#King T'Challa Imagines

[captainsophiestark]

AP Test Season

Platonic!Shuri x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for Fictober 2023!

Fandom: Marvel

Day 24 Prompt: "Is it over? Is it really over?"

Summary: Shuri's in Santa Monica to help her best friend through quite an ordeal.

Word Count: 1,071

Category: Fluff

A/N: @bandshirts-andbooks this is for you, I don't know if you remember but literally forever ago you sent me a request for platonic!Shuri and reader and because I can't read I didn't see the word platonic so I said I wasn't comfortable writing for her. Ngl it's 100% haunted me since I was going through old requests and realized that I'd completely missed the word platonic lmao, so here is a fun and sweet fic that I hope you like! Sorry for my terrible reading comprehension lmao

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

I staggered out of the building, head throbbing, sunlight burning my eyes. I almost tripped on the first of the stairs and did a header down the whole set, but thankfully, someone else reached out to steady me before I could.

"Y/N! Are you alright?"

I turned, blinking blearily at Princess Shuri, one of my best friends in the whole world. She stared at me, concern written across her face as I took a deep breath in and out.

"Is it over? Is it really over?" I asked, my voice croaky from lack of use. Shuri nodded.

"Yes. It is really, truly, completely over."

"Oh thank God," I sighed, flopping back dramatically. Shuri laughed, guiding me over to a retaining wall outside the school where we could sit together shoulder to shoulder while I recovered.

I'd just finished my last AP test of my last year of high school, after a grueling two weeks filled with four-hour tests. It had been literal hell, and had almost killed me, hence the current brain fog. But I'd made it. And now, I never had to take another one of those stupid things as long as I lived.

"Come on," Shuri said, standing and holding out a hand to me after giving me a few minutes to recover. "You cannot sit on this wall in a stupor all day."

I scoffed. "Watch me."

"No! We have fun things to do! You survived your last round of testing, we should be celebrating!"

That peaked my interest enough to get me to sit up straighter. Shuri grinned, and I sighed, giving all the way in with an eye roll. I slid off the retaining wall, landing on the sidewalk next to Shuri and trying to muster as much energy as I could.

"Alright, Your Highness, you're in charge, because I don't have the brainpower left to contribute. Where to first?"

"Just follow me!"

Shuri took off down the sidewalk, smiling and laughing under the sunny Southern California sun, and her energy was infectious. A smile spread across my own face as I followed her, and with every step in the opposite direction of my school, I felt my strength returning.

Shuri led me to the Santa Monica pier, site of a scene from one of our favorite movies, Hannah Montana: The Movie. We wandered up and down the pier, grabbing snacks and taking ridiculous pictures together, then made our way into Pacific Park. We rode the rollercoaster, the Ferris wheel, and did every single other thing that looked remotely interesting until the sun started to set.

"Shuri, you are a literal lifesaver," I said as we strolled towards the end of the pier together. "Seriously, I think I would've just been catatonic for the rest of the day if you hadn't been here to pull me out of my funk."

She laughed. "I am glad I could help! It's been fun to be in California with you."

"Agreed. Couldn't imagine a better start to the summer."

We shared a smile, clinking our bubble teas together as we turned to watch the sun sink slowly into the ocean. Finally, once it got dark to the point that the lights of Pacific Park glowed as bright as the stars behind us, we turned and headed for home.

Shuri was staying with me and my family while she was in town, and as soon as we walked through the door, I felt a wave of exhaustion crash over me. My shoulders slumped, and I let Shuri take the lead as we wandered through the kitchen.

"Okay! So I thought we could make some popcorn and have a movie marathon to finish the night-"

She stopped mid-sentence as she turned around to smile at me and found a zombie smiling back. She huffed a laugh, a small smile coming to her face.

"...Or maybe we could do facemasks and watch something shorter, then go to bed."

"The second one," I said, nodding. "But let's keep the snacks part."

"Deal!"

Shuri and I loaded up on all our favorite foods, then headed upstairs. Thankfully, it was a Friday, so we could stay up late without me having to worry about going to school tomorrow.

We picked out facemasks, then decided on watching Wizards of Waverly Place from my queen sized bed with her laptop. The Wakandan tech got a higher quality image than even our TV downstairs, and we never had to wait for it to buffer.

My phone timer went off a little ways into the episode, telling us it was time to take off the facemasks. We took even more dumb pictures together of our faces in the mask before removing them, rubbing in the remaining serum as we flopped back into bed. We snacked for the rest of the episode, and I made it through without falling asleep. Once it ended, Shuri closed her laptop and shut off the lights as I sank down underneath the covers.

"Goodnight, Y/N!" she said as she climbed in on her side. I sighed and muttered a goodnight back. Then, even though I was quickly losing the battle to stay awake a second longer, I spoke up again, holding true to the sleepover tradition of continuing to talk after saying goodnight and shutting off the lights.

"Shuri?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for today," I said. "Seriously, AP test season sucks, and knowing we'd get to celebrate and have fun on the other side of it is the only reason I didn't just draw a cat on the DBQ page of my AP History test and call it a day."

Shuri laughed. "I won't lie, I would have liked to see your cat drawing. But I'm glad I could help you get through this. I had a lot of fun, too."

"Wakanda's next, alright?" I said. "Now that I'm done with classes, there's nothing stopping me from coming for a visit this summer."

"Deal! There are so many things I want to show you in person. T'Challa will not know peace as long as we're in the palace together."

I laughed, opening my eyes enough to share a smile with my best friend. We did our handshake, and then I rolled over and closed my eyes again, ready to go to sleep for real.

"I'll see you in the morning, Shuri," I sighed. She huffed a laugh.

"I don't expect to see you before one in the afternoon. But I will see you tomorrow."

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury

Marvel Taglist: @valkyriepirate @luv-ghostie @songbirdcannabe @infinetlyforgotten

[lemonmeringueprincess]

Shuri : Princess of Wakanda  Aesthetic Board

Hey everyoneeee!! I’m back with another character aesthetic board, I’ve done a few for namor, shuri and okoye/ dora milaje. I was debating with myself whether i should post namor x siren! reader or this one, but ended up with this one because the colour palette is quite similar to the first one, slightly turquoise/ greenish blue. I may be biased but i personally think they are *chef kisses* and I can not wait to show you all. 

All in all, let���s enjoy this one ! I really enjoy making this one, because purple happens to be my favourite colour after teal blue. 

P.S: if you guys still stick around reposting, like or all that jazz, I love y’all from the bottom of my heart. Stick around, because I’ll be posting namor x siren!reader in a couple days 😘😉

[livstarlight]

I love and appreciate wakanda forever exactly as it is, but a part of me grieves the version we didn’t get with T'Challa in it.

Because him having his story to follow with his son, while at the same time Shuri is having her own arc in Talokan with Namor, it makes everything 75% funnier.

Just imagine T'Challa, returned from the blip, mourning the years he has lost, especially trying to catch up with his son... meanwhile a god mutant king shows up to cause some mayhem and calls him out because he put his kingdom in danger by revealing Wakanda to the world. Then proceeds to kidnap his sister, who truthfully doesn’t seem to exactly mind, and who when comes back she's all like "He is not so bad once you get to know him." "What? Wait-" "And Talokan? Oh brother, it's beautiful." "Shuri..." "THEY HAVE A SUN UNDERWATER, BROTHER. A SUN."

[writing-house-of-m]

Endgame

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: The group talks about the fight against Thanos

A/N: Three for three! I hope this one makes up for the angst posted yesterday 😊 For those who care, here is the request. Comments, reblogs and likes are much appreciated!

Prompt: "That was the night I nearly lost you."

It is the end of another party. This time, one thrown in celebration of successfully defeating Thanos once and for all.

It didn't matter where you were hiding Vision from him, Thanos kept finding him. So, when a plan was formed to hide Vision in Wakanda, everyone was ready to make it the last stand. It was a good thing Strange and Wong were able to gather so many people.

Most of those who helped in the final battle were still here, dotted around in the lounge area.

Everyone was exchanging stories about their version of events. All of you were in agreement about being in awe when Carol destroyed a ship single handedly.

You wouldn't have believed Bucky when he spoke about the raccoon he was fighting alongside if you didn't see the creature with your own eyes. You along with Thor and Peter had to corroborate his story. Especially to Tony who was sceptical.

Okoye spoke about the relief she felt at seeing the King again after he was thrown across the field. King T'Challa commented, saying the experience was not one of his finest moments making everyone laugh.

There were no major casualties and no deaths so it felt easy to joke about such things. You can only imagine what it would have felt like to fail such a risky plan.

It was Wanda's turn to speak, "That was the night I nearly lost you," she says, looking at you and squeezing your knee as she leans more into your side.

You and Wanda had each other's backs the whole time, fighting alongside one another. You have always worked well together. Finishing off enemies for the other left and right.

"I left your side for like, a second," you scoff, cinching your eyebrows, everyone laughing and looking amused at the scene.

Knowing Wanda could hold her own you left her so you could help Scott who was covered with aliens, like an apple overthrown by ants. Because she didn't notice you leave, too busy 'kicking names and taking ass,' as Mantis put it, Wanda was worried you were hurt. That was until she heard you compare Scott to Godzilla through her comms.

"I know, but I thought you were hurt," Wanda pouts.

You smile at her antics and begin to lean in to kiss her saying she is being ridiculous but you are cut short with all the jeers you hear from everyone in the room.

"No one needs to see that, lovebirds," you hear Natasha's disgust, loud and clear.

The conversation swiftly moves on to Thor talking about his new axe, Stormbreaker, and all the things it can do. Your attention is turned to Wanda as his voice drones on in the background.

"Hey," you whisper to get Wanda to look at you. When her green eyes meet yours you think of how lucky you are to be able to call her yours.

"You know I'm never gonna die, right? I still need to marry you," you say quietly while grinning.

Wanda smacks your chest, her grin matching yours. Before her next action she quickly looks around the room. You don't have time to ask what she is doing because in the next second her lips are on yours but gone just as fast.

"That's all good and well but you have to propose first," she says, centimetres from your lips.

You want to rebuttal but your attention is sucked back into the discussion around you when Scott says your name, recounting his events on almost being drowned alive by 'smelly aliens'. Hope, who is sitting beside him, shakes her head giggling at his explanation.

Conversations and drinks keep flowing long into the night.

Steve makes a heartfelt speech about everyone doing a good job in keeping the people on this planet safe. He goes on to say everyone who showed up for the fight has given everyone on Earth and even life beyond the stars a chance to appreciate their loved ones and live another day.

You always wondered what the endgame of this superhero life would be for you. But it's this. You're holding it in your arms and are surrounded by it.

The next step in your life is to make Wanda your wife, which you will do as soon as you perfect the proposal you have been planning. Together you will build a real life together and your friends will be there to witness it all.

Resting your head against Wanda's, your mind drifts to a normal life filled with white picket fences, crying babies, school pick ups and drop offs, regular home cooked meals. The stress of PTA meetings, bake sales, sports tryouts, college options. It all has you smiling to yourself.

You can't wait.

[taraljc]

assuming Armor Wars actually happens One thing I hope they do is finally explain how War Machine's armor works since while we do see brief shots of Rhodey's heads up display, we've never had any hint as to the operating system and it couldn't have been JARVIS...

also, if they stick to the Secret Invasion director's intention that Rhody was in fact snatched and replaced after being hospitalised in Civil War then that raises a fuckton of questions. I mean imagine you've been hooked up to a machine to let someone else read your mind and you come out of it to find out it's been ten solid years and your best friend and your whole entire team with one exception (Sam) is dead or missing. Wanda, Vision, Cap, Tasha, the entire roster of his iteration of the Avengers just... gone.

Hawkeye is retired. Thor is wherever the fuck Thor is. Banner is Hulk all the time now and that is just too fucking weird. And Hulk has a half-alien kid and there's a She-Hulk now (but she is not the kid's mom and both she and Banner are completely grossed out when he asks).

He has no idea who the hell Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Ant-Man are. King T'Challa's dead. Maria Rambeau's dead. Maria Hill's dead. Monica Rambeau's MIA.

And like a cockroach, Thaddeus fucking Ross survived them all and that pompous asshole is still his goddamn boss.

(Unless Carol Danvers is leading The Avengers from now on which would actually make the most sense.)

Admittedly I am really excited to see him dealing with the fact that there are a bunch of goddamn toddlers calling themselves Hawkeye, Black Panther, Falcon, and Black Widow.

And then there's Riri.

I really am looking forward to all of the Riri Williams ever and Rhodey and Riri ending up bonding. And I am not going to lie, I really really hope they don't kill off Isaiah Bradley because I need Carl Lumley and Don Cheadle sharing the screen.

[boozenboze]

Male reader x T’challa

Side note-Reader is a Top and is Dominant

-This is based off of the Black Panther movie -M/n = You

Females She/Her and She/They DNI

Imagine

Digging your way out of the debris of the fallen building. The same building you and your boyfriend had been in, where his father was giving a speech. You struggled to stand up due to the pressure that was once bestowed on your legs. Your eyes jolted from one place to another, trying to find the prince of Wakanda. The sound of debris being moved immediately caught his attention. A feeling of relief went through him as he saw his lover pushing himself up from the rubble. He used whatever energy he had left in him to pull him up, to which the male gripped onto him.

“Are you okay?” The e/c eyed male asked as he cupped the princes face. T’challa muttered something before his eyes widened.

"I-i'm fine...wait where is my father?!” T’challa responded with sudden concern in his tone. The both of you turned to where the King had last been seen, and there he was. Laying there with no signs of survival being shown.

T'challa stumbled towards his now deceased father and began to hug him, rocking back and forth after realizing he was gone. M/n didn''t know what to do, all he could do at the moment was wrap his arms around T'challa as they both mourned the loss of the king.

Imagine

Wrapping your arms around T’challa, as you both admire the beauty of Wakanda. The mission you had been on was relatively easy, but T'challa was still worried. Either way, he was glad that they both came out all right. Nakia was also doing well, and you were both happy to see one another. Their was a comfortable silence between the two of you as Okoye announced that you were home. Going through the illusion that covered your nation was something that had never gotten old to the T'challa. The loss of the previous king still weighed heavy on their hearts, but that was all part of grief. It was time to look forward now and see where this change would bring you. M/n took a glance at T'challa's face, seeing how he looked lost.

"You know, if your so nervous about becoming the King I could just challenge you and take that place." M/n said with devious smirk on his face, as the Prince looked back at him with an unamused expression.

"Oh please, you wouldn't be able to handle it..." T'challa said in a sarcastic tone of voice. Nakia and Okoye listened in on their conversation as they approached the Citadel.

"Well...even if that is the case there's always one thing that I know how to handle." The h/c haired male said with a smug look on his face.

"Oh? And what would that be?" T'challa asked in curiosity as the other man looked him up and down before winking, proceeding to walk towards the exit. T'challa froze again like he did not so long ago, he felt his face heating up at his lovers comment before following close behind him. He held his head low to cover the look of embarrassment on his face. Nakia and Okoye gave each other a look before following the two, both wondering how T'challa met someone like you.

Imagine

Being in the lab with Shuri, helping her with T’challa’s new suit. He had became King, and you were very proud for him. Although, it did feel like hell having to watch him get stabbed by M’baku’s staff. Shuri had brought up the new suit for her brother to test out to which he did. When his attack was absorbed Shuri had started recording which led to T'challas confusion.

"M/n ,....why is she recording..?"

"Research purposes...?"M/n replied in faux confusion. T'challa squinted and eyed the both of them before striking the suit in the same spot. The release of the kinetic energy sent the king flying, which caused the two who were preasent to laugh.

“Delete that right now!” T’challa demanded as you and Shuri laughed at the footage that had been recorded. You helped him stand up but he gave you a fake glare. You couldn’t help but kiss him on the cheek which caused him to push you away with a smile on his face.

“Ah come on you can’t stay mad at me~.” M/n teased as T’challa looked away in embarrassment.

“Aw..my brother is blushing.” Shuri said with a wide smile as T’challa rolled his eyes.

“Shut up Shuri....”

Imagine

Sharing a heated kiss with T’challa, which led to him being under you. His hand was buried in the h/c haired males scalp as he moaned at the feeling of M/n’s lips being against his skin.

“You enjoying yourself my King~?” M/n asked as he slowly palmed his hardening cock through his pants. The dark skinned male could only whimper in response as the s/c skinned male began to play with his nipples. The King arched his back in response which made him moan. M/n pulled away to which T’challa stared at him through lust filled eyes.

“W-why’d you stop.” T’challa asked as he watched M/n grab a small bottle of lube.

“Well....I don’t think either of us would enjoy seeing you in pain.” M/n said softly as T’challa stared up at him with a softened expression, the once heated moment turned into something more gentle. T’challa used one of his free hands to place it on M/n’s cheek, pulling the male into a short but meaningful kiss. He gave him a droopy smile before M/n guided one of his hands towards the other mans penis. M/n began to give the Kings cock long strokes before using the thumb technique, while his other hand grabbed the small bottle.

T’challa’s hands gripped onto the sheets, breathy moans escaping his mouth as M/n poured a generous amount of lube onto his fingers. He slowly circled T’challa’s rim before pushing a finger into him. The man beneath him hissed at the intrusion as M/n stared down at him.

M/n held T’challa’s cock in a gentle grip as he began to thrust his finger in and out. The stinging sensation turned into something blissful as the King moaned in pleasure.

“More...-ah! Please...?”

“Patience my love, you'll get what you want.”

Imagine

Wakng up early in the morning, the sun not even being out as the moonlights rays shined. T'challa's head was laid on your chest, his steady breathing indicating that he was in a deep sleep. You smile and checked the time seeing that it was barely 2 am. Your session lasted for about 4 rounds before T'challa had to tap out. Despite you being the dominant one of the relationship, it seemed that he would be using his title as King to give you orders of what to do. You stretched for a moment, leaving T'challa to lay on one of his many pillows. M/n sighed and was about to stand up when he heard a grunt behind him.

"Where are you going....what time is it..? T'challa questions as M/n ran a hand through his h/c hair.

"I was gonna go take a walk, didn't expect you to wake up." M/n said with a nervous smile making its way upon his features. T'challa sat up and pulled M/n by the arm, signalling for him to lay back down.

"I didn't feel your warmth anymore so I couldn't sleep." T'challa explains as he turned so that his back was facing M/n. The male that was mentioned smirked and pulled the covers over the both of them. He wrapped his arms around T'challa's waist and pulled him closer to him. The king hummed in content as he closed his eyes, now being able to bask in his boyfriends warmth once again.

[mbakuxblackpanther]

Meeting the Jabari leader

Requested❌

Warnings or triggers: none

Characters: Shuri, Tchalla, Queen Ramonda, Mbaku, nakia, okoye, kuba(m'baku's helper)

Story type: MbakuxReader

This is my first imagine on this page so it may be a little bad but it'll get better as I write more of them😂

Excuse any errors and Enjoy the story!

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Y/n pov:

I was in shuri's lab helping her make parts for T'challa's new suit when she called me over to her. "Y/n come here please" she said. "Yes princess" I said laughing. She hated when I called her that considering I was her bestfriend. "Bast y/n please stop with the formalities I beg of you" she said sighing playfully. We both laughed and sat down. "Your help is needed in jabariland. They are having trouble with their trading system and are in need of a Trade manager." Shuri said. "What will the job consist of?" I asked nervously. I didn't like talking in front of people or presenting things. I was very shy and quiet. "Nothing much all you have to do is help the Jabari tribe manage their trading business with the merchant tribe" shuri said. "Oh ok. That doesn't seem too hard" I said taking a breath of relief. "Very well your flight leaves tomorrow. Here are your communication devices in case you need me for anything." Shuri said handing me a kimoyo bead bracelet. "Thank you so much shuri." I said pulling her into a hug. We parted ways and prepared for my departure. The next morning I packed my suit cases and waited outside with shuri. Today was also the day T'challa returned home from his mission with Nakia. Suddenly, I felt a big blast of air wash over me. I looked up and noticed the royal talon fighter landing. The king-to-be and nakia stepped out of the aircraft. Shortly after, the dora Milagé came to take nakia and prepare her for the upcoming ceremony. "So suprised my sisters both came to see me before our big day" tchalla said smiling at us. I wasn't his real sister but tchalla always treated me like family. Every since me and shuri became besties at 7 years old he's always referred to me as his sister. "You wish, Im here for the emp beads I've developed an update. I'm also here to see y/n off for her departure" shuri said smartly. "Update? But it works perfectly" tchalla replied. "How many times do i have to teach you, just because something works doesn't mean that it cannot be improved." Shuri said to tchalla. "You are teaching me? What do you know?" Tchalla said as he handed the kimoyo beads to shuri. "More than you." She said while walking off to the royal talon. "I can't wait to see what kind of update you make to your ceremonial outfit" tchalla said. shuri flipped him off as she walked away to take me to the royal talon. "Shuri!" Queen Ramonda said. "Sorry mother" shuri said quickly putting her middle finger down. Shuri walked with me to the royal talon. Okoye was going to be taking me to Jabariland. "If you need anything use your kimoyo beads to contact me" shuri said pulling me into a hug. "I will. See you later shuri" I said getting into the aircraft. Shuri waved to me as the royal talon took off into the air.

*timeskip*

"Y/n we are here." Okoye said. As we landed in Jabariland, I grabbed my suitcases and prepared to go to my chamber where I'd be staying (imagine a big room but with fur couches/ furniture and big windows). "Y/n Mbaku wishes to speak with you" Kuba said leading me to him. *what could he possibly want? it is 12:00am* I thought. Kuba led me to M'baku's room. I was greeted by two female guards with both of them standing at each side of the door. "Ulapha ukuza kubona inkokeli yesizwe" (she's here to see the tribe leader) Kuba spoke in Xhosa. The two guards nodded and motioned for me to walk into the room. "Welcome to Jabariland" Mbaku said with a deep,raspy voice. He was very sleepy considering it was now 12:15am. "Thanks for the welcome" I said smiling. "I have some things I wanted to give you" Mbaku replied reaching into his closet. As he looked through the items, my eyes scanned his body. He was very tall with curly black hair, had strong muscles, and thick thighs. I find him very attractive. I was knocked out of my daydreaming by a hand waving in my face. "Hellooo y/n you there?" Mbaku asked. "Yes I'm sorry I was daydreaming." Mbaku chuckled at my slightly embarrassed face. "Here are some of the things you may need for your stay here." He said. I was given a warm blanket, documents for managing the trading business, and also a brand new wooden spear. "What's the spear for?" I asked. *i thought only warriors get those* "you are new to jabariland. It would be rude if I didn't give you anything to protect yourself now wouldn't I?" Mbaku replied. *he does have a point.* I thought. "Thank you for the gifts" I said smiling happily. "No problem nkosazana ." Mbaku said smiling happily at me.

*time skip*

As I prepared for bed, the events of the day flooded my mind and a particular word came to me. *Nkosazana I wonder what that means* I thought. I tried to go to sleep but the word kept ringing in my brain. I thought of an idea and quickly grabbed my kimoyo beads that shuri gave me. *it has an automated ai voice system that can answer any question I have. Almost like the internet but better* "Griot" I spoke into the bracelet. "Yes y/n. What May I help you with?" Griot the ai voice said. "Transalate the word Nkosazana into English and tell me the language." I replied. "The word Nkosazana means "princess" in English and comes from the Xhosa language." Griot spoke. "Thank you Griot" I said.

*princess. He called me princess* i thought.

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Thank you for reading! This is my first imagine so it may be a lil cringe but I promise it gets better 😂let me know if y'all want a part two. I also take requests.

[thestreamweaver]

Was Shadow King in X-Men Evolution?

If he wasn't that would be a great prequel story when Storm and Wolverine were the only two X-Men.

Imagine him coming back for Storm.

Yo, that's so true!! I don't think he was named at least. But I don't know if the Hungan had anything to do with him or not... if they did then yes. But even then the fact that Logan reacted like he did when Marumbo told him they'd come for her says that he already knows who they are and probably had some first hand experiences with them...

Let's not forget he'd been to Africa before as well. The movies did have a hand in the Series since they came out around the same time.

In my theory, they met around Kenya / Tanzania and traveled some together, I guess, kind of like her and T'Challa as children... but she wasn't a child, and he didn't have his adamantium yet, and his memories were all intact... for the most part anyway.

She had people who were hunting her already. Some were the Hungan, some were not, hence one reason she was also traveling...

[silver-dragonborn]

Imagine this: Little T'Challa finds the shell that belongs to his Aunty Shuri. Sometimes, he would spy her cradling the shell as if it were something precious before shaking her head, sighing, and hiding it.

Curious, Little T'challa swipes the shell when his Aunty isn't looking, flees to the beach to avoid suspicion, and examines it from head to toe before pressing his ear against it and promptly blowing on the shell.

At first, nothing happens...and then Namor, garbed in vibranium, rises from the water, eyes narrowing on Little T'challa's shocked expression.

"You called me?"

Little T'challa can only stare in wide-eyed shock before immediately running over to Namor to stare at the strange wings on his ankles. "What are those!?" he yells, pointing excitedly, and Namor startles a little at Little T'challa's close proximity and the questions he was spouting at him like the incessant chirping of a baby bird.

"Are you a mermaid?"

"Can you fly super fast?"

"Can you breathe underwater?"

"Are you as strong as the Hulk?"

Each question is more bothersome than the last, but instead of feeling annoyed, Namor softens just a tad at the curiosity and bravery of this surface child. The boy is undoubtedly a relative of Princess Shuri, as he seems to have inherited her curious nature and bright eyes. After a stern yet gentle warning to never play with the shell, Namor sits with the Little Prince and answers his questions until the sun begins to set.

It's where Shuri finds them, and to her horror, Little T'challa looks over his shoulder and locks eyes with her, grinning widely and waving her over. "Aunty! Uncle's telling me stories about his homeland! Come join us!" Shuri smiles to appease her nephew, but inside she's shaking with horror at the sight of her sweet nephew in the presence of this God-King, and she immediately tells Little T'challa to go back inside and help his mother with the cooking. As expected of a child deprived of his fun, Little T'challa whines a little but ultimately obeys and waves goodbye at Namor before scrambling to his feet and scurrying out of sight...

...Leaving Shuri alone with him.

"I'm sorry he disturbed you... I did not think he would-"

"Peace, Princess. He is only a child, but I told him that the shell is a tool, not a toy to play with."

"He called you Uncle..."

"I tried correcting him, but he was insistent... He'll stop addressing me so kindly once he's old enough to understand what I've done."

"Hm."

Silence falls between them until, finally, Namor takes a step closer to her. "With your permission, I would like to visit him again. He will soon be of age to rule Wakanda, and I would like to foster good relations between us."

Shuri crosses her arms, unsure. "You must ask his mother, and these visits must be supervised."

She's not saying yes, but she's not saying no, and judging by the way Namor's eyes gleam with satisfaction, Shuri has a sinking feeling that she will be seeing a lot of him in Haiti.

Nakia is going to kill her.

[weclassybouquetfun]

With the release of AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM, the DCEU has officially ended.

You could never make me hate you.

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM THOUGHTS. MORE SPOILERS THAN FISH IN THE SEA.

THE GOOD

-Loved the humour of it. The DCEU has been so serious and I find myself loving the lighter ones like WONDER WOMAN 2, the SHAZAM films and THE FLASH. Plus, Jason Momoa is better equipped for comedy/action, than drama. Meanwhile, Patrick Wilson excels at both! How great is he in this?!

Wilson was just so game. The cockroach scenes (scenes because there is a mid-credit call-back) would have been downright dumb if it was played by someone less committed than Wilson.

And the humour in their interactions weren't clunky because this is Arthur having the brother experience that he never had. It ties back to his father Tom (Temuera Morrison) saying Junior should have a sibling and how he wished Arthur had one. Now we see it played out, complete with the older sibling bullying (convincing Orm to eat a cockroach by saying it's the shrimp of the land. Which is priceless because people call shrimp the cockroaches of the seas).

-As soon as Kordax said his darkest night had ended, I knew what was going on.

Blackest Night!!!!!

Yes, the core story was vastly different but this was the their nod to it.

-People living under the sea should stoke the imagination so I'm happy they finally made the civilization under the sea so lively instead of us just watching Atlantean council meetings. Give us the nightlife!

THE BAD

-I don't think we got enough time with Black Manta.

It honestly felt like Randall Park's Stephen Shin had more screen-time.

Stephen who is obviously Jimmy Woo's identical twin cousin.

I think the film should have gone deeper into David Kane's slip into madness due to the trident with more of his "Gollum" scenes where we can see how Kordax is spurring him on.

But at least they gave Black Manta a great death. I was just waiting for Arthur to grab him and Black Manta still fall to his death. But it's so fitting that David wouldn't dare let the man who killed his father (a man who doesn't even feel bad about it) save him. True standing on business! Or falling... Falling on business.

-The water effects are horrible. I think it likely looks better in 3D but in standard - hazy, uncanny valley.

THE REST

-Pilou Asbaek plays Kordax and I find it fitting that my wretched sh!tty despot uncle of the Iron Islands plays a power hungry Atlantean.

-I was the only person to laugh at the Topo line spoken by Atlanna (Nicole Kidman).

Return of the King.

And Storm!

-Though in the SnyderCut we get Martian Manhunter, thus fulfilling the motto of Unite the Seven

in this film we get another united seven - the seven kingdoms of Atlantis which includes the titular lost kingdom.

-Felt like James Wan did a fair bit of nods. We get Orn living above ground at an outdoor restaurant a'la Bruce's retired life in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Arthur and Orn's team-up is like Thor and Loki's in THOR: RAGNAROK. Arthur even calls Orn Loki before making a Harry Potter reference.

There's a shot of Black Manta sat in the navigation chair in his Black Manta gear casting the same type of demeanor as T'Challa in BLACK PANTHER. The ending with Arthur deciding to tell the world about Atlantis is straight cribbed from BLACK PANTHER and IRON MAN. Is this the cinematic version of someone losing a match and shaking the hand of their opponent?

[paisholotus]

Hard Times

T'challa x black fem reader

Summary: T’Challa’s wife is dealing with the after effects of having a baby.

Warnings: Postpartum Depression, Strong Language, Mentions Of Suicidal Thoughts

Translations: Sthandwa (My Love) Intombazana yomntwana ( Baby Girl) Uthando lwam (Beloved) Ukumkanikazi wam ( My Queen) Ndiyakuthanda ( I Love You) Ndiyakuthanda, nawe ( Love You, Too) Nobabini ( Both Of You)

❗DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED❗

Requested By: @bluesapphire2

A/N: This MF Long. But I hope you like it fren. And I hope y'all like it

3rd Pov

It’s the most glorifying day for the kingdom of Wakanda. A new heir has been born.

Princess Lesedi Udaku came into the world. Her name meaning “Ray Of Light”, she gave that to her family and everyone who knew about her.

Except for the most important person. Her mother. Who couldn't seem to have any light in her eyes, when she looked at her daughter.

The King T’Challa fawned over his daughter even more since she was born. She was a perfect mix of him and his wife, having both of your features. T’Challa’s high cheekbones, your smooth coco brown skin, his tight curls, and your big beautiful brown eyes. She was beyond the words perfect, she was everything he could have imagined. T'challa thanks Bast every day, for bringing his beloved Intombazana yomntwana into the world.

➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️

Y/N Pov

I looked at her and felt nothing but emptiness. I couldn’t help the blank expression on my face when I held her close to my chest, holding her skin to skin. It’s not that i didn’t love her. How could i not love her? SHE'S FUCKING MINE, FOR BAST SAKE! Shit, I begged for her. I spent 9 months caring and nurturing her, but why did i feel nothing when she looked at me? I felt absolutely nothing, and it was gut wrenching. I waited and prayed for my child, and she's gets here and I couldn't feel nothing. What is wrong with me?

T’Challa, being the observant husband he was, noticed the joy i had during my pregnancy disappeared once our child actually came. His face held concern every time he looked at me. I would hear him ask his mother Ramonda, about what was wrong with me, and she simply replied with: “My son, she spent 12 hours in labor trying to give birth to your daughter. She is exhausted, mentally and physically. Give her time, she'll be fine and back to herself in no time."

It's been two weeks, i had multiple mood swings. I was irritable, and having thoughts about my baby that i shouldn't be having. And it scared the hell out of me, because Bast knows i would never hurt my baby. I didn't have the strength to be around my little girl, but I was constantly sad because i wasn’t around her.

What added to my stress was me not producing enough milk as much as i wanted to. I already felt like i didn't bond with her, but now I couldn't do the SIMPLEST THING which is feed my baby. I slowly felt myself getting more and more depressed. I started thinking what good is it for me to be here, if I couldn't feel any love for my child. I truly felt broken.

T'challa walked into the room as I paced back and forth beside the bed. “Why am I feeling this way, T’Challa?!” i questioned him angrily as hot tears ran down my cheeks.

He looked like he didn't know what to say, but walked towards me. “I-I do- I do not know, my love, but it'll get better. You know I'm always here for you." He said, reaching out for me.

I glared at him backing away taking in a ragged breathe. I angrily placed my hands on the sides of my head, and let out a choked sob. I looked back at him, his eyes glossy and a frown on his face. And it made me Angry! Not because of him, because of the stress and worry I was putting him through. It just seemed like I couldn't do ANYTING FUCKING RIGHT!

“Get out, T’Challa.” i turned my back away from him, so he wouldn't see me crying, and walked towards the bed, to get in the covers. When he attempted to grab me, i pushed him away.

“I SAID FUCKING LEAVE!” He slowly backed away, and began walking out of the room. I got in the bed and pulled the covers over my head, and began sobbing. What is happening to me?

➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️

T’Challa’s Pov

I went to the doctor monitoring Y/N and Lesedi. The doctor informed me that it was common for her to be extremely sad, which occurs in a lot of women after giving birth.

“The Queen is suffering from postpartum depression, my king.” he told me. I looked at him confused.

“I've never heard of this....depression.” i was genuinely confused. I did not know she was depressed. How could i not see this? I just want to understand why.

“How is she depressed? She gave birth to the child we begged Bast for? I don't understand why she isn't happy. I said, looking at the doctor who gave me a sympathetic look.

“It’s not that she is not happy, T'challa. Her hormones, her worries, the stress of dealing with a newborn, can all bring upon this depression.” he said. He went to grab his clip board and started naming all the symptoms of Postpartum Depression.

anger

anxiety

guilt

hopelessness

loss of interest or pleasure in activities

mood swings

panic attacks

I folded my arms and frowned at each symptom he named. My Love was going through all this this?

Uncontrollable crying

irritability

restlessness

 fatigue or loss of appetite

depression or fear

The thought of Y/N feeling like this, and trying to deal with it by herself hurt me. I felt tears brim my eyes but I quickly held my composure. I needed to be strong for Y/N, and to make sure she knew I was here for her.

I now had a better understanding, and thanked him, taking my leave to check on Y/N. I don't know what's going on with my Uthando lwam, but I will not stop until I figure it out.

➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️➖️

3rd Pov

T'challa walked in the room to see you in the bedroom again curled up in a ball. You were in bed with a pained look on your face. Y/N saw his face, and looked like she wanted to cry even more. This wasn’t only hurting you, it was hurting him too. It was hurting the baby. He got into bed and after a few moments of silence, he spoke.

"I need you to tell me what's going on with you, Sthandwa."

Y/N sighed deeply, shaking her head and turning away from him.

“You won’t understand, T’Challa.”He turned your body back towards him and stared into your eyes. “You’re not letting me understand. We are one, Ukumkanikazi wam. You can't keep shutting me out. I need you, our daughter needs you." He said, softly.

"She deserves a mother that’s happy to be around her and I’m not. I feel EMPTY! And I don’t understand because those 9 months I spent with her in my STOMACH, I felt so close to her but now she’s actually here and I don't feel ANYTHING! LIKE WHAT IS THE POINT?! I CAN'T FEED HER RIGHT! EVERY TIME I TRY TO HOLD HER SHE CRIES! AND IT'S MY FAULT BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE A BOND! I just feel like she'll be better off without me." She said, As tears streamed down her face.

He grabbed your face. “D-Do...... Do not say that! You are everything to me and you are everything to her. Do not say you are nothing! AND SHE WOULDN'T BE BETTER OFF! AND NEITHER WOULD I! WE NEED YOU! this WORLD and this COUNTRY NEEDS YOU! Do you understand?" Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck, and cried into his shoulder and slowly nodded.

T'challa rubbed her back soothingly and kissed the side of her head, and turned her head so she could look at him. "I need you. Our daughter needs you. This kingdom needs you. You have to believe me when I say you are needed.”

After a hour of them comforting each other, T'challa got an idea, and kissed Y/N's head saying he'll be right back. Y/N sat up against the headboard and watched her husband walk out. Y/N sat in thought and tried to think positive, her and T'challa was going to make it through this, she'll just have to keep fighting.

T'challa walked in carrying Lesedi as she dranked from her baby bottle. T'challa got In bed beside his Queen, and slowly handed Lesedi to Y/N. She carefully took her and stared into her big brown eyes. Lesedi stared at her mama and reached her little chubby arm up and placed her hand on her mama's cheek, smiling letting out a gurgling noise.

Suddenly, it all hit her. A rush of happiness, joy, and love came barreling into Y/N, tears streaming down her face, as she started laughing. Y/N prepped many kisses on her daughters face. This is your daughter. This is yours. All yours. You knew you loved her with every fiber of your being, but now you finally felt it, and it was the most indescribable feeling you ever felt in your life.

T'challa looked at his wife with tears in his own eyes, and scooted over wrapping his arm around her back, and kissed her cheek.

"Ndiyakuthanda." He whispered to her. She turned to look at him with the biggest smile he's seen in a long time. "Ndiyakuthanda, nawe." And kissed his lips, pulling away and looking back at her daughter. "Nobabini"

[salty-ironstrange-shipper]

Fun idea that I would love to hear your for. Imagine how chaotic shuri would be if she had namor as boyfriend during the whole black panther 1 and infinity war and engame drama. And namor didn't disappear during the snap. But Shuri did. Though I guess the age difference would be even more of a problem. How old was shuri during civil war and black panther?

hi I started to answer this then saved it as a draft. that was like two weeks ago. soz.

Black Panther (2018) takes place soon after CA:CW since it deals with T'Challa's ascension to King immediately following T'Chaka's death. So, that movie takes place in 2016. Everyone initially assumed Shuri was about 16 in that movie (though her age is never directly stated in the film), but later sources put her date of birth in 1997-1998 (source). So, she would have been 18-19 in Black Panther, and, assuming Wakanda Forever takes place in 2024 (a year following T'Challa's death, and six years since the Snap when Nakia would have left Wakanda), she would be 21-22. (For what it's worth, actress Letitia Wright is currently 29.)

But for the sake of a little au idea based on the chemistry seen in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, let's assume she's the same age as that movie when she and Namor get together in this one. T'Challa was already more than a decade older than her, so she'd still very much be his little sister.

(So the above wasn't actually super necessary, but Shuri's MCU age is a common misconception that gets thrown around, and it annoys me.)

SO TO YOUR ACTUAL QUESTION, I think a fic with this premise would fuck hard (a high compliment, I assure you). T'Challa was so protective of his sister that imagining Namor and him in the same room is incredibly funny to me. They would hate each other so much. I think Shuri would encourage a rivalry between them. I think she'd find it funny. Putting some enrichment in their enclosure.

Plot-wise, I think it's interesting to think of Namor-as-Shuri's-boyfriend in BP. I can imagine a version of that movie where, after T'Challa was thrown into the water by Killmonger, the Talokanil find him instead of the Jabari and that's where Shuri and Ramonda end up going (lmao Killmonger, good luck getting them in the underwater kingdom). Maybe then the initial plan would be for them to go to Talokan and ask Namor to kill Erik's ass. Shuri just gonna bat her eyes and go "🥺🥺 baby pls"

Meanwhile Namor is like, I'm about to make myself Ramonda's favorite son-in-law ever. Every time T'Challa ever wants to beat his ass again, Shuri's gonna remind him of that time Namor saved his life and kingdom and T'Challa would be FUMING

Namor in Infinity War would be hilarious cuz he would straight up kill Vision. "oh, so if we kill you and destroy the stone Thanos's forces won't have a reason to fight us until he shows up?? but if we protect you then a lot of Wakandan soldiers will die???? damn. sucks to be you then lmao" he would kill that toaster so fast

seriously though the second he saw Shuri was in danger trying to save this fucker, Thanos's army boutta have another thing coming

the ANGST of Shuri being snapped while he lives though. darkcrow, you are KILLING me with this one 🥺🥺 because they were supposed to have more time, and it was never going to be enough for him in the first place, but now they don't even have that 😭 I made myself sad

[bookishtheaterlover7]

Random Realization and thought...

So, I've been rewatching the X-Men 97 series(felt like it😆), and I realized a few things now that I'm older...

Wolverine is awesome! - he's got lots of issues to work through but he cares for the X-Men, and not just himself. (Several episodes can attest to that. And here's to hoping they won't change that when the series revival comes🥂)

Cyclops and Jean are goals - come on! Are y'all gonna dispute that? And I honestly cannot imagine Emma being the side-chic, to that power couple (y'all can explain to me how that happened 😅)

By Season 2, there is a slight change in art style, but the stories are just as awesome

Jubilee is definitely a kid with a big heart - girl wants to be included, do some action, fix broken relationships... I can go on🥹

Gambit and Rogue are also one of the best pairings - she loves him but hates him, he loves her, and that's why he riles her up on purpose, and enjoys it like the little shit he is. Why didn't I notice that when I was younger?!😅 (And she takes his name in an episode in Season 5 when undercover to protect a young mutant in a small town🫶)

Beast deserves to be with his family, and Carly😭😭😭😭😭 'nough said...

And other Marvel characters really do make cameos in this series

X-Women are badass😍 - some of my fave superheroines growing up

But what is with them somehow getting manipulated by red flags🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 - I ain't kidding! Let me list:

Jean = Jason Wyngarde (I get that he manipulated Jean's mind to get to Phoenix, point is dude "married" Jean and used basically mind control on her)

Rogue = Cody (he was shit, and the definition of young love)

Storm = Arkon (right now, he's definitely a red flag when he first meets Storm. And his overly dramatic way of speaking makes me go🤢)

I need to see Storm meet T'Challa and rule Wakanda, even for a few episodes 🥺- I've wanted to know since I found out she married and divorced our King, plus being queen suits Storm

Well, I've nerdily ranted, and I feel much better 😁 and as usual happy to discuss more and basically nerd/geek hangout with y'all. I may have more, when I do, I might make another post. Let me know if I should make this a recurring thing😊

I honestly can't be the only one who adores X-Men 97 OG, right?😃

[mickimomo]

I just had a random thought (Just a headcannon not a suggestion). Do you think Wakanda would have popstars or celebs the way the rest of the world does? Because I imagine that if they did, it would be really local since they were so closed off from the world. Because I'm trying to imagine a Wakandan popstar wanting to perform at Attuma and Okoye's wedding now or actor from a Wakandan TV show showing up and I'm crying at how confused the Talokanil would be about it.

You know what. Yes.

Hear me out.

I think their dynamics with celebrities aren't as chaotic as they are in the rest of the world.

Like, you see how T'Challa and Shuri can roam around Wakanda. And everyone is really kind and respectful. No one is fainting because the King of Wakanda is walking down the street with his girlfriend in BP1. No one is foaming at the mouth working in a lab with Shuri.

So, I think that same dynamic would apply.

Like, maybe a really well-known Wakandan singer comes up and greets Okoye and Attuma, and he's very indifferent about her.

And Okoye is like- "She's an amazing singer. I listen to her while I'm training. Alllllll the time."

And Attuma is jealous, because he's a great singer.

And then the singer goes up there and gives us Beyoncé in Dubai vocals. And he has no choice but to be impressed. 🤣😭 So Okoye has him listen to one of her albums, and now he's a fan.

(I think the other talokanil people present would be impressed or have their own talents go up there to rep Talokan with a song. This may or may not lead to drunk karaoke later.)

Okoye is amused by the entire thing, because after the wedding and honeymoon Attuma is so invested in imitating her notes. Singing in xhosa, but not knowing what he's saying because he's still learning.

And Okoye is like: 🤭 "Baby, you just sang about fucking a woman you yearn for until daylight."

And Attuma is just: 😏 "Yeah. You."

(P.S. That last part was based on my love for music in other languages and how some of their best bops are freaky songs. 💀 You'll be getting down to a song about wet dreams and never know it until you google the lyrics. 🥹 Attuma has no shame though, so he'll be singing it to Okoye proudly.)

[aikaterini-drag]

Chapter 17 Courage

Find more chapters of the "Fading Scars" Series here ♡

It was a quiet day. Almost two months passed since the last time Grace had seen or heard from James. Sometimes, Natasha would reveal a tiny bit to her. Until now, Grace knew they were on the hunt, looking for Silas, aiming to destroy Hydra. Their group had apparently expanded, receiving support from the people of Wakanda.

It was a relief... that James was no longer a criminal in King T'Challa's eyes. Finding Silas could clear James' name, leading to a pardon from the government. He could finally lead a normal life, safe and no longer chased by anyone. Grace sighed hopefully, sinking into the chair beside her. She imagined James enveloping her, his musky scent and warmth embracing her.

Longing and need replaced her frustration.

Ever since arriving in Stark Tower, she had made a promise to herself; to find her inner strength and help James. She understood and accepted his rush actions to protect her but she refused to remain a powerless pawn in Hydra's game. She wasn't powerful and strong in matters of strength but she could help him.

"Grace?" Braylon's honeyed voice interrupted her thoughts. "What's with the deep frown?"

Grace turned to him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Nothing. Did you bring the files I asked for?"

"Sure did," he replied, placing envelopes, papers, and a USB on the table. "I'm just curious why you wanted this info."

Grace opened a file, pointing to the name on top. "See this? Felicity Landon."

Recognition dawned in Braylon's eyes. "She has the same surname and... and she looks like you!"

"She's my mother, of course, I resemble her greatly," Grace said with a nostalgic smile. "I need to study these and meet with Tony Stark. Can you arrange it?"

"Consider it done," Braylon said, contacting Tony through his phone. "He'll come down in a jiffy. How can you read these?"

"My mother and I bonded over her work."

Grace delved into the papers, with Braylon curiously crouching beside her. There were reports, medical charts, and mathematic formulas that he had no idea what they meant. Soon, Tony made his entrance, waving his arms in a grandiose manner. He noticed the mess of papers and leaned down, his sunglasses sliding down his nose.

"What's all this?"

"My mother's files. Thanks for hacking Hydra's database," Grace said, acknowledging Tony's effort.

"No problemo. So, your mom was an anti-Hydra researcher?" Tony asked with interest.

"Yes. She was a brilliant scientist, struggling to take down its most cruel power; brainwashing."

"I'm curious... How did they brainwash people?" Braylon asked, genuinely intrigued.

"They manipulated personal memories, used hypnosis, and some sort of mental reprogramming," Tony answered. "They came up with certain trigger words for those who held great potential for their operations... like Barnes."

Grace tried to remain calm and push aside the haunting images of James's ordeal. His every scream was embedded in her mind and she thanked God that he was so resistant to Hydra's brainwashing, fighting against it with all his might. With her mother's knowledge, she could help him once and for all and free him from the Hydra's sickening control.

"However, even if you save him, you can't guarantee his safety..." Tony's voice carried a somber note. "The knowledge of what he did for Hydra... the burden is too heavy. It will be hard to make amends, to confront the person he used to be and the person he has to be."

"And what should I do?" she muttered, troubled and weak. "Leave him be? With those things they've put in his mind?"

"I think what boss means to say is that James deserves to be saved but he might never return to normal..." Braylon explained. "It's not easy to escape from one's past."

"I understand that," Grace replied weakly. "But I'll stand by him, help him if he lets me."

Tony exhaled. "Did your mother have a plan to revert the process of the brainwashing?"

Grace smiled bitterly. "She developed an algorithm to neutralize the vocalized codes without erasing memories. She named it Project Meminero."

"Smart," Tony mused. "Meminero means 'I will remember' in Latin."

"Yes..." Grace said, her features pale. "And that was why Silas approached her. He seduced her by pretending to be a kind, soft-hearted man in order to gain intel about her project. They married and I was born. I was always afraid of him... I could tell that he did not want me. Though an excellent scientist, my mother failed to see his true colors until it was too late."

"What happened next?" Braylon asked.

Grace's lips trembled as she spoke. "When I was a child, we joined SHIELD's protection program. I was eighteen when tragedy struck. Natasha was the head of our security, still, Silas managed to find us... he killed my mother but I managed to escape with knowledge of her work."

Her tone shifted, mournful. "I changed my identity, but he still... well, you know the rest."

"What a terrifying man," Braylon said.

"That's why I need your help," she said and met Tony's stare. "Hydra is also your enemy. We can combine our data and cooperate to take down their most monstrous project."

"And what is it that we must do?" Tony asked, eager to get this mission going.

"This is where it gets tough." She paused meaningfully then added, "My mother hid everything in a place only I know of."

"Then all we have to do is take it," Braylon said. "Grace... you hold the future in your hands."

"You've found your strength, your courage," Tony smirked. "Revealing all of this shows your dedication to him."

Grace let out a nervous chuckle. "I just want this nightmare to end. Ignoring the pain won't lead me forward. Confronting Hydra and Silas is the way to save James and myself."

Tony nodded. "You have my unwavering support. Prepare yourself. We're heading out. Let's uncover your mother's work and make her proud."

"But... what about Natasha?" Grace asked, well aware that the redhead spy wouldn't let them off so easily.

"You forget who I am," Tony smirked. "So... where are we heading?"

▪️▪️▪️

James rolled out of bed, a long groan escaping him. Once again, his sleep had been plagued by frightful images and screeching voices. He rubbed his throbbing temples and swallowed hard, tasting the agony, the disrepair. The nightmares persisted, he couldn't rest, and not even the sleeping pills could help rid him of the nightmares.

With a heavy sigh, he lifted himself from the makeshift bed on the floor, berating himself for being so foolish, so heartless with Grace. Leaving her had affected him more than he had imagined. She had been a comforting refuge, a warm embrace in a world rife with chaos and pain. And he had turned away from her, deceiving and abandoning the only person who managed to make him feel such precious feelings.

For all the above, he refused to break his resolve. He cared for Grace, more than words could possibly describe, and it was precisely the reason that compelled him to keep his distance. Danger followed him at every corner and she had to remain safe, pure, and gentle. That was what he repeated to himself day after day. It had turned into a mantra as he focused on his mission.

With these thoughts in mind, Bucky navigated the corridors of the jet, eventually reaching the upper level. In a matter of hours, they would reach Croatia, following one of T'Challa's leads. He stared outside blankly, lost in the sight of the night sky and its shimmering stars. He stared blankly until the sound of approaching footsteps grabbed his attention.

"Can't sleep?" Steve's voice carried through the air.

"Got a lot on my mind," Bucky muttered, discomfort and vulnerability in his tone.

"You're having nightmares..." Steve was now only a few steps away.

"Every damn night," came Bucky's response, hoarse, almost inaudible. "But I can handle it."

Steve narrowed his eyes. "This is not good, Buck."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, it's just... the same old stuff," he replied, though his haunted eyes betrayed the true weight of his ordeal.

"Why don't you call her?" Steve suggested. James yearned for Grace. He called out her name in his sleep, begging her to come to him.

"No," Bucky said, ignoring the bittersweet pull on his heart at the mere thought of hearing her voice.

"Why are you so strict with yourself? Why deny happiness?"

"What happiness, Steve?" James said, his red-rimmed eyes focusing on him. "I'm a lab experiment, a bomb about to go off. Silas can hurt Grace just by using the goddamn words on me."

"You are strong and resilient. You always find your way back."

"What if I suddenly can't come back? What if I break down?" Bucky replied, the context of his words more frightening than death itself.

"Buck..."

"Look. I need to eradicate Hydra and disappear from the world. Find peace, someplace where I can no longer hurt people."

"Grace trusted you. Even with her memories gone, she trusted you." Steve knew he was venturing into sensitive territory but refused to give up. "You must speak to her. No more hiding the truth."

With a pathetic sigh, Bucky covered his face with his hands. "After what I've done?"

"She might lash at you. I'm sure. But once I tell her what a moody slump you've been ever since you two separated, I'm sure she will forgive you."

For the first time after so long, Bucky laughed. "Really?"

"Really," Steve half laughed. "Think it over. If you lose her, you'll regret it forever."

Bucky cleared his throat and changed the conversation. "So what's our plan once we arrive?

"T'Challa's intel suggests unusual activity at an abandoned house in Krapina, Croatia," Steve explained. "CCTV spotted a jet resembling the one Silas used."

"It's worth checking out."

"Silas might have created more super soldiers with the new serum," Steve said and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And judging by what we saw from Rumlow, it is incredibly strong."

"Hydra is more dangerous than ever. With nothing to lose, I say they definitely injected most of their agents," Bucky said, coiling in disgust.

"We'll manage—"

Steve's words were cut short by the insistent ringing of his phone. It was the ungodly hour of the call and Natasha's number flashing on the screen that instilled a sense of urgency. And once he did, her news plastered a worried expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" Bucky strained his ears, catching snippets of conversation, and his heart skipped a beat as he heard Grace's name. "Grace?"

Steve grumbled. "She and Tony Stark have left the tower."

James released a heavy breath. "We should figure out where they're headed." Without waiting for a response, he strode forward. "I'm altering our course to track her down."

"Hold on!" Steve interjected, grabbing his shoulder. "No need to change direction. Grace is actually quite close by."

[anerdquemoraaolado]

Grains of Sand by The Shore

Chapter 16

Sweet, affectionate kisses marked the morning of Talokan rulers, even when serious matters awaited them before leaving.

Namor busied himself with the warriors that morning, inspecting Namora training a batch of young recruits, he could tell they were a little fearful to see their king up close, but Namor favored them with a calm expression, approving of what they were doing.

After his cousin finished work, she thought it was a good opportunity to talk to him about something she had been thinking about for a long time.

“You look different to me, Ku'kul'kan, with all due respect” she started the conversation, direct.

“Give me details about this” he demanded, having no idea what she was getting at, he would mention Shuri very soon in the conversation.

“He's calmer and more relaxed, patient, we haven't talked about military strategies for a long time” Namora explained “I hope the queen hasn't discouraged him from these matters.”

“If you allow me to correct you, cousin, you are slightly wrong” he pointed, still in a good mood “I'm here today precisely for military strategies, I wanted to see how my new warriors are doing and the queen didn't influence me at all, in fact Indeed, as we predicted, the marriage strengthened our alliance with Wakanda, their former princess is safe and well here, and will remain so as long as we protect her.”

“And you protect her because you love her” Namora said aloud, which was quite notorious lately.

“I do” Namor confirmed without doubt “this alliance brought us something we didn't foresee, but it's no less appreciated for that.”

"If you're satisfied, then so be it," she understood, "I only ask that you don't lose your commitment to your people."

“Never” he countered without douby “Talokan is my people.”

“I must give you another piece of advice” she dared to say and her cousin gestured for her to continue “you have seen generations of our people born and die, the queen is a mortal woman and her descendants run the risk of being like her, don’t get lost when they're gone.”

“Namora, I know that my descendants are expected, but there is nothing like that for now, this truth torments me from time to time, but if there is something that my queen has taught me, is to value the present, that is what I am doing” he told her explained calmly.

“Be well, cousin” that was what Namora wished, understanding his position, touched his forehead with hers and returned to her tasks.

Namor knew that one day he would lost Shuri, but now was not the time for that. Thinking precisely of his beloved, he went to the surface to see how she was doing.

Shuri busied herself with the latest information she had gathered on Talokan, updating her own database on the realm. Interrupting her was a call directly from Wakanda.

Sje couldn't believe who it was. T'Challa, king and Black Panther, usually busy with those two things, had found time to talk to his sister.

-” thought about calling, since you don't call” he justified himself, good humored.

“Oh, don't even come, we spoke last week” she insisted on remembering ”anyway, thanks for calling.”

“You're welcome” her brother resumed “I have a special reason to call, I wanted to invite you to visit, you said you would visit and you didn't come.”

“I know, I know I promised, but adapting to being queen of a submerged kingdom required more than I imagined” she joked with a depth of truth “I would love to go, and I think we can go in a few days, so, see you around?”

“I think you better come” T'Challa recommended once more “you and Namor, if he wants to.”

“Oh he will, he has told me more than once that he loves Wakanda” she confessed, laughing.

“It's good that he likes it” the comment surprised T'Challa “well, I hope to see you soon then.”

“Me too bro, see you later!” she said goodbye, happily returning to work.

The King of Wakanda was a little pensive after that, noticing remnants of the old laughing, smart, and playful Shuri he knew. Somehow, she had fulfilled her promise to find happiness in Talokan. T'Challa just wanted to better understand how she had managed it.

Namor entered the laboratory, without any prior notice, approached his wife while she was distracted. He touched her waist as he kissed her cheek in sweet greeting. He felt her shudder slightly under his touch, a little startle.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he warned, hugging her from behind a little closer.

"Another one of your surprise attempts, my love," she commented, turning to him.

“What were you doing?” he ignored the small criticism.

“Talking to T'Challa, he invited us to visit” she explained “I said we would.”

“Did you answer for me? But he didn't even know if I had something important to do” he purposefully furrowed his eyebrows in a comical way.

“I know all your commitments, Namor, I know there's nothing” she shrugged  “besides, I miss you, I wanted to review some friends and my family.

“When are we going?“ he smiled genuinely this time.

“That's more like it!” She celebrated and kissed him right after.

Days later, they were back in Wakanda, both feeling the pure air so familiar to Shuri, comforted by being in her first home. This was definitely an informal visit, T'Challa and Toussaint came to receive them, without pomp or circumstances.

“Brother!” Shuri crushed him in a tight hug, the scene making Namor and Toussaint smile.

"I'm glad to see you too, you two." T'Challa turned to his brother-in-law.-

“Likewise, your majesty” he shook his hand “Shuri wanted to come and insisted that I come, I confess that I wanted to come too, of my own free will”.

“She said you like it here” her brother smiled “but come on, let's talk more comfortably at home.”

Talokan's royal couple then followed him to the palace. Before they got there, Toussaint decided to satisfy his own curiosity.

“Auntie, you said I could visit Talokan one day too, do you think I could go with you when you get back?” the boy asked, leaving his uncles surprised.

Before Shuri could formulate a response, her husband was quicker.

“We can think about it after our visit is over” Namor looked kindly and patiently at the little prince “you are our host now, be the best you can.” 

"Okay, Uncle." Toussaint smiled brightly at him, and the term took Ku'kul'kan by surprise.He never expected to be called that in his life, but given everything that had changed, feeling his nephew's affection seemed only fitting. He smiled again at the prince and Shuri patted her husband's arm proudly.T'Challa noticed the obvious glow between the two. The former enemy became someone who brought her sister back to who she was. For that, Namor had the Black Panther's gratitude.