#[ /looks at kae and then scurries off ]

[beautifullydisasterouskae]

Exchanges

Kae: I’d left my loft just after noon, my mustang carrying me, the gift boxes, and a more than excited Luna the short blocks toward the bookshop. I flick the signal stick to warn the driver’s behind me as I turn into the parking lot, and into one of the empty white lined spaces lined up on the side of the building. After sliding out the driver’s seat I make my round around the back of my vehicle and get to quick work unloading my cargo. 

Luna is light on her feet as she leaps through the air to land at my feet before she curls her fluffy white feline form around my legs. She was waiting not so patiently while I focused on settling the boxes in my cradled arms. Luna eagerly leads the way toward the front entrance, one of my arms precariously reaches out to maneuver opening the swinging door open. 

I’m balancing everything in my arms, one hip holding the heavy glass door ajar while Luna and I scurried through the entryway. I clear my throat, calling out in a small voice across the rows of aged and new release book displays when I don’t catch any sight of Havyn or Spaz at the front counter.

Hello? Havyn? Is anyone home?

Havyn: I hear Kaela’s voice call out from the back room while I’m in the kitchen, grabbing a cup of coffee. I’ve been craving the caffeine all day, trying to stave off the exhaustion I’ve been feeling, the steaming mug warming my cold hands. I hadn’t even heard the bell above the door jingle. I smile to myself, ecstatic to see my friend and apparently so does Spaz as he scurries out of the small backspace to rush into the main area to visit his fluffy feline friend Luna. I follow his lead, smoothing down my flower printed black skirt,  and into the bookstore section to see my friend. Rushing up to Kaela, I give her a huge hug before noticing that there are boxes in between us and a small tinkling laugh escapes my lips.

Oh! Set them down on the counter.

Gesturing to the space near the cash register. I notice how Spaz and Luna are canoodling together in their own little corner. I smile wide and turn my full attention back to Kaela, looking into her honeyed eyes with my own emerald ones.

I’m so glad to see you. I’ve missed you! How were your holidays? How have you been?

I rush out with questions and realize that I’m rambling. I worry at my bottom lip and wait for her answers, hoping that she had a great time celebrating Christmas and New Years. While she replies, I walk behind the wooden counter and reach below to pick up several boxes myself, wrapped carefully in shiny gold with red hollies wrapping paper, and place them gently on the varnished surface. I can’t seem to get the silly smile off my face.

Kae: My heart drops a little concerned at first. My mind briefly recalling the last visit to the quaint shop. I breathe out a sigh of relief as it washes over my rising emotions when I hear Havyn’s lilting tone. Spaz’s lean tan and black form moves into view proceeding Havyn’s dark floral flowing skirt. A tight smile crosses my features seeing how much more energetic and happier she looked from before. 

My body is crushed when her forward momentum crashing into the stack of boxes still being held in my arms. I laugh out, eyes lighting in delight at her cheerfulness and gently slide the bottom box across the wooden counter top. 

I laugh again at Havyn’s enthusiasm, full lips still held in a happy expression. 

“I’ve missed you as well. Merry belated Christmas and a happy new year to you, Darlin’!”

My cheeks flush brightly at my Texas twang peeking through my words. 

“My holiday was pure insanity at the club. How were things here for you and your furry counterpart?”

Honey pupils illuminated when I see the holiday wrapped squares Havyn lifts from beneath the counter. I wanted to tell her she shouldn’t have. I knew she’d been having trouble around the shop and money had to be tight for my friend. 

Havyn: I clap my hands in delight when I see the light in Kaela’s eyes when I bring the packages out from under the space behind the register. I can’t wait until she sees what I got for her, I hope she likes them. I think she will. When I was in the eclectic shop with jewelry and crystals, it just seemed to speak to me and I knew that I just had to get it for my friend. The other I had seen her browsing through about a month ago, her hands gracefully tracing over the pages of the bound tome. 

“Me and Spaz were great. Had a tree decorating, lit with golden lights… it was absolutely beautiful.”

I wasn’t going to tell her that I spent it alone, crying at midnight on New Years for some stupid reason. I wasn’t going to tell her that the tree brought back memories of the past with Eirrin. The only last holiday I can remember was spent with her. I suck it up. The only thing I can do is move forward and hope to unlock those stolen memories, hoping to find my answers in there. But what and who can help me with that, I don’t know. I draw myself out of my dire thoughts and smile wide at Kaela, anxious to see if she’ll like what I wrapped up for her. 

“Go on! Open them!”

Kae: I nodded while Havyn spoke gently, excitement evident in us both and I felt a twinge of sadness at not being able to celebrate with my friends. I turn a keen gaze around the shop and see that the floor is vacant of patrons. It was so quiet and so still outside of our small gathering at the front counter. 

“How about we have a seat and we can both open our gifts?” 

I inhale deep in my chest, the decadently faint aroma of freshly brewed Colombian roasted beans wafting into my lung space. 

“I’d love a cup of coffee if you have a pot brewing.” 

I smile lopsided, following with the wrapped boxes gathered back into my arms as we make our ascent up the stairway to the top floor of the small shop. With each step we made I was hoping Havyn would like the presents I’d selected. 

A beautiful eggplant pashmina silk screen shawl I’d come across at one of the boutiques in West Hollywood, accompanied with a finely aged bottle of Vampire blood wine, along with a few smaller gifts for Spaz. 

The largest present I’d put the most thought and work into. I’d had the canvas framed after my work was complete. I’d poured my heart into the painting I’d created for Havyn. The dabs of hardened acrylic paint were cohesively formed to depict my own rendition of Havyn and Spaz over the front of the canvas. She’s seated comfortably in her favorite worn arm chair, an expression of her lost in her thoughts gracing her features while Spaz was coiled and fast asleep over the top of her lap. 

I loop my fingers around the hanging wire purposely left out when I’d wrapped it for easy carrying. 

Havyn: I nod quickly at Kaela’s request, hair falling into my face at my enthusiasm. I rake a hand through my mahogany locks to push them back away from my face.

“Sure, come follow me.”

I grab the presents for her with me as I ascend the spiral staircase, hand sliding up the white painted metal. I look behind me to see Kaela following and past her the cats were still playing around together in a mess of white, tan and black fur. I smile to myself, stopping to enjoy the moment of the cats batting around and snuggling at the same time. I turn my attention back to the stairs before I trip and hit my head with my clumsiness. The smell of the fresh brewed coffee is calling me, hopefully it will rid me of the dark circles I know that are forming under my eyes from exhaustion. I notice how many boxes Kaela has with her and I hope that my couple of meager presents will be enough. I had also thoughtfully included a little something for Luna too; little catnip filled mice that she will hopefully enjoy. I think of the Topaz necklace I had bought for Kaela. The pendant was beautiful, placed in a filigree setting attached to a dainty feminine chain. I think it will look beautiful on her. The book was one based on Wicca; something that I’ve never really heard of or explored. But, it had intrigued me as I had flipped carefully through the pages. I eagerly wonder if Kaela could explain this subject to me in greater detail. We get to the last step and I take a right, the smell of the brew wafting over to me and I sigh in pleasure.  I lower my boxes carefully on the cherry wood table. I saunter over to the coffee maker, opening the cabinet above to withdraw a green ceramic mug and pour the dark liquid inside. I take a sip of my own made up coffee, enjoying the taste on my tongue and practically moaning in pleasure. I realize my eyes are closed and lift my lashes realizing that I’m being rude. 

“What would you like in your coffee? I have sugar, milk…”

Opening the utensil drawer, I take out a silver spoon, ready to stir Kaela’s coffee for her. Glancing at the table I see the pile of presents and feel a flutter of butterflies in my stomach, wanting her to like the presents I got her. It means a lot to have my friend here to keep me company. I’ve never had a friend like this in my entire life and it feels good, especially because she is of my own kind, well partly at least. She understands what it is like to be a vampire.

Kae: I had to admit I may have gone a wee bit overboard with the presents but it had felt so nice having someone to shop for other than myself and Luna. I settle the boxes once more over the kitchen table, Havyn is fidgeting with her hair and I’m hoping I didn’t make her feel too uncomfortable as I read her body language. 

My perceptive sight catches the dark circles under her emerald eyes in the kitchen light. She must be having sleep troubles. Most likely playing over the day her normally emerald pupils had strangely altered to a golden hue. I offer her a warm grin, folding into one of the empty seats before replying in a soft tone. 

“Yes, please, sugar is fine. No milk. “

My ear prick at the sound of Luna and Spaz joining us in the brightly sunlit room. I cup the steam rising green mug into my hands after Havyn hands off the handle and I’m thankful for the warmth flooding into my system at the first aroma filled sip. California wasn’t as cold as Colorado this late in the season but there was still a bit of chill in the mornings. 

“How has business been for the shop? Has there been any new customers stopping in for literature gifts over the holiday?” 

My gaze goes distant a moment recalling the trance vision I’d had after the new year. A familiar customer Havyn had missed a chance of meeting that had been included in the painted scene depicting Denver. I still had questions mounting about the daywalking bombshell of a vampiress, Avae. I tried to make idle chit chat while I awaited Havyn to join me at the table, the gifts sitting at the side waiting for us to rip into. 

Havyn:  Carefully taking the sugar bowl out from next the coffee pot and adding two spoonfuls in, carefully mixing it. I place it in front of Kaela before going back to the counter to grab mine. I smile and laugh as I see the cats scramble into the kitchen to race to the cat food bowl and try to eat out of it at the same time. Two little feline heads bumping into each other. So adorable. I’m glad that Spaz has found a little friend in Luna.  I turn back to Kaela and stroll to my chair at the table, gently lowering myself onto the seat. I blow on my coffee before taking a tentative sip, the slightly cooled brew sliding down my throat and warming my cold body. 

“It’s been busier for the holiday season, thank goodness.”  

There had been a myriad of customers that had come into the used bookstore; an eclectic mix between old dollar paperback romance novels and other more expensive mystical looking tomes. Watching some of the titles patrons have chosen out have made me more curious about certain subjects, but every time I tried reading a book on that subject, I was so lost. Not a clue what everything or anything meant. I mean, elementals? What are elementals? I had looked for more novice books on the subject but couldn’t find a single one in here. I snap myself out of my thoughts as I realize that Kaela’s been speaking to me. Presents? YES! I’m excited for Kaela to see what I got for her. I hand her the first box, the one with the book in it and wait expectedly biting my lower lip nervously as I wait to see if she likes it.

Kae: I straighten in my seat, lowering the mug with a broadening smile seeing the flat wrapped gift. I was delighted to hear things were picking up for Havyn’s bookshop. She needed the financial boost to her bank account after losing her job at the diner. Looking over my friend now, I couldn’t believe how much she had blossomed over the short period since I’d ran into her while we searched the streets for our lost kittens. I gasp softly seeing the revealed bound hardback, a title I had added to my wish list. 

“It’s perfect. Thank you so much. “

I set the Wiccan book to the side already making plans to delve into the pages soon, then smile as I push the first gift Havyn’s way. 

“I hope you like it.” 

The small thin box seats in Havyn’s hands, her delicate fingers pulling the bow free before she goes to work on tearing the holiday paper open. 

Havyn:  I beam at Kaela as her face lit up when she saw what was concealed by gold foil and holly paper. It makes me so ecstatic that my friend likes what I’ve given her. I watch as her slender fingers linger over the top of the book, almost like tracing a pattern on it. 

“You’re welcome Kaela. I’m glad you like it. I remembered seeing you looking at it one of the first times that you visited the shop.” 

Kaela places a thin present in my hands and I get to work with opening the bow and tried to carefully tear open the wrapping paper. I open the box to see a gorgeous deep purple colored material nestled in there. I pull it free and hold it up; the beautiful shawl is soft to the touch and I know will help to keep me warm when we have these chilly California mornings. I wrap it around my shoulders and hug myself in it, eyes closing in delight as a slight purr escapes my throat. I look back over at Kaela.

“Thank you! I love it; it’s so soft and comforting. Okay, here’s your other one.”

I slide the small present containing the necklace over to her, practically holding my breath as I wait for her to open it. Something whispers within me that she will be more than happy with this piece of jewelry.

Kae:   “You’re welcome, Darlin’.” 

I nod with a light laugh, remembering admiring the volume along with others in the quaint shop. 

“I did. I’m very intrigued with the Pagan practice. I’ve collected many books on the subject over the years.”

I silently wondered if Havyn was drawn to the subject as well. My golden brown eyes brighten even more seeing the second gift. I was feeling so giddy exchanging presents with my friend, the sadness from not being here to open on the Christian holiday wiped away as we continued opening the gifts. 

I easily tear along the beautifully decorated holly paper, not wanting to rip it completely to shreds. I wanted to save small snippets of the various wrapping paper to add to a scrap book. I lift the top of the revealed box, a croaky voice breathing out when my sight falls onto the necklace resting inside. My gaze is misty seeing the dainty chain that hung a brilliantly faceted Mystic Topaz set into a gorgeously intricate filigree setting. 

“Oh, Havyn… you shouldn’t have.” 

I swallow down the tears threatening to erupt from my tear ducts, offering her a watery smile. 

“It’s stunning. So wonderful, thank you, truly.”

My heartbeat picks up a beat, a slow exhale freeing as I thread the chain around the column of my neck. The pendant falling just below my collarbone as I trail my fingertips over it admiringly once before they lifted higher to gently caress over the faery mark over my temple. It was a gift from Celeste before she returned to her home somewhere hidden on the mountain. 

“Okay, one more gift. The biggest, and best for last as they say.”

I laugh a little choked up still over the gifts Havyn had so thoughtfully selected, trying to ease the air around us as it quiets to a low hum.

“And then one for our little fur babies to share. Do you think they’d like to open it themselves?”

I laugh once more, my voice lighter as the cheer of the day unwinds my emotions from the necklace. It reminded me so much of the mountain in Colorado and Celeste; a faery companion I’d encountered deep in the wooded landscapes near Nathaniel’s Denver home. I shake my head softly thinking there were so many signs leading me back to my old hometown. 

Havyn: As Kaela tells me that she is interested in Pagan practice, it makes me wonder if she can teach me about the subject that I seem to be drifting to. I watch with eager eyes as she carefully pulls apart the paper. She lifts the lid and I see a glistening to her eyes as she gazes upon the necklace that had spoken to me. Her voice crackled when she spoke to me with emotion. I offer a smile back in return to the one she gives me.

“I saw it and thought of you. I’m so pleased that you love it.”

I watch Kaela gingerly touch it with her hand; it looks so stunning on her as it rests on her skin. My lips turn up at the corners before spreading into a huge smile. I’m so touched that I was able to pick something out for her that she would love.

“Biggest one? And, I also have one for own furry friends. I bet they’d like to share it too.”

She hands me a rectangular paper-wrapped gift and as I carefully make my way into the wrapping, a painting emerges. I slowly take off the rest of the paper, noticing that there is a wire attached to the top, cleverly placed outside. Depicted across canvas is a painting of myself, gaze dreamy, with Spaz settled across my lap. My fingers move delicately over the colors, recognizing the tattered green chair I love next to the window. My fingertips stop over the window; it is snowing outside instead of the usual view. Something wisps through my mind like a ghost, like a memory just out of reach. I look up at Kaela.

“This is… is beautiful. You painted it, didn’t you?”

At her nod, emotion wells up from deep inside. The thought it must have taken her to get the details right on Spaz and I… A tear spills down my face and I can’t help but gently set the painting down and practically race over to give my friend a huge hug, whispering in her ear.

“Thank you, Kaela. Thank you so much. I more than love it.”

Kae:  At the sound of Havyn’s softly spoken voice thick with emotion is enough to set off my own eyes from tearing and spilling over. I stand upright in excitement, arms flung around her slender form in a long embrace as we laughed with small sniffles. 

“You’re so welcome, Havyn.”

I clear the pink tinged tears from the corners of my eyes, laughing in glee that she loved my painting. 

“I’m tickled pink and pleased you do, Darlin’. I was inspired by the subject and wanted to give you something you could enjoy daily.” 

I exhale loudly, blowing out a playful raspberry to fight off more tears as I break back then reach under the table for the gift box loaded to the top with bright tissue paper.  I click my tongue ever so softly over the roof of my mouth to call the kitten’s attention and set the bag on it’s side as I waited for them to attack. Right on queue Luna bounds over, batting at the straightened corners of the tissue. Spaz arches the line of his back up, side stepping on his black and tan paws in a hilarious manner as he tentatively approaches the bag. 

I laugh along with Havyn, one arm resting over my chest as my shoulder shake softly. I give into them when Luna sticks her head into the bag to investigate, and pull free the black plush coffin with white skulls painted along the perimeter of the pet bed. I crouch down to place the bed near one of the corners of the kitchen and wait to see which of the kittens would settle into it first. 

Havyn: I wipe away the crystalline drops from my eyes as Kaela does with her’s, letting out a little laugh at the show of emotion. I watch her grab for something under the table before calling for Luna and Spaz’s attention. They stop what they are doing, Spaz pausing behind Luna as she dashes quickly to the bag. He finally follows and Kaela draws out a cute little cat bed for them. I grin. The black and white, coffin shaped bed is perfect. After she places it in the corner, the felines hesitantly make their way over to it, Luna stepping in first as if testing out water before completely jumping in. Spaz quickly follows his little friend. I watch as they start to explore next to each other. I grab my own bag and look over at Kaela. 

“I think they’ll enjoy these too!”

In the bag are some catnip-filled, brightly colored mice. I glide over and put some of them in the cat bed. They begin to play with those for a moment before pawing at the bed again. 

“I don’t think they know what they want to do more!”

I can’t help the laughter spilling out of my mouth, more than delighted with this day.

Kae: I laugh more in amusement at Luna flicking her paw around, turning a glittering green gaze back at me before she makes a round in the bed, her fluffy white tail curling around her body before Spaz climbs inside. I lift my head toward Havyn as she speaks, my smile beaming when I see the catnip mice. 

“They are going to have a field day with those mice!” 

I squeak out a sharp laugh, the kittens sniffing at the mice before they hop around, flinging the mice across the tiled kitchen floor. I shake my head, one free hand grazing over my pocket on a small swing and I want to smack the heel of my palm over my forehead at forgetting the other present. I didn’t want to reveal the true reasoning for wanting to invite Havyn back to my home in Denver, not until I spoke to Nathaniel and asked for help at least, and I hoped she’d say yes to joining me. I spin on my feet, facing my friend once more fully. 

“I almost forgot...it’s not a gift per say...well I guess you could say it’s a present for us both.” 

I close my eyes, laughing silently as I ramble, clearing my throat as my hand delves into my sweater pocket for the flight tickets wrapped with a small bow. 

“I won a raffle at work, at the club over the New Year, and...if you’d like I was hoping you’d join me for a trip?” 

One of my sharp canines worries over my lower lip wondering if it was too much. 

“It’s completely up to you, you can say no. I won’t be offended.” 

I groan out quietly, straightening out my arm that held the pair of tickets to stop myself from sounding too foolish.

“So what do you say; Will you be my travel partner?”

Havyn: We watch the cats play with their new toys, laughing at their antics. Kaela suddenly turns toward me and I almost jump at the speed of it. I notice that she is fumbling with her pocket as well as nibbling at her lip, the same kind of nibble I do when I’m nervous. What is she nervous about? Then I hear what she says about winning tickets at work and she’d like for me to join her.  She stops rambling and thrusts the tickets out to me. I softly laugh and take the tickets.

“I would love to be your travel partner. So where are we going?”

I take a look down at the tickets and undo the small bow to take a look at our destination. Colorado. I’ve never been there before. I brightly smile.

“I can’t wait to go! I’ve never been in that area before. I’m looking forward to this adventure. We’ll have fun, I’m sure.”

A small tinkling laugh comes out of me.

“I guess I should pack warmly then.”

Kae: I bark out a short laugh, nodding, my body vibrating in pure joy when Havyn agrees to join me. 

“Yes, very warmly! It’s much more bitter in winter in Colorado.” 

I clap my hands, excitement rising in us both with the prospective trip on the horizon. 

“I’m so glad you’ll join me. Luna and I have a house in an old canning warehouse there so no need to fuss with hotels. Oh, and I have a few friends I’d like you to meet.” 

I bounce back over to the table, my coffee mug cooler to the touch as I lift it up to my grinning lips, so looking forward to this trip with Havyn. I hoped by the end of our visit to Denver that she’d be closer to unlocking the hidden memories of her past. 

[causalitylinked]

TAG DUMP FOR IKE-P / TOMOYA KOIKE FROM THE CALIGULA EFFECT: OVERDOSE.

┕━  ❛ ✟. muse »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡from the day you are born... you won’t always have a full deck of cards to play with in your life.

┕━  ❛ ✟. ship »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏 𝐗 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐈〡tap on my window... knock on my door. i want to make you feel beautiful.

┕━  ❛ ✟. wardrobe »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡i try to be sincere with how i dress. that’s where my individuality lies.

┕━  ❛ ✟. aesthetics »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡likes.

┕━  ❛ ✟. musings »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡the backside of this perfection is so weak. just where am i right now?

┕━  ❛ ✟. music »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡i don’t need anything other than rock.

┕━  ❛ ✟. in character »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡interactions.

┕━  ❛ ✟. main »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡to women i’m truly a north star lighting the darkness. this is the ecstasy i longed for!

┕━  ❛ ✟. headcanons »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡generational dominance. i want you to see a world that is filled with me.

┕━  ❛ ✟. about »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡i’m the hottest guy here in mobius.

┕━  ❛ ✟. answered »» 𝐈𝐊𝐄⁃𝐏〡wire message received.

[xiaosmoon]

BLOW JOB SHOTS

pairings: kaeya x gn!reader

request: Hii! I would like to request a scenario with kaeya of the reader taking a blowjob shot from his legs. He's so smug, I'd like to fluster him a bit ;) - @dragon-anon

warnings: minors dni!! alcohol consumption. not proofread.

note: i've never taken a bj shot in my life, but here we are <3 also added a similar line from that one fic i did with diluc & childe!!

kaeya inviting you out to the angel's share was a common occurrence, one you often turned down due to work or simply being too exhausted for a night of drinking.

plus, who wants to willingly deal with a drunken kaeya anyway?

but tonight was different. it was a fine friday evening and it would be a shame if you spend it curled up in your room alone. once again, kaeya invited you casually to come along with him to the tavern. he was 100% expecting a "no, not tonight kae." or maybe a "i have piles of paperwork to do, maybe next time!"

instead you looked up from your desk at kaeya, batting your eyelashes innocently before showing off a soft smile. "sure, i'd love to. let me just grab my coat."

the angel's share was quite busy this evening. there were some adventures sharing stories loudly over beer, a few bards singing and chatting, and of course some of the usuals sitting at the bar chatting it up with charles. "you know," kaeya said taking a seat. "i wasn't expecting you to come along this time."

you smile, sitting down right next to him. you both were on the upper level where there was more privacy. "i honestly wasn't planning on coming either. but it's a friday evening, so why not." you shrug and smile, sipping on your drink.

a lightbulb goes off in kaeya's head. "well since you're already here, how about i show you how to really have a good time." the dark glint in his eyes and the way his lips crooked into a daring smile should've made you turn him down. any suggestion that leaves kaeya's lips should make you question his motives.

instead, you simply lean forward, resting your chin in the palm of your hand. "sure."

kaeya called over one of the servers from down below. when he came up, kaeya motioned for him to bend down a bit. he whispered something that made the server widen his eyes. his blush didn't go by unnoticed before he scurried off downstairs.

"what did you say to him?" you tilt your head to the side.

kaeya smirks, "oh nothing. just ordered a special little something you, that's all."

you furrowed your eyebrows, only nodding. what could have kaeya possibly ordered to get a reaction like that?

your question was answered soon enough. the poor waiter walked up, presenting a single blow job shot on a tray. he made no eye contact when placing it down on the table. he left as quickly as he came, leaving just kaeya and a very flustered you.

"alright love, have you ever taken one of these before?" judging from your reaction, kaeya already knew the answer. or, he thought he knew the answer.

sweet y/n who rarely goes out drinking couldn't have possibly taken a blow job shot before, right?

but that's where you prove him wrong.

you give him a glance with the best doe eyes you have. "of course i have." you pick up the shot, examining it carefully in your fingers.

you scoot off your chair, getting on your knees in front of kaeya. now it was him who was confused. kaeya didn't say anything, only waited to see where this was going.

you placed the shot carefully on his thigh, right next to his crotch. "you don't mind this, do you captain?" the fake innocence in your voice, the sweet way you looked up at his face— it was all too much for him.

kaeya could slowly feel his crotch growing harder. "not, not at all sweetheart."

you smile in satisfaction. you bring your hands behind your back before leaning down, taking the shot from his leg. you drank it swiftly in a few gulps.

kaeya only managed to stare at you, not uttering a single word. oh how beautiful you looked right now, kneeling in front of him. kaeya took the shot glass out of your mouth. a bit of whip cream had escaped to the side of your mouth and kaeya swears he was about to go crazy.

he wiped the cream off with his thumb, bringing it to your own lips. you played along, sucking the whip cream off his thumb more sensually than needed, making eye contact the entire time.

"fuck y/n, if we weren't in public right now..."

you lean closer, resting your folded arms on his legs. "then how about we leave to somewhere a bit more private?"

[lymmsweb]

A/N : here’s the prompt list that i used for today’s post!

i was listening to this podcast and this one whilst writing this! If you don’t like true crime stuff please do not listen to it <33

This isn’t my best piece of work so please do check out my other ones!

Characters : Kazuha, Zhongli, Ganyu, Jean, Kaeya

Reader : Gender Neutral

Genre : Fluffy Drabbles

Prompts : "it's been a while since i last smiled like this” (Kazuha)

“How are you so beautiful?” (Zhongli)

“No stop, you’re making me blush!” (Ganyu)

“I’m in love with an idiot” (Jean)

“This reminded me of you” (Kaeya)

Tw : Mentions of death, Drunk Kaeya

Kazuha

Kazuha’s body was curled up against you, his face hidden in your chest , legs tangled up together. He long hair was painting the bed sheets white and red. All you could hear was the soft breaths that both of you took. Stroking his hair was so comforting, it was as if you were petting a puppy. “It’s been a while since I’ve smiled like this.” His voice was like velvet, so soft and beautiful, you knew what he meant. You didn’t need to pressure him more.

Zhongli

Zhongli was cooking dinner, the smell of the food filled the house that you two called home. He didn’t have to go to work today so he wanted to treat you to some breakfast in bed. “Y/N?” His voice emerged from the other side of the door, a knock followed after it. “Come in” You could barely make out his figure coming towards you until he pressed his soft lips to your forehead, “morning love.” “Mm morning.” Your morning voice was quite surprising to say the least, and the bed hair that you had was actually impressively messy. “How are you so beautiful?” He questioned as he placed the food on the cabinet next to you, to him no matter what situation you were in, you were gorgeous.

Ganyu

You and Ganyu were on a cafe date near the port, the salty air made the whole day sort of romantic. You two were patiently waiting for a waiter to come so you could order the food, it wasn’t until you two began to get impatient that you called a waiter. “What would you two like?” He eyed Ganyu for a while until he bowed his head a bit to show respect, “we would like the couple’s combo!” The waiter wrote down the order and the drinks, “any reason you guys are getting the couple’s combo?” he interrogated for whatever reason, “wouldn’t you two like the- “ “she’s my girlfriend? Sir?” He had a dumbfounded look on his face, his cheeks turning bright red. “I’m so sorry you two!” He scurried off to the kitchen, barely squeaking his apology. “Stop! You’re making me blush!” She hid her face in her hands, you said it really loudly that she wouldn’t be surprised if everyone in the cafe heard.

Jean

“Jeeeeaaannnnn-“ you whined as you burst through her office door, she was currently on her break, yet she still spent it looking through paperwork. A small chuckle left her lips, knowing you were probably going to start ranting about something, “what is it hun?” “I dropped my coffee as soon as i got it and idunnowhattodoanymorebecauseimnotgoingbackbecausethatsembarassingjusttotellthemim-“ her face was blank, she sighed very audibly as she leaned back on her chair, head leaned back. “I’m in love with an idiot!” She exclaimed as she rubbed her temple, a smile was plastered on her face.

Kaeya

“Y/ *hic* N this , reminds me of you!” He slurred his words together, he’d been drinking all night as he persuaded a reluctant Diluc. He held up a drawing that he drew, as to where he got the paper and a pencil you have no idea. It was supposed to be you, but it was just a stick figure that hair kinda resembled yours. “Kae-“ “ALbeDO has *hic* been giving me lessons…” “Y/N please take him home…” Diluc said as he snatched the drink out of Kaeya’s hands and went to go clean it. “Will do.” You put his shoulder above your head and grabbed his waist, dragging his tall figure out of the tavern. The hangover he was going to have tomorrow was not one you were excited to see.

[cuttingthe-painter]

Could you do something with like a merman? Im thinking reader is on the beach and sees a guy in the water but doesn't realize hes a merman at first. Props if u can find a way for them to actually be together but if not thats cool, I love a good impossible romance

Hey anon, thanks for the request! I loved writing this. I have never tried writing something with merfolk so I hope I was able to do this justice. Sorry it took a few days. I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to send more if you wish! 

merman x female reader

The warm sun heats your skin as you lay on the dock dangling one arm over the side and gliding your fingers through the chilled ocean water. You close your eyes, enjoying the sun’s hug, and listen to the wave’s music around you. This peace is a welcome feeling, a reminder that there is more to life than work and that maybe you should have used your vacation time more.    

It’s been years since you’ve traveled to the coast. Life caught up with you and you found yourself pouring every waking moment into work and relationships. And for what? For you to be passed up for yet another promotion? For your boyfriend to sneak around behind your back with his coworker? Work and relationships are overrated. All you need is the warm sun to kiss your skin and the cool water under your fingertips. 

You’re so caught up in your thoughts that when the bracelet you’re wearing slips over your slack hand, you’re too late to notice. You shoot up, looking over the edge of the dock, and watch as your silver bracelet sinks down into the water. Thirty seconds barely pass before it’s completely out of sight.

“Fuck,” you hiss, pressing your palm against your forehead. Normally, you wouldn’t care if your bracelet had fallen into the water, but you had been careless and attached your cabin key to it. The cabin owner had one request when you checked in, and it was to not lose the key. Your shorts and t-shirt have no pockets, so you thought you were smart this morning when you hooked the key onto your bracelet. Apparently not. 

You stand and start pacing on the dock. No key means no access to the cabin. No access to the cabin means you can’t get your phone or car keys. No phone means you can’t call the cabin owner. No car keys means you are stuck here until someone else shows up. You’re settling in for the panic attack of a lifetime when you hear it. A soft, metallic tink behind you. Turning slowly, you feel your jaw drop when you see your bracelet and key sitting on the edge of the dock. What. The. Fuck.

It’s still wet when you pick it up, proof that it had, in fact, fallen into the ocean. And now here it was, back in your hands once again. You hook it back onto your wrist and slowly look over the edge of the dock. Uncertainty twists at your stomach, reminding you that this is not normal and anything could be in that water looking back at you. But nothing is there. You stare down into the deep, blue abyss and let out a shaky breath before looking back up and scanning the horizon to look for something, anything, that could explain what just happened.

Out past the dock, you see a figure moving towards a cluster of rocks. A figure that is undeniable male. You squint, attempting to see the man more clearly, but the setting sun glares off the ocean, making you close your eyes. You rub at your eyes, wiping away the tears the sun caused, and look back out towards the rocks only to find...nothing there. No one was swimming towards the rocks or even on them. There's just nothing there besides waves and sea-foam licking at the base of the rocks. 

“The heat must be messing with my head,” you mumble, turning to head back towards your cabin. You’ve been out on the dock since before lunch and you need food and some sleep. Inside the cabin, you eat some reheated pasta from the night before and head to bed. 

The next morning, chilly air bites at your skin through your chunky sweater on your walk to the dock. Today, you’ve set out on a mission to figure out what had brought you back your bracelet. Your grandmother always told you stories of the ‘people in the water’ when you were a kid, but you thought they were nothing more than tales. 

The bag of rocks thuds heavily onto the dock when you set it down. You lay on your stomach, recreating the position you had been in yesterday, and grab a rock from the bag. When your fingers touch the water, you let the rock fall from your hand, and quickly stand up. Just like you had yesterday, you turn around and begin to pace. Moments later, the tell-tale clunk of rock on wood sounds and you turn around, seeing a dark grey rock sitting right where you had been laying. 

You walk over and run your fingers over the wet stone before moving it aside and grabbing a new stone. You repeat the motions over and over, each time finding a wet stone where you had been laying. Sitting at the edge of the dock, you pull out another stone and drop it in, this time never looking away from the stone in the water. It falls, sinking deeper and deeper into the oceans depths. The stone’s ripples fade away and you find yourself staring into your own eyes. 

You hold your breath, anxiously awaiting for the return of the rock, when suddenly your face is no longer staring back at you. You gasp slightly, taking in the inky black eyes staring up at you, but you’re frozen in place. A smile stretches across the face of the man and you feel your heart race as you take in the razor sharp teeth. You shoot up, scurrying back on the dock. A sickening weight settles in your stomach when you see the man’s arms brace themselves on the edge of the dock and he lifts out of the water. 

White hair sticks to his grey face and those dark eyes stay fixed on you, watching you pant in the middle of the dock. He reaches towards you and you squeak, fearing he’ll come closer. Instead, he opens his fist and lets a rock clatter down onto the dock. Your eyes fall down to the stone and your mind is reeling. You had hoped for this, so why are you so scared? What other explanation could there have been for the rocks reappearing so quickly? You look back up to the man, letting your eyes roam his figure. His skin was ashen, with occasional splotches of gold. You take in the gills on his neck, the black fins on each shoulder that trail down his back, his defined chest and strong arms. Strong arms adorned with black fins at each elbow and webbed hands tipped with claws,

“Kaerius,” he says, voice low and raspy. He’s smiling as he watches you observe him. He looks relaxed, despite him holding his entire body up on the dock with just his forearms.

“W-what?” you stutter back, not registering the words he spoke. He shakes his head and laughs, letting his body sink down into the water a bit. 

“My name is Kaerius,” he responds, looking at you expectantly. You stare at him in shock before you realize he’s expecting you to give him your name. You do, and he smiles in response. “A very pretty name.” You feel your cheeks flush from the compliment.

“I’ve never heard a name like yours,” you say, allowing yourself to move closer.

“Do you meet very many people like me?” he teases, tilting his head. You let out a breathy laugh and feel your body relax at his casual demeanor.

“I don’t,” you admit, “you’re definitely the first.” Kaerius drops into the water then and, before you realize what you’re doing, you hurry forward to chase him. Your face meets his smiling one when you lean over the edge of the dock.

“Why do you lose so many things in the water?” he asks curiously. You smile at him and laugh when you think of how many rocks you threw in today.

“This one,” you say, motioning to your bracelet, “fell in by accident. But after you returned it, I was curious, so I dropped in rocks to see who was bringing my things back. Do you always bring people's lost items back for them?” He smiles and shakes his head, his wide smile turning shy.

“Most humans do not catch my interest like you have,” he admits, his ashen cheeks turning a light purple. You feel your cheeks mirror his flush. You find yourself crossing your arms on the dock and resting your chin, settling in to sit and talk with Kaerius. He tells you of his home, Natapis, and his family and friends. When you finally look away from him, you notice the cotton candy sky overhead and realize your stomach aches with hunger.

“Kaerius, I have to go,” you groan, letting your forehead hit your arms. His eyes are sad when you look back to him and you want nothing more than to see him smiling again. You reach out and press a hand to his cool cheek. “I’m just hungry, Kae, and I have to sleep. I’ll be back in the morning.” A smile returns to his face in an instant and you feel your heart soar.

“Then I will also be back in the morning!” he declares. He pulls your hand from his face and places a gentle kiss onto it, waking the butterflies in your stomach. He smiles up at you once more before swimming off and you feel lost, wishing you both could stay here and talk forever.

You wake later than you mean to the next morning; your stomach falls when you roll over and read 12:00 pm on the alarm clock. You throw the blankets off of yourself and hurry to get ready, throwing your hair into a quick ponytail and pulling on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt over your swimsuit. After brushing your teeth, you throw some food in a drawstring bag and rush towards the dock.  

A black and gold tail breeches the water out by the rocks when you’re walking up the dock. Moments later, Kaerius’ head pops up by the docks edge. He smiles and waves a clawed hand at you and you return the gesture. 

“I thought you would never come,” he teases when you’re within earshot.

“I’m sorry, I overslept,” you admit, sitting at the edge of the dock. 

“No worries, my dear. I was wondering…” Kaerius trails off, looking unsure of himself. You offer a reassuring smile to him, encouraging him to finish his thought. He takes a slow breath and continues, “I was wondering if you would join me on the rocks today. It would be much easier to talk if we’re both on the same level. People can see me on the dock, but not out there at the rocks.” 

“I can’t swim that far,” you say, furrowing your brow at the offer. “I mean, I would love to, but I don’t think I can make it!” His face lights up again and he reaches for your hands.

“I will take us,” he laughs, pulling you towards the edge of the dock. You pull back, but he’s stronger than you and you can feel yourself sliding closer and closer to the water.

“Kae! Kae, wait!” He pauses, noticing your panic and drops you hands. "Let me take my clothes off so they don't get wet." Kaerius nods, watching as you pull your t-shirt over your head and stuff it into your bag. When you’re unbuttoning your shorts, you notice his eyes locked onto your fingers. When you pull the zipper down, he swallows and looks away. You tuck the shorts into the bag and pull it closed. You lift the bag up and motion to it before asking, “Is this going to get wet?”

He doesn’t answer when he looks back at you; his eyes land on your swim top and roam over the rest of your body. You clear your throat and hide your smile when he jumps and looks back up to your eyes.

“Is this going to get wet?” 

“Put it on your back and we will keep it dry,” he answered, patting the dock for you to sit. You follow his motion and sit on the dock, letting your legs dangle into the cold water. The shock of the temperature sends chills up your body and Kaerius rubs his fingers over the goosebumps, inspecting them. Though cold, his touch feels electric on your skin. Watching his fingers circle on your thigh has you wriggling under his fingers as warmth builds in your stomach.

“We should go, then,” you breathe, voice low and wanting. He looks up to you, smirking when he realizes what his touch has done. He turns his back to you and looks over his shoulder, a signal for you to get on his back. You shimmy off the dock, catching your arms around his neck before your torso falls underwater. And then he’s swimming. He’s fast, but careful to not overwhelm you or take you under. You close your eyes, savoring the feel of the salty wind whipping past your face before he slows. 

Kaerius lifts you onto the sunbaked rocks and lifts himself up behind you. You take in his full form when he’s laying beside you, admiring the beauty of his tale. The scales are dark obsidian mixed with spots of gold. You’ve never seen anything so breathtaking in your life. You reach out, but stop just short of touching his tail. You look up to him and, when he nods an okay, you run your fingers along his tail. A soft sigh escapes his lips when your fingers move along his scales, drawing your attention to his face. You watch as his eyes flutter closed and another sigh leaves him when your fingers move towards his torso. 

Before your fingers can move any higher, Kaerius grabs your hand and pulls it away from him. His cheeks are that light shade of purple again and his eyes look impossibly darker.

“Tell me why you are here,” he urges. “I have been coming here for years and had not seen you once before you arrived last week.” You close your eyes and groan, remembering the lead up to your spur of the moment vacation.

“It’s a long story,” you groan, letting yourself lie back on the rocks.

“We have a long day,” he retorted, rolling to face you. The smile on his face is genuine and caring and makes your heart ache.

“This is the first trip I’ve really taken for myself in years,” you admit, closing your eyes and thinking of Stew. “I was with someone for years who only wanted to go on vacation if it meant there would be partying. On top of that, I’ve spent every free moment in my life trying to work my way up in a job that refuses to promote me.” Kaerius makes a noise of understanding beside you and rests a hand on yours.

“You have a mate, then?” Kaerius asks in a dejected tone. Your eyes shoot open and find his.

“I don’t.” You can feel desperation in your voice when you say it, needing him to know, for some reason, that you are single. “We broke up a few weeks ago when I found out he was seeing another woman.” Anger clouds Kaerius’ face at the words, and he bares his teeth.

“Pathetic man,” he growls, before reaching over and pulling you to him. “I am sorry this pitiful man hurt you, my dear.” Kaerius runs a hand over your back, a small gesture that brings tears to your eyes. It’s been ages since someone held you so tenderly, so lovingly. You melt into him, savoring the feel of his cool hands gliding down your spine. 

You look up to him, and see his eyes tracing the lines of your face. You offer a shy smile and move to turn your face away when Kaerius’ other hand reaches up and lightly grabs your chin. He turns your face back towards his and moves in to kiss you. He moves slowly, offering you time to stop him if you want. Your heart beats faster and faster as his face nears and when his nose brushes against yours, he tilts his head and slots your mouths together.

He moves slowly, taking his time and savoring the feel of your lips touching. Then the kiss grows hungrier, his insistent mouth parting your lips and sending heat through your body. He tilts your head back, allowing his languid tongue to explore deeper. You moan into him, fisting your hand into his wet hair. You’re both breathless when he pulls away, panting helplessly as you lay there. 

“I could do that forever,” he whispers, pressing another soft kiss onto your mouth. You moan in agreement as you kiss him back. He pulls away and presses his forehead against yours.

“How long will stay?” he asks.

“I’m supposed to leave in a few days,” you mumble, feeling hot tears prick at your eyes.

“I wish you could stay forever,” Kaerius whispers, gently brushing a wisp of your hair behind your ear. You rest your hand on his, turning and pressing a soft kiss to his palm. You stay like that, willing away the inevitable tears as you breathe in his salty skin. His thumb brushes your cheek, slow caresses wiping away the tears that escape. “Don’t cry, my dear. Please don’t cry.”

“I don’t understand,” you whimper, “I just met you and now I can’t picture life without you.”

“I think you are meant for me,” he murmurs into your ear. “And when you leave, I will watch the shores everyday waiting for your return. I will wait for you.” You tuck your face into his chest, stifling your sobs. You would do anything to stay here with him. Every moment you spend with him, tucked into his arms, he feels more like than home than anything else in your life. 

“I will come back, Kaerius. Before you know it, I’ll be back and then we can have our forever.”

“Kiss me and promise me a forever.” And so you do. 

~

Thanks again for the request!

[youcantkillamutant]

A Map Made in Heaven (Chapter 6)

Prologue…Chapter 1…Chapter 2…Chapter 3…Chapter 4...Chapter 5

Author: youcantkillamutant

Fandom: Marvel (Black Panther)

Pairing: Erik Stevens/Killmonger x Black!OC

Summary: Erik ‘Killmonger’ Stevens is the biggest bootlegger in South Carolina, but he wants to be more than the middle man. After he receives a letter from an ‘old friend’ of his father, he embarks on a quest to find his homeland. Enter Audrey Cade, the finest mapmaker in the County.

Warnings: Mentions of slavery, death, and a lil angst

Words: 7K+

A/N: Back with that 1920’s AU! This is the final chapter before the epilogue y’all. I literally wrote this all today I don’t even know who I aim anymore I can’t even believe I wrote all this???? Thank you to everyone for reading liking and reblogging and recommending (!?!??!) this story. I love that y’all read and review. That stuff always makes my day! 😘😘😘

I only own my original characters of course. As usual Marvel don’t sue me I’m broke.

Listening to: Falling for Me by Johnnyswim, WATER (IF ONLY THEY KNEW) by Kojey Radical ft. Mahalia, XXX by Kendrick Lamar and City Burns by Andra Day

If ever there was a chapter to listen to the suggested songs, it’s this one! 

CHAPTER VI

June 28, 1920: Wakanda

“What exactly are we looking at here?” Erik didn’t mean to sound rude, only annoyed. W’Kabi had interrupted his night with Audrey to show him what exactly?

The duo lurked in the hall just outside the garden of the Heart Shaped Herb. Erik had never bothered to spend much time here, even as a kid. He much preferred the Royal Greenhouse to this singular garden. Cast in the purple glow from the flower itself, the whole room looked like a menacing dream. Women in long robes shuffled around, standing and stooping to complete their duties along the way.

“Zuri has been sending gardeners away all week. They leave with something wrapped in cloth and return with nothing.” Just as W’Kabi said it, a gardener scurried off with a cloth wrapped package.

“What does that have to do with me?”

“He started doing it the second you arrived my Prince.” Erik’s head spun with the possibilities, but he didn’t latch onto anything just yet. He needed to do some research.

“W’Kabi, tomorrow, I’m going to talk to a few people who knew my father. You coming?” W’Kabi nodded easily. He didn’t know N’Jadaka anymore, the princeling had changed a great deal in his time away from Wakanda, but those changed seemed to be for the better.

“Anything you need my Prince.”

—o—

Zuri of Badu was running out of time. He’d never been a stupid man, so why he deluded himself into believing he could hide the truth made no sense at all. Still his brain scurried like a rat, reaching for life rings in the form of ideas that would never truly save him. The evidence of his service to T’Chaka was littered around his room. There were small things he’d never gotten rid of, only swept under his bed and behind his wardrobe until he forgot about them completely.

It was like N’Jadaka was the catalyst for all of these things resurfacing. Like an earthquake, he shook evidence free. Tickets flutters from the place in the rafters of his room, dust trickling down alongside it. A blindfold found its way from under the bed. A bloody panther claw rolled out from underneath the wardrobe.

Each of these items he sent to burn. He promise T’Chaka there would be no evidence, and in since the deed had been done, he grew lethargic in its wake. Now the prince had returned, and the Gardener scuttled to complete a twenty year old task.

—o—

June 29, 1920: Wakanda

Erik rose with the sun to meet Nelene Okiyete. Nelene was one of the two chairwomen for the Wakandian Farmers Association. The other was her twin sister Mokate. Nelene was a stocky woman, skin darkened by the sun and arms strengthened by working the land. She had a smile a mile wide and welcomed N’Jadaka to her lands with open arms.

“Come in, come in my prince.” She shuffled N’Jadaka into a sunroom that overlooked her vast fields.

“I must admit, I was happy to hear that the lost prince hadn’t lost his love for the land. Just like his mother.” N’Jadaka could only smile and duck his head at the mention of his mother, heart twinging at the thought of her.

“Thank you for having me over Aunti.” Nelene waved him off and poured some tea, gesturing for N’Jadaka to seat on the plushly cushioned wicker chairs. He sank into the seat reaching for a cookie from the low silver table. No doubt it was made of vibranium or gilded to look so.

“How is Kae doing?” Nelene asked innocently as she child into a chair of her own beside N’Jadaka. She could see so much of his father in him. The quiet intellect that simmered beneath the surface, how his eyes scanned every part of a room the second he entered, those sharp little ears.

“What?” Nelene nodded to Erik’s hair and his hand shot up to the dreads.

“I’d know her work anywhere.” N’Jadaka nodded uncomfortably, flashes of his last meeting with Mrs. Kae flooding his mind as shame filled his gut. He wondered what Kae would think of him now, having found Wakanda.

“She’s alright.” Nelene nodded into her tea, taking another sip before speaking.

“Well you’ve got me here Prince, what do you want to know?”

“Anything you can tell me about my father and Zuri would be good.”

“Your father and Zuri?” N’Jadaka only nodded intently, encouraging Nelene to continue.

“There’s not much to tell. I’m pretty sure those two hated each other.”

“Did they always?” Nelene nodded and then slowed, biting her lip and furrowing her brow. Thinking.

“I suppose not. I think Zuri’s true anger reared its head when N’Jobu met your mother. Bast he had stars in his eyes for that women and no one could shake them free. Not that I blame him. Your mother was a beauty.” Nelene winked her brown eyes at Erik jovially.

“N’Jobu couldn’t do enough for that girl. Always coming to Wakanda to bring her fresh blooms and new seeds. He would have done anything for that woman. Would have done anything for you too.” She nodded to N’Jadaka seriously.

“So Zuri hated my pops because he was in love?”

“I don’t think that was it.” She paused and glanced around. “I overheard a conversation between the King, your Father and the Gardener once. N’Jobu was trying to convince the king to provide aid to the Southern American states. Zuri and the king would not have it.”

Nelene could remember the conversation like it was yesterday. She had just finished her first meeting as secretary for the WFA and may have found herself a bit lost on the way out. The trio stood there bickering back and forth like children about the fate of an entire country.

“The King said something along the lines of ‘I cannot rule Wakanda and the Southern United States brother’ and N’Jobu grew increasingly frustrated.” Nelene turned to see N’Jadaka nearly tipping forward out of his chair to listen. She gave him a sad smile.

“I’ve never seen your father so angry before. By all accounts, he was the fun brother.” A small chuckle escaped her mouth. “But not after what the King had said. Bast he was heated. He told the king that ‘This is not about ruling or power’” Nelene paused for effect, turning her entire body towards N’Jadaka

“N’Jobu practically spat the words at his brother. He told T’Chaka ‘We have turned our backs on our brethren for too long. If we do not check ourselves now it will be too late to salvage even a sliver of our humanity ubhuti.’”

“And Zuri?”

“Zuri comforted the King.”

—o—

Audrey had work to do. The next Council meeting is in a few days, and she promised Shuri to have the maps done by then. In return, Shuri had slid an impossible amount of American Dollars into her suitcase. Audrey nearly had a heart attack when she saw the envelope. She would have never thought to charge that much for a commission like this, but she is working with royalty.

She made her way to the Lab to find Shuri and continue her work. Music was blasting from the space as usual, it made it easier to find in the winding hallways and staircases of the vast Wakandan palace. Shuri was jumping up and down excitedly as she spoke to Ayo, who listened on, unamused.

“…and that way the bucket falls on his head.” Shuri slapped her hands together excitedly and Ayo rolled her eyes.

“Shuri, what are you talking about?”

“Oh nothing dear cousin.” Audrey raised her eyebrow and Shuri crumbled.

“Fine. Ayo and I were just planning a little prank for the king and his future advisor, cousin.”

“I am not planning anything. I am merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Audrey’s smile lifted at Ayo’s smart retort and it only took a second for her to respond.

“I want in.” Shuri pumped her arm excitedly whispering ‘yes!’ while Audrey continued. “And why are you calling me cousin? We aren’t related.”

“Not yet, but I am sure we are about to be cousin. I saw the way N’Jadaka gazed at you. That man is point two seconds from professing his love to you and proposing.” Audrey couldn’t keep her heart from jumping at the idea of it, but she still shook her head at Shuri.

“He’s not focused on me. He’s got too much ambition to focus on me Shuri.”

“Sure.” Shuri rolled her eyes at Audrey’s comment. She’d spent plenty of time with N’Jadaka since his return and she could tell her cousin was 100% gone on Audrey. She watched his eyes dart to Audrey every time she entered a room. His hand hovered behind her back whenever they walked together. His eyes twinkled whenever they bantered. Bast, at this point Audrey could propose and he’d say yes.

“I didn’t come down here to plan pranks with you though. I need to keep working on those maps of Jabariland for the Council meeting.” Shuri had mentioned that Audrey could use the old cartographer’s office today and she was ready to spread out. The desk in her room was perfectly adequate for letter writing, but she needed more space. For the first time since she’d arrived in Wakanda, Audrey missed Cade’s Atlas.

Catching on quickly, Shuri led Audrey back up the steps of the Lab. She wove them through small walkways Audrey had never noticed before and expansive rooms that held windows bigger than her apartment. Finally they reached a room with a wooden door. The only wooden door Audrey had ever seen in the palace.

“The old cartographer married a Jabari woman. This was a gift from her wife I think. We haven’t had an official cartographer since before I was born though.” The door swung open to reveal a room twice the size of Cade’s Atlas. The vibranium floors, while dusty, still glittered. A large window was covered with a dark heavy drape and Shuri coughed as she pulled it open.

“Baba used to warn me against going in here. Said I would be bored to tears.” Shuri shrugged as she found the light switch. The bulbs took a moment to flick on, and Audrey was stunned to see the immaculate vibranium table. Half of it was covered in glass and lit from beneath creating an amazing lightbox, and the other half was the smoothest surface she’d ever felt. Her fingers itched to dip a pen in ink and get to work.

—o—

July 2, 1920: Wakanda

Audrey paced the vibranium floor so much she thought shed run a hole in it. She’s finished mapping Jabariland days ago. That wasn’t what compelled her to pace. That wasn’t what tied her stomach in knots. That wasn’t what kept her completely puzzled. When she had first started working in the old cartographer’s office, she’d flown through the Jabariland commission. She even made the changes Shuri suggested before tracing a copy in archival ink.

She found the maps on the lightbox. Audrey was planning to neatly pile all of the papers to the side of the table so she could finish up the commission, but the maps on the lightbox would let her. So instead, she studied them. They were maps of Wakanda and the southern states. In the mid 1800’s the island looked to be 500 or so miles away. But when she placed the map from 1900 over top of it, the island seemed to be drifting farther into the sea. Another map from 1905 confirmed her suspicions.

According to these maps Wakanda was drifting out to sea. Which in itself wasn’t too much of a cause for alarm, but there were numbers—calculations written all over the maps. This drifting wasn’t natural, it was plotted, planned, calculated even, and right underneath the calculations on every map was T’Chaka’s name, scratched in black ink.

It was more advanced than anything she had ever seen. No one had ever moved land mass like this. It shouldn’t have been possible. Audrey knew that Wakanda was advanced but she never imagined something like this. And why would T’Chaka push the island further away from civilization. Sure the south isn’t the greatest place to live, but southerners are notorious for being friendly neighbors. Why would anyone go to so much trouble? To push an island into the sea?

Audrey thought for a moment about telling Erik. He might be able to explain some of this, but something stopped her. This was bigger than whatever they were. It was definitely bigger than what Erik probably knew. This is a question for the king. Audrey bit her lip and pushed away the pang of betrayal she felt when she wrote Erik off. T’Challa is king, he has to know about this first.

It took her half a day to sketch copies of the maps, but by lunchtime she had gathered them into a thin folder. It took her another half day to write a note to T’Challa. She wasn’t sure how to word any of this, especially if T’Challa had no idea this was happening so she did her best to be concise. The moon illuminated the sky by the time she finished.

Winding her way through the palace, Audrey made it to T’Challa’s office. She only knew where it was because it was right beside Erik’s. She caught sight of his glittering vibarnium nameplate and smiled. N’Jadaka Udaku, Advisor to the King. Erik had come a long way, hell he had come home. Audrey hoped this wouldn’t ruin anything for him, hoped that her curiosity wouldn’t get her in trouble. Still unsure of her decision, Audrey slid the papers under T’Challa’s door praying to whoever was listening that she made the right decision.

—o—

Zuri could remember the night it all happened. He was a garden apprentice then, only trusted to purify the water and prune the new growth. T’Chaka and N’Jobu had made their way into the garden, voices carrying angrily as they drifted closer to Zuri. On his knees Zuri could just see their figures huddled close.

“Brother you can not keep pushing the island away from this! They will come soon enough.” N’Jobu had never cared for their plan to push the island further away from the mainland.

“I know you are upset about your wife, but moving Wakanda is the only way to keep our people safe.”

“This is not about my wife. This is about Wakanda brother.”

“Are you sure about that ubhuti?”

“As your trusted advisor, I propose we go to the mainland.” Zuri had to hold back a scoff at the use of the word ’trusted.’ T’Chaka hadn’t trusted his brother since the day he returned from the mainland, calling for a better future for people that were not his own.

“Talk to the people there, fight for them. If we build those people up—If we build our people up, protecting Wakanda from the mainland’s oppressors will no longer be an issue brother. If we welcome them home, they will see its importance. They will help us protect it, just as we helped them.”

“This is too great a problem to bend to your ridiculous ideologies N’Jobu.”

“So you would hide us away?” T’Chaka was silent for a time, Zuri held his breath even tighter then.

“We must help them. They are people just like us. They come from our lands, they are our people.” The rest transpired so quickly Zuri could not fathom it. The pair fought for that last time that night, and when Zuri scrambled and surveyed the scene he retched. The king on his knees, his brother in his lap, a gleaming vibranium claw stuck in his chest.

“My King. I am sorry.” Zuri could remember the embarrassment that flamed in his queasy stomach after vomiting in front of the king.

“Zuri, speak nothing of this day.” Zuri had agreed, even offered his assistance in any way he could. The king commanded he clean up the mess of N’Jobu, and they plotted what to do with N’Jadaka. From that day on, they were co-conspirators. Now the king was dead, another in his place, and Zuri, son of Badu could do nothing but choke on the secrets and the lies.

—o—

Another morning in the fields and another afternoon at the palace. Nelene had been helping N’Jadaka with well…everything. She taught him how to test the soil, and replot the land. She helped him research the best hops that would grow in the Wakandan climate and encouraged him to try a few different seedlings along with his main planned harvest.

Overnight, Nelene had become like a mother to him. Erik remembered when he would sit with his mother at the end of every winter. He would swing his feet beneath the wooden kitchen chair as he sat at the table with his mother, plotting the coming year’s harvest. She would always let him chose a new plant to try, grinning when he chose something outrageous. Still somehow, his mother made something grow.

He had to blink away the memory when he arrived at the palace before being swept away by his tutors. He’d already had all of the lessons he could from Ramonda, and the Council demanded he be well versed in all things Wakanda, but there were only so many senseless Wakandian etiquette rules that a man could take before he felt ready to bump off the next person who demanded he greet his cousin like a ‘king.’

Erik sighed with relief when he was finally released from his classes, deciding to make his way to the greenhouse. He could catch up with W’Kabi another time. For now, he just wanted to breathe in the plants and admire their color. Halfway to the royal hothouse he ran into Okoye. The two had never talked much, silently sized each other up and ignoring the need for communication. Apparently, that was over for Okoye.  

“I have half a mind to ask you what you are really doing in Wakanda, but even I am not bold enough to question royalty.” Erik rolled his eyes and held back a snort. He’d seen the general in Council meetings. She couldn’t hold her tongue any more than he could hold his.

“You can relax Okoye. I’m not here to to anything but farm my father’s land.” An easy lie for it was a half truth. Erik still searched for the truth of what happened to his father, but Okoye didn’t need to know that.

“So you are N’Jadaka Udaku, the first Wakandan prince without ambition?” Her voice dripped with skepticism, and N’Jadaka shook his head.

“I didn’t say all that. Just that I don’t want no dinky ass chair to get fat in.” Okoye studied him for a long while. He raised his brow in challenge and she nodded in acceptance.

“Kuba ngumthetheli ongenakunqwenela. Ubukumkani abukho indawo yezihlunu.” With that warning uttered she marched off, leaving N’Jadaka to his devices.

—o—

July 3, 1920: Wakanda

“Shuri!” The prank went off without a hitch. Well, sort of. Erik was supposed to get hit with the water too, but he was a bit too fast for the bucket.

“It wasn’t all me brother! Audrey did it too!”

“Shuri!” Audrey gasped the name and whipped her head back to a bewildered T’Challa. “I didn’t sir, um I mean, your majes—” Audrey couldn’t continue her fumbling because Erik had burst out laughing.

Audrey had never seen him like this, clutching his sides and bending over in glee. Shuri wasn’t much better, even Ayo cracked a smile. Still, Audrey was happy that the throne room sat relatively empty. The queen was there, sat regally in her throne. A few of the Dora were there too, Okoye doing a much better job at hiding her amusement than Ayo.

“Audrey, do you have a moment?” Shuri’s laughter ended abruptly. Erik whispered ‘ohhh’ like a school child. Audrey squared her shoulders and followed Ramonda’s retreating form while Shuri and Erik whispered back and forth.

Audrey followed Ramonda through the ornate palace halls squinting as the sunlight strobed in her face as she passed window after window. She wasn’t sure if she was meant to catch up to Ramonda or stay behind but after a few minutes of walking she nearly bumped into Ramonda’s back when she stopped in the center of the hallway.

They had passed a few doors along the way, glittering with vibranium locks and panther carved handles, but now there were only paintings. Paintings of prestigious Kings and Queens, panthers and generals. Ramonda had stopped the pair in front of a painting of a woman. The entire image was cast in blue. Violet and cerulean glanced off of the woman’s broad nose and left a dreamy glint in her big brown eyes. With her left arm outstretched Ramonda grazed her fingers along the wall beneath the painting.

“Years ago, my mother was the country cartographer.” The vibranium nameplate gleamed under her brown thumb. Cebisa Undakewe, Official Cartographer of Wakanda.

“She travelled all over the island mapping courses and painting worlds on paper. She was the first to map Jabariland. She was the only one they allowed in. I can still remember when the king requested her presence in the palace. It was how I met T’Chaka.” Ramonda’s face drifted into a soft smile.

“He was so rude to my mother, I told him off. I Let him know that no one, prince or otherwise speaks to my mother with anything less than respect. I can still see the shock on his face!” She chuckled a bit, and Audrey’s face lifted into a tight smile still wondering what she was doing here.

“You remind me of her. I can see a world of wonder in your eyes. They way you hold your pen…Bast she never went anywhere without a pen.” Ramonda pressed her thumb into the wall, and to the right the wall split, drifting into the floor and ceiling respectively.

“The king was impressed when he saw my mother’s map. Hired her on the spot. Gave her this room to map the world ten times over.” Ramonda gestured for Audrey to walk in ahead of her and after another moment of hesitation she did.

The room itself wasn’t much to look at in comparison to the rest of the palace.

“I don’t mean to be rude Queen Ramonda, but—”

“Why did I bring you here?” Audrey nodded. “I’ve kept this place a secret for longer than I care to remember. I was hiding it. After my mother died I would come here until it no longer smelled like her sweet jasmine and cocoa scent. When that faded I could not bring myself to return. T’Chaka did not understand the pain of it, losing a mother, but I could not fathom another being in this space, her space. Until I met you.”

“You tumbled onto our little island and brought my nephew home. I prayed to Bast for him back and She dropped you into our laps like a gift. My mother would want you to create more worlds here. I want you to use her space as she did in the past.” Revive her memory. If only for a moment.

“Queen Ramonda I—”

“Please, call me Ramonda, or Auntie if that suits you.” Audrey’s eyes widened at the queen’s wink and she nodded.

“I do hope you stay Audrey. N’Jadaka is very clearly taken with you, as he should be.”

“Enkosi.”

“Your Wakandan is getting better!” Audrey could only nod bashfully. She wasn’t perfect, but she was trying.

—o—

July 5, 1920: Wakanda

“Stevens! Wait up.” Each day since she returned from Jabariland Audrey saw Erik in his father’s fields talking to all manner of people. Farmers mostly she assumed, but sometimes a guard slipped into the crowd, or a Border Tribesman. Audrey knew that N’Jobu had never had any sort of official affiliation with the tribe, so this had to be a new alliance. The idea of an alliance of any kind made Audrey…suspicious.

“Hey babydoll, what do you need?” Erik’s answer was easy. After all talking to Audrey had become eat most simple thing in his life at the moment. He hadn’t told her anything about the clandestine meetings, or his heavy surveillance of Zuri. She was a smart broad but she didn’t need to know all of that.

“What are you up to?” Erik should have known that he wouldn’t get anything past Audrey. He should have been surprised that Audrey held her tongue for this long. Instead, he let her question roll off of his back.

“What do you mean A?”

“I mean why are you meeting with the Border Tribe.”

“There’s something going on here Audrey. I need to get to the bottom of it.”

“Of course there’s something going on here. There are a million things going on here! It’s a Royal Court Stevens! That doesn’t mean you need to do whatever it is you’re doing now. I thought you came here for land. To start farming it and brewing and selling? have you forgotten about that?”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten. But ever since we got here, things have been strange Audrey. Certain stories just don’t add up.”

“What stories?”

“My disappearance for one. Everyone thinks I was taken by Klaue. That he killed my father and kidnapped me, but that’s not what I remember.”

“I thought you didn’t remember it at all.” Audrey remembered him mentioning that when they were first working on the map, that he couldn’t remember exactly how he got to America from Wakanda, just that he did.

“I don’t remember much. Just a blindfold, leaves brushing against my arms and silence.”

“That’s not nothing. Eri—” Audrey was interrupted yet again by a small Wakandan man. he held a satchel and a tablet the lit up his face. The back of it gleamed with solar panels and it fit into the palm of his hand. He tapped the screen with his fingers frustrated, murmuring about ‘annoying prototypes’ and something in Wakandan she couldn’t understand.

“Miss Cade, there’s a letter for you from Jabariland.” He tapped the screen a few more times with his pointer finger and then dug into his satchel for a small envelope. It was brown, and covered in childlike lettering. The stamp held an image of a Gorilla with the word Hanuman stamped below it. Audrey was so stunned to receive a letter that Erik had to take it for her.

He studied the woman he had grown to admire closely. He knew at some point she had to have received a letter from someone but this one seemed to trigger her somehow. Audrey’s mind flashed to the last time she had gotten anything hand delivered like this.

In Audrey’s eyes this man looked just like the other postman that knocked on the door of Cade’s Atlas nearly a decade ago. Tired eyes and slouching back, spine curving into a ‘c’ under the weight of his messages.

“Miss Cade, I am sorry to have to share this news with you, but on his latest expedition your grandfather met an untimely end—” Audrey had stopped listening then, having heard all she needed to know. A large envelope fell into her hands. The deed to Cade’s Atlas among other things. Erik’s voice interrupted Audrey’s detached memory.

“Audrey! Babydoll, hey.” Erik waved his hands in front of her, crowding her space and shuffling her towards the wall and away from the center of the hallway. “What the hell is going on? You want me to get rid of this thing?” Erik motioned to the letter in his hand and Audrey snapped back into action, snatching the brown paper from his hands.

“No. I—I got it, thanks.” Audrey ran her hands over the rough brown paper, admiring the pulp and blotchy ink.

To: Bincinke Audrey Cade

From: Princess Ti of the Jabari Tribe

With a smile and a deep breath Audrey broke the chunky wax seal. There were two pieces of parchment folded into the envelope, one a letter that detailed all of Ti’s exploits with her sisters and a question on when Audrey would return to Jabariland; the other was a map “home to Jabariland. Just in case you forget bincinke!” Audrey breathed out a laugh at the map’s title, and Erik couldn’t stop himself from speaking.

“Audrey, what was that abo—l” He could see Audrey shutting down, her lips closing tightly and eyes going hard. “Never mind, what did you get?”

“It’s a map. Ti drew it for me.” Audrey ran her fingers over the chunky hills and watery lakes that lay between the palace and Jabariland. Erik came around to her shoulder, leaning over it. He was so close to Audrey that his breath fanned the page and she could smell the earth on him.

“Cute.” Audrey nodded, and the pair resumed their palace stroll. Erik standing closer to Audrey than before and studying her for any sign of…whatever had just happened. They ambled past the kitchens and library in silence nearly at the Council Chambers before Audrey spoke again.

“What are you going to do?” Erik took his time formulating his response. He knew Audrey would wait for him. Raised voices from the Council room interrupted his thoughts and drew his and Audrey’s attention.

“You were never going to tell me? That my father the King—Bast Zuri.” It was T’Challa speaking to Zuri the succinct gardener that also happened to be T’Challa’s most trusted advisor.

“How could he kill his own brother?”

“N’Jobu was never fit to lead Wakanda. He always had his eyes in another man’s revolution. When N’Jobu came to the Council begging to aid the newly freed slaves in building their lives, T’Chaka refused. He knew Wakanda would stretch itself too thin.”

Zuri could remember that night. T’Chaka had sent the Council home after a full hour of arguing went on between him and N’Jobu. The sun has melted into the horizon and the moon rose from the sea. Still the pair fought.

“How can you turn your back so easily brother? And to actively push the island away from the mainland…I assume the Council does not know.” N’Jobu had been disturbed to learn of T’Chaka’s plan to push the island farther into the sea. Zuri saw no problem with the action. It was the only way to keep Wakanda out of the clutches of oppressors who would see to pillage the island they so deeply love. The country they so violently fought for.

“I am not our father. I refuse to indulge every one of your whims N’Jobu. I have a country to lead.” T’Chaka had been dismissive of N’Jobu’s pleading since his coronation. N’Jobu did not understand what had happened to cause such a marked change in his brother’s ideals. He could still remember the days they vowed to free the mainlanders of their chains and help them build a Wakanda on the coast.

“What is that supposed to mean ubhuti?”

“It means that Father turned his head when you brought that white man into our country to steal for your little rebellion. I will not do the same. I will not allow you to betray Wakanda for people that are not our own.” T’Chaka spit the words. N’Jobu had been at this for too long, and it was his fault, T’Chaka thought. As king, he never should have allowed that extended war dog mission to the American South. It only served to radicalize his brother and produced an unnecessary heir to the Wakandan throne.

“He knew?”

“He was the Black Panther. King of Wakanda. Nothing gets past him brother. He encouraged me to indulge your whims, but I can not in good conscience allow you to do this any longer.” Zuri remembered the relief that flooded his heart. Finally the king would no longer be beholden to his brothers indiscretions. Finally T’Chaka could truly be great.

“Why did he not say anything then.”

“He believed your cause noble. Honorable even.” T’Chaka’s derisive snort rivaled that of their mother’s. A woman known for her intelligence and intolerance for idiocy.

“And you ubhiti? Do you not feel the same?”

“They fought. T’Chaka lived. N’Jadaka was all that was left. We had to loose him, leave him.” Zuri was still shaking himself from the memory when T’Challa responded.

“No. No.” T’Challa’s head spun. For years he had allowed Zuri to lead the search for N’Jadaka. For year he had searched for his cousin himself. Now to find he was never meant to be found, to learn that his father killed his own brother.

“Klaue attempted to break out of the prison that same night. We staged a kidnapping. We had to maintain the lie. We left him far from the border of. To grow and forget our Wakanda.”

“Zuri—”

“We had to do it T’Challa, if he is his father’s child…his presence here will bring more pain than joy.” Erik had heard enough, and he was gone before Audrey could reach for him. She stood in the glittering palace hallway, wishing for the first time that she had never found Wakanda at all.

—o—

July 6, 1920: Wakanda

N’Jadaka had a plan. A plan that would prove Zuri right, just before he burned the entire island to the ground. It’s what they all deserve. He had already relayed a version of the plot to W’Kabi, telling him just what he needed to know and nothing more. W’Kabi would get him access to where he needed to be, and all he would need to do is light the match to watch the island burn. Finally, he felt like Killmonger again.

Audrey had spent all day searching for Erik. He wasn’t in his cottage, or his palace room, not in his father’s fields or in the lavish library overflowing with books. He didn’t want to be found so Audrey changed tactics. She looked for his allies. The farmers were all home, and she didn’t find a border tribesman to follow until the morning. After two hours of following the man on errands, she found Erik in the palace basement. The only dark place she’d ever seen in Wakanda.

The basement was cool, a stark contrast to the wet island heat Audrey had gotten used to. Erik stood centered on the concrete floor surrounded by vibranium chests and rolls of parchment. Audrey could only see his back, covered in keloids and broad shoulders rising and falling slowly. he looked larger than Audrey remembered.

“Erik.” Audrey voice drifted through the room and Erik cocked his head towards the sound. He never answered, or turned so Audrey tried again.

“Erik, what are you doing down here?” Erik reveled in the way his name fell from her lips, knowing it’s probably the last time he’ll hear it.

“He killed my father.” Audrey had nothing to say to that, and Erik knew she wouldn’t. He reveled in her cautious silence like he never had before.

“I can’t let that go dollface.” Audrey’s lip curled in annoyance. The nickname was enough to know that she was speaking to the infamous Killmonger. Erik Stevens was no longer rational, no longer calling the shots.  

“You should talk to T’Challa.” Killmonger scoffed. “I’m not telling you to let it all go, but T’Challa didn’t even know, Erik.” It felt strange saying his name so often, but Audrey was willing to try anything to bring killmonger to his senses. Whatever he was planning would be too much.

“Why are you trying to protect him?”

“I’m not trying to protect him I’m trying to protect you.” And she was. She had already caught sight of the matchbook clenched in his hands. Audrey had a feeling that there was more than vibranium chests and parchment down here.

“Everything you’ve worked for, all of this? You want to destroy it like that?” She snapped her fingers before continuing.

“They offered you a position as advisor to the king! You can use your position to get what you really want. You can use it to better the world like your father wanted.” Erik twitched at the use of his father’s words. Audrey knew he would hate her for it, but she also knew he would hate himself more if he destroyed his home.

“They killed my pops Audrey. My father! All because he ain’t agree with the king. I can’t let that slide.” Erik finally turned, and Audrey hated herself for jumping. She had never seen him so angry. His dreads fell in his face and his golden fangs were bared in anger. Steeling herself, Audrey pushed forward, closer to Killmonger.

“So what are you going to do? Kill the royal court?” Audrey’s arms waved in question. “I wish you could hear yourself Erik! God I wish you would just take a moment to think. Erik Azzuri Stevens.” Erik stilled, it was the first time he’d heard Audrey say his full name. It burned on the way down. He knew he’d never hear it again.

“Imma do what I have to to honor my father Audrey.” Audrey shook her head in disappointment.

“You know, I always wondered what it would be like. To know my home, to know who I’m really supposed to be. I would kill to feel like I truly belong somewhere, to stand in my history. Hell to even know my history and you— You have it all. You’re a freaking prince. You’re home, and you want to throw it away?”

“You don’t understand.”

“Of course I understand Erik! They left you, they took me. My ancestors, our ancestors were never even supposed to be here. We were traded and sold and left alone in this world—” Tears fell, and Audrey tried to wrangle her cracking voice.

“Of course I understand Erik.”

“It’s not that simple dollface.”

“It never is, but that doesn’t mean you throw it all away.”

“You should go.”

—o—

So she left. Audrey packed her things, grabbing the key to Killmonger’s model T and hopped on the next ferry to the mainland. The border tribe said nothing as she boarded the boat and only one thing when it docked on the soil of South Carolina.

“NgoMeyi Makugcinwe udade okhuselekileyo.” Exhausted and cried out, Audrey couldn’t even begin trying to decipher that sentence.

Instead she unfurled the map that got her into this mess, and made her way to Erik’s automobile. The sleek black machine started without a problem and she pushed the pedal hard, sailing down Highway 17, towards home. In a blink she was back in Charleston rolling the car to a stop in front of Oakies.

It looked just as dingy as it had when they left, Lights flickering in the lettered sign and music spilling into the street. Her feet carried her into the bar before her mind could stop them and she made her way to Killmonger’s golden booth. The music tonight was harsher than she’d ever heard it, and Audrey closed her eyes to listen.

I know a couple of devils in Prada tuxedos…

A dark skinned man spoke into the microphone while a woman crooned beside him. Audrey gazed at the pair, taking in the woman’s braided hair tucked into a silken scarf. She swallowed and sunk further into the booth, letting the music wash over her.

I think there’s something in the water…

Slowly, Audrey’s mind awoke from being on autopilot during her journey. Inhaling made her heart lurch. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. What she just left. Who she just left. Erik was—is hurting. She shouldn’t have— The front door banged against the wall and Junie’s voice jolted Audrey out of her spiraling mind.

“Audrey Cade! You’re back!” Junie ambled to the gold booth where her friend sat, taking her in. Her skin shone like it never had before, she looked younger and wiser somehow and Junie couldn’t stop the grin that formed on her face. She missed her little sister. Sliding into the booth with a smile, Junie waved down a waiter.

“So how was it? Tell me everything.”

That sentence was all it took for Audrey to break down in tears.

—o—

His car key was gone. Audrey was gone. He sent Audrey away. Erik didn’t think she would actually listen. This is the first time she’s ever truly listened to his demands. Fuck.

Erik had already been to her room. He had already stared at the empty closet for too long and rooted around the desk. The drawers were empty, no ink, no paper, no Audrey. Erik even went where he shouldn’t have, to her secret mapmaking room. he ran his fingers searchingly along the walls until he found the button that allowed him access. He spent hours pouring over the maps, her maps. The whole place even smelled like her.

For a second he convinced himself that nothing had changed. Erik imagined a future where even in his prince hood she would come home to him every night. He would pick something from the fields to cook, and she would tell him all about her daily adventures. After dinner she would sketch him as he read, or did dishes, or wrote. When the moon and stars kissed the sky they would fall into bed together lazily, and drift into a dreamless sleep. They didn’t need dreams anymore, they lived one.

“My Prince.” N’Jadaka was jolted from his reverie by W’Kabi.

“Everything is prepared.” Erik nodded. Still, even with Audrey on his mind he couldn’t shake his ideals. She may have soothing answers but the truth still burns him. Flame was licking his stomach from the inside out.

“My prince, are you ready?” W’Kabi questioned.

With a strike and a breath, N’Jadaka lit the match.

—o—

Translations

Kuba ngumthetheli ongenakunqwenela. Ubukumkani abukho indawo yezihlunu: Be careful ambitionless Prince. The monarchy does not have room for fools.

—o—

Enkosi: Thank you

—o—

Bincinke: Explorer (Hausa)

—o—

NgoMeyi Makugcinwe udade okhuselekileyo: may Bast keep you safe sister.

A/N: So...yeah...Erik’s going through it. All has been revealed and...shit stinks okay. To be honest that last conversation between Erik and Audrey was one of the first scenes I wrote when I was imagining this story. As an African-American I found it so so easy to relate to Erik in the movie because DAMN y’all didn’t want to help nobody Wakanda??? For real???? But I’m with Audrey on this one, if some how I could find my way back home and be embraced the way that Erik is...Idk man...I might not feel so adrift. At least in terms of family history and whatnot. 

I think I’m in love with the idea of knowing who I could have been had slavery and all that foul shit not happened. What my culture would have been, or how my diet would be different, even the different bedtime stories I might have heard as a child. I’m into theorizing about that I guess if that makes sense. Which is why the conversation Audrey has with Erik is so important to me. 

Anyways...enough about me. So...the couple is separated and Erik is ready to drop that match on Wakandan soil...I can fix this I think. It’ll just take some time for those two to find their way back home. 

I really hope no one is disappointed by this. I’ve put a lot into this fic and this is always how it was going to end. I actually never start writing a story until I know how I want it to end. Either way, I love you all for liking and reading and reblogging and reviewing, you’ve made my life much richer! 😘

Only the epilogue to go, and then it’s on to another story. 😎An even crazier AU

Also! I’ve been posting this fic on Ao3 my username there is thegirlwiththebags here’s the link if you want to read it there! I always post on tumblr first though 😊😊😊

Taglist: @muse-of-mbaku @k-michaelis @nemesispawn @queenamaniii @thatrandomfangirl98 @princessstevens @killmongurl @bidibidibombaclaat @thelovelyliterary @panthergoddessbast @dreadedphilosphy @elaindeereads @thedom223