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[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water XV

Summary: Things come to a head for everyone to see. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,317 Chapter Warnings: Mention of Alcohol Consumption. K'uk'ulkan is groveling! A/N: Not yet back, just thought I could post this just for the hell of it. Just gave birth and me and the baby are back home so there is that little reason for me still not being able to be back.

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Part XV

Somehow, the worse decision you have made was drinking. Catching up with your cousins meant sharing a good few beers and array of other alcohol that they could get in a short notice. You’ve consumed a beer too many from the likes of it and after everyone was asleep, you were sitting by the sand, watching the moon.

One hand held onto the remaining can of beer and the other held onto the conch shell K'uk'ulkan had given you before you left Wakanda. It still made you wonder how such an ordinary shell could communicate with the bastard. You had done your best to tinker with the damn shell without damaging it but all leads to the fact that it was an ordinary shell. The bastard must be fucking with you one last time.

“Fuck it.” You muttered downing the remaining beer before taking a deep breath and holding the shell against your lips.

It was midnight and you were certain that no one would be awake at this time so you did was you do best in times of drunken stupor, you cursed in your mother language right at the shell, over and over again, you called the man every choice words in your book for the shit he has placed on you. Making you like him, trusting him, and making you feel the very thing you tried your best to avoid all your life—love.

 “I fucking hate you for making me feel like this. For making feel like I deserve even a sprinkle of love then you all crush it down to hurt me.” You spat before you threw the shell onto the water with a resounding plop.

Wobbling back up, you tried to regain your balance in your drunken state and somehow you felt a little bit lighter for what you’ve done. Taking a deep lungful breath of the cold air, you exhaled and made your way back home. Praying you wouldn’t have to deal with the hangover that was always accompanies your drinking.

Stumbling your way back home, the familiar sensation of someone watching you was ignored as you shut the door behind you and went to bed, the dream of the man with dangerous brown eyes was there to keep you company for the next morning.

It was the fluttering warmth of the morning sun that brought you back to consciousness the following day. Making your way down to the kitchen, you caught sight of your parents in the dinner table. A hearty breakfast and strong coffee freshly brewed was there to welcome you for the morning.

“Morning,” You greeted plopping down besides your father, head resting on his shoulder while you tried to recover from the antics of last night.

“Unang gabi mo sa bahay alak agad inatupag mo kasama mga pinsan mo. (It’s your first night back and the first thing you do is drink with your cousin).” Your father playfully scolded. Hand already going right at work with rubbing your aching forehead. “Uminom ka ng kape para mahimasmasan ka. (Drink your coffee so you could recover).” He continued on.

You did just that. Drinking the kapeng barako with gusto, never minding the scorching heat from it and it did help with the headache a little but it would take you the entire day to recover the rest of it out of your system.

“Ano mga gagawin mo habang nandito ka sa bahay? (What are you planning to do while you’re in the house?)” Your mother inquired, handing you a plate of fried rice, dried fish, and spam.

“Papahinga lang muna ako ngayon siguro. (Maybe I’ll just recover for today).” You pointed out.

“Oo nga pala, Anak. Dumaan pala yung isa mo pang kaibigan. Sinabi ko nagpapahinga ka. (That reminds me, Baby. Another one of your friends stopped by. I told them you were still sleeping).”

The hairs at the back of your head stood at your mother’s words. Looking at her she seemed unfazed by whoever stopped by, but after what had happened from last night—the recollection of your drunken spree, you somehow feared for the worst.

“Sino? (Who?)”

“Namora ata yung pangalan niya? Hindi ko rin matandaan. Basta babae sya na kulay blue. Okay lang bang sabihin ko yun? (I think Namora was her name? I don’t really remember. But she was a blue-colored girl. Is that okay for me to say?)”

They have actually found you.

~ ‘I fucking hate you for making me feel like this. For making feel like I deserve even a sprinkle of love then you all crush it down to hurt me.’

When he had first received your message, he was happy that you eventually did want to talk to him. But what followed was a shrilling scream that almost woke the entire Talokanil population. Then it was an array of foreign words that he didn’t know the full context but caught glimpses here and there that he was for certain were curse words directed at him.

The next thing he had picked up was the slight slur in your words that had worried him for a moment fearing you to be in danger but only realized you were drunk by the hiccups that followed. Then it had ended with a confession that he would have never thought would ever come out of your lips.

Over and over those words had haunted him. It had been a week now since you’ve left, a week of him trying to handle the damage caused by the people of Atlantis, the cleanup had been a nightmare and the worry of his people was something he constantly needed to reassure. He genuinely had his hands tied behind his back and he could not choose to go to you as he is needed by his people first and foremost.

He needed to figure out where the enemy resides before anything else. Before he could truly pursue you in a mission to gain your forgiveness and trust back.

“K'uk'ulkan,”

He didn’t need to look behind him to know who it was. Since that fateful day in his chambers, Namora had tried her best to keep him at arms-length, focusing more on helping with the search, as well as assisting with whatever the people of Talokan would need while they recover. It was the first time in days since they had even spoke to each other.

“Namora,” He turned to acknowledge her, the frown that was now constantly evident in her features shook him still. It was because of him that she felt like so.

Without another word, the familiar shell he had given you a week ago was thrown towards him. The frown that reach his face could not fully express the utter confusion of why Namora had it in her possession. It was supposed to be with you.

“Leti' u ma'alo'ob u u ts'ook le ken estuvo waye'. (She is doing better than the last time she was here).” Namora explained his confusion. “Bey u náachkunta'al Wakanda yéetel Talokan ti' betaji' ba'al ma'alob. (It seems getting away from Wakanda and Talokan had done her some good.).”

He found himself visibly flinch at her words. But he was still, at fault for what had happened to you even throughout the days that you were in his chambers. Try as he might to deny it there was the underlying truth of your captivity in his chambers and the effect it had on your psyche as a result.

“Yaan in meentik le ba'alo'ob ma'alob. K'abéet in meetej ma'alob. (I will make things right. I need to make things right).”

In this moment in time, he was uncertain who he was making such a promise to. If it was to Namora, to you, or to himself. But one way or another, he needed to keep his word even if it means compromising everything else just to make it so.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water XIV

Summary: Finally going home was all you needed. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,757 Chapter Warnings: None.

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Part XIV

“Ang Anak ko! (My Baby!)”

The sobbing from your mother the moment you landed from the jet by the beach side of your childhood home washed away all of the stress of the constant travel you’ve placed upon yourself for the past twenty-four hours. You were wrapped in her arms and it was all you would have wanted right now—ignoring the pain still lingering from your body.

“I’m here, Mama.” You whispered. Mind going back to the moment where you thought you would never see her again. The resolve to be with her now into fruition after such a long time apart. “And I brought a friend.” You slowly pulled away to where Shuri was now making her way down the jet. A shy smile playing on the younger woman’s face.

“Ay! Hindi mo naman sinabi na may kasama kang kaibigan. Nakapagluto sana ako ng pagkain para sa inyo. (Oh! You didn’t say you would bring your friend. I would have made food for them).”

You watch your mother promptly pull away from you and began hugging Shuri much to her surprise. You tried your best to hide the laughter at the sight of her in such a predicament. It was even more amusing for her to ask in broken English about your whereabouts and what you’ve been doing for the past few years to have you not come home. You could only give Shuri a knowing look that your mother wasn’t aware of her involvement in Wakanda.

“O sya, sasabihin ko na lang sa papa mo na kumuha ng hipon at alimasag sa freezer. Wala naming allergy yung kaibigan mo diba? (Anyways, I’ll tell your father to get some shrimps and crabs from the freezer. You friend doesn’t have any allergies, right?)”

“I don’t.” Shuri reassured with a smile. You blinked in surprise that she could understand, only to realize that she had her AI on the little earpiece she had on. The realization that she had also understood what K'uk'ulkan had now called you was also up in the air. “I hope it’s also alright to overstay our welcome.” She pointed towards the jet that also had Okoye.

Your time in the jet was with Okoye bantering with Shuri about where to park the jet in the beach, and you eventually breaking the argument and reassuring the beachside would be big enough for the aircraft—temporarily. God knows what your neighbors would think when they catch sight of it in the morning.

“No worries.” You reassured them both. “Stay as long as you like.”

For the next few hours, from the feast your mother had given to you and your companions to you showing them around the beach and pointing towards the reinforced rock formation you had created to avoid the tides, they seemed a little more relaxed to be here.

“Now I don’t understand why you wouldn’t come home to this paradise.” Shuri pointed out as you both walked barefoot by the sand.

Okoye had made it her mission to patrol around to avoid any unnecessary eyes around as well as to ensure the both of you had your much needed privacy for a good while.

“It’s home. I wanted something more to do than be here.” You pointed out. “I wanted to make money to give my parents the life they deserve, when I did—I now want to make them proud of the accomplishments I’ve done in my career.”

The waves and winds were calm this time of the day, it was a complete contrast to the thunders of your heart and of your mind. But slowly, the longer you stay home, the slower the thoughts and fears would subside. It was needed, a long time coming for you to finally do. You only wished it was on a much different term than you are right now.

“Will we expect you back in Wakanda?” She inquired.

“I just need to handle some things back in New York, then I’m all yours after.” You reassured her.

You knew in your heart that being in New York no longer felt like an obligation, not with another pending investigation for the things you have not done were waiting for you when you come back. It was now a curse you needed to break before finally having a clean slate in your life.

No longer did the money matter as you’ve have all the money you could ever have and all that could help your parents for as long as they are alive. It was now your morality above everything else.

“Will you be fine in Wakanda even with what happened to Namor?” She continued and you halted, feet curling against the rough sands as you turned your gaze back towards Shuri. It was bound to be acknowledged, one way or another.

“I’ll be fine.” You reassured, having not said anything about what transpired. To this very moment, you refused to be responsible for another war, even if it meant your own demise. “I’ll always be fine.”

~

As the sun has set, Shuri was needed back in Wakanda. Your mother had insisted on giving them a shit ton of coffee they had lying around, as well as some knickknacks they had and a dozen of sweets for their journey back home. Shuri had insisted once again that you were to call her when you decided to come back to Wakanda which you accepted without hesitation and you were now left all on your own back home with your parents to finally catch up about everything that you’ve been doing since you’ve last gotten back home.

“Himala naman at pinayagan ka na ng boss mo na mag bakasyon. (It’s a miracle that your boss finally allowed you a vacation).” Your father pointed out at the dinner table.

One of the many things you have missed about going home was the food. Rice was always a staple, something you did not have laying around in New York, and the food that only your mother was capable of making was just something that made you miss home more and more. The smell of fried fish and fermented shrimp already has your stomach growling.

“Masyado na rin akong na-ooverwork kaya hinayaan na niya kong magbakasyon ng matagal (I’m so overworked that he finally allowed me a long vacation).” You responded, to this day, you still think it was best for them not to know your involvement with Wakanda—or even the people of Talokan for the foreseeable future.

“Aba dapat lang. (As he should).” Your mother pointed out loading your plate with a serving for two at this point but you genuinely would be able to finish and get another serving of. “Ang laki ng pinayat mo hindi na tama yung mga pinag-gagawa sayo ng lalaking yun. (You’ve lost weight, whatever that man is making you do isn’t right anymore).” She continued.

“I know.” You admit, if only she truly knew the extent of it. “Mag-reresign na rin ako sa kanya pagbalik ko. (I’m resigning when I get back).”

There was a beat of silence before your parents shared a look.

“Anak, napag-isipan mo na ba ng maigi to? (Baby, have you thought this through?)” Your father inquired, the same question that had been given to you when you had told them the news that you were quitting your teaching position to fly to New York to work for Tony all those years ago.

You know your father always meant no harm in his words, always wanting the best for you. But it breaks your heart that they still do worry about you still even at your age. You were not getting any younger just as much as they weren’t. You couldn’t live a life where you create and create things with the sole purpose of saving the same people that would have a chance of becoming a casualty. In good conscious, you couldn’t do it anymore.

“Opo, may malilipatan na rin naman ako. Private company na sya kaya iwas na rin sa gulo tulad kay Tony. (Yes, I already have somewhere else I could work for. It’s a Private Company so I could avoid the chaos just like with Tony).”

Technically you were not lying. Wakanda was private still. Secluded form the outside world and the only mess they might find themselves in is when it either involves anyone trying to look for Vibranium or from anyone in Talokan. Both issue you were far certain you could avoid dealing with from now on if you were careful.

“Magiging ligtas ka na ba dyan? (Will you finally be safe there?)” Your mother asked.

In the years of working with Tony, aside from the multiple hearings with US Senators and UN for that matter, you’ve also had your fair shares of near-death experiences from Alien Attacks and other villains’ hell bent on taking over the world. It will never be avoidable wherever you may find yourself working with, Wakanda was no exception to it.

“I will.” You assured your mother still even with it not truly being the truth, but your mother didn’t need to know it. “Baka mas mababa ang sahod, pero alam kong mas makakatulong ako sa nangangailan. (The pay might not be as high but I know I could truly help those in need).”

“Basta kung saan ka masaya, Anak. Nandito lang kami ng Mama mo lagi, proud na proud sayo. (As long as you’re happy, Baby. Me and your mother are always here, proud of you).”

You tried your best not to shed a tear at your father’s words. It weighed so heavily on you to throughout the years. No matter how many times they say it to you, it never felt like it was real. It wasn’t enough. After all you had done, being the center of far too negative news in the past, it didn’t feel like you deserved it at all.

After dinner, for once you had settled into your childhood bed. The array of memorabilia that screamed at you was just a sight to see. The countless awards and recognitions you’ve earned throughout your time at school and University was all placed on one side of the wall. But the one thing that stood out the most was the picture of you and your parents on your college graduation. The beaming smile on both of their faces when they walked besides you when you took your diploma.

For them, you’re making the needed change in your life once and for all.

[stuckybarton-library]

Bathala and the Forsaken Queen

Summary: He was called by the Spanish as the child without love, but to you, his wife, he was the man that has saved you and your child from the impending death at the hands of the colonials dead-set on killing your entire bloodline. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Queen!Female Reader. OC Daughter (Adlaw) Word Count: 6,388 Warnings: Philippine History Inaccuracy, changed some dates to suit the story. Mention of War and the Atrocities during the Spanish Colonization in the Philippines. Death and mentions of corpses. Angst. Happy Ever After. BPWF spoilers and slight deviation to the plot. Mention of consuming dangerous plants. A/N: A request from @kpopgirlbtssvt, Another banger of a request from you thank you so much for this. Again I did tweak a few things here and there and i hope that's fine with you.

Masterlist || Join the Library ( i no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Bathala and the Forsaken Queen

TALOKAN | PRESENT DAY

Shuri walked into the room where Namor had been spending most of his time painting the murals on the walls. The vibrant colors and intricate details caught her attention as soon as she stepped in.

“Princess.”

Shuri continued to observe the paintings, noticing the different scenes depicting the history of Namor's people. She pointed to one in particular, showing a woman and child, protected by a God-like being from attackers.

“Who is this?” Shuri had inquired. Among the numerous of artworks, there was a certain veneration, a certain care into painting this woman among the rest of the artworks in the murals on the wall.

“She is my wife, my Queen, the mother of Talokan.”

MACTAN, CEBU, PHILIPPINES | 1592

You hold your daughter close to you as you run along the sandy beaches. The wind is whipping at your hair and dress, and you can hear the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, the screams of death of your people, and the sound of the fire enveloping your homes. Your heart was pounding in fear as you glance over your shoulder to see the Spanish Conquistador chasing after you with a sword in hand—blood that you were certain was of your husband, the King’s after the brutal fight. Now you and your child run to avoid becoming the spoils of their victory.

“Keep running,” You urged yourself, holding your infant close to your chest, trying to sound calm despite the terror and anguish in your heart. “We will not let them take us.”

Your daughter coos as if sensing your own dread, her eyes filled with tears as she was looking up at you. You can see the fear in her eyes and it breaks your heart to know that she is experiencing such terror at such a young age. You are the Queen of your people, but in this moment, you feel powerless against the force of the Spanish invasion.

As you run, you see a large rock formation in the distance. It's your only chance to take cover and make a stand against the Conquistador. You pull your daughter towards your chest even more, hoping that it will provide some protection.

As you reach the rocks, you turn to face the Conquistador, your heart heavy with the knowledge that this could be your final stand. The Conquistador approaches, his sword gleaming in the sunlight.

You stand tall, ready to fight for your life and the life of your daughter. You know that the odds are against you, but you will not go down without a fight. You hold your daughter close, feeling her small body tremble with fear. You whisper words of love and comfort to her, trying to give her strength in this dark moment.

The Conquistador approaches, his sword raised high. You close your eyes, ready to face your fate. But before he can strike, the sound of a neck being snapped and the Conquistador falls dead to the sandy ground below you was what now comes to you.

You feel the surge of gratitude and relief wash over you as you turned to face a possible soldier from your people that helped, but the smile that was slowly growing on your face faded just as quick as it had appeared. The man in front of you was no soldier of your people—but a man that exuded power greater than any Gods in your lifetime.

Was this Bathala? Has he finally answered your prayers? You could not think straight out of fear of everything that has transpired, you had pulled your daughter closer to your chest. Protecting her from whatever wrath the God might come for you and your fallen people.

The man speaks, a language that you know nothing about. Fear grew more and the possibility of him being just like the Conquistador but instead of savagery, you were given a small bracelet which he gently slipped onto your shaking wrist.

You approached the man cautiously, your mewling daughter close to your chest and ready to move if the need arises. With his hands held up, you took a look at the man and realizing he was truly no human you had ever seen in your life before.

Pointed ears, same skin as you, his ears, nose, and neck adorned in jewelry but the most shocking part of the man in front of you were the pair of wings on either side of his feet. How only now did you realize that he was not standing on the sand, but was hovering and the sight of the fluttering wings both interested you as much as it did scare you.

With your own shaky hand you slipped off your own gold armband, handing it to the man in a quiet exchange hoping he would understand you were no threat, just simply a mother trying to protect your daughter. You watch him take hold of it, how he had slip the band around his wrist and the smile of reassurance resting on his face.

The fear slowly fading away from your system at a friendly company, but your mind was now washed with the anguish of what was left of your home. Everything that close to ashes at this point. No longer did you hear the sound of cries nor the sound of swords in the distance. It was quite painful to hear the empty silence of what was left of your people because of the Conquistador.

As you turned to finally thank the man that has saved you and your daughter, the man was gone, leaving you and your daughter to tend to yourself from now on.

~

TALOKAN | PRESENT DAY

“She was just like me, but from another country far from our own. Her people and her first husband were killed in the aftermath of the Spanish Conquistador.”

Shuri could only nod, watching as Namor gestured to images of you, who moved and settled to a cave-like home, far from what you were once so accustomed to in your life.

“She had a daughter?” Shuri wondered, looking more into the child that once had the same color of skin in the first image before her skin was now painted blue just like your own now.

“My blessing. She might not have been my blood, but I have treated her just like my own.”

~

MACTAN, CEBU, PHILIPPINES | 1592

It was hard to start from scratch.

The fear of possibly another Conquistador coming for you and your daughter had you on edge and instead of returning to your home, you have decided that it was best to live in a cavern close to your home, but discreet enough to hide you and your daughter from anyone that would place the both of you in harm’s way.

It’s been days since the attack in your home, days since you have ever caught a wink of sleep. In the damp floor with your daughter resting on what was once your lavish robe laid besides you sleeping, you found yourself sobbing. You begin to mourn the death of your husband, who fought valiantly against them in hopes of buying enough time for the both of you to escape. You could remember the way your husband was outnumbered, how in his dying breath he had screamed for you to and your daughter to run for your lives, how he had told you his love and devotion to you, his Queen and his wife. The memory was a burning reminder of everything you have lost because of the invaders.

Your hands had covered your mouth, fearing that you might wake your daughter up because of your despair. You watch your daughter’s chest gently rise and fall and in the image of her, you grew numb for what you knew you needed to do to live, to strive, and to ensure that she would grow up happy and away from whatever danger that was in this world.

In the stillness of what you now call your temporary home, you heard footsteps. The alertness waking you from your sleepless state. You crouch in the dimly-lit cave, your heart racing as you listen for any sound of approaching danger. In your arms you had lifted your daughter up, your six-month-old daughter sleeps peacefully still, oblivious to the turmoil that surrounds her.

You stroke your daughter's soft cheek, marveling at her innocence and her trust. She is your hope and your future, the embodiment of all that you hold dear. You vow to keep her safe, to teach her the ways of your people, and to instill in her the strength and resilience needed to survive in this harsh new world.

As you wait in the darkness, your mind drifts back to happier times, before the arrival of the Spanish. You remember the lush forests and sparkling beaches, the vibrant festivals and colorful ceremonies. You remember the warmth and generosity of your people, the sense of community and belonging that permeated every aspect of your life.

But those memories are tinged with sadness and anger now, as you realize how much has been lost. Your people have been forced to flee their homes, to abandon their farms and fishing boats, to abandon their traditions and beliefs. The invaders have brought disease and death, destruction and despair. They have shattered the very fabric of your society, leaving nothing but chaos and uncertainty in their wake.

Suddenly, you hear a commotion outside the cave grow louder. You can hear the Spanish shouting and cursing, and the sound of horses whinnying in distress. You dare not hope, but perhaps there is a chance that they will not find you. But your hope is short-lived. You hear footsteps approaching the cave, the sound echoing in the darkness. You hold your breath, trying to remain as still as possible. You do not want to give yourself away.

The footsteps stop just outside the cave. You can hear the Spanish muttering to each other in their foreign tongue. You understood what they are saying having insisted to your husband that it was a good thing to learn their language to know their true intentions.

Suddenly, a hand reaches into the cave, groping blindly in the darkness. You shrink back, trying to make yourself as small as possible. But the hand finds you, gripping your arm tightly.  You try to pull away, but the hand is too strong. You feel tears stinging your eyes as you realize that this is the end. You and your daughter are going to be captured, enslaved, or worse.

Turning to the owner of the hand gripping onto you, you saw the same man that had saved you a few days prior. He held up a finger against his lips, requesting for you to keep quiet. He had guided you towards the darker corners of the cave, wrapping a blanket around you before he walks towards the sound of the Conquistadors that you were certain were still after you and your daughter.

You hear the sound of violence, the sound of your savior killing the remaining Spanish soldiers who came to look for you in the cave. You do not want to listen, but you cannot help it. You can hear the brutality of the way he kills each and every single one of them without mercy. You can hear the sound of bones breaking, of swords clashing, and of flesh being torn.

And then, as suddenly as it began, it is over. You hear the man's footsteps approaching, and you brace yourself for his arrival. You do not know what to expect, but you know that it cannot be good. But when he appears, he is different than you expected. He is covered in blood and dirt, his face twisted in rage. But there is also something else there, something that you cannot quite name.

He looks at you and your daughter, and you see the rage in his eyes soften. He approaches you, his hand outstretched. You catch sight of the golden band you had given him wrapped around his wrist. You do not know what to do, but you realize that you must trust him. You take his hand, and he helps you and your daughter to your feet.

He spoke a language you did not understand. You blinked uncertain what you could say or do to understand the man.

“Mi nombre es K'uk'ulkan, aquí no estás a salvo. Hay muchos que todavía te buscarán. (My name is K'uk'ulkan, you are not safe here. There are many that will still look for you).”

You pulled your hand away as he spoke the same language as the Conquistadors. You held your daughter closer to your chest, fearing of what the man might do now or of his intentions with you in this moment.

“No quiero hacer daño. Mi gente es víctima de los conquistadores como la tuya. (I mean no harm. My people are victims of the Conquistadors just like your own).”

You find yourself sadden by his words. You had believed that you and your people were the only victims, only to turn out there were more people like that had suffered so much at the hands of the colonizers. Walking a little closer to the man now, but still the precaution was ever so evident for you.

Standing in a damp and dark cave with your six-month-old daughter in your arms, you can feel her little body trembling as she snuggles closer to you, seeking warmth and comfort. This was not the healthiest environment to have her live. You can have no one else to blame, for you were just as afraid about this circumstance. You know for certain that the Conquistadors would continue to hunt you and your daughter still. As you look around the cave, you see nothing but darkness and silence. You wonder if this is where you will spend the rest of your days, hiding away from the world.

The man, K’uk’ulkan, was a tall and imposing figure, with a regal bearing that genuinely reminds you of the nobles of your own people. He is dressed in a long white cloak with a headdress adorned with shimmering feathers. He looked far too different from the first time you had met him and it didn’t truly give you the benefit of trusting him in this moment. Especially with the blood that still painted his skin and some of on his cloak from his actions against the Conquistadors.

“He venido a ofrecerte santuario en mi propio reino. Es el lugar más seguro para usted y su hija mientras los conquistadores aún los buscan. (I have come to offer you sanctuary in my own kingdom. It is the safest place for you and your daughter to be while the Conquistadors still search for you).”

You stare at the man, uncertain whether you could truly trust him. But the two instances of him saving your life should have been enough for you to at least try. Aside from his abilities to kill the Conquistador with his bare hands, the sight of him with wings and the pointed ears had you cautious of what more he was capable of doing. It was as if you were not truly in the presence of a mere mortal—but something far greater or worse depending on what you decide to do.

"Mi reino está lejos de aquí, pero me aseguraré de que tú y tu hija lleguen a salvo. Puedo ofrecerte protección y un hogar, donde estarás a salvo de cualquier daño. Y prometo que haré todo lo que esté a mi alcance para garantizar que nunca más serás perseguido por los conquistadores. (My kingdom is far from here, but I will ensure that you and your daughter arrive safely. I can offer you protection and a home, where you will be safe from harm. And I promise that I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are never hunted by the Conquistadors again)." The man continues, his voice spoke softly.

You consider his words carefully, weighing the risks and the benefits of accepting his offer. You know that the journey to his kingdom will be long and dangerous, but you also know that you have no other choice. The Conquistadors are still searching for you, and they will stop at nothing to capture you.

Finally, you nod your head, accepting K'uk'ulkan's offer of sanctuary. You feel a sense of relief wash over you, knowing that you and your daughter will be safe from harm. As you follow K'uk'ulkan out of the cave, you can't help but feel a sense of trepidation. You know that the road ahead will be long and hard, but you also know that you have made the right decision.

The walk out of the cave was filled with death, you did your best to ignore the bodies laid around and brutalized by the man that walked in front of you. But it filled you with a great sense of fear and reassurance, fear for what he was capable of doing and the reassurance that he will be there to protect you should the need ever arise against the Conquistadors.

As the sunlight begins to beam against your eyes, you tried your best to adjust as the first brush of the wind has brushed against your cheeks and your baby slowly but surely waking from her slumber.

“¿Cuales son tus nombres? (What are your names?)” He asked you waiting by the end of the cave.

You told him your name, of your daughter, Adlaw, a daughter-born under the scorching sun that had ended the long-standing drought in your land. He smiled as you explained your daughter’s name to him. How invested he seemed to be of what was once your people.

“Tu hija le ha dado a tu pueblo la lluvia tan necesaria como yo le he dado a mi propio pueblo el sol. (Your daughter has given your people the much needed rain as I have given my own people the sun).”

You gasped, realizing that the man was truly a God after all.

You continued to walk through the now deserted beaches. The putrid scent of death and burned down husk wafted and it took a lot out of you not to gag from where you stood. As your eyes to one last glance around what you once called your home, you noticed something strange. Warriors that were now closing in on K’uk’ulkan who have blue skin.

You rub your eyes, thinking that perhaps you were seeing things from lack of sleep, but when you open them again, the blue-skinned warriors were still there and meant no harm as they kneeled in front of your savior. Hands helped up in a gesture that was similar to an open flower.

You glance over at K’uk’ulkan, who notice your confusion and apprehension.

"Esta es mi gente, (These are my people)," he explains. "Son los soldados más valientes y leales que he conocido (They are the bravest and most loyal soldiers I have ever known)."

You can't help but stare at them in wonder. You have never seen anything like them before. Their blue skin seems to shimmer in the sunlight, and their eyes are a reassuring shade of black just like your own. Aside from armor that were somewhat similar from that of your own people’s, aside from their skin color, it was the mouthpiece covering their mouths and nose that took you by surprise, made you wonder how they could breathe at such a constrictions. As you walk alongside them, you feel a sense of safety and security that you haven't felt in a long time. These warriors are here to protect you and your daughter, and you can tell that they take their duty very seriously.

But as you continued to walk, you felt uneasy as you walked closer towards the water instead of what you would have expected to be in the forest up above the mountains. You had watched half of the warriors make their way towards the waters, diving in without an ounce of hesitation. Turning towards K’uk’ulkan, he provided a reassuring smile, holding onto your hand.

“¿Confías en mí? (Do you trust me?)” He asked you.

“No. Pero prometiste mantenernos a salvo a mí y a mi hija y cumpliré tu promesa. (I don't. But you promised to keep me and my daughter safe and I'll hold you onto your promise).” You responded right back honestly.

“Y mantendré la promesa mientras viva. (And I will keep the promise for as long as I live).”

Eventually, two of the warriors have come to stand in front of you, the mouthpiece they wore was now handed to you and your daughter and with a small prayer of guidance and remaining bravery after everything that has happened in your lives, you accepted the mouthpiece and with K’uk’ulkan holding you and your daughter made your way further and further towards the water to a life that was not your own anymore, but for the sake of your daughter will be the best thing to happen.

~

TALOKAN | PRESENT DAY

“Yuum!”

The sound of giggling children sounded catching Shuri’s attention. Turning to where the sound began, she had watched the sight of three small children making their way towards the both of them, walking slower after them was two women, spitting image of each other.

“In Reina. In sáasil k'iin.” Namor spoke so tenderly towards the two women. His attention turned towards the three children, peppering each and every single one of them with kisses and endearing words that reminded Shuri so much of her father long before he had passed.

Shuri turning her attention back towards the women, she had come to realize who exactly they were. The similarities and the much more evident jewelry that adorned their necks and ears.

“You are the mother and daughter in the murals.” Shuri spoke.

~

TALOKAN | 1593

“Mama.”

You smiled the slow but sure progress of your one-year-old daughter in a place that you now call as your own. Your daughter was slowly but surely learning the ways of Talokan, of their people without sacrificing the ways of your own people too. You have mourn the death and end of your people for months, being allowed the courtesy by K’uk’ulkan to do a ceremony for your fallen people and of your husband.

But like your daughter, you began to learn about the ways of the people of Talokan, even if you remained in the comforts of K’uk’ulkan’s cavern above the water. Every single day, a teacher would come to visit you and your daughter, teaching you the language of their people and slowly but surely you have stopped using Spanish to converse with the people and began to use their own, in your own end had thought them about the history of your own, of your Gods and of your culture that were somewhat like their own before they had escaped to the waters.

“In chan k'iino'. (My Little Sunshine).”

Turning, you realize you and your daughter were not alone. K’uk’ulkan has returned from his duties. You gave him a smile, it been a year now since you have arrived in Talokan after he had saved you from the Conquistador—twice. He had kept his promise to keep you and your daughter safe away from the Conquistadors and from whatever danger may come lurking in the corner. Upon your arrival to his home, you have learned of his identity—a King and God to the people of Talokan, the first-born of the people of Talokan and a man that gave his people the hope that never truly settled because of the attack of the Spanish.

You watched your daughter make her way towards K’uk’ulkan. It warms your heart how it had been easy for your daughter to trust the man, the people of Talokan, and of the new life that was not of your own. Just as much as it had been hard for you to do the same. The never ending apprehension even with all the kindness his people have given you and your daughter.

“My King.” You spoke greeting the man.

“I thought we have agreed to call each other by our names, In Reina.” He playfully scolded, arms were quick to hold onto your daughter and to lift her up.

You had watch how K’uk’ulkan had a soft spot for her, how he grinned and played along with your daughter and her dangerous curiosity. How he had allowed for your daughter to hold onto the jewelry nestled on his nose even as hard as your daughter would tug at the jade.

“I am no Queen in Talokan.” You spoke, finding yourself now sitting onto the chair, your eyes lingering on the murals that painted the walls—K’uk’ulkan’s creations.

“But you are the Queen of your people, as much as your daughter is still the Princess. It does not change here as long as I would allow it.”

You nodded, knowing it was no use trying to argue with the man, he would always find a way to ensure that he gets his way.

~

TALOKAN | 1598

A year turned into two, then into three, then you have realized that it had now been five years since the fateful day that the man had saved you from the clutches of the Conquistador. Five years of living your life and your daughter’s own under the confinements of the cavern of K’uk’ulkan’s home. You were beyond grateful for everything the man has done for you, for keeping his promise of keeping you and your daughter safe, for stepping into the role of your daughter’s father but always spoke kindly of your late husband and his valiant effort to keep the both of you safe all those years ago, for allowing you to believe that there were still people you could trust and love even after all that you have been through.

It wasn’t sudden, nor did you plan for it to happen but it did. How you found yourself falling deeper and deeper in love with the man that loathed the surface world and its people, but had opened his home to you and your daughter. He had promised you a life safe from the terrors in the surface and he gave you the home that was nothing you had ever dreamed possible.

But the most important thing he had ever given you was the choice. A choice to remain as the human you still were or be just like his people, to live in the waters like every single one of the people of Talokan. You know your daughter craves the water, from the instances of her playing with K’uk’ulkan in the shallower parts of the waters, how she had longed to be able to play with the other children of Talokan deep in the waters instead of the confinements of the cavern.

He promised you that he would respect whatever decision you might decide, but he provided the option should you want to finally make a change.

“You want to go back to the surface?” The panic was all so evident in his face when you had made the request one morning. It’s been five years since you took the risk of coming with them and you have yet to truly regret your action. But you needed to have the much needed closure before you open the new chapter in your life.

“I—I want to see my home one last time.” You explained hoping it was enough of an explanation for him. And the nod he had given seemed like it was. He requested for two breathers to be brought for you and your daughter.

It took no time at all when you made the request. No hesitation and no apprehension from the man at your request. How it was easy for him to explain to your daughter about the trip that you were to make up to the surface. How the excitement bubbled in every question that escaped her lips, her eyes twinkling as she continued to ask K’uk’ulkan about the surface world, of the life that you once had before Talokan.

You did not truly have the heart to tell her that this was the closure that you would finally have for the both of you. Your late husband would have wanted just as much, after everything that has happened, it was time to finally move on with your life and with everything it encased.

It took less than an hour for you, your daughter, K’uk’ulkan and a handful of his most trusted warriors to arrive to your home. The shore of what was once your home was a part of the home you missed, of the laughter and fun you had growing up with your siblings, running through the sands and talking about the life you would have hope to have growing up. It was bitter to know that as you stood looking at your feet, that you stood as the last remaining member of your family and of your family’s line and worst part was those dreams of the life you hoped to have no longer viable for you or for your daughter.

“Are you alright, In Reina?” K’uk’ulkan had inquired, he kept his voice low, hoping that your daughter would be unaware of the mental chaos in your mind.

As you approached closer towards the land of your once-beautiful home, you felt your heart racing in anticipation, of the hope that your home was restored and there was still a glimpse of hope of your people even in the years of your disappearance. It has been years since you had last laid eyes on your home, remembering the gore and death that you had run away from and of the smell of fire and blood.

The hope has died further into the pits of your stomach, you were struck by the emptiness and desolation that surrounded you. Your heart sinks, the tears have fallen at the sight that have come before you. Corpses from all those years ago still remained, like trash discarded for the wilderness to take. Homes that was once gave you comfort burn, golds and jewelry robbed and the number of weapons that were discarded, both guns and swords littered the ground.

You look around in disbelief, struggling to make sense of the scene before you. Your beloved home, once filled with your people, now lies abandoned. The trees were stained with blood and ashes. As you move through the land, you heart grows heavier with each step. All around you, evidence of a brutal invasion was evident, after the initial one that you had escaped from. Your once-beautiful gardens have now been trampled and burned.

As you move to where you knew was your hut, your heart grows heavier at the sight that befell you. You were certain of who it was. The putrid smell of death could not waver you as you kneels toward the skeletal remains of your husband. How he still wore the garments from which he had died in. The anger for the Conquistadors for removing his gold jewelry after, of the array of brutality you were certain they had placed on his body after his death, it brought a sob out of your lips.

You whispered a prayer, hoping to the Gods that your husband has finally laid to rest peacefully. Kissing your hand before resting it on his skull, you stood back up and made your way further into your hut, to see that every single jewelry and possession you once had now gone with some of the clothes you had woven for your infant now torn and painted in blood.

You sobbed as you were now facing the truth of the aftermath of the Conquistadors. Everything you had left behind was taken from you. You felt the deep sense of loss. You walked out of your hut to the sight of K’uk’ulkan that was carrying your scared daughter and the number of his people keeping guard while to took one last look at your former home.

The sound of a far too familiar language had you turning to the owner of the voices.

“Kill them.” You ordered the Talokanil warriors.

“In Reina—”

“Kill them and burn everything to the ground.” You ordered to which the warriors bowed towards you before doing such thing.

You stepped towards your daughter that was now shaking in fear at the sight of you tear stricken and the sound of death of the remaining Conquistadors being killed by the Talokanil soldier.

“Hush, little girl. Once we come back home, you’re gonna be able to play with the kids in the water.” You whispered reassuringly towards your daughter, sensing how K’uk’ulkan had tensed at your words.

“Are you sure?” He asked you, cupping your cheek with his free hand, his thumb rubbing away the tears.

“We have nothing else here in the surface to live for, the Conquistador had succeeded in destroying my people. It is only right for us to return back to Talokan as part of your people. Not as a guest, but part of your community.”

“I want you to be my Queen.” He pleaded, pulling you closer to him, his warmth radiating giving you as much as it did your daughter, the reassurance that you did not truly have in the moment of weakness. “Be the mother of my people as much as you are the mother of our daughter.”

Your heart raced, he had always showed his love and affection for your daughter, but this was the first time he had actually acknowledged her as his own. Not by blood, but by circumstance that he made the most out of it. Nicknames might had constantly escaped his lips when it comes to your daughter and your daughter had always called him ‘Yuum’ and your late husband as his Baba but this was the first time that there was a clear indicator of it all from him.

“I have kept my promise of protection and all I want in return in your love for me and for my people.”

Looking, you had realized one of the healers has arrived from the waters, you had realized that he had the idea of you finally making your much needed decision for your sake and for the sake of your daughter. In his grasp was a glowing blue plant and you know that once you’ve made the life altering decision, you will finally live the life that you have never expected but realize was all you needed.

“You always had my love and of my daughter’s.” You whispered smiling as his forehead rested against your own. You held onto your daughter’s hand and as the pain of your past slowly washes away, you could only hope what the present and future would be like for you three as a family.

As you three had walked towards the shore, the sound of the crackling fire echoed the skies, you had accepted the bowl given to you by the healer, you had watched K’uk’ulkan sit on the sand besides your daughter, reassuring her that things will be alright and when she wakes up they could play in the deeper part of the waters from now on.

You watched as K’uk’ulkan had hand fed your daughter the plant, seeing how your daughter was wincing at the bitter taste of the crushed plant but continued on as her eagerness to be in the waters overcame everything else. You took a deep breath as you finally consumed the plant in one go, your teary eyes closed as you tried your best to eat everything that was in the bowl.

You felt your skin grow jelly and with one of the warriors holding you up, you were assisted onto the sand and as you opened your eyes you saw your daughter now unconscious in the arms K’uk’ulkan. The panic never sets in, as the trust on the man had grown a hundreds of folds since the first time he had asked you to trust him to return to his home. You trusted him more than you would have ever believed you could.

“Thank you for giving me this new life, K’uk’ulkan.” You whispered.

“Ch'ah Toh Almehen.” He spoke, moving your head until they rested on his shoulder.

“What?”

“My real name. My people call me K’uk’ulkan, my enemies call me Namor, but I want you to call me by my birth name.”

You nod, your eyes grow heavy as your last words before darkness consumed you was his name, the name that he had entrusted for you to use from now on as you lived a life away from what you once lived for.  No longer were you the Queen Mother of the Raja in Mactan, but now as the last ounce of life in the surface world fades away, you now became the Queen of Talokan, the mother they had always hoped to have in their life and in their community.

You awoke hours later, but instead of the beach from where you had finally made the decision to change, you were in he middle of the water and the first person you had seen was the man that had saved you. A smile on his face as he pointed towards the side and your eyes had caught sight of your daughter, freely playing with the children in the middle of the waters—breathing through the waters just as much as you and K’uk’ulkan did.

You smiled, holding onto the man’s hands and before you know it you pulled him into a kiss—sealing your fate as the Queen of Talokan and eventually the wife of the great King and God of Talokan.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water XIII

Summary: The aftermath of everything going wrong. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,106 Chapter Warnings: None. Maybe K'uk'ulkan's failed attempt at an apology(?)

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part XIII

“Doctor!”

The relief has slowly washed over your face the moment you had slipped off the suit. Without even thinking twice, you had made your way towards Shuri as she had pulled you in for a hug. A hug you somehow felt you still needed after everything that had happened in the past few hours.

“I thought you had died.” Shuri was close to tears and the guilt of having her worry about someone like you.

“I’m here. I’m okay.” You reassured her before turning your attention to towards your travel companion.

Attuma stood without word all throughout your swim back to the surface. But for someone as formidable and strong as him, he had been gentle with you all throughout. How he had held you to him as the fear of the water was getting too much for you. He powered his way to the surface for your sake above all else.

“Please make sure Namora is safe.” You plead the man to which he only gave a gentle nod before departing with the suit in his grasp.

“What had happened? It’s been a month.” Shuri began to question. “Come, we need to ensure you’re well. We need to have the healer have a look at you.”

Without another word, you allowed her to pull you back into the palace. Everything was going too fast. Numerous people were scrambling at the news of your return, a set of clothes were provided to you as the ones given to you by Talokan clung to your body with how wet it was before you were dutifully checked upon by their physician.

“After the attack on Talokan, the borders were shut down and we had tried our best to look for you—even if it means just your remains. But Talokan themselves were in lockdown while they were looking for the people responsible for the attack.”

All you could do was nod. Wondering about K'uk'ulkan’s words against you and how even after the long hours since he threw you to the water, what he meant by your involvement in whatever attack it was that happened to his people.

“I don’t even know.” You admit to Shuri. “All I want to do right now is go home to my parents.”

“We will have the jet ready when you are. We just need to make sure you are alright and well enough to travel.”

All you could do at the moment was nod, no longer having the will to protest. Fatigue never truly hitting your system until now. It felt like hours, but when the physician had given the green light and some special balm on the visible bruise on your arm, you were allowed to go.

“Where is she?”

You turned your head slowly at the sight of Queen Ramonda. You found yourself bowing at the sight of her, the guilt of almost being responsible for the death of her daughter. It had weighed on you in the days of your isolation in the man’s chambers. You could not live with yourself knowing you were responsible for another lost life all over again.

“Thank you.” The last thing you would have ever expected to happen was for the Queen to pull you in for an embrace. “For everything you have done, for us and especially for my daughter.”

You were left speechless. This was the last thing you would have expected from the Queen herself after everything that has happened. But you accepted the hug and hugged her gently back, not all was lost it may seem. But you grow uncertain if the offer to remain with Wakanda would still be given after what had happened. Would you even go and accept it knowing that the man that had intentionally tried to kill you would be within reach and you could do nothing but watch your back constantly because of it.

“You will now have a home here for everything that you have done for us.” She continued.

All you could do was nod, unable to process what her words truly meant right now.

“I want to go home for now. After everything—I just want to go to my parents and recover from all of this.” You requested as you gently pulled away from the older woman. ~ He had learn about the news of your leaving Wakanda—permanently or temporary he was not certain. Namora and Attuma refused to make him aware at this point in time. But he was persistent that he needed to see you one last time even if it was to say good bye or to simply apologize.

“Namor.”

The name had struck so much fear to the people he intended to strike fear upon, but when it escaped your lips, it was a stab at his heart. He had done this—he had done this to you and there was no other way of excusing it now. How you had physically made yourself smaller where you stood behind one of Dora Milaje.

“In Yakunaj.” He meant it with all his heart now. But it was far too late to convince you otherwise.

“I’m going home, In ajawo.” You spoke, no sense of humor he had grown so used to in your time in his chambers.

“I am here to say my farewell and to make things right.” He continued, grasping onto anything to make you not look at him like you were in this moment.

“I don’t think so.” You whispered, profusely shaking you head in the process.

“Then please take this.” He urged, stepping closer to you even with every single member of the Dora Milaje cautious of his movement, he was uncertain if they were made aware of his mistake. “You whisper anything here, and place it in the waters and I will come to you wherever you are. I hope to make things right with you, whatever it takes.”

You didn’t cower now instead approaching slowly, but never truly coming as close as he would be happy with. But it was progress as you took the conch shell in his grasp. Your hand touched his own for a fraction of a second but it was enough to satiate him for the moment.

“Good bye, Namor.” You whispered, before making your way to the jet with Shuri by the tarmac, arms crossed and dangerous glare pointed right at him.

“I hope to be able to see you again soon.”

“For a different reason instead of what you’ve thrown on to me the last time.” You quipped before turning away further into the jet.

He had hoped it would be so.

[stuckybarton-library]

Sirens Call

Summary: You were just a marine scientist, but with the recent urge of the US Government to locate more Vibranium, you would have never thought that it would spell the unexpected change in your life. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Siren!Female Reader. Word Count: 6,408 (jesus christ was this long) Chapter Warnings: Black Panther Wakanda Forever Spoilers. Mention of Kidnapping, Death, Bloodshed, drowning. Possible Stockhold Syndrom. Angst. Sort of Happy Ever After. A/N: A request from @kpopgirlbtssvt, sorry for the delay. I did tweak a little on your request since i didn't want it to be too similar to the series i'm writing but i do hope you enjoy.

Also, the song included in this story is a Filipino Lullabye

Masterlist || Join the Library ( i no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Sirens Call

It has been over a year now since you have turned your life around. With the death of Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff, you had no one you could truly depend on to protect you from the government coming for you. Without Steve, and with the desolation of the Avengers, of the family you have created with them, your life of running had ended with finally agreeing to the Government's terms whether you liked it or not.

You stood on the deck of the large boat, the wind blowing through your hair and the salty smell of the ocean filling your lungs. You were a Marine Scientist before your involvement with the Avengers, now you were working for the CIA, and the current objective was to locate Vibranium that is said to be located deep beneath the oceans floors.

You had knew about the abundance of the metal in Wakanda, the durability and power it had when making weapons, Steve Rogers’ shield was an evident example of it. So it was no surprise to anyone, even for you at this point that it was an immense interest to the government. They had ignored Queen Ramonda’s warning of staying away from Wakanda to search for the metal, instead doing the exact opposite to help even out the odds against their own feud with the people of Wakanda. Fight fire with fire if you will. But you were hesitant about this mission. You were now only a scientist, no longer a hero nor were you a solider, and the thought of being one of the individuals responsible for creating a possible weapon of mass destruction made you uneasy.

As the boat bobbed up and down in the rough waves, you can’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. It felt off. It’s was almost as if the ocean was singing, the gentle breeze of the night winds was calling you out, beckoning you to come closer. You shook your head, chalking it up to exhaustion. You have been working countless of days and even week for this mission, your team’s safety had been your top priority instead of that stupid metal, and your mind was simply playing tricks on you.

“You alright, Doc?” It was Daniel, one of the dozen of agents the CIA had given as your “protection” during this mission, but you knew for a fact that man like him wouldn’t even bother to save you from drowning if he was given a chance. You’ve met men like him in your lifetime and you wouldn’t trust him with your life because of it.

“Nothing that needs your concern, Agent.” You brushed him off, taking another healthy sip of your tea, your eyes had lingered onto the waters. It has been well over ten minutes now since two members of the team have been deployed to submerge from the waters to locate the Vibranium.

“You’ve got nothing to worry about, the water is find and that suit is practically impenetrable.” He scoffed only for you to ignore as you continued watching the line wires that held onto the suits move further and further down. “This should be the least of your concern knowing what will happen if we find nothing.”

“If any of them are hurt or killed, you know what would happen.”  You threatened him right back.

You had made a deal with the devil for your own freedom from the Government. What they had over you and your secret that you wished to put your grave would be buried along with the fallout that you were certain would come one way or another. God only knows what Wakanda would do to you when the truth comes out about your involvement. Your head would be in a silver platter for all you know. It was only a matter on whose table it would lay upon at the end of the day.

“You worry too much, Doc.” He scoffed before leaving you all on your own—peace that you truly needed at this point in time.

But as the night wears on and they have descended deeper into the ocean, the feeling grows stronger. Even as you had headed into the control room to check how they were doing in the water, there was something that was keeping you uneasy.

You can hear a faint humming sound, almost like a song. It was in the same moment you heard the panic from the communications and everyone was scrambling to and fro inside the boat and you were left stock still from where you stood, even as you tried to locate the two members in the waters. You were informed that it was the Wakandans that had attacked.

Your team has been hard at work, scanning the ocean floor with the suits. But as you approach the coordinate where the Vibranium is believed to be located, something had fucked everything you worked so hard for. The suit and the members were gone, your vision of them had gone black. You and what was left of the escorts were scrambling to figure out what was happening.

You tried rebooting the system hoping it was a glitch, but to no avail. It’s as if something is interfering with the signals. Your heart begins to race. Is this some kind of attack? Have you been discovered by Wakanda’s forces?

And then, without warning, the hum that sounded grew louder, almost blaring through. You had watch some begin to put on earplugs but there was something that kept you from doing such a thing even when they were in your pockets as a precautionary measures—old tale’s don’t die it seems when it comes to the unknown of the waters.

It was a sound that you have never heard before, it had your heart racing, palms sweating and from the looks of everyone else that acted far too late, glazed over as they walked closer into the water in a trance. Had it not have been for the gunshot that echoed, the spell would have remained and there would have been more bloodshed that you would not even be able to imagine.

“Move!” Someone had screamed at you and before you could realize what was going on a bulking man had risen from the waters and you were left frozen at the sight of the man as his spear had penetrated into your escort, Daniel right to the wall besides you.

The man was no Wakandan. He had blue skin, some type of breathing apparatus, and the daunting sight of his headgear made out of a hammerhead shark’s skull. The man over towered over you as he took a step towards you, but your adrenaline has finally kicked in and you find yourself making a mad dash back into the control room, hoping to find anything that could help you in the situation.

It was only in this moment that you had put on the earplugs, deafening the sounds of death up above. You tried to find a gun, a knife, anything that could miraculously keep you alive at this point. Left empty handed, you found a small cabinet right under the control panel. Shoving all of its content all over the floor in hopes of messing with their trail of you before you cramped right in, shutting yourself in complete darkness of the cabinet.

In the deafness of the earplugs, you could hear your heart racing and your breathing shallow. You can feel the vibration of footsteps approaching, getting more and more prominent. You know that the attackers were getting closer and closer to finding you.

Your mind raced as you try to come up with a plan instead of just hiding. You know that if you are found, you are dead. You try to remember your training, but your mind was a jumbled mess and everything was well forgotten in the face of the reality of the danger. You can’t think straight, and your hands were shaking with fear.

As the footsteps draw neared, you slowly find yourself removing the earplugs to the sound of voices. You strain to listen, trying to make out what they were saying, but the language was not like you had ever heard before in your life. It was garbled and indistinct, and you couldn’t tell from where you hid just how many people were there.

You close your eyes, trying to calm yourself down. You know that you have to be brave, that you have to stay calm and think rationally if you're going to survive. But as the sound of the footsteps grows louder, your resolve begins to crumble. You're so scared that you can hardly think straight. You feel like you're going to die.

And then, suddenly, you hear the sound of the door opening. You hold your breath, praying that you won't be found. You can feel your heart pounding in your chest, and you're sure that they can hear it too. But as the seconds tick by, nothing happens. You're still hidden in the cabinet, and your attackers haven't found you. You begin to relax, thinking that maybe you're safe after all.

But as you felt the sound of the monitors being broken from above you, you felt all the reassurance turn into nothing but panic and dread.

Your life flashes before your eyes. You think of your family, of your mother that you have never talked to since you had pulled away from her and her people growing up, your friends that have accepted you for who you were, the people you have loved and cherish, the members of your team that had risked their lives for this excavation—all for nothing. You wondered if you would ever see any of them again. The profound sense of sadness and regret, knowing that there was still so many things you have not done, places you have never been able to see, to have the family you have never thought you would deserve to have.

It was the first line of sobs that escaped your lips that caught their attention and the cabinet was torn off the hinges and you were in front of them all. Pulled by the arm by one of them, you were scrambling to pull away from their hold but the spear that was now pointed at you, you were left standing still.

There were five of them, the man from earlier was also here, but it was not him that had your attention—it was the man with the normal skin.

You stand in front of the man, looking him in the eye. You can sense his fury, the anger boiling just beneath the surface. His face is twisted in a scowl, his eyes flashing with an intensity that makes your heart race. You can feel the tension in the air, the electricity that seems to crackle between you.

But as he gets closer, you start to feel a little bit of fear creeping in. You can see the veins bulging in his neck, his breathing becoming ragged and uneven.

In the closer proximity, you took a look at him from head to toe to realize that he wasn’t normal either. Sans the blue skin, he had pointed ears and the physics-impossible wings where his Achilles’ heels should have been.

“Who created the machine?” The man spoke, accent-heavy. His voice deep and daunting, you can feel the heat of his anger, the rage that seems to be directed at you.

You were left frozen at his question.

“All I know is her name is Riri William.” You spoke honestly. When you had learned that the government had a mobile drone that would help in the location of Vibranium, you did not asked too much question knowing what it entails in the future.

The spear you didn’t realize was in his grasp was now pointed directly at you, the sharp blade of it resting on the base of your neck. One wrong move from you and you could slice your throat open. The tears begin to fall freely from your eyes, pleading for him to spare you. Pleading for him that this was all the information that you knew.

As the spear was finally held down, you felt your knees turn jelly realizing you were still alive and he had spared you—for now.

“If I find out you are lying, I will feed you to the sharks.” He warned.

You shook your head.

“I promise you, on my mother’s name. That is all I know. I’m just here as a scientist helping them finding Vibranium, nothing more.”

The man turned to the hulking man, speaking in a language that you didn’t know before the man had approached you and pulling off his breathing apparatus for you.

“What are you doing?” You questioned moving your head away from him.

“You are coming with me back to Talokan. I cannot trust you to keep my people’s existence as a secret.”

Accepting the breathing apparatus, you were lifted onto the man’s shoulder and the adrenaline was slowly dying down at the foreign device covering on your face and your world begins to fade into the dark abyss.

~

The throne room was quiet, save for the argument that was exchanged between K’uk’ulkan and his cousin and most trusted General, Namora. He was pacing back and forth, while Namora stood stoically, arms crossed in front of her. It was one thing to watch his cousin and Attuma butt heads from time to time and see Namora come out victorious, it was another to have himself be in the middle of it all, more so for his action that led to this argument to begin with.

"I cannot believe you would bring an outsider into our hidden kingdom, K'uk'ulkan," Namora said sternly. "We have always kept our existence a secret, and now you want to invite this woman into our midst?"

He stopped pacing and turned to face Namora.

“She is not just an outsider. She is a scientist from the surface world, she possesses the knowledge that could help us in finding out who we are up against.”

A part of him did wonder why he did what he did. He could have killed you then and there and be done with it. But how you spoke, to your mother’s grave, it was the truth and he trusted a surface dweller so easily because of it. It was pathetic to see you in hiding, in the confinements of a small cabinet, with just the sob that escaped your lips that gave your location away.

He took you in to his nation, knowing he could find a much better use for you for the time being, at least, that was what he kept telling himself and reassuring Namora too in the process.

Namora's expression remained unchanged. "And what if she reveals our existence to the surface world? What if she leads them here, endangering us and our way of life?"

He sighed heavily. “I have thought about that, my child.” He cupped her cheeks hoping to give her the reassurance that she would need in this moment. “But I have also considered the potential benefits that could come from her here in our Kingdom for the foreseeable future.”

“You are willing to risk everything we have worked for, just for a potential benefit? Is it worth it?” Namora questioned pulling away, with her eyes narrowed at him.

“For our people, for their safety, it will be worth it, My child. With her here, our people will be hidden and protected.”

Namora remained silent, considering his words.

“It’s on you. But we must keep a close eye on the surface dweller. We are not to trust her, not until we know if she is safe for our people.”

“I understand, Namora.” He nodded in agreement. “I will take full responsibility for her while she is here. And if she proves to be more of a liability, we will deal with her accordingly.”

Namora’s expression softened slightly.

"Very well. But if anything goes wrong, it will be on your head."

K'uk'ulkan nodded once more. "I understand."

With that, Namora turned and left the throne room, leaving K'uk'ulkan alone to contemplate the potential risks and rewards of his decision.

~

Slowly opening your eyes, feeling disoriented as you tried to make sense of your surroundings. You remember being on the boat, the attack that killed almost certainly everyone in the team, to the memories of your life flashing before your eyes in the confinements of the cabinet. But now, you were in a strange chambers inside of a cavern, surrounded by walls of rocks and water.

Sitting up, you noticed the figure standing in front of you. The same man at the boat. The man stood now with robes on instead of just the green shorts and there was a lack of the spear much to your relief. He sees you finally wake up and turns to face you.

“Welcome,” he says, the same daunting voice from the boat but no longer did it held the anger from that night. “I am K’uk’ulkan, King of Talokan.”

You looked at him confused. Talokan? In your years of working for the Avengers and eventually the CIA, learning about all different kinds of aliens and otherworldly beings, both in the surface and in the water, this was the first time you had ever heard about Talokan. Not even from your own family’s history have you heard of beings just like him.

It was as if he could sense your confusion and fear as he held his hands up in reassurance.

“You are in my chambers.” He explains. “You are safe here, Surface dweller, I have spared you in hopes of learning what your people want with the Vibranium in our kingdom.”

You start to feel a sense of uneasiness. What if you told him the truth, of what the government wanted with the Vibranium, would you finally be killed?

“Do not be afraid.” He continues walking closer to you now, his hand placed on your shoulders. “You are safe here, I have brought you alive for a reason and you have my word that you will not be placed in any harm throughout your stay under my jurisdiction.”

As you start to look around the chamber, you notice something strange. The walls are covered in murals, painted in bright colors. They depict scenes of ancient rituals and ceremonies, with strange symbols and images that you can't quite decipher.

He seemed to have noticed your interest.

“Murals of Talokan,” He explains gesturing to the walls. “They tell the story of my people, of our history, and of our beliefs.”

You start to feel a sense of awe, looking at the intricate designs and patterns. You’ve never seen anything like this before in your life. He moves to the wall, taking a brush and paint from a nearby table. As he starts to paint, you watch in amazement. The colors seem to come to life, swirling and dancing before your eyes.

As he paints, K'uk'ulkan begins to speak. He tells you of the ancient gods, of their power and their wisdom. He tells you of the secrets of the Talokan, and of his origins, of why he was different from the rest of his people. He was mutant, the first born son of Talokan.

“Why am I here then?” You questioned, as much as you now grow interested in his stories, you were more concern of what was needed from you in this moment. “I don’t fit into any narrative in your stories or your people?”

“You know too much, and it is best for you to remain here for the time being while we handle the person responsible for creating the machine.”

“How long?” You questioned.

“For a while.” He spoke nonchalantly. “For the meantime, you can visit Talokan with me or you can spend your days here in the chambers, it is up to you.”

You blinked seemingly having no choice in the matter at this point.

~

It was not what he intended to happen, all he wanted was for Talokan to remain a secret from the surface world. Never did he even think that a glimpse of you and the wonder in your eyes through the water suit did he think he could ever fall in love, with a surface dweller of all people, but here he was.

It had been days now since your arrival, days since your time has been spent in his chambers and in Talokan. How you had made use of your expertise in the waters for their benefit. Fishes and other marine creatures that even the oldest of their scholars did not know of their use was now being integrated into their daily lives.

Y/N.

He had learned so much about you in your stay in his home. How you found yourself making use of your love for the water into your studies to be what you were now. How from so much trials and tribulation in your life, have ended up under the government’s jurisdiction and in your expedition for Vibranium would have been the last part of your agreement with them. Who would have ever thought that someone as shell shock as you would have been a siren in hiding all this time?

He fell in love with you for your love for the water. How the simplest of gifts he would give you would send the biggest and brightest smile on your face. He fell in love with your intention to do better for the world even with everyone against you. He had fallen so madly in love with how easy it had been for his children to open up to you—even Namora that has been far too apprehensive with your stay in Talokan in the beginning.

“Sing me a song, In Sirena?” He asked, his head rested on your lap, your fingers combing through his hair.

In the silence of his bed chambers, he had opened himself to you, about his mother, of the promise he had kept of burying her in their home in the surface world, of the name that was never his own by took to inflict fear to those who were a threat to his people.

He closed his eyes and felt the comfort that came with your touch and of your voice that echoed through his chambers. How your hauntingly beautiful voice placed him at ease, something he was not given as often in his life. He was at peace.

He felt the smile slowly form on his lips as you continued on with your song that was now becoming all too familiar to him. It was a lullaby, one that your own mother had sung to you as a young child, it brought back memories of his own mother, of the love that only she could give you even with the responsibility that rested on his shoulders—he felt like a child all over again.

“When this is all over, if I let you go, will you ever come back for me?” He found himself asking, slowly opening his eyes to look up at you.

You had halted in your song to look right back at him, eyes softening at his question.

“I don’t know,” You answered honestly.

Another thing he had appreciated about you was your honesty, no matter if it would offend him or anyone else, you held honesty that was few and far in between for a surface dweller. He understood your answer, though he was sadden by the reality of it—you were still a captive of his domain, stuck in the crossfire of his mission to protect his people. But he longed for the day that you would stay, even for just his people.

“I understand.”

“I have people that depend on me in the surface. I’ve already lost some of the people I’ve treated like my family—I want to make sure that I explained what had happened to their families.”

He looked away, knowing the weight of his action had on you now. Of the deaths that was to be expected for the protection of his own people.

Their little moment was interrupted at the sight of Attuma arriving.

“What?” He inquired, not leaving his positon on your lap much to your own discomfort and embarrassment.

“The Princess and the scientist are here.” Attuma announced and it was the sign he needed that his moment with you was now over.

~

At the news of someone else from the surface now being held under hostage of Talokan, you had asked K’uk’ulkan about seeing them. No matter how much you were slowly understanding the man’s need to protect his people a part of you still wanted to see and check upon those that are for certain scared of being here.

“Dr. Y/L/N?”

The last thing you would have expected to see was Princess Shuri and Riri Williams here. But then again, it was Vibranium that Talokan was protecting, and having them here was becoming more understandable than anything else.

“Are you two okay?” You asked, checking them from head to toe for any sort of injuries.

“You were reported dead.” It was Shuri that had spoken and your heart fell. But realized that after everything, at the death of your team and escorts, it would have bound to happen that without your body recovered, they would have expected as much.

“They have taken me here to keep quiet.” You answered. You worry that if you said too much it would end with your hurt or worst the women in front of you would.

The guilt was now washing over your system at the realization of your admittance of Riri being responsible for the machine had now led to her here—bringing Shuri along in the process.

“We have to find a way out.” You whispered holding onto their hands, you know it would take some work to find the suits they have used but it was better than whatever they might have planned for them—or for you at the matter.

“No.” Shuri shook her head.

You shook your head. It was not the right thing to do for her. Unlike you, that now had everyone believing you were dead and for certain would face prosecution if the Government found out you were alive, Shuri had so much to live for, someone to that loved her, and everything else in her life that you know for certain that you did not have anymore.

“He wants to go to war with the surface world, and asked me to help him.”

You blinked realizing then and there the reality of the man and his intentions. One of the servants remained, providing food for the three of you and you had hoped that she did not understand anything that you were talking about in this moment. Your eyes lingered to the guards also station around to watch over you and over the two.

“Princess, please.” You held onto her hand, hoping to talk some sense to her even in this very moment. “The world has done all of us wrong, but this is not the right thing to do.” You plead for her, turning your attention towards Riri that was still shaken by everything that was happening.

“Then why did you remain when you could easily have escaped?” Shuri questioned.

Your eyes closed at the reality of her words, how easily you could have escaped because of your powers but chose not to do so. In the moment you did not have a reason to leave, for you genuinely fell in love with Talokan even with the circumstance of it all.

You fell in love. How stupid it was for you to do so, falling in love with your captor but you did. You see your family in this people. How your own was cast to the waters by the very same people that had once cast K’uk’ulkan’s people into the waters. He was just like you, just as much as you were just like him.

“I’ve lost everything, Princess.” You whispered. “I’ve got to no Tony or Nat to back me up anymore, the government is wringing me dry for all that I have until they have the better reason to finally lock me away and experiment on me. He gave me an opportunity to live here and I might just stay because of it.”

In the struggle of it all, you once had Tony and Nat to depend on in your life, but with everything that had happened during the snap and their death to save the entirety of the universe, life has never been the same for you and you linger in the chaos of the life you tried to rebuild for yourself in the process.

Your eyes lingered behind and the sight of Nakia had caught you off guard.

Before you could even act, Nakia had shot the guards on stand by and the servant had now held a knife against Shuri. It was chaos and you did not know who to save in this moment. You held your hands up towards Nakia and pleaded for the servant to let her go, the sight of her hesitation was all you need to know that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Please. It doesn’t have to end like this.” You plead to Nakia. “They will let Shuri go, and you can escape safely. Please.”

Nakia held a blank look before talking to Shuri and before long shooting the servant without hesitation. You were quick in your steps, dashing towards the servant as you held onto the wound and your eyes turned towards Shuri and Nakia.

“You need to come with us, Wakanda can protect you. It is the least we can do for all the help you’ve given us in the past.”

You wanted to, but as the servant had held onto you as she fought for her life, it had you second guessing yourself. If it was worth the risk coming back, with not only the Government coming after you but now even Talokan that has shown her nothing but kindness since your arrival.

“You’ve waged the war…all he wanted was to protect his people.” You shook your head refusing to come with them.

You had watched them leave, in the emptiness of the caverns that they stayed in, you found the tears have slowly fallen as you begin to sing the servant a song, hoping to be there for her in her dying moments.

‘Ili-ili tulog anay Wala diri imong nanay Kadto tienda Bakal Papay Ili-ili tulog anay Mata kana tabang mo Ikarga ang Nakompra ko Kay Bug-at Man Sing Putos ko Tabang Mo Ako Anay Ili-ili Tulog Anay Walang diri Imong Nanay Kadto tienda Bakal Papay Ili-ili tulog anay’

“In Sirena?”

The sight of K’uk’ulkan approaching brought all the guilt to the surface as your eyes turned back to the servant girl, how she was begging for her king to save her even when it was far too late for her.

“I tried to stop them.” You whispered closing the servant girl’s eyes as she now laid lifeless in your arms. “I tried to make them go without hurting anyone else in the process.”

You turned to the sight of Namora walking behind at the scene of death at the hands of Wakanda. You did not have the heart to look her in the eyes now, after all the help she had given you in your stay in Talokan—this was the price that you paid. It was better off if you were dead just like the rest of them.

You sobbed as the cousins begin to converse in their language. It was all your fault, from the moment you had accepted the mission to seek Vibranium from under the waters, you have left nothing but death and failure in your midst and now even in Talokan, the same curse has come to present you.

Even as K’uk’ulkan has pulled you away from the servant girl to allow her to be buried, you sobbed over and over even as you were pulled into his chest.

“Why did you stay?” He questioned you, his hand cupped your cheeks wiping what remains of the tears on your cheeks. “You could have left with them.”

“I can’t.” You confessed. “Not like this, not if it means someone dying in the process.”

“Then join us, in our fight.”

“I can’t. Revenge is never the answer.”

~

It was a week now since the attack in the cavern, you have decided to remain in K’uk’ulkan’s chambers for the entirety of it. But you have never talked to the man after what he had done as retribution for Nakia’s attack. The Queen of Wakanda was dead—drowned, and the invasion of Wakanda had set off more conflict than anything you would have ever imagine from them.

“In Sirena,”

You turned, the frown rested heavily on your lips in the moment but you said nothing even as the man approaching you, standing right in front of you from where you sat in the bed. You know why he was hear, it has been a week as the agreement and at any time a war is about to break through and you could only fear the damage and death it would cause in their paths.

“I want you to join me in this fight. After everything with Wakanda is resolved, I want you to be my Queen.”

You closed your eyes, it was not how you would have wanted to stay, not in this circumstance.

“Revenger and retribution is not the answer. It will only cause death and pain for everyone involved.”

“Then please stay here in Talokan, with me, with my people. Live with us and flourish and grow to be what you were always meant to be.”

And just like every instances that he asks you the question, you shook your head. In a perfect world, when things have not been filled with bloodshed, you would have. But in this instance, you couldn’t, not when you had a part in the mess that created the fight between Talokan and Wakanda.

“I can’t.”

“Then when you are ready, you can leave.” He spoke to which had your eyes widen and you looked at him now straight in his eyes, the sadness that came with his words. “Just know that you can never come back or you will be killed on the spot as you are a surface dweller trespassing our home. My love and fondness for you does not change the fact that you are an enemy of Talokan.”

It was cruel for him to say after everything that you have both been through together. But in the end, it was always his people above his own emotions and the love you have come to realize you both shared for each other in the short amount of time in his chambers and in his home.

“Okay.”

~

As he had laid on his back so close to the brink of death, defeated by the Black Panther, his mind had been only on two things. His mother and you. He was ready to die, but his memories were brought back to you as the Princess had the spear by his neck, ready to kill him. He was brought back to your words as you had pleaded for him to reconsider the fight against Wakanda. He was brought back to the hope that you would stay if he made the right decision.

He had yielded, with you and his mother on his mind. He had yielded hoping that you would stay even at the venom of his words when he last spoke to you.

As he had spoken to his people, ordering them to go back to Talokan, his mind was flooded with you—the glimpse of hope that you would remain still and be with him. He swam back to the waters, with his people guiding him throughout, his injuries were slowly healing, but it will take time and he needed to rest.

“I want to be left alone.” He spoke to his servant, brushing them away as they intended to patch him up. He refused, deciding to lick his wound in solitude.

Groggily, he had made his way back to this chambers, the silence broke his heart as he saw no sign of you anywhere. Walking towards his bed, he laid face first, the ache and pain that came with the battle against the Princess did a number on him and it would take a while before his wings would grow back.

He closed his eyes, for the moment, making peace with the silence of his chambers, the ghost of your voice echoing his mind. Your lullaby that would give him the comfort he never truly had in his life.

“K’uk’ulkan?”

His eyes snapped open, confused and devastated, it might be the delirium from his injuries that made him hear voices that were never there. But the panic of the voice continued to sound and it was when he felt the warm familiar hands on his shoulders that he had realize it was not his imagination playing a cruel joke on him.

It was you. You were still here.

“In Sirena,” he spoke turning his head to look at you.

The tear stricken face and the worry that was all too evident in your beautiful features.

“Why are you here?” He questioned, sitting up with you guiding him.

“I didn’t have the heart to leave until I know for certain you were alright.”

It was how quick his heart fluttered by your words, the effect you had on him knows no bound and made it all the more painful when you decided to finally leave.

“It is over, I have made an agreement with Wakanda.” He spoke. He watched the way your shoulders relaxed at this words. “You no longer have a reason to stay, you can leave and never turn back.”

“I can’t.” You smiled gently wrapping your arms around the man, sealing your fate to be with him forever, not only as his partner and companion, but as the Queen of Talokan.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water XII

Summary: When he doesn't even know who he could trust anymore. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,915 Chapter Warnings: Drowning. Mention of Vomiting. Namor is an asshole here.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part XII

“At least the bandage are coming off.” You couldn’t help but smile as Namora was kind enough to help you out with removing said bandages. “But that means I have to show more skin now.” You joked earning a chuckle from the warrior at your expense.

“Your clothes—or what is left of it is ready for you to use should you decide to use it.” She points out, gently cutting through the bandages on your side. “But I think it is best for you to remain in this attire for the time being.”

In the silence, the sound of the blade tearing through the bandage was the only thing you could hear through the sound of splashing waters, your eyes looking anywhere else but Namora’s handy work. Instead your eyes fell back towards the murals on the wall. Memories of the instances where you would watch K'uk'ulkan paint and how you would playful ask if he would want to be a painter in his next life to which he would simply shrug and present a coy smile without confirming.

“I have heard from K'uk'ulkan that you plan to stay?” She inquired breaking you from your thoughts.

“Not on a permanent basis.” You confirmed. “I still have my obligations with Princess Shuri, but if he would need me here in Talokan for anything your people would need my expertise with.”

“Have you faced your fears of the water then?” She inquired.

“I can manage now.” You admit almost too proudly by something so simple.

But it had meant so much to you in the moment. How K'uk'ulkan had helped you in facing the fear you had dealt with for your entire life at this point. If any other circumstance you would have refused his offer of help, of even staying here in Talokan, but he helped you more than you could ever thank him for.

“You are special to him…” Namora pointed out and the proverbial blush was immediately painting your cheeks at such insight from the woman. “Broke his own rules for you.”

“I’m no one special.” You brushed off turning upon realizing the last of the bandage was removed and the biggest smile was on your face seeing now visible scarring from your wounds. “Thank you for patching me up so well, Namora.”

“It is nothing.” She brushed off standing up from the bed. “Now, the suit you have requested will be brought in the morning, before you return back to Wakanda, it would make me happy if you would visit Talokan and see everything that I pride my land has to offer.”

You smiled nodding almost ecstatic of the possibility. Initially, you had been hesitant about seeing their kingdom out of your own fear of the water, but now that it was no longer a hindrance, the curiosity now settled through you and you would want nothing more than to go and see Talokan for all of its beauty as Namora and K'uk'ulkan would constantly tell you.

Before long, the familiar sound of the disturbed waters had sounded and you turned to see the man himself in his full glory. K'uk'ulkan. But in this very moment, you were not welcomed with the familiar smile nor the familiar warmth as he held you by the arm—more painful than you would believe he would hold you so.

“What are you doing?” You questioned pulling away from his hold but he was too strong for you.

“Do. Not. Lie. To. Me!” He spat pulling you towards the water and the panic set before you could understand what was going on.

The question that escaped Namora’s lips were left in deaf ears as you were dragged to the waters—the deeper parts of it. All the panic was now settling in your system at what the man was about to do.

“K'uk'ulkan what are you doing?” You questioned trying your best to get away from his hold.

“You will answer my question and if you lie, I will be the one to drown you myself.” He threatened, ice cold was his gaze at you.

“I will, just please let go. You’re hurting me.” You attempted to escape his hold but it was inevitable. “Please, stop.” You continue to plead as he now stood you by the edge of the water.

“Who are you?” He questioned.

“What are you talking about?” You screamed at him, fear no longer giving you any rational thought but to escape from his hold.

“Are you one of them? Are you the one who attacked my people?” He screamed into your face.

“No! Why would I even do that?” You spat at him.

Before you could hear a proper answer from the man, in the blink of an eye you were thrown into the water and everything you have learned from the man had faded away as the panic and fear had consumed your entire being. You struggled to swim up, to find the control to swim, to even float. The air was replaced with water and you felt the all too familiar sting in your lungs.

The scream escaped and you struggled for your life and the man you had trusted to help you in facing your fears stood by the edge, watching you unmoved and unfazed by the sight of you drowning all over again.

This was it, this was how you would die. At the hands of the man you were not supposed to trust. By all the warnings Shuri had once given you of the man, of all the cruel things he had done for the sake of his goal. You will die at the hands of a man you had slowly but pathetically fallen in love with.

“Mama, I don’t want to die.” You found yourself sobbing. “Please Mama, I don’t want to die like this.”

At the change of his expression, it was Namora that quickly dived into the water to save you. Holding you up and back up onto the dry floor. You shivered, taking as much air as your lungs could consume before the vomit began. Everything you have eaten and of the water you had breathed and consumed was expelled for both of them to see.

A pathetic sight to see.

You struggled to stand, to get as far away from the man as possible, but your legs were giving out and it was your arms holding you up from face planting the floor as you continued to puke out the water. The cough began burning your chest so painfully you felt you were truly dying in this moment.

You heard the screams between Namora and the man, but you ignored them, trying your best to regain your breathing and your own sanity at this point. When you felt everything clear up, the sobs continue and the shivering was what came after, the betrayal and the realization that you needed to leave this place once and for all. To get away from the man for what he has put you through.

Blurry eyes finally rose to see Namora shoving K'uk'ulkan away, her spear was now pointed at the man. You know the punishment that would come for Namora for her actions but you could do nothing at this point, out of fear of being placed upon the same predicament all over again.

K'uk'ulkan simply stared at you at this point and the single tear had fallen from his eyes before he had retreated back to the waters.

“I’m sorry.” Namora had slowly approached you, you accepted her hug as it was something you needed right now. “I don’t know what had gotten into him.”

“Please…” You whispered. “Please bring the suit as soon as possible and help me go back to Wakanda before he comes back.” You pleaded.

You no longer felt safe within his chambers. What would stop him from doing the same thing when you were all on your own? The thought only brought the fear to consume you even further at such a possibility.

~

He should have felt nothing. He was simply doing what was best for his people. If it meant killing anyone along the way he should never hesitate. But he did, as he sat on his throne after his own blood had pointed her weapon at him, the doubt slowly washed over him. The guilt come following after like a hit to the stomach.

He would never be able to sleep at night seeing the heartbreak so evident in your features for what he has done. It had been hours now since he had thrown you onto the very same water he had once warned you not to go with how deep the waters were at that area. But still it felt like he was still in the moment, of his body and his heart fighting to come for you and to save you from the predicament he had placed upon you.

‘Mama, I don’t want to die.’

Those words would haunt him forever. Like a dagger repeatedly stabbing against his heart. It was the same, to place someone he was slowly but surely placing up on a pedestal for.

“In ajawo',”

He broke from his despair at the sight of Namora. He was prepared for what she was about to say. Prepared to forgive her for her actions against him as they were without malice on her part.

"Bix u beel leti'? (How is she?)" He could not help but ask. His heart winning over anything else at this point.

"Leti' ts'o'ok partido suut le superficie (She has departed back to the surface world)." She announced.

His heart dropped.

"Ma' a ordené ti' le dejaras bin (I did not order you to let her leave)." He growled.

“Ka ma' in ordenaste le xu'ulbes je'elel (And you did not order for me to let her stay)." She quipped unfazed by the anger slowly coming.

He was left silent. His people, they were not ordered to do anything rash as he had done and you were free to leave if you so choose to, if you were to be ready to leave. So you did, but at the cause of his actions against you. He was too late, too late to even try to fix things.

"Leti' ts'o'ok confiado ti' teech, ba'ale' elegiste jaatik le ka' tuláakal le progreso u ts'o'ok u meentik tak u llegada. (She has trusted you, but you chose to break her after all the progress she has made since her arrival)."

She was right. No one else was to blame but him.

"Yéetel máax yaan leti'? (Who is she with?)" He slowly resigned to the choices he has made.

"Ma' u confiar ti' mixmáak asab u tu Attuma utia'al u taasik le u paache' ti' le yóok'ol kaaba' le superficie u kin tuukul segura. (I could trust no one else but Attuma to bring her back to the surface world safetly)."

All he could do was nod. Accepting that this would be the last time that he would ever see you again. He no longer had the galls to face you for what he had done. But it was the guilt that now rests upon his shoulders for as long as he was alive.

"Bejla'e', wáaj in dirás Ba'axten ta meentaj ti' le ba'ala'? (Now, will you tell me why you had done this to her?)" She had demanded and he knew he had no other choice but to do so.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water XI

Summary: Practice makes perfect, but nothing beat having a submariner for a teacher. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,804 Chapter Warnings: Mention of a Dead Body.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part XI

"Am I not interrupting you from any of your duties?"

"For you, nothing is too important that I couldn't postpone."

You tried your best to not blush at K'uk'ulkan’s answer. Trying your best to act unfazed by his words you looked down at yourself and the new change of clothes that Namora had provided you a few hours ago. With the blood and sweat that clung to your clothes, it was best for you to change into something different—thought it was more skin you would generally be comfortable showing on a daily basis—especially with the King’s gaze down at you.

“Now, how would you like to start?” He inquired one brow raised with a playful smile on his face.

“I—I genuinely don’t know where to start.” You admit.

“Come.” He requested one hand out for you to take.

With slight hesitation, you took his hand blushing at the way his hand completely swallowed your own as you both made your way towards the water entrance of his cove. The closer you were to the waters, you found your chest tightening and your breathe growing more rapid.

“Deep breathes, In Yakunaj.” He instructed moving closer until he was in the waters now. “Just your feet.” He continued and you did just that. Letting go of his hand, you held onto his shoulder as you felt the cold water now flooding your feet.

Looking up at the man, he was smiling bigger. Proud of the little feat that you have done now. It was—progress, after all.

“Good.” He spoke holding onto your waist now. Allowing your shaky legs to walk deeper until the water now reached below your knees. “How are you?” He inquired.

“I’m cold.” You observed.

“The water is cold after all.” He spoke as a matter of factly bringing a smile on your face at the sarcasm he was capable of dishing out.

“I’d be more surprised if the water is boiling hot at this point.” You muttered earning a hearty chuckle from the man as he continued to pull you towards the deeper parts of the water.

“Can you still do it?” He urged you on as you moved deeper into the waters.

Now as the water was touching your thighs you felt your knees lock up and your hold on the man’s shoulder now tightening at this point. The shiver was more than just from the cold waters. It was the fear that once again tried their best to consume you.

“Do not think of the fear. Think of what needs to be done.” He instructs you as he now stood still with the water now resting around your waist. “Look at me, In Yakunaj. You are doing well on your first try.”

“I want to go back now.” You requested as you now felt the familiar burn against your chest.

“Okay.”

With his arms wrapped around your waist, he lifted you back up to the dry floor of his chambers. You gaze down at him as he never broke eye contact with you. Every single time he does this, it always brings this unfamiliar spark right down to your toes.

“You did good on your first try.” He praised further making this situation more embarrassing than it already was.

“Thank you.”

“Now dry yourself up and rest. This will be a long road for you and our mission is to ensure you can safely return back to the surface so you can see your mother again.”

And his words rang a truth that you never thought would be something you had to deal with for your duration in his chambers. In what felt like a week, your time consisted of the man helping you face your fears of the waters, to him spending what little free time he has with talking to you of his life, of his heritage, of what was taken from his people and the reason for his hatred for the surface world because of what they represent.

“This world does not deserve people like you, people like the Princess. I still believe it doesn’t.”

“Maybe they don’t.” You agreed as you sat beside the man by the water, your feet now slowly getting used to the cold sensation against your skin. “But sometimes, you wouldn’t know what we had to do in our lives to pay the price to be in this world to begin with.”

Memories of the lives you’ve taken just by association continue to haunt you. You never want to be painted in a picture of perfection or innocence—especially not by this man before you. The names, you’ve read through each and every single names every single time, look through their lives, families you have taken away from them, and the life that they were supposed to live to the fullest.

It was a constant guilt you wish to rid yourself from but you know would never happen. Instead you chose to move forward, pay your dues in whatever you could for the sake of the little few still here to accept it in their need.

“No price is worth it to begin with.” He spoke, cupping your cheek and making you turn your head to face him. “I still want you to stay in Talokan, I want you to learn more about my people. Help in ways only you would know how.”

“I can’t.” You whispered, out of fear or out of apprehension of how it would be like for you if you did. Living in his chambers and by water suits is not ideal in whatever universe you could think of.

You were a woman of science and you already thought of such possibility and it would only be a waste on both of your time and effort in the long run.

“You could make it work. You made it work in Wakanda, you who was placed in such a predicament because of my people had made it work.”

You shook your head, but your body froze as you stared into his eyes.

“Why would you want someone like me here? Am I not part of the surface dwellers you loathe?” You questioned, more for the sake of your sanity.

“An exception.” He admits gently moving his head, you know what he was about to do and for whatever reason you didn’t pull away.

Instead, you found yourself closing your eyes and leaning towards him more. Every other senses become more heightened; your skin felt warm even with the cold air of the chambers and of the water your feet were still submerged in, the warmth of his callous but gentle hand against your cheeks, the loud beating of your heart echoed through your ear, the subtle splash of the water, the smell of his musk against your nostril, and the taste of his lips as they finally met your own.

It was gentle, sweet, and supple. Not something you would have ever thought would come out of the King of Talokan’s lips—but it did. He kissed you so gently, as if he feared he could break you with his touch. His opened his mouth, swallowing you so. How his tongue was as gentle as the hands that cupped your cheeks. He savored you as gently as you tried to take more from him.

You opened your eyes in a daze as he finally pulls away from you. Eyes glimmering brown stared right back at you. A smile played on his face, it was perfect. Perfect in such a dysfunctional situation you were in at the moment and even in your shyness found yourself smiling too.

“In Yakunaj.” He whispered, thumb caressing your bottom lip. “Make me your exception too.”

“Okay.”

~

Something has changed in K'uk'ulkan at his first taste. It was sweet, warm, and bright. It was you. In the days you were in his chambers, his time away from you was spent smiling and anticipating his return. His people could see the change, Attuma and Namora could see it just as much.

The coldness that he had presented after his lost against Wakanda was replaced in a warmth that he never realized he still possessed throughout the centuries. All because of the outsider, of the woman who had helped his people make safe passage to the surface world.

“In ajawo', k'abéet a wilik le ba'ala'. (My King, you need to see this).”

It was rare for him to see Attuma in such a frightened state, more rare than Namora at times. Of all the gore and death that he had painted his hands in his lifetime, nothing truly fazed him until now. It was something that needed his full attention.

Without another word, he had followed one of his most trusted advisor the grave site they had created to dispose of the corpses of any of the surface dweller who would even attempt in locating the Vibranium. They were not savages, they were given a proper burial each and every single time and among the corpses were that of the warrior that had made an attempt at his kingdom.

With nothing but loin clothes to protect their modesty, one of the few things that stuck out were the gills. It rocked him to the very core for how similar they were from your own. How anatomically similar it was to the ‘wounds’ you have developed when you drowned.

“Ba'ax ku? (What are they?)” He questioned, he couldn’t help but inspect the corpse, how the gills were compared to his people’s own. Larger and far closer to their lungs compared to that of the people of Talokanil.

“Atlantean,” was the only answer Attuma gave him and it was all he needed to know what he was truly up against. So they have persisted now.

"Máax asab u yojel yóok'ol le ba'ala'? (Who else knows about this?)"

"Le j-meno'obo' ba'ax tu beetajo'ob ya'abkach le wíinklil. (The healers that have prepared the bodies)."

He could only nod, mind swimming with all of the scenarios but one thing comes to mind. The betrayal that he could not truly swallow or accept in the moment. You, it all lines up. How the people of Atlantis have come the very same day that he and the rest of his warriors were distracted.

Without another word, he swam away on a mission. He will have his answer, one way or another. What else were you hiding from him? What else where you planning on him and his people?

At the thought of you, the woman that was scared of water, the fury slowly burned to his very core. He was stupid to believe it. It was another ploy that he does not know if there was an end goal on your end.

One way or another, he will find out.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water X

Summary: You finally dive right in. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 2,147 Chapter Warnings: None.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part X

In and out of sleep, the one thing that somehow overwhelmed you was the burning pain in your chest. A part of you knew it was from inhaling a good amount of water in your attempt of saving Shuri. You refused to get out of bed, never remembering how one minute you were in K'uk'ulkan’s lap, another minute you had bandages around your wounds and one of the servants was asking if you want food.

You were slowly beginning to feel the burning in your chest spread, moving up towards your neck. You said nothing even as another one of the servants had come to check up on you. The tightening ache against your neck and air way and every breath you take was like breathing fire.

You closed your eyes hoping this was all in your mind and you were simply living in the consequence of your actions but it didn’t feel like it even for a second. It felt too real. Even with the shivers running through your entire body, the sweat now painted your entire body, sweat beading through your forehead and the clammy sensation that just would let up no matter how much you tried to wipe away the droplets.

“Eat.”

Turning towards the owner of the voice, the sight of Namora was the last person you genuinely wanted to see right now in your state. You couldn’t say no to her. Back when you were in the lab, if it wasn’t Shuri, it was her that constantly badgered you to eat something before you continued on with work.

Looking towards the tray she was holding, you had noticed a few array of fishes, grilled from the scent of charcoal wafted with the dish. Your stomach betrayed you long before you could refuse the meal yet again. Namora had sat herself besides you on the bed, tray now expectedly waiting on her lap for you to take.

“I’m not leaving until you are fed, the King’s orders.”

You nodded embarrassed to be once again attended by the King like the first time. You sat up and a ghost of a smile now played on the Talokanil’s face because of it. Taking one of the fishes, you took a small bit to satisfy your stomach and the expectant woman watching you like a hawk.

“Who attacked you back then?” You inquired wanting to fill the room with anything else but silence.

“We are still learning of their identities.” She spoke not truly giving you a proper answer. “But they are not from Talokan as we have once feared.”

You nodded, at least it wasn’t someone from his own people, it was harder to find a traitor than deal with an enemy out in the open. You had your own fair share of betrayal some even out in the open and it was a much bitter pill to swallow than anything else.

“I thought you were the only race of humans to breathe underwater.”

“We have thought the same until now.” She continued urging you to eat the second fish. “What you have done to save the Princess was utterly idiotic.” She pointed out making you choke on the fish mid-swallow.

She was right, you were idiotic but you would not change anything about that decision of yours if you had the opportunity to turn back time. Every single day of your life you would do the same thing if it means saving someone whose life could have a bigger impact on the world compared to you.

“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

“You are the most idiotic genius of the surface that I know off.” She scoffed.

You could only smile and somewhat agreeing her in the statement, not truly being offended by it the slightest.

“I’m sure you would do the same for the people that mean so much to you.”

“I would—in a heartbeat too.” She agreed.

“Are there any damages to the structures?” You continued on with your line of question now. Already on your third fish, the conversation somehow fueling you to continue on with eating now.

“Surprisingly, your machine is in one piece still and the structure is stronger than ever.” She continued.

You nodded.

“I think if there are any other damages, we can do a quick fix with the machine once I get back to the lab.” You explained already thinking of all the necessary resources you would need to make for the fixes to be done.

“Even in your state you are still thinking about work, just idiotic.” She snorts and you couldn’t help but pout but continue on with the remaining fish.

“A stubborn idiot that likes to get things done even if it means getting myself killed in the process.” You pointed out before your thoughts brought you back to your time in the water how it was Namora that had saved you from your impending death and the aftermath of you being here—wherever this place was. “Thank you for saving me, and for dealing with me since I got here.”

“I’ve dealt with more stubborn people in my lifetime.” She pointed out finally standing back up with your now empty tray. “We all pick and choose the people we want to mean something in our life.”

You smiled at her words. Who would have ever thought you’d get this side of the Talokanil.

“Now rest. You need all the rest you could get if you plan on getting back to the surface.”

You blinked before coming to realize the reality of your situation.

~

“How long have I been here?”

K'uk'ulkan couldn’t help but smile at such the innocent question that escaped your lips the moment he had stepped into the room to where you were now standing and walking around. Bored out of your mind from the looks of it.

“Do you want the honest answer?” He inquired.

“Yes, please.” You nodded now walking towards the bed, plopping down with a gentle bounce.

“Five days.” He answered.

Five days of having his people keeping an eye on you as you were in and out of your nightmare state.

It has only been a few hours and the progress that Namora had caused was enough to reassure him that you were in the steady rise of finally getting better before he has to deal with bringing you back into the surface and back to the hands of Wakanda—much to his honest dismay.

“When can I go back?” You inquired patting the space on bed for him.

K’uk’ulkan couldn’t help but smile, your curiosity somehow always gets the better of you and here you removing the shyness he had somehow been so found of since meeting you. Without another word, he sat beside you, hand urging your head to rest onto his shoulder.

“It is up to you, In Yakunaj.” He answered.

“How will I go back to the surface—without the suit?” You asked again.

“We have suits to your disposal, it is up to you when you would go up to the surface world.”

He heard you sigh and move a little closer to him now. Your smaller frame and warmth sent a momentary shiver through his spine. It also brought the urge for him to protect you, you couldn’t do it to yourself as you’ve thrown yourself at the hands of death without hesitation once.

“I don’t think I can.” You whispered.

“Then you will stay here in my chambers until then. Is that what you want?” He inquired.

“No. I need to go back to the surface, Shuri promised me that she’ll help me fly back home to my mother after this was done.” You answered turning to look at him now, cheek still resting on his shoulder. “It’s so hard for me to even look at the waters again after what happened. But I want to see my Mama too.”

“Then face your fears.”

He could see you physically flinch at his words as you pulled away. A frown now resting on his lips at the sight of it. The guilt of his insensitive words now washing against his chest—but he was just being practical with his statement now.

“What is your family and life like in the surface world?” He finds himself asking instead hoping to bring you back.

“It’s just me and my Mama and my Papa—my step-father. I never met my real father, but they made me understand early on that Papa isn’t my real father. They thought early on that it was better for the truth to come from them than from someone else. But they loved me so much even with the fact, they worked hard to let me be what I am today. Mama was a Market vendor and Papa was a fisherman, every morning I would watch Papa come back to the shores with an array of different fishes, he would always make me choose one fish for us and the rest would be given to my Mama to sell.” You smiled telling your story. “Mama and Papa loved the waters, I once did too. After I drowned as a kid, I had wanted to make it my mission to never stay in by the waters again to avoid the same thing from happening again.”

He had watched you as you felt into a momentary silence before you continued on.

“I know I broke my parents’ heart when I said I was moving to the city for college, they made it work. They made sure that I’ve got everything I could ever need to make sure I excel. They even forbid me from working part time while I was studying.” You chuckled.

“I still did without telling them, I worked my way through college, monetizing the help I’d give my classmates so I have the allowance to keep me through the god-awful expenses of the city. All the materials I constantly needed for were paid by my classmates and I never told them about those expenses since I know they’d work twice as hard just to afford it.”

“I promised myself the moment I graduated and gotten my first job as a teaching assistant at the same college I studied at, I’ll give my salary to my parents. I don’t want them to work as hard as they did when I was growing up. Every week I would have my friend drive my parents out to the city to buy them anything they might want even if it means I get to eat noodles for the rest of the week, it was all so worth it for them.”

“Then I did something stupid when I got promoted as a Professor. I reversed engineered one of Tony Stark’s suits and showed my class how they could make their own suit with materials they could get from a junkshop. That was how my now-boss discovered me. Gave me an offer that I know would give my parents the life they deserved. One minute I was slaving away grading papers then another I was flying on a private jet to New York with a salary that I know damn well would finally allow my parents to retire on a more permanent basis.”

You stared at him now, head resting back onto his shoulder and his hand now wrapped around you in hope of making you stay in your place. Close to him.

“A few years later, a few bumps in the road, and a whole lot of hearings than I could even count, Shuri had asked my boss if I could come for a visit, and here I am.”

Maybe it was fate, maybe it was cruel world that they all lived in but still here you were. A woman that feared the waters and did everything in your power to avoid it was now in this cove. With the only passage to bring you back to the surface world being the only hindrance stopping you from leaving.

“Use your family as your strength.” He cupped your cheeks. It shakes him to the core the way your eyes twinkled in the darken chambers he found solace in. “Whatever it takes, if you want to see them, you need to face your fears if you want to swim back to the surface.”

It genuinely breaks his heart to see the tears forming your eyes. How he wiped them away before they could even fall. A part of him wanted to kiss the tears away, but he was scared you would pull away if he did so.

“I don’t know how to.”

“I am here to help you. Just as you have helped my people.”

It took you a moment of staring at him, how your hand now held onto his own against your cheeks before you finally nodded.

“Okay.”

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water IX

Summary: You face the aftermath of everything that transpired. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,494 Chapter Warnings: Mention of Injuries. Mention of Mental Breakdown. Mention of Tending to Injuries. Inaccurate Portrayal of Anatomy of someone capable of breathing underwater. Mention of Blood.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part IX

There it was again, the burning ache in your chest. The memory of your life in your home, the screams of your cousins and the grasp of someone holding you the memory slowly becoming clearer. Blue skin, mouth piece, and armor made of Vibranium and Jade.

You screamed. You screamed bloody murder until the familiar voice had come to wake you from your nightmare. Opening your eyes you come face to face with Namora. Concern laced on her features but the pain in your chest and the memory of diving into the waters brought you into a shivering mess as you pushed her away with all your strength.

Crawling away from her, slamming face first into the floor didn’t deter you from your mission to get away from her or from anyone else.

“Umalis ka! (Get out!).” You screamed pulling crawling away until your back met the wall. The uncontrollable shaking from fear and the cold had you wrapping your thigh against your chest in a fetal position. Your teary eyes never once leaving Namora that looked panic at your state.

“I am here to help.”

“Get away from me! Do not touch me!” You screamed yet again.

You wanted to be left alone in your state. A state you had once thought would never return after everything you have tried to do in your life. Distracting yourself with work, with responsibilities, and with every little thing you could think about, it worked only for it to crash and bring you back to the little girl that never gotten over her fear of the water.

“Please let me tend to your wounds.” Namora requested as she tried to approach but you shook your head once again.

“Leave me alone!” You sobbed now. “I want to be alone!” You screamed. “Please, just leave me alone.” You pleaded now as the tears have now fully come to consume you.

“As you wish.” She nodded leaving you on your own.

The dark and cold room that you now found yourself in brought the heavier pit in your stomach. The sobs begin to flow freely from your lips. You begged and pleaded through the echoing walls for your mother, for your family, for your childhood back but it was all left in deaf ears for God knows how long.

Slowly, the sobs died and you found yourself now laying down, hugging your legs still and your eyes emptily staring at the painted walls. The ache on your torso now grow unbearable but you couldn’t move. You couldn’t move in your shaking state.

“In Yakunaj, allow Namora to tend to your wounds.”

The shiver that washed through your spine was ignored as you closed your eyes. The tears once again coming to haunt you. You held onto your legs even tighter craning your face against your knees in hopes of hiding your face from the King.

“Y/N, we are not here to harm you. Please.”

“No.” You spoke, wincing as you heard your voice shaking even in your ears.

You felt someone hold onto your shoulders to which you immediately slapped away.

“I said want to be left alone!” You sobbed never once trying to turn to face anyone also in the room.

You heard K'uk'ulkan speak to Namora but you were too deep into your own sanity to try to understand what was being said between the both of them. Eventually, silence had once again covered the room and you were left to let out the sobs all over again, but the tears no longer falling, dried down from crying previously.

A squeal had escaped from you lips as you found yourself lifted into the air and into the arms of K'uk'ulkan. Chest to chest with the man only now did you see his own battle wounds from the unknown attack.

“You’re hurt…” You whispered.

“Not as bad as you.” He points out now carrying you onto the bed.

“I’m fine.” You lied through your teeth even as you winced at the gentle hand that was placed on your side.

“But the shiver and tears say otherwise.” He points out, smiling even in the situation that you were both in.

“I—I don’t…this is the first time in a long while that I’ve even been in the waters.” You tried your best to explain.

“Is it why you do not want to go to Talokan?”

You could only nod, finding yourself resting your forehead against his shoulders now. Hands wrapped around his waist as the memories of your actions coming to you in full force. You had to save Princess Shuri, knowing who was waiting for her back in the surface. But like anything else in your life, it has its consequence and now you were living with another nightmare that would come to haunt you for a long time.

“I drowned when I was kid, and I promised myself I would never go into the water ever again.” You explained.

“And yet you chose to go into the waters to save the Princess?”

You pulled away to look at the man. Brown eyes peering down at you, his hand rested on your waist now. Supporting you as you were now fully resting on his lap.

“I know that Princess Shuri would do the same for me if the roles were reversed.” You answered without an ounce of hesitation from you. “She had someone waiting for her in Wakanda, her mother, her people. Everyone was waiting for her to come back in one piece.”

“And you did not have anyone?”

You looked away now. How easy was it for you to risk your life and the fears you have for the sake of someone else.

“I don’t want another death to be placed under my name if I could help it.” You whispered head falling back against his shoulders. “I promised myself that if I could repay for the sins of my past, I would—even if it means my life would be the price.”

In the silence of the room, the warmth of the man’s body against your own, and the gentle but rhythmic sound of your heartbeats, you slowly faded again into slumber, but now under the man’s protection pulling you away from the nightmare constantly haunting your mind. But now your mind now consumed with his eyes, eyes that held you in a place you knew should not be placed upon you.

~

He slowly noticed your shaking has ceases and your breathing slowing down. Peering down at you, he realized you had once again fallen back to sleep. His hands slowly moved towards your cheeks, how quickly in your sleep you had nuzzled yourself against his hold.

It was refreshing and daunting for him to see. To realize that something so simple as someone else’s touch would mean so much to you in your sleeping state.

“Ba'ax yaan dormida? (Is she asleep?)”

He turned to see Namora once again returning. Unfazed by the position either of you were in. He instead decided to gently lift you back up and into the bed as she began to tend to your wounds.

“Ba'ax ten Chúuns sangrando tseem. Leti'e' ma' j-atacada. (Why is her chest still bleeding? She wasn't attacked).” He found himself pointing out as Namora was quick to tear the wet shirt you had on.

K'uk'ulkan turned his eyes away from you, not wanting to see you naked, out of respect for your decency and the fact that he might not be able to stop himself if he does. He looked at the mess that you had done to his chambers, the discarded blanket haphazardly on the floor, the few artifacts fallen from your escape away from Namora, and the most daunting sight was the blood that painted his painted walls in the fuss.

He heard the gasp that escaped from Namora’s lips and he returned his gaze back towards you and the sight that fell before him was the bleeding wasn’t from any wounds—but rather unopened gills that were slowly opening up, the mixture of blood and water oozing out.

“Ba'ax le je'ela'? (What is this?)” He found himself questioning in panic. He tried his best to remember the battle, he was certain no one was able to get to you.

“Leti'e' ma' u vomitado le ja'o'. Bejla'e' k ojel Ba'axten. (She has not vomited the water out. Now we know why).”

He found himself drawing nearer, his hand falling towards your torso, towards the gills that now moved in sync with your breathing. The blood no longer oozing out, but the salt water that he was certain you had breathed through during your attempt of saving the Princess.

“Ba'ax le leti'? (What is she?)”

His mind now left in shambles with the revelation, but the more he tried to think of the possibility, the more he is drawn into his initial doubts about you in the past.

You were no ordinary human.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water VIII

Summary: Things go as planned but not in the way anyone expected. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 2,195 Chapter Warnings: Mention of Ambush and Bloodshed. Mention of drowning.

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Part VIII

“I’m surprise you’re here.” You couldn’t help but smile at Agent Ross as you and a few of the Dora Milaje had gathered by the shores as you were ready to turn this device on.

In your hand was a laptop that would allow you and anyone that wanted to watch from the camera you have installed into the machine as well as the one also attached to Shuri’s wetsuit for the duration of the repairs to be made. With the extensive damages, you had estimated the repairs to take well over three hours, but you wanted to make sure the machine as well as Shuri’s suit could withstand a longer duration just in case anything goes wrong. Multiple suits already on standby for the Dora Milaje to use.

“It’s not every day that something like this happens in Wakanda.” Ross pointed out with a gentle smile. “A little action here and there wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

You could only nod and continue on with watching Shuri set herself up in the suit. A reassuring smile on her face as she continued on with talking to her mother—letting her know that this was a safe project and if it was not she was allowed to behead her. A joke that truly had you lost for words. You know she was joking but somehow the anxiety was getting to you more than you would even admit.

“All set?” You asked instead after a moment. Queen Ramonda even in her pristine and blank look held the worry you were all too familiar with. It was the same look you had seen from your mother when you had told her you were flying to New York for a job opportunity.

It was a worry you wanted to make sure would not be warranted for what was about to happen. Your eyes turned to where numerous Talokanil warriors were also gathered, weapons in their grasped and behind them were the King and his two generals, the expectations of what was to come for today rested heavily on your shoulders.

"I'm ready when you are, Doctor." Shuri beamed, hands now holding onto your own. "And again, I know I do not say this enough, thank you for the help you had given to us. Even after knowing the real reason for your arrival here in Wakanda."

"I've learned so much too. And if you would have me, once I return from my visit back home. You would have space for me still." You spoke.

Now, you do not truly have anything else to do with Stark Industries or with the Avengers Compound. You found your place here, it would be different, but the more you spend your time here without the constant panic that came with working for Tony, the more you felt this was the place for you. Where you knew you would grow in a way that never truly happened under Tony.

"Perfect. I'll have everything ready once this is dealt with." She winked finally wearing the headpiece.

You tugged unto the mask to ensure that the seal was perfect before allowing her to make her way to the waters. The twelve by twelve machine was small compared to what you would usually make for this kinds of excavations, but a more compact device would be better for easier access should the need arise.

"The machine will follow you into the specific tunnel and all you have to do is lift it to the specific area it needs to make the fixes and it will do the rest." You repeated again.

"Got it, Doctor."

You smiled watching as the Princess has nodded towards the King that had now dove towards the waters, followed by his generals and the warriors that came before him.

"Good Luck, Princess." You hoped before finally turning the machine on through the laptop.

Backing away, you had watched Shuri hold onto the machine before heading down into the waters. You were quick to turn the camera and watched firsthand the waters as she swam deeper. You had ignored the familiar tightening on your chest at the sight of the waters as she went deeper. Counting ten backwards, you watched and fine-tuned the machine and checking the vitals as they gotten deeper in.

'You alright, Doctor?' Shuri had inquired through the communication line.

"As alright as I could be." You reassured not wanting her to worry about you at the moment but the task at hand.

You barely watched as the crystal waters slowly darken as they gotten into the depths of the waters. You found your hands were visibly shaken and even the Queen herself has taken notice, inquiring if you would want any assistance. You reassured her you were fine and instead inquired Shuri if they were close to the damages.

'Right in the center of it.'

Through the screen, you frowned realizing the severity of the damages that neither you nor Shuri truly realized until seeing it firsthand yourselves.

"Nudge the machine into the damages and I'll do the rest." You requested and through her camera, you had watched the device slowly make its way to the crevice of the damages and begin to work.

Sitting on the sandy shores, you placed the laptop on your thighs as you began to work. Maneuvering the machine as you watched the arms extend out from either sides, beginning to work it's magic on the repairs.

'You never cease to amaze me, Doctor.' Shuri began, idly watching you hard at work with the repairs.

You have learned early on that the pathway was made of corals and stone and you did you best to assure it stayed the same still. It was like playing puzzle for you now at this point, seeing what rock or coral would fit without damaging the paths further. With further help from the Talokanil Warriors you were able to ensure a perfect seal just within an hour and a half.

"Princess, please make sure everyone is out of the way when I spray the seal onto the rocks." You requested.

You heard a few orders being thrown out by Attuma and Namora before you were given the go-signal to begin the seal. A nozzle had extended out from the machine and you had watched the spurt of the sand mixture into the new repairs.

“What is that?” It was Queen Ramonda that had first made the inquiry.

“It’s a kind of sand and cement mixture. It hardens immediately when in contact with rocks, and is nearly indestructible. The only catch is it crumbles on dry land.” You explained.

Just like you’ve expected, you watched the mixture slowly solidify before your very eyes and you had even asked Attuma to test the integrity of the new structure. Watching him strike the walls with his spear only for his spear to bend in the process.

‘Good job, Doctor.’

“I had my doubts about this, bringing you along into this mess. But it seems you and my daughter have proven me wrong.” Queen Ramonda spoke looking down at you, a faint smile playing on her face now.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Now, please tell my daughter to come back to the surface.” She ordered, somewhat playfully now.

“You heard your mother, Princess.”

You could faintly hear Shuri talking amongst the people in Talokan. Each and every single one of them now coming to test the new path you had helped rebuilding. You smiled knowing it would take a while before she would come out to the surface, only now given the opportunity to return after everything that had happened between Wakanda and Talokan.

You once again checked the vital of both the machine and Shuri’s suit and you have noticed everything was still in stable condition. Queen Ramonda eventually allowed Shuri to explore around, with her seeing the beauty of Talokan through the screen, even she was amazed by the sheer beauty of the kingdom and the alarming number of people that lived under the depths of the water—more people that even you could have ever imagined.

‘The offer still stands, Doctor. You will learn so much from Talokan.’

A blush had lingered on your cheeks at the voice of the King through the communications. You now refused to meet the Queen’s eyes, fearing she might think you were conspiring against her and her people.

“I simply can’t.” You answered instead not wanting to linger so much into the topic.

But the tour was interrupted by the sound of something crashing and your eyes lingered right back to the machine fearing it had malfunctions, but seeing the vitals still normal, your next instinct was to check Shuri and the sight of utter chaos among Talokan as several beast had come to attack the Talokanil warriors was the last thing you would have expected to see.

“Shuri get out now!” You screamed and the utter chaos had the Dora Milaje up to attention, slipping on the wetsuits and diving down without hesitation to save the Princess.

You tried to reprogram the machine to assist Shuri in navigating out of the passage but you cursed at the sight of one of the beast go straight for Shuri and the machine. You rapidly continued on typing hoping to use the locator in hopes of seeing them.

“What is happening?”

Your mind was moving faster than your own fingers did and for some God damn reason, you found yourself throwing the laptop onto the flood and immediately suiting yourself into the last remaining wetsuit available. Your mind and body working in sync as you made the last adjustments—ignoring the panicked words of the people around you before you found yourself allowing the adrenaline to take over your body as you dived head first under the water.

~

They were being attacked. The last thing K'uk'ulkan would have ever believed to happen was an armored whale shark begin their attack on his people. His attention was torn between the bloodshed that was happening before him and the sight of now unconscious Princess Shuri among the chaos of it all.

He could not make his way towards her in time as numerous unknown assailants had now slipped out of the beast. Armed in linen robes and Obsidian they were no warriors of Talokan. Weapons ranged from mace and axes, to bow and arrows and even boomerangs. This were no people of his and that simply scared him the most—for he truly did not know if there were people like them in this world.

All of the warriors had stark white hair and eyes glowing bluer than the clear water. They were not equipped with any form of breathers Talokanil uses to breath in the surface. They were simply just like him—but far more dangerous.

Before long, he had watched the Dora Milaje come to defend them in this fight. The water was no obstacle for them, but they truly had one goal that was different from his own—save the Princess, nothing more and nothing less. But even the warriors of Wakanda were not immune to the attacks that came after them.

K'uk'ulkan had found himself battling numerous of the warriors that had now focused on him. His mind panicked, for this was an attack he had once fear would happened. Someone had found them and he was not sure who was truly to blame for it.

Then he saw it, the small glimmer of hope for Wakanda, you. You struggled to swim further down, but you were on a mission and K'uk'ulkan did his best to waver as much of the warriors away from your direction as you made your way to Shuri that has now slowly gained consciousness and only then did he come to realize that the suit that she had on was damaged and water was slowly seeping in.

Without an ounce of hesitation as he continued on with attacking anyone who would come his way, he had watched from his peripherals how you did not hesitate to let Shuri were your head gear and urged her up to safety in the surface. The Dora Milaje retreating now as they had extracted the Princess away from the dangers of the battle.

But now he has something else he needed to worry about. You. You, who even in the face of the death of your life had tried your best to take the machine without any form of breathing gear and how the wide eyes and the sudden grasp onto your throat meant reality was finally slamming through you in your predicament as you opened your mouth and tried to breath in the waters.

“Take her to my cove!” He orders Namora to which she did without an ounce of hesitation and in the panic that laced his voice he realized there was truly something about this woman that he was still uncertain about but it was a kinship that he was not so sure if he truly wanted to address after all was said and done. But for now, all that he could hope was for your safety above everything else.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water VII

Summary: When he sees a different side of you. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,861 Chapter Warnings: None

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Part VII:

It was the vicious words in the dead of night that had him peak from the waters.

He had saw you with the Princess earlier in the night, but as the nights grew later and the bonfire that had long died down, so did your mood. Your temper that he was uncertain you could have it in you to have in your state. In the pitch darkness, he had listened to your words. You were speaking with your boss. A conversation that wasn’t a good one. Words that were not supposed to be said, hurtful at times. K'uk'ulkan had come to learn you were capable of being so—venomous. The prim and always professional Doctor was dishing out one curse word after another.

It left with you finally ending the call and slamming the phone onto the sanded ground in front of you. A frustrated scream escaped your lips as you finally settled yourself onto the tree stump he had slowly learned you favored when you visit the beach.

“You can stop looking like a pervert by the waters.”

It took him by surprise just how angry you were. Since the beginning, when he had first started to watch you at night as you spent the rest of the night off in the beach, you would never acknowledge him—not even when you had known he was there. Whatever anger you might have had overtaken any hesitation or precaution you might have in your body.

“It seems like I have caught you in a bad time?” He began, walking further back into the surface.

The cool air doing wanders towards his warming skin after being caught and called out.

“You tell me.” You muttered eyes glaring daggers at the discarded phone.

K'uk'ulkan could only nod and take the device and hand it back to you. He felt a far too dangerous spark as he touched your skin. He said nothing, instead choosing to look at you, how your eyes stared blankly at the device now back in your possession.

The frown growing deeper on your face the more you looked at the device.

“Sometimes I just want to run away from my responsibilities and never look back.” You began, moving to give him space to sit.

K'uk'ulkan’s head was telling him not to, but his body said otherwise as he found himself sitting beside you on the stump, your dry thigh touching his own damp ones but chose not to acknowledge. Even in the cold airs, your warmth already consumed him.

“Why don’t you?” He inquired now his eyes gazing up towards the stars.

“It’s not that simple.”

“If you desire something, you would not speak of it out loud unless you want to do it—much less let a stranger know about it.”

Even in the darkness, the glow of the moon allowed him to see the way you rolled your eyes at this words. Had it been any other individual, his weapon would already be stained with their blood. But he knew better, he knew you were different from what he was, what the people of Wakanda know of as rankings.

“I have responsibilities.” You pointed out plopping the device onto the sands between your feet. “It’s not as big or as grand as you and Princess Shuri’s, but I still got mouths to feed.”

“A husband and children waiting for you?”

“God No.” You giggled then, almost finding humor in his line of question. “I wouldn’t subject a husband or children to the line of work that I have right now. I don’t think I’m even cut out to be a wife or a mother in my state.”

“Then who?”

“My parents.” You answered, smiling as you looked at him and he couldn’t help himself from looking right back. “I’ve got so much I want to do to make them proud. They made ends meet while putting me through college, being here earning a shit load of money while also doing the things that I lovem, I’m doing all of it for them—I want to make them realize they didn’t bet on losing dogs.”

“I’m sure they know that.” He tried to reassure you, knowing the same experience from his own mother long ago. The promise he had to keep even if it meant bloodshed. He kept his promise to his mother even after her death.

“They always say they do. But I know it’s not enough, they’re just being—my parents.” You shrugged.

He blinked not knowing what else was there to say. You were right, some parents are just like that, they constantly see the best in their children but not all would mend those that could see their worst.

“What would you do—if all was said and done and you do not burden yourself with your responsibilities?” He asked instead, genuinely wanting to pick up their conversation still.

“I might want to stay here in Wakanda, I want to learn more than I already know. I want to help the people that are less fortunate or lacked the equipment for everyday things that we have right now.”

More and more, he is fascinated with you and how you speak. Viciousness, meekness, and now passion that he had never seen in his lifetime. You had everything you could ever have as a surface dweller and instead of trying to capitalize in what you have—you chose to give it away.

“Talokan has learning you might be interested in.” He points out. “You are already versed in our tongue, learning our ways wouldn’t be much of a problem for you.” He smiled remembering in the short amount of your stay you had been able to learn his language in a way that took the people of Wakanda weeks or even months to do.

The offer was once made by Princess Shuri to stay for the sake of the scientist. But when all was said and done, she held a bigger responsibility that he could not take from her—but you, you held something so fragile that any minute it could fade away. He should not welcome another surface dweller—let alone an outsider in his home, but in the conversation you had both with your boss and your own mother, you have never once spoke about his people nor anything about Wakanda. He trusted you, more than he ever should for someone he had only known for less than a month.

“Good luck with placing me anywhere near the water.” You snort. “That Attuma guy would need to drag me to hell and back before I would even agree to be anywhere near the water—no offense.”

“For someone that is well equipped with anything related to waters, you have fears?”

“It’s stupid.” You brushed off. “I almost drowned when I was a kid and now I just have this unreasonable fear of being in the waters.”

“But the waters are calm?” He craned his head in confusion. But then again, one of the many ways they would discard intruders were by drowning.

“The scariest part of the waters are what is at the bottom of the waters, what we have yet to discover for ourselves.”

“I can tell you now and it’s nothing to be afraid of.”

“And I genuinely don’t doubt you on your words, but there are just some things I would rather die than to do.” You assured picking up your phone and standing back up. “It’s getting late and I still have to make some finishing touches to your machine I should head back. Thank you for accompanying me K'uk'ulkan.”

He could only nod, swallowing the disappointment of you leaving him now. He watched you slowly make your way back to the palace, using your phone as a torch to guide you back. In the distance, as he had watched your figure disappear he turned his attention back to the waters—Namora and Attuma already watching him, disapproval written on their features.

~

It took you just two hours of sleep before you found yourself back up on your feet, bathed, dressed in the most comfortable shirt you own and a pair of Levi’s jeans as you made your way back to the lab to make the finishing touches to the machine.

A beaming smile was now on your face as you began your work. There was this cathartic feeling of speaking your mind to Tony last night, how he had once again ignored your warning of not using your project yet and once again you find yourself being invited by the senate to speak for your involvement. It was so freeing to just cuss him out and warn him that you will not place yourself in any blame anymore.

It was also a little reliving to have someone to talk to—K'uk'ulkan. Even to this very hour as you were deep in your own work, you still wondered where the balls have come from to call him out as he watched you by the waters yet again. Forcing him to keep you company while you wonder what to do with your life now if you do eventually decide to leave Stark Industries for good.

“You’re up bright and early.” It was Shuri that had greeted you and making you look up from your thoughts. Besides her was Namora that already looked like she was in a bad mood—far from what was usually on her face.

“We’re throwing this into the water today so I want to make sure I don’t miss anything beforehand.”

“Today?” It was Namora that now sounded surprise, brows furrowed and her hand had held onto your spear far too cautiously for your own liking in the moment.

“We’re not gonna fix the tunnels today.” You reassured her. “I want to make sure that the water doesn’t leak through before we dive further down the waters.” You explained.

“And who will be heading down with this machine?”

You looked at Shuri and it was all the answer you needed to give as she already knew her way around the tunnels and any obstacles that might happen could be handled by anyone of the people of Talokanil that would also be joining in fixing the problem.

“What about you? This is your creation should you not be the one to lead in the operation.” She spoke further which genuinely made you unnerved by her sudden change in attitude—towards you.

“I can’t. It’s for personal reasons and I trust the Princess to be able to handle this on my behalf.”

You heard grumbling in her mother tongue, some of which was hurtful towards you but you chose to ignore not wanting to further her already growing temper. You instead focused on continuing on with your work. Fingers tapping away at the computer and humming to yourself as you tried to distract yourself from the ever growing tension that suddenly fell in the laboratory.

You know you will succeed in your machine, but it doesn’t mean you weren’t worried for the outcome should it fail. Was it death or failure and disappointment that made you more scared?

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water VI

Summary: Slowly but surely everything goes as planned. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,508 Chapter Warnings: None

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part VI:

It was the deafening music that welcomed K’uk’ulkan the moment he had made his now-weekly visit to the palace to check the progress of the machine the outsider was working on. With him was Attuma that was already feeling the effects of the echoes in the halls the closer they walked towards the laboratory.

It’s been a week since the fateful day at the beach, feeding you the fish and to this day you still stood as if nothing was the matter. Working non-stop still, ending your day by the beach making sure you were as inconspicuous as you always seemed to be. Always on the phone talking to two individuals he had later learned was your mother and your boss.

He found himself far too invested in your conversations. The tenderness of your words when you were talking to your mother even in such a foreign language that felt a strong familiarity to what he had fought against in the past. Then there was the evident hostility and distance when talking to the make-shift hologram of your boss. A complete 180 to what he already witness in the few instances he had watched you from a distance and up close in person.

“Namor,”

He turned his gaze towards Shuri, his eyes met her own in respect and general civility after everything they had fought for in the past.

“I apologize for the music, but Dr. Y/L/N is in the middle of finishing up.” Shuri explained and only they did he notice Namora waiting outside, the discomfort was far too evident in her own features from the music.

He could only nod and make his way inside, physically stepping back at the reverbs that echoed the inside was louder from the inside. The array of different machinery surprised even him the further he walked inside. The blinding light glowing from one part of the lab already had him knowing your whereabouts.

Making his way towards you, the first thing that caught his eye was the array of drawings pasted on the monitors, then next were the multiple unwashed dishes laying around on the table, before his eyes finally rested on you in nothing but a sleeveless turtleneck top and the shortest of shorts. Grease painted your glowing skin along with sweat and your full attention was still on welding the metals together.

Eventually the music died down and it left you to a complete stop in whatever you were doing, lifting your head to meet him and the rest of the party he had brought with him. A deer caught in the headlights you were in this moment. Frozen in place, he could only find all the more endearing of you—annoying for anyone else that wasted his time.

“I didn’t realize you were here.” You spoke finally letting go of the device in your grasp.

“So I’ve noticed.” He stated, trying his best to keep the smile away from his features at the sight of you.

Moving with an impossible ease through the complex and far too dangerous array of open live wires that were all around you as you made your way towards them all. He watched you try your best to wipe the dirt and debris that covered your hand with the shorts you wore.

He simply couldn’t help himself as his eyes followed your hands. A dangerous image has passed his mind before vanishing away just as soon. Inappropriate thoughts for someone like him to have for a surface dweller.

“Would you want to see the progress, Your Majesty?” You inquired finally breaking him from his own thoughts and he simply nodded.

He listened and was genuinely at lost for words with the machine you were building. You had insisted that you were not to use Vibranium, but you did used a sizable amount of Adamantium that was far more denser than Vibranium and a metal that was just as dangerous to be ever be possessed by anyone other than Talokan or Wakanda. He listened to your nonstop explanation of how the operation would commence and he had noticed the twinkle in your eyes as you continued on. The smile that rendered you too gorgeous to be in such a mess, the intelligence that came with your profession was in full display without being pushed down his throat.

He was slowly believing Shuri when she had said you were the best for this.

“And once the repairs are done, all I have to do is remove the computer inside and you guys can re-melt the casing and return the material like it was good as new.” You finished the beaming on your face finally allowed the smile to settle in his features.

“When will we throw this to the waters?”

“The day after tomorrow, Your Majesty.” You stated confidently.

“Very well. Who will handle the controls?”

“That would be me.” You answered walking towards one of the computers. “I’ll man the control while Shuri and your people will help in nudging the machine to the right direction.”

“Will this be fail-proof?” He inquired. The pathways were already unstable in its own right at the moment and he wanted to make sure that he will not place his people under more danger than they already were.

“Estimated 90% success rate.”

“And the other ten percent?”

“That is where Shuri and I will come along, I’ve also created a water suit from one of the first ones she has used. In the off chance that there would be a problem, I have programmed onto the suit that will continue with the repairs.”

Efficient and leaves no stones unturned.

“What is your projected number of casualty if that also fails?”

“I don’t fail, K'uk'ulkan.”

He said nothing turning his attention back to his two advisors also listening intently to the explanation and the process that would happen in the following day. The subtle nod that came their way brought him a little glimmer of hope that it does as what you’ve explained and nothing could go wrong.

~

For the first time, Shuri had joined you in the beach. As soon as the three Talokanil had made their departure, the exhaustion of the past few days have come into full waves and you could barely move your hands anymore. It was Shuri that finally insisted that the both of you got out of the lab and into the windy night of the beach.

The only difference aside from having company was the bonefire that Shuri has made as you both began to gaze at the starless nights.

“I can now understand why Tony Stark does not want to let you go.” Shuri began.

“He could many times in the past, but he’s just too scared of where I would go once I do.” You spoke, it was not from a place of ego, but the certainty that came with Tony’s empty promises for the years of working for him. “He made me believe working for Stark Industry was the end all be all of everything I had worked my whole life for—but then I see what Wakanda has, what other Tech companies could have if I even attempt a conversation.”

“Then why not leave? Had it not been for this little incident with Talokan, you will be a good addition to my team.”

“Maybe I will.” You agreed with her.

One of the few things you had fear since your arrival to New York was change. It took you years to full adapt to the face pace of New York, the language barrier, and the constant homesickness that was haunted with your phobia that stopped you from flying right back home in a heartbeat.

Craning your head back towards Shuri, a knowing look had rested on her face.

“What?”

“What has changed this time around, Doctor? Long before the excursion we had asked you numerous times to become part of team, offered you greater than what Stark could offer but you constantly said no.”

You blinked realizing the truth of her words.

“I simply want a change in pace. Be able to come back home more often than I once did while working for Tony.” You shrugged. “I still have my mother and sometimes I wonder if I still have enough time with her at her age.”

You watched Shuri hold onto your hand now.

“Then go back to your mother once we are done here. You have Wakanda’s plane to your disposal afterwards.”

You blinked wanting to refuse her offer, but a part of you knew this was the only way you could have the time. Nodding, you held onto her own hands tighter. She had lost her brother a year ago, she knew more than you what it was like to lose someone she cared for and you truly did not see yourself ever ready to experience the same grief as her in your state.

“Thank you—for everything.” You spoke as your resolve was stronger than you would ever think it to be.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water V

Summary: He puts you through a test. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,149 Chapter Warnings: Mention of deliberate poisoning. Namor being...Namor(?)

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part V:

Your nightmares of drowning were replaced by the handsome submariner in the middle of the sea. Those piercing brown eyes now burned to your skull even as you woke up the following morning. You refused to acknowledge the small little fact that the man was the very same man that you had been seeing by the waters during the late night stay by the beach.

“You are ill.” Namora was not one to ask question, more in line with stating facts it seems.

“I didn’t have enough sleep. But I’ll be fine.” You reassured her, if only she knew it was because of her cousin that you lacked sleep last night.

“Come.” She demanded to which you simply looked at her weirdly at this point. “You will eat with me and Attuma.” She states to which had you having no other choice but to follow her along, a part of you hoping Shuri’s AI would be informed about your whereabouts now that you were close to being held hostage by them.

Snatching your phone into your pocket you followed the Talokanil out of the lab and out of the palace. The both of you made your familiar way towards the beach and this time the fear was slowly coming into reality the closer you both walked towards the roaring waves.

And just like what Namora had pointed out, the hulk of a man was waiting by the sands of the beach—but he wasn’t alone. With him was the King himself, looking ever the majestic sea being you have ever seen in your life.

“You brought a guest—I see.” It was K'uk'ulkan that spoke first. A smile now resting on his face, whatever inside joke he and his cousin have was lost to you at this point.

“More like a hostage.” You joked dryly that no one truly acknowledged at this point as you were handed a weird looking fish which was far too hot for you to hold but you were too afraid to let go with your hand.

“Eat. It will help wake you up.” Namora demanded.

You could only nod and found yourself sitting in the familiar tree stump and now refusing to meet the King’s gaze, fearing that last night would become a topic of discussion. Taking a small bite out of the fish, the far too familiar flavor of home almost brought you to tears as you continued eating.

“Good?” You almost choked mid-chew at the questioned and the fact that the King was now standing right in front of you and looked right down at you.

“Yes. Taste like home.” You answered after momentarily handling yourself from embarrassment. You blinked at how close the man was now as he bent himself until he was practically sitting right in front of you—staring at you for a moment.

“You live by the waters I presume?” He inquired, now settling himself in front of you, sitting with his legs criss crossed right in front of you. You were now looking down at him compared to the other way around with the man.

“I used to live by the beach.” You answered.

“The beach, then I’m certain the waters will not be much of a problem to you once we test this machine you’re building.”

You felt your heart stop with his words. He wants you to come along and that was a hardline you were not willing to cross even if it means your life was on the line. He seemed to realize the hesitation as you refused to meet his eyes and your attention solely focused in finishing the fish being handed to you.

“The waters will be calm.”

“I had made an agreement with Shuri that I will create whatever machine you would need to fix your entry way, but I will not place myself under any bodies of water because of it.” You spoke firmly now having the courage to look at the man again. “Please respect the agreement I have made with the Princess in exchange for the help I’m giving.”

“Okay.” He finally relents standing back up once he was certain you had your fill.

Before you say anything else, the panicked voice of Shuri could be heard and she had appeared with a few members of the Dora Milaje hot on her tail.

You stood with a reassuring smile on your face as you made your way towards Shuri.

“Just got a quick bite with—them.” You explained lamely hoping it was enough to reassure her of your sudden whereabouts for the morning.

“Come, we have something we need to discuss.” Shuri urged you, holding to your arm and pulling you away without you having the opportunity to say goodbye to the Talokanil. ~ You were no ordinary human.

Those were the thoughts that run through K'uk'ulkan’s mind as he had watched you be dragged away by the Princess. His eyes lingered at the retreating Dora Milaje that followed closely behind, their eyes penetrating him with the constant distrust—they should after all that they had all been through.

“Táan a saboteando a leti'ob éejenil yéetel Wakanda. (You are sabotaging your own arrangement with Wakanda).” Namora’s word held so much truth, but the curiosity simply got the best of him since your arrival all those days ago.

"Kun yantalto'on yaax yaantal kíimil, ba'ale' seguía wa'atal, normal bey Mantats'. (She should have been dead but she still stood, normal as ever)." He did supply knowing the fish was poisonous for an ordinary human being—but not to them.

Yet, as he had spoken, you still remained as you once did. Not sign of poisoning—eating the fish with gusto even in the face of beings that was far too different that your own. A stupid surface dweller if he was to be honest with himself—but someone that intrigued him still.

“Ka leti' ma' táan yáanal le kúuchil tu'ux ti' Talokan wa Wakanda. Wa leti' le herida, le k'atun séeb seguiría. (And she is not under Talokan or Wakanda's jurisdiction. If she is harmed, war would soon follow).”

“But she is not.” K'uk'ulkan spoke with finality, not wanting more discussion about his choice of action.

He had watched Namora simply bow, frustration he was far too certain was evident in her features for the choices he had made for the past few months, before she had made her way back to the Palace to what she was assigned to do—watch over you.

“Ka' tuláakal, k encontraremos bo'otik tuméen le yo'osal. (We will find ourselves paying for the consequence after all over again).”

He knew as much. But he needed to take as much of his chance as he could. For Talokan, for his people, he was ready to make take any chance that he could get if it meant the safety of his people from the outside world.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water IV

Summary: Things get better before they get worse. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,893 Chapter Warnings: None.

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Part IV

It’s been a week since your arrival in Wakanda, five days since your first encounter with one King of an underwater kingdom, and well over a few hours since you found out you were to be watched like a hawk by one of the King’s most trusted warriors—Namora (who you later learned was the King’s younger cousin too, so extra intimidation on that front) while you begin creating the machine that would be helping out in fixing their little problem.

You, for the most part, have finally agreed to help Shuri in fixing the pathway to Talokan. But you had made the agreement with her that you will not be personally making your way to the water to oversee it, which Shuri had agreed on her part to do herself with the help of some of her warriors as guard. So, there wasn’t anything else for you to do but build.

“You are not from Wakanda—nor are you like the Colonizers.” In what felt like hours of silence aside from the metals clanking in the lab, Namora had spoken—out of boredom or out of curiosity, you were not so certain.

“I’m from the Philippines.” You answered nonchalantly. “And like what I have said to your cousin, my people had been colonized instead of the other way around.” You added hoping to defend your case from a few days back.

“You said three hundred and thirty-three years?”

“Yup.” You said popping the p with a smile. “Our people have never been the same since.” You continued before turning your attention back to the main frame of the machine.

“The Spanish?” She inquired to which you turned your attention back to her now. You nodded and take a good look at her now—aside from the far too unnerving blue tint on her skin, she was for the most part just like you and like everyone else, nothing to truly be scared of—if a weapon wasn’t pointed right at you.

“I sometimes want to think of what my great great grandparents would live like if they didn’t live in a time like that. Maybe we’d be like Wakanda too.” You shrugged at the thought.

You never truly enjoyed learning about History growing up, more with the fact that it made you sad of the lost culture of your people, angrier at how everyone now depends so solely on the nations that wasn’t your own as an aftermath and just how Westernization truly broke everything beautiful of what could be.

“Just like us.” Namora said under her breath before her attention had now turned away from you, looking around.

You were now back to making all the needed calculations to the program, fingers typing away and the time never truly mattered to you while you were deep in your work until you felt a hand resting on top of your shoulders and you realize it wasn’t just you and Namora anymore.

Blinking and realizing the never ending ache of your hands, you come to face Shuri, who wasn’t alone. With her was the King, Namor and his other (much larger and even scarier) warrior Attuma.

“Your Highness.” You spoke subtly bowing towards the man whose piercing browns were resting on you. The frown still marring his surprisingly handsome features. You could admit at much that he was a handsome man, if he showed any other emotions other than anger directed at you.

“What is the progress of your machine?” He inquired far too straight forward for pleasantries.

You gave Shuri a knowing look to which she simply gave you a defeated shrug.

“I’ve finished making the necessary programing to help with the repairs and input the coordinates to the damaged walls, the only problem I have now is the materials.”

“You can use our supplies.” He spoke.

“If it’s Vibranium, then I can’t use it.” You pointed out.

“And why not?” A single brow had rose, arms crossed against his chest and you were welcomed with a far too lean but strong arms.

“Efficiently wise, I can use Vibranium as it is the strongest metal still known to man but ethically speaking, if I am allowed to be frank with you, I am afraid that once the project is done, in the small chance that this machine will be placed in the wrong hands it would be used to detect Vibranium that is still located under water.” You spoke honestly and it was one thing keeping you from truly making the necessary machine at the moment.

You learned of the war they had waged on each other and you were damn sure not to be placed in the middle of it all if you could avoid it. The memory of being grilled for your life’s works by numerous nation leaders still a sore topic you did not want to elaborate on right now.

“We have other precious metals in our inventory, take your pick then.” He brushes off nonchalantly.

“Yes, your highness.” You nodded.

“Call me by my name. K'uk'ulkan.” He insist.

You tested the name but the question spurted out before you could stop yourself. “Why Namor then?”

“My enemies call me Namor. Will you be my enemy, Doctor Y/N?” He questioned.

“I hope not.” You responded not certain how to answer him now.

“Good. We will have the metals you would need delivered as soon as possible. Namora is to your disposal.”

You nodded.

“Thank you, K'uk'ulkan.” You said before hesitating again with your next words. “Ka Kexi' ka páajtal sa'asik in yo'olal le ba'ax tin wa'alaj ti' k yáax múuch'tambale'.” (And I hope you can forgive me for what I had said during our first meeting).

The three Talokanil had blinked at your sudden use of their language before the King himself had chuckled. You winced probably speaking the words wrong.

“Tuláakal u perdonado. Teene' kun wa'alik k'ek'eno'.” He smiled, the first genuine smile on his lips you have seen since the first time you’ve met him. (All is forgiven. I should say the same).

You nodded, smiling now at least you’ve handled that part as you continued on with working in this situation. Eventually the King and Attuma had left leaving you under the playful scrutiny of Shuri and even Namora that was all but curious and surprised about the small interaction with her King.

“So not Agent Ross, but it’s fine with Namor?” Shuri teased with a shit eating grin on her face turning to Namora that was nodding in faux agreement. “The flirting right in front of all of us. Who are you and what have you done to Doctor Y/N?”

“Last time I’ve checked flirting and apologizing are quite different from each other.” You muttered turning back to the computer to continue on with your programming.

“K'uk'ulkan does not apologize and he did so openly with you. Consider yourself special.” Namora supplied making Shuri cackle and for you hoping for the ground to swallow you up in the moment. ~ Once again you found yourself in the beach watching the waves move by. It was Shuri that had pushed you away from the confinements of the lab and you truly had nowhere else to go but here. This little spot in the near pitch black darkness had now become your favorite spot in Wakanda, a remnant of what was your home when you were still with your family.

It was also the little moment you had to talk to your mother back home as you were now in a much needed conversation with her after a few weeks of not talking to her.

‘Kumain ka na ba? (Have you ate?)’ Trust your mother to always open the call with your wellbeing. A smile was on your face as you nestled the phone against your ears and shoulder.

“I did.” You confirmed—though eating meant being practically force fed by Shuri or at one point Namora that refused to let you touch the computer until after you have eaten.

‘Kamusta ka naman dyan sa New York, binubuwisit ka pa rin ba ng boss mo? (How are you doing in New York, is your boss still annoying you?)’.

You giggled at your mother’s next question. She had learned about Tony and the potential danger of working under him from the get-go. But nothing truly prepared her when it was the least of your worries compared to the ever loving control you had not to kill the man for annoying you every single day of working for him. Your mother knew as much, it was the only consolation of working for the man knowing the dangers truly rested behind the scene on a day-to-day basis.

“Hindi na rin, busy kasi sya. (Not really, he’s busy.).” You answered. You loved your mother, trusting her with your life’s work, but this little project you had in Wakanda and now with the people of Talokan, it was better to make her believe that you were still in New York working with the man instead of this.

‘Masyado kang pinapagod ng boss mong yan! Kelan ba ang huling bisita mo dito sa Pilipinas. Sabihin mo nga dyan sa boss mo na dito ka na muna kahit ilang linggo lang. (Your boss is overworking you! When was the last time you were in the Philippines? Tell that boss of yours you should say here even for just a few weeks).’

“Ma, busy ako. Pag natapos ako sa ginagawa ko, lilipad ako pauwi. Promise. (Ma, I’m busy. Once I finish with what I’m doing, I’ll fly back home).”

You doubt if you could keep such a promise. There was always something stopping you from going home. You’d prefer having them come to you instead of the other way around—more than just the fact that you were scared of the waters. It was always something about the life you once left behind keeping you from coming back home. All the pain and all of the constant need to prove yourself in your career stopping you from coming home. It breaks your heart each day and more and more it hindered in ever talking to your mother at some point.

‘Pangako mo sakin, Y/N. Baka hindi na ko magtatagal sa edad kong to’, sige ka. (Promise me, Y/N. I’m not gonna live long at my age.).’

“Ma naman! Wag ka nang nagloloko ng ganyan. Pag natapos ako dito, kukuha ako agad ng flight pauwi. (Come on, Ma! Don’t make a joke like that. Once I’m done here, I’ll get the first flight back home).” You assured slowly relenting that maybe you truly didn’t have long left to be with your mother as you hope you did.

‘Baka anong oras na dyan, Anak? Magpahinga ka na. Mahal na mahal ka namin ng papa mo, lagi mong tatandaan yan. (What time is it there, Baby? You should get some sleep. Me and your father love you so much, always remember that).’

“Love you too, Mama.” Finally ending the call, all you could do was sigh and slump further into the tree stump you sat.

Your eyes focusing on the waters and once again you’ve seen the head by the waters—but only now did you come to recognize the head to be that of one King, K'uk'ulkan. He was watching you by the waters all this time.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water III

Summary: When you bit more than you could chew. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,387 Chapter Warnings: Asshole K'uk'ulkan(?).

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part III

“You had brought an outsider into this agreement?!”

The last thing you would have ever expected was for someone—someone you didn’t even know, to have this much fury directed right at you. But here you were. For once you found yourself leaning closer to Agent Ross, in fear of what the man with wings on his feet would do to you.

Having been working for the Avengers and for Tony Stark for a great amount of time, you should have gotten used to other beings aside from Humans, but with the blue man that was built like a brick wall wielding a spear, you still had your fears for the unknown.

“She is the best engineer in the world.” It was Shuri that now spoke, fighting for your cause at this point. “She can create repairs for your structure without even the use of Vibranium or complicated machineries.”

“I will not have another colonizer stepping foot in my kingdom.” The man spat only now coming to look at you.

You blinked meeting the blazing brown eyes of the man. Only now did you have a good look at him, adorned in what you assumed would be Vibranium and jade jewelry. But in your inspection of the man, you’ve only now realized what he had called you. A colonizer. You scoffed freely at the title—yeah, if only he knew what your people have been through for hundreds of years.

“Do you think this is a laughing matter, Colonizador.”

“Last time I checked, it was my people that were colonized for three hundred and thirty-three years.” You found the courage to point out ignoring Agent Ross’ warning to not say anything against the man and his people.

“You have tongue.”

“And you have the audacity.”

At the sight of the two spears now pointed at your neck, you were left frozen in place. You’ve made a mistake that much you can realize at this point, but dying was the last thing you would have expected to happen right now.

“Give me a reason why I shouldn’t have them slit your throat where you stand.”

“Namor, this doesn’t have to escalate to this, Y/N is here to help.” It was Shuri that spoke as she attempts to cover for you. Her body now coming to cover you and as far away from the spears as possible.

“I’m the only one capable of making sure that ridiculously small pathway to your home will be fixed without ruining the reinforcements.” You bluffed, you and Shuri have only been talking about the structure in passing yesterday, you were genuinely uncertain about what exactly was wrong.

“She’s right.” It was now Queen Ramonda that spoke ending the threats given your way. “I would not have allowed her into my country if she was not to be trusted with this kinds of projects.”

Momentarily, you felt relieved by her words. But you were uncertain what it would implicate you in this moment.

You had watched the spears being lowered and the ease of everyone in the room finally come for everyone to see. Turning your gaze towards the Agent, he looked just a stressed as you were in this very moment. But it was evident that he was ready to fight if it meant that things didn’t go into more chaos.

“She is under your jurisdiction, one wrong move on her end means our agreement is done.” The man, Namor, had finally relented. His gaze still burning as he was looking at you. “Disrespect me again and I will cut your tongue.”

You said nothing, fearing that another word from you would be your last. Physically biting your tongue at this point, you were not one to allow a man to disrespect you the way the man did—you didn’t allow anyone to do so, not even Tony would be brave enough to do so, but this one time. You held your tongue from saying anything that could hurt you.

Watching them all continue on with their discussion of things you truly didn’t have any idea about, you found yourself looking at Agent Ross for answers but he seemed just as lost as you were with everything going on in this moment. Eventually, the three had made their departure—not without once again looking at you in warning and you were not practically glued to Agent Ross at this point because of the genuine fear you had for them.

The first genuine sigh of relief had escaped your lips as soon as they left and the doors echoed shut and your attention now focused on the sheepish Shuri.

“It seems I have a lot of explaining to do.” She began.

“I think I’ve dealt with worse with Stark.” You reassured but you genuinely didn’t believe so at the moment.

~

Early on in your career, you have learn every single individual has an ulterior motive as small or as grand it could be. Shuri and the people of Wakanda seemed to also have their ulterior motive for you being in their country in more than just an excursion it may seem.

“So—he’s like the King of Atlantis?” You found yourself asking Shuri the moment she had finished with her story about the man’s arrival in their country demanding the capture of a scientist and an alliance.

“Don’t be silly, Y/N. Atlantis isn’t real.” Shuri grinned. “But for the sake of analogy, you could say he’s something like that.”

You nodded only now remembering the rather numerous number of water damage in some parts of their home and even in Shuri’s lab.

“Your research on water-resistance would be a great help to us, and that mini repair aid you have could be a good tool to help the people of Talokan.”

You blinked cursing yourself for making those devices public of use to restore the aftermath of Thanos’ attack on New York all those years ago. Now you’re dragging yourself into another mess that you weren’t even sure you’re willing to aid in—especially with your life being on the line because of it.

“I can’t personally check the damages, Shuri. I’m not equipped to go to the waters in my state.”

“We as well as Namor have the equipment to allow us to breathe underwater if the need arises.” She continued on to convince you.

“Shuri—I am not personally capable of going in the waters.” You reiterated. Hoping you wouldn’t need to tell her your biggest fear to her especially at a time like this.

“Is there anything the matter?”

“Let’s just say I don’t enjoy being in the waters.” You said sheepishly at this point.

“Have you tried going to therapy, Doctor?” She inquired, a smile on her lips at the irony of your situation and with your best known studies.

“Now you’re starting to sound like Stark.” You teased right back. But you sighed as the curiosity got the better of you—wanting to know more about whatever was deep in the waters. “Can you give me a few days to think about it? I just want to make sure what I’m going to place myself into wouldn’t place me in hot waters with the UN all over again.”

“They will not be involved. But please, take all the time you need. All that we could ask if for you not to tell anyone—not even your boss about the existence of Talokan.”

“You don’t need to ask me twice about that part.” You chuckled knowing the potential danger it might have if Tony catches wind of it and the overbearing precaution he might make if the need arises. “Can your AI give me a few learning materials on Mayan language?” You asked.

“We have a translator if the language barrier becomes an issue.”

“I just want to even the playing fields.” You pointed out, God knows what they might say behind your backs if you do accept this arrangement.

“We’ll have it sent to your database in the evening.” Shuri relents. “But for now, would you like to see the blueprint of the tunnel to their home?”

“Do I have a choice?” You snort already letting Shuri open the array of different holograms of the pathways and what ventures you were to be pulled from all over again.

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water II

Summary: In which you find your epiphany. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,360 Chapter Warnings: Mention of Smoking. Mention of Death.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part II:

You did hate any bodies of water—when you are forced to be in the middle of it.

But it was a whole different story to be able to just settle yourself by the sands, watching the waves to and fro—almost daring them to come for you. It was fucked up, if you were to be completely honest with yourself, but it made you miss home for once and you wanted to look at something that reminds you of home—as terrible of a phobia it might give you.

Taking another hit of your vape pen, you had inquired Shuri if it was allowed before and she had seemed alright with it for as long as you did so in an open space and away from her mother’s eyes (fear of you influencing her somehow the major worry). You allowed the smoke to cover your vision for a moment, letting the events of the day slowly wash away from your mind.

Aside from the numerous projects you would be helping Shuri out with, you were volunteered into helping out a neighboring nation’s infrastructure and eventually led to roam parts of Wakanda and it was what led you to be in this very position that you know want to be something you would frequent from now on during your stay.

Sitting on a tree stump in the middle of the beach, the cool winds flowing against your skin, and the warm and rather minty sting of the smoke against your lung—it was, perfect. A perfect way to end the night. Lips clasped onto the vape pen, but before you could take another hit your eyes moved to the waters at the sudden change of the waves.

A head, just above waters had practically had you screaming in terror but the man was gone long before you could think if it was a real person or if your mind was playing tricks on you. Shaking your head, you stood up, believing you have finally had a long day.

But as the waves moved, it had become more violent even without the change of winds or the presence of a storm.

Before you could leave, the sound of your phone was quick to distract you—it was Tony and you were uncertain if it would be a good thing or a bad thing to talk to him right now. Eventually on the third annoying ring, you had answered the call and the sight of your boss’ hologram had you falling back onto your previous seat, readying for what he has to say.

“So how was the first day?” He inquired to which you gave him an empty look but said nothing. “Caught you in an awful time, Y/N?”

“No Tony, I just got done with work.” You sighed relenting and decided to give the man a break. “I’m making progress on the first day.” You continued, taking another much needed hit if you were to deal with him.

“You really need to stop with the smoking, you know that shit still fucks with your lungs.” He points out to which you chose to ignore and taking another hit just to spite him.

“Tony, we’re practically the same age at this point, so I don’t think it’s a good idea to have you act like a father to me.” You snort.

“Sometimes I wonder why I still bother with you.” He muttered looking away for a moment before turning his attention right back to you. “If you need anything, and I mean anything, please let me know and I’ll send out someone to help you out, okay?”

“I can handle things here, Tony.” You reassured your boss. “How’s your own progress in New York?” You inquired right back.

“Same old, same old.” He muttered. This was the thing with Tony, he loved to be nosy with anyone else’s business, but not his own. He kept his card close and that was one of the many reasons you could never truly trust him. He would say one thing and do another more times than you could truly handle.

But the straw that finally broke the camel’s back was when it was your creation that caused the death of more people than you could even attempt to count all those years ago. You had told him time and time again that your machine was still in the early stages and should not be used yet—he didn’t listen, he disregarded your warnings and lives were paid as a consequence of it all.

A guilt that wasn’t truly your own.

You could still remember the faces of family members during the court hearing. All blaming you for something you did not have a hand in. It was nightmare that you never truly woke up from even as the years have passed and everyone else had moved on.

Many still wondered why you stayed—you even wonder at times, but as you find yourself here in Wakanda, you might finally change your mind. Even after all the things Tony has put your through, he had helped you reached your full potential that you would never have if you stayed in the Philippines, if you remained a Professor that barely made ends meet.

He had given you a chance when no one would even bat an eye at you.

But owing someone has its limits. As you stayed in Wakanda and all the vision they have for you, you were slowly finding your own in this moment.

“Okay.” You relent, no longer giving the effort to press him.

“That’s weird.”

“What is?”

“You would usually annoy me for an answer by now.”

You said nothing, watching Tony’s hologram move closer to you, leaning in to look at you closer—far too close for your own comfort (even if he was a hologram).

“I’m heading to bed, Tony. Good Night.” You muttered instead when you didn’t break from his stare.

You didn’t let him speak, hanging up on him and once again staring at the waters. Once again seeing the head before you decided you’ve had enough for the night and headed back to your bedroom. ~ “You look good in a dress, Doctor.” You wanted to believe that Everett Ross was having a foot-in-mouth reaction the first moment you’ve opened the door to your room when he knocked. He looked surprised by his own sentiment as he refused to meet your eyes.

You blushed at his sentiment. In the rare chances that you had met with the man back in New York, you were always wearing “work” clothes which consisted of jeans and a sweatshirt—or on a professional setting a simple pant suit. This was—as far as you could remember, the first time in a long while that you had something a little more—feminine on.

You felt a little more comfortable as the both of you now walked your way towards the throne room with the Dora Milaje escorting the both of you. You wanted to think it was the more about feeling empowered with all was said and done. Working with a woman instead of another man somehow does it for you.

“We will also be meeting the King of Talokan for today.” Agent Ross had pointed out the closer you both were to the throne room.

“Who?”

“It’s a long story.” He points out.

You accepted his answer knowing it might just be so. You know your geography as much as the next guy but never once have you ever heard of a country by such a name. Was it as much as a secluded country here in Africa as Wakanda was?

Eventually as you both have made your way inside, you were greeted with three beings that were far different from what you would expect. Two out of the three had blue skin and from the looks of it, some sort of breather covering their mouth and nose. But the man that stood tall in the middle wasn’t normal either—the wings on his feet were far too much of an indicator of it.

What the hell have you gotten yourself into?

[stuckybarton-library]

Heads Under Water Extra II

Summary: Your time as Queen of Talokan alongside your lover wasn’t without their bumps, but he constantly made sure that you know your place among his people—in more ways than one. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. OC Children (Alon and Amor) Word Count: 3,502 Chapter Warnings: Smut. Mention of Impostor Syndrome. A Dash of Angst.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

More Than A Woman, Less Of A God

“Mahal…” It was always the softness of your words that always got to the God.

If there was a heaven, K'uk'ulkan knew he was right there, with you under him. Legs wrapped around the narrows of his waist, arms wrapped around his shoulders, and your lips who has become of mix of sweet nothings and dangerous that bit any skin he has come to expose to you. His erection settled against your own core, but he didn’t move, no friction of pleasure was needed for the moment. He preferred this, the peace of little moments you both shared.

“Mahal ko.” You whispered again, your mother tongue no matter what day it was or no matter the circumstance, would always send a shiver down his spine. The tenderness of your language has, no ill intent, only words filled with love that could only be described with your language.

“In yaakunaj, in kuxtalil, in Jets' óolal.” He spoke in his own mother tongue, hand holding onto your cheeks, the softness only he was capable of giving to you and to your children.

You smiled, so bright it could be compared to the summer sun. It brought warmth to him in moments like this, of his tired, aching body he would gain his strength. He would gain what little sanity he has left in his mind at the moment his eyes met your own, how you would welcome him with a smile, a kiss on the lips, and a question of how his day had been. Only you, only in you he could ever feel the love that he never thought he would deserve.

“You should be in the council right now.” You had pointed out, arms slivering up towards his hair, the pain of how you suddenly pulled sent a sudden such right down to his erection. “What would your people think of their King for being gone for so long?” You teased kissing the columns of his neck.

“They would know I am with their Queen furthering the bloodline.” He quipped earning the much deserved warmth against your cheeks. “And besides, we have other things we needed to attend to for the day.”

“Oh?” Letting go of his hair, your hands had now found solace on top of his shoulders, slowly rubbing away the knots and tension. “Why was I not informed of this?”

“I am informing you now, In Reina.” He smirked kissing you slowly and far too gentle. “There is a wedding and we are invited as the guest of honor.” He continued.

But what had surprised him was the lack of excitement in your eyes, but it was quick how the smile on your lips was there to make up for it. He held you intently, taking every single movement of your features as he did so.

“Oh.” You spoke finally letting him go, both with your arms and your legs around his waist. “Will we needed to prepare anything for the couple? Gifts, perhaps?”

“It has been taken care of.” He had reassured pulling your arms back around him. “All that is needed is for us to be present, to bless their union to be as fruitful as our own.”

“But—but we’re not even married.” You spoke and it was a moment of silence between the both of you.

That fact was true, you had become the Queen out of his own decree, of the children you had given to him, but in the perpetuity of all things you were not truly his wife and only simply his lover that was different from the Talokan.

But he truly did want to marry you. To have you be his wife. You were already living with him on a more permanent basis, you two already have children of your own, you were a Queen that was loved and worshipped as much by the people. But the fear of your actions would always come to haunt him, of forcing or even as much as initiating marriage would be too much and you would walk away all over again.

He couldn’t truly express his desire as the voice of Namora from the door had interrupted your shared moment. There will be an opportunity, it might not be in this very moment, but he will ensure it will come.

~

You tried your best to keep up with appearance for the sake of your lover as well as of your children. All eyes had been on you four. How you were all venerated as a family, of the King, Queen, and the Princes and Princess of Talokan, but it just felt like a lie to you. The title didn’t truly fit no matter how much you convince yourself, no matter what K'uk'ulkan would say, no matter what his people would say. You did your duty as was needed from you as the Queen that Talokan and K'uk'ulkan needed.

The ceremony had just finished and the festivities have begun with you sitting beside their King, watching the happiness that rested on K'uk'ulkan’s eyes watching your children playing with the rest of the children joining in on the festivities. Alon becoming slowly known as the mischievous twin and Amor was becoming known as the Princess following closely behind her father’s steps.

“We are hoping for another baby from you two.” One of the elders had been bold enough to insist to which you shared at look with your lover, the amusement clearly evident in his features.

“It is up to our Queen when the next baby would come.” K'uk'ulkan spoke but once again brought a heavy pit to your stomach. “But I hope for a dozen more in the future.” He added, arm wrapped around your shoulder as he pulled you towards him.

You could only smile, happy that you had the choice of when the next child would be made—the respect and control that your lover still gives so selflessly. But then the thought got the better of you as the smile fell from your lips. Sudden inadequacy didn’t feel so good as you sat in front of the people of Talokan.

“Your thought are so loud, In Reina.” It was your lover’s observation that brought you from your thought at you looked back at him, concern all too evident in his features. “Talk to me.” He pleaded.

You blinked, uncertain of your worries should be his concern and all you could do is cup his cheeks and put on a smile, masking what little confidence you still had in your system for the sake of him and of the people who were here for the celebration and not your pity party.

“When we get back.” That was all the reassurance you could give the man. “I’m fine, just my own thought getting the best of me.”

He cupped your cheeks right back, pulling you close to him until your forehead met. The small ounce of PDA that he was willing to give his people to see. But it meant the world to you placed your hand against his chest, against the rapidly beating heart.

“Whatever is in your mind, I want to help you, In yaakunaj, in kuxtalil, in Jets' óola.” He repeated those words that gave your heart the much needed flutter after the bat of constant self-sabotage in your mind. “Let me help you, please.” He pleads, he never does this. Never to Wakanda, never to his own people, but he does to you. One of the many exceptions he had for you.

“We’ll talk about it when we get back home.” You insist still. “This is nothing you need to worry about.” You reassured him, fear of him thinking the worst of the situation.

He nodded finally letting it go. Pleasing a soft kiss on your forehead before returning his attention back to the festivities, but his hand now held onto your own, gripping onto your hand like his life depended on it.

With the festivities having long died down, you, your children and K'uk'ulkan had decided to retreat back to your home. All throughout, your lover still held onto you on your trip back. As much as the conversation had been between him and the twins, he still held you close in your silence.

“Did you and Mama get married too like them?” It was Alon that made the curious question as you swam closer to your home.

“We have not.” K'uk'ulkan still held confidence in his voice even with such a touchy conversation for the both of you. “But when the time comes, but we are already living our vows to you, to our people, and to ourselves, In orgullo yéetel ki'imak óolil.”

You tried your best but the tears have finally fallen and you pulled away from your lover. Making a dash towards your chambers, ignoring K'uk'ulkan’s panic voice and the concern that suddenly laced your children’s features.

~

K'uk'ulkan felt at lost with what to do with you, he had noticed the changes since you had both arrived to the festivities, how intently you had been watching the ceremony. How he was all too familiar longing that crossed your eyes all throughout. It confused him so, how you that had once told him at the start of your relationship that marriage and all the jazz was never your priority. But then again, you had once admitted that children and a husband wasn’t in your life and yet here you were with twins and him.

K'uk'ulkan had given you time to yourself as he had prepared the twins for bed. He had done his best to reassure them both that you were just not feeling well and it was nothing that they needed to worry about. In moments like this, he felt the most helpless being tested of the uncertainty of being both a father and a partner to you.

When he was assured that both his children were already fast asleep, he took as much courage he still had in him to leave his children’s chambers. He stares at his children, in the time that he had learned about their existence, he had vowed to himself to ensure their safety, their happiness, and their love. Every moment, and every inkling opportunity away from his duties, he devout his time to them, making up for the lost time.

He had eventually made his way back to his own chamber, his thought were interrupted by the faint sobs that could be heard. Over and over it breaks his heart to see you in pain and he had no way of truly knowing what was wrong or what he could do to make it better.

He was a God, A King, and a Monster that some feared, but in this moment, he was nothing more than a man. Slowly opening the door to alert you, he had watch you stumble up onto your feet. Eyes puffy and red from crying but the smile on your lips tried its best to hide.

“Ready for bed, Mahal?” You inquired, walking closer to him in an attempt to help him with his robes, but he held onto your wrist stopping you from your actions.

“Talk to me, In yaakunaj.” He pleads, watching your façade slowly fall apart before him.

“I am not a Queen, I do not deserve such a title, K'uk'ulkan.” You spat, pulling away from his hold. “I had left you all those years ago, hid your children away from you. I am not worthy to be called the Queen of Talokan, I don’t even have the right to be your wife.”

It was worse than he had realized. He was silent, unable to truly formulate what to say to make things right. He was brought to the time when his scouts had finally found you. By the very beach that you had drowned in when you were a young girl, where Attuma and Namora were the ones that had saved you all those years ago, by the beach you had once vowed never to remain in because of your fear. He wondered if he should have been more civil in his desire to bring you back instead of taking you and your children at the dead of night in the middle of the storm.

He could still remember it, the blood curling scream that escaped your lips as he ordered you to be taken back, of the physical hurt he had inflicted upon you when he had found out you had hidden his children from him, allowing the twins to see the worse of him.

It took time for his relationship with his children to develop, and he had hoped that his relationship with you was back to what it once was—but it wasn’t the case it seems. There was the underlying crack that he never realize was there until it was far too late.

“I’m sorry.” Such words would never escape from his lips, he could remember the few moments he would have allowed those words to escape his lips, but for you it all but felt necessary to say after everything he has done and for everything you had both been through in the past.

He pulled you into his arms, cradling you against his chest. He allowed you to continue on with the tears as he fought with his own. He held you fiercely, all the fears that still were present of you leaving if he does anything constantly present and haunted him in his waking life.

“You are a Queen, In Reina. The Queen of Talokan, that everyone adores.” He began, reminiscing the moments where children would often run to you instead of him, how easy it was for you to win the hearts of his people when it took him years to do so. “You are the mother to my children, the heirs to my throne. You are the woman I love, the one I would love to spend my every waking moment with for the rest of my life.”

“I am not a Queen.” You persist. “I don’t deserve such a title. I am just your children’s mother. I am just a woman you should have discarded long ago.” You spat, the anger brewing in your voice, anger he had learned early on would never be at him—but towards yourself.

“You are more than a woman and I am nothing more than a Man in front of you, In Reina.” He insists still. “You are the love of my life, my peace, my weakness, my everything. No one will ever say otherwise.”

“But I am not your wife.”

He pulled you away, the smile slowly forming on his lips now as the root of all of this now becoming clearer. He wiped away the last of your tears, kissing your forehead.

“Then marry me tomorrow, In Reina.” He insists. “Marry me as many times as you want if it means I can prove to you my love, the people’s devotion to you, of your place as the Queen of Talokan.”

“Why didn’t you ask me before?” You questioned.

“Because I value your choice after I had taken them away from you when I dragged you back here, In Reina.” He smiled. “I wanted you to tell me that you are ready to be my wife, I did not want you to run away all over again with the pressure of being my wife as well.”

He watched the smile finally grace your features. A sigh of relief finally washing over him.

“Okay.” You finally relent pulling him into a much needed kiss after the events of today.

~

“Who are you?”

It felt like hours now, but K'uk'ulkan still persist in worshiping your body from head to toe. His attention was now solely focused on your oversensitive core. Your thighs felt sore from the numerous of marks he had painted all over. The forming bruises were just the aftermath of it all.

Your mind was left into a mush at this point, having lost count of the times you’ve came from just the God’s lips on you, every single surface of your body was worshipped with you left into a whimpering mess as an aftermath. He never relented in making you know your place in his kingdom, with his people, and with his heart.

You never thought it would take this much, to know that it had always been you who had control after everything that the both of you had been through. After what you had to do for the sake of your life and that of your children. It broke your heart to know that this man, this God had loved you even after the fact.

In your lack of a response, he had bit the apex of your thighs so much so that you were fearing he had drawn blood. He continued, tongue moving close to your core, hands pushed your legs apart in the process. For nth time, your cunt was devoured by the man, his brown eyes darkening as he watched you come undone. Your stared right back at him, creeping with yet another release he was certain to give to you.

“Please,” You found yourself still pleading after one release after another. It was still there, the constant rise that only he could truly give to you.

Without much effort the man had pulled himself away just as you were about the break. The sobs escaped your lips before you were turned flat onto your stomach, his hands gently pulled your hips up and you felt his erection tapping against your ass. You didn’t remember him removing his bottoms but it wasn’t something that truly mattered at the moment. Not when he had you like this.

“What do you want, In Reina?” He questioned. “What does the Queen of Talokan want?”

You felt him draw closer, cock resting against your entrance but never truly entering. He was waiting, waiting for something you truly weren’t truly ready to acknowledge. Not like this at least.

“In Reina, Who. Are. You?” He demanded, hand holding onto the flesh of your ass, slapping to get your attention more than it already was. “Who are you to me? Who are you to Talokan? Who are you to Atlantis that they had almost waged war against my people?”

“I am your Queen.” You whimpered and it was all that he needed before he shoved himself deep inside you.

K'uk'ulkan began a much rougher pace, chasing both your release. Pistoning onto you, hands held onto your hips for leverage and you held onto the sheets as you tried your best to keep yourself from making a sound—afraid of anyone else hearing the both of you.

“Who are you, In Amando?” He demanded, pace remained brutal still.

“I am your Queen.” You sobs, knees growing weaker as the coil grew tighter. “I am the Queen.” You repeated.

“That is what I want you to say for as long as you need until you get it into your stubborn head. You are the Queen, no one else but you.”

You sobbed as your felt it now, the vision blinding release that shook your entire body into a puddle. Your body finally giving out on you as you laid flat on the bed once again, but still he continued on with his pounding. Mounting onto you, hands now held onto your shoulders as he chased his own release.

It took a moment to regain your senses, and the clarity felt refreshing. The taste of blood against your lips from biting, the warmth of K'uk'ulkan’s firm but gentle hold on your shoulders, and the sloppier thrusting that made your legs ache and was a certainty of being unable to walk or even swim for the foreseeable future.

The words that continuously escaped his lips, your mind frizzled, unable to have you understand at this point in time, but all the love you were certain he was showering you with. It was all you needed to hear before the first spurt escaped. Then another, then another. Multiple ropes coated your inside and it was only then did his movement slow.

The panting was now perfectly heard against his lips as he finally fell on top of you, still with himself buried deep inside of you. The comfort of the fullness of him reassured you in the moment.

“Marry me tomorrow, In yaakunaj.” He proposed, peppering your sensitive neck with kisses. “Marry me the day after, and the day after that. Marry me until you get sick of me.”

“Yes.”

And you did. Come morning, another celebration has happened. You had married the man that had changed your life for the better, had helped you face the biggest fear you had in your life, the man that had made you believe that love came in all shapes and formers, and the man that had given you your children and made you the Queen of his people.

==

Translation:

Mahal = Love Mahal ko = My Love In yaakunaj, in kuxtalil, in Jets' óolal. = My Love, My Life, My Peace. In orgullo yéetel ki'imak óolil = My Pride and Joy In Reina = My Queen In Amado = My Beloved