she looked over and saw her entire family, minus her mother, staring at the couple with shocked and excited grins. Shuri continued to cheer loudly before her brother pinched her and ushered her out of the throne room. He winked at her before allowing the doors to slam shut and giving them some much-needed privacy.

“Come to Jabariland.”

“What?”

“Later this week. I-I need to head back tonight and you should spend time with your siblings. But come to Jabariland for a few days, spend some time together where you aren’t almost dying and I am not having to save that brother of yours.”

Asha mulled it over in her head. Though she figured her brother would be slightly annoyed at her absence from some of the festival events, she yearned for the private and uninterrupted time with M’Baku. She had not truly rested in the last 4 days, had not taken a real breath. There, they could finally do that together.

“I would love to.”

****

“Nakia!” Asha smiled as she threw some more clothes in a bag and beckoned her friend into her bedroom. She eyed Nakia and the medium-sized gift bag in her hand suspiciously as one of her closest friends sat down on her king-sized bed.

“What is that?” Asha asked, gesturing toward the bag as she pulled a dress off the hanger.

Nakia smiled slyly, “We will get to that in a second. First, I just wanted to see how you were doing. The last few days… weeks, years frankly, have been tough for you.”

Asha smiled and reached across the bed to squeeze her future queen’s hand. Nakia was the big sister she didn’t have but always hoped for. And she knew she would be the perfect queen for them all.

“I am good, Nakia. Fantastic, actually. I got what I wanted, T’Challa’s position and title are safe. Everything is good now.”

Nakia nodded but Asha could see the speculation in her eyes, the look that called her positive attitude into question.

“Yes. All of that is true. But look at what it took to get there? Your father died, you watched your brother get murdered, you endured verbal abuse from all sides, you almost died… twice, according to M’Baku. I’ve seen enough of this world to know a happy ending doesn’t mean the road to them wasn’t paved with trauma and pain. It’s just… I’ve seen what happens when people don’t address what it took to get them what they wanted, what it cost them. I don’t want that for you, nor does your brother. Just, if you ever want to talk, let me know?”

Asha bowed her head, she didn’t like to think Nakia was right. What mattered most, in her mind, was the fact that they were ok now. But she could not ignore all the tragedies littered throughout her life, the scars they left. She couldn’t pretend like those wounds of her chains healed just because she escaped them.

“You will be my first call, I promise.” Asha came around to sit on the bed next to her. “Thank you for being here for me.”

Nakia smiled and squeezed her hand. She pushed the bag toward the young girl. “Always. Now onto the fun part of my visit. This is for you.”

Asha grinned brightly as she excitedly tore the tissue paper out of the bag and pulled out several pieces of lingerie, her grin fading slightly with shock.

“Nakia,” she whined. “What is all this??”

“It is for your trip. Essential wear.”

“’Essential wear??’ N-Nakia, I d-don’t think we are going to get there yet.” She let the skimpy Burgundy lace fall back into the bag, laughing lightly.

“Maybe you won’t, but maybe you will. Look, I see the way Lord M’Baku looks at you - he is ready to rip those clothes off your body every time you’re in the same room. He wants to show you the might of the Jabari, FIRST HAND!” Both girls laughed at her callback to M’Baku’s epic entrance at the battle on the Great Mound. “And if that is what you want, you should.”

“I am sure my brother does not know about this part of your visit,” Asha mused.

“No, he doesn’t,” Nakia admitted. “Because it isn’t his business, or mine, to be frank. I just wanted you to be prepared if you decide to travel down that road. Essential wear for the journey.”

She threw Asha a wink before leaving her to mull over her thoughts. Asha didn’t understand her own hesitation. Perhaps she was just overthinking it. The cave… it was spur of the moment, natural, intimate and unexpected. All their best moments were just that… unexpected. They produced magic when she didn’t have time to analyze or second guess, when she just lived in the moment with him. And here she was overanaylzing and second guessing. Her fingers fiddled with the edge of the gift bag as she thought. Nakia was right; M’Baku wanted her and she wanted him, desperately so. She pulled each piece of lingerie out, eyeing each one with speculation. They left little to the imagination but they were gorgeous. She slipped both into her suitcase.

Just in case.

****

“Try not to destroy the palace while I’m gone eh?” She implored as she gave Shuri a hug outside.

Shuri, who looked like someone had just stolen her pet panther, nodded sadly. “You’ll call me tomorrow right? Make sure they haven’t turned you into an anti-vibranium fanatic?”

Asha laughed, “Yes I will call you tomorrow, I promise. Don’t look so glum, I will be back in a few days.”

“I know, it is just hard to say bye to you. I am usually begging for this one to get out of here.” Asha laughed as T’Challa clutched his imaginary pearls in faux offense. “But you are the constant of our triangle. It’s not the same without you.”

Asha’s nose wrinkled, shocked to see her sister so despondent about her leaving. She glanced at T’Challa, whose face was also a bit crestfallen but he did a better job of hiding it.

“Come on guys! I’m gonna be gone for a few days, a week tops. I have to come back… all my clothes are here,” she joked, trying to lighten the mood. Her joke only earned her small chuckles much to her dismay.

“Would you want it to be permanent, though?”

“What do you mean?”

“Would you want to live in Jabariland? With M’Baku?” T’Challa asked, already knowing the answer even if she didn’t yet.

“I hadn’t thought about it honestly. Maybe, one day.” Under her siblings’ knowing stares, she amended her statement. “But M’Baku and I are trying to go slow, take our time. We have been dating for two days, I doubt he is redecorating the Lodge for me yet.”

T’Challa and Shuri shared a knowing glance that didn’t go unnoticed before ushering her toward the plane, a sudden 180 turn from their original despondent looks. “What was that look for?”

T’Challa smiled, “Nothing. We just think you are underestimating the speed of the Jabari. Have fun sister. Try not to burn Jabariland down while you are there,” he winked.

“Too soon, brother… too soon,” she chuckled before waving them goodbye as the Talon ramp closed and the plane sped off.

****

“M’Baku! It was foolish to think you could redecorate your quarters in three days,” N’Danna reminded him as the man rearranged furniture and put new things he got at the market out. “I thought she had been here once, I am sure she likes it just fine.”

M’Baku scoffed, “I do not want her to like it. I want her to want to live in it. I spoke to T’Challa to learn a bit more about her, things she liked. I picked up a few things from being in her office but he gave me some other ideas. I commissioned two new paintings from her favorite artist but those won’t be here until her next visit, Olabisi was able to make her flowers again,” he pointed to the red-orange tipped roses on the bedside table, “I put them on this side of the bed because… well, does liking sunsets mean you also like the sunrise? I have only slept with her twice so who knows if she is a morning person. Oh but T’Challa said she really doesn’t need much sleep so… Oh look at these… I just got them carved.”

He rushed to the bag by the door and pulled out a box that contained wooden panthers and rhinos. He laid them on the coffee table in his lounge area, excitedly looking from them to N’Danna like a child showing off a new toy.

“You have been inside the mind of a woman, you think she will like them?”

“Relax brother. She will love all of it, they are… cute.”

M’Baku nodded, taking some of his older carvings down and sliding the animals into their place, putting one by her side of his bed. Just as he was examining the room, looking for another thing to move or switch out to expel his nervous energy, Kide popped his head in.

“The Talon is approaching, my Lord. About 5 minutes out.”

M’Baku nodded, rubbing his hands together nervously. He nodded at N’Danna to walk with him toward the landing outside the Lodge.

“Oh N’Danna, I need one more favor.”

N’Danna rolled his eyes before they bugged out of his head, his chief’s passing thoughts cueing him into the favor before the words left his mouth. “A-are you serious? M’Baku? So soon?”

M’Baku sighed, it didn’t feel too soon to him. “I have known since the moment I first spoke to her. I do not need to see anything else. I-I do not need anymore time. And I don’t think she does either.”

N’Danna stood and pulled the man into an embrace. “Congrats. I will get everything squared away for you. Don’t worry about a thing. Just spend time with your girl.”

The two men shook hands before N’Danna took off in the opposite direction and M’Baku headed to greet Asha.

This time when Asha stepped off the plane and into the fresh snow of Jabariland, it felt totally different. She was still nervous but not in the anxiety sort of way. It was nervous excitement filling her belly. She didn’t have to wait long before M’Baku rushed forward and swept her into a tight hug.

“I have missed you.”

“I missed you too,” she whispered, kissing his lips.

Their hands joined, her fear of burning him long gone and almost forgotten. She felt sort of out of place as she walked, soldiers saluting her and M’Baku as they strolled through the Lodge.

“I hope you do not mind but I was hoping you would stay in my quarters this trip. But I had your room from your last visit set up for you, should that make you more comfortable.”

Asha smiled, appreciative of the sweet but unnecessary gesture. Where ever he was, that’s where she wanted to be.

“Your quarters are perfect, thank you.”

And thus started, what Asha could only describe as three magical days with the love of her life. M’Baku spent half of the day working, during which a guard would take Asha down to the market. She spent most of her time chatting with Olabisi, who told her thrilling tales of the Jabari and The Chosen, stories Asha imagined she would have read in that book, had she ever gotten past the first page. She explained all the different powers the Chosen in the tribe had now: flight, chlorokinesis, elemental control like Asha, mind reading, telepathy, invisibility… they were as diverse as they were powerful. She offered book recommendations for Asha, which she immediately went and found in the Lodge’s library.

After, she just roamed the market, under the watchful eye of one of M’Baku’s guards. She stopped at every merchant asking them every question she could think of about their work and life in Jabariland. She sat and watched the wood makers carve Jabari wood and knobkerries. Every day she met someone new, learned something new, and basked in the beauty of Wakanda’s most plentiful resource: her people. This is what she knew she was missing her whole life. This was her freedom, to be among her people. No one was afraid of her here, no one cared about her powers. She watched all day as Chosen used their powers to help get things done faster and more efficiently, assistance that was not only accepted but appreciated. Asha thought back to her conversation with her brother, about potentially living here permanently. And she knew, in her heart, she could… that she wanted to. Jabariland was starting to feel more like home than the Golden City ever had.

After leaving the market and shops, she would meet M’Baku for a late lunch and then he would take her to his favorite spots around the Lodge and mountains. They would hike each evening, catching the sunset at a spot, Asha giddy like a child at every single one. Her third night, he even had a picnic set up waiting for her at the end of their hike.

“How was the market today?” M’Baku asked as they walked back to his bedroom after returning from their hike.

“Amazing as always. I met this man, he said he has been carving Jabari wood since he was 10. He made the cutest rhino figurine for me - I am going to give it to Okoye. He was so nice and just told me about all the different things he carves and all the Jabari symbols, what they mean. Oh I met the Chief Fisherman and his husband at their shop. They were so sweet, told me all about their daughter who, apparently, wants to be an engineer like Shuri. I will have to tell her, maybe on my next visit she can come and meet her? Do you think she would like that? I think Shuri would be really excited.”

M’Baku smiled brightly, listening to her go on and on about the Jabari, all stories he already knew as Chief but there was something about hearing her say it. The excitement and passion for the people she was meeting… she sounded like she born for the title of Queen of Jabariland.

“What? Am I rambling? I am rambling, aren’t I?” She asked as she noted the look on his face.

“No, no not at all. I just like seeing you like this. So excited about the people here.”

“Well, the Jabari are the first Wakandans I have had a conversation for longer than five minutes with. To be among the people, learn their names and their stories? There is nothing better. I didn’t realize how much I was missing, how much joy it brings. Thank you,” she stretched her body and kissed him gently on his lips.

In lieu of responding, he just wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in deeper for a long, passionate kiss. After a few moments, they broke apart, Asha muttering that she wanted to take a shower after such a journey. The hikes still didn’t seem to bother M’Baku, but Asha always felt like she had endured a rigorous workout afterward.

M’Baku shook his head slightly. He understood and respected her desire to go slow. But that wasn’t making it any easier. He wanted her so badly it hurt. But he wanted her to be ready.

After her shower, Asha stood in his mirror, giving herself a pep talk as she examined the dark red lace lingerie on her slender frame in the mirror. Though there was always something she could find wrong, aside from the blemishes she could not get rid of in 5 minutes, even she could admit that she looked good… sexy even. She whispered confident words to herself before opening the bathroom door. His back was to her as he stood, looking out his window. Her walk faltered for a minute, her confidence fading fast as she realized she would have to actually get his attention.

He wants you. You want him. You can do this.

“M’Baku,” she whispered. He turned around slightly at the sound of his name, doing a double take as he realized what exactly covered her beautiful frame.

“Usana,” he breathed quietly as she had literally stolen his breath and ability to speak. He had never been rendered speechless by a woman before, usually he had that effect on them. But here his goddess stood, more beautiful than anything he had seen on this Earth. His eyes studied the smooth brown skin peeking through the triangle cut outs of her bra and panty set, studied her so closely as if he had to commit her to memory.

“You like it, my love?” She teased, his inability to form words fueling her confidence as she walked toward him, her fingers trailing up his biceps once she was in arm’s length of him.

“Who wouldn’t? You are a vision, sithandwa sam” He whispered back before gently grabbing the back of her thighs and hoisting her up. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his midsection as he carried her to his bed. She quickly found herself laying on her back among the mountain of soft white furs covering his bed. He stared down at her for a moment, soaking in her beauty. This is how he always wanted to see her… wild and unreserved.

He leaned over and kissed her deeply before creating a path of kisses down her body. Her body and mind knew his end destination, her quiet squirms begged him to make the journey there faster. But he didn’t care, he wanted to take his time… watch her come undone piece by piece. His mouth explored her soft, supple skin, kissing or gently biting every available and exposed inch. Soft moans escaped her lips, a sensual symphony to his ears.

“M’Baku, please,” she begged as he placed soft kisses everywhere but where she needed it most. Asha’s eyes clenched shut in anticipation and her hands gripped the furs on his bed as his lips finally reached the promise land of her sensitive bud. Her back arched slightly as he sucked on her clit, sending shockwaves through her body. His thick finger entered her, curling immediately into her g-spot, increasing her pleasure tenfold.

“Fuck… M’B-Baku… don’t stop, please,” she begged. Unnecessary words because stopping was the furthest thing from his mind. He was doing Hanuman’s work, pouring all the love and adoration she missed out on in her life into her, showing her what it meant to be worshipped and adored as she deserved. He had no intention of stopping that important work. Hell, he could do this all night.

Asha’s eyes clenched shut as she rode the waves of passion and pure ecstasy his mouth and hands were providing. His eyes never left her face as he devoured what was now his favorite meal, each moan, groan, and plead for mercy or more spurring him on. Her thighs clamped around his head as he pushed her farther up the mountain of desire. He inserted a second finger in her as she grew louder, signaling that her orgasm was near.

It didn’t take long of his expert ministrations for Asha to feel that snap that led to the most life-altering orgasm of her life, years of self-pleasure paled in comparison. She let out a continuous stream of praise and curse words as she road the waves of bliss.

“That’s it, come for me my queen. Hanuman, you are beautiful.”

He emerged from between her legs, immediately kissing her deeply. The smell of smoke caught both of their attention at the same time, pulling them out of their own little world of pleasure and passion to find smoke rising from the comforter. A large black patch of burnt fur now staining his white fur blanket. Asha quickly removed the smoke from the air before hitting herself in the forehead, embarrassment and frustration quickly sliding onto her face.

“I am so sorry, M’Baku! Ugh, I h-have never done this, especially without the rings. I-I didn’t know that would-“ He captured her lips to shut her up, laughing lightly.

“It is just a blanket, my love. I have five more just like it in the closet. And if we burn all of those, I can get fifty more made. Take a deep breath. I do not care about that.”

She nodded, laughing lightly before recapturing his lips. There he was again, pulling her back from the cliffs just as she was about to tumble down with such ease and care. Her anxieties and frustrations melted away as he kissed her, her hands drifting down toward his pants, preparing to pull them down.

“Are you sure? We don’t have to do this.”

His breathy whispers in her ear made her want him even more, despite the content of his words.

“I want you. I want this.” She offered him an encouraging smile before he stood up and pulled his pants and boxers off. Her voice hitched and eyes widened as she took him in. He was more than she could have ever imagined… in every way. The bed dipped as he climbed back on top of her. Every second felt like cruel and unusual punishment as she waited, every pleasure sensor in her body begging and pleading to be catered to.

She gasped as he pushed into her, her body wholly unaccustomed to being stretched this much before. It was painful, as she expected, but she could already feel the pleasure brewing underneath… the pleasure that made getting passed this uncomfortable part worth it. He kissed her softly and whispered sweet nothings into her ears as he slowly slid into her. She was thankful he was a thoughtful and gentle lover, her mind briefing thinking about the bullet she dodged with Hasani, who wouldn’t have cared how painful the experience was for her.

It didn’t take long for the pain to quickly fade into earth shattering, mind-blowing pleasure as M’Baku started his slow and steady strokes into her. His dick curved right into her g-spot, forcing moans and words of love and adoration at the end of every stroke.

“How does it feel, my queen?”

“F-fuck, M’Baku,” she panted as he rocked into her, slowing picking up the pace as her moans grew louder and her orgasm approached. “Feels… so.. g-good. D-don’t stop.”

M’Baku’s never-ending stamina meant that stopping wasn’t in the cards for him anytime soon. Through orgasm after orgasm, the couple spent the evening completely enthralled in passionate love-making. His quarters soaked up the screams and moans of the princess of Wakanda as they transitioned between positions and he took her to places she never knew possible. She lost track of the orgasms he pulled from the depths of her soul throughout the night. She was completely spent by the time M’Baku came and rolled off her.

She shifted to her side lazily to watch him walk to the bathroom, eyes half closed. “How are you not exhausted?”

“The might of the Jabari,” he called from the bathroom. When he returned, he sat down next to her and cleaned her up with a warm wet towel before climbing into bed. She shifted to lay on his chest, listening to his heartbeat as they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

***

“My princess?”

Asha looked up from her spot curled up in an oversized arm chair in the library to find Kide looking at her. After last night, she didn’t really have the energy to walk around the market today and M’Baku had a long day of meeting so she opted to stay in the library and snuggle up by the window to read.

“Asha will do just fine,” she reminded the young guard as she slide her bookmark in place.

“Asha, Lord M’Baku has asked that I escort you to your spot on the west mountains. He will meet you there. The carriage is waiting outside.”

Asha’s nose wrinkled at the break in their tradition of hiking to the various spots together but she let go of it rather quickly. She imagined that the only reason he would break their tradition was for some sort of surprise. And while she had no earthly idea what it could be, she certainly didn’t want to ruin it by messing up his plans.

She followed Kide outside, one foot in the carriage before an idea struck her.

“Kide?”

“Yes?”

“C-could we maybe get there a different way?”

Kide’s eyes widened before a smile graced his face. “Are you sure?”

“Well, the last time I tried it… I almost died? So I figure I could use the practice?”

She wasn’t sure if her black jumpsuit, while insanely cute, was functional for flying. But she decided not to let that stop her. She looked up to find Kide already circling her head, waiting for her.

I can do this. I can do this. She chanted before pushing off of the ground. She wobbled a bit before finding her balance and propelling herself higher into the sky next to him. The cold air whipped against her face as she flew behind Kide, slightly lower than him, around the mountains. She looked down and she could see everyone walking around below them, the occasionally hand pointed up or waving at them as they flew past.

The higher they climbed up the side of the mountain, the more her eyes watered. However, she continued to push forward. She followed close behind Kide, circling the clearing she knew too well before diving behind him to land. The first thing she heard was applause when her feet touched the white snow. She turned to find M’Baku sitting on a rock, waiting for her, a bright smile on his face.

“Thank you, Kide.”

“Any time, my princess.” He turned and walked back to the guards waiting on the snow-covered road by the carriage. She turned her attention to M’Baku, noting the nervous look in his eyes, the way his hands fidgeted with his fur collar.

He didn’t say anything as he approached her, holding out his hand. She immediately placed her small one into his. They stared out at the horizon, the sky starting to fill with the oranges and yellows of sunset.

“Asha…”

She quickly turned her attention back to him, facing him as their fingers interlocked.

“I-I had this whole speech written out b-but seeing you here… I just… I am in love with you, Asha Udaka. My love for you has only grown stronger and deeper since the moment you walked into my throne room filled with grief and pain. And since then, I have witnessed you step into your power, into who you are and demand acceptance from the people who would deny you with the power and grace of a Queen. I don’t know what Hanuman has for my future but I know I want you in it… I need you in it. I don’t need anymore time to know you are the love of my life. We have proven that our love can melt away even the toughest of hardships, that this… w-what we share is unlike anything else in this world. And I know you will make a beautiful and compassionate Queen. And so…”

Asha expelled a shaky breath as M’Baku spoke. She had a feeling she knew where this was heading but she wouldn’t dare let herself believe it until he said the words. She watched as he pulled two wooden bands out of his pocket. The tears streaming down her face obscured her vision slightly but she knew exactly what those meant. Her mind called back to one of the many books she had read over the last few days, one detailing the engagement tradition of the Jabari. The dark brown wooden bracelet was the standard tribe engagement band, engraved with Jabari symbols that represented the future they would build together. But the gold one, reserved only for the tribe’s chieftess, carried a small inscription chosen by M’Baku.

“Will you marry me?”

“Y-yes, yes! 100 times yes,” she whispered immediately. She didn’t need to think about it, didn’t need more time. Her love for M’Baku… she knew nothing like it in this world. And here he was, offering her a future she thought she would never get to have. “I love you so much.”

Her hand shook slightly as he slid the bracelets onto her arm and wrapped his arms around her. He peppered her face with soft kisses as she laughed, pure joy radiating off them. They only stopped when Asha heard cheering from around them.

“What is th-“ she turned to find all the important people in her life emerging from the trees. Shuri was the first to rush toward her, running into her like a small train as she always did. Her crying intensified as she hugged her sister and looked at T’Challa, Nakia, Okoye and all the Dora behind her.

Shuri released her and T’Challa wrapped her in a tight hug, wiping away the tears that streamed down her face.

“D-did you all k-know about this?”

“We may have had an idea or two. Congratulations, Asha. T-this is truly amazing.”

Asha shared hugs with everyone as they offered her congratulations, before returning to M’Baku’s side. The guards brought out rum from the carriage for the group to toast, passing cups around for each person.

Asha felt as though her heart was so full it may burst at the seams, her happiness almost overwhelming.

“Lord M’Baku, if I may? A toast!” T’Challa called out, raising his glass. “To my younger sister, Asha and Lord M’Baku. I don’t know if I have ever met two people more destined for each other than you. We are so happy for you, you both deserve the world and I know you have that and more here. Congratulations and here is to many more sunsets together.”

Asha’s smile could have lit up all of Jabariland as she listened to her brother. They toasted and drank rum as they watched the sun fall below the horizon together. Asha nestled herself into her fiancé’s side as she looked around at the people she loved and who loved her immensely. Bast was right, Asha’s life was overflowing with love and her future with hope. She couldn’t wait to spend every moment of it surrounded by M’Baku, T’Challa, Shuri, Nakia and Okoye… the people she loved most in this whole world. Their journey had been long and rugged, but every step brought her to this summit. And it was worth it.

****

Tag List: @destinio1 @muse-of-mbaku @jellybean531 @skysynclair19 @ashanti-notthesinger @gloriousgam3r @archivistofwakanda @leahnicole1219 @mygirlrenee @dramaqueeenamby

#m'baku smut #m'baku x reader #m'baku imagines #T’Challa fan fiction #black panther fanfiction #Black Writers #black writer #m'baku x oc

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justinewt · 3 years

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Clash of Heroes - MARVEL Rewrite Chapter Nine

[MARVEL REWRITE-MASTERLIST] - [THE INFINITY SAGA]

Previous chapter / Next Chapter

Summary: They had been arrested. They were taken away, separated from Bucky and couldn’t do anything at the moment but, what they were all sure about was that they wouldn’t be restrained for long. They were ready to fight whoever they had to face, because they were a team. It was the fight of the heroes, team Cap vs team Iron man.

Words: 7.2k

Warnings: Civil war spoilers (again, the clue’s in the title lol), fights, violence, angst, fluff, Frainn is on team Cap (I’m on team cap and i’m proud lmao), sarcasm,

Berlin, GERMANY (still) 2016

They were sirens wailing all around them as all five of them were being transported in convoy, having separated Bucky from the other four and locked in a sealed glass cage. He had then been placed in another truck. Steve, Sam, Frainn and the king’s son were seated on staggered seats, Frainn and Sam being the most in the back.

“So, you like cats ?” Sam casually asked to T’Challa. Frainn chuckled, bitting her lips.

“Sam.” Steve glanced at his friend behind him.

“What ? Dude shows up dressed like a cat, you don’t wanna know more ?”

“Hey, Sam. Do you like birds ?” Sam glanced at Frainn, keeping a straight so as not to giggle.

“Your suit…” Steve started talking to the Wakandan while the two kids in the back were joking around a little bit. They eventually listened to Steve and T’Challa. “it’s vibranium ?”

“The Black Panther had been the protector of Wakanda for generations. A mantle, passed from warrior to warrior. And now, because your friend murdered my father…” Frainn’s facial features tensed in anger upon the accusation he was making. “I also wear the mantle of king. So, I ask you… as both warrior and king… how long do you think you can keep your friend safe from me ?”

He glanced at Steve and then Frainn as he spoke. The goddess was staring at him with murderous eyes, and king or not, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty if needed so, he should watch his back too if he intended to do anything to Bucky. She would not be gentle. Silence then hung into the vehicle as the convoy descended into an underground passage. The cars pulled up and Steve and Frainn got out and watched as Bucky, sat in his glass cage, was being led away. He did not look at them and Frainn eventually followed her friend to a bunch of people standing a few feet away, among which was Sharon.

“What’s gonna happen to him ?” Frainn asked aggressively.

“Same thing that ough to happen to you.” Answered a short man in a grey suit. “Psychological evaluation and extradition.”

“This is Everett Ross, Deputy Task Force Commander.” Sharon introduced him.

“What about a lawyer ?” Ross looked at Steve and smiled, amused.

“Lawyer. That’s funny.” He resumed a straight face. “See their weapons are placed in lockup.”

“What ?” Frainn took a step forward, stopped by Steve’s arm. The soldiers behind him and Sharon aimed at her in case she attempted anything. “Give me my spear back. You have no right to keep it. This is a weapon made for gods.” He ignored her, laughing once again.

“We’ll write you a receipt.” Frainn clenched her fist and fought her urge to jump on him and beat him up.

“I better not look out the window and see anybody flying around in that.” Sam added as they followed Ross. Frainn was slowly regretting opening the Bifrost to come and see Steve since it had gotten her being arrested. She looked behind, walking backwards and crossed gaze with Bucky. He could see the worry in her eyes as Steve grabbed her shoulder to make her turn around.

“You’ll be provided with an office instead of a cell.” Ross said as he showed them to the said office.

“I have known worse than what you call a “cell”. Do you want me to thank you ?” Frainn spat out, arms crossed over her chest. The deputy sighed at her remark and pursued.

“Now, do me a favor, stay in it ?”

“I don’t intend on goind anywhere.”The now Wakandan King informed. Looking ahead of them, Frainn and Steve stared at Natasha, standing in the middle of the hallway. She went next to the two of them and walked beside them.

“So, you really aren’t dead.”She said to Frainn.

“I am not, and don’t plan on dying any time soon.”

“Good to know.” Natasha nodded. “For the record, this is what making things worse looks like.”

“He’s alive.” Steve stated.

“No.” Tony’s voice rose from the office they were approaching. The walls around them were all glass, allowing them to see into the other offices. “Romania was not Accords-sanctioned. Colonel Rhodes is supervising clean-up.”

“Try not to break anything while we fix this.” Romanoff told Steve, Frainn and Sam as they walked into the room. Tony was on the phone and walked toward them.

“Consequences ? You bet there’ll be consequences. Obviously you can quote me on that, because I just said it. Anything else ?”

“And my father is a diva ? You gotta be joking.” Frainn mumbled, annoyed. Tony hung up and looked at the three of them.

“What ? No way.” He looked at Frainn. “Thought you were dead. Well, that’s what your uncle told us. Last year. What’s up about that ?”

“None of your concern, Stark.” He raised his eyebrows and changed the subject and kept talking.

“Secretary Ross wants you three prosecuted.” He pointed at them with his phone. “In your case the undead, you’ll be kept in a jail from which you won’t be able to escape, in theory, until Thor is able to come and bring you back to your home in the sky.”

“I’m not getting that shield back, am I ?” Steve asked.

“Technically, it’s the government’s property.” Natasha replid as she walked away with Tony. “Wings, too. But not your spear, Frainn. You’ll get it back when Thor comes.”

“That’s cold.” Sam breathed out, his hands stufed in his jacket’s pockets.

“Warmer than jail.”

“I’d prefer somewhere cold.” Frainn spat out. She then followed Steve around and they walked to the back of the office they had been asked to stay in and looked through the glass at a few screens displaying security cameras footage. One had their attention specifically. The one on which they could see Bucky in his glass cage. Frainn observed his surroundings. It was a dull room with only a table before his cage.

“Hey, you wanna see something cool ?” They turned to Tony as the latter approached them with a leather case in hand. “I pulled something from dad’s archives. Felt timely. FDR signed the Lend-Lease bill with these in 1941.”

Steve had sat on a chair while Frainn remained standing, keeping an eye on the screen showing Bucky. Tony put the case on the table after opening it. There were two black fountain pens in it.

“Provided support to the Allies when they needed it most.” He continued.

“Some would say it brought our country closer to war.”

As they spoke, Frainn slowly used her powers to make them forget about her so she could slip away, and it worked. She started walking around, they didn’t stop talking or noticed her going away. She got out of the office and focused, trying to sense her spear’s power in order to find it and get it back. She would certainly not wait for them to lock her up until Thor would come get her. Patience wasn’t so much in her nature. So, this was not an option. She would find her way out of this at some point but she couldn't leave now. She had to stay for Bucky until he was safe and sound. She could not leave him. She wasn’t familiar with this facility, it didn’t look like the SHIELD’s ones she had been in in the past so it took her a little longer to get just a little closer to where the gears where kept. She followed her instinct, taking the corridors in which she felt her spear’s power leading her. After a long minute, she eventually found where it was. She teleported herself into the room, dodging the guards in the hallway and the security system, took her spear without wasting any more time and got out, still concealing her presence, making her undetectable by cameras. She teleported herself back to the office and stood next to Steve, acting like she had been standing there all the time. She was just in time to see Bucky’s evaluation on the cameras, with her spear hidden from anyone sight under the appearance of a necklace. Steve gave her a sidelong glance.

“I didn’t realize you had a necklace on.” Arms crossed, they stared at the screens in front of them.

“Because I didn’t.” He frowned, as she went silent, listening and watching what was happening. They could see the psychologist sit down at a table on one of the screens. Steve checked the file with the picture from the news program and glanced at the screen. Frainn crossed her arms and turned to him. “What’s on your mind ?”

“Why would the Task Force release this photo to begin with ?”

“Get the word out, involve as many eyes as we can ?” The Asgardian hadn’t noticed Sharon had came in the room.

“Right.” Steve said. “It’s a good way to flush a guy out of hiding. Set off a bomb, get your picture taken. Get seven billion people looking for the Winter Soldier.”

“Someone definitely framed him in order to find him.” Frainn declared, looking at the floor, thoughtful.

“Steve, we looked for the guy for two years and found nothing.” Sam stated.

“We didn’t bomb the UN. That turns a lot of heads.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t guarantee that whoever framed him would get him.” Sharon was skeptical but helped them figure this out. Frainn turned around as she spoke and stared at the guy evaluating their friend.

“It guaranteed that you all would get him for them.” She felt a knot in her stomach, worrying for what the guy had planned for Bucky. Suddenly, the lights died and the screens turned pitch black, plunging the whole floor in the dark. Frainn looked around them, frowning. Steve and Frainn faced Sharon.

“Sub-level five, East Wing.” She declared, in a hurry. Steve glanced at his partner standing beside him.

“I go there on foot with Sam. You use your powers to get there before us, Frainn.” She nodded and in the matter of a few seconds she had disappeared of the office and she got just at the entrance of the room where Bucky was kept. She heard gruntings in the room leading to this one and saw Bucky, punching his way out.

“Bucky !” He stopped for a second but didn’t look at her. His fists were clenched tight and he seemed driven, like her father when he was under mind control. She quickly guessed this psychologist had done something to put him in a state of obedience and control.

“Help me.”A low and weak voice rose in the room and she looked around, narrowing her eyes. When she looked on the floor, she saw the supposedly psychologist in question and grabbed him, lifting him up in the air and slammed him so hard against the wall that he groaned loudly in pain and coughed.

“What did you do to Bucky ?” He stared at her, dead in the eyes but stayed silent. She smirked, bitter and nodded. “Alright. You wanna see something cool ? Let me show you.”

She put one her bare hands around his neck and slowly, her skin turned blue and her eyes a fuming red. A cold mist was emitted by her skin and he started to grit his teeth, grabbing her arms to try and get her to let go off him. The burning sensation she was afflicting him soon became unbearable and he groaned loudly, struggling even more. She was looking at him being in pain with a straight face before she heard Steve’s voice from behind her. She didn’t stop until he was on her left, close. She removed her hands from his neck, let her cold skin warm up a little, turning back to pale beige as the man slipped to the ground, panting. The burn covering the entire front of his neck still gave him a sharp pain, and would surely leave a nice mark as a souvenir gift. She crossed her arms and stepped back, letting Steve grab him by the jacket and slam him against the wall for the second time.

“Who are you ? What do you want ?”

“To see an empire fall.” He struggled to speak, coughing at each word, swallowing, but he manage to spit out this sentence.

Sam joined them inside and almost got hit by a blow targeted at him. Frainn widened her eyes. It was Bucky. He had been standing there, in silence while everyone was focused on the mad man. She had seen him beat up the people in the other room and now he was there, in the corner of the room. He had surely came back when she had her back turned. Sam dodged his blows, trying to hit him but eventually, Bucky grabbed him by the jaw with his metal arm and threw him at his glass cell. He tried to punch Frainn but she crouched, avoiding to get hit and rolled on the side to get behind him as he fought with Steve, kicking him in the other room. The goddess looked at them and then at Sam, still lying on the floor. He wasn’t an enhanced human being. It undoubtedly would take him more time to recover from something such as what Bucky just did to him. She looked at him. He was unconscious but he didn’t seem to be in a life-or-death kind of state. She watched Steve and Bucky and ran after them when she saw the latter throwing Cap down the elevator shaft. She looked down to see if she could catch a glimpse of Steve but she suddenly felt her legs being lifted up and screamed as Bucky threw her down. She stretched out her arms as she fell, looking at him throught the metal door in which he had punched a whole. She then grunted when her back hit the elevator before falling below the engine, reuniting with her war buddy. It took more to knock her unconscious or hurt her so she was fine but emotionally, she wasn't. She sighed and turned her head when she felt Steve move beside her. She waved her hands at him and he stared at her.

“We’re such besties. He threw us both down an elevator shaft.” She joked. He got up and grabbed her hand to get her up as well, even if she could have done it on her own.

“Come on, bestie.”

It sounded weird to hear Steve say such a familiar kind of word but Frainn had only used for the joke. She wasn’t much of a user of this word either, so she had employed it with a bit of sarcasm of course. They ran up the stairs and kept going until they reached the roof, where there was a helicopter landing strip and the said helicopter. He had to be there. This was the easiest way out of here. Without talking, they had agreed on a plan. Steve would slow down the helicopter and Frainn would, when he would beckon for to act. He rushed at the helicopter as it powered up, raising in the air. Steve jumped to get it back down as much as he could and got dragged to the edge by the engine’s strenght as he got it closer and closer to the roof, Bucky drifted, forcing Steve to get out of the way. The helicopter collided with the concrete and to avoid the crash and even more unnecessary damaged, Frainn froze the helicopter's blades to stop it in motion. Frainn waited a seconf for the dust to fall back down and she saw Steve being grabbed by Bucky's metal arm. She rushed towards them and tried to make Bucky let go to prevent him from being hurt and especially so that he would not be dragged downwards since the helicopter was sliding dangerously. In a concert of grunting, they unfortunately got dragged in the fall along the helicopter and Bucky and fall into a body of water below. Bucky hit his head against the helicopter windshield and let go off Steve. Frainn figured he would be fine so she opened the engine’s door and passed Bucky’s arm, the normal one, around her shoulders and pulled him out. She swam to the surface, her old lover in her arms.

Hearing Bucky groaning behind her, Frainn turned around to face as she had had her back to him the whole time, waiting for him to wake up. They had went in a sort of abandoned factory in the capital and put Bucky's metal arm under a press to avoid another incident. He opened his eyes, and slowly looked at his metal arm.

“You’re okay.” Frainn declared, leaning against a wall. He looked at her, not saying anything at first.

“I am ?”

“I’ll make sure you are.” She sighed, frowning in worry. She whistled to inform Sam, standing just out the room in which they had placed Bucky. He called out to Steve and they walked in.

“Steve.” Bucky said, straightening up as much as he could.

“Which Bucky am I talking to ?”

“Your mom’s name was Sarah. You used to wear newspapers in your shoes.” He chuckled. The childish smile on his face warmed Frainn’s icy heart, making her smile. Bucky then looked at Frainn, still smiling. “And she, was your guardian angel.”

“Can’t read that in a museum.”

“Just like that we’re supposed to be cool ?” Sam queried, still skeptical.

“What did I do ?” Bucky was scared what the answer to his question might be.

“Enough.”

“Oh, God, I knew this would happen. Everything HYDRA put inside me is still there. All he had to do was say the goddamn words.”

“Who was he ?” Steve inquired.

“I don’t know.”

“People are dead. The bombing, the setup… the doctor did all that just to get 10 minutes with you. I need you to do better than “I don’t know.”.” Bucky thought about it and then raised his head.

“He wanted to know about Siberia. Where I was kept. He wanted to know exactly where.”

“Why would he need to know that ?”

“Were there other “winter soldiers” ?” Frainn bluntly asked, just when Steve had finished talking. Bucky turned his head to her.

“Spot on, doll.” He sighed. There was a moment of silence but eventually, Steve walked over to Bucky and lifted the press so he could get his metal arm out of there. The soldier then crossed his arms and went to lean against a wall, next to Frainn.

“Who were they ?”

“Their most elite death squad. More kills than anyone in HYDRA history. And that was before the serum.”

“They all turn out like you ?” Sam wondered.

“Worse.”

“The doctor, could he control them ?” Steve stared at Bucky.

“Enough.” He bowed his head, looking down at the floor.

“Said he wanted to see an empire fall.” Steve, Frainn and Sam looked at each other.

“With these guys, he could do it.” Bucky stated. “They speak 30 languages, can hide in plain sight… infiltrate, assassinate, destabilize. They can take a whole country down in one night, you’d never see them coming.”

As Sam walked over to Steve, Frainn approached Bucky and crouched in front of him. He looked at her, strands of his greasy dark brown hair falling over his face. She removed some, putting them behind his ear.

“You shouldn’t come so close. I don’t… I don’t know if–” She cut him off, joining her hands over her knees.

“I'm not afraid of anyone, so surely not of you. Don’t worry.” He smirked.

“Always so fearless, and frank. You must have destroyed many people’s ego.” They both chuckled.

“Oh, I definitely hope so. Have I shattered yours ?”

“After all this time, all I did… I’m not a proud person.” His smile faded.

“Well, not being a proud person isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I inherited my arrogance and pride from my father and I can’t get rid of these flaws.” She joked before looking at him more seriously. “You can be proud, that they’re is enough good in you that they failed at unmaking you. ” She put her hand on his chest, at the level of his heart. He could feel her cold skin through his thin burgary T-shirt. “All I see is a fighter, a survivor, and the man I love.”

Sitting in the backseat of the car, Frainn and Bucky were looking ahead of them through the windshield, watching Steve meet up with Sharon. Sam was sitting on the passenger seat, in the front, looking ahead of him as well. The car Steve has chosen has their getaway car was a small, old vehicle that looked like the ones she saw in New York during the 40s. It was therefore rather small for three big guys and not very versatile given the modernized realm Midgard had turned into. Bucky was seated right behind Sam, not having much space for his legs, while Frainn had found the solution to extend hers and be a little more comfortable while Steve was out of the car, she had put her shoes on the head rest of the driver seat.

“Can you move your seat up ?” Bucky asked.

“No.”

Bucky therefore lifted Frainn to be able to move a little, to get more space for his legs. She lost balance for a second and let hers fall off the head rest, hitting Sam’s arm with her foot. He winced and shifted to the side until her legs were back down. Bucky took place in the middle of the backseat, letting her rest her legs on his lap so she would still have space too. Sam watched them from the corner of his eyes as he felt the whole car move. They could feel the slightest of their movement in that fucking tin can with wheels. He bent slighly on her, stretching out his arm and passing it around Frainn’s shoulders. She widened her eyes, laughing in surprise as she saw her old best friend kiss Sharon. Sam and Bucky started nodding their heads slowly, in approval. As she got in her car, Steve looked at them and saw their faces. He bent his slighlty as Frainn bursted in laughter again, hiding her face with her hand. She waved at him to let him know it was nervous laughing and that she wasn’t mocking him, but he knew that already. He shook his head and got back in the car. He drove around the parking lot and parked to the right of a white van. Steve got out and Bucky and Frainn waited for Sam to get out as well. Frainn removed her legs from Bucky’s lap and moved the seat forward so they could get out. She stretched out her whole body once she was got on her foot. Sam went over to Steve and Bucky and Frainn stayed near the car.

“You still owe me a date.” Frainn said, out of the blue, as she stared at the Avengers gathering ahead of them. Bucky looked at her and smirked.

“I never forgot.” She smiled, scoffing and watched Hawkeye slamming open the van’s door, revealing a man napping inside. He jumped at the noise and got out of the vehicle, wincing. He stared at Steve and Sam when he saw them. Hawkeye pushed him away from the van and he approached the two Avengers, shaking Steve’s hand, sharing a few words with them. The handshake seemed really long and he eventually stopped. He looked at the woman behind him, pointing Steve with his finger like a little kid meeting his hero. When he looked back at him, he noticed Frainn and Bucky’s figures in the back and his eyes widened.

“Oh, and you’re the witch-Goddess, uh, Frainn !” She nodded, retaining a laugh.

“Just call me Frainn.”

“Ah, look, I wanna say, ” He put his gaze on Steve. “I know you know a lot of super people, so… thinks for thanking of me.” He glanced at Sam. “Hey man !”

“What’s up, Tic Tac ?”

“Uh, good to see you.” It quickly turned a bit awkward. “Look, what happened last time when I–”

“It was a great audition, but it’ll… it’ll never happen again.” Sam cut him off. He seemed like he didn’t want this man to say something in front of Steve.

“They tell you what we’re up against ?” Steve asked.

“Something about, psycho-assassins ?”

“We’re outside the law on this one.”He added. “So if you come with us, you’re a wanted man.”

“Yeah, well, what else is new ?”

“We should get moving.” Bucky declared. A man then started speaking german on PA. Everyone looked around, wondering what was being said. Only Frainn and Bucky understood. “They’re evacuating the airport.”

“Suit up.” Steve ordered.

He walked back to the car and opened the trunk to get his suit and shield, and of course, Sam’s wings and own suit. As everyone was quickly getting changed, Frainn was already ready as she only needed her powers to change her outfits. She chose to wear the suit made for her in 2012 by the SHIELD and Coulson over her World War II suit. This one didn’t represent her anymore and she had only worn it again because she was reuniting with Bucky and she thought it would a good excuse to put it back on one last time. She walked around, not going too far away from them and turning around, she saw Steve motioning for her to come to him with his chin. She stared at him, curious.

“Frainn, when this goes south, you go back on Asgard, okay ? Oh, and try not to hurt them too bad with your powers.” She opened her mouth to protest but he cut her off. “You came here knowing where I was. When this is over, I trust you’ll know where to find us.”

“Fine.” She grumbled, rolling her eyes. “I’ll have business to attend to up there anyway… such as, explaining myself as to why I left without warning.”

Bucky and Steve laughed and the blond gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder, knowing that it was sure to be a very long story and unfortunately they didn't have time for it now. They had to go and fight ungainst their own friends. Steve walked out of the parking lot on his own while the six others went other ways. Frainn, Bucky and Sam were all three standing in the huge hall of the airport terminal, waiting as Sam had sent a small drone do scouting in the airport.

“We found it.” He told Steve over the coms. “Their Quinjet’s in hangar five, north runway.”

The three of them the ran down the terminal and looked up when they heard someone stumping on the windowed curved wall. It was someone wearing a full red and blue jumpsuit.

“What the hell is that ?” Bucky asked as he ran along his two mission partners.

“Everyone’s got a gimmick now.” Sam replied, not paying to much attention to this new guy. A second later, he jumped in the air and went foot first against a window to break in. As he landed, he kicked Sam. The Avenger groaned and fell on the floor, rolling over. Frainn concealed her appearance like a chameleon and he turned to Bucky and tried to punch him but got stopped by his metal arm. While he got distracted by it, Sam had the time to get back up and Frainn reappeared among over a dozen of clones of herself all around them, freaking out the intruder. He spun around, not knowing where to look and threw webs all over the place, causing the clones to disintegrate when they got hit. Eventually, when he was turned to where the actual Frainn was, she threw wind at him, lifting him up in the air. Sam caught him on the wing, flying over a few feet before he broke free of his grasp and clung here and there to what his webs reached, helping him to propel himself by gaining momentum as he went after Sam. Bucky and Frainn followed them from the ground and the soldier threw something at him to distract him, while hiding behing a large pole.

“Hey, buddy, I think you lost this !”

He undertook to throw it back at Bucky but Frainn rolled on the ground and froze the thing at his hand. They heard him curse as he lost balance and fell down, trying to get it off of him, which he didn’t succeed to do until Frainn undone the ice binding herself a second later. The second it took fo her to undo it and for him to get back up was enough for Sam to fly in from behind and kick him in the back. It threw him in the air once again. He managed to throw webs at Sam wings, causing him to fall and crash in a stall, destroying it. He rolled on the floor and got up, only for the new guy to stick him to the glazed guard-rail behind him. He was holding onto some sort of news' pole nearby and Bucky jumped before Sam as he kicked them. The rail's glass shattered and fell on the floor below with the two of them. Frainn knew there weren’t in a hurry or whatever anymore and walked over the edge, looking down at them. She saw they had web on them, glueing them to the floor.

“Guys, look,” Frainn raised her head and stared at him, crouching on the top of a pole. “I’d love to keep this up, but I’ve only got only one job here today and I gotta impress Mr.Stark, so, I’m really sorry.”

He stretched out his arm, aiming at them and Frainn and instead of getting his web on them, Sam’s drone arrived and dragged him outside, breaking a few more windows on the way. They heard him screaming as he fell outside the terminal. Frainn jumped down to join Sam and Bucky and watched them lying down, bickering.

“You couldn’t have done that earlier ?”

“I hate you.” Sam then lifted his head up and looked at Frainn. “Care to help us with that ?”

“I don’t know.” She brought her hand to her face, pretending to be thinking about it to make fun of them in a friendly king of way. “The sight of the two of you like this is quite fun.”

She laughed a little before freezing the webs on them and breaking them easily. They got up and followed her up the escalators that were currently at a standstill since the whole airport facility was supposed to be closed. They ran outside and joined Steve and the two others. Frainn and Steve running in the front, Sam and Bucky on her right, the girl she still didn’t the name of and Barton on Steve’s left, they were in an arrow position rushing towards the hangar where the quinjet spotted by Sam was. Half way there, a yellow ray stopped them, digging the ground as it passes in front of them. They all stopped an looked up. A weird red-skinned guy in a green suit with a cape was flying above them. Frainn narrowed her eyes, wondering who this was as he seemed to know the people around her.

“Captain Rogers… I know you believe what you’re doing is right.” In front of them, on the guy’s side, Tony and Natasha arrived. “But for the collective good, you must surrender now.”

The rest of their team arrived, that included King T’Challa, the kid in the spider-man suit and Rhodes, Tony’s buddy, in one of those armor suit like his.

“What do we do, Cap ?” Sam asked. Steve glanced at Frainn and they mentally nodded at each other through their gazes before he looked back ahead of him.

“We fight.”He declared as he immidiately walked at the others. All of Cap’s team walked alongside him, ready to fight and end this, slowly speeding up, faster and faster and faster. They got in a concert of gruntings as they all attacked each other, punching, kicking, using their powers to fight. It was a hell of a mess. Frainn used her ability to control the wind to create and grow a tornado and made it spin all around the place. The guy with the red skin threw another of these yellow rays of his into the tornado which projected at lightning speed and in a hazardous and uncontrollable manner, other rays. Frainn dropped to the ground to dodge one but he aimed the tornado at her as it slowly died down and she screamed when she got suddenly carried off by it. She got sent far away and grunted, gasping as she lied on the ground, feeling for the first time, pain. Her healing ability soon kicked in and softened it but she was somehow feeling exhausted, and her legs were so heavy. She heard footsteps coming at her and tried to sat up but she grunted and let her back hit the ground. She opened her eyes again and looked up, seeing Bucky come into her field of vision. He slipped one arm under her back to help her up.

“I’m fine… I’m fine. I’ll heal.” She leaned on his shoulder and let him pick her up to bring her with him behind some huge metal boxes as the fight continued. He sat her down next to him, her back against the boxes, all while listening to the guy Hawkeye had brought with him in the van, over the coms. They had been talking about some diversion but she hadn’t really paid attention unfortunately, since she got herself trapped in a storm for about a dozen seconds. It was the first time her healing process was so slow and that she felt so exhausted.

“I got something kinda big. But I can’t hold it very long. On my signal, run like hell.” From their hiding spot, Bucky glanced at Steve, who was hidden a little further away too. “And if I tear myself in half… don’t come back for me.”

“He’s gonna tear himself in half ?” Bucky was puzzled.

“You sure about this, Scott ?” Steve asked.

“I do it all the time.”

“And he’s scared to tear himself in half ?” Frainn breathed out, frowning.

“I mean, I did it once. In a lab. Then I passed out.” Frainn processed the info and nodded, getting why he wasn’t sure about it. Bucky then turned at Frainn to check on her.

“Can you run ?” She exhaled, shaking her head.

“I don’t know, I–”She gasped when Bucky suddenly picked her up, holding her in his arms as he and Steve stepped out of behind hiding.

“Now, you can run.” He whispered at her before looking up at Scott who was now a litteral giant.

“I guess that’s the signal.” Steve stated. He looked at Bucky and saw Frainn in his arms, wanting to ask what happened but he didn’t get the time to do so and they already started to run in the quinjet’s direction as fast as they could, having to cross the whole airport to reach it. As they got nearer, a tour on the right of the hangar fell down and got kept from falling completely by a red magical field for a moment until it suddenly disappeared the second they passed under it. Bucky put Frainn down on her feet and they all rolled on the ground before he stood up and picked her up as they came face to face with Natasha.

“You’re not gonna stop.” She said at Steve.

“You know I can’t.”

“I’m gonna regret this.” The spy stretched out her arm, her hand clenched in a fist in Steve’s direction before slightly aiming in between Bucky and Steve and firing at T’Challa, who groaned at the impact. “Go.”

Bucky tightened his grip over Frainn and him and Steve ran to the Quinjet. They got in and Steve went to the pilot seat and took the draft off as Frainn and Bucky sat down on passenger seats behind him. She sighed, holding tightly onto necklace, as if her spear’s power would help her. She knew it wasn’t going to accelerate the healing process but it was an emotional support.

“What happened ?” She opened her eyes and looked at the back of Steve’s seat.

“I generate a tornado but this flying red guy aimed one his… rays in the middle of it and I got carried away by my own tornado.” She sarcastically laughed. “I don’t what’s his deal, but he managed to weaken me, somehow. I feel weird.”

“He has the mind stone on his forehead. That’s how he is being so powerful.” Steve explained. “You’re not human. You couldn’t be hurt by someone like me or Bucky, but someone with an infinity stone, definitely.”

He pulled down a lever to make the quinjet go faster as Rhodes and Tony started to follow them in the air. A minute later, they were far away from there, nobody flying after them anymore. Steve glanced at Frainn. She had her eyes closed but wasn’t asleep, just taking some rest.

“When we land, you go. Understood, Frainn ?” She nodded softly, her chest lifting at each of her breath. Bucky looked at her with a tender gaze. It was the first calm moment he spent with her since the 40s and he got to watch her practically napping against his shoulder. Paradoxically, she had the warmest coldness he had ever felt. Everything went pitch black for her as she actually fell asleep on Bucky this time.

She opened her eyes, plunged in the dark. She couldn’t see a damn thing as she stood up. The weird thing was that she had woken up lying down, when she remembered falling asleep sitting, her head resting on Bucky’s shoulder. She turned around and walked, her arms stretched out, searching for a wall. If she found a wall, she would find a door or something to find her way out. She was being strangely calm, like she knew what she was supposed to do, without really knowing. She felt like in the body of someone else. It was a rather unpleasant feeling. She wanted to cry out to Bucky, Steve or anyone but she couldn’t open her mouth, or the person’s mouth. She was trapped as her hands ran over an extremely cold wall. Ice. It was ice. She crouched down to touch the floor, and it also turned out to be ice. The whole room was made of ice. The only place she saw rooms, castles, houses, entirely made out of ice was on Jotunheim.

“Frainn.” A masculine voice rose from the darkness but it sounded like an echo resonating in the room. She couldn’t speak and gasped when someone suddenly grabbed her shoulders and she jumped, blinking. Next thing she knew, she was in the quinjet, Bucky’s hand on her shoulder, shaking her soflty. “Frainn. We arrived.”

“Are you feeling any better ?” Steve inquired, looking at her worriedly.

She nodded as she stood up, stumbling slightly. Bucky caught her by the waist and didn’t let go before she regained her balance. They then got out of the engine and stepped into the snow. Her legs didn’t feel so heavy anymore and she could walk on her own. This was it. She had to go back to Asgard. She changed herself, returning to a long Asgardian dress, with drapes extending from her waist down and tickling the snow at her feet. Two bands of smooth golden leathers held the dress to her shoulders and gave birth to a midnight blue cape, with a thin hood. Bucky admired her before she let him take her in his arms tightly. She wrapped her bare limbs around him too and breathed into his neck.

“Survive a little longer, okay ?” She mumbled.

He nodded, his hand resting at the back of her head, warming her neck up. She then went to Steve to hug him as well and eventually, she stepped back, spear in hand. She called out to Skurge, lifting up her godly weapon high above her and after a minute or so, he finally opened the Bifrost for her. She arrived in the Himinbjorg, welcomed by not Skurge, but Odin, well her father, but under the appearance of Odin. He was his back to her and slowly turned as he unveiled himself. He wasn’t going to lecture, they were past that but he was probably, as of now, a little too proud to say something nice. She had disobeyed to him to go on Midgard and he was surely hurt in his ego. She knew that, she had her pride and ego and arrogance from him. She took a step forward.

“I had to go check on my friends. You know that.”

“That’s why I’m not mad at you.” They looked at each other in silence for a few seconds and he walked closer to her. Staring into each other's eyes, in silence, she slowly got even closer, hugging him intimately, for the first time in over 6 centuries. It took him a dozen seconds to do the same but at last, they were holding each other in their arms, enjoying this physical and meaningful contact of which they had been deprived for so long. “I just don’t want Thor to find out and come ruin the peace we got here.”

“He will come back home, eventually, but for now this is our safe haven, father.”

A Wakandan doctor was taking care of him after they cut off the metal arm up to his shoulder. They couldn't take it off completely as it was welded into his body. Frainn and Steve where watching from a table they were leaning on, waiting to be able to talk to him a little before he was put under ice. When he left Bucky’s side, Steve walked over to him, hands stuffed in his pockets' jacket, followed by Frainn.

“You sure about this ?” Steve asked.

“I can’t trust my own mind. So, until they figure out how to get this stuff out of my head… I think going back under is the best thing. For everybody.”

Frainn passed her arms around his shoulders, joining her hands at back of his neck. She approached her face and rested her forehead onto his. He lifted his head, slowly to try and get a taste of her lips before being cryogenized. The kiss was tender and loving, warming the bottom of her stomach.

“I love you.” She breathed out after breaking the kiss. Their faces weren’t against each other anymore but they were close enough for them to admire the beauty and details of each others hues of blue in their irises.

“I love you too.” He answered, as he was taken away to be put under ice. Steve and Frainn stood right in front of the machine as it whirred. He closed his eyes. Air hissed inside the shell and ice crawled on the inside of the machine glass cover, freezing him in place, making it look like he was only asleep. A tear rolled down Frainn’s cheek but she stood still, staring at Bucky. She softly ran the tip of her finger on the glass before being led away of it by Steve. They went in front of windows overlooking the surrounding jungle, in silence. T’Challa arrived on their left and looked out too.

“Thank you for this.” Steve said. T’Challa joined his hand in his back, looking at them while they stared ahead of them.

“Your friend and my father… they were both victims. If I can help one of them to find peace…”

“You know, if they find he’s here,” Frainn was too preoccupied so she let her best friend do the talking. He turned his head to T’Challa. “they’ll come for him.”

“Let them try.” He declared, looking out of the window at a panther sculpture, standing proud in the fog, over a cliff.

[To be continued…]

Previous chapter / Next Chapter

Published (12/29/2021) by Andrea

Taglist: @cathrin2405 @kika64

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i-drink-and-i-write-fics · 3 years

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Let Nature Take Her Course

Chapter 3: Where the World Wasn’t

Summary: Juna and T’Challa talk.

The jungle in this area was very beautiful. I wish I could take credit for it, but even I didn’t have that level of ego. It was the rich vibranium ground mixed with the advanced horticulture of the Wakandan people. I had always admired what they had been able to accomplish. They were the few humans on the planet I had an issue with. Though they were guilty of self-isolating instead of helping their fellow man. A thing I had brought up to T’Chaka more than once. But it fell on deaf ears. I wonder how different his son was as a king.

As if summoning a genie, he appeared with the two women he was with in Korea. Who he introduced as Nakia - a war dog, and Okoye - the general of the Dora Milaje.

“Glad to see you got my message.”

“It was hard to ignore the very unorthodox way it was sent.”

“What? I thought sending the note with a black panther was rather apropos.” I gave the group a smirk.

He cut to the chase. “Where is Klaue?”

I rolled my eyes. “Not as tactful as your father, I see.”

“You are the second person to tell me that they knew my father. But you would have been harder to miss than the first.”

He was referring to my human persona. His father never caught on either, so at least I knew that mutation still worked. “You’re right; I would be. Which is why I’ve never been inside your city before. He and Zuri always came out to see me. As did his father and etcetera. Honestly, I’m amazed we didn’t meet sooner. He knew this would be part of your duties.”

“What would be?”

“I wasn’t exaggerating when I told Agent Ross who I was. I’m a very old - and often very tired - mutant that controls the planet. For the most part, I leave this part of the world alone as no one else can ever handle the earth almost as well as I. But because of how well your people handle it, I have asked your father to open the borders and help other countries in need. You can imagine his reaction.”

Nakia spoke up. “If you are who you say you are, why do you need our help? Can’t you fix it yourself?”

I gave a tired smile. “I could. Very easily. But humans have grown out of control. In order for me to fix everything by myself, I would have to get rid of the biggest problem: humans.”

Okoye’s grip tightened slightly on her spear.

“Don’t bother. While I admire your loyalty to your species, I can’t be killed or harmed. You would just be wasting your energy. I know that’s not an easy thing to hear. I can see you are a fierce warrior and if I were human I would be worried.”

T’Challa waved his hand and Okoye took a step back but didn’t release her grip. “I’m afraid my father had a good point on the borders. Whether or not I will change that, only time will tell.”

“I was afraid you’d say that. The world cannot continue on its current path. And I cannot pretend I will spare this land. When the world is restarted, it’s often hard to mark off pieces of land to be protected. I know, I’ve tried in the past. I hope before that time comes, you will have a change of heart.”

Having said what was needed, I waved my hand at the nearest tree. The branches trembled and began to bend. Soon Klaue was lowered to the ground, bound and gagged.

“I do have one more question: how did he get a hold of all that vibranium in the first place? I’ve never known anything to get by the Border Tribe.”

“He attacked the Border Tribe, killing many in the process. And now that he is in our custody, he can face the consequences for his actions.” T’Challa walked over to Klaue and yanked him to his feet.

“Normally, human politics are so far down my list of things I care about. But that vibranium almost cost the lives of every living thing on this planet. I am giving you first dibs on him as he did attack your lands first. But if you don’t properly deal with him, I will be back.”

T’Challa just calmly nodded his head and looked back over at Klaue, who was now being held by Okoye.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to prepare for the end of the world. And a word of advice, bring extra backup the next time you go to an underground casino.” I turned to leave.

“You were there?”

“Of course. How do you think I knew where to find Klaue after the accident? I just do a better job of blending in than most.”

He paused for a moment. “And if I were to guess which person you were?”

I paused and looked over my shoulder. “You’re assuming that you saw everyone. Or that I would admit it. My human person isn’t important. Your ancestors never knew, so why should you?”

“How long have you been visiting Wakanda?”

“Before it even existed. But not by much. I explored it during my early days as I wanted to know as much of the land as I could and as you know, this land isn’t like the rest.”

“Can you control it? The vibranium?”

I sighed. “To an extent. It’s not of this world originally, but it has been here for millions of years, whereas I have only been here for twenty thousand. The closer I am to Wakanda, the more I can control it, manipulate it, use it. The farther away I can only melt it or send it back to you.”

Turned again and began to walk back into the jungle.

“Please heed my words, your majesty.”

“I will speak to my counsel.” He paused. “I’d caution against walking into the jungle at night, but I have a feeling I would be wasting my time.”

I looked over my shoulder with a smirk. “It would be, but I appreciate the sentiment all the same.”

That should have been the end of it.

But as I was traveling back to Europe, I caught wind of the UN meeting so Wakanda could make an announcement. Curiosity got the better of me and I began to make plans to head to the headquarters in New York.

Once there, I roamed the streets in my human form and put on one of the best suits I owned. Dark blue pants, jacket, and waistcoat with a white shirt unbuttoned enough to distract any humans that didn’t quite believe my form. I strolled through Wall Street during the lunch hour. If there was one thing I learned over my years, rich men gossiped more than any other group when their money was on the line. And what could hurt them more than environmental reform?

“Did you hear the King of Wakanda is opening his borders?” Said one man as he held a newspaper.

“So what?” Replied his companion.

“That’s where vibranium comes from. And word has it they have shit tons more. Imagine the market when it becomes publicly traded.”

“Gotta feeling that’s the last thing on the King’s mind,” the man pointed at something on the other one’s newspaper. “ King to help Stark Industries donate to environmental causes . Doesn’t sound like anything to help us.”

Donate funds? Both of those feckless idiots are BILLIONAIRES. If not more in T’Challa’s case. Why the fuck are they donating instead of doing anything?! I better find out what the hell they’re thinking.

The UN building was a quick cab ride from my location, but I decided to walk instead. An easier way to see if more intel could be harvested along the way.

But by the time I stepped through the security of the building, all I had heard was the same. Donation, but no mention of action.

“Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise.” I tried not to roll my eyes at the voice behind me. “Just the other day I was hoping you would call so I could finally find out how you escaped the handcuffs.”

Turning around, I gave a half-smile. “Agent Ross. Wasn’t expecting to run into you here.”

“That’s an interesting way to say ‘hello’.”

I pursed my lips. “Last time I saw you, you hit on me as you handcuffed me to a table. And you expect a warm greeting?”

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “In my defense, I was trying to protect you from Klaue.”

“A thing I didn’t need. Perhaps you’re used to being around helpless people, but rest assured I’m not one of them. And if you get in my way again, I won’t be as polite about it.”

Agent Ross stepped closer. “What’s your business with him?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

“Nor yours anymore.” He took a quick look around to make sure no one else was standing too close. “Some lady dressed up in Viking-Esque outfit showed up in a bolt of lightning and took him away.”

This time I smirk. “So I see you’ve finally met Mother Nature.”

His eyes went wide. “You know her?”

“Not personally. But thanks to my line of work, I have the misfortune of running into her from time to time.”

Ross began to move closer. “And what line of work is that? Clearly you know my name-”

“Because of the business card you shoved in my hand.”

He then strolled up closer so soon the scent of his cologne filled the air.“But I don’t think we were ever properly introduced.”

“A thing that tends to happen once handcuffs get involved.” I turned and walked away, before calling a warning over my shoulder. “Beware the mutant, Agent Ross. She does not take to humans kindly.”

“Just a moment, Dr. Everhart.”

Oh, that voice. Crap.

I stopped and sighed, but didn’t turn around. “Professor Xavier. What a pleasant surprise.”

“I’m assuming you’re here for the meeting. I didn’t think anyone was able to get a hold of you.”

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face Xavier. He had rolled up next to Ross. “I wasn’t aware there was a meeting, actually. I was here to see if it was possible to speak with King T’Challa. Rumor has it he and Mr. Stark are donating to help environmental issues and as you know, that is my field.”

“Well, I don’t know if donate is the word I would use. Turns out the mutant Mother Nature made her appearance nearly a month ago. And she was seen two years prior in Sokovia.”

“So I heard. We must have really fucked up as a species for her to resurface so publicly.”

“As a matter of fact, she did issue a warning to the King of Wakanda. If you’ll come with us, Juna, we have much to discuss.”

I sighed. “Of course, Professor.”

As I walked with him, Agent Ross fell in step with me. “Juna, huh? That’s a beautiful name. I’m Everett.”

“I don’t care,” I barely gave him a glance as I moved ahead of him and into a room.

A meeting about me? This should be interesting.

Chapter 4

#fanfic #fan fic #marvel #marvel cinematic universe #let nature take her course #angst #canon typical violence #tw: mentions of death #tw: mentions of murder #tw: murder #tw: death #original female character #everett ross #everett ross x original female character #when the world is broken

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avengerscompound · 5 years

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The Tower: The Queen of Asgard - 33

The Tower: The Queen of Asgard An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist PREVIOUS //

Pairing: Avengers x OFC, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 2513

Warnings: Canon typical violence

Synopsis: The twins are now three and while the Avengers know that Clint and Thor are the biological father’s none of them know or care which blond, blue-eyed baby is related to which man. When Riley gets the power to control wind and it becomes evident that she is the heir to the Asgardian throne, Elly, Steve, Thor, and Tony take the twins to Asgard to train her.

Not every Asgardian is happy with their king’s choice of consort, nor the impurity of the heir’s blood. While others expect Thor to make things more official. What’s clear is, the role of Queen of Asgard is not easily filled.

Author’s Note: Written with @fanficwriter013

Chapter 33: The Battle for Asgard

We came to on the ground. The ropes that bound us were still partially in place like there had been an attempt to remove them but it had been interrupted. Around us were the sounds of battle. Metal hitting metal. Bricks crumbling. Shouting and cries of pain. Our friends and the Asgardian guards were fighting an army of what looked like angels. I couldn’t see the children anywhere but the threads that ran from me to them stretched off behind the throne with one that connected me to Loki. Standing over us was a giant grey wolf. It was snarling and attacking anyone that came near.

Steve reacted first, throwing up his arm like he had his shield to protect us from the wolf, forgetting that he didn’t actually have his shield here with him.

It didn’t matter. A large shield of light, much like Sam’s wings, spread out over all over us. Wanda’s powers glowed pink and the ropes and thread that bound us together disintegrated.

“It’s okay, Steve,” Bucky said, pulling himself to his feet. “That’s Fenrir, he’s protecting us.”

Steve didn’t lower the shield, but he looked uncertainly at Bucky as he tried to push through the shield.

“Steve, seriously. He’s fine. I can… it’s like I can understand him,” Bucky said.

Steve looked around the group and nodded. “Elise, suit up. Try and get to the kids. The rest of you, get to a weapon if you need one. Bruce, we might need Hulk in charge for this. We need to shut this down.”

Bruce nodded and his body shifted. Becoming larger and his face shape changing more as the Hulk took complete control.

I tapped the earrings and nanobots bled out of it forming my very own iron armor. Overlaying the visor was a kind of head-up display that was analyzing everything that was happening around me. “Hello, Elise. I’m charged with getting you to safety. You wanted to call me Synergy?”

“Yes, but… no… I have to help,” I said. “I can’t just run.”

“That’s not what I was designed for,” Synergy replied.

“Cut the shit,” I snapped. “I know Tony hasn’t just made me a run-away machine. We’re fighting.”

“Yes, miss,” she said and the display changed slightly. “Entering combat mode. I am able to read micro-expressions. Just move naturally. I’ll keep up.”

Steve dropped the shield and everyone scattered. Hulk charged into the fray, grabbing angels out of the air and throwing them. Sam spread his wings and took off, kicking an angel in the face and stealing their sword. Natasha disappeared but I could see the end of her thread running toward the throne where the babies were. Clint ran out, and as he broke into the crowd, Fandrall called out to him and tossed him a bow, Clint changed his direction, heading toward Fandral, I assume to get the arrows to go with it. Tony took off into the air and started blasting. Bucky touched Fenrir’s side, and the wolf crouched and let him climb onto its back. Steve ran grabbing the first thing he could find and throwing it at an attacker while Wanda took off into the air. She stopped and looked up and the ceiling disappeared. In the space above it, a large fleet of ships hovered. Carol was currently locked in battle with them and Wanda took off towards her. Thor called for Mjolnir and took off into the fray, casting lightning around him.

I leaned up and the suit took flight, I fell into synch with Tony and we began fighting back to back.

“The babies are okay?” He asked as we did a combo move, spinning in the air as we blasted the angels around us.

“Yes. Loki and Natasha are with them. She’s cloaking them,” I said.

The angels seemed to keep getting distracted by Sam - who had now worked out he could literally throw shards of light out of his wings like a weapon. They would stop fighting and watch him while talking to each other in their native tongue.

“They think he’s one of them. Like an important one,” Clint yelled up as he loosed an arrow, piercing an angel’s wing.

“Yeah, baby!” Sam called back. “I am an angel!”

We began to get an upper hand. There were so many, but there were more of us and we had a large contingency with powers. Mjolnir flew from one hand to the next. Thor used her to slam into the ground taking out a swarm of angels that were trying to overwhelm him. She flew to Natasha who used her to stealth strike some angels that were getting too close to the twins. Then to Steve who dragged a bolt of lightning through the roof and took out a large group. To me as I swung her, slamming her into someone’s face as I used an energy blast to take out another person. She followed the path of the threads that connected us like she could feel them too and knew where she was needed.

Just as it looked like we were about to subdue the last of the angels there was a loud crash at the far end of the hall and a burst of black energy. The red-headed woman strode into the room followed by what looked like a whole new army. She was flanked by a man and a woman who were dressed differently to the others. More regal. I assumed they were the king and queen of Heven.

“Enough of this!” She shouted and then spoke in what sounded like two completely different dialects. “Surrender the throne! I am the rightful heir.”

Thor flew up in front of the group and stood, squared up, not giving an inch. “What rightful heir? Why are you doing this? We have no quarrel with your people.”

“But we have a quarrel with yours. When your father conquered us. We took your heir and now we will take the nine realms,” the man said and attacked Thor. The army charged in and the woman who had attacked Riley and I led them.

“What did she say, Barton?” Tony asked as he swooped around towards Clint who had been bailed up against the wall. Tony and I took out his attackers and hovered near him while he caught his breath.

“Just that she was the firstborn child of Odin and it was her right to rule,” Clint said.

“Wasn’t the firstborn a son?” I asked.

Loki appeared beside me, giving me what felt like ten simultaneous heart attacks. “She has transitioned, fool. I would have thought that concept wouldn’t be hard to understand.”

“Jesus, Loki,” I said. “How did you sneak up on me when I’m fucking connected to you now?”

“You’re what?” She asked.

“Connected. That’s my power. I see a thread between me and my family members. I can feel them with it,” I say. “I know where they are.”

Loki looked at me with her head tilted, like she was trying to process a great deal of information. “There is a thread between you and I?”

“Yes. Here,” I said, running my hand along it.

“Is there one between you and her?” She asked.

I narrowed my eyes and watched the redhead locked in battle with T’Challa and several members of the Dora Milaje. There was a small thread of light that ran from me to her. It was faint and muddy and when I put my hand on it the feeling I got was confused and … wrong. Like they were being muted by something else.

“Yes, there’s something. It doesn’t feel right though. Plus it’s faint,” I said.

“I wonder… there should be no need if they raised her, but a connection means she is family. It’s not about blood because you have a connection with me. They might have messed with her mind,” Loki suggested.

“You two work this out. We’re gonna get back into it,” Tony said, grabbing Clint under the arms and taking off.

I put my hand on the thread that ran straight up into the air to Wanda and sent my thoughts out. “Wanda! We need you here.”

We continued fighting as Wanda floated back down through the ceiling and she turned and looked at the woman as he fought. “Yes,” she said. “Definitely mind control. I need to get closer to do something about it.”

The three of us moved in and Wanda’s eyes began to glow. Loki stepped up and began to fight the redhead pulling two long blades from the air and welding them with deadly proficiency.”

“Sister, we need not fight. Surrender to me and you may have the throne of Jotunheim as you were destined,” the woman practically purred.

“If I wanted the throne of a lonely ice planet I would take it. Just as I took the one here. I understand your cause, it’s a pity that you do not, sister,” Loki countered.

The thread got brighter and I called Mjolnir. It changed direction mid-flight and flew into my hand. I ran a current of electricity through the thread and it pierced the woman’s body. Her eyes flared pink and blue as the electricity blending with Wanda’s powers and she screamed and dropped to the floor.

The fighting paused for a moment as everyone turned to see what was happening. Wanda moved in closer putting her hands on the woman. “Angela!” The queen of Heven screamed running towards us followed by the king and several Heven warriors. Thor called Mjolnir and she pulled free of my hand, flying into Thor’s. He summoned a lightning bolt and slammed her into the ground. It threw the entire army back, giving Wanda more time to work.

The pink light faded, and Wanda helped the Red Head to her feet. The thread between us was brighter now. Just as bright as between Loki and me. She blinked slowly looking dazed and held up her hands and called out something in the language of Heven.

The angels all stopped fighting and dropped their weapons. “People!” She called again. “I apologize. The fight is over.” She turned to Thor. “Brother. I apologize most to you. If you must arrest me I shall go willingly. I was not in my right mind.”

Thor approached her. “Sif!” He called. “Take the king and queen to the dungeons.”

Sif gestured to some guards and they muscled the two rulers of Heven out of the throne room.

“Aldrif?” Thor asked, extending his hand.

She winced and shook her head. “That is my dead name. It is Angela.”

“I apologize. Angela,” he said, taking her hand. As their skin touched his whole body stiffened and his eyes glowed a bright blue. Everyone went straight to attack mode and stepped forward, but I held up my hand. This was not her attacking him.

“Wait!” I called. “He is having a vision.”

When Thor came to again he shook his head and smiled a real genuine smile. “I saw you, sister. Sitting on the throne. Ruling Asgard and the Nine Realms fairly and wisely.”

She shook her head. “I couldn’t. You are the king. It is your place to rule.”

He clapped his hand on her arm and shook her head. “Don’t you see… I don’t want it. I have never wanted it. I do it because there is no other choice. If there were anyone else capable of the job I would let them have it. I want to be with my family. I want to raise my children.”

Loki rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. Angela looked around at the hall and up at the throne. “I shall never bear any offspring. You and your daughter will remain direct heirs to the throne.”

Thor nodded and dropped to his knees before her. “I am aware. I defer to you, sister. You are the rightful heir.”

“Get up,” she said. “You are not lesser than me, brother. We are equals. But if it is what you wish, and what your vision saw, I shall take the throne.”

“Good!” He cheered getting back to his feet and pulling her into an embrace. “We have much to organize. Many things to set right.”

“Yes, and I promise we shall,” Angela replied. “But my people did you the disservice of attacking you during your bonding. You should finish and make it official.”

Thor turned to Wanda. “Can you fix this, my love?”

She looked around and nodded, her whole body became absorbed by the pink light of her powers and spread out. Damage was undone, wounds healed. When she settled back to the ground the only sign that we’d even been in battle was the foreign army in the throne room.

The armor on Tony and I retracted leaving us back in the clothes for the ceremony and we all moved up to the throne. Bruce returned to that midway state where he was both Hulk and Bruce at the same time. Natasha brought the children to us and as the room settled and people returned to their correct places, we passed the children between us, cuddling and kissing each of them.

When the room settled again the high priest moved forward again, still visibly shaken.

“Friends and loved ones, people of Asgard and the Nine Realms,” he announced. “Our lovers have taken their journey and all have returned, stronger and knowing their place with each other. They now bear the mark of their clan and that mark shall be branded to each, a visible symbol of the bond they share.” He touched each of us in turn. When he touched me a burning sensation seared the skin on my forearm. I looked down at it and saw a symbol, it looked like part of a star over two connected circles. One of the sides of the star was missing and instead, one line formed an arrow. There was an M attached to one side. Each line was traced in a different color, so you could see the element for each person. Wanda’s M formed part of Sam’s symbol. Clint’s arrow came off of Bucky’s star that sat on Steve’s shield. One circle was half Tony’s arc and half the symbol for radiation symbolizing Bruce. There was part of Mjolnir making up the star, as was Natasha’s widow mark. Right in the center of the star was a v shape turning it into a heart.

“As above, so below,” he said, returning to his place on the platform. “These ten people are bonded. They will have this bond for the rest of their lives, sharing their highs and lows, protecting and caring for each other. None shall come between it and it will not grow weak with time. I present them to you now bound together as family. They may now seal it with a kiss.”

We smirked at each other and each person turned to the one closest. For me that was Sam. He pulled me into his arms and we kissed.

// NEXT

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sweetvixen1996 · 4 years

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FUN WAYS THE MCU CAN START INTRODUCING X-MEN ELEMENTS (NOT INCLUDING WANDA VISION):

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3

Mentions of the Starjammers- a team of space pirates led by Corsair AKA Christopher Summers who is the father of Scott Summers/Cyclops, Alex Summers/Havok, and Gabriel Summers/Vulcan.

Introducing the Shi’ar, a very importance alien race in the X-Men mythos. In fact, Professor Charles Xavier actually has a daughter (kind of), Xandra Nermani, with a member of the Shi-ar royal family, Lilandra. Lilandra’s sister, Deathbird, was is married Vulcan and pregnant with his child.

Black Panther 2

Ororo Munroe/Storm- An omega-level mutant once worshiped as goddess, Storm and T’Challa were once childhood sweet-hearts and were actually married for sometime -making Storm queen consort of Wakanda- in the comics before divorcing due to a number of factors including working long hours and the Avengers being dicks to the X-Men. Storm was the first major female character of African descent in comics and is regarded by many as being Marvel Comics' most important female superhero so even a mention or allusion to her would be awesome.

Namor- There have been a lot of talk about Namor showing up in, or even being a villain, in BP2 and that would be an excellent introduction of King of Atlantis into the MCU. Namor is half-mutant and half-atlantian so he tends to have an interesting relationship with the X-Men which can best be summed up as -he doesn’t hate them as much as he hates other surface dwellers. In fact, Namor even developed quite the endearing relationship with the Young X-Men member Loa, whose grandmother he was friends with. It was even hinted that Loa herself was actually Namor’s granddaughter.

Adamantium- Most famous as the unbreakable substance that coats the Wolverine’s bones, adamantium was created in a lab by Dr. Myron MacLain for the government in an attempt to reproduce the vibranium alloy he had made for Captain America's shield. It is stronger than vibranium but not nearly as versatile. Considering Shuri’s own genius, it would make sense for this metal to be metaled.

Gentle- Nezhno Abidemi was the son of a Wakandan woman and a Russian man. All his life Nezhno was persecuted and rejected, even by his own mother, because his father was an outsider, and it was from him whom Nezhno inherited his X-Gene. Nezhno was raised at the Royal Court of Wakanda. When his mutant powers manifested, Ororo Munroe, the new queen of Wakanda, advised her husband King T'Challa to send Nezhno to the Xavier Institute learn how to control his powers. It would be kind of neat for the one of the first mutants in the MCU to come from Wakanda.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Weapon Plus Program- Within the MCU, the Weapon Plus Program is an attempt by the US Government to recreate the super solider serum the created Captain America that eventually led to the creation of the Hulk and the Abomination. However, this program would go through several iterations with Weapon X is the tenth iteration of the Weapon Plus program. Weapon X’s most (in)famous creation would be the Wolverine.

Bucky’s Flashbacks- Logan AKA the Wolverine is an OLD man and fought in many wars, including WWII. On several occasions, Logan fought alongside Captain America and Bucky... sometimes they even rescued a young Magneto from the concentration camp he was trapped in.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

America Chavez- While not confirmed, it is suspected that America Chavez AKA Miss America will be in Doctor Strange 2. One of Chavez powers is the ability to open doorways to other dimensions so perhaps, with these powers we can see dimensions such as Limbo (a hell-like dimension ruled my New Mutant character Illyana Rasputin/Magik) or even the infamous ‘Punch Dimension,’ from which (according to some sources) Cyclops optic beams come from.

The Eternals

Origins- LOOOOOONG story short, the experimentation on primitive humans that created the Eternals also gave humans the capacity to become mutants, meaning that the two groups of characters are definitively linked by a shared creator. Specifically, the X-Gene was engineered by Oneg the Prober (whose name I really hope they change).

Black Knight- The Black Knight that will be appearing in the film, Dane Whitman, is the latest in a long line of warriors to wield the cursed Ebony Blade and one of the previous Black Knights was a man named Eobar Garrington who was various close friends with the omega-level mutant Bennet du Paris/Exodus, who would grow to become one of Apocalypse’s greatest servants. Perhaps a family story or two would make mention of this fearsome creature.

Apocalypse- Speaking of the Mutant Immortal, the Externals are likely some of the only beings old enough and strong enough to have met old En Sabah Nur and can still talk about it. Also, part of what makes the Big A such a threat is his access to Celestial technology, including a snazzy set of armor. Oh the stories they could tell...

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the-omni-princess · 5 years

Text

Frozen Heart [Chapter 1]

Author: @the-omni-princess

Summary: After the war against Hydra, King Bucky comes home to take what has been promised to him since he was young, you. But he is not the same person as the young boy that you grew up with. Can she break through his tough shell and bring back the young man she once fell in love with? Or will she be forced to marry the monster everyone thinks he’s become?

Word Count: 2.1 k

Pairing: King!Bucky x Fem!Reader (Royalty!AU)

Warnings: War, angst (slight), hella violence, mentions of torture and bad things happening to good people, bit of fluff at the end (if you squint)

A/N:

Here’s the first chapter for my Royalty AU! I decided not to do a prologue as it felt off no matter how I wrote it, so henceforth, here's a chapter one. Finals are coming up for my summer classes, but I’ll try to write chapter two asap.

More chapters to come <3

[Series Masterlist] [Masterlist]

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Waiting. That’s all Princess Y/N of the Southern Lands ever seemed to do anymore. Wait. Wait to be older, wait for her brother to return, wait for her love to return to her, wait for the war to end, just wait. The Great War started just months before your birthday. You were to come of age and be wed to the man you’ve been promised to since you were both children running in the halls. The war stole many things from you, your sanity, your promised, your brother. As far as the letters said, both were alive, but both were fighting for their lives, never knowing if they would make it out alive.

When the war started, your parents, the King, and Queen of the Southern Lands, were apprehensive to send their only son, the Heir to the Southern Throne, out to fight. But true to his nature, your older brother Steve did everything in his power to join his best friend, Prince James, on the front lines. He asked, pleaded, begged, he even made a compelling powerpoint slide show; your older brother by two years wanted nothing more than to fight the Hydra forces invading the edges of your territory.

After months, your parents caved, sending your brother off to die. According to Natasha, your Lady in Waiting, that thought was a bit overdramatic, yet with your parents signing more and more letters of Death Notices from the front lines, your worry for your brother and your betrothed grew. The wedding that had been planned for after your birthday was postponed until further notice and all you could do was hope for both your brother and your love’s safe returns.

Only three years older than you, you grew up with your betrothed, Prince James Buchanan of the Northern Lands, or as he always insisted, Bucky. He was a year older than Steve but seeing as the latter always seemed to get himself in trouble, Bucky was there to promptly get him out of trouble. You’ve both known you were to eventually be married after you came of age since you were both merely teens, and soon you found yourself falling for the dorky yet charming boy you have been best friends with since you could walk. You went to classes with him and your brother, trained together, and since you’ve been a child, before responsibility and duty came into play, you three were inseparable. Movie nights, walks in the garden, a chat over some tea, whenever Bucky was around to annoy and/or protect Steve, he was there with you as well. It only made sense that you fell head over heels with him.

Your parents were firm in their belief that everyone should be educated, including you. The usual and traditional Princess etiquette classes were a must, but you also participated in languages, history, economics, the sciences, and your favorite, combat. That’s where you currently found yourself, in hand-to-hand combat with Natasha. Although she was (officially) your Lady in Waiting, Natasha was much more than the fiery yet innocent redhead she presented herself to be to the outside world.

Sweaty, panting, muscles aching for relief, you pinned Natasha down to the training mats. You hoped that the harsh move would make her yearn for a water break, so you could give yourself a much-needed break as well, but alas, the redhead simply smirked up at you, amused at your efforts. “I know your stressed Y/N, but I feel like you should take that out on the punching bags and not me.”

You groaned, lifting yourself off of her. “You’re the one who wanted to spar so badly,” you spat back at her, crossing your arms across your chest after you helped her up to her feet. It was true, you were very much indeed stressed. It had been weeks since you last heard from your brother. The last letter he sent was vague to say the least, but it elated you, as he was finally coming home. “I just want him back home Nat, and maybe he will finally tell me about what had happened to Bucky.”

When Hydra started to press against the border between their nation and his own, Bucky was forced by his parents to leave for the front lines. You had heard multiple stories as to what had happened there, as Bucky would always try to send letters, and once Steve was there, he almost always took the time to send letters to you and your parents as well. Yet soon the letters from your betrothed stopped entirely, and Steve’s begun to sound more hopeless. Bucky had been captured, and you could only presume what had been done to him past what they told you. The sole heir to the Northern Throne, Hydra had plenty of leverage against his kingdom as they held him for ransom, torturing him to try to gain knowledge to kingdom secrets.

To prove their threats credible, they did the unthinkable, they sliced Bucky’s left arm off, sending it to the King and Queen, attached with a video of them torturing him. Your own parents never let you near the video, and the only reason you knew it had even occurred was because Natasha told you. She knew every secret in the kingdom, and she knew how much you cared for your betrothed, so she told you, never one to lie to you. She left out the gritty details, but you got the point, Hydra was breaking your beloved. You thanked every god your ancestors worshipped when a letter arrived stating Steve had rescued Bucky. Of course, they wouldn’t get so lucky as to think that would be their only misfortune.

Leading the Howling Commandoes, warriors chosen personally by Steve and Bucky, they kept pushing back the Hydra forces. Desperate to gain traction on dying grounds, Hydra sent stealth operatives to any opposing forces’ palaces. The one sent to your lands proved unsuccessful, as they had underestimated the training of the princess, of you. They assumed you had been trained like any other princess, in only basic self-defense, so Natasha and you were quick to take the operative down. However, the attempts on the other lands were more successful than the attempt on your own. The one sent to Wakanda, an allying kingdom that lay west of your own borders, assassinated their king, King T’Chaka, before being compromised, forcing Prince T’Challa to ascend the throne. The one sent to the Northern Lands, to your dismay, was also successful in their attempts to assassinate King George and Queen Winifred, forcing Bucky to ascend the throne in the middle of a war, both physically and mentally, as he had only recently been freed from Hydra’s grasp.

Princess Shuri of Wakanda, one of your closest friends and one of the smartest people you’ve ever met, built a robotic prosthetic for Bucky, which was only accepted once his parents were killed. You knew him to be rash at times, but the year that followed the assassinations was one of the bloodiest, death-filled year of the war the nations had seen, yet these deaths weren’t of your own people. Furious at the kingdom that was taking everything away from him, Bucky had rained death down on Hydra. They had named him the Winter Soldier, as he showed no mercy to any Hydra soldier that crossed his path. Those who could flee did, leaving a broken skeleton of an army behind. Defeated and dying, Hydra retreated, signing a declaration of peace, effectively ending the war.

You had only recently received the news that Hydra’s King, Alexander Peirce, had signed the treaty. Now you waited, as per usual, to see your brother again for the first time in five long years. Of course, you had hoped Bucky would follow him, as desperate as it sounded, you had missed him in the years since you had last seen him. However, that wasn’t the case. Bucky returned to his own kingdom, was coronated, and was bombarded into every single matter of the kingdom that his parents had left behind, as well as building it back up now that Hydra was gone. You had hoped he would at least send a letter, as he hadn’t sent one since his capture years ago, yet you received nothing. At the very least, now you would be getting your brother back.

Natasha looked towards you, sadness lingering in her eyes as she spoke, “I think we’re done for the day Y/N. Clean yourself up, your brother should be arriving soon.” You sighed softly, nodding.

“Thank you, Nat. I think I’ll bathe myself today, I would like to be alone.”

Nat grinned, nodding as she replied, “Of course your highness,” she exaggeratedly curtsied, making you giggle, much to her delight. “There’s that smile, now go, I’m sure you and Steve will spend eons tonight talking.”

You ran out of the training rooms, smiling faintly as Sam started to flank your left side. Captain Sam Wilson, your personal guard, and the Captain of the Royal Guard of the Southern Lands, one of the sweetest and most infuriating men you knew. “How was training y/n/n? Nat kick your ass again?” He said teasingly as you both made your way through the castle, heading towards your chambers.

You rolled your eyes, “No, as a matter of fact, I kicked her ass,” you smiled proudly. Nat was probably taking it easy on you today, but you couldn’t have cared less. “Now I’m going to bathe and clean up, please announce when they see my brother at the front gates Sam.”

“Of course, your Highness,” he replied with a smirk, opening the doors to your personal chambers, before closing them and standing dutifully outside them.

Making your way to your bathing chambers, you turned the water on, already disrobing. You were quick to bathe, making sure to wash your hair, wanting the stress of the last five years to drain away with the dirty water pouring down the drain. Thoroughly scrubbed and clean, you turned the water off, quickly drying off before dressing. It was a simple dress, one that resembled one of your old favorites as a child, a summer dress, floral, lined with yellows and pinks, and lace sleeves made of flowers that reached the middle of your forearm. It was floor-length, so you slipped on ballet flats, just as Sam knocked on the huge wooden doors that made the entrance to your room. “Your Highness? Your brother has arrived and is just outside the castle gates.”

You sprinted into action, quickly shaking your damp hair out so it could naturally finish drying, you would probably ask one of the maids to braid it for you later, but you had higher priorities at the moment. You rushed out the door, catching Sam in surprise. He chuckled as he followed you, racing towards the front doors of the palace. He didn’t bother with any snide comment, knowing how badly you wanted to see your brother.

You arrived just as they opened the doors, Steve’s now huge form illuminated in the noon light. “Stevie!” You cried out, already barreling towards him.

His eyes lifted away from your parents, who were standing there to greet him, and landed on you, his grin lighting up his face as he rushed forward towards you, dropping the shield in his hands. “Y/n/n!” You were quick to jump into his arms, both of you smothering each other with a hug, desperate to make sure the other sibling was really there in their arms.

You pressed loving sisterly kisses in his hair as you hugged him tightly, tears already welling up in your eyes. “Oh Stevie, I missed you so much, I was so worried, I was afraid they would take you or you would be killed,” you kept babbling on, eager to keep him close. He laughed, and your heart lurched, finally settling that yes, of course, your brother is right here in front of you, safe and sound.

Steve grinned up at you before placing you back down on the floor, “I’ve missed you too, Y/n/n, so much.” He pulled away for only a minute, quick to hug and kiss your parents, the heartfelt reunion making your heart grow. He turned back to you as you wiped your eyes, trying not to cry any more than you’ve already had. He offered you his hand, “How about we catch up as we take a stroll through the gardens Y/n, I’ve a lot of catching up to do.”

You grinned, eagerly taking his hand, and then lacing your arm in his, “Of course brother, let’s.” You didn’t hesitate to start walking towards the gardens, not caring that he was dirty and sweaty from riding on horseback here. All you cared was that he was alive, and that he was finally back home.

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#bucky x reader #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #frozen heart #king!bucky #king!steve #Princess!reader #prince!bucky #prince!steve #royalty au #arranged marriage au

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whatcouldgowrong-ohthat · 5 years

Text

His Shooting Star - Chapter Four

Here’s the next chapter! Tell me what you think! :)

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 5, Chapter 6

Summary: Captain Bucky Barnes loves being a pirate. He’s good at what he does. He feels as if he’s found his purpose. And yet…still there’s something missing. Until you. You in your wonder and shine, appearing as if out of nowhere. Will Bucky and his crew be able to help you find your way back home? Or will the captain decide he can’t let his newest treasure go?

Chapter Four

The festivities were overwhelming, unlike anything Y/N could have expected. She had tried to fit in and enjoy herself. However, her ears were pounding with the sound of laughter, music, and conversation. Her eyes couldn’t take everything in fast enough. People were dancing, children playing, lovers and friends were having moments that were probably meant to be private… Her skin practically pricked with the sensory overload.

It was so much, too much in fact.

So Y/N had managed to slip away. She wandered the halls, hands fiddling with the bangles that she couldn’t bring herself to remove. They felt like a part of her. It was strange and the only thing she wore that wasn’t “inappropriate”. Gnawing at her lip, she peeked inside one of the various rooms inside the castle, breathing a sigh of relief when she founds books instead of people.

A library — finally, something she can use.

Her fingers ran along the spines of various works, some fiction and others non. It felt rough beneath her smooth fingers. Every bump and ridge, the engraved titles, were all something that left her thinking about the contents inside. But she was looking for something specific. Rounding the corner and walking down another aisle, she allowed herself the smallest of smiles when she saw she had found the astronomy section. The idea of avoiding Captain Barnes and finding the answers on her own was much more satisfying than having to rely on catching him in a good moment.

“Captain Barnes, I have to say, your guest is a rather peculiar woman.”

Y/N’s hand hovered over a scroll. Her whole body tensed, freezing as the new voice caught her attention. They had a similar accent to Shuri, but it was deeper, obviously a male speaking. Peeking between shelves, she could barely make out Captain Barnes walking with someone else. The two appeared to be the same height, but she saw that this new person was dressed in silk robes. She stepped further down the aisle, trying to get closer and hear more of the conversation.

“I was hoping you’d tell me where she’s from, Your Highness.”

Highness? He was the king of Wakanda? Shuri’s brother? She wandered closer, biting the inside of her cheek. Why were they talking about her?

“I was under the impression your leaving Wakanda would mean I wouldn’t have to solve anymore of your problems, old friend.”

“I wouldn’t call her a problem.” He faltered, tucking loose strands of hair behind his ear. “I’m supposed to be going to Stark soon, T’Challa.”

“And do you wish to leave her behind? Or are you hoping for an explanation to her appearance before crossing paths with Tony?”

“I don’t know yet.”

Y/N felt her heart beat loudly in her chest. She had only been on the ship for a couple days and it seemed Captain Barnes couldn’t wait to get rid of her. Was she really such a burden?

“Shuri seems to like her, Barnes. Are you sure it isn’t your own emotions making you the slightest bit paranoid?”

Bucky rolled his eyes as he turned to face T’Challa. The man had been one of his newest friends, but also one of his closest. The two seemed to understand each other well and Bucky appreciated having someone to talk to that wasn’t one of the three nosey S’s — Steve, Sam, or Shuri. Leaning against the nearest table, he crossed his arms and found himself staring at the aisles of books. He remembered when he’d lock himself away for hours just pouring himself in the books.

T’Challa watched him with a small smile, knowing very well that the captain had become extremely guarded over the years. Bucky hand picked his crew, chose who to trust and to what extent, and didn’t take kindly to people just showing up. The man had experienced a lot of pain and because of it, kept his circles small. Still, T’Challa had yet to see Shuri warm up to someone as quickly as she did Y/N. “I know you don’t like when you’re so easy to read, but you are so easy to read, Barnes.”

He scoffed, raising a brow as T’Challa sat next to him. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you are a guarded man and allow yourself to be victim to the past.”

Bucky tensed at that, hands flexing and jaw clenching. “That’s not it.”

“No? Shuri seems to think so.”

“Your sister enjoys coming up with ridiculous scenarios. That doesn’t mean they’re true.”

“Then why does the idea of having that young woman on your ship terrify you so much?”

There was silence and Y/N started to wonder if she was too far to hear or maybe Captain Barnes simply didn’t feel the need to explain. The man was still a mystery and she wasn’t sure if she had the time to figure him out. Not along with everything else. Leaning closer, she barely caught a glimpse of his boots and T’Challa’s sandals. She let out a small huff and leaned against the shelves, wincing when the scrolls knocked together and caught some strands of hair.

“Did you hear that?”

T’Challa straightened as Bucky pushed himself off the desk. He instinctively moved in front of the king and earned an amused roll of the eyes. T’Challa was more than capable of taking care of himself and had trained as a warrior before taking the throne. However, Bucky was protective and a fighter. Loyal to a fault.

“We have a party full of guests, Barnes. Perhaps one of them wandered in here?”

Y/N tensed at the thought of either of them finding her in here. It certainly wouldn’t do well to get caught if Bucky was trying to kick her off the boat. He’d probably assume that she was spying on them. Walking back the way she came, she rounded a corner and tried to keep silent.

However, that plan quickly failed when she back into a wall. A squeak escaped her as she looked up, not recalling there being a wall there. And she was right, there wasn’t.

But there was Bucky’s chest.

Jumping away from him, Y/N tried to bolt, but was quickly stopped by Bucky’s hand grabbing the crook of her elbow. “What are you doing here, Y/N?” His voice was rough, a low rumble that made her heart beat faster.

“I — Uh — I —“ Her voice was lodged in her throat, dying in whimpers as she ducked her head behind her hair.

“Barnes, you’re scaring her,” T’Challa warned.

Almost immediately, Bucky’s face softened and his grip relaxed. He released her, dropping his hand. He tried not to think about the tingling burn that traveled up his arm, mostly relieved that Y/N didn’t notice how his fingers flexed. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It — It’s okay,” she stuttered, earning a wince from Bucky. He hated making people scared o him.

T’Challa stepped forward, a hand resting on Bucky’s shoulder. “Y/N, is it? What were you doing away from the festivities?”

“Looking for…” She glanced at Bucky and hesitated.

“Is this about the maps?” Bucky already knew the answer before Y/N even had to give it. He hadn’t realized it was so important for her to see them.

“You know about this?” T’Challa looked to Bucky, raising an eyebrow. He noticed the wince and smirked. “If that’s the case, then you can help her find what she needs. I have to return to the festivities and my sister before she decides to do something a little too crazy.” Patting Bucky on the back, he offered a smile to Y/N. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss.”

“Thank you.”

T’Challa left without another word, leaving an awkward silence between the pair. Bucky shifted awkwardly as Y/N fiddled with her bracelets. Neither knew what to do or say, but one of them had to make the first step. Clearing his throat, Bucky scratched the back of his neck and silently wondered why he was struggling to such an extent. She was just like any other girl. There was nothing different about Y/N.

Except for everything Shuri had already pointed out.

“You’re looking for astrological maps, right?” Bucky walked past her, passing a couple more aisles. Y/N watched him for a moment before she hurried to keep up.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“I didn’t realize how important it was when you first asked.” Bucky shrugged. “And that’s my mistake. It’s something I want to make right if you’ll let me.” He didn’t want to see the surprise she no doubt had. He didn’t want to let his curiosity about her opinion get the better of him. The last thing he needed was to get distracted. Picking the fourth aisle on his left, he told her, “This is where you’ll find everything about the sky.”

“Everything?”

“Well, everything Wakanda has discovered.” Bucky chuckled as he passed the large tombs of books. “Normally I would suggest Asgard for these sorts of curiosities, but we can work with what we have. So…” Taking a slow breath, he finally looked at her. The small smile curling her lips made him…happy? “Anything specific in mind?”

Y/N smiled, practically glowing in the low light. “All of them.”

Meanwhile…

Asgard was a peaceful place. It held itself in high regard for such a feat. However, outside forces weren’t so loving towards its existence. People believed the kingdom to be selfish, butting in and trying to take over in areas it did not understand. It wasn’t until Odin started giving his eldest son more responsibilities that things began to change. Still, it was deemed more of a chaotic kingdom. Especially when the royal brothers were such a quarreling pair.

“Loki, must you let your father irritate you so?”

The mischievous prince looked up from his spot on the windowsill. Sly smile in place, he offered the smallest of shrugs before going back to his book. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mother.”

“Really? Is that why you refused to meet with him again?”

“Maybe I’m just not interested in wasting my time.” He looked up at her, eyes shining with that familiar glint that she hated to see. “May I get back to my book?”

Frigga pursed her lips, shaking her head. The one thing she always said she wanted was for her family to get along and it seemed they would take every step necessary in refusing to do so. “Loki —“

“My book, Mother.”

He didn’t bother looking up again, signaling his end in the conversation. Loki never had an interest in meeting someone halfway. It took too much effort and more often than not, it hurt him in some sort of way. When he was met with silence for longer than expected, his gaze shifted to peer just above the pages. Frigga had magicked her way out of the room.

Sighing softly, Loki rose to his feet and shut the book. Really, he had been reading the same sentence over and over again. Frigga’s concern always put him on edge. He didn’t like disappointing her. Setting the book on a nearby desk, Loki smoothed out his hair and thought about what she had said. Should he really be taking those steps simply for the sake of her happiness?

“Prince Loki, I presume?”

Loki spun around, knife appearing out of thin air and gliding through the air without a moments hesitation. It missed its target by a breath, instead piercing the painting just next to her. He raised an eyebrow, eyeing her carefully as a smirk curled her lips.

“You practice magic.”

“You practice trespassing.”

She plucked the knife off the painting, flipping it in her hand. “The window was unlocked. You were basically inviting me in.”

“Is that right?”

She wandered around the room, dark skin and mass of black hair unlike anything he’d ever seen. Her armor was foreign, something different from Asgard and yet he didn’t recall any neighboring kingdoms with similar armor.

“If you kill me, you spark a war with Asgard.”

She laughed, beaming and head thrown back, as if she couldn’t believe he had said that to her. “I never said anything about killing you,” she told him as she approached one of the shelves. Picking up a bottle of liquor, she used his knife to slice off the neck. “No, actually, it’s about a job.” She took a swig of the contents, wiping her mouth as Loki grimaced. The woman seemed to have no class whatsoever.

Grimacing and deciding it was best to look away, he asked her, “Why in the name of Asgard would I want a job? I’m a prince for Odin’s sake —”

“Do you remember the Grandmaster?”

Loki paused, turning to face her fully. She, this woman, worked with the Grandmaster? He placed his hands on his hips, asking her, “Last time I recalled, the Grandmaster and his employer still owed me from the last time I helped them.”

She took another swig. Chuckling, the woman jumped on his bed, crossing her legs at the ankles.“Is that so? Well,” another swig. She leaned forward. “I was told to promise you the title and riches you were promised last time. And since I see you practice magic, I can also promise you more. Power to back the little tricks you have up your sleeve.”

Loki’s brow furrowed, his arms dropping to his sides as he walked closer to her. “You’re on my bed.” He paused for a moment before asking, “And besides, why would I believe anything you or the Grandmaster has to say?”

Brushing him off, she added, “It’d get you out from under Odin’s thumb. Out from Thor’s shadow too.”

He watched her for a moment. “What’s your name?”

“Valkyrie,” she told him, smirking before finishing the last of the liquor. The empty bottle fell to the floor.

He chuckled and shook his head, looking away from her. She was amusing, sure, but he couldn’t be that easy to ready. Could he? Sighing softly, he already knew the answer. Loki met her gaze. “So what does he want?”

“For you to find someone.”

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tchallasbabymama · 4 years

Text

M’Baku’s Love- Chapter 9

Hey y’all. here’s the next chapter of M’Baku’s Love. It’s a shorter one, but we’re almost at the end of our journey!

Check out my masterlist HERE to catch up and to read my other stories including my new fic “Ménage `a Trois”, a T’Challa x OC x M’Baku throuple fic that’ll be starting this month. Check out the preview here!

Word Count: 3385

“JJ, stay where mommy can see you, ok?”

“Ok mommy!”

Monae watched with a relaxed smile on her face as her three year old ran around playing with the other kids. They were new to the playground, so all of the adults kept eyeing Monae from a distance. She felt very uncomfortable having all those white people staring at her, but the park was in her neighborhood, one that white folks only started moving into a couple years ago. She grew up playing in that park with other kids who looked like her, and now they were the only Black people there. One of the gentrifiers got brave and decided to come over and introduce herself.

“Hi, I’m Tara. The curly little redhead in the overalls is mine.”

“Cute,” Monae shot her a quick smile that didn’t even reach her eyes.

“Well I just wanted to welcome you since you’re new around here. What’s your name?”

“Why?” Her voice went flat.

“Just being friendly, no need to get hostile.”

Monae rolled her eyes and Tara walked back to the huddle to report her findings and no doubt complain about the new girl’s “attitude.” Monae checked the time on her phone and got up to go grab her son when someone across the way caught her eye. She’d recognize that gait anywhere, and the two fierce-looking bald women flanking him were a dead giveaway. She watched him exit the old abandoned school building and walk around the outskirts of the park, presumably on his way to a car that would take him to who knows where.

“T’Challa...T’Challa!” She quickly found JJ and placed him on her hip before she made her way closer to the King of Wakanda to get his attention. “T’Challa!”

This time he turned around, and when he saw her his eyes lit up.

“Monae! How are you?”

She set JJ down and they hugged like old friends. She turned to Okoye and Ayo, hugging them both tight as well.

“I’m making it. How are you? What are you doing here?”

“Well a little birdy told me about a certain neighborhood that could use some Wakandan assistance and I figured I’d come see it for myself. I’m thinking of opening an Outreach Center here and a couple other cities since we were finally able to get Oakland back up and running, which is almost exclusively thanks to N’Jadaka. What are you doing here?”

“I moved back after The Blip, so now I live about four blocks that way,” she pointed behind him. “So how are things back home?”

“We are still trying to restructure everything, it is a mess since we lost over half of our people...not to mention the ones we love.” The king’s eyes lowered to the ground as grief briefly flashed across his face, making him catch a glimpse of the child standing partially hidden behind his friend’s leg. “And who might you be?”

The king crouched down to his level and he cautiously came out from behind Monae.

“It’s ok baby, he’s a friend of mommy’s.”

T’Challa’s ears perked up and he looked at the boy’s face, taking in his strong brow and slightly downturned mouth...and then the boy smiled and the gap between his two front teeth gave it away.

“Everyone calls me JJ, but I’m Jabari.”

“You sure are.” He chuckled before looking to Monae then back to the little boy. “I’m T’Challa.”

“Challa?”

He chuckled, “Yes, Challa. How old are you, Jabari?”

He held up four fingers and Monae reached out to push his pinky back down.

“I’m three. How old are you?”

“Thirty four.”

“Woah, that’s old!”

“Jabari-”

“It is ok,” he chuckled before standing back upright. “He looks just like him.”

“He does, doesn’t he?” She smiled fondly down at her little gift from Hanuman and the Ancestors and rubbed her hands along his messy locs as she made a mental note to retwist them later.

T’Challa had time to sit and talk, so they went back to the playground to give JJ more time to tire himself out. He ran around the jungle gym while the four of them kept an eye on him, and they all noticed how distressed the white people looked after the arrival of the Wakandans. Must have been too many Black people for their tastes.

“I take it this is not the crowd you grew up with?”

“Not at all, they used to avoid this neighborhood like the plague.”

T’Challa nodded before changing the subject, “So, Jabari, JJ-”

“Either one is fine.”

“I think I’d like to call him Jabari then...rolls off the tongue, you know?”

Monae chuckled at the king and nodded her head.

“Does he ever ask about him?”

“All the time now. His school let him start pre-K early, so he’s met some of the other kids’ dads and wanted to know where his was. I told him he died, but I didn’t tell him how...I can’t even understand it myself.”

“Mm. I was there and I don’t quite understand it either.”

“There?”

“Yes, when the snap, excuse me, ‘The Blip’ happened.”

“What...what happened?”

Okoye looked to the king questioningly with an eyebrow raised, unsure of if he should tell her the truth, but he ignored her glances.

“Long story short: an alien wiped out half of all life in the universe with a snap of his finger in a very special gauntlet.”

Monae was silent as she tried to process his words.

“Was that related to the second alien attack in New York? The one right before it happened?”

“Yes, they were looking for a piece of the gauntlet.”

Monae thought back to how scared Jazz was when she called her that day, frantically screaming about a ship in the sky.

“Wow...I knew after the first New York attack that things were gonna get weird, but this is something else. Half of all life?”

T’Challa nodded, “In the entire universe.”

Monae sighed and sat back as she watched JJ run back over to them.

“Mommy!”

“Yes, JJ?”

“Can I go on the swings?”

“Sure baby, just give me a moment to talk to my friend first.”

“Ok!” his little legs ran back towards the carousel and he sat in the middle as some slightly older kids spun him around.

“He’s such a happy child, you’re doing a good job.”

“Thank you. It’s not easy, but I have my Aunt Sarah and my sister is thinking about moving back, so I have at least some support system...it’s just hard without him.”

“You know he’d be ecstatic.”

“Oh my god, he’d make him into his own little mini-me.”

“He would definitely have him running around learning how to be a little Jabari warrior…” T’Challa’s voice trailed off as something dawned on him.

“Monae,” he turned to face her directly, “you do know that he is the heir to the Jabari throne?”

She froze, having foolishly hoped it wouldn't come up.

“I-I know,” she hung her head before a realization hit her and she jumped up. “You won’t take him, will you?”

“No, I wouldn’t dare. Not unless you were willing to come with him.”

“Maybe when he’s older-”

“Mommy!” her son said impatiently as he walked back over to them.

“Just a minute, JJ.”

T’Challa stood and straightened out his suit, buttoning it back up in the process.

“Well I don’t want to keep you. Here,” he pulled out a card and scribbled something on the back before handing it to her. “That is my personal line, call if you need anything at all, Monae. I mean it.”

He pulled her in for another hug just as JJ made it over to them. The king crouched down and held his hand out for a high five. JJ’s little hand slapped his much larger one and Monae smiled as the king stood back up.

“I’m sure I’ll see the two of you soon. You know, if we do end up opening here, we’re gonna need all the help we can get…”

Monae’s face lit up as he and his Dora walked away. She had been working as an art teacher again, and though she loved it, nothing compared to the Center. The thought of working in one in her own community warmed her heart.

“Mommy I like him, he’s nice.”

“He is, we used to work together...and we might be again soon,” she spoke to him as they walked over to the surprisingly empty swing set.

--------

About a year later, T’Challa announced that he would be opening up Outreach Centers in various cities across the country, including one in North Nashville, just like Monae had suggested. After another year, the Center’s doors opened and Monae, the new Director of Social Outreach, was loving her new position. It felt like everything she had wanted to do her whole life was finally coming to fruition, and since she had been working so hard lately she decided she would treat herself to a day off. She took the morning to herself, getting her signature fade dyed seafoam green and stopping by the nail salon for a manicure before getting JJ out of school a little early.

“Wanna go to the Adventure Science Museum or to a movie?”

“I want to climb in the heart!”

“Museum it is then,” she chuckled thinking about how much he loved the body exhibit at the museum. Kids could crawl through a model of the human heart and lungs, and JJ made sure he always got a look at the “cool insides.”

They made it to the museum and JJ made a beeline for the climbing jungle gym tower in the middle of the museum that would take him up to the body exhibit. Monae followed him from the stairs and felt her phone buzz, she looked down to see it was a message from T’Challa.

“Get home.”

No context, just “get home,” but she knew the king well and heeded his advice. She looked up to the tower and saw JJ climbing up a net wall.

“JJ, baby, come back down here.”

“But the heart-”

“I know, but come on. Now.”

JJ could tell something was wrong, but his little shoulders still slumped as he climbed his way back down the netting and through the tunnel that led to Monae’s spot on the third floor landing. However, before he got to her the strangest thing happened. A cloud of dust appeared before his face and formed into a kid not too much younger than him. He screamed and Monae looked up from her phone, closing her message to T’Challa.

“JJ? JJ?! Baby whe-”

Then she saw something she never thought she would see in her life, much less twice. People were forming all around them in clouds of dust. Lost children, frantic parents, a crying baby, and museum staff all swirled around Monae as she tried to sidestep their forms and get to her scared little boy. She couldn’t see past the reappearing children on the tower, but she knew he had to be close.

“Mommy!”

She heard him yell and looked up to see him on the landing above her with tears in his eyes as he watched the unexplainable. Monae ran to him in no time flat and grabbed his hand before they bolted down the stairs as best as they could without running into anyone’s reappearing body. The parking lot was just as tricky, and she tried to drown out the sounds of the worried parents looking for their children and the wailing children scared of being alone. She grabbed JJ’s hand tighter and pulled him along as museum staff and some of the calmer adults rounded up the children and brought them inside. When they made it to their car there was a woman standing by the door and looking into the window, so Monae’s hand landed on her pepper spray just in case.

“Can I help you?”

The woman jumped upon hearing her voice, and when she turned around Monae could see her face was still forming.

“I-I’m sorry, I was just about to unlock my car door and…” she trailed off, looking around trying to take in the scene.

“Ma’am, if you go back into the museum they might be able to help you.”

She nodded and walked towards the doors in a daze.

“Mommy, what’s happening?” JJ’s face was covered in tears and snot and as soon as she got him in her carseat she found some tissue to take care of it.

“I-I don’t know, baby.”

She knew, kind of, she just didn’t have the words at the moment.

Monae carefully drove them home through the chaotic streets and when they got there she checked all the rooms just in case. It was just the two of them and Juju now since Aunt Sarah passed a few months ago, but JJ kept the house lively enough for it to not feel empty. Juju, completely unaware of the hysteria of the outside world, came up to greet JJ, her favorite person in the whole wide world. Monae believed the cat would probably kill for JJ and she was happy to have her little scrappy behind around.

Just as she sat on the couch and took a breath, her phone rang. She answered without even looking and the voice on the other line cracked as it spoke.

“They’re back.”

“I-I know. Me and JJ were at the museum and...T’Challa it was horrible. I mean, it’s a good thing, but the chaos and the screaming...I don’t know how to explain to JJ what he saw, I barely understand it myself.”

“Monae, you’re about to have a lot more to explain to JJ…”

“What do you-” it dawned on her and she dropped the phone. M’Baku was back.

--------

The Jabari mountains were abuzz with the news that their chief had returned. For the past five years the council had been running the tribe just as they did when he spent time in Oakland, and although they liked how things were going, they were glad to have M’Baku back.

To M’Baku and the other “Dusted”, as the Jabari called them, they were only gone mere seconds. When he materialized on his throne he was still saying whatever it was he started saying five years prior. The looks on the council’s faces confused him and he noticed they were all of a sudden wearing different clothing.

“What is the meaning of this?”

He looked to his right as saw Ada reappear before him.

“Mama? What- somebody explain this to me at once.”

“Great Gorilla, we have missed you. You and your mother along with half of the world were gone...disintegrated,” Abiola, one of the elders, spoke up.

“That...this makes no sense,” he shook his head as he reached out for his mother's still-forming fingers.

His kimoyo beads rang and he answered the call, the king appearing before him.

“It’s good to see you again, brother.”

“I saw you just yesterday, but hello. My king, what is-”

“I will explain everything, but first we are needed in battle.”

On the other side of the world, Monae tried to keep her cool as she cooked dinner and JJ watched Moana in the living room so she could still keep her eye on him. She knew it was probably a ridiculous thought, but she feared the snap could happen again and she could lose him at any moment. She didn’t want him out of her sight.

She absentmindedly stirred the spaghetti sauce as she listened to him singing along with Maui. Her eyes shifted to her phone every few seconds and she tried to get herself to stop, knowing that T’Challa was probably busy fighting the aliens again or something equally ridiculous and dangerous, but she couldn’t help the nagging feeling in her gut that said to call him.

Dinner came and went and just as she was getting herself ready for bed late that night her phone rang. She ran from the bathroom with her face mask only halfway washed off to get to it in time and when she saw “T” on her screen she almost cried in relief.

“Hello?!”

“Monae, are you alright?”

“No I’m not alright, what the fuck is going on, T’Challa?”

“The aliens came back, but this time we won.”

“That’s it…?”

“I could give you all the details, but that’ll take like six hours and right now I’m tired from fighting said aliens. But you should know I spoke to M’Baku. I didn’t tell him about JJ, but I told him to call you.”

Monae was silent as she took in his words. She’d be hearing his voice soon. After all these years she’d get to hear him laugh again. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she and JJ would have the opportunity to have him in their lives, but here she was, waiting for his call. Her line of thought was interrupted by a beeping on her phone. She pulled it from her ear and her heart dropped into her gut.

“T’Challa he...he's calling right now. I have to go.”

“Good luck, my friend.”

He ended the call and she took a deep breath before pressing the little green symbol on her phone screen.

“Hello?”

There was silence on the other end, but she could hear the sound of shuddering breaths.

“M’Baku?”

“Monae,” his voice cracked and tears rolled down her face.

“Hi.”

“I...I did not mean to leave you for so long, I-”

“I know, you got snapped...you were gone for five years, M’Baku.”

“I know...so tell me, what have you been doing in that time?”

“Well,” she cleared her throat, “I moved back home and now I’m the Director of Social Outreach here at the Nashville Outreach Center. Jazz is about to move back too, so she’ll be staying with me to um….help with...M’Baku there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Oh no, are you married? Don’t tell me Juju passed...”

She laughed, remembering how much he loved the temperamental cat.

“No, Juju is more than fine. It’s um...M’Baku this isn’t easy for me to say...are you alone right now?”

“Yes, I am in my chambers. Tell me what is wrong, babygirl.”

She closed her eyes tight and the tears sprung forward at hearing him call her that name again. She had compartmentalized enough to be able to go on without him in the world and now hearing his voice was just all too much. “Babygirl” was the final straw as she cried into the phone.

“I-I’ve missed you so much, M’Baku. You have no idea, he...he looks just,” she broke into sobs again and he waited for her to finish. She took a deep breath to compose herself before speaking, “Baby...you have a son. I found out I was pregnant after everyone disappeared...you’re a baba.”

M’Baku was silent as he processed the new information. In his mind, he just left her in Oakland two months ago and now he has a five year old son.

“M’Baku?”

“Yes, I am here...I just...a son?”

“Mhm, and he looks just like you. Here, I’ll send a picture.” Monae quickly scrolled through her camera roll before sending off her favorite picture of the two of them at the park, taken by Uncle Challa of course. When M’Baku opened the picture he was in awe of both of them. Monae was thicker in the waist and her hair was a striking black, the closest she’d come to her natural hair color in years. Her clear-framed glasses slipped down her nose as she smiled wide right next to a little boy that looked just like M’Baku did as a kid. He had Monae’s doe eyes, but everything else came from his baba, right down to his stature.

“He is beautiful...you both are. What is his name?”

“Jabari, but he mostly goes by JJ.”

A smile appeared across his face, “Jabari, huh?”

“Yeah, well I figured he should have some sort of connection to his baba’s side even if he wasn’t here.”

“When can I see him?”

“When can you get here?”

Next Chapter

Taglist:

@theblulife @maddeningmayhem @devnicolee

#cecewritessometimes #black panther fic #m'baku #m'baku x oc #black!oc #m'baku's love

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