#T'CHALLA & SHURI. ( re: relationship ) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

talkingparrotkee · 2 years ago

Text

Re: Namor x Shuri working from a storytelling standpoint

I stumbled on a post trying to give an analysis of how Namor and Shuri "don't work" from a storytelling standpoint. After reading several of the objectionable points made and realizing I've seen them all before, I felt like trying my own hand to exemplify why these kinds of criticisms against "Nashuri" don't actually work. I didn't directly reblog to avoid being convoluted or dogpiling, but I'll be responding to specific points throughout.

Direct quotes are in orange

Linked sources and further information are in green

Warning: This article has many layers, musings, and points. After all, it's essentially a master collection of material. If you just want to jump to a certain point, you can. There are subtitles for every point.

The Oxymoron of Improbable and "Non-Sensical" Story Writing

In the context of specifically Wakanda Forever's story and nothing else, yes: as of now, Namor and Shuri being a romantic couple does not make "sense."

However, there is no such thing as a ship that doesn't make sense from a story-writing perspective.

With your pen, reality can be shaped according to your whim, or elements can be bent to fit the mold of a given reality. Story-writing-wise, anything can happen, and anything can work with the proper execution. A good writer knows how to suspend the reader's disbelief and make the seemingly improbable, seem probable.

Namor and Shuri already have the ingredients for chemistry and compatibility as characters, which are the two essential requirements in relationships. The media they're in gives you the room to potentially address their circumstance, like reviving Ramonda (coming back to life is no foreign concept to Marvel) or building off of the concepts already there (e.g., the Ancestral Plane or "dead not meaning gone"). There are also AUs.

Saying otherwise is simply putting a cap on your creativity and demonstrates a sheer lack of imagination.

Why Do People Ship Namor And Shuri?

To answer this question, Namor and Shuri:

Have undeniably strong chemistry. That was the first thing that had people question what their relationship would be. You don't have to register this as inherently romantic, but they have chemistry nevertheless.

Deeply connected with and paralleled-equaled one another. Shuri opened up to only Namor about her true grief. With Ramonda, Shuri closed herself off. When her mask cracked, she lamented that if she sat and merely thought of T'Challa, she'd burn the world and everyone in it. The ancestral plane, tethered to her subconscious and emotional state, lit up on fire the moment N'Jadaka mentioned T'Challa. Yet... Shuri felt that she could be emotionally vulnerable to Namor, seeking solace and answers within him. She could not only think of but also talk about T'Challa with Namor. This is after Namor was, in exchange, completely vulnerable and honest to her, showing her his scars and his cherished nation. Both characters did things they wouldn't do with anyone else. They felt seen and heard by the other. That is a beautiful testament to the bond they were forging before uh, yeah.

Shuri was healing in Talokan. It is directly said in the script Shuri was better than she was before she left, but the movie let it be a "show, don't tell." We already established she was finally unveiling her grief to Namor, but Talokan was also an escape for her. Her behavior and attitude were a sheer contrast to how she was earlier in the movie. Shuri was shown beaming, marveling at, and practically glowing as Namor showed her his world. Approximately, she genuinely smiled 11 times in under 3 minutes. She forgot her worries. The tension rolled off of her and let herself go "with the breeze". Her admiration and sense of wonder made him smile too. She was taken care of, a shame that her reason of stay wasn't preferable.

Shared several purposefully intimate moments.

Look hot and are hot together. Argue with a wall.

Can be the strongest, most unstoppable MCU power couple to date.

Create a rich, ethnic, and main poc ship and representation between a black African woman and a brown-skinned indigenous man. That's not common at all, and the thought of their cultures being connected, becoming one through their union is hair-twirling inducing. The idea of them creating a new era filled to the brim with their respective cultures and identities together, with them learning from one another, is very interesting.

They have many, many classic romantic-fantastical tropes poured into the batter that is their dynamic. You may have heard the comparisons to Beauty and The Beast (say thank you, Riri!), Aladdin ("I Can Show You The World"), Peter Pan and Wendy (Namor is deemed of a "Peter Pan" archetype. "Peter Pan" lost his Wendy, who is Shuri in this case. See Inframundo.) and Hades-Persephone.

The only reason why they're on opposite ends is due to outer forces and unfavorable circumstances at work. There's something interesting about their nuanced tragedy. There's a fun intrigue to find a way to "fix" what seems broken beyond repair, through understanding, love, character development, and healing.

Have a romantic anthem: Con La Brisa is a tender love song specifically created based on the underwater scene between Namor and Shuri. Foudequesh revealed that the meaning of the song was showing someone the sun for the first time.

Additionally, Namor and Shuri having romantic chemistry is not baseless. It was initially toyed with. Though they decided to characterize their relationship a bit differently and focus on grief-shared trauma, elements were still left in to give their relationship complexity. The way they relate and the things they did gave romantic undertones you can't just pluck out. Micheal P. Shawver, a colleague of Ryan Coogler and an editor of Wakanda Forever, said this much when asked about the possibility of Namor and Shuri having romance in their cards.

Note how Ryan Coogler, a writer and director of both Black Panther, even apparently thinks that Namor and Shuri are not unsuited for one another even then.

You can also view the original script where Namor is described as "charmed" and "smitten" with Shuri. It's only natural people pick up the pieces purposefully left behind.

Clarification Notes

Before we jump into this, there are things you need to know.

Note 1: None of this is bashing or permission to bash Ramonda, Riri, Shuri, or Nakia. They were justified and operating under grief and dramatic irony if you look at it from every perspective. Currently, this is just clearing up Namor and Talokan's perspectives because that is what's being targetted and unceremoniously characterized, but everyone has a case for them.

Note 2: This doesn't mean you need to ship Shuri and Namor. It's explaining why some do and clearing up misconceptions about their dynamic as well as individual characters. Your takeaway should be this and valueable information on Black Panther, not a decree of what you should or shouldn't ship.

Positive and Negative Chemistry

"Positive" and "negative" chemistry is confusing terminology at best and doesn't exist at worse. It's either you have or lack chemistry. There are also two different kinds of chemistry: platonic and romantic.

When describing how characters wouldn't be compatible in a given relationship, you may be looking for the term, "compatibility".

Chemistry: magnetism, attraction, and natural connection. Compatibility: a more "logical" component: your degree of harmony and cohesiveness.

You can have chemistry without compatibility, and compatibility without chemistry. Healthy and long-lasting relationships have both.

Namor's view of Shuri

Namor does not view Shuri as an equal, despite their similarities.

Pause. Namor does view Shuri as an equal. Shuri is arguably the person he respects the most.

The idea That Namor-Talokan does not relate, respect, connect with, or even view Shuri-Wakanda as human directly goes against the meta-pillar theme of Wakanda Forever.

You said it yourself:

"these are fictional characters (who represent real-world dynamics)"

“We talked to so many experts and really made relationships with them, because there was a lot to go through,” says Beachler. “There are a lot of parallels between Africans and Latin Americans as far as the colonization of their communities and cities, the enslavement of their people, the lies that were told about their culture, the misinterpretation of their words, and the ways they were made out to look demonized in order to elevate a European country.”

Besides honoring Chadwick Boseman, motherhood, and the dead not being gone, grief, trauma, the effects of colonialism, and the connectivity between African-Mesoamerican indigenous culture are central points of the film. Namor and Shuri and by extension Talokan and Wakanda are explicitly supposed to relate and be equal to one another for this reason. You are supposed to struggle with choosing a side, and Namor is a complex antagonist or even anti-hero rather than an actual villain (An antagonist just opposes or challenges the protagonist in the context of the story, they're not inherently good or evil. Villians are inherently evil and with malice.) Their fight is supposed to feel wrong, intimate, and emotionally charged, unlike most generic action hero fights. They are natural allies, and therefore unnatural enemies.

Namor bent in ways he wouldn't have with anyone else.

This is why it's an in-fandom joke that he was whipped or smitten. What he says on his throne when waging "war", was "Máansa'ab u nej miis tin wich." Josué Maychi confirms that this means, "They passed the cat's tail in front of my face with the hope of an alliance."

"If you see cats, jaguars or panthers when they go hunting they wag their tails because it is a way of hypnotizing the prey, then that image is what happened to Namor, that someone did like that with the tail."

Namor virtually said he was hypnotized, but the Spanish and English translations didn't quite convey that cat-involved metaphor (although keeping the crux of his lament.).

Namor could have killed Riri the moment she touched Talokan grounds, but he showed temporary "mercy" because of Shuri and Shuri alone. He didn't need Shuri's permission nor did he have to communicate with Shuri. Riri was in his domain, Shuri did not really have much power there, yet he treated her as if she did.

"It goes back to the point of him never seeing Shuri as human or recognizing her feelings as valid."

Two of Namor's quotes in the movie alone prove this wrong:

"I know you wanted me to spare the life of the scientist (recognizing and acknowledging what she wants), but now you see what I have to protect."

"So you can understand why I need to kill the scientist."

He didn't need to seek her approval or give her the ability to negotiate with him, yet he did and on top of that dressed her in the finest silks fit for royalty, consistently trying to convince Shuri like her opinion mattered, and that he wanted her on his side. It wasn't that he didn't "recognize her feelings as valid," he just felt that, based on how many of their lives are at stake, he couldn't risk it (Movie quote: "I cannot risk that, princess...").

He was absolutely gobsmacked when she said, "Take me instead." He wouldn't speak then, uncharacteristically breaking eye contact. When he could finally speak, he couldn't answer her directly, his voice awkwardly raised an interval and suddenly, unnecessarily, speaking with his hands.

Shuri wanted to see Talokan, and Namor, the pessimistic isolationist who never let a surfacer step foot in Talokan, immediately caved into her desire. There was no reason for him to do that and it demonstrates an immense level of trust. He also, quite literally, showed her the keys to his kingdom. He waited until she was beside him, looked to see if she was watching him, and then did his hand sign in the rock to open the "doors" to Talokan.

As writer Joe Cole said in The Movie Report panel interview, Shuri demands him to make the right choice that was yielding, and he does yield to her, which wasn't something he'd ever consider in his hundreds of years of being alive.

Namor gives his beloved mother's bracelet to Shuri

Fen was Namor's beloved mother. Her memory is something he held dear to him. The bracelet he gave not only was the last piece of her left with him, but it directly signified his birthright as king, was a priceless national object, and was made with their sacred plant's fibers.

He gives it to Shuri twice. One immediately to hold when he sees she's attracted to it, two he ties on her (after receiving her non-verbal permission, another sign of respect) for her keeping as a "gift of gratitude."

Namor saw his mother in Shuri

Namor saw his mother in her highest state, induced by Shuri. She was unchanged, young, and in their homes, outstretching a hand to him as Shuri metaphorically did.

Namor paints the mural of their fight

in his personal hut no less, where he preserves their history and culture. He paints them entangled in a battle with neither side besting the other. She is the Jaguar-Black Panther, a revered, highly respected animal in Maya culture with connections to godhood, and he is a mere human, humbling himself in a sense. That speaks volumes, and it's furthered when he tells Namora that Shuri had every single reason to kill him. He also speaks very highly of her, stating she's the strongest person on the surface, of the strongest nation.

None of this makes sense AT ALL if he supposedly did not view Shuri as a respected equal, let alone "human." If he somehow doesn't see her as a "human", then he sees her as higher than.

Talokan's "Violence" to Wakanda's "Pacifism"

"Namor and the Talokanil, immediately resort to violence and war when they feel a threat from the surface world. But since no one knows they exist, this threat is hypothetical for now."

This is not true. Talokan has constantly been evasive with relocating being their immediate resort. In the film, Namor says, "Talokan will not move, again" for a reason. They didn't "feel" a threat, there was a threat. People found the Vibranium within their domain and were drilling to seize it. War was a later development after Shuri took killing Riri off the table, which is what Namor initially wanted to do (in the script, this is furthered, with him saying he'd prefer picking off one person to outright war.).

"A direct contrast to Ramonda and Shuri, who in the face of real eminent threats, resorted to peace and showed their aggressors mercy."

Ignoring the insinuation that Namor was not faced with real eminent threats when he was, there is a reason for that contrast. Remember that while Wakanda was being threatened, they have never been conquered or forced to move. They're confirmed less vulnerable than Talokan, who does not have shields and lives in the ocean. They can afford to reveal themselves. Talokan cannot, and they're collateral damage to Wakanda's choice of revealing themselves and the power of Vibranium to the world.

The beginning village of Talokan has been conquered and mass murdered before the rebirth into the blue people we see now, with their ancestral lands plundered and made into slave houses. Namor almost died and was sick in the womb because the conquistadors brought smallpox. His father who he never met died due to their disease. He witnessed countless treacheries, betrayals, and wars from the surface lands. Namor spent his entire childhood watching his mother grieve due to them. As a result, Talokan has a more pessimistic perspective compared to Wakanda's privileged optimistic one.

So yeah, Talokan isn't going to play patty cake with their active aggressors who are trying to plunder them. Nor should they, because Namor is proven right with America actively seeking to destabilize Wakanda under the guise of retrieving Riri (see the meeting Ross has with government officials), and the ending with Val.

Wakanda wants to delay inevitable war and minimize the loss across the board but will go to war if pushed, which is fair. Talokan is tired and ready to give the smoke, striking fast and hard to merely end what threatens them once and for all after centuries of patience and displacement. That is also fair.

"Namor, despite wanting Wakanda’s help with his mission, ultimately doesn’t view Wakanda with anymore sympathy than he does the rest of the world. He has made it clear that he hates the surface world and everyone in it, which includes the Wakandans."

You're right, he doesn't sympathize with Wakanda. There's nothing to sympathize with. He empathizes with them, a stronger feeling and sense of connection than sympathy. He admires Wakanda and feels a sense of kinship, maybe a bit of jealousy (Joe Cole). To him, Wakanda was a threat if they weren't on his side. Why?

A) Wakanda (unintentionally) compromised them by revealing themselves to the world and the power of Vibranium. Now everyone else, armed with that dangerous knowledge, is looking for it to wield it. Wakanda can more or less protect their Vibranium, claiming ownership of it when it's on their lands, they have the power to, and they're the ones who revealed it. But what can Talokan do? They'd be forcefully revealed in some way and be subjected to attacks just because they dared to also have Vibranium.

B) Wakanda is compromising them again by harboring Riri, who is the one source capable of the machine the FBI is currently chasing down. There is no guarantee Riri would stay with them (Riri is not their citizen, and America can easily use her as a means to undercut Wakanda and force them to either give vibranium or fork Riri over, so she can build the machine, and they'll get vibranium anyway through Talokan) or wouldn't rebuild her machine. The solutions Namor could fathom were either taking Riri out of the equation for sure (a case of killing one person and saving everyone else) or taking out the threat of those who seek to exploit her.

C) Wakanda was already shaking hands with nations that wanted to destabilize and plunder them, and will want to do the same with Talokan.

D) Wakanda is the only nation that can rival them that now also knows of their existence. If they're not allies with that information, that's dangerous and makes Talokan vulnerable.

With all things considered and understandably from Namor's perspective, there's no "in-between" here. You can't be "neutral." You either are with them or facilitate your own and their destruction.

This doesn't mean he hates Wakanda or Shuri. It is nothing he wants, but something he perceives he has to do for his people, as their protector, father, god, and king. In the script, this is only further exemplified, by his, "I don’t want it to come to this. But I will not hesitate."

Namor Killing Ramonda

His line of "You are queen now" showed that he was never willing to conduct business with Ramonda likely because she was the only person on the surface world who bested him when she lured him out of Talokan(...). He was simply looking for an excuse to get her out of the picture."

At that point, Ramonda threatened to reveal Talokan. Ramonda purposefully played decoy with him and sent in a war dog to infiltrate their nation and retrieve not only their national threat but the princess who has all of their secrets without a sense of closure. The result of this act was the death of two of his "children". Did you just gloss over that fact, because Ramonda didn't just "lure" him away? He wasn't throwing a fit because he was bested. People literally died? He was cradling a dying child in his arms?

Namor was "willing" to conduct business with Ramonda, proven by the simple fact that he approached Ramonda and gave her the shell to contact him. Namor went out to answer Ramonda's call in the first place when he could've just ignored it when he had what he wanted and more in Talokan.

Namor saying "You're queen now" doesn't at all connect to him not seeing Shuri as an equal. That doesn't make any sense. If anything that undermines your point, because before Shuri is officially crowned, he immediately sees her as the sovereign leader, much like himself.

He says "you're queen now" because Shuri is likely the queen now. It's simple math: Shuri is the heir apparent. There's no royal before her now that is leading.

"It's also another reason why he killed Ramonda with no hesitation despite knowing what he knew about Shuri"

Again, Namor did what he did with no hesitation or care if Ramonda is collateral damage because in his eyes, Ramonda betrayed him, he was acting as a vehicle of vengeance for two souls, and he was defending Talokan. When she stepped in front of Riri glaring him down, that was his final nail in the coffin (no pun intended, please, no pun intended.). It was never personal to him nor did he look at it as him killing Shuri's mom. He was playing the role of a protector and king in conflict with another royal, but of course, it's inherently personal to Shuri because that royal happens to be her mother.

Ryan Coogler confirmed it was not personal for him in the Disney+ movie commentary, Tenoch Huerta says killing the queen was never in his initial plans, and Namor says this himself in the script, explaining he did what he did because the queen "betrayed" him with not only a guard, but a child dying as a result when Shuri was never in danger ("you were safe in my care").

Recklessness With Grief

No, Shuri did not have a better handle on how she externalizes her grief until the final of the movie.

"She recognizes that even though she is angry at T’Challa’s death, the rest of the world doesn’t deserve to feel the extent of her wrath."

That's not at all what she recognized at any point. "It will not be these clothes, I'll burn. It will be the world. And everyone in it."

"Even when Namor does kill her mother, she rightfully directs her anger at him."

At the expense of her people's safety and risk of eternal war. She tells M'Baku straight up that nothing else matters except what she wants, and she wants Namor dead. She threateningly pointed a finger, giving M'Baku no choice and leaving him with the command to help her in her endeavors, even if it meant sending them all to their watery graves.

Nakia: "If you go to war for vengeance, it will not fill the hole left from your loss. It will only grow larger, and it will consume you!"

Shuri: "It already has."

With every blow she landed and exchanged with Namor, we cut back to Wakanda receiving blows and being backed up into a corner.

Namor and Shuri were on collision courses where they were destroying themselves, each other, and their people by not handling their grief properly, being consumed by their vengeance, and committing destructive actions ignited by their pain.

Shuri just later had the strength to break that cycle by recognizing what he said to her back in Talokan ("broken leaders"), their connectivity, and shared traumas. She saved them both and quietened Namor's own flames in the process.

"Sure, she has some outbursts at Nakia and M’baku, but she never really alienates them."

Do not downplay the fact that Shuri is dangerous and was not healthily dealing with her grief, but instead was on a path of destruction. Ryan explicitly states that Namor shares this with Shuri: they're both trying to process and similarly struggle grappling with their grief.

Why else do you think Ramonda took Shuri outside to touch grass and do a ritual? Shuri was not ok. From the moment her beloved brother died, she was not ok. She was not magnanimous to the world. She was angry at it. She thought that there was no point in the Black Panther mantle or herb when T'Challa isn't there. As M'Baku even pointed out, she buried herself in her technology as a coping mechanism, which she ought to stop.

Shuri does alienate Nakia. Not only does she snap several times and harshly shove Nakia off of her after she took the herb, but it's also shown at the beginning of the movie she's ignoring all of her calls. In the script, she explicitly considers Nakia dead, immensely angry she missed T'Challa's funeral.

She doesn't listen to M'baku, but consistently tries to push him and his wisdom away during Ramonda's funeral. She even pushed away and tried closing herself off with Ramonda in the lab and river scene.

Namor's Desire

"All he wanted to do was push her to the extremes of grief so she would become reckless as she was."

Namor's true desire was safety for his people. He didn't want to move again or have to change who they are to survive. Namor later had a genuine desire for an alliance with Wakanda, a nation he canonically admires. Namor didn't want to "push her to the extremes of grief to become like him" because she already was like him. He just wanted to channel their shared feelings of reaping "destruction" to the common enemy.

“I think that a lot of the emotion that I was trying to put into it [Talokan] was this idea that Namor is not wanting to move his people again,” says Beachler. “So there is also, this sense of grieving, even there, of this idea of being encroached upon by humans, who are somewhat inconsiderate of them.”

"Instead you see a mutant emerging not out of genetics, but out of the crucible of oppression. Whereas mutants in the comics are born, in Wakanda Forever, they are made. And that history isn't the side story, it's the entire story. It explains Namor's rage, his desperation, and the path he takes which eventually leads to a collision with Wakanda."

It was never a case of Namor only loving and can love his people while hating everyone else, seeing them as inhuman. Namor was prioritizing what he loved the most above what he may also like, admire, or empathize with. He was fulfilling the role given to him he was forced to take from the moment he was born.

"I mean, “no love” is literally his name."

Let's slow down a bit and mayhaps rethink a little on using the meaning of his alias "Namor" as a point about him being loveless, no? That was a "name" given to him by a racist, slave-owning Conquistador priest who also called him, "son of satan" all the while he was burying his mother, the only and last immediate family he had. Namor took that alias to empower himself and take away the sting. He clearly does have love when all of his life he has been a selfless agent for his people. He thought a single or two lives were worth war over. Yes, he explicitly said it was to convey he had "no love" for the surface, but there is context to that.

"Wanting to destroy the whole world, funny enough, including other Mayan descendants who were enslaved or colonized"

When Namor burned down the Hacienda, slaves ran free. Only the Consquisdators were killed. The village elder relayed that they know of Namor's existence and were able to live with that knowledge. The only ones who died were the ones who sought him out with ill intent. The script also featured the factoid of Namor saving the elder and her husband from drowning on their wedding night, if that's worth anything. In the movie, he doesn't want to include Wakanda in the mix of the nations they're at war with either.

Clearly, he is discriminatory with who he'd kill. Who said he'd include Mayan descendants that were enslaved and colonized? The last time I checked, the only person who said anything about burning everyone was Shuri.

Namor: "It is no longer about the scientist. For centuries, the surface nations have conquered and enslaved people like us. Over resources. Since the day I buried my mother, I have prepared my people for the time they would come for us. And that machine? Is the sign that the time is now. I need to know if Wakanda is an ally, or an enemy. There is no in-between."

Shuri: "So you plan to wage war on the entire world, and want Wakanda to help you?"

Namor: [leans in and nods slightly]

Shuri: "That's madness!"

Namor: "There isn't a nation that wouldn't plunder Wakanda if given a chance. If we make an alliance, we can protect each other by striking them first. Then, when the threat of these nations have been eliminated, the scientist will be returned to Wakanda."

Namor wanting to remove the teeth from the lion's mouth and hitting first isn't the same thing as destroying everything and anything. Mind you, he is being chaotic, but he clearly has a concentrated target. Don't get it twisted.

Namor's Regret

It is suggested that Namor in particular felt regret and dislike for the situation in interviews, script, and in-film.

A) Namor is seen pensively on his throne, touching and cradling the shell phone as he awaits contact.

B) Namor's, "It could've been different."

C) Interestingly, Ryan and Joe Cole corroborated in The Movie Report panel interview, more regret was in every blow exchanged. Namor in particular did not want to exchange a fatal blow until he was pushed to impale Shuri on the rock in a desperate attempt to his life.

Equaling and Relating

Relating to someone is different from equalling someone. Out of all who were listed, whether it was Peter Parker, Riri Williams, or Namor, Namor is the only one out of those that is explicitly and purposefully depicted as equalling and relating to Shuri.

Namor And Shuri

The reasoning given for how Shuri works paired with Peter Parker or Riri Williams strongly applies to Shuri with Namor, so operating under the same logic, they largely work too.

"What makes both of these pairings work to a degree is the idea of them being equal in some regard(...) They clearly see each other as equal. They more or less agree on a common enemy and how to deal with said enemy, with morals and values that more or less align."

They do agree on a common enemy. That's literally half of the premise for Namor proposing an alliance where they protect one another. The problem just was how they go about handling things. Tragedy, trauma, and dramatic irony unfavorably played factors.

Otherwise, they're practically the same, and are now on the "same page". Their morals and values aren't far off either. Wakanda and Talokan are eerily similar, whether it be in having spying channels, an isolationistic approach, finding jurisdiction wherever they feel it (aka, if it regards and threatens them), only wanting to protect what they love, embracing-involving their culture-traditions, being environmentalists, and using defensive-offensive means if provoked by a perceived threat.

In visuals alone, they took great care to portray Shuri and Namor as Parallel Characters.

The "boy without love" and the "child who scoffs at tradition." They do have a few healthy differences (I'll save that for another article), but they are equal and deeply relate.

As said on The Movie Report panel interview, Shuri became the Panther god (the Black Panther is canonically Bast's avatar), while he is the god of his civilization. They're both royals and leaders of their own nations. Said nations are sister nations, both having the power of vibranium and the highest levels of advancement. They are both broken and with a shared trauma etched deep in their hearts. They both have a righteous, divine fire and an acute sense of avenging. They both were haunted by similar grief and pain that pushed them to seek solace in one another.

Namor is described as lonely and with loneliness by Ryan Coogler, and that's exactly how Shuri felt in the beginning as well (see her Interlude), and unfortunately, later in the movie after Ramonda "dies" (but in the end, it's revealed that Ramonda, like T'Challa, is not gone.). They brought innovative technology and a new era of living to their people. They share the same love languages: acts of service and gifts.

There was an entire montage near the end of the film showcasing this.

Riri Williams

Riri Williams relates to Shuri in a sense of being young black women whose intelligence and talents aren't always respected by their elders. They can also relate to their fathers being murdered (if they take a page out of comics for Riri, see Ironheart #9) or the loved ones that taught them what they know being ripped away from them. Maybe they also know about diffusion too as geeks, but it stops there.

Riri, like Peter, is a teenager (19 years old) new to college (the same college Okoye states is the equivalent of a Wakandan elementary school), trying to grapple with her emerging life and school. Shuri is a princess of the most powerful nation and head of Wakandan Technology. She completed the journey of school and became a college assistant at the age of 13. Wakanda Forever was Riri's debut and entry into the game. Wakanda Forever was Shuri, who is already a non-teenaged adult at this point, journeying through her womanhood and immense grief. Shuri is not new to the game, having been in countless wars and accumulated countless experiences Riri has yet to touch.

Throughout the film, Shuri acted as the voice Riri didn't have that Namor would hear, largely due to T'Challa's influence. At the end of the film, Riri invites Shuri to a basketball game. Shuri says no, prioritizing her duties and having a full plate compared to Riri's less uncomplicated, lighthearted one. This alone highlights their differences in placement and mental space.

Big sisters do not "equal" their younger siblings. They guide and protect, having some level of authority and experience over them.

And That's Perfectly By Design

Riri and Shuri are not equals and have noticeable divergences where one cannot ever relate to or feel what the other does. Shuri won't know how Riri feels the need to prove herself as a black woman in a society where black people, black women, are given the shorter end of the stick. Shuri doesn't know anything about how it is for African Americans and law enforcement. Riri won't know the privileges or how it feels like to carry the burdens Shuri does to the extent she does. Riri does not entirely relate to Shuri's grief either. Riri was a fish out of water who constantly wanted to go home despite the beauty and safety in Wakanda. They belong to two different worlds.

It is great that they have these differences because, in the words of Dominque Thorne, they can learn from each other. Their relationship in the film is contextualized as Shuri perceiving Riri as her reflection and then taking on a mentor role. Riri is, in Letitia's words, a reflection of T'Challa's choice. There are several parallels between Riri-Shuri and T'Challa-Shuri. It gives Shuri more of a personal incentive and investment in the outreach program her brother enacted. T'Challa had the connection, learning experience, and realization of the Lost Tribe and their struggles through N'Jadaka. Shuri now has that with Riri, but positively! Riri also can offer a breath of fresh air every now and again, fulfilling the chemistry she had (bubbly, plucky younger one) with T'Challa (the more composed, older, responsible one).

Whether you want to mold and configure this into a romantic dynamic, is up to you. The point is that yes they relate, yes they do have chemistry, but no, Riri and Shuri aren't equals.

Peter Parker

Hypothetically, Peter relates to Shuri in their intelligence (although I'd argue Shuri is smarter, Shuri's probably smarter than everyone), but that doesn't at all suggest they'd have the same interests. It doesn't work like that.

Peter (2001 baby) is younger than Shuri (1997-1998). He is just starting college. Shuri is around 22, 23 years old due to the snap. She was 19, 20 in Infinity War. Peter was 16. It's not a big age gap, but I wouldn't say they're peers. Age proximity doesn't indicate relatability either, especially if the maturity levels and experiences differ.

However, I will say, I think Peter and Shuri can relate to being orphans that do feel lonely (although Shuri lost and later gained family, Peter is left off completely alone), going through personal dark arcs, and suffering immense pain that changes the trajectory of their lives. They used to be more lighthearted, but now were forced to grow up and their perspectives darkened.

That's about it though. They aren't on the same wavelength or of the same caliber when it comes to their types of threats, challenges, and predicaments. Namor could entirely relate with her being another nation of vibranium of a culture the other nations seek to destabilize, destroy, or conquer, as well as someone with a similar depth and sense of grief. Riri could relate as a black woman living in America (lost tribe) who'd know a thing or two about persecution and was thrown into the mix between the Talokan-Wakanda conflict. Peter?

This isn't factoring in their standings either, with Shuri being an heir apparent and leader of the strongest nation on the surface with Peter being "your friendly (and now depressed) neighborhood Spiderman" that occasionally gets thrown outside his payroll.

Peter and Shuri can probably relate and it's easy to assume they'd have chemistry and may do a little chemistry together. But they do not equal either.

In Conclusion

Yes, ship and let ship. These are all great fictional characters with compelling dynamics. Shipping is largely for fun and often depends on the person's taste.

Looking at this from a perspective of a writer and storyteller, there's no such thing as it "not" working or "making sense" unless you have, excuse my language, shit and uninspiring writing.

238 notes · View notes

writingintheshadowsforever · 2 years ago

Text

Queen Ramonda x Reader Let's Tell The World Part 2

Summary: You and Queen Ramonda have accepted that you can't be together but that doesn't mean everyone has

You grunted in pain when your body made contact with the hard ground. It was the fifth time Shuri had put you down this morning. After officially becoming the Black Panther it was decided that the Princess needed combat lessons. While Shuri did have some knowledge and skill in fighting. It was never her strong suit and that wasn't a problem when T'Challa carried the mantle of Black Panther, and was on the throne. But now it was her responsibility and she knew her fighting skills would need to improve immensely. Which is why Okoye and Ayo were the ones put in charge of training her, but last week Shuri requested a change.

Well it wasn't so much a request as a demand, because you really had no choice in the matter. When Ayo announced that your early morning duties would be exchanged for sparring with Shuri. You didn't see them as training sessions, considering just how much she had learned from Okoye and Ayo in such a short time period. The two of them were the greatest warriors of the Dora Milaje. You were arguably not that far from behind them, but still you knew it was more personal for Shuri than anything.

"Come on get up we're not done" Shuri demanded, holding out a hand.

You looked past the helping hand to see the subtle traces of anger in her face. She thought she was doing a good job on hiding her emotions, but for a trained warrior who had to be proficient in picking up on every little thing. You could see right through her attempts. "No, we're not doing this today."

Shuri frowned. "Doing our daily training sessions."

"You mean our daily y/n beatdowns because that's what this is, and we both know it. Alright Princess I mean no disrespect but can we stop acting like. This doesn't have anything to do with what happened between me and your mother." You said pulling yourself up into a sitting position. if you took her hand no doubt you would be back where you started in under ten seconds.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, this is all professional" Shuri lied.

"Then why switch Okoye and Ayo out for me?" You pushed her.

"It's simple really both Ayo and Okoye are Generals for Wakanda's Army, and already have a number of responsibilities. They have made me more than a capable warrior in the month they were in charge of my training. But I do still need to keep up with it so you, one of the best warriors in Wakanda, was the perfect choice to fill in for them." Shuri explained with a quick shrug coupled with a hint of boredom.

You had to give her the fabricated lie that she just came up with that actually made sense. You wondered if she had practiced that speech, and gave it to someone else. Like Okoye, Ayo, or even the Queen herself.

The Queen. Ramonda. Your former beloved.

Not a day went by where you didn't think about her. Not a night passed where you didn't dream of having her in your arms again. It had been two weeks since you ended your secret relationship with her, and still you wondered if your decision had been too hasty. You hadn't been in charge of personally guarding her since, nor had you been on guard detail for travel. Three days after breaking things off Queen Ramonda had to attend a United Nations council meeting. You assumed you would be going until Ayo revealed that your presence wasn't needed or wanted.

It hurt to know she was shutting you out of her life now, but you understood why. If Ramonda was truly going to heal and move on then the less contact she had with you the better.

"Shuri, stop lying, you know, if you wanted to punch me in the face for breaking your mom's heart. All you had to do was ask I would've gladly let you as long as you agreed to show some res-" Your voice cut off into a cry of pain as her fist connected with your nose. Your upper body flew back to the ground from the force of it. But it didn't feel like your nose was broken but there was blood pouring out of your nostrils from the hit."

"Shuri what the hell?" You exclaimed covering your nose with both hands in an attempt to control the bleeding.

Shuri held up her hands. "You said I could punch you if I showed some restraint."

"You didn't even let me finish talking."

"Well that's obviously what you were going to say" She pointed out with a head tilt. "I showed restraint stop being a baby."

"You also forgot to ask" You muttered under your breath. Somehow forgetting about her super hearing.

"Y/N would it be okay if I punch you in the face for ripping my dear mother's heart out of her chest?" She asked in a low and dangerous voice, but a look of mischief in her eyes.

You scrambled to your feet and backed away from her. "No way Shuri one punch was good enough. I'm sorry about your mom, okay."

"Why did you do it?" Shuri asked not trying to mask the hurt in her voice. While you and her weren't nearly as close as she was with Okoye. She was still pretty familiar with you, and had you as her personal bodyguard more than a few times in the past.

"I didn't want to be Princess but our relationship was inappropriate" You told her looking away in shame.

Shuri scoffed at your answer. "Who?"

"Your mother wanted to go public with our relationship, and you know the elders wouldn't have improved."

"So you're telling me their approval means more to you than your love for my mother" Shuri countered.

"For Bast's sake of course not but they would do everything in their power to tear us apart. Your mother is Queen but I'm just a simple guard Shuri. If they can't twist her arm they will twist mine, and I'm expendable." You explained turning back to look her in the eyes. So she could see the inner turmoil inside of you.

Shuri wanted to argue but didn't have one because everything you had said was true. If your relationship with her mother went public the decision would definitely be met with backlash. It wasn't fair Queen Ramonda had given everything for her country, and when she finally did get the chance to get a little happiness back. She couldn't truly have it because of people being stuck in the old ways of the world.

"I still love her Shuri and I always will nothing in the world will ever change that" You said, pausing to take a breath of exasperation. "But I just don't think we can really be together unless some changes are made."

Shuri's gaze shifted to the sky with a faraway look in them. The Princess was thinking, and you just hoped it wasn't about hurting you.

"I don't like y/n but I must admit you are right. Training session is over. I have other business to attend to." She told you after a few minutes of silence. Shuri turned around to head back into the palace with your eyes boring into her back.

The training session being brought to such an abrupt end confused you. Usually the session would last for at least two hours, but maybe she finally got all the pent up anger for you out.

The Next Day

Your theory was confirmed because when morning came today Shuri was nowhere to be found for the daily combat lessons. You waited for thirty minutes just in case, but it was unnecessary the Princess was hardly ever late. Even if she was, it would only be by a couple of minutes at the most.

You were on your way to take your usual guarding position at the entrance to the palace. When Ayo caught up with you right as you were turning the last corner.

"Go gear up you are needed for traveling duty we leave in an hour" Ayo ordered.

You blinked at her trying to figure out rather or not she was actually serious. "Is this a mission?"

"No, the Queen's presence has been requested at a meeting with the Americans." Ayo said turning to walk away afterwards but your hand reached out catching her by the wrist. Her head snapped back towards you with her eyebrows raised in warning.

Most Doras wouldn't dare to question the General let alone prevent her from walking away after giving out orders.

"I'm sorry General I'm just a little confused as all considering I've been demoted to simple guarding duty for the past couple of weeks. This change is very sudden and out of-"

"The Queen requested for you to be on this trip personally y/n. Now stop questioning me and get prepared to leave" Ayo said, cutting you off.

You don't know how you managed to turn around and began walking back to your stationed room. At that very moment after hearing it was Ramonda who asked for you, but your legs were moving. Maybe it was the fear of how Ayo would react if you just continued to stand there dumbfounded. Did your beloved finally forgive you?

The team was taking two hovercrafts to the U.S. one will be Ayo, Queen Ramonda, Okoye and surprisingly Shuri. The Princess usually sat these meetings out as she still preferred to avoid the actual political side of things. For the time being while she still could. The second one was for the rest of the Doras which you were piloting. You were slightly disappointed that you weren't with the Queen, but maybe this was all just professional with nothing personal going on. The Queen needed one more guard and you were the best option for her to go with. Ayo wouldn't dare bring some inexperienced new trainee along for something this important.

It was a two-hour trip to the country, and you guys landed in Washington D.C. the meeting would be held. At the Department of Justice with some government officials. The hotel the country had put the Queen in wasn't far from the building. Of course Ayo sent you and others ahead to scout not just the hotel itself, but the entire street. All of you knew this was another attempt to negotiate a deal for Wakanda to share. Its source of vibranium these types of meetings would be held at least three times a month by various other countries as well. Queen Ramonda wouldn't give them anything, but she figured it was better to at least show her face. Rather than outright turn them down if she at least heard them out. It would keep them from growing even more hostile than they already were.

The meeting wouldn't take place until tomorrow afternoon. Queen Ramonda decided to just retire to her room where she would reside till then. If she needed anything the Doras would be the only ones permitted to bring it to her. Heck you guys were the only ones allowed on the floor where her room was located.

"Go to the Queen, you are to be by her side for the entirety of this trip." Ayo told you as she was assigning each guard a position.

You frowned in confusion. "You already sent guards to be outside her room, and Okoye is in charge of the floor itself. Where will I be."

"I told you with the Queen," she repeated. A bit annoyed at you once again questioning her.

"But where with th-" You started.

Ayo shot your repetitive question down with a glare. She closed the distance between the two of you and placed her mouth to your ear. "We have reason to believe the Americans might attempt to assassinate Queen Ramonda. For that reason we don't want her to be alone for even a second. You are the only one here who has ever been allowed in her personal space without restriction. So it makes sense we want her relaxed and not worrying herself to death tonight."

Confusion was replaced with fury at the news of a maybe assassin wandering around trying to get to the Queen. You prayed the Americans wouldn't dare to be so bold. Because whoever they did send wouldn't be returned to them alive. Not this time.

"I won't let her out of my sight" You promised.

Ayo stepped back and nodded for you to go.

Your hand hovered over the doorknob in hesitation. Doubt filled your heart making you want to do nothing more than turn around and beg for another position. It was crazy how you had wished for this opportunity so many times. In the past two weeks after not being able to even see her, but now that it was here. You were scared of what the outcome would be.

Was she even alerted that you would be the one guarding her?

"Earth to y/n are you going to go in or not? You've been standing there for two minutes." Aneka called out to you waving a hand in your face.

You blinked a few times still trying to gather your thoughts, but you managed to answer. "Um yes."

Aneka shook her head pulling the door open herself before you could even think much of it. She gave you a gentle push and your feet were moving carrying you into the room. The door closed.

Of course they gave her the best room the hotel could offer. A grand suite no doubt but it still didn't compare to her room back in Wakanda not in size or beauty. The floor was covered in a deep red carpet. The king size bed was positioned in the center of the room topped with way too many pillows. The color scheme for the sheets and pillows were a brown mixed with red matching the carpet. The room only had two windows, one on the side of the bed. It was long and rectangular with the curtains still closed, and the other window was big enough it took up the whole left side of the room. Where there would've been a wall there was a window covered as well. A brown cushioned futon sat in front of the window.

There was a door off to the right side and it must have led to the bathroom. You could hear water running on the other side of it. Ramonda did always prefer getting settled in early in the day rather than late at night. Nearly two months ago you would be the one to run the bath water.

You figured for the time being she was perfectly safe in the bathroom, and didn't need you in there with her. So you stood awkwardly by the bed facing away from the bathroom door with a spear in hand. A few minutes of awkward and deafening silence passed or maybe it was longer. You couldn't really tell every second that went by right now was the longest in your life.

The silence was broken with a loud crash that ended with the sound of glass shattering, and a small scream mixed in. Panic seized your body as you realized that. You failed to check the bathroom for any possible entry points. The other Doras would've checked but they would assume you would as well. You were on your feet throwing your shoulder into the door with such force. The hinges were broken as the door flew open upon impact slamming into the wall behind.

You stepped into the bathroom in a fighting stance with your spear armed to jab an enemy through the throat. "My love" You addressed her unable to help the slip of the tongue.

"Y/N what are-" Queen Ramonda started but paused as she took in how your body quivered with fear.

"Are you hurt?" You asked her eyes scanning the room in a frantic search for the intruder.

"If you would take the time to look at me you would see that I am fine" Ramonda replied in a soft voice.

"It wouldn't be appropriate your Highness" You shot back nervously.

"Neither was calling me your love but you did it anyway."

"It was a slip of tongue. I won't do it again" You whispered.

"I'm decent y/n you can look" she reassured you.

Slowly you turned around to take in the scene behind. The Queen was half on the floor, and the edge of the giant round bathtub. In front of her small pieces of red glass shined on the white tiled floor.

"I simply slipped and reached to catch myself accidentally knocking the red vase down. I don't know what genius thought it would be a good idea to put it so close to the tub." Queen Ramonda explained pulling her towel tighter around her body.

It was hard for you to not stare as her beautiful brown skin glistened with water. But you were more focused on the red glass before her. "Did any of it get in your feet?" You asked in a hurried tone.

"No I'm fine" she insisted attempting to stand but you were in front of her in a matter of seconds. Your arms reached to pick her up but she placed a firm hand on your forearm. "What are you doing?" she demanded. A hint of anger in your voice as you were finally about to cross a boundary.

"I'm just going to carry you to the door, your Highness," You told her.

"There is no need I'm perfectly capable of walking," she argued.

"There is glass you have no shoes on, and could get some embedded in your foot. I can't let that happen." You argued back.

"I have eyes I can see the glass and therefore avoid it" Queen Ramonda pointed out.

"There could be tiny pieces naked to your eye just allowing me to carry you. What if it is poisoned glass or something? It would be a unique way to get to you."

"No one would possibly-"

"I'm your royal guard. It's my job to think of all possibilities and act accordingly." You said in a tone that was final.

Queen Ramonda regarded with a surprised look at your boldness. She knew bringing you on this trip would result in some personal feelings, but never did she think the two of you would end up here. "Fine but just to the door."

You nodded and then you were lifting her into your arms bridal style to carry her a short distance. She didn't wrap her arms around your neck instead. She kept the grip on the towel not wanting to risk it falling off or slipping even a little.

You set her down on the outside of the bathroom on the carpet floor. "Go get settled on the bed. I want to make sure none of it gets in your feet, or arms.

"It didn't" she sighed in annoyance.

"I could ask Shuri to come and check if you don't want me to" You reasoned with a shrug. Having to fight off the urge to grin as she glared at you now. You went back to clean up the mess and collect a few samples to pass off to Aneka. Ayo would have the glass tested to be a hundred percent sure it was clean.

Queen Ramonda was lounging on the bed with her feet laid out in front of her crossed over each other. She had switched out the towel for a black robe that was brought along with her from her wardrobe.

You took a seat at the bottom of bed and lifted her feet to place them in your lap. So you could begin the inspection for any glass. She didn't argue as you worked flicking at any fluff on her feet, but they would twitch at the ticklish feeling.

"I'm almost done" You told her after about two minutes.

"I told you nothing was there," she remarked.

You let your nail graze her foot from top to bottom with a smirk. She jumped at the feeling pulling her foot away, well she tried anyway. Your grip tightened keeping it right where it was in the line of fire. "You don't laugh much these days do you?"

Queen Ramonda raised an eyebrow at you daring you to do it. "Not much I don't have a lot of reasons too, especially nursing a broken heart."

Your grip faltered and she pulled both of her feet safely. "You know I still love you right." You told her to lift your head up to face her.

She nodded at your confession.

"It's not that I don't want to fight for us Queen Ramonda, but it wouldn't even be a fight for me at least. I hardly have any power or influence. I'm just a guard not even General."

"I could change that" she murmured barely loud enough for you to hear.

You let out a humorless chuckle at that. "But you won't and I wouldn't accept it when I don't deserve it."

"Well how about this instead." Queen Ramonda moved to crawl towards you. "I do think we deserve one more night together. I hated how the last one ended."

When you glanced down, having a clear sight of her marvelous cleavage. You gulped and quickly brought your gaze back to her face that was only inches away from yours. Before you knew it her lips were on yours, and even though there was a voice in your head telling you not to do it. What your body and heart wanted won over all rationality as your lips moved against hers in a slow and passionate kiss. She brought her hand up to cup your right cheek as this kiss went on and on. Until finally you pulled away slowly breathing hard and your eyes stayed close.

Ramonda pressed her forehead to yours as she got her breath back as well. "One more night" she pleaded breathlessly.

"I want to do more than anything but I have to stay focused, and I can't do it if we do that. I have to keep you safe" You whispered with disappointment. With a groan you captured her lips in another desperate kiss thinking it would be the last.

This time when the kiss ended she pulled away and settled back against the pillows. "Will you at least hold me then sthandwa? I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow, and would like a peaceful night of sleep."

"Is that an order entle?" You replied with a tiny smirk.

"No," Queen Ramonda answered.

You removed your shoes and some of your armor so she would be more comfortable laying against you. Then made your way to the other side of the bed to lay back on the mountain of pillows. You opened your arms and Ramonda wasted no time laying back into them. She hummed in satisfaction when you closed them around her, placing a kiss on top of her head. You wished her a goodnight and kept your eyes trained on the door.

Queen Ramonda slept for the whole night nuzzling herself deeper into your arms. It made you wonder if she was unconsciously making sure you were still there. You didn't sleep at all knowing the job was more important than rest. Early morning came and you managed to shift out from under her. At the sound of knocking on the door you took your spear in hand before walking over to open it.

Shuri was on the other side balancing two trays of various foods in both of her hands. You moved aside without question to let her in, and was going to step out to give them some privacy.

"Y/N you can stay, I actually need to talk to both of you," Shuri said. You came to a halt too, so look back at her a bit cautiously.

"It's nothing bad, come on" she encouraged you.

After the Princess annoyed her mother till she was fully awake and prepared to eat. The two of them sat on the bed enjoying the food with sunlight basking into the room. As the curtains were pulled back to let it in and you stayed on the couch in guard mode.

"So did you two enjoy your night together? Shuri asked out of nowhere

Queen Ramonda nearly choked on the juice she was drinking at the abrupt question. You thanked Bast the blushing on your face wasn't visible right now as you tried to keep a stoic face.

"There is no need to be so awkward. I know about you two already," Shuri continued, throwing a piece of fruit in her mouth. As if she was just trying to make casual conservation.

"Um Shuri I don't know what you think happened between us last night but nothing it did" Queen Ramonda told her.

"Oh trust me I know with my panther senses I hear everything doesn't matter where we are." Shuri replied, shooting both of you with a knowing look.

"Okay wow um I'm going to stand outside" You exclaimed once you realized what she was implying.

"Shuri" Her mother scolded her in disbelief

The Princess pretended to gag before bursting into laughter. "I should be the one offended. Do you know I couldn't stand to sleep in my own room for a month. The lab truly was my safe space with considerable loud music."

You were getting up to leave and demand Aneka replace you. Ready to not back down no matter what. If Ayo punished you then you got punished.

"Okay okay I'm sorry come back y/n please" Shuri chuckled. You turned back a bit unsure so you kept standing.

"But for real mother, did you not enjoy y/n's company?"

Queen Ramonda tried to figure out a way to answer the question without giving her feelings away completely. It would seem she took too long to conjure up a believable lie.

"Mother, stop trying to fool me. I know I'm young but I hope you don't see me as foolish. I see your love for her clear as day. There is a need to hide it. I mean who do you think ordered y/n to be on this mission and placed in your room last night" Shuri revealed with a shrug.

Both you and the Queen looked at her in shock. "Wait so Ayo was in on this?" You asked

"Of course she was, I mean it was her and Aneka who helped me conjure up the plan. Okoye didn't think we were right to be doing such a thing. She was worried the two of you wouldn't reconcile with each other as planned."

"And what if we didn't?" You pushed.

"Ha so the two of you did it worked" Shuri yelled pointing a finger at both of you.

"Shuri, it hardly matters what happened last night. I'm afraid that y/n is right and you know it as well. I already have to deal with these countries coming at us from all sides, and it's tiresome. I don't wish to fight the Council anymore than she does." Queen Ramonda said, catching your eyes with a saddened expression.

It broke your heart to finally hear her agree with you, but it was something that needed to be said. You gave her a tiny nod.

"You won't have to deal with the countries after today dear mother. Nor will the elders be able to hold the throne and your position over your head anymore. I will make sure of it" Shuri told her.

"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" She questioned her daughter.

"By taking the throne of course" Shuri answered. As if it should've been obvious.

Your eyes widened in surprise at her words. Could it really be so simple? And when did she make this decision? No was more shocked than Queen Ramonda herself who scooted over so she was sitting right beside the Princess.

She took her hands into her own and placed them in her lap. "Shuri, my beautiful and brave daughter. You are already the Black Panther and the protector of Wakanda." She said, bringing a hand to caress her cheek as tears swelled up in her eyes. "There is no need for you to take the throne now. You are too young and have had too much thrust upon you so soon already. I do love y/n and want to be with her but not at your ex-"

Shuri wrestled a hand away from her grip making sure to be gentle, so she could raise it to make her mother pause. "Mother, I know I'm half the age T'Challa was when he became king, and father held the position in order to give him more time to grow. But brother's ascension to the throne was still forced. I should've taken the throne when Namor came but I stood back and you nearly died because of it."

Ramonda opened her mouth to argue, but Shuri wasn't having it. "I want to take the throne and I will. Mother, it's time for you to rest and be happy for a while. You need it and you deserve it." She gave her hand a light squeeze as the tears started falling down her cheek.

Princess Shuri leaned forward to kiss her mother on the forehead. Then stood up to leave, grasping your hand on the way out. "I will make you her personal guard when I have the throne. No one will question me."

Both you and the Queen were in shock from what just transpired. Shuri paused at the door to say one more thing. "You can attend the meeting in a few hours if you wish to, but I will make my announcement there. I will handle any challenges once we return home." With that Shuri was gone leaving the two you of alone.

The room was quiet for a few minutes as you and the Queen just stared at each other. Wondering just how long Shuri had been planning this? Was it when you first broke up with her on the faithful night after the Christmas banquet. Was it after you told her the truth during the training session? It finally struck you that none of it mattered. Unable to hold back your need for her any longer you surged forward letting your spear fall to the floor with a loud clang.

You cupped her face between both of her hands and pressed your lips up against hers. There was nothing gentle or soft in the way your lips moved against hers, but she responded with just as much ferocity wrapping her arms around your waist. She brought you down on top of her rolling over so you were now under her. All without breaking the kiss, and you let out a moan having forgotten she possessed such strength.

"I only ask one more thing of you if we're really going to do this," Ramonda said, pulling away for a second.

You leaned forward to chase her lips but she pushed you back down denying you. "Yes sthandwa" You gave in.

"Marry me" she whispered in your ear.

"Is that an order?"

Tag List: @thankyoualexkingston-blog @bestfriend491 @starrknessblog @youre-where-i-wanna-go @kofforever @awolfcsworld @galagadog8 @kya-rose @letitias-fav

#mcu imagine #marvel imagine #queen romanda x reader #queen ramonda imagine #black panther imagine #shuri x reader #ayo

329 notes · View notes

ad1thi · 5 years ago

Link

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Panther (2018) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Erik Killmonger/Tony Stark Characters: Erik Killmonger, Tony Stark, T'Challa (Marvel), Shuri (Marvel), Okoye (Marvel), James "Rhodey" Rhodes Additional Tags: Post-Black Panther (2018), Erik Killmonger Lives, Breaking Up & Making Up, Past Relationship(s), Other Additional Tags to Be Added Summary:

26 years ago, Erik Stevens walks out of their shared apartment and Tony's life forever. He doesn't expect a chance to make amends for his father's part in stealing Vibranium from Wakanda to be how Erik re-enters it.

for @angxlsgrxce

#my writing #ironmonger #erik killmonger x tony stark #erik x tony #erik/tony #erik killmonger/tony stark #erik killmonger #tony stark #post black panther #erik killmonger lives

8 notes · View notes

fuckyeahdarcylewis · 5 years ago

Text

The Road to Recovery

by classicjane

Darcy Lewis has finally finished getting her college credits, but after seeing what Eric Selvig went through, she went a different direction. Now a therapist specializing in the cognitive re-calibration of brainwashing victims, Darcy has been called to Wakanda to take on the recovery of supersoldier Bucky Barnes. But she may be in for more than she can handle.

Words: 911, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Marvel Cinematic Universe

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Darcy Lewis, James "Bucky" Barnes, Shuri (Marvel), Steve Rogers

Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Darcy Lewis

Additional Tags: only a little Shuri, mostly Bucky and Darcy, Fluff and Angst, not a lot of angst honestly, Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Therapy, Bucky Barnes Needs a Hug, Bucky Barnes Recovering, I wanted to write T'Challa but I didn't think I could do him justice after his passing, especially as a side character. he deserves more, part of this is definitely going to be crack fic but in a fun way not super crazy, violent past details, torture is described but not graphic, Torture, Psychological Torture, Aftermath of Torture, Past Torture, Past Brainwashing, Bucky Barnes Has PTSD, of course he does how could he not?, but it's really not that dark of a fic I promise, the title sucks I'm sorry it's the only thing I could think of, Swearing, Cussing, not a ton, don't really date your therapist people

from AO3 works tagged 'James "Bucky" Barnes/Darcy Lewis' https://ift.tt/33p6GP2 via IFTTT

#IFTTT #darcy x bucky #fanfictions

6 notes · View notes

ireadyabooks · 5 years ago

Text

Together Through It All - 6 of Our Favorite Sibling Relationships in Books!

We’ll admit it: we have a soft spot for sibling relationships in all our favorite books. Whether they’re bickering, banding together, or doing a little bit of both, there’s nothing like that sibling bond to get you through the end of the world.

Here are 6 of our all-time favorite sibling relationships!

Shuri & T'Challa from Shuri: A Black Panther Novel

We fell in love with Shuri and T’Challa’s relationship in the Black Panther movie, but it’s AMAZING to read about their relationship before T’Challa ever met up with the Avengers. Seeing them support each other as Shuri rushes to save Wakanda? Yes, please.

Luka & Molly from The Loop

There’s no sibling dedication quite like the kind you get in a dystopian future, and Luke and Molly in The Loop are no exception! Luka will do anything to make sure his sister is safe - even if that means making the ultimate sacrifice.

Frey & Rafi from Impostors

Frey and Rafi are literally inseparable - since they’re twins and Frey is Rafi’s body double. But more than that, Frey would do anything to keep Rafi safe. We LOVE this kind of sibling dedication!

Fred & George from The Harry Potter Series

The gif at the top might have given this away…but who doesn’t love a pair of mischievous, trouble-making twins?! Fred and George are one of our favorite parts of the entire series, and we love re-reading about all of their hi-jinks.

Katniss & Prim from The Hunger Games

The ENTIRE plot of The Hunger Games is built on Katniss’ love for her little sister, Prim. We love how protective she is and how much their relationship grows over the series as Prim starts to grow up!

Ben & Hannah from I Wish You All the Best

Siblings are there for you even when times are darkest. When Ben is kicked out of their parents’ house for coming out as non-binary, they turn to their older sister Hannah - who immediately brings Ben in to stay at her house, even though she’s been estranged from the family for years. No matter what, Hannah is there for Ben through their struggles with their parents and identity.

#I read YA #blog #siblings #National Sibling Day

14 notes · View notes

thiswreckageivebecome · 5 years ago

Text

The Winter Soldier is Still Here (Part 28- “The Beginning of the End”) (Bucky/Winter Soldier x Fem!reader)

Word Count: 2127

Warnings: None

Author’s Note: Short, but I finally wrote and posted something!!

Masterlist

_____________________________________________________________

BUCKY POV

_____________

As I said the words and I felt consciousness ease out of my body, I sensed her pause, just for a millisecond at my words. I hadn't told her I loved her before, not the actual words, but I knew it was true beyond the shadow of a doubt. She had said she loved me too as she was coming out from under the sedation. My last thoughts would be of that as I began to feel the weight of everything lift off of me and I drifted away in peace.

NATASHA POV

_____________

We were making our way to where she was being held, Barnes of course was supposed to be with her. As we were walking, I just barely heard a ferocious snarl, "FIGHT BACK!" I recognized the voice, despite its new and darker edge. I took off in a sprint, everyone else not far behind me. T'Challa surpassed me, leading me to the room where they were. When I entered, I could hardly hear him, but I saw the look as he told her: "I love you, (Y/n). Do it. Kill me. I won't fight you."

I knew he meant it and I also could tell he was close to leaving us. I sprang into action, yelling to Steve, or anyone who was around that could help.

"We have to get her unconscious. He's not going to make it if we don't."

I ran, Steve on one side, T'Challa on the other, and Okoye on my heels. The four of us began to grapple with her until we could get her off of Barnes...but just barely. I heard Wanda just over the chaos.

"Natasha, tend to Barnes. I've got her."

I took her word for it. Between her strength along with the other three, they would have her pinned back down soon enough. I headed for him. I kneeled down, sliding my hand and arm under his neck and head and pulled him slightly into my lap.

"Come on, Jam-" I paused momentarily, forcing myself to stop calling him James was going to be difficult. That had been what I had called him then, though. It was a name reserved only for my use. I swallowed hard as my eyes filled with tears and tried again.

"Come on, Barnes. Stay with us. We need you. (Y/n) needs you. She needs you now more than ever." I heard her growl deafeningly in response...despite that I knew she was still trying to bring his death about and was being held against her will. There was no response from Barnes. He was fading fast and I could feel my own will to live not far behind.

READER POV

____________

They were all against me now, but I had a mission and I couldn't let them stop me. I hit, kicked, punched, jumped, everything I could do against them to get to him...the traitor. The redhead left, headed toward him, MY mission, and I sensed I had a chance. Before I could kick my fighting up a notch, my body fell limp, yet remained tight. I was being moved through the air with what seemed like minimal effort. My eyes zeroed in on the next target after I finished off my mission. The face seemed to be one I recognized but one I may have known in a different life. Now, however, she was on my list. She would pay for being an obstacle. She told her colleagues to get ready because she was about to put me down. She had me situated over the table. I could feel my body straighten out into a lying position. I began to drift towards the table and they all grabbed a limb to help her hold me down. I was slowly making headway to be released from her grip. The ones surrounding me were having to use their entire body weight to keep me down.

"Hold her down. I've got to get the syringe in the other arm, where the previous wound is not," a girl in a doctor's coat that I didn't recognize said to them.

"I'll be back, and he will die," I hissed as I felt the needle slide into my arm and the sedative began making its way through my veins.

STEVE POV

___________

Once she was out, we all took a breath, then I remembered Buck and Nat. I ran over to them. Nat had fresh tears flowing down her face, wetting Buck's shirt and her own.

"He's not responding," she half yelled, half sobbed.

"Excuse me," Shuri pushed through. She scanned his body with her bracelet. What kind of place is this, I thought, just barely stopping myself from questioning aloud. She beckoned her team and they made some sort of gurney out of thin air and it was slid under his body carefully.

"Take him to the Ukusa room. Ngokukhawuleza."

I may not have known what she was saying, but I could infer from her tone that it was bad. It was worse than I was even previously thinking. Oh God, I couldn't take losing Buck too, not after just having him back for such a short time. Nat and I followed behind Shuri and her team. She turned and halted us when we got to the room.

"I know he means a lot to each of you, but for now I need you to remain outside of the room. You may watch from behind the glass, but you cannot enter, no matter what happens. Do you understand? We will do all that we can, but you must remain here no matter what." We both nodded in response. She entered the room, doors sliding shut behind her and there we were, frozen in time, watching them work relentlessly on the one person who meant the most to us at one time or another.

READER POV

____________

The darkness sunk back over my viewpoint and I knew I had been put under yet again. I didn't know how or why I was continually being sedated and awoken but with each time, my memory of being awake disappeared. I could feel my blood pulsing through my veins, but it was almost ice-cold. I wasn't sure why or what it meant, but I would have to deal with it regardless. I sensed the air around my body changing. It was less tense and it seemed I was alone again with my mind. I couldn't sense any other human presence with me. I was alone only for a moment when the memories I had previously witnessed seared my heart and mind as I recalled them. I recalled the anguish I had felt, that Bucky felt, when he relived those memories in his mind.

It should come as no shock to me now why he tried to remain distant. If these were the things and the guilt that he lived with and re-lived, on a consistent basis, it completely madkes sense why he keeps anyone he cares about at a distance. He can't forgive himself for past, present, and even prospective future events that he feels responsible for. My heart ached even more as this realization settled in like I was a comfy rocking chair. I wanted to reject it, but for both Bucky and my sake, I knew it had to settle. If I were to have just one shred of any type of relationship with him, even if that were just to be distant friends, I knew I needed to sit with these memories and really just hold onto them to not only sympathize but also empathize with him whenever we see each other again.

Before I could sit in them too long, however, a startling notion plowed across my already well-tilled mind: What if I never see him again and HYDRA kills me before I get the chance to tell him I finally understand or that... that...I love him...more than I ever thought I could love anything or anyone?

Immediately, I could feel myself willing the fog to clear. I could feel myself coming up for air and I didn't care who I had to fight or even kill to get out of here and back to him. If I had to drag my limp and broken body to him, I didn't care. I had to find my way back to him and it didn't matter anymore who stood in my way, friend or foe, I would see him again.

My eyelids fluttered open heavily, but they were at least open. I tried not to move anything but my eyes, not to alert anyone. As I skimmed the room to the best of my ability, I lifted myself at a staggeringly sluggish pace. I didn't see anyone in the room but considering the majority of the walls were glass, someone could come by at any moment. I sat motionless for a moment, listening in attempts to decide if I could venture a getaway. I didn't hear anything so I began to remove iv's and other miscellaneous medical equipment that was hooked up to me.

Just as I was about to disconnect the last two, I heard a woman's voice. I returned to my previous position as quickly as possible and pretended to still be under, hoping she would pass by the room without entering. I heard the shifting of what must have been a glass wall or door.

"Shit," I muttered within my mind, trying to think about what my next move could be.

I could continue my charade of being under and maybe they would think the attachments came loose on their own. Maybe they would just walk in and not notice anything...because that's totally how my luck tends to go, then I could have kicked myself for even thinking that would be a possibility. Instead, I heard her approach. I heard another set of footsteps with her but they must have only been listening as she spoke in a language I didn't know.

"Wait," I heard her say. "What is this?" The other voice spoke, but it was a male voice and once again in that language that I didn't know. She had what seemed to be an African accent, though, when she spoke English so I remained still, curious as to what they'd do, measuring my options. I could sense the tension in the room growing.

"Ms. (y/l/n), can you hear me?" the male voice questioned. "Just in case you can and are afraid to answer. You are no longer in danger. Those people before that had you. They poisoned you to turn you into someone you're not."

"We don't want to say their name because we think it is a trigger word for you. They are responsible for many actions over the last 70 plus years that we do not agree with," the female voice continued.

I hesitated. It could be a trick. It could easily be Hydra toying with me, but something within me felt safe enough to take a peek before opening my eyes and acknowledging their presence. I caught eyes with the young woman first. She smiled at me cautiously, waiting to see what I'd do, but I could see the needle in her hand, ready to inject.

"If you're not a danger to me, drop the needle."

"For your safety and our own, we'd prefer not to do that," the male answered for her. "My name is T'Challa, King of Wakanda. This is my sister, Shuri. We want to try and reverse what H- they did to you while they held you captive. We are wanting to do the same for Mr. B- the man you used to know well until you went your separate ways."

I stared at them incredulously. Even with all the secrecy, I understood what they were saying, most of it anyhow.

"So, wait. You're telling me that... wait, what do you mean reverse what they did? What did they do?'

"We are still running tests, but it seems they injected you with the same serum that they injected your friend with many years ago, but we believe they've updated the serum, meaning we have more tests to run before we can attempt to reverse it."

I had to try and shake my head as if that would help me process things quicker instead of simply shaking everything back up and mixing it together.

"Wait, do you mean that-"

The sliding door jetted open and I quickly looked in that direction, fear overcoming me, thinking it was all just a hoax. Yet, all fear left my body and was immediately replaced with relief and happiness when I recognized the face before me.

#bucky barnes #winter soldier #ao3 #bucky fanfic #winter soldier fanfic #bucky x female reader #bucky x y/n #winter solider x y/n #steve rogers #captain america #black panther #natasha romanoff #buckynat #shuri #tchalla #okoye #wanda maximoff #wattpad #fanfiction

3 notes · View notes