#it was stolen from wakanda..so if any country had any right on the vibranium it is wakandas right

[purple--queen]

Something that still pisses me off is this whole Sword having Visions body. Did Hayward just showed up at the Avengers HQ & was like "Sooo this Vibranium belongs to the goverment & since this is also a...uh...weapon it should come with me :)"

& was Steve & the rest was just like "sure. He is dead now & the only person that cared about him is also...dead"

[writingintheshadowsforever]

Shuri x Reader Fatal Touch Part 2

Summary: When your secret is brought to light and threatens to unravel the life you've built. You decide its time to move on and never look back, or at least you try to. Shuri isn't letting you go without a fight

Queen Ramonda was notified of an unknown breach in security at one of the outreach centers located in Nigeria. This came as a surprise considering how close to home the neighboring country was. In the past whenever France, the U.S., or any other country made a play to steal vibranium. It was always on the outside the continent of Africa, sense it was believed every country there was under the same protection as Wakanda itself. But then again maybe that's why whoever was responsible for this attack chose Nigeria. It was an unexpected and bold move, not to mention it could be the very nation itself responsible.

Either way the mission was the same as all the others. Eliminate all threats, recover any stolen vibranium, and capture all assailants so they could identified. It was a dance the Dora Milaje had been through a number of times, but this was your time partaking in this kind of mission. Your position in the royal guard had always been special. After you revealed your secret to T'Challa not only did he agree to keep it from everyone else including his parents, Nakia, and most trusted guards like Okoye. But he went out of his way to make sure you could serve in the army, while not compromising yourself. He presented the idea to his Queen Ramonda, and King T'Chaka of giving Shuri her own personal bodyguard who would train with only the best warriors.

He made you out to be the perfect candidate voicing how you being the same age as the Princess, and being able to grow up with her. Was more of a benefit rather than a liability Shuri would see you as a friend making it easier for you and to bond and trust each other. The connection between you two would be genuine and unbreakable. It took some conniving, but eventually both of them caved. But with you being such a formidable warrior there were still moments you would go on missions. Most of them were high-level with T'Challa, Okoye, and a few guards. It was important for you to have field experience just in case.

"Is there a specific reason you required my assistance on this mission?" You asked Ayo while switching out your everyday gloves, for the more sturdy ones made out stronger material. Unlike the Doras you didn't have armor. Your mission attire was a simple black vibranium suit that took shape on your body. The same way the Black Panther suit did, but you still put on a extra layer of gloves.

"It was a suggestion I bring you along, and we could use your skillset" she told you.

You snorted "Gee I wonder who made the suggestion."

Your snippy tone had her eyes snapping in your direction narrowing at the comment. You held your hands in surrender and walked around her to join the other Doras on the bench. Ayo let you off the hook shaking her head.

She didn't have to tell you who it was, because the only person the woman took orders from was The General. Who was seemingly absent from such a big mission. Deep down while you wanted nothing more than be angry with Okoye, for once again interfering in your relationship with Shuri. For the second time in less than twenty-four hours you found yourself feeling grateful for her actions. The hurt on Shuri's face when your heartbreaking words reached her ears was still fresh on your mind.

There was no doubt in your heart if you had stuck around a second longer. You would've caved in and took everything you said back. Even it took dropping down on your knees and begging for her forgiveness. You cherished her love more than your own dignity, but Okoye had been right. The Princess deserved to be someone who could love her all the way, and not just halfway. She deserved more than your empty promises, and distance love.

It would be a hard adjustment for both of you, and maybe you would have to stay gone a bit longer. This time for the message to really sink in, but once it did Shuri would finally move on. Seeing her happy and falling in love with someone else was going to tear a hole in your heart. A hole that could never be filled without her, but its what's best for Shuri.

"Are you sure we need her for this particular mission?" Aneka questioned her love. Her eyes were trained on your relaxed form. You were sitting between two other Doras with your head thrown back against the wall of the Talon fighter. Eyes were closed with your breathing steady. You didn't look to be in distress anymore, but all she could think about was all the inner turmoil. You had been going through just an hour ago, and your refusal to share any info on what was causing it.

"Okoye wanted me to bring her" Ayo replied making it clear. Your presence here was never up for discussion. "Is there something going on I should know about?"

"Just keep an eye on her during the fight alright don't let her out of your sight if you can. The Queen doesn't want any casualties on this mission, and that's kind of ironic with her here."

"Are you saying y/n can't show restraint?

Aneka raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "She is an urban legend outside of Wakanda. They call her the Girl with The Touch of Death. I'm not completely sure of how she got that name, but everyone here has heard stories."

"Nevertheless y/n knows her place and will follow orders the same as everyone else here" Ayo said with certainty in her voice, but it wavered a little bit. The second in command wouldn't admit to her lover, or anyone else, but she felt something was off with your aura. She just prayed to Bast it didn't jeopardize the mission.

One Hour Later

The Talon Fighters landed in a discreet location in a wooded area covered by the trees and bush. It would be a ten minute hike to the Outreach center, but it allowed you guys to keep the element of surprise. It was believed the strike team had already managed to get their hands on some vibranium samples, and were in the process of dealing with the scientists and volunteers. It was important that no one died considering some of the volunteers belonged to different countries who wouldn't be too happy with losing an asset.

It was the last Queen Ramonda needed right now.

"Alright is everyone clear on the objective. We move in quietly, spilt up accordingly to locate our targets, and neutralize with minimal force." Ayo shouted to all of the Doras her eyes scanning the small army to make sure everyone was paying attention.

When her eyes landed on yours her face took the form of a frown. Your hood was pulled up along with your mask covering all of your face expect your eyes. They were dark and clouded with despair, still you nodded your head along with the other Doras.

Ayo gave you the west wing of the building to clear out partnering you up with three other Doras. She could feel the waves of dread coming off you, and knew whatever storm had brewing inside of you had only gotten worse. And nothing was going to subside it you were a walking natural disaster at this point. She wished that herself or Aneka could've been in your group, but they had a lot of ground to cover. Makena was the next in line in seniority. She was only a few years behind Ayo in terms of service, and was a excellent order. She was put in charge, and warned to do her best to keep you from getting carried away.

The four of you moved through the halls at a slow, but methodical pace. None of you made any noise with your movements you could hear raindrop hit the floor, or better yet the muffled pleadings of the workers through steel walls. Once Makena was able to pinpoint the exact location of where they were being kept. She rounded all three of you up to come up with a plan of attack. But you had only one plan on your mind, and it was attack. The adrenaline pumping through your veins coupled with your bad nerves. It wouldn't take much to set you off. So when the sound of a gun clicking reached all of your ears, you broke off from the group. Drowning out Makena's panic whispers ordering you to stop.

Your foot slammed into the door kicking it in, and knocking the mercenary behind it to the ground. You counted a total of six armed mercenaries in all, and eight hostages. All of them were huddled in one corner of the lab on their knees, and hands behind their back. The mercenary on the top of the stairs would be a problem having the advantage of high ground. You rolled out of the way as a string of bullets came flying at the entrance. You came up behind a workstation, and grabbed a ball of vibranium a display. You whirled around throwing it with all your strength.

It went sailing through the air striking the mercenary on the stairs right in the face with such force. He flew off his feet and to the metal platform.

Two down. Four more to go.

By now the Makena and the other three Doras had joined the fight. Spinning the spears in unison creating an impenetrable shield that sent the bullets to the ground.

You threw your body forward crashing into another guy, and he tumbled back into the wall. Your hands wrapped around his machine gun that was strapped to his body. You pulled hard on it, twisting your body around using the momentum to bring him with you. He was slammed back first to the floor. The man struggled as your knee dropped down to his stomach causing him to groan in pain. Then your fist struck him in the face once, twice, three times.

A sickening crunch sounded off as you wailed on the mercenary alerting you to. The fact you probably broke his nose, but you didn't care the image of tears falling from Shuri's eyes clouded your mind. So you landed a punch for every single tear she shedded because of you. The man was paying for her pain in the worst way possible. A strong arm wrapped around your neck from behind and yanked you away from the bloody and unconscious man.

Your assailant tightened his grip to the point where your airways were nearly cut off. But the rage coursing through your body made you oblivious to it. You simply snapped your head back hitting the attacker in the face. With a cry of pain his hold loosened enough for you to slip out of it, and turn around.

You followed up with a hard kick to the stomach. He stumbled back right into one of the Dora's spear, and his body lit up with electricity. You still delivered a hard right hook to his jawline dropping him as well.

"Was that really necessary y/n" Makena scolded you disapprovingly.

"He's still breathing ain't he" You shot back with venom in your voice.

"You're doing too much damage. What do you not understand about minimal force?" She jabbed a finger over her shoulder pointing at the mercenary you brutally beat just a few seconds ago.

"I didn't kill anyone so back off" You seethed.

Makena opened her mouth to continue the argument, but one of the other Dora's yelled before she could.

"We got a runner."

Both of your heads whipped towards the door to just in time to see a tall, and lean white man bolt down the hallway. "We were able get a read on him. Makena he's wanted in Wakanda for theft and murder."

Your eyes darkened as you cracked your fingers. "He's mine" You whispered in a low tone.

"Y/N no he's headed towards Ayo I'll let her know" Makena ordered.

"I'll intercept him" You disobeyed orders once again to go into pursuit of the fleeing enemy. The distant words "stand down" barely registering in your mind.

The mercenary had a bit of a head start, and from the route he was taking. You knew he was heading for a back exit leading to the forest. Even though it was still daytime, and there was blue sky was shinning light down. The forest itself was shrouded in darkness from all the surrounding trees. He would have no problem losing you in the twisting paths, and disappearing forever.

You pushed your legs to move faster ignoring the burning sensation in your legs, and right as he reached the door you tackled him from behind. Both of you went flying through the door out into the wet grassy field. He rolled around so he was on top of you, but you brought a foot up kicking him away. He flew back to the ground.

Both of y'all jumped back to your feet to square off with each other. Your mask had been pulled down revealing your face to him. He had to be no older than thirty with dark brown hair, and a chiseled face with brown scruff.

"Aren't I a lucky guy I'm getting to face off with the Touch of Death" He said with arrogance in his voice. It was obvious that he believed this fight was already won for him.

You grimaced at the title never being a fan of it, and wishing that it didn't exist. Your only saving grace was that it never got back to Shuri that you had such a deadly reputation outside of the palace. In the past there had a been a few missions where your grim ability came into play. Eventually you used it enough times, and word carried throughout multiple regions. Until finally people decided that you had to be called something other than your name.

The Girl with The Touch of Death was born and you loathed it.

"Surrender now and maybe I'll go easy on you" You offered him.

"Technically if I surrender you're not supposed to touch me at all" He corrected you.

"Nahhh buddy you ran and I don't got no cuffs on me." You replied shaking your head. "You catching this beat down either way. Its up to you how bad it is."

For a second his confidence wavered as he paused circling you for a quick second. He was contemplated his chances of actually winning this fight, and in the end he must have decided. The odds were in his favor because with a cry of rage. The mercenary ran towards you with outstretched arms.

You moved to the side dodging his wild attack, and brought your leg to kick him in the abdomen. He doubled over with his head snapping to the side from a fist to the face. You danced around him slamming a elbow to the back of his head.

His foot slipped in the wet grass making him fall to the ground. Before he could attempt to get back up you brought your foot down onto his back pushing his body back down. "Its over."

"Is it really?" He asked with a underlying hopeful tone. In your peripheral line of vision you caught his hand grasping at something, and too late did you realize what it was. By the time you brought your arms up to defend your face. The dirt had reached your eyes bringing a painful sting to them. Out of reflex you tried to rub the pain away, and in that split second the tables were turned.

He swept your feet out from under you as your foot left his back, and you went down in the grass with a loud thud. He scrambled on top of your locking his legs around your waist to pin your body beneath his. His evil smile with gleaming white teeth filled your vision, once you were able to open them again. Before you knew what was happening your mouth flew open to gasp for air.

His hands were around your throat squeezing, and choking the life out of you. Eyes widening in anger with a tiny hint of fear you brought your hands up to tug on his wrists. But he was stronger, and your body was weakened. The adrenaline was starting to wear off in an last act of desperation. You brought your knees up to hit him in the back.

"Not going to work Grim Reaper" He laughed leaning down so his face were only inches from yours. His cold eyes filled with victory bored into your panicking ones.

"I heard stories about you all the time" He whispered. "People said death followed you wherever you went. People said you was Wakanda's secret weapon I never believed them.

Your vision was in and out as consciousness started to slip away from you. Somehow his words reached your brain and it sparked one last move from you. The only one you had left with your last bit of strength. You grasped the sleeve of the right glove, and tugged on it till your hand was free. The suit retracted revealing your bare right hand, and you grabbed his wrist again. This time letting your power flow freely no longer keeping it at bay. It answered your call with glee after laying dormant inside of you for so long.

The man didn't feel right away. He just kept cackling away shaking you by the neck every now and then. But then his hand started turning a light gray as his veins popped out. Once the effects traveled up his arm, his hold on your neck loosened a bit. The mercenary frowned peering down to see what was causing his body to shutdown.

A grin crept up on your face as he grew weaker your body was coming back to life. You were getting stronger as you drained the life force from him. Finally the man pulled his hands away from you with a cry of alarm. His skin had wrinkled up by now, and were completely blue and frail. "What did you do?" He cried out in fear.

You sat up taking in as much air as you could refilling your crying lungs. You spun your body around hitting him with a double kick to the face. He landed in the grass on his stomach, and blinded by rage of the near-death experience.

You leapt on his back placing your bare hand back on his face pressing his face to the grass. Your power flared up again, and he let out a wail as his body started to wither away.

"Stop pl-please staaa" his voice trailed off as the life was sucked right out of him. His body went still as his cries were silenced. You rolled off of the deceased man to lay in the grass breathing hard. "Fuck no casualties" you murmured.

"Y/N" a familiar voice called out to you with caution.

In a flash you were on your feet eyes locking onto the intruder. It was Ayo with wide eyes flickering back and forth between the dead body, and you. It didn't take long to realize her eyes were zeroing in on a specific part of your body. Your bare right hand.

"How much did you see?" You asked her nervously. It was a stupid question the way her hand gripped her spear so tight. Her knuckles were straining. The disbelief mixed with utter terror on her face told just exactly what she saw.

But you wanted to hear her say it.

"How much did you see?" You repeated a bit more fierce this time.

Ayo took a step back at the tone in your voice, and gripped her spear in both hands angling it towards you. "You killed him."

"He tried to kill me first" You argued.

"Y/N what was that? What did you do to him?" she hissed

"Ayo drop the spear it's me for crying out loud. I'm not going to hurt you." You insisted partially out of annoyance, but also with hurt. Did she fear you now that she knew the truth?

"How long have you been able to do that?" Ayo continued to question you instead. Her spear twitching in her hand.

In your eyes it didn't matter what you said her mind was already made up. "Oh screw this" You exclaimed and turned around to begin walking deeper into the forest.

Ayo didn't chase after you right away, her mind still reeling from what she just witnessed, and trying to process it. You got maybe twenty to thirty yards away from her, before she started after you calling your name with a sense of urgency.

"Y/N stop that is an order" she demanded just a few feet away from you.

You turned on her with tears in your eyes threatening to spill over. "What for? So you can keep looking at me like I'm some monster. I didn't ask for this Ayo I was born with it, and not a day goes by where I don't wish I wasn't."

"I don't thin-" Ayo began

"lixoki uyafana nje nabazali bam" You snapped cutting her off.

"Your parents" she said in confusion. Like everyone else she was under the impression you had a healthy and loving relationship with your family. So your accusation threw her for a loop.

"They hate Ayo ever since they discovered what I could do. They treated like I was devil in disguise. They dropped me off the trail leading to the palace in the middle of night. Not at the doorstep but at the trail I had to make the hike alone and cold during. The middle of the night at the age of fourteen. What loving parents treat their child like that?

"But you write to them" Ayo argued.

You scoffed "none of those letters belonged to them. I wouldn't be surprised if they packed up and moved after getting rid of me. My parents biggest fear was that the royal family wouldn't want me, and I would be linked back to them. My return was their biggest nightmare" You continued to explain wiping your eyes with your sleeve

"But why lie?"

To keep up with the facade that I came from a happy and healthy home. I had to just like I had to lie in order to make it in my new life. I knew if any of you have found out the truth you would look at me the way you are right now."

Ayo shook her head taking tentative steps forward. "Y/N I'm just a little shocked that’s all I promise."

"I only wanted a family. I wanted to be loved you know, but it was all just a fairytale huh." You said with a humorless chuckle letting the tears fall.

"Is this why you refuse to be with Princess Shuri?" She asked

"How can I be with her when my touch can kill her?"

Her gaze moved to your hands again studying them with fascination. "Is your power always active?"

You shook your head. "No I've gained control over it for most of the part it. But sometimes control slips my mind when I'm emotional or lose focus. My power doesn't kill instantly but I don't how much time I'm taking off someone’s life span. If I use my power on them for even a mere second. I won't risk it with Shuri."

Ayo regarded you with sadness and pity, but you were so beyond that now. "I'll just go alright you can tell them I went missing in action, or died whatever lie you can conjure up. I'm fine with it." You made it all of three steps before Ayo was on you gripping your forearm with a serious expression.

"I am not your parents and you are Wakandan no matter what y/n. You are one of us and I brought you on this mission, so I will be bringing you back home" she declared. "Now if you wish to run away and leave the Princess with questions rather than answers. Once we return then I won't stop you, but for now you're coming home with us."

You let out a sigh "fine but on one condition."

She tilted her head to the side in curiosity, and motioned for you to continue. Her grip tightening on your arm in warning though.

"You don't speak a word of my power to anyone" You told her with pleading eyes.

Ayo didn't give you a dignified answer because saying no would have you trying to run, and saying yes would be a blatant lie. She cared for you and understood why you wanted your ability to stay a secret. But was bind by her duty to report something this big back to her General at least.

"I won't tell the Princess" she finally said after a moment while leading you back to the building.

It wasn't the answer you wanted but it would suffice for now.

Wakanda

"Yo what's up with the Princess today?

Aamina looked up from the chemical sample she was examining to give her attention to. Her friends who were gathered around the edge of the ramp. They were located on the right side of the lab working three levels up. Princess Shuri worked in her usual spot on the first floor in the center of the lab.

She walked over to join them glancing down at her beautiful boss. "She does seem to be on edge today doesn't she."

"She is and take a look around" Kayin said making a sweeping motion with his arm. "Someone is missing from her side today."

A light bulb lit up Aamina's mind as she scanned the entire lab looking for your hidden figure. You were nowhere near Shuri and she didn't see you anywhere else. Joy filled her eyes once she realized you truly weren't here.

"So Shuri is upset and y/n is missing. Do you guys know what this means?" she cheered with giddiness.

Both guys turned to their friend with raised eyebrows, and disapproving stares. "Not cool Aamina it feels different this time" Kayin told her.

"Yeah she isn't just upset she's....." Mosi's voice trailed off as he tried to find the right word to describe Shuri's demeanor. "Devastated" he finished a minute later.

"Which means its final y/n finally came to her senses." Aamina replied disregarding their concern altogether. She could finally make her move without being disturbed.

The sound of approaching footsteps ascending the ramp made all of them swiveled their heads in that direction. Amira entered the workspace dressed in a white lab coat, a dark-blue button-up shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. Her long black hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail. "Don't you guys have something better to do than gossip. Like I don't know your job we need those samples fully examined by the end of today."

Mosi and Kayin wasted no time in getting up to head back to their desks. But Aamina's attention went back to the sulking Princess as she tried to think of what to say.

"Aamina get back to work or go home. You can dream about Princess Shuri there" Amira ordered.

"Would you chill out" Aamina whined with a hint of anger. She glanced back at her fellow scientist, and the hardened glare that met her had the girl stumbling back.

"Don't forget your place Aamina I'm your superior. I have no problem suspending you for the rest of the week, and restricting your access to the lab for the duration of your suspension."

The threat did the job as Aamina rushed back to telescope to continue her lab work.

After making sure all of them were focused back on the tasks at hand. Amira made her way back down the ramp to head over to the main center of the lab. She paused a few feet from Shuri who was scribbling something in her tablet. Her grip on the stylus was tight and her movements seemed a bit rushed. The emotional turmoil filled the air around her, and it made the girl want to turn around.

Amira took a deep breath, and exhaled for a confident boost. Then she walked over coming to a stop a few feet to leave a comfortable distant between them. "Hey I was going to grab lunch real quick do you want to come?"

Shuri barely looked at her before giving a sharp reply. "No."

"I'm not trying to come onto Princess I'm asking as a friend. A concerned one" Amira insisted.

"My answer is still no Amira go enjoy your break." Shuri told her turning to put her back to her scientist. As she went to walk away a hand took a hold of the back of her lab coat. She whipped her head to see Amira's arm reached out.

Amira knew she was crossing a line and was at risk to loss her job. Especially with the mood Shuri was in right now, but someone had to do something. "I'm sorry Princess its just you could really use the break" Amira started.

Under her sharp gaze she pulled her hand back from the lab coat. "You're not in the best of moods today, and I get it y/n broke your heart again. But that doesn't give you the right to take it out on us. Everyone is walking eggshells around you today because you're a ticking time-bomb."

No one absolutely no one ever had the guts to call Shuri out on her destructive behavior. Especially when it came to you, everyone in her life just gave her space till the storm passed. But it wasn't a storm it was a full blown hurricane, and not a person was spared its warpath.

Shuri was ready to turn that same rage onto Amira for daring to say such a thing, but it dawned on her that the girl was right. This lab had always been her safe space, the perfect getaway for whatever she was going through. And her employees loved their work just as much as she did, and viewed it the same way. Her behavior was tainting that.

Instead of whirling around to yell at the girl like she originally planned. Shuri removed her lab coat. "Griot I'm taking a short break let my mother know I'm out if she comes for me."

"Of course Princess Shuri" The A.I. replied.

Shuri started walking towards the elevator, pausing when Amira didn't follow immediately. "Are you not coming Amira? You are the one who invited after all."

The girl stood rooted in place by shock that her plan actually worked, and the boldness paid off. Amira believed she would be out of a career by now. She blinked a few times before Shuri's voice calling out for her to "come on" registered in her mind. Amira nodded chasing after the Princess.

The Market

Amira and Shuri browsed the market for a short time to see what it had to offer. Neither of them got out that much, so it wasn't often this opportunity came by. In the past you would venture down to the market on your own, and return with a present for her. Nothing to extravagant just a nice token that she would appreciate. When they passed one of the jeweler’s stand. Her hand came up to play with the necklace resting on her collarbone. It was made out of a soft and silky material tied together with a Black Panther charm dangling on it. On the back of the charm was her brother's initials engraved.

Not too long after his death you gifted her the necklace as a remainder that. He was always with her in spirit and to keep him close to her heart. She threw herself into your lap that night in the privacy of her room to break down into tears. It was one of the rare moments where you actually held her.

Amira noticed her fingers fiddling with the charm, and the faraway look in her eyes. "Hey my usual spot is right up ahead come on" she urged her. The objective of this lunch was to take her mind off of you.

It was a nice little cozy restaurant that was buzzing with a younger crowd. The doors were held open by kickstand, and the dinning room floor plan was open. The patrons were allowed to sit anywhere they pleased, and a server would come by shortly.

The chatter went down to surprised gasps as Shuri entered the establishment. The Princess didn't get out much, but after the death of her brother. The sighting of her went from rare to nonexistent. And to see her in the company of one the restaurant’s regulars got the whispers really going.

Amira led her to a booth by the window in the corner for privacy. The tables surrounding it were unoccupied, so they wouldn't have to worry about eavesdroppers. The menus were positioned on the side of the napkin holder. She pulled them out and slid one to Shuri who sat on the opposite side of her.

"My go to is this fruit bowl mixed with meats and vegetables. I know it sounds like a weird combination but it works." Amira told her trying to see if she would try anything new.

"I think I'll keep it simple and just go with the jerk chicken with vegetable rice." Shuri replied in a quiet voice pushing the menu to the center of the table. She could feel everyone's eyesight lingering on her, and it made her uneasy. Even when she did come out in the past you were always by her side, and had methods to prevent prying eyes.

"Hey relax they are starstruck right now. It'll pass in a moment or two I promise" Amira reassured her.

"Yeah?"

"Yes" she promised nudging the Princess's foot with her own.

Thirty minutes later and indeed everyone in the cafe was back to by their own devices. Rather it was focusing on studies or telling stories with friends. Even if they were staring Shuri probably wouldn't notice, as she dug into her food. It had been hours since her last meal, and the way her mouth watered at the sight of the hot and savory dish was proof of that.

"I see even royalty forgets their manners on the right occasion" Amira quipped playfully.

Shuri paused in the devouring the nearly depleted chicken bone to glance up at her. "My apologies dear friend the food here is quite delicious."

"Its okay Princess we've all been there" She told her waving the apology off. Her own bowl of mixed fruit, veggies, and various meats sat in front of her with smoke tendrils wafting up from the heat. She took a few bites letting flavors battle for dominance lighting up her taste buds.

"That really does look good" Shuri murmured

"Do you want a bite? Hand me your spoon."

Outside The Cafe

You watched as Shuri leaned over the table to accept the spoonful of food for Amira. Her eyes lit up as she chewed on the dish a smile gracing her lips.

Just like that in the matter of a few hours the Princess had not only recovered from your words, but she had also moved on with someone one else. At least it wasn't the dreadful Aamina.

Amira really was prettier. She would be good for the Princess you decided, knowing that your love was in good hands. You turned around and walked away for good this time.

Ayo was going to tell Okoye the truth about you, and the General would realize she was right to push you away from Shuri. Eventually the news would reach her mother who in no doubt was going to tell her beloved daughter the truth.

Your time here was up.

A Few Hours Later

It was when Amria and Shuri were on the way back to the palace after a two-hour lunch break. Amira finally felt comfortable enough to bring up a sensitive topic with the Princess. It seemed like storm raging inside of her had passed by now, and Shuri had a bit more pep in her step.

"Shuri if it's okay with you there's something I want to tell you about y/n. Something you need to know" Amira said.

Shuri came to a stop to turn towards her fellow scientist with a raised eyebrow. "Don't take this personally Amira but what could you possibly know about y/n that I don't already know?" She did her best to keep her voice leveled, and not let her emotions takeover but her words came off as a warning.

Amira didn't heed it though. "Its nothing more than a theory based off what I witnessed sometime ago. While you were absent in the lab, and she thought she was alone."

"I don't do theories Amira" Shuri snapped.

"Fine if you don't want to hear it just say that. I just thought you would be interested in the story considering I believe. It might be the key to figuring out why she chooses to love from afar." Amira didn't even get to take one full step, before Shuri was grabbing her arm in a death grip.

"No I'm sorry I want to hear it" She blurted out in desperation. "Please tell me." If there one was equation in her life that seemed impossible to solve. It was the equation of your love, how could your love for her be so strong, yet you fought against it everyday. If Amira had an answer to that she wanted to hear it.

"It happened a few months ago and its going to sound crazy, but I promise its truth" Amira told her. "You were with your mother while y/n was in the lab waiting for you to return. The lab was nearly empty besides me and about two more scientists. But she was standing by your workstation like she always does, and no one else was really in her vicinity. You know I don't know why but something made me look in her direction."

She paused to take a deep breath knowing this next part was going to change everything for you. The young scientist just prayed it wasn't for the worse. You were her friend and the last thing she wanted to do was ruin your life. "Y/N was just leaning back on your workstation when something dropped from the ceiling onto her neck. I'm pretty sure it was a spider."

Shuri couldn't hold back the scoff in disbelief, but motioned for Amira to continue. It didn't seem to faze her at all. She knew how ridiculous it sounded. "She panicked and I know this sounds crazy but the spider kind of just shriveled up, and dropped dead."

"You're saying that y/n killed a spider with her thoughts or something. I don't understand" Shuri said a bit confused.

Amira shook her head. "No it touched her bare skin on her neck, and I mean she didn't glow or anything. But the second she tensed up the creature did too until it was gone. I wasn't sure of what I was seeing until y/n turned around like she knew exactly what she had done. Her behavior afterwards was pretty frantic as she looked around making sure no one else saw what happened."

"And she didn't notice you?" Shuri questioned.

"No I was on a higher level. I think it was her skin it makes sense when you think about it. Why she's always wearing gloves, and long-sleeved shirts. Why she refuses to make skin-to-skin contact with anyone. What if her skin is poisoned or something?"

Just like that the gears in Shuri's mind started turning as the theory registered in her brain. Amira's theory would literally explain everything. You pushed her away whenever she tried to kiss you, hug you, or initiate any type of physical contact.

You were never shy with your words, and Shuri could flirt with you all day without your walls going up. But it was whenever she pushed for more physically you got scared, and pulled away. You were never willing to take your relationship with her to the next stage beyond just words, and longing stares. But why wouldn't you just tell her that? Why keep it from her?

"Griot has Ayo and the team returned from their mission yet? Shuri asked the A.I. in a hurried voice.

"Yes Princess they landed in Wakanda approximately two hours ago" He answered back.

"Where is y/n's location right now."

"I'm sorry Princess but I don't have that information right now."

Shuri frowned "can you get a read on her kimoyo beads?"

"No I believe they have been deactivated Princess Shuri."

"No" Shuri whispered before breaking into a run towards the palace.

The Palace's Armory

"Did you know about this Okoye?" Ayo asked the General after recounting what had happened on the mission.

Okoye stood beside her second-in-command with her gaze focused on the city below. On the inside she was beating herself up all she could think is that she was wrong. She was wrong to come between you and Shuri. She was wrong to assume your issues with love was the product of a broken home. She was wrong to not push you to open up to her more. Now any chance to make up for her mistakes were gone considering. You were probably already gone, and this time it might be for good.

"Okoye" Ayo called her name sharply to bring her out of her thoughts.

"No I didn't if I had do you really think I would've been so hard on her." Okoye finally said turning to her with a look of regret.

"Do you think its possible T'Challa knew?"

If anyone would've known about your secret it would be him. All of the pieces to the puzzle were starting to fit right into place now. It always bewildered her how T'Challa went out of his way to give you special treatment. She still remembered the day he pulled her aside to tell her.

She would be in charge in training you privately, and to respect your attire. He made it clear your main position was by Shuri's side, and you weren't to go on any missions without his approval. All of those rules and restrictions baffled her, but now it all added up. He knew what you were capable of, and did his best to make you feel at home. T'Challa gave you a second chance at a real life filled with purpose and love.

"He knew" Okoye clarified.

"Then why keep it-" Her question was cut off at the sudden bang from the door being pushed open. Shuri came through it leaning up against the wall panting. She was out of breath and sweaty from making the long run from the market to the Palace, and to the Armory. Where she knew Ayo and Okoye would most likely be located.

"Shuri is everythin-" Okoye began to ask, but paused when the Princess held up a hand.

"Where is y/n? I need to speak with her now."

"Shuri it pains me to inform you of this, but I don't think she is here anymore. We have reason to believe she left." Ayo told her.

"I know that I need to know where she would go" Shuri insisted jabbing a finger at the General. "All those years ago when I sent you to go in search of her parents. Did you find them?"

Okoye gave her a slight nod with a frown. "I don't think they're going to be much help Princess. They weren't very welcoming when I showed up on their doorstep asking questions about y/n. The only thing her parents were concerned with was making sure she wasn't coming home."

"I don't care its the only lead we have, and I need to find her. I have to find her. Okay she doesn't get to just walk out of my life like we never meant anything to each other. I don't care if she was trying to protect me from her" Shuri exclaimed.

Her outburst caught both Ayo and Okoye off guard the last of her words making them exchange a look. And the Princess didn't miss it.

"Yes I know about her touch of death now are the two of you going to help me find her or what?"

Locating you was easier said and done. Okoye wasn't kidding when she said your parents weren't going too much help. Six years had gone by since the General tracked them down for answers, and a lot had changed between now and then.

Shuri looked them in Wakanda's database only to discover your parents had went off the grid about three years ago. She searched every nook and cranny looking for a connection to them, but couldn't find one. Without your parents the Princess was at a dead end with your whereabouts.

But she still wasn't going to give up. The state of your room made it clear you left in a hurry. Your drawers were left open with clothes hanging out, and discarded everywhere. The closet door was open with the contents of it in a disarray. Your bed remained untouched. Shuri didn't know what she was looking for, but she tore through your belongings hoping you left something behind. On accident that could lead her to you.

Two Days Later

The trip back to your childhood town took two days with you walking some of the way. Until you came across some travelers who were willing to take you the rest of the way. Since they were already headed in that direction. You made sure to pay them for their generosity once they dropped you off.

The town hadn't changed much in the eight years you had been gone. It was small and local with a few businesses. There wasn't much to do entertainment wise. One of those places where everywhere knows each other, and are friendly to one another. One school for each grade level so all of the kids would grow up together. You didn't know if any of your old classmates would remember you, but you knew some of the older people would.

For that reason you kept your hood up as you walked through the town. Keeping your face concealed as you could feel everyone's gazes following you. Some of the faces struck a cord in your memory tugging on your heartstrings, but you had your destination in mind. And didn't want to become sidetracked for even a second. Also you didn't feel like dealing with the plethora of questions they would bombard you with.

Not too many people ever left this place, and the ones that do hardly ever returned. Unless it was a social visit to family and friends. You weren't a hundred percent sure your parents were gone from this place, and your childhood friends were different people now. There was no way to know if you would even get along with you now, and the last thing you needed was more personal connections.

There was one more ulterior motive for why you were going through so much trouble to keep your identity a secret. If you knew Shuri (which you did) she wasn't just going to let you disappear in peace. Not once she realized you had no intentions of returning this time. She was going to use all her resources to in her search, and putting out a country wide alert for you wasn't off the table.

You prayed to Bast that the one person in this town who really did know and care for you was still here. The old lady never wrote back to you, and you never bothered to do a welfare check on her or anything. You had convinced yourself she was happy to have you gone, and guilt tore through your body.

Because here you was turning up on the doorstep of her house that was still standing in the same location. It was midday so if she was still here she would be cooking dinner by now with some music playing in the background. It took five minutes for you to muster up the courage to finally knock on the door. You didn't want the nosy neighbors alerting the town's guards of some stranger hanging around, and acting weird.

You heard the thumping sound of footsteps approaching the door, and your heartbreak picked up. If it wasn't her on the other side of the door you were truly out of luck, and on your own. Finally the door opened revealing a short mocha skinned woman with curious brown eyes. There were streaks of gray hair mixed in with her original black hair pulled up into a neat bun. A locket dangled on her neck holding a picture of her late husband. She was dressed in blue summer dress with some sandals.

You yanked your hood off showing your face with tears of joy and pain. "Hi Mrs.Hassan its been a while huh."

Her eyes widened in surprise at the sound of your voice. Shock coursing through her body. "Y/N baby is that really you? She asked stepping outside onto the porch to get closer. You let her until she reached out a hand to touch your cheek. At that you jerked your head back avoiding the physical contact.

She frowned as a warm smile graced her lips. "Oh its you alright stop being so stubborn and come here."

You laughed leaning down to wrap your arms around her in a tight hug. And she returned it making sure to avoid touching any skin that wasn't covered by clothing. Your laugh broke down into a chilling cry as your emotions finally caught up with you. Zola pulled back from the hug to lead you back inside the safety of her home.

Where she led you over to the couch so you could sit down, and get all the crying out your system in peace. You buried your face into your arms hunched over. You could feel her rubbing wide circles into your back trying to calm you. But all you could think was Shuri, and how life really wasn't fair.

You spent your entire life telling yourself that you would never fall in love with someone. Not because it wasn't worth the risk, but because you figured no one was capable of loving you in such a way. After all the very people who brought into this world, and was supposed to cherish you more than anything despised your very existence. All you wanted out of life was a purpose, and you found one with the royal family. But falling for Shuri was never part of the plan but the girl made it so easy. Your heart never stood a chance, and now you were thinking that Bast just had it out for you. Why let you feel something that you could never truly have.

"Sweetheart tell me what happened" Zola said softly.

"I had nowhere else to go" You whispered sitting up straight, so you could lean back into the cushions.

"I'm not angry that you're here y/n you have always been welcomed in my home, and you know that. I'm just surprised to see you here its been eight years. One day you were here and the next you were gone for a while. I was terrified those awful parents of yours did something to harm you."

Knowing that Zola never stopped thinking about you from day one made your heart clench. It made you feel even worse for not trying to visit. "I wrote you all the time."

"I know I got the letters" Zola replied nodding her head in the direction of her five shelf bookcase.

You glanced over to see a pile of old letters sitting atop the third shelf. "Wait why didn't you ever write me back?" You asked a bit hurt by this revelation.

Zola arched an eyebrow at your tone. "Baby you never put a return address on a single letter, and your parents wouldn't tell me what they done with you."

Heat rushed up to your face as you looked down slightly embarrassed. It had been your fault she could never reach out to you, but then again you figured she would move on with her life in your absence.

"I didn't know if you would care enough to write back. The letters were part of my cover story, everyone thought I was writing to my parents" You confessed in shame.

Hurt flashed in her eyes as she released a disappointed sigh. There was a moment of silence, and for a second you were worried she was going to kick you out. Now that she knew you had no real intention on keeping in contact with her. But she just asked another question.

"Where did they send you?"

"They took to the capital city to give to the King so I could enroll in the academy for young Doras."

"Ahhhh now it makes sense." But her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion. "No offense but why are you back here now then?"

"i screwed up Mrs.Hassan this stupid curse ruined everything like it always did. You are the only person in my life who's ever been able to see past it, and treat me like a person."

Zola smacked you in the back of the head making you cry out in pain, and scoot away from her. "Young lady I don't ever want to hear you talking like that again. I told you that years ago when I started bringing you over for dinner. Now I get your parents didn't love you, but not everyone else was going to be like them. You never gave people a chance to see the real you sweetheart, and every time someone did. You pushed them away and went running from the hills."

"It was better than letting them find out the truth about me, and then starting treating me like some monster" You shot back.

"But how do you could you know that was going to happen when you never gave anyone a chance?" Zola insisted.

"It wasn't a risk I could afford to take alright. I can't every take that risk even when I want to" You blurted out.

It was your last statement that had her narrowing her eyes at you as she studied you with a piercing gaze. The woman always a knack for being able to see past your words, and find any hidden meanings in them. You got up from the sofa and walked over to stare out the window.

"You let someone in" she breathed.

"Not really she kinda forced her way in by just existing. I didn't know love like existed till I saw her Zola." You told her with a longing in your voice.

"Then why are you here and not out there fighting for her?"

"Because I can't be with her not like this" You snapped whirling around to hold up your hands.

Zola shook her head while getting to her feet. "Y/N when it comes to love sometimes you have to fight no matter what. Even when the odds are stacked against you, and it seems like things can't work. You find a way or make one if you have to, but you never give up. You don't just walk away. That's how some of the greatest love stories are created."

"Sometimes walking away is love, and some of those stories still end in tragedy." You replied making eye contact with her before going on. "I won't let us become a tragedy."

"Two people who are in love with each other, and meant to be together but won't ever get the chance. Because one of you decides it's not even worth trying. It sounds like a tragedy to me" Zola argued.

"Its better than the tragedy where one of us ends up dead" You stated in a low voice.

Zola dropped it knowing that when you got like this there was no point in arguing anymore. You had already made up your mind, and no one could change it.

One Week Later

It wasn't even a question on rather or not Zola would take you in. While she hated the circumstances of your return. She was ecstatic to have some company around the house full-time again. A few of the neighbors would drop by and have tea with her sometimes, and one of the older guards stopped by at least once a week. Bringing her groceries and just to check up on her well-being, but it wasn't the same as having another person living with her.

She had someone to talk to and reminisce with about her younger days, and you loved to hear her stories. Especially the ones about her and her husband. You fit in nicely in your new/old home helping around the house by doing the hard chores. You didn't let her lift a finger when it came to taking out trash, or even picking something up from the floor. Zola started to give you cooking lessons, because if there was one life skill you lacked. It was whipping up any meal that didn't have to be microwaved. Years of living in a royal palace with a team of the best chefs in the world would do that to a person.

She didn't push you on what your plans were for the future, but her heart ached knowing you gave up so much. You thought she didn't notice you stepping away to flip through a small pocket-size notebook, but she did. A picture slipped out one day without you knowing, and when she picked it up. Zola thought her eyes were deceiving themselves.

It was you in the picture with your arm thrown around the Princess of Wakanda pulling her close. Your head was turned towards her lips puckered out nearly touching her cheek. Shuri had the biggest grin in the world eyes closed in anticipation. Waiting for the kiss that would never come.

You didn't tell her your love was the Princess herself, and now that she knew the urge to do something was stronger than ever.

You wouldn't know the elder woman was plotting behind your back till a day later. Zola had gone out into the town to do some light shopping. She left while you were sleep knowing you would insist on tagging alone to assist her in carrying stuff. But leaving you behind was intentional this time.

You were pacing around the house reading the miniature notebook while munching on. A fresh bagel Zola cooked before she left, so you could have a light breakfast. It was then you heard a light tapping on the back screen door leading to the backyard. Your steps faltered as your mind went into high alert.

"Zola that you? You yelled walking into the kitchen. No response just silence but then again it wouldn't make sense for her to use the back door. Maybe it was a neighbor but then why not answer back. It was possible they didn't recognize your voice, and figured you were an intruder. You were pretty sure no one knew of your return yet.

You went over and wretched the door open ready to fend a home invaders just in case. But no one was there the concrete platform was deserted besides her little statues. You stepped outside to examine the open backyard just to be sure. Deciding it was the wind you turned back around to go back inside only to stopped by none other than Okoye.

The General stood in your way blocking the back door entrance with a raised eyebrow. She wasn't in her armor, and her spear was missing from her hand. But you knew none of that mattered she was still dangerous, and it wasn't a fight you could win. Not even you were that good besides she taught you everything you knew.

"How are you here?" You squeaked out the question looking over your shoulder for. The person you knew had to be accompanied with her.

"I think the better question is why am I here, and you should know the answer to know." Okoye said narrowing her eyes at you. "Don't try it y/n."

Of course she knew you were trying to come up with an escape plan. Which meant you wouldn't make it very far.

"She's waiting for you over by the tree" Okoye told you motioning for you to go.

You shook your head folding your hands together. "Okoye please just let me go" You pleaded out of plays.

"I was given orders to do the exact opposite y/n, and even if I wasn't." She paused to soften her facial expression. "I would still do this to fix my past mistakes. I was wrong about you."

You were taken back by her last words not expecting them. "No you were ri-"

Okoye let out a sigh of exasperation reaching out to spin your body around and give you a light push forward. "uhambe mntwana."

You stumbled into the grassy field and looked up to see a figure occupying the swing connected to the tree. You already knew it was Shuri with her back to you. Heart pounding in your chest you covered the distance between the two of you in five seconds.

You wished you had walked slower as you came around into her line of vision. "Princess Shuri" you addressed her nervously.

She lifted her head at the sound of your voice, and a feeling of relief overcame her as she shot out of the swing to hug you. But you retreated backwards denying her.

Shuri frowned "y/n if I have to order Okoye to hold in place so I can hug you I will."

"How did you find me?" You asked ignoring the threat. You knew she wouldn't no matter how frustrated she was with your behavior. It was a boundary she refused to cross.

"Your friend wrote me later telling me you were here making the biggest mistake of your life, and I agree" Shuri revealed.

You threw your head back with a groan, of course Zola was behind this.

'You certainly didn't make things easier no clues not even a goodbye letter" Shuri said offended.

"I figured a goodbye letter would've made things worse. I wanted you to move on."

"Usisidenge" was her sharp reply.

You raised an eyebrow at her. "What?"

"You really are the dummy Aamina says you are if you honestly thought I could just move on from you."

"Well it wasn't too hard to believe after I witnessed your lunch date with Amira. You looked perfectly fine to me" You argued angrily. Turning your head away to hide the hurt evident on your face.

Shuri frowned not knowing what date you were talking about right away. But then it hit her the day she went out with Amira to take her mind off of you, and get her raging emotions under control. You must have saw them after returning from your mission. "How did you find us?"

"Aamina couldn't wait to the rub the news in my face" You whispered a breeze carrying your voice.

Shuri burst into laughter out of nowhere causing you to look at her again. "Is that why you punched her?"

You shrugged your shoulders. "You weren't there to stop me and she was a little too happy about my downfall."

"Well just for the record it wasn't a date Amira was simply trying to help take my mind off you. I wasn't exactly a joy to be around in the lab you know" Shuri told with her laughter dying down.

You didn't know what to say. On one hand you were relieved to know she hadn't moved on you so fast, but showing it would make her think the two of you still had a chance. You were determined to stand your ground on your decision.

"She told an interesting story about you" Shuri went on gaining your full attention.

You rose an eyebrow in suspicion. "And what story would that be?" On the inside you were working yourself into a full blown panic trying to figure out exactly what Amira told her.

"She said she once witnessed you kill a spider with a simple touch, or more so it touched the skin on your neck spooking you." Shuri watched you carefully for your reaction, and even though you tried to hide it. She noticed how the muscles started to tense up.

You swallowed hard thinking about all your options. You could deny but what was the point? Had Ayo or Okoye told her about what you did on the mission yet? In the end you decided to test her knowledge.

"So you know about me? You asked nervously

Shuri gave you a tiny nod settling down back into the swing. "I do."

"Then why are you here?" You asked in confusion.

She let out a dry chuckle throwing her head back. How dense could you be? "I'm here because I love you, and nothing or no one will ever change that y/n."

"But my powers what I can do" You insisted holding your hands up. "Does it not make you see me differently?"

"I mean your ability does interest me from a scientific standpoint, but other than that no you're still my y/n. The one I grew up with who protected me from the monsters under the bed. The one who use to help me prank my brother all the time, and would even take the fall for me when I screwed up. The one who carries me to bed whenever I fall asleep. The one who had my heart from the start." Shuri was on her feet now with each word bringing her a step closer to you, and this time you stayed put.

She took that as a good sign resting her hands on your hip. "The one who I know is still in love with me."

"I lied when I said I didn't belong to you I always have and always will" You replied in a low voice.

"If that's true then come back home let me help you, so we can be together for Bast's sake." She pleaded bringing her hand up to graze your cheek.

It was a ghost of a touch but your body was lit up with fire from the physical contact. You wanted more to lean into her hand to kiss her, but it still wasn't a risk you were willing to take. "You can't Shuri don't you think I've already tried."

"Yintoni ngubani" she demanded to know in a mixture of anger and disbelief.

"The American scientist they call Bruce Banner, or you may know him as the Hulk. When he came to Wakanda for during Thanos's invasion I pulled him to the side, and asked him if there was anything he could do for me. Before we were dusted I gave him a blood sample, and apparently he looked into developing a cure for me. In our five-year absence but he couldn't find one" You explained.

If there was anyone in the world who knew your pain it was Bruce Banner. You heard of his story after the incident in Johannesburg, and while most people hated him for what he did. You sympathized with the both the scientist and the giant green guy.

You was expecting Shuri to take a step back and admit defeat instead she flicked your forehead hard. The sharp sting had you flinching back, and rubbing the sore spot.

"Ow what was that for?" You exclaimed with a frown.

"Isidenge" she muttered under her breath.

"Hey stop insulting me" You complained now full on pouting.

"You dare trust an American scientist's judgement over mine. You seek out the Hulk's help but not mine. How does that make any sense y/n"

"I didn't want you to know Shuri I was scared it would change things between us. I love you to you know I have since we were younger, and I didn't want you to fear me, or to jeopardize what we have."

Shuri shook her head still regarding you with a look of disappointment. Her hand took your chin in a firm grip forcing you to return your gaze. "You're not a monster its not like you use your power to harm people, and when you do its in self-defense. If you want to get rid of it I promise I won't researching till I find the answer."

Out of nowhere her arm snaked around your waist bringing your body closer to hers. You placed both of your gloved hands on her shoulder, and dug your feet into the ground. "Shuri what are you doing?" You asked alarmed.

"I'm going to kiss you" she stated.

"No we can't" You refused.

"I trust you" and with those words Shuri leaned forward connecting her lips to yours, and your eyes went wide with fear as you focused on not letting your power loose. But the feeling of her soft lips pressed to your own made you want to give in. This moment was something you dreamed about on a regular basis. You didn't think the day would ever come where it was reality.

The Princess pulled away with a frown, and you let out a whine. "you can do this y/n." This time when her lips met yours you were ready kissing her back with a careful approach. Your hands moved to cup her face as she deepened the kiss with ferocity. Your body sinked into her own, and she brought her other arm down to your waist encircling you in her arms.

Your lips moved against her in a slow and passionate kiss, both of you savoring this moment. Taking the time to learn what the other tasted like. It was heaven for both of you, and neither of you came up for air until two minutes later.

Shuri pecked your cheek over and over again with an adoring smile. "Come home?"

"I guess I can after all who I am to defy the Princess" You replied with a smile.

Shuri chuckled pulling you into her arms with no intention of letting you go anytime soon.

Translations:

Uhambe Mntwana- Off you go child

Usisidenge- Stupid

Yintoni Ngubani- What who

Isidenge- Idiot

Tag List: @jejutwist @alistair-mooncrest @ilacknames @unsatisfiedanddisappointed @letitias-fav @bananafishok @justariellove @laurensmabel1 @greek-freak101 @bubshri @ajawasblog @deliciousfestsalad @rhayanm @zhanylai @izzyorzua24 @mocha-aya @lizlil @shinsousliya @angelsmist @newctrll @6-noir @snowtrova @ogbells16 @mbakuetshurisprincess @foamygrapesoda @tchhairbandhere @ohcoolcoolcool @jerullium @hotgirlslovepink @thefakesmilingsunshine @minionslikeppl @kjonamission

[sugardaddytonystark]

I also think people might have mis-characterized Bucky's reaction to his arm being taken off. I think the whole thing symbolized the broken trust between him and Ayo (+Wakanda) in a way he finally understood. Her 'stripping' him of his piece of Wakanda for a moment and calling him "James" (not "White Wolf") shows just how much his actions have hurt them. Before the show is over, I would love for Bucky to bring Zemo back to them - show him try to make amends with them.

I absolutely agree! I feel like instead of a “how could she do that?” reaction, it was more of a “Oh, this is bad. I messed up.” kind of reaction. That’s what I got out of it. Like you said, it symbolized how the trust between them is broken now. And it took going there to make Bucky realize that. And when Ayo said, “Bast damn you, James,” the emotion that she put behind it didn’t seem like anger, but more like disappointment.

There’s so much depth to this relationship. I made a short post about it, which I assume is what this message is referring to. But there is so much more to it that I didn’t add. Like, vibranium is Wakanda’s cultural legacy. It is what made Wakanda what it is today. It’s also why Wakanda was so secluded and why it COULD cut itself off from the world the way it did. Obviously, Wakanda was not receptive to people who were not of the country, but they welcomed Bucky, embraced him, helped him, trusted him (if they didn’t trust him, they wouldn’t have had him live in peace in their country, around people, around children) and they gifted him with part of their legacy in the form of the vibranium arm. They gave him part of themselves and if I can remember correctly, this is the first time they willingly did that. Any other time someone from outside of Wakanda was in possession of vibranium, it was stolen and not freely given. 

Not to mention the forethought that had to go into Ayo helping Bucky. I know this is a little thing, but it’s something I��ve been thinking about. Maybe Ayo knows Russian. Maybe she doesn’t. I’m going to assume she doesn’t because why would she need to. But she learned and memorized his trigger words in order, in Russian. I don’t even remember all of them in English. She didn’t have to sit down and learn these words in a language other than her own, but she did. And she did it to help Bucky.

And can we talk about the intimacy in the way they said each others names? I’m not talking about romantic or physical intimacy at all, but rather the obvious closeness and connection that they had with each other. Florence and Sebastian really did their thing this episode. 

Also, with the name thing, maybe I have these feelings about it because both the names sound so foreign to the other’s tongue. With Bucky, we are used to him saying “Sam” or “Steve” or “Sharon” but not Ayo. And with Ayo, it may be “T’chaka” or “Shuri” but not James. It’s foreign, but they made it sound so familiar. 

And the nuance between calling him “White Wolf” and calling him “James” and the implications it must have with both of them. I wonder if she ever called him Bucky. And what the differences between the three are for them.

I’m practically vibrating right now, there’s just so much to it and it’s driving me crazy that people are only thinking about their relationship and the situation on just a surface level. 

I could go on and on but I’m going to stop here. Thank you for getting me in my feelings. 

[just-dreaming-marvel]

FIFTY THREE - THE UNITED NATIONS

LEGACY: A Tony Stark Daughter Story

MASTERLIST

< previous

Word Count: 2,000ish

Summary: Bailey joins Natasha for the signing of the Accords.

When I woke up in the morning, my phone was buzzing off the hook. With my eyes still closed, I reached over at answered it. 

“Hello?” My sleepy voice said.

“We’re going to be late,” Natasha’s voice rang through the phone.

I quickly sat up. “Oh, shit.”

“Language,” Tony muttered sleepily.

I rushed out of bed and out of Tony’s room, jumping over the furniture on the way to my own room. “I’ll be down in ten.”

“Make it five,” Nat said before she hung up.

I hurried and put on my black pants suit before tying up my hair in a professional looking pony tail. I hopped out of my room, heading for the door, as I was putting on my shoes. 

“I’m heading to the signing with Nat!” I yelled to Tony, who was still in his bed half asleep.

“Have fun!” He yelled back.

“You know it!” 

Natasha was waiting in a town car when I arrived outside. I slid into the backseat beside her.

“I’m sorry,” I immediately apologized once the driver began going. “It was a long night.”

“I’m sure it was,” Nat teased, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“Not like that!” I playfully smacked her.

“I know,” she chuckled. “How was the date?”

“Really good.” I couldn’t help the goofy grin that formed on my face.

“I’m glad. I only wish that you two were comfortable enough to come out to everyone.”

“Me too,” I sighed as I looked out the window. “How comfortable are you with signing this?”

Natasha sighed. “Like I told Steve, staying together is more important than how we stay together.”

“That sounds like the slogan for this whole thing, not your actual opinion.” I eyed her knowingly.

“This is my family. I don’t like the idea of the government tearing it apart. I know you feel the same.” The car came to a stop in front of the UN and the driver came around to open our doors.

“I’ve never been out in public like this without Tony or Pepper,” I nervously whispered as Nat and I were escorted into the building.

“Don’t worry. It’ll just be a bunch of politicians signing a piece of paper. There’s nothing to be worried about.”

But for some reason I really was worried. There was something in the air, something weird, I could sense it. We were escorted to one of the top floors of one of the highest buildings in the complex. Politicians were chatting and assistants were rushing around preparing for the meeting. I followed Natasha around, blending right behind her as an assistant would.

“Excuse me, Miss Romanoff?” A UN staff member came up to us.

“Yes?” She replied.

“These need your signature,” the staff member said, holding the papers and a pen out to her.

I glanced around, surveying the room. I could feel eyes on me. I looking around until I met some curious brown eyes. A young African man was staring at Nat and I, he couldn’t have been much older than I was. I could sense his discomfort with being around so many politicians. He made his way over to were Nat and I were standing, he eyes never leaving mine until he was closer to Natasha.

“I suppose neither of us is used to the spotlight,” he said to Natasha, but some how I felt it aimed towards me.

“Oh, well, it’s not always so flattering,” Natasha responded.

“Who is he?” I mentally asked Nat.

“Prince T’Challa,” she answered, “of Wakanda. A few of his people died in Lagos.”

“You seem to be doing alright so far. Considering your last trip to Capitol Hill… I wouldn’t think you would be particularly comfortable in this company.”

“Well, I’m not.”

“That alone makes me glad you’re here, Miss Romanoff.” I felt that he genuinely meant what he had just stated.

“Why?” I quickly asked, causing the two to look at me. “You don’t approve of all this?”

“The Accords, yes. The politics, not really. Two people in a room can get more done than a hundred.” 

“Unless you need to move a piano,” an older man joined in.

“Father,” T’Challa greeted.

“Son. Miss Romanoff,” the man greeted. “And you are?”

“Miss Bailey,” I answered, holding my hand out to shake his. He tenderly took it.

“King T’Chaka,” Nat greeted. “Please, allow me to apologize for what happened in Nigeria.” 

“Thank you. Thank you for agreeing to all this. I’m sad to hear that Captain Rogers will not be joining us today.”

“Yes, so am I.”

“If everyone could please be seated,” a man called over the speakers. “This assembly is now in session.”

“That is the future calling,” T’Challa stated. “Such a pleasure.” He nodded to the both of us.

“Thank you,” Natasha said before she linked arms with me and guided us to our seats. “That wasn’t smart,” she whispered when we sat down. 

“What wasn’t?” I questioned.

“Telling them your name.”

“They don’t know my last name. For all they could know is that Bailey is it.”

Natasha simply rolled her eyes, looking up at the podium. King T’Chaka was heading up to speak. I surveyed the room once more, my worry from before growing as I continued to feel that something was off. 

“When stolen Wakandan vibranium was used to make a terrible weapon,” the King began, “we in Wakanda were forced to question our legacy. Those men and women killed in Nigeria, were part of a goodwill mission from a country too long in the shadows. We will not, however, let misfortune drive us back. We will fight to improve the world we wish to join. I am grateful to the Avengers for supporting this initiative.” Out of the corner of my eye, I could see T’Challa tense up, noticing something outside. “Wakanda is proud to extend its hand in peace.

“Everybody get down!” T’Challa shouted right before an enormous explosion went off between two of the buildings, destroying the conference halls windows and part of the room. 

Natasha grabbed me, forcing us under the table. An overwhelming amount of grief flooded me, forcing tears to prick my eyes. I peaked over the table to see who’s emotion I could possibly feeling. T’Challa was rocking his dead father in his arms.

Once we were sure that no other bombs were going to explode, a task for entered the room and began escorting everyone out.

“Dad’s never going to let me out of his sight again,” I stated as Nat and I headed down the stairs.

Once we reached outside, medics checked us out. Soon after, Nat and I found a bench to sit on. A buzzing sounded in Nat’s pocket. She took it out to see that it was Tony. She gave me a sad look, before turning to the edge of the bench to answer it. People were running around every which way. Whispers that the bombing was caused by the Winter Soldier were being said. And for some reason, I couldn’t fully believe them. I could feel the grief again, suddenly. I looked to the side to see a stunned T’Challa sitting on the bench next to us. There was a cut on his head. I slowly got up and moved to sit next to him.

“I’m very sorry,” I said to him, sadly.

He glanced me as he played with a silver ring between his fingers. “In my culture, death is not the end. It’s more of a… stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veldt where… you can run forever.” 

“That sounds very peaceful.”

“My father thought so.” T’Challa slid his ring onto his finger, his grief turning into anger. “I am not my father.”

“T’Challa. Task force will decide who brings in Barnes.”

T’Challa clenched his fist. “Don’t bother, Miss Bailey.” He stood up, his anger now fully overpowering his grief. “I’ll kill him myself.” 

And with that, he walked away. I stared at him until he disappeared into the crowd. I couldn’t help but wonder how I would feel in his shoes. Would my grief turn into anger? Would I be able to run a country? And why was I feeling that Barnes was not the cause of this? That he was not the answer. Someone had to be setting him up. But who? And why? I was absentmindedly staring in the direction, when Natasha set her hand on my back. 

“You’re father’s sending a car to come get you,” she stated as I turned to look at her. 

“Is he not coming to get me himself?” I asked.

“He says he’s going to stay at the hotel and answer phone calls. There’s too many questions he has to answer before he could be of any help here.”

Before either of us said anything, my phone began buzzing. We looked at it then looked at each other. It was Steve. We huddled together, surveying the area before answering the phone and putting it on speaker.

“Steve?” I was relieved that he called.

“You alright?” I could feel his worry. But not through the phone. He was nearby. 

“Yes.” I looked around to find him standing across the street, a cap and dark sunglasses on. “We both are.”

“We got lucky,” Natasha stated, frowning as she stood up. I stood up with her, my eyes never leaving Steve’s figure. “I know how much Barnes means to you. I really do. Stay home. You’ll only make this worse. For all of us. Please.”

“Are you saying you’ll arrest me?”

“No,” I quickly said in place of Nat. 

“Someone will,” Nat continued. “If you interfere. That’s how it works now.”

“If he’s this far gone, Nat, I should be the one to bring him in.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m the one least likely to die trying,” Steve stated as he hung up.

“Please don’t do this,” I begged Steve.

“I have to, B. He’s my best friend… Did you sign them?”

“We never got to that. And you know I wasn’t there to do that. I can’t pick a side. Please don’t make me.”

“I’m afraid that’s where it’s going to end up, B.”

“Miss Bailey,” an agent pulled me out of my head as he approached. “I have a car ready to take you back to Mr. Stark.”

“Okay, thanks,” I replied.

The agent turned around, guiding me to the car. I looked around one last time for Steve but he was gone. Natasha had disappeared as well, probably in search of Steve. I sighed as I followed the agent to the car. I got in it to find Tony there waiting.

“Nat said that you were staying at the hotel, answering phone calls.”

“Change of plans,” Tony stated, a regretful look in his eyes. “I’m sending you home. You can’t be involved in this more than you already have.”

“Dad, no. I’m more of use here. I don’t need to take sides on the Accords to help with the clean up.”

“No!” He yelled. I flinched. “I almost lost you today…” He looked at me sadly. “I promised to keep your family together and, honey, I’m trying. But I can’t worry about you getting in the crossfires here at the same time. You’re going to take the jet to the compound, where you’ll be safe. Wanda and Vision are there still.”

“So, I’ll be a prisoner then? We’re back to that?”

“I’m trying to keep you safe!”

“I don’t need your protection!”

“You’re going home! End of discussion.”

Then, before I knew what was happening, Tony pulled his hand out of his pocket, revealing a syringe in it. He quickly stabbed it into my neck and released what was in it . My world went black.

next >

[whorderofthepheonix]

Sacredly Scarred: Chapter 29 || Erik Killmonger

A/N: I hope you guys haven't given up on this story :( but here you have it! Chapter 29 of Sacredly Scarred! ENJOY! :)))

Words: I highkey forgot to count. sorry.

Warnings: Smutty smut smut, Swearing (duh), Plots of world domination

IF YOU ENJOY MY WORK, PLEASE REBLOG WITH VERBAL FEEDBACK!!

Yenai’s POV

Erik grabbed my face roughly, as tears filled his eyes.

“You’re... You’re Wakandan?” He whispered, a smile spreading across his face.

“Yes!” I cried. “Yes, I am!” He peppered my face with kisses and laughed. “I knew there was a reason why we couldn’t stay away from each other... Through all the shit we been through, there was ALWAYS this force that pulled me back to you... And THIS was it!”

“So your mom...”

“Wakandan,” I nodded. “I was born there and shunned by the entire country. When I was about to turn 4, they gave my mother an ultimatum; exile with me and my father or to remain General of the Dora Milaje... She didn’t even hesitate.” My chest tightened talking about my mother’s betrayal. Then I realized I didn’t know who Erik was. I caressed his face. “Tell me who you are...”

“N’Jadaka... Son of Prince N’Jobu,” he said softly. I dropped my hands and my eyes widened.

“N’Jobu? The Lost Prince of Wakanda?” I whispered. “Wait, what? But you said that your dad was killed by his brother... Which means... No! N’Jobu was killed by-”

“T’Chaka.” Erik hissed. “King T’Chaka murdered my dad is cold blood and left me here to find his body... That’s why I’m gonna kill him... then I’ll overthrow his son and become king.”

“Is that what all of this is?” I asked looking around.

“Yes. I’ve been planning this since I was 11. And if you wanna leave me because of this, I understand... but I’m not gonna stop until he’s dead. Then I can finish what my father started-“

“I’m in,” I interrupted. “Whatever you’re doing, I want in. I wanna see Wakanda come crumbling down. All I ask is that when it comes time and you’re king, that you bring my mother to my feet... and you let me kill her.” Erik didn’t say anything. He just looked at me.

Then he kissed me hard.

So hard, that I fell backwards from the force. He climbed on top of me and spread my legs apart.

“I love you,” he said against my lips.

“Ndiyakuthanda,” I whispered back causing him to let out a long moan. He pulled my leggings down and discarded them along with his shirt and sweatpants. I sat up and he lifted my pullover off my torso throwing it in back of him. He grabbed my legs, pulling me down so to meet his waist. He didn’t even give me a second to adjust and just started thrusting into me, so hard. I practically screamed out and clawed at his back. With every thrust, I fell more and more in love with him. He kissed me across my collar bone, his hands tracing my curves as if to make sure he still had hold of me. I tilted his head up and kissed his lips, biting and sucking on his bottom lip. I was keen on making this the best sex we’ve ever had. I clenched tightly around his shaft and he let out a whimper.

“Fuck, baby keep doing that!” He hissed. He sunk his teeth into my neck and let out a long groan. His hand snaked down to my clit and rubbed vigorously to the point where my eyes were rolling back and my toes were curling. My back arched up off the floor as the remarkable sensation bubbled up in the pit of my abdomen.

“I’m gonna cum,” I whimpered. Erik grabbed my hair and increased his speed. He pressed his lips to mine.

“Say my name,” he panted.

“Erik-”

“Say... my name,” he begged. I realized what he meant as a smile crept upon my face.

“N’Jadaka,” I moaned against his lips. As if those were magic words, he picked up an inhumane speed and stared deeply into my eyes... His eyes were black and full of lust.

“Ndikuthanda,” he moaned. I dug my nails into his skin, pulling him closer and kissed him deep.

“I love you too,” I whispered as I came, my back arching off the floor. N’Jadaka screwed his eyes shut and thrusted one last time, hard, cumming deep inside of me. Usually after Erik and I had sex, he’d roll off of me and hold me close. Sex with N’Jadaka was different. He stayed put and kissed me all over. He started at my neck, moved across my shoulder, down my arm and he brought my fingers up to his mouth, kissing my fingertips. When he was done kissing my body, he held me tightly. I played with his dreads as I came to a realization.

“Your father was Prince N’Jobu?” I double checked. He looked at me and nodded. “So that makes you Prince N’Jadaka, huh?”

“Damn right,” he laughed.

“Soon-to-Be King N’Jadaka,” I fantasized as I moved his dreads out of his face.

“Keep talkin like that and imma fuck you again,” he warned me.

“What’s our next move, your highness?” I asked.

“We need help from someone on the inside. Someone who’s been in and out of Wakanda,” he explained. He pulled out of me and draped a heavy blanket over my naked body. He picked up a journal before getting under the blanket with me. “My pops was working with a man, Ulysses Klaue, to help bring vibranium to black people to over power their oppressors... we gotta finish what he started.”

“Then let’s find him,” I smiled.

***

The moment our things were out of the apartment and packed into our new place, Erik and I were on the first flight into Johannesburg. G helped us located him and Erik got us on the next flight out of LA. First class, of course. It didn’t take us long to find him. Turns out the Avengers were here the day before, the Hulk wreaked havoc throughout the city, and a quarter ton of vibranium went missing off of a ship on the edge of town. Klaue had to be here.

Erik and I were sitting behind each other at the train station, waiting for Klaue to show. If he got into any scuffle with the Avengers, he’d be as low key as possible, the only way out for him would be the train.

“Anything on your side?” Erik asked taking a sip of his coffee.

“Negative,” I said as I scanned the room. “You?”

“Nah. You sure he’d take the train?”

“If he’s on the Avengers’ raidar, he’d be stupid to take a plane. Trust me, he’ll be here,” I reassured him. 2 minutes later, a man wearing a baseball cap and shades walked into the station. He kept looking around and on the side of his neck was a brand. It was written in Wakandan. It was the symbol for ‘THIEF’. “He’s here. Black hat, black sunglasses.” Erik waited a few seconds then turned around to watch Klaue at the ticket booth.

“Aight. Let’s move in,” he instructed. When Klaue sat down across the station, me and Erik walked over separately. I sat first, getting Klaue’s attention.

“Hello beautiful,” he smiled. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing in these parts?”

“Same as you,” I shrugged. “You see, I know how to find things. Things real valuable. My only issue is, I don’t know who to sell it to... You know, with the Avengers snooping around, I thought I might be best to get out of town.”

“Smart, beautiful, and handy?” He asked. “I could use someone like you on my force. How can I help?”

“More like, how can we help each other?” Erik asked sitting beside us. “Ulysses Klaue. It’s an honor.” The smile faded from his face.

“Who sent you? The Avengers? CIA?” He asked.

“No, we’re here because we know what you want and we know how to find it,” I said. “Your vibranium was stolen by the Avengers and we wanna help you replace it. For a small fee of course.”

“Wrong. My vibranium was stolen by Ultron, Stark’s robot who wants to end the world,” he corrected.

“Really?” Erik asked smirking. “An evil robot stole from you to end the world?”

“Think I’m lying, do you? He did this!” Klaue unzipped his jacket and showed that his left arm from the bicep down was missing. “Now if you two don’t mind, either prove what you’re saying or kept it moving, yeah?” Erik looked around before pulling out a bag and handing it to Klaue. He opened it up and smiled.

“And we can find more,” Erik insisted. “We just want 70% of the cut.”

“70%? Klaue laughed. “Boy, I wasn’t born yesterday. You’ve got to do better than that.”

“60.”

“25.”

“50.”

“30% and a night with this one,” Klaue grinned stroking my cheek. Erik’s face turned red but before he could do anything, I pulled a large knife out of my jacket pressed it against his forearm.

“40% and I’ll let you keep your other arm,” I warned. Erik smiled and Klaue laughed.

“Deal.” We exchanged information and Klaue said he’d be in touch once he wasn’t so hot on the radar.

***

Erik and I flew back to LA shortly after and officially moved into our new home. After a nice long shower together, we curled up in our bed. I was almost asleep when I had an idea that never even crossed my mind before I killed my father.

“N’Jadaka?” I shook him gently.

“Hmm?” He asked.

“Let’s go to New York,” I suggested. “I’ve always wanted to go at New Years Eve... To see the ball drop. We can bring the twins! It’ll be so nice!”

“The first part sounds nice,” he laughed. “Of course we’ll go to New York. We’ll go anywhere you want baby girl.” I kissed his luscious lips and cuddled back next to him. I closed my eyes dreaming about seeing the ball drop when I heard the sound of a truck reversing. I sat up and turned on my light.

“Did you hear that?” I whispered. Erik got up from the bed and looked out the window.

“We got new neighbors,” he said.

“The fuck? We’re the new neighbors!” I stomped my foot as I put on my robe. “They’re trying to steal our shine and our welcome to the neighborhood pies!”

“Yenai, you don’t like pie,” he groaned.

“But I’d still like one,” I frowned. “And who moves in at 11 o’clock at night?” Then our doorbell rang. Erik insisted that I stay inside but of course I didn’t listen. We opened our front door and I almost fainted.

“YENAI!” The twins greeted.

“Isn’t this so exciting?” Alyssa grinned.

“We’re neighbors again!” Ayana cheered. Erik and I looked at each other. Then we burst into laughter.

~~~

A/N: Only one more chapter of Sacredly Scarred left!!!!! I’m so sad to see it come to an end! Please reblog with verbal feedback! it’s greatly appreciated!!!

Tag List:  @scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @shame-full-love @wakanda-4evr @destinio1 @queenartistica @starbucksnapkin @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat  @beymonger @goldenratiophelia @sociallyawkward18 @pandagirl200 @chelledallas @thatbish27 @janellemonaenae @blaq-gyal @ironsquad @godhatesyouandi @bigdaddythraxxx @cocooned-butterfly @someareblindtoitsbeauty @84eix @sincerelyroxxie @i-am-shee @thadelightfulone @depressed-little-shadow @vikkidc @keonaforever21 @keairadiamond @plushthighs @itsjustshanie  @ovohanna24 @getyourfandomon @kzmiaz13 @marysxo @forbeautyandlife @blackandfair @imdiirtydan @theunsweetenedtruth @maya-leche @fromthebaytola @jennxgold @supernovaah @hidden-treasures21 @queenshxt-only @cutewylie @pupyluv247 @elegantd @namelesslosers  (Did I forget anyone? I’m so sorry! LMK!)

[letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked]

Words On My Skin (Part 22)

Bucky Barnes x Reader (Soulmate AU)

A/N: For those of you who read Center Ice and New Beginnings, I promise I’m working on them! I’ve been busy with my inspiration for this, as well as two oneshots! I’ll post the next parts soon!

Warnings: Feelings. Swears, as usual. Self-loathing Bucky. DRAMAAA

Main Masterlist // WOMS Masterlist

 Eight days.

You hadn’t seen Bucky in eight agonizing days.

Okay, you couldn’t act like you’d been agonizing for that long… you were unconscious for two of the eight days.

The medical team had apparently kept you drugged up and unconscious, because they were doing some work on your neck with something they called ‘The Cradle’. It was, apparently, some magical machine that some scientists made that heals tissue and all the science-y medical mumbo jumbo that you didn’t understand.

What you did understand?

Your neck had nearly been crushed by the vibranium hand of The Winter Soldier. You were lucky that the damage wasn’t permanent, and that science was a lot further along than you’d realized. All that was left of your wounds on your neck was a large, hand-shaped bruise… and a sprained wrist… and a stitched-up gash on the back of your head… and a Bucky-sized hole in your heart.

He wasn’t there when you’d woken up.

Steve was there.

Apparently, your soulmate had stolen a quinjet and immediately left the country – going straight to Wakanda to get his head back together. Not that he’d been there to tell you any of this. He’d left the compound before you’d even made it to the medical wing, three days prior.

When you woke from your two day nap, you’d been hysterical – much to your embarrassment. You’d burst into tears, gasping awake and calling out for Bucky. Steve nearly had a heart attack, before the nurse had threatened you with more sedatives. Guilt bled through the bond, so you knew that he was aware that you woke up, but it was overshadowed by the empty feeling in your chest.

You just wanted him back home.

Was that selfish?

He came back on day six, which was two days after you’d been released from the medical wing and allowed to be back in your own room. The only reason you knew he was back, was because of FRIDAY. You’d tried to talk to him, tried knocking on his door, tried calling, texting… anything.

He was avoiding you.

“Hey… It’s me. Again.” You sighed, leaving another voicemail on Bucky’s – new – cellphone. “I can feel you when I call, so I know you see me calling. I’m… I’m not mad at you. Not even a little bit. It’s not your fault. We’ve been under a lot of stress, lately, and… I understand. I just… we promised each other that we’d communicate more, and…” You inhaled a shaky breath, tears welling up in your eyes as you stared at the off-white walls of your office. “I need you. I miss you. I…” The tears fell down your cheeks as your voice cracked, leaving hot trails down your cheeks, dripping off your chin. “I love you, okay? Please… talk to me.”

You hung up, wiping the tears off your face with the back of your hand, careful to keep your makeup un-smudged.

He was still ignoring you…

GOD DAMMIT.

A small surge of anger shooting through your veins and boiling out any sadness. The phone that had been in your hand was launched across the room before you could even comprehend your actions, bouncing off a canvas painting of some bullshit flowers – ripping the material. Both items fell to the floor, disturbing the immaculate cleanliness of your office.

There was only so much stress-cleaning and burying yourself in paperwork you could do. You were officially caught up with every stitch of paperwork, you had every appointment scheduled for the next month, the entire Christmas party was planned and ironed out, your room was spotless, your bathroom was spotless, your office was spotless, the kitchen… You’d stress cleaned the kitchen well over three times.

In just a few days.

But, Y/n, don’t you sleep?

Nope.

There was no sleeping in your bed. You physically couldn’t. It was too cold, and too empty. You’d gotten so used to having him next to you, listening to his soft snores and leeching the warmth from his feverish body, that sleeping in your own bed felt foreign to you – it was like the first night in a new house, or in a hotel. Trying to get comfortable was impossible, so you just avoided your bed at all costs.

You’d even resorted to falling asleep on the new couch in the living room – apparently Steve had broken the couch when he’d tackled Bucky – and avoiding your bed, altogether.

Dr. Burson – who came to see you while you were still in the medical wing, as well as stopped by this morning – let you air out your frustrations, as well as talk with you about ‘the incident’. Talking with her had improved your mood quite a bit, but… she’s not the one who you wanted to talk to.

Bucky was the one you wanted to talk to.

He’d gone as far as skipping appointments to avoid you, much to your chagrin.

Did he forget that he could get sent to The Raft if he purposely skipped his appointments?

He probably wanted to go to the fucking Raft.

Over your dead fucking body.

“You know, when I told you the phone was not easily broken, I assumed you wouldn’t test out that theory.” You heard from the door of your office, Tony’s sneaky ass leaning against the wall next to the door with his arms crossed against his chest. The smug smile he usually wore was gone, replaced with slight amusement and concern. “What’s with the impromptu demolition?”

“Sorry.” You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose and closing your eyes, trying to stop the flow of tears. “I’m just… frustrated.”

“I can see that.” He nodded towards the broken canvas on the ground, and the perfectly fine cellphone. Sauntering over to your desk, he plopped down in Bucky’s usual chair and sighed, “You and Elsa will be fine. He’s just freaking out. He’ll let it go.”

“I think it’s a little bigger than that.” You swiped your hands over your wet face, trying to remove any trace of tears. “I can feel what he feels.”

“And?”

“He absolutely hates himself.” You couldn’t help the little crack in your voice at the end of that sentence, trying not to focus on the feelings that were ebbing through the bond and leaving a tightness in your chest. “There’s so much regret, self-loathing, and anger. I hate it. I… God. I hate it so much.” So much for no tears. You swiped at your face, trying to banish the annoying wetness. “He won’t talk to me. He won’t see me. He’s avoiding me… I feel so fucking pathetic, to be honest. I’m crying all the time, letting anger get the better of me, and leaving these pathetic ass voicemails where I beg him to talk to me. I’m just… an emotional mess.”

“Maybe you’re pregnant.” He joked, humor in his eyes. When you tossed a pad of sticky notes at his head, he laughed loudly, “Kidding! Kidding! Lighten up!”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes and shaking your head. “You’re kind of a dipshit for someone who claims to be a genius.” A small smile lifted at your lips at his passive wave, “You usually need to have sex to get pregnant, Tony.”

“You mean to tell me that, after sharing a bedroom all this time, you two haven’t-”

“Shut up, Tony. We’re not talking about my sex life.”

“Or lack thereof.”

“Fuck you.”

“You wish.”

A loud laugh escaped, before you could hold it back. It felt good to laugh, after all the negative energy surrounding you for the previous few days. “Oh, my god.”

“Close. Tony Stark. Though that’s usually what women yell out.” He winked, a small giggle escaping him as he grabbed your watch off the desk and fiddled with it. “Anyways, welcome to the ‘Winter Soldier tried to kill me’ club.”

“Your empathy astounds me, Tony.” You groaned, shaking your head and leaning back in your chair. “Did you come to my office for a reason?”

“I… wanted to check on you.” He glanced down at your watch, fiddling with the settings and frowning at the little fissure in the screen, “Aside from Elsa locking himself away, are you doing okay? How’s your neck?”

You reached up, pulling your turtleneck of your dress down slightly to show him the progress of the healing, finger-shaped bruises spanning along the skin of your neck – which was looking better with every passing day, since the treatments in the cradle. “It doesn’t hurt, anymore. It’s mostly just ugly to look at.”

“What about your wrist?” He leaned forward, setting your watch back on the desk, before leaning back in the chair. “Does it still hurt?”

“Not really.” After fixing your neckline, you pulled up the sleeve where your wrist was wrapped, “The bruising isn’t as healed as my neck, but the sprain isn’t throbbing, anymore.”

“Your head?”

“It’s fine, Dr. Stark.” You snorted, though it was nice to have someone care about your health so much. Especially in the last few days, since you felt a little… secluded. Steve was busy with Bucky, which you preferred over him fretting over you every second of the damn day. Wanda and Vision were on a recon mission, Natasha and Clint were staying at Clint’s for a few days, Sam was busy doing renovations on a leaky pipe at his own place, and Tony was working on a new project. Tony and Pepper were the only ones you’d seen since you’d left the medical wing. You were lucky that Caleb and Claire came to visit you, or you’d go insane. “You missed Claire, yesterday. She wanted to tell you about her science fair.”

“Did she win?”

“She got second place.”

“That’s bullshit!” He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’ll have to have a word with the school.”

“Don’t you dare embarrass her and do that.” You scolded lightly, carefully placing your sleeve over your wrapped wrist before smoothing down the skirt of the dress. “She was happy with it. Don’t be that asshole that tells her ‘if ya ain’t first, you’re last’.”

“Well, Ricky Bobby,” He scoffed, fidgeting with his own watch. “I promise I won’t be that asshole if you promise to cancel all my meetings, next Tuesday.”

“What’s next Tuesday?”

“…December 16th.”

Oh. Shit. That’s right.

“Consider it done.” You quickly wrote yourself a memo in your computer. “Anything else?”

“Nope!” He sprung up from the chair, walking over to your cellphone on the floor to pick up and inspect before he gently set it on your desk, and headed towards the door – dramatically twisting around to say one last thing, “Barnes will get over it. I’m sure he’s just as upset about the separation as you are.”

“I hope so,” You muttered as he spun around the wall, out of sight. “My sleep depends on his return.”

---------

Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap….

The heel of your sneakers were bouncing against the hard kitchen floor as you stared at your phone while trying to eat alone in the kitchen, not really wanting to eat the offensive health food.

Why the fuck did you Postmate a bland as shit salad? You should’ve got the chicken one.

Wellp, too late now.

It wasn’t the food’s fault that you were mad at it, you were just… pissed off.

Bucky made his first appearance since the incident.

Not on purpose, of course.

Nope.

He was accidentally in the same place as you, at the same time.

In an attempt to make yourself tired enough to possibly pass out in your bed, you’d – horribly enough – decided to head to the gym. Working out was, supposedly, supposed to make you feel better and you were always exhausted after working out with the guys… So, why not?

When you’d peeked through the window next to the locked door, the place looked empty – which was pretty common around seven o’clock – and you decided fuck it and went inside. The place was almost empty, save for a rhythmic pounding of combos against a sandbag and some angry grunting. You’d been to the gym enough with your soulmate to know that it was him that was beating the holy hell out of a bag – probably about to destroy the crap out of it and deplete the stack of bags.

Your heart nearly skipped a beat once his sweating frame was in your sights, and you watched his combo faulter slightly – knowing he felt you.

Tears sprung up, as you leaned against the wall, debating if you wanted to confront him or not. You didn’t want to scare him away, but you also wanted to scream and cry until he listened to you – which wasn’t exactly rational, so you ignored that feeling. Instead, you stood there watching him, waiting for him to finish up so you could corner him and attempt to talk to him.

“You know, it’s rude to stare.” His voice suddenly filled the empty gym, and you realized that he’d stopped punching the bag while you were having your internal battle with yourself. “What are you doing in here?”

Realizing his tone was annoyed, you stayed silent for a moment – trying to gulp down any anxiety and repeat your mantra in your head – before responding, “I was… going to work out… I can leave, I guess.”

What?! Why are you offering to leave! Confront him stupid!

Ignoring yourself, you turned towards the door with a heavy heart, hurt piercing through your chest as you tried to hold back tears.

“Wait.”

You froze, back facing him as you sucked in a steadying breath – trying to calm your nerves. Your chest was burning from anxiety, on both ends of the bond, and you shoved your trembling hands in your pockets as you heard his footsteps.

He stepped in front of you, and you looked up to meet his tired eyes. The dark circles under his eyes practically matched your own – he probably wasn’t sleeping, either – and he looked exhausted. The whites of his eyes were bloodshot, his usually icy eyes were dark, and his pallid face was unshaved. He reached up to grab the zipper of your high-collar, zip-up sweatshirt with his trembling flesh hand.

“Don’t.” You whispered, closing your eyes but making no moves to stop him. “Don’t do this to yourself.”

When the zipper was lightly pulled down, you gulped in anticipation as you felt his fingers freeze against the tab.

His gasp cut through the air, and your chest squeezed painfully at the disgust and self-loathing that was ebbing through the bond. It was like a white-hot fire poker being repeatedly stabbed into the center of your chest, burning the air from your lungs and radiating throughout the entire cavity of your chest. You knew he was staring at the bruises that stained the delicate skin of your neck. Though they were faded considerably, they were still a nasty yellow and blue in the exact shape and size of his vibranium hand.

The tears that you’d been holding back betrayed you as you opened your eyes, leaving hot trails down your cheeks, dripping off your jaw and onto his hand. “Bucky…”

“Don’t.” He snapped, voice cracking as he pulled his hand away in disgust. “I’m a fucking monster.”

“No.” You disagreed, voice thick as you reached forward to hold his scratchy, unkept face. You could see the lines under his beard where you’d scratched at him in a panic, but you ignored them. Bringing attention to them wouldn’t help your case. “You’re not.”

His eyes slid closed, shoulders tense as you watched his adam’s apple bob with a thick swallow. You felt the emotions ebb through the bond: anger, disgust, fear… Heartbreak.

“Bucky…” You continued to caress his face, his unkept beard scratching against your palms as you watched his lower lip wobble slightly. “Please… Talk to me.”

The silence in the room was unbearable and thick. The air was cold, but the tension radiating from both of you was enough to nearly make you sweat. The only sounds in the room were your shaking breaths and the gentle whir of the fans to regulate temperature. If a pin were to drop across the room, you’d be able to hear it.

Which is why you were able to hear the faint whisper of your soulmate, “I can’t.”

Those two words were enough to completely fissure the hole in your chest, shattering your heart into metaphorical pieces.

He turned away from you, pulling out of your grasp and hastily heading towards the door. He slammed his hands against the door, the flesh one pushing it open and the vibranium one accidentally cracking the glass in the door – making you jump slightly – as he shoved it open. He didn’t even glance at it as he left you alone in the empty gym.

Fuck.

A small sob bubbled up, your shaking hands grasping the tab of your zipper to hastily cover your neck. You left a hand on your chest, attempting to hold yourself together by literally holding your hand against yourself, but failing epically. The tears were in full force, as a particularly loud sob nearly sent you to your knees.

Pushing forward, you ran to the locker room, not wanting anyone to find you breaking down alone in the gym.

It took you a full thirty minutes before you left the locker room, eyes bloodshot, skin raw under your nose, and heart broken.

That lead you to where you were sitting, now.

You’d decided that you were just going to Postmate some food and sulk on the couch. Alone.

Why you spent your money on a stupid salad you could’ve made with the shit in your fridge, was beyond you.

You weren’t thinking clearly.

Instead of worrying about it, you picked at your salad, staring at the photo Wanda had posted of you and Bucky on her Instagram a few hours before the incident. It was of you and Bucky, locked in an embrace and kissing in front of all the agents. It was nearly inappropriate to put on social media, considering your legs were wrapped around him, but you didn’t care.

You stared longingly at the photo, basically rubbing salt into your wound.

Why was loving someone so fucking complicated? Why did stupid shit have to happen? Why couldn’t fate just let you be fucking happy and move the fuck on?

You’ve had enough of receiving the fucking shit-stick.

Standing up, the chair scraped loudly behind you.

“Fuck this.” You whispered, anger shooting through your veins.

If Bucky wasn’t going to talk to you about your relationship issues, there was someone else you could confront.

Your parents.

It was time to find out what the fuck happened at the cabin.

--------------

After practically sprinting to your room to grab your coat, keys, and purse, you stomped down the halls – ready to take down anyone in your path, as your anger began to consume you.

You knew you were fixating your anger on one thing, versus the many things that were making you upset, but there was no stopping it.

You didn’t want to stop it.

“Y/n?” You heard Caleb call after you, confused. “Are you okay? Where are you going?”

“Out.” You whirled at him, irrationally lashing out at him. “Fuck off.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise, and he took a tentative step back, raising his hands in surrender, “Okay, okay. Why don’t I come with you? You need an escort.”

“The fuck I do.” You whirled back around, stomping towards the garage. “I’ll be fine.”

You could hear him say something in his comms, before he chased after you, “Y/n… Y/n! Seriously! You need-”

“FUCK OFF!” You yelled, echoing in the garage as you made your way to your car. You should’ve felt bad… it wasn’t Caleb’s fault that you were angry at the world. Was this a breakdown? Probably. “I’m leaving.”

“Where are you going?” He asked softly, trying not to further your yelling. “Should you be driving when you’re this upset?”

Ripping open the door to your car, you glanced back at him, hoping that he could see that you didn’t mean to be so angry with him, “I need to figure some stuff out, okay?”

He shoved his hands in his pockets, apprehension all over his face. “Mr. Stark is on his way down.”

Panic seized your chest, as you quickly ducked into your car, locking the doors and quickly starting the ignition. It had been a hot minute since you drove your own car, since you usually got driven around by someone or rode with Bucky, but you had enough muscle memory to squeal out of the garage – leaving the compound.

Surprisingly, the security check point let you pass, but you could feel your phone vibrating in your pocket, nonstop.

As you got closer to the big city, you slowed down to the speed limit, feeling your anger begin to dissipate a bit. Was… that Bucky’s anger, too? Was that why you were in a complete rage?

Anxiety began to ebb through the bond as you continued to drive, and you wondered if Bucky was the one calling your cellphone.

Pulling it out of your pocket, the screen was lit up with Tony’s name and picture.

Reluctantly, you hit the green answer button, flipping it on speaker and shoving it in your cup holder.

“Y/n, what the hell?” Tony’s voice immediately filled the quiet car, as he yelled into the phone. “What the fuck are you doing? Why didn’t you take security with you?”

“I need time to think.” You sighed, feeling a slight headache form between your eyes and at your temples. “I’m going to see my parents. I need answers.”

“Are you sure this isn’t about Barnes?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” You growled in frustration, not knowing which feelings were your own and which were from the bond. “I just… I need to understand something! I can’t just… I don’t…”

“Okay.” His voice was soothing, trying to calm you down as much as he could. “Would it be okay if someone at least accompanied you back to the compound, after you’re done?”

Taking a deep breath in, you held it for a moment to level your blood pressure, before blowing it back out. “Fine.”

“Are… you coming back?” He asked, clearing his throat. “I mean… You’re not going to leave forever, are you?”

“No, Tony, I’m not.” You sagged in your seat, getting annoyed with the New York traffic, but beginning to feel guilty for the way you left the compound. “Can… You send Caleb? I need to apologize to him.”

“I can do that.”

“I’m hanging up, now.” You replied, grabbing your phone from the cup holder. “You can tell Bucky to stop pacing.”

A small pang of annoyance and disbelief rushed through the bond, so obviously he was standing there with Tony.

Doing exactly what you just said.

He scoffed at the last bit, sounding more like a chuckle but ignoring your jab at Bucky. “Be safe.”

“Yep.” You hung up the phone, tossing it carelessly onto the seat.

It was… a tad dramatic, now that you were thinking rationally. Leaving like that was not the smartest move, and you were sure to catch hell for it, later. You just… You needed to do something to make yourself feel better.

If Bucky wasn’t going to talk to you, then you were going to focus on the next bullet point of the ‘what’s bothering Y/n’ list, and that was the cabin.

Hydra being the third bullet point.

Another day, Y/n.

One at a time.

It was time to suck it up and stop compartmentalizing your feelings. Facing them head-on seemed to be the only way that you’d get some shit figured out. The game-plan was that you were going to demand answers, whether they wanted to give them to you, or not. If not, then you were going to utilize the team that Bucky was talking about when he’d confronted your father.

It was time.

Pulling up in front of your parent’s building, you quickly snatched your phone and glanced at the missed calls. 10 from Bucky, and 5 from Tony before you’d answered. There was also one text.

Bucky: What the hell.

God dammit. You were going to catch Bucky’s almighty wrath for that hasty exit with no security.

Y/n: We’re going to talk when I get home. Whether you like it, or not. I’ll see you in a bit.

You hit send, shoving your phone in your purse and quickly exiting the vehicle. A small pang of fear hit you through the bond. Good. He got the message.

When you entered the building, you were stopped by the doorman, who called your parents to let you know you were on your way up. By the look of terror on the man’s face, you were probably projecting your anger out on the poor man, but it didn’t matter. You needed to do this, before you lost your nerve.

As the elevator ascended, as did your anxiety.

It was time.

You were finally going to get answers.

Ding!

The doors slid open, revealing your mother and father, both of which were confused.

“Y/n?” Your mother frowned at your appearance, taking note of your dark circles and wrapped wrist. “My god, what’s happened? Are you alright?”

“No, mom. I’m not.” You leveled your glare onto your father, who had his arms crossed defensively over his chest. “I’m here for answers.”

“Darling, what are you-”

“Let’s cut the bullshit, shall we, mother?” You cut your mother off venomously, ripping off your coat and tossing it on the couch that you and Bucky had previously occupied at your last visit. “Dad?”

“I don’t know what you’re insinuating, Y/n, but you can’t just-”

“I saw your face.” You stood, beginning to pace as your parents took a seat on the other couch. Looking like a caged animal, you continued, “I saw your fucking face, yelling at me, ‘What the fuck did you do?’ We were in the woods. Someone had been shot. There was blood on the tree. I was…” You stopped pacing for a moment, swallowing down your anxiety. Handshake your fear. “Did… Did I shoot someone?”

Your father was silent, refusing to give you any sort of confirmation.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You exploded, nearly ripping out your damn hair in frustration. “I need answers!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, darling.” He scoffed, shoulders tight and arms crossed over his chest. “Nothing fucking happened.”

“You owe me this!” You cried, voice cracking on the last word as you threw your hands in the air, making your mother jump. “Obviously this was the reason you decided you didn’t love me, anymore! You just… You fucking checked out! You broke my fucking heart, Dad!” At the sight of your father’s face falling, you continued, “Is it because… Did I shoot someone? Did you shoot someone?”

Your father pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes as your mother watched him like a hawk, confusion still lining her face.

“Adira, love, will you please grab us some glasses and the whisky?” He finally responded, voice wavering slightly – which was uncommon for your father to be anything other than demanding. It was unsettling. “It seems I have some explaining to do.”

Oh, God.

-----------------------

Part 23... where it’s all explained...

--------------------------

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[uzumaki-rebellion]

Black Boys Bloom Thorns First: Volume 2 Chapter 20

Your girl, she go hard in the baste Swangin' on them, swangin' on them, swangin' on my ways Swangin' on my ways Swangin' on my ways I've been thinking like, "Ayy, yo" And I've been thinking like, "Ayy, yo" (Sound of rain helps me let go of the pain) And I've been thinking like, "Ayy, yo" (Sound of rain helps me let go of the pain)

Solange—"Sound of Rain"

Ungubani?

Who are you?

I asked this question of myself many times. Often times, I do not know. But I do know I am no longer the man my country knew. Maybe love? My son?

It has all changed me. T'Chaka must see what we can do, how we can change the course of time for the people who struggle so much in this land. Strangers to me, but my brothers and sisters still. How can I look at them, with the same skin as me, stolen from the same place I came from and not reach out to them? How can I sit idly by and watch in pain and return to Wakanda as if there was nothing to see at all?

Who am I?

A war dog who will not leave the lost tribe behind again. Who are you, my son? You will ask this one day and know the answer: N'Jadaka, son of N'Jobu.

My son.

###

My woman is in pain. We have been back home for a month since Lia's death, and I am set to leave for Wakanda and I am frightened. As a family, we have gone to three sessions with Dr. Davis. I thank Bast that children have the resilience to bounce back from tragedy. Our son struggles. He has good days and bad days, but most of his bad days come from his worry over Califia.

She is not faring well.

She has lost weight from not eating and she suffers from insomnia. She has taken leave from work and spends days in bed. The most that she allows me to do for her is to hold her at night and look after Erik. She self-medicates with edibles so that Erik won't smell marijuana smoke on her.

Lia's family has planned a private memorial for her, and I do not want Califia or Erik to go. She is furious with me, even though Lia's entire family and her own family agree that she and Erik should stay in the States for now. There are plans for a large public memorial next year. There have been protests and marches throughout Brazil and other parts of the world in solidarity with Lia's memory. Califia's pain and anger and lack of concern for her health make me question whether I can trust her to care for Erik when I am gone. Dante and Nana Jean have made plans to step in for me along with Rolita. Dante questions why I have to leave for a month when Califia needs me and the only thing that saves me from his questioning is that I tell him I must work to cover the bills since Califia isn't working. 

I have been bringing Erik over to my apartment to give him some semblance of a normal home life and to also give Califia privacy when her crying gets bad and she begs me to take our son away so he doesn't have to see her. On those days I call Rolita to watch her, and I make the time alone with my son the best that I can. James hangs with us a lot, and he has been a source of strength when I can't speak to Bakari. Erik is crazy about James, and they spend a lot of time playing video games together and streaming anime.

Erik is asleep in my apartment bedroom and I write this on my couch. Tomorrow we will go home to his mother and I will cook for both of them. I miss my woman so much. I miss touching her in that way. I miss kissing her. I miss her laughter. I miss her being that incredible mother to my son. I miss us.

###

This man Klaue will meet with me in the Netherlands. Sita has found a safe place for us to interact. A place that we can control access to. When I return to Wakanda I will know for sure who I can count on among the war dogs. I will also have to gain all access codes in order to lay my hands on the Vibranium I need. I have someone in place that I have turned who can help me. I just have to keep T'Chaka off of my back. He has been very open about keeping me close to him on this trip home. Zinzi has been cryptic about what's been happening, so I suspect she is being watched carefully too because of our closeness.

My meeting with Klaue has to go off without a hitch because my only chance to see him without surveillance right now is when I fly home. I made sure to choose a flight with a long layover in Northern Europe. I will have six hours to feel this man out. If I can use him, I will. Sita was right about him in one respect; he is a little whore for money. My research on him tells me he is willing to do anything for it.

###

N'Jobu dressed in warm layers and kept his dark glasses on when he entered the small villa in Amsterdam. He made sure to enter the country under an alias and not as Prince N'Jobu so he wouldn't have to bring any Doras with him. Sita came as his personal guard and even though she had secured the property and hired extra protection under her control, she was still wary of Klaue. Klaue was told to come alone and was watched and followed to make sure he did what he was told. N'Jobu gave orders to kill him on site if he did not acquiesce to all of his demands for secrecy. N'Jobu would not reveal his identity to the man. All that he was told was that some goods would need to be secretly couriered out of the country in the future and there was a handsome reward for his services if he should be used.

The semi-detached modern-styled steel and glass villa had plenty of open space surrounding it to give N'Jobu's people eyes on the meeting at all times. Snipers were in position, and if the meeting went left, Klaue would be disposed of and N'Jobu would go home and find someone else to ferry the Vibranium out.

Sitting at a small table facing the main glass entrance, N'Jobu and Sita watched a lone brown Mercedes meander up the winding driveway and park.

A short messy brown-haired man in an ill-fitting suit stepped from the driver's door and scanned the villa. One of Sita's hired hands stepped forward and patted Klaue down while another kept a gun trained on him.

"Great welcome committee!" Klaue shouted out loud enough so that N'Jobu could hear him.

Stepping into the villa, Klaue had a nervous swagger about him that was more bravado and posturing rather than real confidence. The Black faces that stared at him as he stood before N'Jobu had the man second-guessing who he was fucking with.

Klaue smelled of an over-dosing of expensive Italian cologne and poor personal hygiene. His greasy-looking hair and body odor offended N'Jobu. The poor-fitting suit was expensive but not tailor-made and looking at the man from head to toe, the watery light eyes, the liver lips, and a hodge-podge of tattoos on his arms, he could tell the little man was new to expensive tastes. N'Jobu's nose crinkled and he pointed to the chair seated across from him. Klaue sat down.

"Well, I'm here. Let's talk," Klaue said, "Mind if I smoke?"

N'Jobu gave a slight nod.

"I'll take that as a yes then," Klaue said slowly reaching into his suit pocket. He lit up a spicy-smelling thin cigarette.

"Ashtray?" Klaue asked.

Sita placed a glass of water in front of him.

"Wakanda," Klaue said.

N'Jobu stayed silent. This made Klaue even more nervous.

He studied the Afrikaner a little more. The future of his immediate family, Califia and Erik, depended on this thin rat-looking thing sitting before him. The only way N'Jobu could help the Black diaspora was through getting his hands on enough Vibranium to support a world-wide revolution. And the irony of it all was that a racist White South African was going to help jumpstart that revolution. And unbeknownst to Klaue, helping N'Jobu would usher in his own demise, the end of White Supremacy and the end of all of those who supported it, even other Black and non-Black people of color.

Sita stepped forward and handed Klaue a small satchel. The man opened it. His eyes seemed impressed.

"Just for showing up? Twenty-Five thousand in U.S. dollars?" Klaue said.

N'Jobu nodded. When he felt the man was going to burst if he didn't speak soon, N'Jobu folded his hands in his lap.

"Your record is clean. And when things have gone awry, you disappear. I like that."

"He speaks!" Klaue exclaimed, holding his hands up and looking around the room smiling hard. Not one Black face gave him warmth.

"This is just part of a retainer. If I like what I hear, then you will receive another seventy-five thousand to help collect your team within the next year," N'Jobu said.

Klaue leaned forward while listening to N'Jobu's voice. He pointed to N'Jobu's face.

"You're…you're not just some radical. The way you talk…you are a higher up—"

"Who he is, that is not your business. You are here to listen and do what we ask," Sita hissed, moving closer to him, her hand on a gun holstered to her hip.

N'Jobu whispered to her in Wakandan to chill. The three other war dogs in the room along with the three hired hands stepped closer, letting Klaue know to watch his mouth.

"I get the feeling that what I am asked to retrieve aren't just some priceless artifacts," Klaue said, the smile sliding off of his face, "Human trafficking?"

This was the part of the conversation N'Jobu was waiting for. The part he wished he didn't have to divulge, but he had to because even though Vibranium was undetectable to outside modern metal detectors and such, it wasn't stable, and Klaue would have to be shown how to smuggle it out safely.

N'Jobu motioned with his fingers for Sita to bring forth the sample of Vibranium enclosed in a protective capsule.

The luminous electric blue glow mesmerized Klaue's eyes. The man's mouth slipped open.

"Fuck it to hell…" he said standing up when the phosphorescent capsule was placed in his hand, "is this really…is this-?"

"Vibranium," N'Jobu said watching Klaue closely.

"I'm in—"

"We still have to discuss my terms and timetable—" "I don't care! I am in. Whatever your terms or timetable. I already know you will pay me well."

Klaue regarded N'Jobu with gleaming eyes. Sita took the Vibranium from Klaue's fingers and he tracked the luminous glow as she placed it in N'Jobu's hand.

"That small amount right there is worth millions. How much more do you have?" Klaue asked.

"Let us speak about your operation. How quickly can you organize a retraction team?"

Klaue took the hint that he would not be told more about their holdings. It was all need to know moving forward.

"Three to four months tops."

"Understand, I will wipe out you and your people if at any time I suspect chicanery."

"I am a professional. I do thorough background checks on all my people. You've done your homework, I'm sure."

"Talk to me," N'Jobu said leaning back in his seat.

The greasy-haired man in the ill-fitting suit leaned forward, a full smile widening his mouth and showing the glint of cheap gold-rimmed teeth.

"I will tell you all that you want to know," Klaue said.

And he did.

###

On the ride to the airport in the secured SUV, Sita kept staring at N'Jobu's face.

"What do you think, Your Highness?" she asked.

"We should not trust him at all, but he has the juice to get what we need to be done completed."

"Will I see you again on your way back to the States?" she asked.

"Yes. D'Beke will join us and we can begin."

Sita's face looked pleased. She even gave him a smile.

"What is happening at home?"

Sita's smile faded.

"The King….your brother…he has been putting dissenters in jail."

"What?"

"There have been political protests taking place in several Birnans. There's a new spiritualist cult that has had some major growth in followers who have been causing problems. Some protests have become rather violent, and King T'Chaka has taken in leaders and incarcerated them."

"What are they protesting exactly?"

"The lack of democracy in a monarchy. What else? The lack of freedom they have to practice their religion—"

"The Udaku family has never shunned nor stopped religious freedom from marginal religions—"

"Maybe in the past. Maybe when your father was King. But King T'Chaka…he is not so tolerant these days. He claims it is an affront to the crown, a wedge issue to fracture the power of his throne."

"You believe this, Sita? Speak freely."

"I believe what I see, and I have seen even moderate dissenters vilified by your brother."

"But jail-?"

"There was talk that one of the incarcerated planned to assassinate the King."

N'Jobu's body jerked when he heard that. His kimoyo beads heated up and N'Jobu tapped his earbud.

"T'Chaka," N'Jobu said.

Sita remained quiet while he took the call by audio only.

###

Califia carefully flipped over the waffle she made for Erik onto a plate.

"JaJa!"

She heard her son's feet running down the stairs, and by the time he reached the kitchen, she had his plate on the kitchen table next to a glass of grape juice.

"Hot off the griddle," she said.

Erik studied her face and she gave him a healthy smile. His face relaxed and he sat at the table.

She passed him the butter and syrup and helped herself to a piece of sausage. Erik watched her plate.

"Got my appetite back," she said.

He gave her some dimples and she forced herself to eat even though she really didn't want to. She made up her mind to force herself through this pain. She was hurt when N'Jobu told her that he wasn't sure that she could handle their household while he was gone. She counted on him to care for Erik while she fell apart, but it fractured their relationship when he treated her like an irresponsible child. Calling people to watch her and Erik when he left the house. Each time she cried, the look on his face made her feel like he wished she could just get over what happened to Lia quickly so that she could cater to him once more.

Their last night together before he left for Wakanda was pleasant, almost their regular interaction as a family. She worked hard to show him that she was capable of being present for their son. It was also the first time they had sex together since Lia's death, and she only did it to please him, to make him feel like she was okay even when she didn't feel okay. It took her a long time to get self-lubricated, but their kissing took up a lot of time and allowed her body to ease into sex before he could notice that her senses were not in tune with his.

N'Jobu kissed her mouth for a long time before his hands even reached for her breasts or even tried to touch her between her legs. He was so happy and touch-starved for her that his focus was on sections of her. Her lips. Her tongue. Her throat. The tender spots behind her ears. The space between her breasts. Her nipples. Her belly. Her inner thigh and hips.

He kissed and licked her vulva as if it was his first time being down there, and by then, she was wet enough to accommodate his desperate erection. The moans and raspy grunts that fell inside her ear as he pumped in an out of her pleased her. She could still take care of him physically even if she wasn't really there emotionally for him. She opened her legs wide and when she looked up into his face, it was contorted in deep pleasure. His forehead creased tighter and he was exhaling hard pants.

"Califia…Califia…"

Back in Brazil she was depressed, anxious, and scared about his leaving, hungry for any physical contact with him. But now? She was ready for him to leave. She needed to grieve longer without the judgment in his eyes, without him making her feel guilty if she broke down in the middle of the day.

She put her pussy on him thrust for thrust and held his shoulders, her breath coming out faster as she felt him reaching his peak.

"Daddy—"

N'Jobu's lips thrust out when she said that.

"You ready for Daddy to cum?"

"Yeah—"

"Tell Daddy you want him to cum—"

"Jobu—"

"Tell me Califia…baby…tell me…"

He was gasping, twisting her leg to get leverage for more friction.

"…this pussy…" he growled in her ear.

"Yeah," she exhaled.

She could feel the solid fullness that his dick always filled her up with, but she wasn't really feeling anything, not in the way she wanted to but could not reach because of the trauma she was clinging to. She wished she could let go like him. Use sex to get a mental release. Her body wasn't giving her any signs of wanting to orgasm. And N'Jobu's dick was going at her hard as fuck. Their bed was shaking.

She wanted this to end before she started crying in the way that would upset him. She cradled his head and pressed her lips close to his ear.

"Cum in your pussy, Daddy…"

She dragged out the word Daddy so that it sounded reckless and raw and she felt her man seize up tight then thrust his hips into her hard, his voice gone. The swelled pulses coming from his dick only secured the knowledge that a flood of hot semen was coating her insides. She would still be dripping his seed even when he was flying across the Atlantic. And a nut that good to him would only encourage him to seek more.

He kissed her lips and along her neck, and when he pulled out of her, his mouth sought to eat her folds to make her cum. But she pulled him back up and hugged him. Once he realized she didn't want any more sexual contact, he held her tight and rocked her in his arms.

"You okay?" he asked, kissing her cheek.

"I'm fine. I just want to make you feel good."

"Let me take care of you, baby."

"You did," she said playing with the thick ejaculate spilling from her pussy. His eyes watched her fingers and he stroked his dick.

"I'm going to miss you," he said, his voice getting tight from seeing her shove her fingers inside her pussy.

"I'll miss you too," she said.

She played with her pussy lips for him until he lost it.

"Look how you make me nut!" he cried out, shooting cum on her fingers as she held her labia open for him. He had soaked up their sheets with his sweat and cum, but he held her on top of him until he fell asleep. When he was softly snoring, she crawled off of him and showered. Cleaning her body, she let her tears fall with the warm water flowing over her.

Her thoughts snapped back to Erik, and she surprised herself by eating more than she thought she would. Maybe her appetite had finally returned. Maybe she could get it together while N'Jobu was gone.

"We're going to see Grandpop and Nana Jean today," she said.

"Cool," Erik said stuffing his mouth with waffle.

"Baba, leave a voice message yet?" she asked.

"No. He texted that he made it to Atlanta. I missed the call on my phone," he said.

Califia had checked her phone, but nothing was there. He probably thought she was sleeping in again. At least he texted. She knew he was in Amsterdam for a layover. He always sent an email from a burner account when he made it to Wakanda.

Erik was watching her again.

"What?" she asked smiling at him.

"Nothin'. You look happy."

"I am happy."

Erik picked at his plate unsure of something.

"We're going to be okay, baby."

"I know you miss Auntie Lia, Mom. I miss her too."

The sound of her name still hurt and Califia felt her eyes prick with water. She fought to be strong. Their first day alone together and she didn't want her son to feel unsure of her. She crammed a sausage in her mouth and picked up a glass of orange juice.

"Nana wants to know what you want for dinner."

"Pizza—"

"Pizza? Nana said she was cooking and you want pizza? Boy, are you crazy!"

Erik giggled. He drank his juice and pushed back his plate.

"Enchiladas."

"That's better," she said.

After she cleaned up the kitchen, she drove them over to her grandmother's and as they walked up the hill to reach the house, they found Dante inside the garage working on his latest project; restoring a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, midnight black, a pure brute swinging 450-horsepower battle axe.

Dante was on a roller under the car when they saw him.

"Hey now!" he said.

"Grandpop!" Erik squealed.

Dante rolled out from under the car and picked Erik up. He gave Califia a kiss on her cheek and patted her shoulder.

"Looking good, Cali," he said.

"Thank you, Daddy."

"There's my baby!"

Nana Jean walked out from the front porch.

"Nana, stay up there, we'll come up," Califia said heading toward her grandmother.

Erik ran past her and hugged Nana Jean's waist.

"Dayclean make it okay?" she asked.

"Yes," Califia said.

"Good."

Nana Jean made Erik help her fold laundry while Califia cleaned up the kitchen for her grandmother to make her enchiladas later in the day. Keeping busy with her family kept her mind away from sadness and she felt good. Real good.

She went into the small family room to do some dusting of cobwebs and family photos and her eyes caught sight of an old picture on the fireplace mantle of her and N'Jobu on the porch holding Erik when he was a baby and Califia felt her chest grow tight.

Seeing N'Jobu's face took her breath away and she felt guilty. Guilty for not giving all of herself to him before he left. Not just her body and mind, but her spirit as well. Lia was about moving forward, no matter what, and Califia let herself get stuck because of the rage she still felt. Erik was so adorable as a baby and the memory of that day weighed on her. She had sent that exact picture to Lia and Soliel, and Lia had texted her the moment she received it and told her to raise her son up well and strong.

She pulled her cell from her jean pocket and called N'Jobu's burner phone. The voicemail picked up right away.

"N'Jobu…baby, I miss you. Call me when you make it there…when you can get privacy. We're over at Nana's and everything is good. I just…I want you to know that I'm here. I'm here for our son, and I'm here for myself. I'm here for you. I need to hear your voice, okay?"

She wiped away a tear and smiled, still looking at the picture and his beautiful face. Those gorgeous teeth. Those full lips. The lips he gave their little boy. Those eyes that Erik also had—

Her cell buzzed and she recognized the burner number. She swiped her screen.

"Califia."

His voice made her gasp. Erik walked up next to her.

"Mom…"

"It's Baba," she said, wrapping her arm around Erik's shoulder.

"I'm leaving for Wakanda soon. I'm so glad you called me," he said.

"Babe…I've been so lost since we came home. I know you have tried your best to be understanding. I was stuck—"

"I know, my love, I know—"

"I promise you that you can have faith in me getting through this—"

"If I made you feel—"

"I shut everything out and made you take care of everything. It wasn't right. I'm standing here in Nana's family room and she has the picture of you and me when we first brought Erik here. I saw your face, baby…I saw your face and I forgot that you need me too…"

She could hear his voice shuddering over the phone like she had made him cry. He exhaled hard.

"I love you," he said, his voice soft and full of longing.

"I love you too…hey, quickly, talk to Erik before you have to turn your phone off," she said.

She handed the phone to Erik.

"Baba…yes…yes. I will. Uh, huh. They are fine. I know…I will. I love you too. Okay…"

Erik handed the phone back to Califia. She wiped her eyes with her free hand. Her nose felt runny.

"My love. There are some potential problems back home. My brother has some political dissenters, so I may not be able to speak to you as often as you would like. But don't worry. I will text and email you when I can—"

"You'll be safe right?"

"I will be fine. My brother will need me around him more, and because of that, I won't have a lot of privacy for security reasons."

"Okay," she said. He had confidence in his voice, and she knew that once he was in Wakanda, he would have his Doras with him. And those sistas did not play.

"Tell me you love me again," he said.

"I love you…we both love you very much—"

"Bye, Baba!" Erik yelled into the phone.

"Until I see you both again. Be well, my love."

Her lip trembled a little when he was gone. She looked down at Erik.

"Shall we go help Grandpop with the car?"

Erik nodded. He threw his arms around her waist and pressed his head into her chest.

"Don't worry, Mom. Baba will be back soon."

She stroked his hair and kissed the top of his forehead.

###

For security precautions, N'Jobu was escorted into Wakanda over the border of Canaan inside a military Tusk Fighter aircraft instead of one of the Royal crafts. Once he was flown secretly into the country, he was driven by a super discreet convoy with Ometeko and Yejide by his side. His two faithful Doras were thrilled to see him, but also hyper vigilante in watching over him as they moved through several Birnans to get to the golden one of his birth.

His parents greeted him under the cover of darkness as he was ushered into the palace.

His mother could not stop touching him, exclaiming that he looked a bit worn. Lia's death and his family struggles hovered over him, but speaking to Califia and Erik earlier in the day made him feel confident that he could get through this check-in.

As he walked through the palace and headed up to his brother's private suite, he thought of Califia and how their last night together was so one-sided in affection. He wanted her so bad that night.

After he had put Erik to bed and joined Califia in their bedroom, she was fully naked under the covers. He hadn't seen or felt her nude body in so long that the moment he slipped under the covers and felt her naked thigh and hip touch him, the thickening of his penis didn't take long. When she had allowed him to penetrate her, it felt different. She was going through the motions but he couldn't quite get her to connect with his pleasure. They had always had the ability to create a mesmerizing feedback loop in their intimacy, but that time, it didn't happen. Instead of stopping, he became selfish and took what she gave because he missed her sexually. He needed her body. He needed to feel her tight ring of muscles surrounding his manhood. He needed to feel those big tits and see them bouncing. He needed to feel his semen spurting inside of her, his sack draining weeks of build-up. He let his desire for her override any reason to stop and make sure she matched his vibe.

At that moment, the sex was great for him, but it was like the sex he had while in school; all about the pleasure that his dick got without concerns about love or the other emotional aspects of two humans connecting. They didn't make love. He just fucked her. And he was all about the fucking because he hadn't had it in so long.

But talking to her…hearing her tell him that she would be fine…she made him cry. She made him determined to push forth and plan the best strategy to free them all.

The elevator ride up to T'Chaka's suite felt long, but once he stepped out with Ometeko and Yejide by his side, his dip had returned to his step. His entrance into T'Chaka's private quarters was full of confidence.

"Uncle N'Jobu!"

T'Challa's voice surprised him and when N'Jobu turned to look at his nephew, his eyes grew wide for a second at how much older he looked. The twelve-year-old appeared before him in his royal purple pajamas, his once full head of curly hair cut short and tapered. His voice even sounded different. Clearly, puberty was upon him. N'Jobu's heart ached staring at him. He held out his arms and his nephew ran into them, hugging him hard.

"My nephew! What are you doing up so late?"

"I wanted to see you as soon as you arrived. I have missed you so much, Uncle!"

"Oh! How I have missed you too!"

N'Jobu saw his brother enter the room. No smile on his face. Just worry. And something else. Indignation.

N'Jobu saw another young boy standing off to the side, his big round eyes shyly watching N'Jobu as if he were in awe.

"And who is this?" N'Jobu asked, waving his hand for the child to step forward.

"W'Kabi, stop acting scared. It is only my Uncle. Uncle N'Jobu, this is my best friend, W'Kabi," T'Challa said.

"W'Kabi…W'Kabi? Why do I know your name?" N'Jobu asked. He could see the child wearing a blue night robe with the Border Tribe's dark blue sigil sewn into the collar. A horseman with a fluttering blanket wrapped around the shoulders.

"My father protects the borderlands, Your Highness," the boy said. He bowed his head to N'Jobu.

"Tankiso is his father,' T'Chaka said.

N'Jobu did his best to keep his reaction neutral. He knew the boy's father. Tankiso would be N'Jobu's inside man to help him smuggle the Vibranium out of Wakanda and into Niganda with Klaue when the time came.

"Pleased to meet you, W'Kabi," N'Jobu said. He held out his hand to shake, and W'Kabi stared at T'Challa first and then T'Chaka.

"Do not be foolish, W'Kabi, you can shake my Uncle's hand. He is a Prince like me. Not the King!" T'Challa laughed.

W'Kabi smiled and took N'Jobu's hand. It was a firm handshake and N'Jobu was impressed by the confidence he felt there.

"Alright, boys. Off to bed now. Prince N'Jobu and I must talk," T'Chaka said heading toward his private bar.

"Goodnight, Uncle," T'Challa said hugging N'Jobu once more. W'Kabi bowed and N'Jobu watched the two children leave the suite followed by T'Challa's personal Dora.

"They are like brothers," T'Chaka said handing N'Jobu a small glass of plum liquor.

Brothers.

If Erik were here, he would probably join along with his cousin, the three boys staying up late and giggling, maybe even running around the palace in secret like he and T'Chaka did when they were young boys long ago.

N'Jobu sipped the plum liquor thinking of his son. Erik would wear the silk robes of the Golden Tribe, N'Jobu's family sigil sewn into the collar. He could imagine hearing the sound of Erik's sweet laughter ricocheting off the high walls and ceilings of the Eastern Palace. The soft patter of Califia's feet would probably echo in the halls as she would no doubt be the one to hustle the boys back to bed. For a second, N'Jobu closed his eyes and tried to see her wearing his royal robes and returning to the large bed in his suite down below. He so wanted to make real love to her again. Body and soul together.

"No problems getting into the country, Baby Brother?"

"No," N'Jobu said opening his eyes back up and finishing the plum liquor.

"Sit," T'Chaka said.

N'Jobu padded over to the couch near the expansive window that reflected the twinkling of city lights below.

"Things are not well here."

"I have been made aware," N'Jobu said.

"Your thoughts?"

"I am shocked that the one man you have imprisoned, the one they say tried to plot an assassination…what proof do you really have to keep him incarcerated—"

"Proof? Are you implying that I would just throw someone into confinement just on a whim?"

"From what I have gathered on my own there has only been speculation and flexing—"

"Would you have me wait for outright harm to come to me or to someone in our family first?"

"Of course not—"

"Then why question my rule?"

"Will this man have a trial?"

T'Chaka waved his hand at N'Jobu.

"Enough. No more talk of this. It is not your concern."

T'Chaka poured more plum liquor into his glass and he held up the bottle for N'Jobu.

N'Jobu took the bottle and poured more in his own glass. They both sipped and eyed each other. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," T'Chaka said.

Whoa.

A voluptuous young woman with flashing eyes stepped into the room wearing a long mauve River Tribe styled evening tunic.

"Your Highness," she said, keeping her eyes respectfully downcast when she saw N'Jobu. She was beautiful, her hair tied back allowing her thick braids to fall down her back and N'Jobu knew exactly what she was there for.

"Prince N'Jobu, let us speak more in the morning. Breakfast with Baba and Umama in the sunroom?"

"Yes," N'Jobu said, standing up. He glanced at the woman again and he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over what his brother was playing with at night. He knew for a fact that T'Chaka had several women in rotation for many years. It drove their parents crazy. Umama in particularly hated mistresses being anywhere near the palace, no matter who they were messing around with. Rumor had it that their own father tried to have a young plaything early in his marriage to their mother, but Umama took an ancient knife that allegedly belonged to the very first Black Panther, Bashenga, and threatened to cut off his scrotum and end the entire royal line of Udaku forever if he ever brought another woman into the palace. The fact that he and T'Chaka existed let N'Jobu know that his Baba must've stayed on the straight and narrow. There was no doubt that his mother would kill their father and any woman he had back then or now.

No wonder they wanted T'Chaka married again.

"This is Dineo. She will accompany you to your suite."

N'Jobu's eyes widened.

"A nice homecoming companion for you. It must be tough to find a beauty like this out there," T'Chaka said winking.

Crude. Distasteful. What was this? From his own brother?

Dineo allowed her eyes to rest on N'Jobu's face and he saw her lips part when she got a good look at him.

"Goodnight, T'Chaka," N'Jobu said putting his drink glass on the bar and leaving the room. Dineo followed him and Yejide followed them both.

When N'Jobu reached the private elevator, he turned to her.

"I do not need you," he whispered discreetly so Yejide didn't hear. Not that she didn't already know what Dineo was there for.

"I must accompany you to your suite regardless. The King has demanded this. Please, do not cause me trouble, Your Highness."

Dineo rode the elevator with him down to his suite.

When they reached the outside of his quarters, Ometeko looked shocked to see Dineo at his heels.

"Do not ask," he said to Ometeko as he swept into his space.

Dineo was right behind him when the doors swung shut.

"I am here. You can leave," he said, surprised that the woman even stepped into his private sphere.

Dineo fingered her braids and then allowed her long lashes to flutter as she placed her gaze fully on his face, all pretense of deference gone. She wanted to be there with him. Gently tugging on the clasps that held her tunic closed, the loose clothing dropped to her feet.

Shit.

Her nipples stood at attention as she played with them, and all those curves that the tunic hinted at earlier were more than true once fully revealed.

"I am here for you, Your Highness," she whispered.

"I understand that, however—"

"I hear you are known to make women cry when you make love to them, Your Highness."

He hadn't had sex with a woman in Wakanda for almost a decade.

"Dineo—"

"I have heard all the stories from here to Azania about you. I want you to make me cry," she said stepping toward him.

If this were another time, he would be all over this girl and rearranging her insides. But he had a woman at home that knocked him off of his feet, even five thousand miles away.

He turned his back on her and headed to his bedroom.

"Do not make me have you escorted out, Dineo," he tossed over his shoulder as he pressed his kimoyo beads opening his suite's front doors.

"Your Highness," Ometeko called into the space without entering.

"Please see to it that Dineo makes it back to her own home," N'Jobu said before slamming his bedroom door shut.

###

"N'Jobu."

His body relaxed when he saw Califia's face on his computer.

She was snug in their bed inside their townhouse.

"Erik is still asleep. Do you want me to wake him?"

"No, let him sleep. I sent him a recorded video for him to see when he wakes."

"How are things?"

"I'm still feeling things out. My brother is dealing with some political dissenters, some policy changes...blah, blah, blah." He tried to make things sound mundane to comfort her.

"You're not tired? You should be exhausted."

"I am," he said.

"It's raining here," she said, "a good clean rain. Everything smells so good outside."

"You sound well, my love."

"It's the rain. It makes me feel brand new. But it's not the same without you here to enjoy it with me."

She sat up in bed and he saw that she was nude.

"Baby, really? You know I'm on the other side of the world and you sit up there onscreen with those beautiful tits teasing me?"

She fondled her nipples for him.

"You're killing me over here," he said.

She really was, he felt his cock fatten in his pants.

"Let me really put you six feet under then," she said, peeling back the covers, showing him already plump glistening folds.

"Were you playing with yourself?"

"Mmmhmmm, right before you called," she sighed, her fingers plying her labia open.

"Fuck…Califia…"

N'Jobu groaned loud in his room and yanked down his pants.

Three fingers deep, Califia fingerfucked herself for him as he damn near stroked all the skin off of his dick.

When she came calling his name while staring at him, her legs spread wide, he shot thick ropes of his own cum onto his chest. He fell asleep to the sound of the rain falling on their skylight and her fingers playing with her clit ring, her voice softly telling him she loved him.

It was a blissful rest.

Chapter 21 HERE.

[missizzy]

Ficlet: Okoye, Twelve Hours Later

The first light of dawn always wakes Okoye, even when she’s barely slept two hours. She counted on it, taking the cot by the window so it would fall on her. Though that was fitful sleep anyway, full of dreams of both actual and imagined deaths.

When Shuri fell asleep on a cot in one of the training rooms, one adjacent to only one other, the surviving Dora Milaje chose to sleep that night in that adjacent one, a room only now big enough to hold all of them. There’s three other bodies shrouded in the darkness; Ayo’s just outside, having taken the final shift.

Even with Okoye being lucky enough to still have her, it’ll likely take them over a year to rebuild their ranks. They always have a list of candidates prepared, of course, and some of them are still alive, but she doesn’t even know if they’ll be willing anymore. She hasn’t had time to find out yet.

She might not have it today, either. Shuri should have at least one more training session this morning, before they’re both going to see the Avengers off, and even though this is going to be a toned-down coronation, there are still too many preparations to make, and not nearly enough people left to make them. If there’s any time after that, she needs to talk to just about every person still alive who works in the Citadel. And that’s if no one tries to attack it today, and there’s a good chance someone will.

(Although if it’s that crazed man from the Mining Tribe, that’ll be one less problem at the coronation, at least.)

Ayo comes in and walks across the room The two of them sit dully on the bed next to each other, both of them still a little too sleep deprived. “Anything else happen?” she asks Okoye.

“Nakia finally contacted us. She has recovered the stolen vibranium, and she says that unless we want her to do something in particular here, since it is impossible to get her back for the coronation, she would prefer to stay where she is, where she says she can do more good.”

“She probably can,” Ayo notes. “We can send Teela there tomorrow for the vibranium, or possibly Mabhuti. I know you’d want to go yourself…”

“But I can’t. I know.” Okoye’s not sure when she’ll next be able to leave the capital. Even if the monarch she’s serving does, if things are bad enough here, she might have to send Ayo with her. Although that situation really needs Nakia, not her.

Should she demand Nakia come back? She wouldn’t protest. She might not even entirely mind; it couldn’t have been an easy decision, to stay away when Shuri is about to end up the situation she’ll probably more or less be in even if M’Baku ends up king.

The other three women are all waking up now. Feyistan first, as she’s typically been since she and Akanni joined them. Next to her, M’yra’s groaning slightly, but she sits up around the same time Teela does.

Even in the limited light, Okoye can see the exact moment each of them remembers why they’re there, and why there’s only the five of them. For the thousandth time, the names go through her own head: Xoliswa, Nareema, T’Yani…she’ll never forget T’Yani’s death; that sight is burned into her memory… Dalia, Onyeka, Lulu, Zola, Mbali, Folami, Akanni.

“We are all consumed with the same grief, I know,” she says to them. “We will bear it for the rest of our lives. We will remember our fallen sisters until our own deaths. But we must nonetheless continue on, especially now, when we have a country and a monarch to come who will need us even more than they usually do. We will have that monarch crowned before the sun sets tonight, whom we will serve and protect with our own lives. We will give everything we have, and the five of us will make that enough, until we find new women to join us, and then we will teach them and lead them, as others did for us.” She nods slightly at Feyistan, for whom that happened so recently.

“This is not unknown in our history. Four hundred years ago there was a great fire in this city, and only one of the Dora Milaje survived. She made fundamental changes to the group, turned us into what we are today. Those measures are not needed right now, of course, but we will otherwise follow her example, and as long as Wakanda still stands, so do we.”

I will now go and wake up Shuri,” she continues. “Feyistan will stay with us. Ayo, you will take M’yra and Teela upstairs and the three of you will post yourselves where you believe it most necessary. See the Queen as well, once she’s awake.

Wakanda forever.” She whispers it as they all stand up. They all murmur it then, voices trembling, arms jerking into place; it’s finally coming to Feyistan automatically. Each of them feels the strength of it, right down to her bones.

[pizza-is-my-buziness]

In honor of Black Panther and how totally amazing it was, I thought I would do a little ficlet where our favorite agents hang out in Wakanda for a bit...plus there’s a bit of Skimmons too because duh! Minor, minor spoilers for the movie...unless you don’t want to know anything then spoilers I guess? Takes place post 5x10.

“So we’re on the top of like everyone’s most wanted list.” Daisy says this casually, like it’s the type of thing that you can just say to a group of people sitting in a single hotel room, eating pre-packed food stolen from a vending machine after you’ve just returned from the future and a space station.

All the heads turn in her direction and the silence is only broken when Jemma just sighs, shaking her head and taking another animal cracker out of the bag.

“I mean, it’s not exactly the first time,” Coulson says, trying to force a little bit of lightness to his tone. “We just need to find a place to lie low for a while.”

Daisy is slightly envious of the way Coulson makes such a thing sound so easy. “How are we going to lie low when every government organization in the country is looking for us?”

After everything with Talbot, all their secrets have pretty much been exposed. They can’t exactly find any more underground bases to hide in and Daisy is pretty sure all their second chances have officially run out.

There’s another round of silence and another sigh from Jemma. Daisy thinks that’s a pretty efficient way of stating things given the situation.

“I know someone,” May says finally and now all eyes are on her. “I’ll make a call.”

Coulson looks slightly curious, slightly jealous. “You have secret contacts?”

May smirks at him, somehow both mischievous and reassuring. “I’ve got to have a few secrets, don’t I?”

Watching them, Daisy feels a little bit like a kid watching her parents make eyes at each other in the kitchen. But, more than anything, she’s intrigued. “Who’s your contact?”

“Just let me make a call,” is all May has to say on the subject.

~ ~ ~ They’ve been in the motel -a cheap one, with ratty carpet and not enough beds or towels or people around to care- for two days when May finally says, “I’ve found us a place to lie low.”

Daisy perks up, barely lifting her head from where she has it pillowed against her crossed arms. She and Jemma have been watching day time television on mute for the past two hours, trying to figure out what drama the people on the talk shows are arguing about. It’s far less entertaining when you can’t hear anything, though that was Mack’s stipulation for allowing the trashy shows to grace the television. Jemma’s fingers have been toying absently with the ends of Daisy’s hair and she doesn’t want to move too much, lest Jemma realize what she’s been doing and stop.

“They’re sending a plane shortly,” May continues. “We need to be at the rendezvous point as soon as possible.”

“A plane?” Jemma says, her fingers stilling in Daisy’s hair. “Where, exactly, are we going?”

This time when May smiles, it’s more than a little mischievous. “You’ll see.”

~ ~ ~

The plane that arrives is nothing like Daisy has ever seen before. She wouldn’t even call it a plane, not if she was asked to describe it. It’s a jet that rivals the Zephyr in every way: shape, speed, stealth and comfort. As they step into the circular vehicle, Daisy’s eyes grow wide and she lets her jaw drop slightly as she takes in the glowing technology all around. She’s practically salivating at the idea of getting her hands on any of these instruments and taking them apart to see how they work.

“This is futuristic tech,” Daisy says, her voice awed, her hands itching.

Though, she has a feeling that the sharp woman standing up from the pilot’s seat would not be too forgiving if Daisy started trying to take her ship apart.

“In a way, yes,” the woman says and Daisy thinks she just might be the most beautifully striking woman she’s ever seen. Her clothes are a rich red, adorned with African designs, as is her scalp. Her gaze is steely, her body as slim and controlled as the weapons that Daisy had been training with prior to receiving her Inhuman abilities. “The ship is powered with vibranium.”

Coulson manages to look equally impressed and fearful. “Vibranium? I had no idea that such large quantities still existed.”

The woman only smiles. “You’ll soon be very surprised.”

“General,” May says as she steps toward the woman, “thank you for helping us out. If we had any other choice, I can assure you we wouldn’t be putting you or your country in danger but-”

The General only shakes her head, cutting May off. “Melinda, I am always happy to do a favor for a friend.” She clasps May’s forearm briefly, a smile on her face.

Daisy bumps her shoulder against Jemma’s. “How do you think they know each other?” She whispers, hoping no one else can hear her. “I am dying to hear that story.”

Jemma lifts an eyebrow. “Good luck getting either of them to talk.”

The General returns to her seat. “Make yourselves comfortable,” she says over her shoulder. “We’ll be in Wakanda shortly.”

“Wakanda?” Daisy repeats, mentally sifting through the information she knows about the place. Her current events are exactly up to date given all the running around and hiding and trying not to die and saving the world stuff, but she remembers hearing a bit about Wakanda on the news a few months ago with the attack on a UN building and the implementation of the Sokovia Accords. “This came from Wakanda?”

“You’ll soon be very surprised,” the General says once more.

And her words are not an understatement, though Daisy thinks there should be a word stronger than surprised because that’s what she needs to describe how she’s currently feeling. Wakanda is certainly nothing like the third world nation the news has always implied that it is. It’s rich and luscious, thriving and teeming with life. Everywhere Daisy looks, she just sees more advanced tech like the jet they’d just ridden in: more air crafts designed to mimic dragonflies and other animals, fast moving land vehicles, lights and buildings that glow and shimmer with a power that can hardly be called electricity. The people spare them barely a glance as they pass by and Daisy wishes that she could be equally as uninterested, but she can’t stop staring. The colorful fabrics and decorative face paints make her want to stare for hours, just so she can take in and appreciate every little detail. Children run and play, chasing each other and making growling sounds, seeming more interested in their game than the newcomers.

“This is marvelous,” Jemma says breathlessly, reaching up to brush her fingers gently across the broad leaves of a flowering plant. “Like paradise.”

General Okoye nods. “We like to think so.”

She leads them into a building and Daisy wonders if anyone is going to hold it against her if she just keeps staring at everything. The space is massive, the ceilings vaulted and large, the windows and doors open and inviting. The building is cool and dim, both a relief after the heat from the outside, but hardly unwelcoming. There are a few people here and there, attending to various duties, but overall things seem to be calm and quiet and Daisy feels like just being inside the palace is going to lull her to sleep.

“King T’Challa is attending to business elsewhere in the palace,” General Okoye says, “but I’m sure he’ll be able to welcome you soon. I can have someone show you to your rooms.”

She leaves without another word or explanation, moving on silent feet down a darkened corridor. May smiles a bit, watching her go. “She’s part of the Dora Milaje,” she says. “They rarely leave the king’s side. We definitely owe her big time for the rescue.”

“She’s a bodyguard,” Mack remarks. “I can’t imagine anyone would even want to try anything with her standing there.”

“They usually don’t,” May says.

“When my brother said we were going to begin helping refugees, I didn’t imagine he meant bringing them here.” They turn toward the sound, the voice belonging to a teenage girl in a flowing patterned outfit, a smirk on her face. “You certainly look like refugees, though.”

“Traveling through time and staying in a cheap motel for three days will definitely do that to you,” Coulson remarks.

The girl keeps smiling despite this strange statement. “I’m Shuri, Princess of Wakanda,” she says. “And you are agents of SHIELD.”

Honestly, it doesn’t surprise Daisy that she recognizes them, given their recent luck and track record. “Probably ‘former’ agents is more accurate,” she mutters.

Shuri’s eyes settle on her. “You’re the one that can make earthquakes, right?” Her eyes brighten. “I have some things down in my lab that I would love to show you.”

If Daisy isn’t mistaken, Jemma perks up slightly at the mention of the word ‘lab.’ It’s a welcome change over her quiet exhaustion over the past few days, even if it is just baby steps. Daisy has been desperate to get Jemma to herself for even thirty minutes, though that’s been relatively impossible given their circumstances recently. She knows things with Fitz are still strained, the friendship tenuous, and it seems unlikely that all the space exploration and Kree have done much to help that.

Before Shuri can drag her off toward the lab, another woman appears, shooing the princess away with the firm statement, “Your brother wants them to rest,” and seemingly unaffected by Shuri’s glare and eye-roll. Instead, the woman leads them to their rooms, a separate one for each of them, which honestly seems more than Daisy could have asked for.

The floor is cool beneath Daisy’s feet when she slips off her boots and it feels good to have her skin against a surface that doesn’t seem likely to give her a fungus of some kind. She runs her fingers against the smooth, glistening fabric of the dark comforter on the bed and the sight of the pillows, already fluffy and plump, nearly makes her cry. Though she can’t imagine laying down in a bed so comfortable and clean feeling as gross and grimy as she currently does.

Though, the sight of the bathroom honestly does make tears prick her eyes. There’s a massive claw foot tub, plush towels already stacked in a pyramid on the dark marble counter. There’s also a shower, rows of unlabeled jars and salves resting on the stone ledge. There’s a window that overlooks a staggering field dotted with trees and buildings and people, though Daisy is far enough up that she doubts anyone can see her like she can see them.

Daisy weighs her options for a moment before settling on the shower, promising to try out the tub before someone throws her out of Wakanda. The shower is heavenly, the water perfectly warm, and she feels clean, finally, for the first time in weeks. Her skin is raw and pink from all the scrubbing, but she smells pretty amazing, if she does say so herself. And the robe that she wraps herself in feels like a cloud.

When Daisy walks out of the bathroom, her first instinct is to raise her hand toward the person standing by the window in her room. But Daisy lowers it just as quickly. “Jemma,” she says, “are you okay?”

Jemma turns back to face her, startled by her sudden reappearance. “I promise I haven’t been here long,” she assures her. “I didn’t want to interrupt your shower and I was just-”

“Jemma, it’s fine,” Daisy assures her quickly. “You don’t have to…you know…act like we’re strangers or anything.”

Jemma smiles at her faintly, relief on her features. “I know, it’s strange, isn’t it?” She shakes her head. “I feel like a stranger to myself.”

Daisy nods. “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” Her brow furrows. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” Jemma says quickly, then adds, “Well, as okay as things can be, I guess. It’s just…strange being alone all of the sudden. After we’ve been sharing space for all this time.”

Daisy smiles slightly, biting the inside of her mouth to keep it from turning into a grin. “Aw, you miss me,” she teases. “I knew that cheap motel was good for something.”

Jemma rolls her eyes. “That motel wasn’t good for anything, I can assure you. Except maybe bedbugs.”

Daisy’s nose crinkles. “We definitely won’t be getting bedbugs from this place.”

Jemma turns back toward the window, letting her hands rest on the sill. There’s no glass, letting the warm breeze move freely through the room. “This is amazing, isn’t it?” She says. “It’s impossible to believe. It seems like a fairytale.”

“I’m willing to bet that bed is going to make me feel like a princess, at least,” Daisy says. “I mean, the shower is definitely princess-worthy.” She gives Jemma the once over. “I’m honestly impressed with your restraint right now.”

Jemma looks down at herself, taking in her wrinkled clothes, rumpled and grimy from interdimensional travel and the world’s cheapest motel. “I might be too tired to stand,” she admits.

“It’s worth it, trust me.” Daisy shoos her in the direction of the lavish bathroom.

Neither of them bother to question why Jemma can’t just use the perfectly good bathroom in her own perfectly good bedroom.

Daisy is testing out which of the pillows are the fluffiest when the door opens once more and Jemma emerges, hair dripping onto the plush shoulders of her bathrobe. She looks languid and serene, flushed and washed and new. Cleansed. “I never want to leave this place,” she says dreamily.

Daisy grins. “If we hide in one of these rooms they’ll probably never even realize we’re here at all.”

Jemma tilts her head toward the bed. “You look comfortable.”

Daisy sighs, snuggling deeper into the comforter and the mountain of pillows. “I’m probably going to sleep for the next seventy-five years honestly.”

She hesitates for a moment before adding, “If you want to stay in here…you can…I mean, you know, the rooms are so big and like you said we’ve kinda gotten used to staying together anyway and I mean why use two bedrooms when one will do and, you know, no pressure or anything but-”

“Okay,” Jemma says with a hint of a smile, stepping toward the bed. “I would be awfully lonely.”

Daisy grins, trying to ignore the relief she feels when Jemma climbs into the bed beside her. “Exactly. I mean I’m tempted to ask everyone else to come in too, just to really make it feel like home.”

Jemma rolls her eyes. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”

~ ~ ~

The next day -or days, honestly, Daisy isn’t entirely sure and seriously what is time anyway? Recent events have really proven that time is far from important- Shuri drags her toward the lab.

“I looked at those old gauntlets you brought with you,” Shuri says as she tugs Daisy down a swooping staircase that corkscrews through deep, glittering tunnels. Daisy is only half-listening, too busy staring at the world beyond the glass of the lab, at the very active mine with its vibranium. “No wonder you’ve been experiencing a severe physical toll from using your abilities.”

Daisy pulls her gaze away and back toward the Wakandan princess. “How do you know I’ve had problems with my powers?”

“You think I haven’t been doing my research?” Shuri grins. “You guys sleep too much, I had to do something to keep myself occupied. I’ve been watching old footage of Quake. Good name, by the way. But you can see it in the video footage, how you struggle after using your powers. Your tech is very outdated though, which is part of the problem.”

Judging by the lab and everything currently in progress, Daisy has a hard time believing that Shuri needed to look at amateur cell phone videos of Quake to keep herself occupied. “You designed all these things?”

Shuri waves her hand dismissively. “I’m in between projects right now,” she says, moving over toward a table. “Most of these things need an upgrade, but I’m working on it.”

Daisy touches a pair of gauntlets sitting on one of the smooth surfaces, the tops shaped like snarling panthers. “Okay I’m officially jealous,” she says. “I need to improve my style.”

��That’s what I’m here for,” Shuri assures her. “I’ve got a few new prototypes for you to try.”

If Shuri says anything more, Daisy honestly doesn’t take any of it in. If walking into the bathroom the day (days?) before had made her want to cry, this place makes her just want to lay down and never leave again. She’s desperate to sit down at one of the work stations and just peel back the layers of the many programs that Shuri has running. She wants to know what makes everything work, how these things are even possible at all. Her brain is humming with desperation and excitement and sheer curiosity. And she’s just as desperate to pick Shuri’s brain as well, to see what other marvels the girl has churning away in there.

“How?” Daisy is pretty sure that she intended to actually formulate a sentence but honestly that word pretty much encapsulates everything that really needs to be said anyway.

Shuri turns back toward her and grins, clearly enjoying her amazement. “Come, sit.” She pats the chair beside her. “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen the Sand Table.”

Daisy thinks that’s probably true, which is saying something considering how amazed she already is by what she’s seen.

The Sand Table, as promised, definitely blows her away. As do the new gauntlets that Shuri has put together for her, ones that fit like a glove and settle comfortable against her sore and constantly battered limbs.

“Your first gauntlets were a decent idea but were in definite need of some upgrading,” Shuri says, making a few adjustments to the gauntlets as they settle on Daisy’s arms. “These will help absorb the impact of your powers and distribute them more evenly throughout your body. They’ll also absorb and store the seismic waves, which will strengthen the magnitude of your quakes.”

Daisy grimaces, eyeing the devices uneasily. “I’m not sure I really need them to get any stronger…”

The sound of footsteps echoing from above distracts Shuri from her response and both she and Daisy look toward the spiraling staircase. Daisy is only slightly embarrassed by how her heart gives a little hop of excitement when she sees Jemma, who smiles at her in return. “I thought we might find you here.”

Fitz is trailing behind her, seeming equally as floored as Daisy had felt upon first stepping into the lab. Shuri gives him the once over, pursing her lips. She glances back toward Daisy. “More broken white boys?” She says under her breath, lifting an eyebrow to punctuate the question.

Daisy isn’t entirely sure how she’s supposed to respond to that statement but there’s something about it that definitely rings true. She can’t help but scoff, though she feels only slightly guilty about it.

But only slightly.

Shuri seems more than happy to show off her lab to all of them, tinkering with Daisy’s gauntlets and explaining her upgrades to Jemma and Fitz. “You had the right idea with the first ones,” Shuri tells Jemma. “But just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t work better. I tell my brother that all the time but does he listen to me? No.” She rolls her eyes.

“I can’t imagine anyone not listening to you,” Jemma remarks, shaking her head.

Shuri just laughs. “I like you,” she says. “Be sure you tell my brother that.”

~ ~ ~

Sunsets in Wakanda seem to be the most beautiful in the world. Daisy feels comfortable making that type of statement, seeing as she’s spent a lot of time in different places around the world. Mostly on SHIELD missions, of course, but still. Time to stop and enjoy a sunset or two.

But they’re nothing like the ones in Wakanda. The sun seems to stretch out across the entire world, bathing everything in rippling gold and molten orange, giving every human, plant and animal an ethereal shimmer.

Daisy doesn’t think she’ll ever get tired of them, despite the days they’ve already spent in Wakanda and the evenings that she’s spent exactly like this, sitting on the top of the palace, watching as night starts its steady decent across the country, Jemma sitting there beside her.

They’ve been sharing the bedroom since their arrival, despite repeated insistence from their hosts that they have plenty of room to spare. “Leave them alone, Brother,” Shuri had said in exasperation the night before at dinner, “if they want to be together, let them.”

The sentiment had rung particularly true with Daisy, settling in her stomach and refusing to leave her mind. If only it were really as simple as Shuri had made it seem, as if all she had to do was just admit her feelings to Jemma and everything else would just fall away.

Though, sitting here, watching the sunset, it feels like it really might be that easy, that anything could be possible.

“Jemma,” Daisy says, though she already knows before she even starts that she’ll chicken out before making any type of confession, “are you…okay? Really?”

Jemma looks at her, though she doesn’t seem surprised or confused by Daisy’s question. She just seems quietly resigned. “I will be,” she says with a nod. “I’m feeling pretty okay right now, honestly.”

Daisy smiles faintly. “I mean, it’s a great sunset.” It seems easier to say that than to hope that she might have anything to do with Jemma feeling temporarily content.

Though the soft way that Jemma smiles at her makes Daisy wonder.

“Yes,” Jemma says, reaching out and taking Daisy’s hand. “It is.”

They stay there until long after the sunset has set, until twilight has fallen and the stars have started appearing a thousand strong in the night sky, and Daisy can’t help but look down at Jemma’s hand still in hers and think that maybe Jemma knows exactly how she feels anyway.  

[aion-rsa]

Marvel’s WandaVision: Vision’s Avengers and MCU History Recap

https://ift.tt/39G2kG6

WandaVision has been considered one of the more unique concepts for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The new Disney+ show takes two members of the Avengers and puts them in a new setting with a sitcom motif that is intended to be a comforting status quo but is anything but. As the layers begin to peel back on reality, this story of a wise android and his magic-wielding wife is more of a bonkers horror mystery than anything else.

To have this as the first step in the long-awaited Phase 4 of the MCU is a ballsy move. A move forced because of the worldwide COVID situation, but a ballsy move regardless. How do you even explain the concept of the show to someone who is taken in by the commercials or sees the icon on the Disney+ menu? Avengers: Infinity War also had a lot of baggage going in, but even that was easily explained as, “all the heroes team up to stop the big villain from gathering all the special power-ups before it’s too late.”

To help you prepare for WandaVision, I’m going to focus on the MCU history of Vision, as played by Paul Bettany.

THE JARVIS LEGACY

To understand Vision, you have to go back nearly a century to the life of Edwin Jarvis. A member of the British Armed Forces, Jarvis eventually left the battlefield to work as a butler for millionaire inventor Howard Stark. A loyal friend, Jarvis worked for the Stark family for roughly 50 years. Howard and Maria died in the early ’90s, leaving Jarvis to act as a father figure to the orphaned Tony Stark.

While the details of Edwin Jarvis’ death are unknown, Tony would ensure that his name, wisdom, and work ethic would live on. Tony invented an artificial intelligence called Just A Rather Very Intelligent System, otherwise known as JARVIS. With a voice and personality similar to Edwin Jarvis, JARVIS acted as a disembodied security system and information hub for Tony Stark.

This proved especially helpful when Tony Stark created the second incarnation of the Iron Man armor and installed JARVIS as his co-pilot, offering advice and information when necessary. JARVIS aided Iron Man in Iron Man’s trilogy of solo films, as well as the first Avengers movie.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

The first Avengers movie involved the team fighting off an alien invasion led by the mad god Loki. Despite winning, Tony Stark retained a lingering fear that there would be bigger and more destructive aliens on the way eventually. Earth would never be truly safe. As he was in the process of leaving his Iron Man duties behind, Stark felt that Earth needed its own worldwide security system. As he put it, a suit of armor around the planet.

The Avengers defeated the terrorist cell HYDRA and, in doing so, obtained the Mind Stone. Previously, in Loki’s hands, the Mind Stone was a tool to conquer the minds of enemies and turn them into allies. In HYDRA’s hands, it was a tool to awaken latent abilities in those who survived intense exposure to it, such as twin siblings Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. Tony Stark and Bruce Banner decided to play God by creating a brand-new and incredibly advanced AI out of the Mind Stone that would have the capacity to protect the entire human race and fight off any potential invaders.

While Stark and Banner were gone, the Ultron AI awakened. JARVIS attempted to coax it, but Ultron’s tabula rasa form being bombarded with so much information was too overwhelming. The Ultron AI immediately went mad and tore apart JARVIS’ programming. Ultron created a series of bodies, attacked the Avengers, and declared war on the world.

Read more

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Since Ultron was able to extend his consciousness to various robotic bodies, he intended to create the ultimate android body to make himself truly unbeatable. This host body, which included the special metal vibranium, synthetic tissue, and the Mind Stone, was stolen away from the Avengers.

What Ultron didn’t realize was that pieces of JARVIS’ programming still existed and were able to keep Ultron from spreading his AI to the internet or government nuclear programs. Stark chose to upload what was left of JARVIS into the android body and Thor gave it life with a blast of lightning.

A red, flying humanoid sprung to life, calling himself Vision. Other than flight, he could fire lasers out of his forehead and alter his mass so that he could phase through matter or turn himself so dense that he was borderline unbreakable.

While he had JARVIS’ voice and demeanor, he was not quite JARVIS…albeit not quite Ultron either. Explaining that he was on “the side of life,” he offered his assistance to the Avengers and proved himself noble and pure-hearted by picking up Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, a feat only possible to those considered worthy.

Then again, Captain America and Iron Man would later argue that Vision wasn’t so much “worthy” as his machine biology allowed him to bypass that magic (ie. an elevator could theoretically “lift” Mjolnir despite its lack of sentience). Thor refused to agree with their logic.

Thor also realized the true meaning behind the Mind Stone on Vision’s forehead and how it was part of the six Infinity Stones, which were otherwise scattered across the galaxy. Due to his powers and proven worthiness, Thor felt the Mind Stone was in safe hands.

Vision helped the Avengers defeat Ultron in the final battle in Sokovia. Ultron’s main body, as well as countless drones, were completely destroyed. Vision tracked down the final, mangled Ultron drone. This drone, the last home to Ultron’s consciousness, debated with Vision about the fate of mankind. Annoyed by Vision’s optimism, Ultron charged and was quickly vaporized. The Age of Ultron was over before it could truly begin.

In the aftermath, a new Avengers team was put together. Vision joined Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon, War Machine, and – most importantly – the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

An Avengers mission, that Vision is for some reason not part of, went horribly wrong when Scarlet Witch tried to move a suicide bomber away from the area with her telekinesis. The explosion went off before she could clear it from the area, causing many deaths. This controversy helped create the Sokovia Accords, which decreed that the government had oversight in the Avengers’ duties, else they would be considered criminals.

The various heroes had differing thoughts on the matter. Vision felt that the increase of superheroes and supervillains meant that the chaos would also increase and that government oversight was the right way to go. He also agreed that it was in Wanda’s best interests to remain at Avengers Headquarters and refrain from appearing in public until everything blew over. The two bonded during this time, but Wanda was not entirely comfortable with the pressure to stay in the complex, guilty feelings or not.

Read more

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The Marvel Movies Debrief – Captain America: Civil War Recap, Legacy, and MCU Connections

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Captain America: Civil War – Complete Marvel Universe Easter Eggs and References Guide

By Mike Cecchini

The split over the Sokovia Accords led to everyone taking a side with either Captain America or Iron Man. Hawkeye entered Avengers Headquarters to get Wanda to join Cap’s side. Vision easily defeated Hawkeye in combat, but Wanda was able to overpower him with ease. She had enough of living in fear and wanted out.

The two met again on the battlefield as the two warring sides fought it out at an airport. Vision was indeed a heavy hitter for Iron Man’s side, but he wasn’t without fault. His feelings for Wanda muddied his robotic sense of accuracy. As he tried to blast a laser at Falcon, he missed and instead hit his ally War Machine, accidentally causing him to crash and lose the use of his legs.

Regardless, Iron Man’s side won. Wanda and some of the others on Captain America’s team were put in a special prison. Soon enough, they were sprung free by Captain America himself, now a fugitive.

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

Even though Wanda was part of Captain America’s covert team (existing in spite of the government’s wishes), she still found time to be with Vision. The two became romantically involved and Vision even figured out how to morph his appearance into something more human-looking. As they vacationed in Scotland, they quickly discovered that Vision was in the crosshairs of a major plot to annihilate half the universe.

The sinister alien villain Thanos had wanted to bring together all six Infinity Stones so he could wish away half of all life and therefore – in his twisted logic – prevent overpopulation. Having just discovered a lead on the Soul Stone, he then knew the whereabouts of all six and prepared and all-out blitz to capture them all over the course of a couple days.

That meant that Thanos wanted Vision’s Mind Stone.

A few of Thanos’ most powerful soldiers ambushed Vision and Scarlet Witch and came very close to removing the gem from Vision’s head. Luckily, Captain America, Black Widow, and Falcon arrived to ward them off.

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At first glance, the answer was simple: if Thanos needed all six Infinity Stones to succeed, then they could just destroy the Mind Stone. Scarlet Witch’s powers were linked to it, so she presumably had the ability to break it. Considering that would kill the love of her life, she refused. Instead, they would go to the advanced African country of Wakanda, where the super-smart princess Shuri would be able to remove the Mind Stone from Vision’s head without killing him. Then Wanda could trash the gem and Thanos would be thwarted.

Thanos’ forces raided Wakanda, as expected. Eventually, Scarlet Witch and Vision had to take part in the battle rather than wait for Vision to get the gem removed. Although badly wounded in the process, Vision was able to kill Thanos’ henchman Corvus Glaive thanks to Captain America’s help.

Vision begged Wanda to destroy the Mind Stone, even if it would cost his own life. Reluctantly, Wanda did so while Thanos (armed with the other five Infinity Stones) arrived and easily dispatched the other heroes. Wanda succeeded in blowing up the Mind Stone. Vision was dead and Wanda broke down.

Thanos showed compassion for her sacrifice, but it meant nothing in the end. Thanos had the Time Stone, which allowed him to rewind the clock and bring the Mind Stone back. Thanos brutally tore it from Vision’s head and left the lifeless husk behind.

At first, Thanos succeeded in his mission and erased half of all life from existence. This included Wanda Maximoff. Five years later, the Avengers were able to bring everyone back and Wanda even meted out some form of vengeance against Thanos for a moment.

While all those snapped away returned, Vision was not so lucky. Not only was he still dead, but the Infinity Stones had been destroyed and there was virtually no way to rebuild him.

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So then…what’s he doing in WandaVision?

The post Marvel’s WandaVision: Vision’s Avengers and MCU History Recap appeared first on Den of Geek.

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