#shuri x sister!reader

[braveclementine]

Chapter 18

Warnings: None. (Will however be a 18+ reader book)

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

You dove to the stage floor as the bomb went off, sending tremors through the entire building. You glanced upwards, seeing Wanda on her feet, hands red as she held up the rubble that was threatening to collapse on the people in the bar. Wong and Stephen created two portals for people to run through which get them out into the parking lot. Along with that, Pietro was grabbing some of the small kids, running them out the door as fast as he could.

You could smell something burning and then remembered that Elizabeth had been right next to you.

You couldn't see her at the moment, but you could see that the fire was spreading around you on the stage, trapping you.

Shit, where was she?

And then suddenly, there was a whooshing sound and water started to run through the building, specifically around the stage, putting out the fire. You found Elizabeth standing on the stage, her feet planted firmly on the floor, hands out, eyes glowing blue as she maneuvered the water to put out the fire.

Pietro gaped as he watched her. Bucky leaped onto the stage, kneeling next to you as you pushed yourself up onto your knees. "You alright doll?"

"Yeah." You answered as the water slowly splashed to the floor, Elizabeth's eyes turning back to brown.

"Told you there were some suspicious people on this island." Elizabeth sighed, unfazed, before hopping down off the stage.

"Are you alright?" Vision asked while Pietro asked, "You have powers?"

"Yes and yes. I can control and manipulate water and flick ice out of my hands." Elizabeth stated as easily as though she was talking about the weather. She turned to me, "I'm supposing this is about the prophesy."

You flushed, "yeah."

Elizabeth nodded, "Makes sense. Well, do you at least know how to defend yourself with a gun or something?"

"Er-"

"I'll take that as a no." Elizabeth muttered.

"I have protection detail." You said, jabbing your thumb at your soulmates.

"Very true." Elizabeth said with a small smile and then looked up at the roof, "Perhaps we should move before the roof collapses on our heads."

"I wouldn't let that happen." Wanda said, still holding it up.

"Oh, I know, I was just suggesting that we get out of this building before the other bombs go off." Elizabeth said nonchalantly.

"There's more bombs? How do you know that?" Fury and Tony asked at the same time.

Elizabeth just looked at them over her shoulder, "You can't hear the ticking?"

Everyone fell silent. She was right. The ticking was actually really loud, but over the sound of us singing you couldn't have heard it.

We quickly left the building. Elizabeth's mother quickly bombarded her, asking her a thousand questions, and was extremely angry with the way that she had put herself in danger. Vision quickly interfered, though his calming words didn't little to appease her mother.

Meanwhile, Fury and Coulson were making calls to see if they could get some SHIELD agents- trustworthy ones only- and get them to check things out. Meanwhile, a Nassu bomb squad was called out and everyone was moved away from the karaoke stand and then the rest of you headed back to the hotel.

Back in the hotel, you guys all went up to Clint's room since it was completely empty and you all talked it out.

"The thing is," You added as they all had their own theories. "They knew that we'd be at the Scuba diving and then also Karaoke. Which means that either. . . well. . ."

You couldn't really finish the uncomfortable sentence. It felt to awkward or light to say that there was an imposter amongst you.

"Well we can rule out anyone soulmated to you." Loki said firmly. "Soulmates protect theirs, not hurt them."

"What if it's not a traitor?" Clint asked, "What if someone is bugged, or the rooms are bugged?"

"Maybe we should just do nothing for the next two days." You said, "We're lucky someone wasn't killed today."

Rhodey agreed.

"What about this Elizabeth chick?" Tony asked, "She seemed way to calm during the bombs. And how nonchalantly she talked about them."

"It's not her." Vision and Pietro said together.

"That's because it's what she's good at." You sighed. "She was our small town superhero, although no one actually knows its her, not even her parents. That's what she does. She stops bank robberies or shootings or solves kidnappings or puts out fires. She doesn't do anything big, just small things. So to her, the bombs were just another thing she's good at stopping. She probably waterlogged all the mechanisms and told us to leave as a precaution."

"Why hasn't she tested out her abilities with SHIELD or the Avengers?" Fury asked, leaning forward on his elbows.

"She doesn't want to be a big name superhero. She just wants to do stuff for the little people. She said she'd leave the saving the world to the professionals, but for now she'd just do her part to protect those she could."

"I like her." Steve said. "She has a good moral system. It's not her."

"Could FRIDAY possibly track any and all people that have visited the Scuba kiosk and the karaoke bar ahead of time and see if there are any similar peoples?" Rhodey asked.

"FRIDAY?" Tony asked.

"Right away Mr. Stark." FRIDAY's voice said from his watch.

There was some silence before T'Challa said, "So should we just stay in the hotel tomorrow?"

"If we do that the whole building will probably come down." Natasha muttered darkly.

Bruce gave her a warning look while Sam flat out glared at her.

You blanched a little.

OMG I'M FREAKING CRYING. I WAS LOOKING FOR MORE FANART TO POST AND I FOUND THIS:

I'M CRYING SO HARD  😭😭😭😭😭😭

Here is something happy:

Okay back to story  🥺 :

"We can just go out to the ocean." Stephen said. "Find a secluded spot away from people. That should benefit everyone."

"That sounds good." You said softly.

There was another moment of silence until FRIDAY's voice said, "Sir, I have a potential suspect."

"Good job sweetheart." Tony drawled, looking happier. "Send everything to you know what."

"Yes sir." FRIDAY replied.

Tony pulled out his laptop and then said, "This'll probably be a while. The rest of you should get some sleep, I'll let you know when I'm done."

You nodded, getting to your feet. You hugged the others good-bye and then you decided that you would go and stay with Loki and Thor tonight.

Loki and Thor had gotten separate beds and you climbed into Loki's for tonight. He sat up against the headboard, reading that poetry book again.

"What are you reading?" You asked softly as Thor started to snore. Despite popular belief, he didn't sound like an elephant. He was actually a very quiet snorer.

"It's a poem called 'Never trust a mirror'." Loki whispered. "Would you like me to read it to you?"

You nodded, pulling the covers over you while you laid your head down on his leg. He rested one hand in your hair as he read:

"Never trust a mirror, For a mirror always lies, It makes you think that all you're worth can be seen from the outside.

Never trust a mirror, It only shows what's skin deep You can't see how your eyelids flutter when you're drifting off to sleep.

It doesn't show you what the world sees When you're only being you or how your eyes light up When you're loving what you do

It doesn't capture when you're smiling Where no-one else can see And your reflection cannot tell you, How much you mean to me.

Never trust a mirror For it only shows your skin. And if you think it dictates your worth It's time you looked within"

And by the time he finished with the last word, you were fast asleep. 

[rebeliz7]

Dangerous

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader / Natasha Romanoff x Reader / Wanda Maximoff x Natasha Romanoff

Request: 32 & 64 prompts for Wanda or Natasha or maybe both😏

32. “If you interrupt me one more time, so help me god.”

64. “You’re not taking me to bed. ever.” “Who said it had to be on the bed?”

…

“If you interrupt me one more time, so help me God.” Natasha threatens you, annoyed and left eye twitching. 

She’s not being serious, at least not entirely, but you still raise your hands in surrender and lean back in your seat. 

However, her eyes stay firmly locked with yours, and you have to smile at how worked up she seems. She rolls her eyes when you smile, just like you were expecting her to, and the meeting moves along. 

You weren’t interrupting her exactly, but it’s become intensely apparent that your presence annoys the hell out of Natasha. Whatever the reason.  

Not that you go out of your way to annoy her, that’s not the case at all. The thing is, and you’ve been aware of this for a while now, you make her nervous. So nervous that she doesn’t know how to deal with you. 

No one else seems to be aware of that little fact, although the entire Avengers Team lives together for the time being. But Natasha knows that you know, which makes her angry. 

Irrationally so, you must say. 

“She’s gonna get you one of these days.” Clint warns you in a low voice. 

“Yeah, but not today.” You joke, and Clint laughs softly to himself. 

“You don’t wanna push Nat. Trust me.” 

“Oh I'm not worried, trust me.”

…

The meeting ends on a neutral note, since Sam and Bucky lost track of their target on their latest mission. A team needs to fly out to Mexico to lend a hand and things will get a move on again. 

Steve and Clint are going, and so is Shuri. This is not Shuri’s first mission, but you take it upon yourself to get her as ready as she can be before they fly out. 

She’s grown on you, in a 'younger sister' sort of way. You guess it's because she’s younger than you, and so amazingly smart, that her awe for everything you guys do endears her to you greatly. 

“Don’t get killed while I’m gone.” She tells you as you walk her into the hanger, and you’re tempted to laugh. 

“You’re going on a mission with Barton, you’re the one that should be worried. I’ll be fine right here.”

“True, but Natasha is about to kick your ass into a coma if you keep pushing her.” She reminds you, and you huff indignantly. 

“Why does everyone think she can kick my ass that easily?” You ask loudly, just as Clint comes out of the jet with a pointed look. 

“Because she can.” He deadpans. “And she will if you don’t give her some space.”

“I didn’t hear any of that.” You pointendly tell him while Shuri gives you a goodbye hug. “Still trying to process this lack of faith from both of you in my fighting skills.”

“Keep it up.” Clint tells you with another look.

“That’s what she said.” You joke, and you hear Shuri laugh too. Clint chuckles and shakes his head at you, probably thinking that you’re gonna get your ass kicked for real.  

“There’s a kid here!” Steve shouts from the jet, and you run back inside before that lecture reaches your ears.  

…

When you walk inside the kitchen you find Wanda by the stove, stirring a red sauce and your spirits instantly pique up. 

“Can I have some?” You ask, coming up behind her. She yelps in surprise, and you press a kiss on her cheek. 

“You scared me.” She smiles, her cheeks tainting red at your proximity, and you lean against the counter as she turns off the stove before checking on the pasta. “Can you set the table? This is ready.”

She’s a pro at this, and you can't resist her cooking. 

“It smells really good. My mouth is watering already.” You tell her as you set out two plates, and her cheeks grow redder. 

You smile to yourself, and can’t deny that you’re almost inclined to kiss those cheeks again, but you resist the urge. You and Wanda didn’t exactly date, but you did sleep together a few times, and you thought of asking her out properly, but the timing was never right so nothing real ever came up from it. 

Then she moved on -with Vision of all people- and you moved on too. Not that anyone was supportive when you started dating Emma Frost, and maybe you see their point now. Emma was a wild ride, to say the least. 

Shaking your head to get rid of the memories, you pass Wanda the plates. 

“Can you get another one?” Wanda asks you. 

“This isn’t dinner for two?” You ask as you go to take down another plate, and she shakes her head. 

“Natasha is here too. She went to take a quick shower, so she'll be here any minute.”

You smile to yourself. 

...

Natasha is tempted to bolt the moment she sees you’re going to join them for dinner, and you grin when you meet her eyes. It must be infuriating that you can so easily tell what goes through her mind, when she’s spent her entire life training to be unreadable. 

You know she hates it, and often wonders how you’re capable of doing it. To be quite honest, you have no idea either. You just have this sixth sense when it comes to her, that lets you read her like an open book. 

But, you keep your mouth shut all through dinner. You behave, while Wanda and Natasha chat away. You even get seconds, and fill their glasses with more wine when they get low. 

All in all, you don’t annoy Natasha at all while you eat, and you even offer to clean up while they move to the living room with a second bottle of red to continue their conversation. 

You put the dishes in the dishwasher, wipe down all the surfaces, and when you’re done you take a beer from the fridge with the intention to leave them to it. 

“You can join us.” Natasha calls out, just as you take your first sip. 

“You sure?” You ask her, and she rolls her eyes, her go-to reaction whenever you open your mouth.

“As long as you keep the innuendos to yourself, we’re okay.” She sips her wine delicately then, and you -a mere mortal- become entranced with the shape of her lips, and the sensual way in which she drinks. 

“Sure.” You clear your throat, and drink almost half of your beer in one go. 

You’d be lying if you said that you’ve never thought of Natasha in other, much more naked circumstances, but you’re aware that that is never gonna happen, and you’re okay with it. 

“You’re uncharacteristically quiet.” Wanda notices after a while when she comes back with yet another bottle of red, and another beer for you. 

“I don’t want to annoy the pretty lady over there.” Natasha groans at your response, which only makes you smile. You almost can’t believe how easy it is for her to become agitated in your presence. 

“You gotta try harder than that.” She deadpans, and Wanda takes the seat next to yours instead of sitting in front of you, like she was before she went to the kitchen. 

“I’m not annoying, am I?” You ask Wanda, and she gives you this smile that you immediately feel drawn to. 

You breathe in deeply as she gives you this look that makes hot electricity run through you, and runs her fingers through your hair. You do miss her, especially when she’s looking at you like this and her fingers are in your hair.

“You’re quite charming.” She says, and you think she might reciprocate if you were to kiss her right now. 

“You see?” You look at Natasha, and she rolls her eyes, but not with malice. 

“Maybe I just don’t like you.” She says before sipping her newly refilled glass of wine, and you clutch your chest in mock offense. 

“You wound me.” You scoff while smiling, but deep down you do feel hurt by her words. Not a lot, but still. 

“Natasha likes you.” Wanda tells you then, and you’d think she’s joking if the look on Natasha’s face wasn’t so telling. 

“She does, huh?” You ask, mostly to yourself. 

“I thought there were things we agreed on not sharing with anyone.” Natasha reminds her, and Wanda shrugs lightly, the glass of wine close to her lips as she smiles. 

“What happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom?” She asks, and with a start you realize that she’s slightly drunk, and oversharing is -unfortunately- her one obvious tell. 

That’s how everyone found out that you two were sleeping together a while ago, and right now she’s just revealed that she and Natasha are a little more than just friends.

“I swear to God, if you even think of saying anything right now.” Natasha threatens you, and you laugh, your comeback at the tip of your tongue. 

“She likes you too.” Wanda tells Natasha, her finger pointing at you, and you choke on your beer. 

“You’re not seriously trying to play matchmaker here.” Natasha’s grin is otherwise telling of how amused she’s finding this entire exchange. 

“What? It's not like I even had to look inside her head to know that.” Wanda says, and you finally put your beer down after getting your coughing fit under control. “I’m not wrong, am I?” 

She has the audacity to shoot you a smug look, as if she wasn’t throwing you under the bus here.

“Well, no.”

“Great.” Natasha sneers. 

“Okay, now hold on.” You speak up as Wanda laughs, and you take the glass of wine from her hands. She’s had enough to drink. “There are different levels of liking someone.”

“Educate us, please.” Wanda is trying to hold back laughter now, and you really - she’s just - she’s such a little shit.

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly kick Nat out of my bed. But, I’m not interested in anything more than that. No offense.” You add quickly.

“None taken, and you’re not taking me to bed. Ever. So don’t worry about it.” Natasha tells you, and how can you not take that one? Sometimes she just makes it easy for you. 

“Who said it had to be a bed?” You retort and her face turns red, and you’re not sure if she’s about to kick your ass or just shoot you on the spot.

However, you’re not expecting her to walk over, and kiss you dead on the lips. Which is exactly what she does. 

When she pulls back Wanda is laughing, and you’re pretty sure you’re dreaming. 

“Cat got your tongue?” Natasha asks when you finally open your eyes, and you swallow with difficulty. 

Without waiting a beat you pull her back in, kissing her again, a bit more forcefully than she did first, and she kisses you back in earnest. A part of you isn’t sure of what’s happening, but the other part of you is enjoying this turn of events quite a bit. 

“Well, well, well.” You comment when she pulls back, as if she’s finally realized what she was doing. If you’re smiling like a lunatic it’s only because you truly can't help it. 

“Is anyone going to kiss me?” Wanda asks, and you break eye contact with Natasha to look at her. 

“Come here, you needy monster.” You pull her onto your lap, and she straddles you with ease and familiarity. A pretty smile on her pink lips as she cups your face, and you wrap your arms around her waist. 

Kissing Wanda is still heaven. You’re once again submerged in her world, and you still find it incredibly addictive. She bites your bottom lip softly as she rocks her hips forward to meet yours, and you can’t help but let your hands wander. 

Grabbing a handful of her ass you pull her closer to you as she deepens your kiss, and you can taste the red wine on her tongue. Her breath is hot as she breathes heavily into your mouth, and your mind becomes fuzzy with want.

“Such a good kisser.” Wanda says against your lips, and you smile sweetly. She’s so adorable, especially from this angle, and the way she scrunches up her nose makes you want to kiss all over her face. 

“Better than me?” Natasha asks, and to your surprise you turn your head to find her sitting right next to you. 

“I’m not sure.” Wanda says with a false thoughtful look, and hidden smile. 

Natasha doesn’t give her a verbal answer, instead you watch the redhead grab Wanda by the neck, and pull her down for an intense kiss that has Wanda moaning in a matter of seconds. 

You watch them kiss while holding Wanda’s hand, and your throat dries up. You watch, and realize that this is actually happening. You watch until you can’t anymore. 

Grabbing a hold of Wanda’s arm you pull her back to you, and kiss her hungrily. She’s still moaning, her hands now desperately pulling off your shirt, as you do the same with her sweater. 

You hear Natasha softly chuckling next to you, but you’re already too wrapped up in everything that Wanda is to care about the world, let alone Natasha’s smug laughter. 

“I’ve missed your lips,” Wanda says as she pulls back slightly, a tipsy smile on her extremely kissable lips. 

You smile while your hands squeeze her bare waist, and you don't hold back from kissing her again. You’ve missed her lips too, and you hope she can read between the lines. 

Her hands in your hair pull back lightly, exposing your neck as she moves to place heady kisses all over it. You’re breathing rapidly now, your hands massaging her breasts, as she licks a path up your throat, still pulling on your hair. 

“Kinda feeling left out here.” Natasha’s voice breaks through the fog in your mind, and Wanda sits back on your lap, as she tries to get her breathing under control. 

“I’m not sure of what's happening exactly.” Wanda says as you inch closer to her. Your hands are still on her, touching every inch of her exposed skin as you can, while she combs back your hair. You kiss her upper breast, careful not to leave any hickies, despite desperately wanting to. 

She gasps, and you look up to kiss her lips, focusing on pinching her nipples now as she rocks her hips forward. 

“You want to stop?” You ask after pulling back only the necessary amount to be able to ask her that. 

“No.” She shakes her head, her hand gently caressing your cheek as she looks into your eyes. “I think I want you both.”

Instinctively you look towards Natasha, who is still holding her glass of wine, and sipping the red liquid delicately as she observes the two of you. 

“Do you - ” Wanda grabs your chin, making you look at her. “Do you want me?” She asks, and you move to pull her ever closer to you. As if that’s possible.  

“Always.” You nod quickly, and as you kiss the corner of her lips she turns to look at Natasha with the same question. 

“You don’t ever have to worry about that.” You hear Natasha say, but you refuse to stop kissing every single inch of her skin to look. 

“I don’t?” Wanda asks breathlessly, your mouth doing wonders on her neck, while your hands reacquainted themselves with the rest of her body. 

“You don’t.” Natasha says, and she sounds much closer now. Her voice is more sultry than you've ever heard it before, and you pull back, if only to see the look on her face. 

You watch her take Wanda’s outstretched hand as she stands, and pulls Wanda on her feet as well. You swallow with difficulty as you watch her kiss Wanda softly, lips merely ghosting over each other. 

However fleeting the kiss though, you see Wanda’s legs quiver and Natasha’s arm wrapping around her waist to keep her upright. 

“Bedroom?” She asks her with the confidence of someone who already knows the answer, and Wanda nods, as if in a daze. 

You watch them walk away, and you try to calm your racing heart, but it’s difficult when Wanda turns to you from the hallway. 

“You coming?” She asks you, and you’re pretty sure that your brain short circuits. 

You stand up, picking up your unfinished beer, and down it in one go before you nod, and walk towards her. 

“That's what she said.” You stupidly joke, and Natasha rolls her eyes expectedly, but now you see that the edge in her eyes isn’t entirely hate. 

“Incorrigible.” Wanda smiles as she grabs your hand, and pulls enough for you to fall into step next to her. 

“You’re dangerous.” You murmur close to her ear as you wrap your arms around her from behind, and she throws you a side glance, feigning innocence. 

“I have no idea what you mean.” She says, and Natasha chuckles lightly as she unlocks the door to her bedroom. 

“Sure you don’t.” She says as she pulls Wanda in for a demanding kiss, and you close the door behind you. 

Well, you think to yourself, Natasha might actually end up killing you after all, but at least it’ll be pleasurable for the both of you. 

...

[targaryenmarvel]

Fallin' All In You (Part 6) - Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Summary: You’ve known Wanda Maximoff since you were children. She was the shy and exceptionally beautiful twin sister of your best friend, Pietro. For the most part, you two never interacted, but that changes when against your better judgment, you begin to develop feelings for the girl. 

Warnings: Only cursing for now

Note: Hey, everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I just wanted to share the last chapter of Fallin' All In You. I'm sorry it took so long, but I had a horrible writer's block for the ending. Good news: I'm already working on my next series. I'll share more info soon. Happy reading, everyone!

Word count: 3,162

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

"Y/N," the blonde boy's voice pierced the air, a potent mix of urgency and confusion. He abruptly halted before the temporary fence enclosing the Ferris wheel, his eyes wide in suspicion.

You were frozen in your tracks as his voice hit you like a splash of cold water. At your side, Wanda gently let go of your hand and took a step away, causing a pang of pain in your chest at her sudden distance.

Pietro's eyes danced between you, yet yours remained fixed on the boy. The longer you remained silent, the more suffocating the atmosphere became. Crystal bounced on her feet uncomfortably and could no longer withstand the tension. She loudly clasped her hands together, drawing the attention of the group.

"I'm just gonna head to the restroom. I'll be right back, babe," she announced, awkwardly walking backward. Pietro half-mindedly nodded as he returned his gaze to you and Wanda.

"This is unexpected," he finally said, scratching his head. "I thought you were doing photography with Shuri today," he told Wanda with a quirked eyebrow before addressing you, "You said you were hanging out with Daisy, but instead, I found you here with my sister."

From your side, Wanda shifted, shooting you a questioning look. You internally kicked yourself for not thinking of a better lie than hanging out with another girl.

Wanda twisted her rings, eyes settling on anything but her twin brother. "Piet, I know you're upset. The last thing you expected to see tonight was your sister and best friend together."

Pietro scoffed and violently shook his head. "Is that what you think? Wanda, I've known about you two since before either of you did." The two of you shared a bewildered look, and Pietro released an exasperated sigh. "Sistra, anytime I mentioned Y/N, you'd grow flustered or hide away when she came over." He turned to you with a scrutinizing glare. "And you're no better, Y/N. Third grade, when Wanda shared her favorite color with the class, you suddenly started buying all things red despite blue being your favorite color."

You froze in place, utterly speechless, as his words hit you like a bolt of lightning, leaving you stunned and reeling. Your brain raced as the haze of the childhood memory disappeared at his words, and you suddenly remembered ruining your school supplies so your mother would have to buy you everything in red.

"I would have to be blind not to notice your little interaction while you're on the field. You were throwing lovesick glances at eachother throughout the game, for god's sake." He waved his arms around to make his point.

Your face flushed red, and you stuttered embarrassingly, trying to deny his words, yet you couldn't. Similarly, Wanda shifted in place, her face burning, as she stared at the grass.

"I'm not mad about you being together. In fact, I couldn't think of a better match since I love you both. Which is why I am hurt you were so afraid to tell me." He stopped stepping closer to you as he took a deep breath, calming himself. "It was fun at first watching you scramble around me, but now, are you that scared of me?"

Your heart dropped.

"Don't be mad at Y/N. She wanted to tell you, but I was too scared. You two have been friends since we were kids, and us being together..." She cast her gaze down, wrapping her arms around herself, and continued in a small voice, "If you want to blame anyone, blame me."

For the first time, you opened your mouth. "Wanda, you can't take the blame for a decision we made together. We are both at fault." You pried her hand away from its confinement, securing it as you turned to Pietro. "I'm sorry we kept it from you, Pietro. And no, it wasn't because I was scared of you. I lied because I was afraid of ruining our friendship."

Pietro's face softened at your declaration. "Y/N, unless you plan on hurting Wanda, you will never lose me, and I doubt you would ever do that to her."

"Never," you assured, shaking your head and glancing at Wanda. The young woman stared down bashfully with a tiny smile, and your heart swelled. You said the following words, staring directly at her. "I'm serious about us. I would have never risked our friendship if I wasn't."

"I know, and I'm sorry if I overreacted earlier. It's just you're my baby sister," he said, looking at Wanda.

She rolled her eyes, muttering, "It's only 12 minutes."

Pietro ignored her, turning to you, "And you're my best friend. That fact that you are together doesn't change anything. I still want you to rant to me when she nags you over playing too many video games like she does with me. Or whenever Y/N is being an idiot because we all know how dense she can be. I mean, it took her ages to figure out she liked you."

You turned red, and Wanda snorted, bringing her hand to cover her mouth in a futile attempt to save you from further embarrassment.

"No matter what, both of you can come to me."

Wanda lunged forward into his arms, hiding her face in his neck. He enclosed her in his arms, squeezing her tightly as he gave you a goofy grin.

"Bring it in." He removed one of his arms from Wanda and extended it to you invitingly. In normal circumstances, you would have pushed the boy for subjecting you to the embarrassing public display of affection. Yet the rollercoaster of emotions you endured clouded your judgment, and you soon joined the siblings, wrapping your arms around the two.

Although you could feel a few curious eyes on you and a tinge of self-consciousness, you still wrapped your arms around the two.

"Aw, how cute," Crystal cooed, settling next to you three, effectively ending the moment as you scrambled away from eachother. "Oh, don't stop on my account."

"Anyway, I wanted to ride the Inversion, but Crystal's a chicken," he flinched as she slapped his arm. "Are you down?"

You looked at Wanda, and she nodded. Yes, you were whipped.

"Lead the way."

The four of you made your way to the ride, only separating as you and Pietro got into the line, leaving the girls to wait on the other side.

Wanda and Crystal leaned on the metal railing, observing the spinning contraption in complete silence. Despite their lack of interaction, Wanda felt comfortable with the girl. Wanda had been around many of Pietro's conquests, and although she knew little of Crystal, she seemed different from the frivolous, self-centered girls his brother liked to date. Of course, she was otherworldly beautiful with her flowing strawberry-blonde hair, striking green eyes, and alluring personality: charismatic, confident, intelligent, athletic, but most importantly, kind. No wonder she was popular, and no wonder Pietro had gone after the girl.

Crystal shuffled on her feet while watching the operator open the railing gate, and more people, including you and Pietro, entered the ride.

"You know, when Pietro mentioned Y/N and Daisy were hanging out today, I thought the girl had finally mustered the courage to ask Y/N out," Crystal mused thoughtfully.

Wanda's furrowing face sharply twisted her way. "Ask Y/N out?

"Yeah, everyone knows she's had the biggest crush on her since freshman year, but you beat her to the punch. I'm not disappointed, though. You two make a cute couple," she explained dismissively, not sensing Wanda's distress, before waving to the moving ride. "Oh, there they go!"

She watched as the platform spun, and the two continued in silence. Wanda's mind lingered on the so-called Daisy. Who the hell was this girl who had a crush on you? Why did you tell Pietro you were hanging out? Did you know of her feelings? Wanda's head filled with insecurities like a dark cloud lumming in the sky.

The thoughts continued as you and Pietro rejoined the girls. However, they eased into the back of her mind as you took her hand and flashed her a bright smile—a reminder that she had the privilege of tasting your lips; she was on a date with you, and you wanted her.

Wanda squeezed your hand as the two of you followed Pietro and Crystal to the game stalls after deciding to continue as a group. The two of you teased her brother as he attempted to outsmart the rigged games as if you hadn't faced the same predicament earlier as you tried to impress Wanda.

"Why don't you try hook-a-duck? Maybe you'll have better luck," you playfully suggested as Pietro failed to knock down the entire tower of cans for the third time. Wanda snickered into your shoulder as her brother fixed you with a glare.

"Fuck off, Y/N. ," he said as he handed the boy in charge of the stall more bills. He recoiled his arm, preparing to throw, before an idea crossed his mind. "In fact, why don't you show me how it's done?" he offered, extending the bean bag to you.

You huffed nervously, looking to Wanda for help, as you remembered how you could only knock over a few cans earlier. Wanda had cleared all the cans.

"You should give it a try," she said with a devilish smirk, crushing any hope of evading the challenge. You stared at her in betrayal, eyebrows drawn together and mouth agape. Wanda revealed in your reaction, finding it humorous and equally adorable, so much so that she leaned in to kiss you on the cheek and whispered, "Aim for the bottom middle, detka."

A blushing mess and dazed, you took the bean bag from Pietro and positioned yourself behind the stall. Detka. The word rang through your skull, and you tried to recognize its meaning. For all you knew, she could be calling you an idiot, yet the soft and endearing tone made you think otherwise. You would ask her later, you settled.

You experimentally swung your arm, analyzing the pyramid. The base consisted of four metal cans, and per Wanda's instruction, you were to aim for the second and third. You inhaled deeply before releasing the bean bag in an underhand throw. It hits the second tier's third can, and three crumble, leaving seven remaining. You run your tongue between your lips, irked that you have missed your target, and you readjust your position. You throw again, this time hitting your target. The remaining cans in the second and third tier fall, and they miraculously knock the first can in the fourth tier, leaving only one left.

Wanda cheers you on from behind, and so does Crystal; Pietro complains beside her. "Babe?" He questioned reproachfully, and you stifled a laugh.

You aim the final bean bag at the remaining can, calculating how much strength to use. The bean bag grazes the can, moving slightly but not falling over.

"Fuck," you whisper defeatedly.

"Not so cocky now, huh?" Pietro mused, quirking an eyebrow at you.

"I don't think you have any room to talk, Piet. She still did better than you," Wanda defended, crossing her arms as you returned to her side with your new keychain.

"She's right, babe," Crystal joined in, biting back a laugh when Pietro turned to her with a look of betrayal.

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be. You're going to gang up on me, now?" He scoffed, his eyes jumping between the three of you. "Traitors."

The three of you could no longer contain your laughter at Pietro's antics. Oh, how you had missed him the past few years. Though you chatted frequently, nothing compared to the banter you shared when you were together.

"You're such a drama queen, Piet," you say, wrapping your arm around Wanda's shoulder, who hides a snicker behind her hand.

Pietro turns to respond, but Crystal takes him by the arm, leaning in to kiss his cheek. The boy's face softens, and the bright lighting of the stall allows you to notice a faint redness on his face as he grins, pleased with himself. He had accomplished what he sought: charming Crystal.

Some of you wanted to tease the boy, yet how could you when his sister had you following her like a lost puppy? Her kiss or a simple touch had you melting like ice on a scorching summer day. The evidence came when Wanda turned to you, a radiant smile spread across her face, causing your chest to tighten and leaving you momentarily breathless.

The group of you wandered around the fairgrounds, and before you knew it, it was 9:45 PM. You could feel your body growing tired, your feet aching after so much walking, and you could tell Wanda felt the same way. As your arms circled her waist with your chin resting on her shoulder, you could see her head tilt up and release a long yawn.

When Pietro and Crystal invited you to watch a local band the organizers booked to play, you and Wanda declined in favor of going home. Wanda fell asleep within ten minutes of your journey home, perhaps lulled by the soft voice of Lana del Rey. Unlike the night she had stayed over, you couldn't afford to admire the sleeping girl lest you wish for disaster. Then, you would undoubtedly replace Jarvis for the worst date ever.

You contented yourself by humming to the music and tapping on the steering wheel. When you parked in front of her house, Wanda remained deep in slumber, her chest rising slowly with each breath. How could she become more beautiful each time you look at her?

You reached over, gently rubbing her arm, and Wanda groaned, scrunching her face into a scowl, disgruntled by being disturbed.

"Wake up, sleepy head. We're here," you said, biting back a laugh.

Her eyes snapped open at your words, embarrassment washing over her face.

"Sorry," Wanda said, rubbing at her eyes.

Your lips twitch upwards, arching a singular eyebrow. "What for?"

"I fell asleep."

"I don't mind. In fact, I immensely enjoyed the little nose scrunch you do when sleeping. It's cute," you teased, recalling the small detail from the one time you risked a glance.

"Oh, god, stop," Wanda grumbled into her hands.

You hummed, your teeth grasping your lower lip, lost in deep contemplation.

"I don't think I will. I like making you blush. It makes you even more adorable," you stated matter-of-factly.

"Is that so? How about you then? You were red as a tomato when Pietro exposed you. Hmm, buy everything red because it's my crush's favorite color."

You opened your mouth to counter, yet nothing came out. She had you.

"Touche," you said.

"Oh, let's not forget all the staring you do. Just so you know, I have noticed. I preferred not to call you out, but why not since we are discussing what's adorable? Definitely adorable, don't you think?"

"I invoke the fifth," you said with a pout, glad for the lack of lighting, which concealed your burning face.

Wanda reveled in her victory with a knowing smirk. She would have happily continued her teasing were it not for a yawn that reminded her of her fatigue.

"I should get going," she signed.

"Okay," you agreed reluctantly, knowing you could talk to her for hours. However, you would not prevent her from getting her much-needed sleep.

Wanda moved to grab the door handle, but you stopped her.

"Let me," you said, rushing out to her side of the car to open the door. "Oh, let's not forget this."

You opened the back door, retrieving the bear you had gifted her. You then accompanied her to her front door, where you both lingered, trying to prolong the moment.

"Thank you for today. It was fun." Wanda wrapped her arms around herself, shielding herself from the light night breeze.

"Best date you've had, right," you remind, and Wanda rolled her eyes with a smile tugging at her lips.

"So far," she countered before giving you a chaste kiss. "Goodnight, Y/N." She turned to leave, but you reached out, grasping her elbow, fueled by the sudden kiss, to ask something you had been dying to.

"Wait," you drew out the word, heart hammering in your chest. "I was waiting to ask you because I wanted to do it right. You know, after we told Pietro—not that I need his permission or anything," you fumbled, scratching the back of your neck. Wanda watched, amused yet curious.

"Anyway," you said, taking her hands into yours and looking straight into her forest-green eyes. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Wanda remained still, processing your words. For a moment, you thought she would reject you, telling you it was too early to commit in such a way. Then, something shifted, and you noticed the unmistakable twinkle in her eyes, reflecting pure happiness. Her wide grin stretched from ear to ear, revealing a set of radiant, pearly white teeth. Her answer came in one word.

"Yes."

"Yes?" you questioned, unbelieving eyes switching her own to her lips as you pulled her closer.

She only nodded, closing the gap. Your lips locked together, fitting like puzzle pieces in a gentle kiss. You quiver under her delicate hands as they settle on the curve of your jaw. Your hands found a home on her waist, pulling her closer and sealing any gap that remained between your bodies. Your lips moved gracefully and in perfect sync in a kiss of pure tenderness and devotion. There was no rush as you parted with a gasp, searching her face and finding her swollen red lips gaping for air and unbridled affection in her green eyes.

The mesmerizing sight ignited a surge of emotion as you retook her lips with intensified passion, causing your teeth to collide in a fierce kiss. Your surroundings disappeared, unconcerned by being discovered by the neighbors or Wanda's mother. You could only think of Wanda, the warmth of her body, and the hunger with which she returned your kiss. You felt your body ascend as you bit down on her bottom lip, and she moaned.

The kiss and the day's events quickly overwhelmed Wanda with emotion, from cracking jokes or intentionally making a fool of yourself just to make her laugh to the heartwarming way you had gifted her your skeeball prize—the same one she had dropped in favor of grasping your jaw. She would have to take better care of the bear. Even being discovered by Pietro had ended pleasingly. Everything had been perfect—everything except...

Wanda suddenly pulled away, lips smacking from the action. The brunette arched an eyebrow and tilted her head to the side in the menacing manner you loved. Although confused by the action, it only made you want to kiss her more. It was only her following words that stopped you.

"Who the hell is Daisy, and why did Pietro think you were out with her today?"

You chuckled nervously, looking at anything but the brunette. You were so in trouble.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

A/N: Thank you to all who have read this story and liked, commented on, or reblogged it. I was hesitant to share my writing, but your support has given me the confidence to continue posting my work. Hopefully, you'll like what I have planned next!

Taglist: @alexawynters

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Let's Talk About That

Our love's misaligned 'cause you're on my mind every night (9)

Psychiatrist!Avenger!fem!Reader x Wanda Maximoff

Summary: What is to be the fate of the one with the power stone?

Word Count: 1.9K

Warning: Angst, violence, gore, medical procedures, medical talk, emotional distress

A/N: Thank you for being patient with me and now it's time for the final chapter

Before our descent into Wakanda, about half an hour out, Wanda roused you from your slumber, causing you to jolt awake with your purple magic instinctively surging in defense. "Y/N, it's just me. You're safe," she reassured you as you struggled to catch your breath, your magic fading away as quickly as it had emerged.

"Sorry, Wands..." you muttered, rubbing your temples. "Ughhhhh... Never let me do that again... My head's all fuzzy, and my dreams felt too real." Wanda's touch on your cheek brought you back to the present, her expression softening with concern.

"Okay. I won't. Time to get you ready. Suit up," she instructed before standing up and leaving the room. You sighed, looking down at your costume, feeling the weight of our impending mission settling upon you as you reluctantly donned it.

A knock at the door interrupted your thoughts, and Tasha's voice followed. "Hey, it's me. Can I come in?" she asked. You welcomed her inside with a nod, using your magic to open the door as she entered, a smile lighting up her face.

"Have I ever told you how hot you look in your outfit?" Tasha teased, walking over to sit on your lap.

"Yeah, but you could stand to mention it more," You smirked, leaning in to meet her kiss with passion and love, allowing yourself to lose yourself in her embrace as if it were your last moment together.

==================

Vision and you walked flanking Wanda, each on one side of her. Her arm rested on Vision's lower back, her hand on your side holding your hand. You tried to keep your grip gentle as the three of you made your way to the Wakandan medical center. The advanced technology on display was unlike anything you had seen before, a testament to the hidden marvels within Wakanda.

In the medical center, Vision and you were laid on separate beds, subjected to examinations utilizing technology beyond even your comprehension. Shuri, T'Challa's brilliant younger sister, took the lead in explaining our unique situations.

"Their structures are polymorphic," Shuri observed. "For Vision, we had to attach each neuron non-sequentially. For Y/N, the power stone seemed to do that on its own, attaching itself in such a way to sustain itself, since the stone appeared to seek her out specifically."

Shuri directed a question towards Bruce, "Why didn't you just reprogram the synapses to work collectively?"

Bruce, admitting the oversight, replied sheepishly, "Because we didn't think of it."

Your chuckle was abruptly cut off by a sharp look and a whack from Wanda. The room shifted to serious discussion as Shuri addressed the matter at hand.

"Can you do it?" Wanda asked about Vision's procedure.

"Yes, but there are more than two trillion neurons here. One misalignment could cause a cascade of circuit failures. It will take time, brother," Shuri responded.

"How long?" Cap inquired.

"As long as you can give me," she stated.

Concerned about your own fate, you tentatively asked, "What about me?"

Shuri explained, "For you, one of our top cardiac surgeons will be overseeing your procedure."

Feeling a wave of numbness, you sat up, biting your lip, leaning against Natasha for support. This stone has been a part of you for years now. You feel like you’re going to loose a huge part of who you are. Wanda's hand squeezed your thigh, her voice in your head reassuring you. She had read your thoughts.

"That's not true," she insisted. "Even without the super strength or some of the abilities, you can still see auras and emotions. You can give and take those things, still help people. Your voice can soothe or shatter eardrums at will. You are so much more than this." Her hand touched the stone, and you placed yours over hers.

"Thank you, Wanda," You whispered, offering her a small but appreciative smile for her comforting words.

Lying on the operating table during open-heart surgery was an experience you wouldn't wish upon anyone. The knowledge that you needed to be conscious in case of emergency was little comfort as the procedure unfolded. The sterile surroundings and the hushed voices of the medical team did little to ease your nerves.

As the surgeons began to cut you open, you couldn't feel the incision, but the sound of the instruments slicing through flesh sent shivers down your spine. It was a surreal sensation, knowing that your body was being operated on while you remained awake and alert.

The worst part came when they began to remove the tendrils of the stone that had wrapped themselves around your heart and lungs. The sickening sound of sinews being torn away made your stomach churn, and you felt every jolt and tug as they detached from your organs. Each movement seemed to reverberate through your body, leaving you feeling nauseous and disoriented.

Despite the discomfort, you forced yourself to remain still, knowing that any sudden movement could jeopardize the delicate procedure. So you lay there, trying to focus on your breathing and block out the unpleasant sounds and sensations, praying that it would all be over soon.

As the doctor informed you that we were nearing the end of the surgery, your attention shifted to Wanda, who was making her way towards the windows. The distant sounds of battle outside served as a stark reminder of the chaos unfolding beyond the confines of the medical facility.

Wanda rushed over to Vision first, her actions filled with urgency and determination. She clasped his hand and pressed a tender kiss to it before turning her attention to you. Confusion filled your mind as you watched her approach, uncertain of her intentions.

"What are you doing?" You asked, your voice betraying the worry that gnawed at your insides.

"I have to go help them," she replied, her gaze flickering with determination.

"No, Wanda, you can't," You pleaded, desperation lacing your words. You couldn't bear the thought of her leaving you alone, especially in your vulnerable state.

But Wanda's resolve remained unwavering as she leaned down to kiss your forehead, her touch soothing yet filled with determination.

"I'm going to keep you safe," she whispered softly before hastily leaving the room.

Left behind in the sterile silence of the medical facility, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over you. Wanda's absence left a gaping void, and the weight of uncertainty pressed down on you as you awaited the outcome of the battle raging outside.

No sooner had Wanda left one of the aliens you had fought earlier reappeared, its presence sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through you. Without hesitation, you slapped your hand back over the stone, returning it to its rightful place, despite the agony that shot through your body. The wound slowly began to heal, the tendrils once again enveloping your heart and lungs.

"Ready for round two, big boy?" you snarled at the alien, your voice laced with defiance and determination. A flicker of fear passed through its eyes as you rose to your feet, your fists clenched and ready for battle.

"Shuri, keep working on Vision. I can handle this," you called back over your shoulder, your focus solely on the adversary before you. With a powerful push off the ground, you lunged forward, your fist connecting with its face with a resounding impact, sending it hurtling through the air once again.

As the alien staggered, you wasted no time in following up, launching yourself into the air and delivering a double hammer fist that sent us crashing down to the ground below. The force of the impact reverberated through your bones, but you gritted your teeth and pushed through the pain, knowing that you had to protect your friends and allies at all costs.

As the two of you spun and grappled amidst the trees, the alien managed to get hold of your stone, sending a jolt of agony through you that momentarily stunned your senses. Before you could react, it kicked me back with tremendous force, sending you sprawling to the ground.

You scrambled to regain your footing, but before you could fully recover, a colossal alien loomed over you, wielding a giant axe with deadly intent. With lightning speed, it brought the weapon down, and you barely had time to react before the blade struck you with brutal force.

Agony exploded through your side as the axe punctured your flesh, sending searing pain radiating through every nerve in your body. With a sharp gasp, you clutched at the wound, desperately trying to keep your insides from spilling out as darkness threatened to engulf your vision.

Wanda came flying down as your body began to heal itself. “Are you okay?” She asked concern evident in her voice and on her features as she reached you. Her hand flying to meet yours that covered your wound while the other held your cheek.

Searing pain ripped through you as your body tried to cinch itself back together. Your stone glowing bright purple in its efforts of putting it’s host back together. Then another wave of pain hits as your chest tightens up. The alien sinews of the power stone clenching up around your heart and lungs. Breathing feeling impossible.

“What? What is it love?” The fear for your safety evident in her voice. You looked around frantic until your eyes met hers.

“He’s here.” You managed out through labored short breaths. Everything felt still for a moment.

Wanda stood up, readying her powers, a red scarlet orb in between her hands. As your body healed enough that you no longer needed to hold it you stood up. Gripping her arm as she looked back at you.

“Together.” You asked, searching those sea glass eyes you’d fallen in love with the moment you looked into them.

“Together. Always.” She responded. Vision flew down beside you two. The mind stone no longer on his forehead.

“Is it destroyed?” You ask.

“Yes. Shuri took care of it.” A sigh of relief comes from both you and Wanda as Thanos appears before the three of you.

As your other teammates fought along side of you none of them were a match until he got to you and Wanda. You had him on his tails until he used the time stone to move backwards just enough to grab the mind stone from Shuri before it could be destroyed and then your stone. Picking you up by your neck and tearing it out of your chest.

Nothing could have prepared you for that. Your body unprepared as the tendrils pull and snap away. A crater left in your chest as you struggle to breath and stay conscious. Wanda holding you and begging as tears fell from her eyes and onto you.

“Please Y/N...please don’t leave me. I’m so sorry for everything that happened. I’m sorry I left you. I’m sorry I never let you explain it. Please don’t leave me like this. Please stay with me. I’ll make everything right I swear, I promise you.” Her voice is cracking and you can faintly see Natasha behind her. You can feel the smile come up on your lips though you don’t feel your hand reach up and touch her cheek. Brushing away a stray tear from her cheek.

“I’ll love you till the day that I die.”

The words sound like you’re underwater and the world around you starts to shrink as white invades your vision and your hearing starts to go.

[fandomnerd9602]

Comfort Food

Avengers High series (High School AU)

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Before you ever started dating the most popular and beautiful girl at Avengers High, your heart was chasing a girl in your science class: Shuri.

Wanda Maximoff was the most popular girl at Avengers High and she saw you as her closest and best friend. You enjoyed her company and watching Harry Potter movies with her. You did love her and wished that there could be something more there but she was popular and you were a STEM nerd.

So you redirected your focus to a fellow STEM student and good friend Shuri. She was funny and sweet. You could see going on a date or two with her. Her laugh and smile always brightened your day, not as much as Wanda.

It all came to a head one day when you approached Shuri with a little metal sculpture of a Wakandan herb flower. You knew Shuri loved them and worked all night to make it for her.

Any way you approached Shuri and she was absolutely floored by your little sculpture.

“It’s looks so spot on!” She giggled.

“I-I made it for you” you managed to say thru your blushing. “Shuri, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to- to go out with me sometime.”

Instantly her smile dropped. Not exactly the reaction you were hoping for. Her eyes filled with…pity.

“I-I’m sorry (Y/N)” Shuri tried to apologize, “you’re a good friend and all but…I-I do not view you in such a way. I’m sorry”

Your heart shattered. You manages to maintain your composure but inside your heart was breaking in ways you never thought possible.

“That’s fine,” you manage to say, “it’s good. I’m sorry.”

You managed to make it to the door and bolted out. You were lucky the school bell ring, signaling the end of another day but also a salvation of an excuse to leave.

You ran all the way across campus and nearly ran into Wanda and her clique of friends.

“Why the rush, Hufflepuff?” She manage to ask with a giggle. You didn’t answer, tears were already streaming down your face.

“(Y/N)?!” Wanda looked at you concerned. “What’s wrong? Who hurt you?!”

You ran all the way home and collapsed into your bed. You laid there in your bed for the next few hours. But time just felt irrelevant.

A few tears streamed but mostly your felt like you could only kick yourself. How much of a fool you felt. Of course she couldn’t like you in such a way. Your inner monologue filled your head with words of doubt and hurt, feelings of never being able to be loved. Who could ever love you?

And then came a knock. It wasn’t at your door. You tried to ignore it. Then came another. You turned to see Wanda at your window, a small pizza box in her arms.

“Hey Hufflepuff” she smiles, “want some pizza? I mugged a fellow Slytherin for it but-“

You rolled your eyes at her terrible joke. For being such a popular girl, Wanda still had the worst jokes you could imagine.

You opened your window and your best friend slipped right in, comfort food in hand. Wanda flipped on one of the Harry Potter movies and handed you a slice of pizza. Didn’t take long for you and her to scarf down that delicious meal fit for witches and wizards in no time.

“So…are you ready to talk?” Wanda asked you, a little concerned.

“I tried to ask out Shuri-“ you began to say.

“Ooh look at you” Wanda shocked you playfully.

“She turned me down.” You whispered. “Only saw me as a friend”

“Oh…” Wanda’s thumb moved gently across your knuckles. “Her loss”

“Her loss?” You asked.

“Yeah. You’re amazing. And sweet. And kind. Any girl would be lucky to have you in her life.” Your best friend tried to make you feel better. “I’m lucky to have you in my life”

“I’m lucky to have you too, Slytherin” you gave her a side hug.

“Cmon,” she settled onto your bed, “Quidditch is starting and I don’t want to miss it!”

You settled in, next to her. Over the hours, Wanda’s position shifted. From next to you to in your arms. Not that you or her noticed. You both had dozed off after movie three.

Pietro tried to come by to pick his sister up but he only smiled and left you be. He reassured your parents and his own that there was no funny business there. Just two Potterheads who fell asleep.

You and Wanda look back on that night in the coming years. Didn’t take long really for you and her to become a couple. By the time you and Wanda got to college, you completely forgot about Shuri. Your heart had already found its place: with the young witch named Wanda Maximoff, your best friend. And it all it took was a broken heart and a little bit of comfort food.

Tags: @natashaswife4125 @jacelion @lifespectator @aloneodi @supercorpdanbeau @scarletquake-n7 @family-house-of-m @holiday-house-of-m @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @russianredassassin @mostlymarvelsstuff @ma1egamer

[saintwrld]

Money and Love

pairing: shuri x black fem!reader

theme: Daddy Panther meets her lovely sugar baby.

summary: as if life wasn't rainbows and butterflies enough for you, it just got a little more complicated. you try to survive but a certain panther graciously offers her hand to you.

warnings: lots of brand names bc i can, innocent!reader,  panther!shuri, reader's protective and toxic parents, possessive!shuri, cocky!shuri, slight smut, thigh riding, praise kink (from Shuri)

word count: 8.7k words (just walk with me y’all)

translations: sthandwa - love, entle - pretty/beautiful, nkosazana - princess

saints's notes: hello everyone! the lovely @playgurlxoxo came up with this amazinggggg idea so i decided to attempt it 🤭. This is for my people who love a good sugar daddy/sugar baby trope so I hope i reach some people standards. also, can you tell that i love wizkid? no? great!

hope you enjoy!

edit: it took me WEEKS to finish it so y'all better like it! also if there are typos, ignore them!!

taglist: @taiiunknown , @playgurlxoxo, @abenomeiiii, @pinkwright, @verachii, @vampzxi, @izrinmabel1 , @marsology, @inmyheadimobsessed , @heejayy , @prettymrswright , @pantherheart, @sapphicvqmpires, @sariiwritingg, @mbakuetshurisprincess, @zayswriting.

Picking at the warm vegetables on your plate with the food, you listened to your parents converse about your study timetable and how it would need to be adjusted now that your aunt is coming to visit soon.

"I'm telling ya, her grades will be intact whether Melissa is here or not. What you do need to control is your raggedy little sister and she's going to behave in my house. My daughter will graduate from that university with my money in the bank." Your father snapped at your mother the moment she mentioned her younger sister.

Looking at the ticking clock on the wall and seeing the hands hit 2:45. Growing up, that would be your three hour warning mark to finish up any homework and take your ass right to bed to wake up at the crack of dawn because your father wanted you to study. Your friends were your books and maybe your two neighbours, Leilani and Justine.

"I told you, Marcus. You better respect my sister when she gets here. You acting like you the only person contributing money into this home. I work too damn hard to not be given credit." Your mother scoffed, stuffing a mini potato in her mouth as she rolled her eyes at your dad.

He simply sighed, looking at you with the same anger that he held for your mother. The moment you were born, he knew you would inherit everything from your mom and he loathed that. Your mom never told him that she was having a girl and that only pushed him to raise you to be his carbon copy with smarts and it confused you as a child. You cooped yourself up and became 'their precious little angel', staying away from everything the normal kids were doing.

I mean, you only got a phone after your 18th birthday and it only stopped being monitored months ago, giving you freedom to try and find yourself. However, you never gave yourself a chance to explore your personality. You even do college online because of what your parents taught you which is to stay away from people because they all have bad intentions.

"Y/n, take that phone of yours and go outside to take a walk. We need this to be a conversation for grown people." He ordered, immediately making you stand up and take your plate to clean it up. After stepping out of the kitchen, you quickly walked to your room to get changed. Looking at your reflection in the mirror, you looked pretty decent with a light pink knit sweater with a pair of jeans with air force ones.

Heading to the front door, you heard your mother's booming voice from the dining room. "Don't go anywhere near some boys. You already look like a target for them." Rolling your eyes, you took the spare house keys and slammed the door shut as you stood on the porch. You could hear the complaints from your parents but you could care less about anything they have to say.

Your current mood was caused by a realisation you had earlier. You have no money neither do you have any financial freedom. There are things you wish you could do but you knew your parents held you back but they're right, the world wasn't a safe place even if they are superheros protecting the universe.

Shaking your head out of your thoughts, you gently knocked on the oakwood door, feeling your hands trembling. As the door opened, her deep ginger hair peeked through the door and a grin was painted her face as she recognised who was at her doorstep.

"Hey neighbour!" Your good friend and neighbour Leilani, greeted you enthusiastically with her arms open, ready to hug you. You accepted the hug and let go once she invited you inside her home.

"Hey Lei..."  You trailed off, admiring her house. It was the complete opposite of what yours was because of the multiple plants adorning her walls and windows along with the vibrant colours of her furniture and how different objects were shaped differently, definitely reflecting her calm yet energetic nature.

Seeing them stop in their tracks in their emerald green kitchen, she turned back to face you with a concerned look on their face. "Nope, I will not allow you to be sad in my house. What's wrong?" Lani ran back to your side and gestured for you to sit on the large couch facing the huge tv.

"It's just," you started, plopping down on the soft couch. "I feel so...weird. People my age are doing things that would put my parents in a coma. I understand why they do what they do but it would be nice to do something for myself for once, y'know?" You whined. All your friend did was nod.

"Look, you probably don't wanna hear this but you need to start doing shit for yourself." She replied, seeing you physically cringe at the curse word. "This friendship is the most independent thing you have going for you. Hell, you even do college online because they asked you to." Leilani turned to face you completely.

"My question to you is what do you want for yourself? And don't even think of mentioning your weird ass parents." She commented, making you cut your eyes at her at the subtle insult directed to your parents.

What do you actually want for yourself? First thing that comes to your mind is freedom but you couldn't betray your parents like that. They sacrificed so much for you but if you think about clearly, the insults and bullying from them was unnecessary because you did everything they asked of you. You couldn't go to school because they wanted you to stay home. You couldn't find your own fashion sense because they claimed it was that of whorish behaviour when behind their backs, you gawked at the gorgeous women who were independent and rich on the one app you were allowed to have, Pinterest.

You envied those women. You hated how they could dress freely as they wanted to, you hated how they spent their money on beautiful bags, vacations and diamonds. You hated the smiles on their faces when holding the expensive bag with the shortest mini skirt on. You hated how you wanted to be just like them. You wanted to be a luxurious babe who had as many shoes as there were diamonds on her cuban link.

And oh, how you wanted to be loved. How you want to show off the flowers you had randomly gotten from your significant other. How you wanted to film your reaction to receiving your dream car. How you wanted to keep your relationship private from the world. And most definitely how you wanted to be treated like a princess both physically and sexually. You knew you had no experience in anything involving things that were in the bedroom. The only way you could express such was reading erotic books in the library far from home but then again, you couldn't bring yourself to read past kisses.

You wanted to be rich. You wanted to be loved. You wanted to be happy. You wanted to be free.

You just didn't know where to start.

"I want to do whatever I want." You answered, seeing a smile spread across Leilani's face. She motioned her hand for you to continue. "I want to be able to go out and be social. I wanna form friendships and relationships. I want to be free, Lani." You expressed, feeling tears prick your eyes at the realisation of your dreams.

Leilani stood up and reached her hand out to you. "Wanna start now?" She smirked. Your small smile dropped from your face along with your shoulders.

"I can't," You hesitated. "I don't have anything. They took my whole allowance and put it in my dad's pocket to go towards the church." You explained. Lani's smile widened even more. She took out her phone to text someone. "That's okay, Justine and I have been waiting for this day."

"Waiting? What are you talking about?" You said, still sitting. You were too scared to stand around in people's houses, your parents said it was rude.

"We are taking you to rebel against your parents. Just give them a bit of a heart attack when we get back." She smirked, aggressively typing her phone. You couldn't even respond because you were so shocked. Justine and Leilani were the wildest people you knew, constantly experimenting with tattoos, piercings and all sorts of clothing.

Maybe this is what you needed in order to start your journey into freedom.

-

The sun was beaming in your face as you sat in the passenger seat of Justine's car, driving down roads that had shops you'd only dreamt of buying from. The bass of the music had the windows slightly vibrating and your two friends sang along loudly to some rappers who you obviously weren't familiar with. Drake and 21 something. Yeah, that sounded about right.

You couldn't help but bop your head along as the beat of the song was hitting against your chest, the melody slowly becoming one of your favourite sounds.

As the song was coming to an end, Justine lowered the volume. "How you feel about piercings?" She questioned, coming to a halt at the red light. You turned your head to show her the frightened look on your face when you heard what sounded like revving from the car next door. Looking at it from your side, it looked matte black with tinted windows. However, you couldn't tell what it was because Justine was fangirling over it.

Slumping back in your seat as it sped away, your friends started discussing it. "Ayo, wasn't that a Mansory?!" Leilani exclaimed from the back seat. "I just know that shit cost a good couple millions." Justine smiled and sped up a little to catch up with the car but it was too far. Holding on to the handle on the car and gripping onto the seatbelt felt like the safest thing to do.

"Man, I love doing that. Anyway, y/n. You ain't answer the question." Justine changed the topic so quickly, you couldn't feel yourself nod, seeing the wide smiles on their faces.

Parallel parking her car in a few seconds seemed effortless as Justine parked in front of a edgy looking parlour, 'V's Secret'. "Okay! Now y/n, remember to enjoy yourself. It's okay to be nervous and if you need anything, just call us. Just don't forget what we discussed." Lani said, leaning forward and looking at me. I nodded and took a deep breath.

"Uh thanks guys. I guess I-i'll see you guys later." You stuttered, clutching onto the small purse Leilani gave you since you didn't have any and you were too scared to go back home anyway so you just agreed to go with your friends.

You got out the car and waved to your overly excited friends who slowly drove off as they watched you step onto the pavement. This would be your first step into your new life, one that wouldn't be controlled by your parents. You surprisingly agreed to their plan of roaming around and window shop, getting food by yourself and anything else you could do with the money they had given you to 'jumpstart your new life' as they said.

Eventually facing the tattoo and piercing shop and taking another deep breath, you enter with fake confidence, gaining the courage to speak to someone, anyone than your friends and parents.

-

Exiting the shop, you wiped the last of your tears as you held a smile on your face. Grabbing your old, barely functioning phone from the purse, you looked at yourself and admired your nose piercing. It may have been small but you absolutely loved it. So much so that you hadn't been paying attention to where you were going. As if time was slowing down, you collided with someone else and watched your phone fall out of your hands, falling apart as it hit the floor.

Muttering out a few apologies, you kneeled down to collect your absolutely destroyed phone and saw a tattooed and ring-clad hand enter your vision. Looking to the side of the hand, you could see a bright orange bag with blue straps, with you immediately recognising it as 'Louis Vuitton'.

You couldn't pinpoint where you had seen the tattoos on the person's hand but they seemed extremely familiar. "No, please forgive me. I wasn't focused." A low, slightly deep accented voice assured. The accent. It all started to click for you on who exactly you bumped into. Lifting your head to look at the woman, you internally freaked out.

Queen Shuri of Wakanda. The Black Panther was in your presence, helping you. This is the same woman who you had to do an extensive project on in order to get the highest grade for your class. This was the woman who you were incredibly intimidated by whenever she would make eye contact with the camera whenever you were watching her interviews. This was one of the wealthiest and smartest people on earth. She was also what your peers would call your 'gay awakening'. She was one of the most powerful people in the world and she's helping you.

She stood up at the same time as you and the height difference was evident as she towered over you. Looking at the hand extended to you held your phone, it was definitely not going to work after that fall. Still holding an apologetic look on her face, Shuri covered the phone with her hand and held eye contact with you.

"Again, I feel absolutely terrible. Do you mind if we could go replace it?" Shuri suggested. Finally snapping out of it, you furrowed your eyebrows. "O-oh I can't make you do that. I-it's okay, Your Majesty." You hesitated to decline. From the minimal reports you had on the woman in front of you, you knew she didn't take no for an answer.

Her eyes slightly lowered and she tilted her head a little, still keeping the eye contact. You couldn't even feel her taking the phone from your hand. "I insist." She smirked and you felt a drop in your stomach as you could see a glimpse of something  gold resting on her teeth.

"Okay." You whispered as she nodded and held your hand in one hand and the LV bag in the other. She began walking slowly in order for you to match her pace. "If I may ask, what is your name?" She spoke up as she still held your hand. She knew very well that people could see her and immediately recognise her but no one dared to question it.

Giving yourself a chance to observe her, you noticed that she wore a black compression shirt with black cargos paired with sneakers that looked to be from Nike. The cuban link rested on her collarbones shone brightly as the sun reflected on the diamonds. Her earrings were matching with the beaded bracelet on her wrist and on the other sat a silver and gold watch with a dark green face.

"It's Y/n, Your Majesty." You muttered, feeling the eyes on you as you walked with Shuri. You two looked completely different from each other and you knew that. She looked powerful, holding her head high and not being bothered by the stares but you, however, were an anxious mess. Today was going to be simple with you just doing one or two things that were out of your comfort zone but to be walking with royalty was just out of this world.

If your parents caught wind of this, you would be in trouble. Worse than what you could ever imagine.

Seeing Shuri slow down her pace made you halt your steps as you stopped by a car. A car that you somewhat recognised as the one that Justine and Leilani were screaming over. It was truly beautiful when it's parked in front of you. The sharp edges of the design fit Shuri and her current vibe. The car was huge and looked expensive. Shuri watched as you gawked at the car, fascinated by you. The sense of innocence you carried and how you had spoken to her as if you had feared her.

She did not want you to be afraid of her and her status however the innocent look in your eyes sparked something within her. How she wanted to protect you and keep you all to herself because the world would be far too cruel to you. The way you just are boosts her ego to a level she didn't even know existed. She wanted to spoil you with all the money she had. She couldn't get you to be with her yet so she'd lure you in with something that clearly caught your attention very quickly: money.

She unlocked the car and immediately opened the car door for you to which you thanked her as you entered the car that smelt like heaven. The scents of vanilla, sandalwood and a hint of chocolate hit your nose in the most pleasant way. Looking at the rest of the car, you noticed that the stitching on the seats was yellow with the logo replaced with a panther and there were stars on the roof. The dash of the car was black with a hints that you're inside a Lamborghini. Not just any, a customised version for the queen of Wakanda.

She entered the car very quietly, making sure to not startle you during your observation. You watched as her tattooed hand lifted the lever and press 'start', hearing the car roar as she got ready to drive, fastening her seatbelt and her reaching over to fasten yours. Her face was inches away from yours, smelling her perfume and looking at her neck tattoos, drove you crazy. The same feeling you had when you looked at her the first time definitely increased because of her kind gesture. You unconsciously clenched your thighs together, seeing her subtly smirk at you.

"Your name is beautiful. May I apologise once again for your phone." Shuri mentioned, seeing you shake your head in disagreement. "Seriously, there's no need to. I was at fault mostly because I wasn't looking, Panther." You assured, immediately slapping your hand over your mouth as you looked away from her.

Panther?! Why did you call her that?!

"So I'm guessing we're on nickname basis already? I haven't even gotten the chance to introduce myself, sthandwa." She teased, turning the steering wheel to finally drive into the main road. "I-I know that." You muttered making the woman next to you chuckle.

"Can I?" She asked, with you immediately nodding your head. She took note of your eagerness around her. How cute.

"I'm Queen Shuri of Wakanda and also the Black Panther. Do you mind telling me about yourself?" She suggested to which you turned to face her. How were you going to do this? You couldn't reveal your entire life story to her but then again, she's the only person you've met outside of your neighbourhood. You felt protected with Shuri.

"I'm..y/n and I'm a broke college student who just recently got a nose piercing." You said and she looked at you. Looking into your eyes then nose then lips and back to your eyes again. "The piercing suits you." She complimented you and you couldn't help but blush at her words. "Thank you." You whispered as you hid behind your sweater paw.

As if time sped up, the car had stopped and Shuri was climbing out of it to open the door for you once again. You looked at your surroundings once you stepped outside and it was the Apple Store. Knowing how expensive the phones and accessories were, you immediately turned to plead with Shuri to not enter but she gave you a look, lowered eyes with a teasing smile that definitely shut you up.

Walking into the store, you noticed it was empty with employees standing around, gawking at the two of you. Shuri stopped at a particular table with the latest phones on display. Looking at her confused, she pointed to the phones. "Choose the one you want, entle." She smirked. You shook your head slightly, placing your hand on hers. "Shuri, I can't. This is too expensive-"

"I don't take no for an answer, nkosazana. Please, be my guest and choose other things if you want." She looked around the shop and you saw how the workers literally looked away if she faced them. As you looked back at the phones, Shuri went to the employees to introduce herself to every single one of them, displaying her kindness. As much as she has power, she would never want anyone to be scared of her.

-

Tapping her Kimoyo beads onto the machine and hearing a ping, the employee bagged up your items and gave them to you as Shuri gave you a smile, displaying her grillz. Holding your hand as you two walked out of the store, she greeted everyone goodbye to which they responded back enthusiastically.

You placed the bag in the back seat and entered the passenger seat once again. You felt hot. You kept fanning yourself and using your sweater as a fan. You knew it was because of Shuri. The way she spoke to the employees, the way she held your waist when you had wandered to get a cheaper phone but she wouldn't allow it, wanting you to have what you desired. The way she smiled at you when she was talking to other people. The look she gave you when you thanked her as they rang up your items.

She started driving towards the direction of where you met her. "Would you like a change of clothes? I noticed it in the store." She smiled. "I couldn't possibly do that to you. What you spent on me is more than enough and I'm forever grateful." You gestured to the bag sitting in the backseat.

"Y/n. I truly don't mind doing it all over again. Is that okay with you, sthandwa?" She turned to face you as she stopped at a red light, lifting your chin slightly with a finger. Looking into her eyes, you could tell she was serious.

You pondered over what she just said to you. "So, you are suggesting that you wanna continue spending money on me? Why?" You questioned and she gave a cheeky smile.

"Why not?" She responded and continued driving. You slouched down into the passenger seat in disbelief. Was this going to get you in trouble? Looking at Shuri for some sort of clarification that this is actually happening, you noticed the way she drove. Effortlessly driving with one hand whilst the other is relaxed, ready to shift the Lamborghini into sport mode and in that moment, it made your attraction to her more obvious even though you thought you were being discreet.

Your increased heartbeat heightened her panther senses greatly. Shuri could see you shyly turn away from her whenever she made eye contact with you and she definitely saw the way your face brightened up every time you would see stores like Gucci or Chanel as you two drove past them.

"But.." You sighed, not sure whether to say anything to Shuri or not but there was a sense of comfort you felt with her and it urged you to tell her. It was also for your own good as you kept thinking back to your parents and what they would think of your actions.

"Mhm?" She hummed.

"It's just that...my parents aren't very..nice people. They won't accept any of this, they don't even want me going outside the house! How am I gonna hide these gifts? Oh my goodness, how am I gonna get home?!" You panicked. You've said too much and now, Shuri's going to judge you. Your parents always warned you about talking too much.

You tried breathing in and out, trying to calm your mind clouded with negative thoughts, insults your mom would hurl at you for easily getting into someone's car and how your father would lock you inside your room for even staying out this long.

You had been so out of it, you didn't realise that Shuri had stopped the car on the side of the road and was on your side of the car in seconds. She opened your car door and immediately held your face in her hands. "Hey hey, it's okay, it's okay." Shuri whispered as she tried to look into your eyes which were flowing with tears. You wrapped your arms around her neck as you melted into her touch. Shuri's scent had filled your nose, easing your nerves as your tears slowed down.

"Please look at me, entle." She pleaded. Lifting your head with embarrassment, you looked into her beautiful dark eyes that held sincerity and..adoration. "How about this? Let's go shopping for anything you want. Would that make you happy?" Shuri suggested and you looked at her with wide eyes again.

"You would do that for me?" You asked and you swore you saw Shuri's eyes darken as she stared into yours. "In a heartbeat, sthandwa." And that right there confirmed that you were now her sugar baby.

-

Stumbling onto Leilani's porch with multiple shopping bags, you knocked and waited for your neighbour to answer her door. Shuri was standing next to you, hoping to help you inside. The pretty Lamborghini was sitting in front of Leilani's house to not get you in trouble which you were most definitely in.

Looking over at your home, you noticed the lights were still on but you kept seeing figures in your room. It was probably your parents doing an 'inspection' as they call it where they check for anything that seems out of your character, such as you writing anything other than school work or even a fictional book.

Even though Shuri tried her best to calm you down throughout the day, you couldn't help but panic. You disrespected your parents. You completely disobeyed them and you knew you were in for it. They would most likely lock you up in your room however, there was a part of you that didn't care. You were happy. Even if this was the only day you would ever be free, you got to spend it with Shuri who you were forever grateful for.

Oh, Shuri. You trusted her with everything you had. How you finally voiced your feelings about your parents and how you realised that you weren't like other people your age. Shuri knew you hadn't recognised your sheltered-ness away from the world yet you yearned to be out there and completely change your perspective on life to that of a rich and free woman. She wanted to be the one to do that for you. To show you how fun life can be, to corrupt you a little, to make you feel good and to spoil you rotten.

Before you could lift another finger to knock on the door again, it swung open and revealed Leilani, wearing the same outfit as earlier and barely focusing on the people in front of her and shouting at whoever was in the living room.

"Yeah yeah, just scroll through the shows Justine! I think it's- Oh my god, y/n! You're alive! How'd you..get..here?" Lani's speech trailed off completely as she let go of your face and stared at who was standing next to you with utter surprise.

"Uh-I-uh" She stammered. She never does that. Hearing commotion from the front door, Justine also made her way there only for her to be shocked just like Leilani. "Is this real?" Justine whispered to you whilst looking at Shuri. "It is very much real however I do have to leave now. It was nice to meet you..." Shuri began, trailing off by asking for their names.

"Leilani!" "Justine!" They both shouted, making Shuri smile. "I'm Shuri. Just making sure that Y/n gets home safely. Have a good rest of your evening," She introduced herself then turned to you. "Sthandwa, I'll see you tomorrow." She kissed your forehead and waved at your starstruck friends as she walked to her car, revving it as she drove down the street.

You turned back to your friends with a smile on your face and they immediately dragged you and the shopping bags inside before screaming their lungs out. "Was that the fucking Queen of Wakanda?!" "She was on my damn porch!" Leilani looked at you and that's when you knew you were in for a long night with your friends.

"Girl, we said a nose piercing, not half of Beyoncé's closet!" Justine picked up the bags and looked at the labels. "Bitch. She's got Gucci, Chanel, Rick Owens, Ysl, Balmain, Burberry, Dior and is that...is that Valentino?!" Leilani joined Justine in looking at the 13 bags sprawled out on the floor.

"Wait a damn minute. Shuri bought all this for you?" Justine asked you and looked into your eyes. You instantly started feeling bad. "Oh, was she not supposed to? I can call her and tell her to take them back-" "NO!" Your friends simultaneously shouted, causing you to flinch at the noise. "Sorry, what we meant to say was that these are your things. Queen Shuri bought them for you so you don't have to return them, okay?" Leilani then explained and you nodded.

"Do you wanna tell us about your day? After getting the piercing, what happened?" Justine asked as she led you guys to the living room couch. "Oh! I dropped my phone and she offered to buy me a new one and so she did and bought me other things from the Apple Store. Then I had a little panic attack but she helped a lot then took me out for lunch then we went shopping. Can you believe all she had to do was walk in and the stores would stay open for us? She then offered to do this again and she's seeing me again tomorrow." You rambled.

Taking a deep breath, you calmed yourself down and looked to your friends who were still in shock. "Dude, she basically asked you to be her sugar baby." Now, you were a little confused. "What's that?" You asked.  "In hindsight, you get paid by someone to spend time with them and in return, they spoil you with whatever you want." Leilani explained, causing you to stay silent.

Would that be a problem for Shuri if anyone found out?

"Anyways! Let's go choose an outfit for you! Did she say you could be comfortable?" Justine stood up and questioned. "She just said to be myself and wear whatever I want." You answered making their smiles grow larger.

-

Adding the glue to your false eyelashes, Leilani gently stuck the natural-looking minks on. Opening your eyes, you looked at yourself in the mirror, you admired what you saw. It was still your face, just with a little makeup on, the girls giving you a natural look. Your hair was styled so beautifully, Leilani creating the long braid effortlessly with two curls in front of your face.

The dark green khaki mini skirt was pleated with ease, the colour scheme working nicely as your white knit sweater looked effortlessly put together with platform Rick Owen sneakers gracing your feet. The Dior earrings were exposed due to your hairstyle which also didn't hide the cuban link you had on. You loved Shuri's one so she decided to get you your own.

"Ah! You look so pretty!" Justine complimented you and you had the biggest grin on your face. You felt beautiful and that made you happy. Just the whole day had you feeling amazing. After bonding with your friends and them fawning over your clothes and your new lifestyle, you went back home empty handed and said to your parents that you went to the library and they believed you. You finally lied to them and it felt good. Doesn't mean you're going to did it all the time but it felt good.

This morning, they had decided to leave the house to you for the weekend as they're leaving for a church event and they knew you had a paper due soon (that you've already completed). You immediately informed your friends and they made it their mission to get you ready for tonight.

Picking up your new phone from Leilani's vanity, you noticed a notification from Shuri and that she was 10 minutes away from your location however she sent that message ten minutes ago. Your eyes widened and you rushed to look outside the bedroom window to see a g wagon and Shuri leaning against it. The panther could feel you looking at her from the window and she smiled at you, making you squeal as you grabbed your mini Lady Dior bag.

Before opening the front door, you looked back to your friends to give them both hugs as goodbyes before making your way out of the door to meet Shuri. Leilani shouted her supportive words as she leaned on her porch, as if she's watching her child leave to go on a date.

"Hiii!" You elongated the greeting towards the panther who sported a toothy grin, reaching her hand out to you to be held. Observing her, you noticed you both went a familiar route with your outfit. Shuri looked casual with a red Diesel sweater and black cargo, finished off with red nike dunks. You noticed that you both wore the chain and it made your heart jump. "Hello Y/n. Did you say bye to your friends?" She asked and you nodded. She nodded as well and opened the car door for you, struggling to get into the large car and eventually using the step of the car.

The trip to your destination was unfamiliar however, Shuri was dedicated to making you feel comfortable and decided to play a bit of music but kept it soft enough to keep conversation with you. Driving into the entrance of the restaurant, you were absolutely mesmerised by the exterior of it all. It looked like an luxury hotel with a valet in front and you were so excited to even step foot in such a place. Putting your focus back in front of you, a forest green Rolls Royce Cullinan entered your vision and you were absolutely stunned, looking to Shuri who was smiling at your reaction.

"Remember I was talking about it yesterday? I didn't think it existed! It's so pretty!" You gushed at the car once again. Shuri had noticed your fascination with cars as you spent the afternoon with her yesterday and how you had pointed out the Cullinan because of its stature and its design. You also pointed out that you knew how to drive but your parents basically forbid you from driving in case you ever thought of leaving them. Shuri kept the information and changed the subject as she noticed your mood change at the subject of your living situation.

"I wonder if the owner just bought it because it looks brand new." You thought out loud, seeing the car reverse-park into the space next to Shuri's g wagon. You wondered why she didn't use the valet workers to park the car but you brushed it off as she helped you out of the car.

"Is this a contract?" You asked after you swallowed the last of your pasta al forno. Shuri nodded before speaking. "It's to set rules for this arrangement before we continue with it. Just read through it then tell me what you think." She said, taking a sip of her cocktail as she looked at you. Although you had changed your look for this date, she found you absolutely stunning. She adored how your eyes lit up at anything that interested you and how you took a deep breath whenever entering a new place as if you're reassuring yourself that you're actually doing something. And your smile. How she wished she could engrave the image of your smile in her mind. It lit up every room you walked and it made Shuri's heart melt everytime. How you cling to her arm at the slightest stare people give you two as if you feel safe with her and she loved it. She hadn't told anyone about you as if you were too good to be true.

You leaned your head closer to the single piece of paper, reading every word in your mind unless you had questions for her. " 'According to your availability, you can accompany me to Wakanda and possibly any other event.' Are you sure?" You asked the panther. She placed her fork down and nodded. "You could ask anytime to join me and I will fly you out if you're not with me. However, you won't be using any airplanes most of the time." Shuri stated and the sheer thought of travelling with her made you rub your thighs together. Just being around her made you feel things you've never felt before and you needed some sort of release.

Reading over the financial aspect of the contract, it stated that you would be getting your own bank account and on each meeting you have with her, you would get ten thousand dollars every single time. You audibly gasped when you read that. Lifting your head to make eye contact with Shuri, she gave you the smallest smirk, clearly amused by your stunned expression.

"What's wrong, sthandwa?" She asked, "Is it too little? We can discuss the price." The royal suggested, knowing all too well what she was doing. "Too litt- Your majesty, this is way more than enough. What am I gonna do with so much?" You pondered, continuously looking back at the contract in front of you.

"Whatever your heart desires. And please, don't be afraid to ask me for anything that you want. I want to do this for you, okay?" Shuri held her hand out to you on the table and you hurriedly put yours on top. You couldn't come up with any words for her. This was something that could happen in your wildest dreams and it was right in front of you.

"Read the rest of the contract then let me know your thoughts." Shuri took a sip of her drink again and you couldn't help but looking at her throat as the drink went down. Everything about Shuri right now made your body tingle however you couldn't voice that to her, you didn't want to think of her touching you yet or how your underwear was getting damp at the thought of her caressing your body with her tattooed hands.

"Y/n?" Shuri called out to you. You perked your head up once again. "Huh? Oh! T-the contract yes" You stuttered, internally panicking that she caught you zoned out. You could only imagine what she would say if she knew what you were thinking about.

"Are you okay, entle? Are you nervous?" When asking the second question, Shuri's tone dropped slightly, giving you shivers down your spine. Shaking your head at her and deciding to focus on the paper in front of you, it shows that you've reached the physical section of it. The contract stated that there would be sexual contact within the arrangement but only when you are comfortable enough to begin with it. Reading the sentence caused your face to heat up more than before and it caught the attention of Shuri who just smirked to herself. It had also stated that if it there were to be any romantic feelings involved, to not be afraid to act upon them. "Romantic?" You muttered. "It's normal for people to gain a romantic connection. If it so happens within this arrangement, there won't be an issue." Shuri answered. You took in her words and felt a pull in your stomach that felt pleasurable.

"I see you're near the end. Would you like me to adjust anything for you?" She asked, batting her pretty eyes at you as if she wasn't the cause of your lower body...issues. You gave a slight nod. "Um, I know i-i'll be comfortable with it but I only have one question for you. Is it okay if someone like...you were to have an arrangement with me like this?" You pondered. Was this even allowed?

"Y/n. As much as I don't want to sound like a narcissist, I am the queen of Wakanda and I'm allowed to have my own fun at times." Shuri expressed to you. All you could do was nod at the panther's words of subtle cockiness. You had more that you wanted to say but your body betrayed you as you released the slightest of a whimper. You were holding the hem of your skirt tightly, avoiding all eye contact with Shuri as you were filled with embarrassment.

Shuri looked at you with amusement, seeing you folding so quickly at her words. As much as she wanted to take you right then and there, she refrained because she knew she had a surprise planned for you. "Look at you, all flustered. Just from my words, nkosazana?" Shuri commented, leaning against the chair as she observed you.

She couldn't wait any longer. She needed to do something for you, anything to see you all over her. Calling her name out loud when you-

"Come with me, baby. I have something for you." The panther rose to her feet, going over to your side of the table to help you up. Keeping the eye contact between the two of you, she took your hand and began to lead you out of the private seating of the restaurant.

"Wait Shuri. What about dinner?" You looked back at the table to see your empty plates left there. "I had already payed for everything before I picked you up." She commented, giving a nod and smile to the waiter who entered the section to clear out the table. People in the restaurant weren't afraid to stare at the royal and the girl with her but seeing Shuri hold herself up with confidence was the hottest thing you've ever seen, her giving acknowledgment to the employees only.

Walking out of the restaurant and onto the walkway to the parking lot, she wrapped her arm around you to keep you as close to her as she could. Reaching her G-wagon, you grew confused as you turned to her only for her to have an object in her hand that wasn't there before.

You looked at the beautiful Rolls Royce once again, seeing the RR statue lift from the hood of the car. The car's lights blinked once and you were a little scared that the owner of the car would see two people just standing in front of it. Shuri took your hand again and placed the object in your hand, looking down to see car keys with the logo of the forest green beauty.

Realising what was going on, you snapped your head towards the royal who had the most beautiful smile on her face as she watched your reaction to her gift. "You got me my dream car?" You whispered as you stepped closer to her, inhaling her addicting scent.

"For when I'm not around and you just feel like getting out of the house." Shuri said, looking into your eyes seeing the slightest hint of tears brimming. You wrapped your arms around her waist, bringing her even closer to you. She reciprocated the hug and it was a silent moment between the two of you, something that will never be forgotten.

She lightly tapped your lower back, causing you to lift your head to look up at her without letting go of the hug. "Let's go see inside. I added a few touches to make it special for you." Shuri mentioned, turning both of your bodies towards the car whilst keeping her arm around you. "Thank you." You whispered to her and leaned close her face to give a kiss on the cheek, already missing the feeling of your lips.

Running towards your brand new car, you opened the driver's door and hopped in with the door closing by itself. The seat was adjusted for you and you held onto the steering wheel with the silver stitching. Looking across the dashboard, it was as if marble had been placed there above the compartment area. Studying the seats, they had the same stitching as the steering wheel and the seat head had your name in cursive instead of the classic RR. The backseat of the vehicle had two gifts, one from Hermes and one from cartier with the prettiest bouquet of flowers behind them. Finally looking up the ceiling, you noticed the infamous stars on the ceiling. Looking at Shuri sitting comfortably in the passenger seat, you felt the feeling from the restaurant come back as you see Shuri gazing at you.

"Entle," She called out, with you responding with a hum as you looked anywhere else but at her piercing gaze. "Look at me." She commanded. Giving yourself the courage to, you met her eyes that had seemed to darken.

She patted her thigh, encouraging you to climb over to her side of the car. You lifted your legs over the middle of the car, hovering over the thigh she had tapped. Reaching for your hips, she held them and slowly brought you down to completely sit on her. You whimpered at the contact your core made with the material of her pants. "Do you want me to make you feel better?" She taunted, Shuri had gotten wrapped around her finger. She had barely touched you and you had only sat on yet you could feel your release as she spoke those words.

You hurriedly nodded, holding her shoulders for support to get you ready. "I need words, my love." "Yes, please Shuri." You pleaded. You were on the verge of tears at this point and the royal had barely lifted a finger. Dragging her hands up your thighs, they landed on your ass, slightly grabbing onto the flesh causing you to lean forward. The gaps erupted from you quickly as your underwear dampened even further.

Holding the space between your ass and your hips, Shuri slowly guided you as she rocked you back and forth making you release stutterted moans. "Let me hear, mama. I wanna hear that sweet voice." She praised, making the slick from your core travel onto her pants. "Oh my-" You cut yourself off, unable to form words when you felt her hand creep into your underwear, slowly massaging your clit.

"Please, panther." You moaned out, rocking a little more faster to chase your release. Shuri looked at your fucked out face as she lightly touched you. She began laying kisses on your exposed neck, careful to not make any marks. Kissing up your jaw until she reached your face, she looked at your parted lips before leaning in to bite your lower lip. You whined at the action, feeling the familiar pull in your stomach.

Finally placing her lips on yours, she gently guided you into the kiss, holding your face in her hands. You continued to chase your orgasm while focusing on the kiss. Occasionally pulling away to give you pecks, she kissed you again with you feeling the curls of her hair brush against your face. Indulging in her lips, Shuri sped up her movements on your clit as you felt your legs begin to slightly shake, knowing you were finally getting the release you've been craving.

Releasing a loud moan when your orgasm has washed over, you panted and looked at Shuri in a dazed state. "You did such a good job, sthandwa. C'mere." She praised once again, pushing you closer to her by the arch of your back. She pecked your lips then held your hips to keep you steady on her thigh.

"Are you up for lunch tomorrow?" She suggested and you nodded, blushing at the thought of what just transpired. "We leave for Paris in the late morning then." She finalised, making you widen your eyes. "What? Isn't Paris at least 16 hours away from here?" You asked the royal who seemed to find your confusion amusing.

"Now that you're with me, you'll experience things a little differently. France is a 3 hour flight on the Talon ship. And don't even bother packing, we'll buy things that side, okay?" Shuri smiled, seeing your stunned expression.

That's when you knew that your life had changed forever.

Bonus scene!

"Y/n! Get yo ass down here!" You heard your father's shrill voice scream at the top of his lungs. Rolling your eyes, you made your way downstairs holding the Hermes Kelly bag that Shuri had bought for you on your first date.

Hearing your mother gasp loudly as you ascended down the stairs was enough to suck the air out of the room. You looked down to your outfit and saw the reason for her dramatics. Your maxi dress had cut outs on the sides of it along with the plunging neckline showing off your chest. Not to mention the dress fitting your body tightly. The Burberry cap had covered the top of your head which held beautiful goddess braids.

Your parents had stayed at the church event and eventually travelled with the church for a few more days before coming home to find a Rolls Royce sitting in their driveway. Thinking that it was probably a neighbour, they had thought nothing of it, assuming you were at the library once again. Returning home at the crack ass of dawn from your spontaneous Paris trip with Shuri, you hadn't shown face to your parents until the next morning which is right now.

"Who's goddamn Rolls is that outside my house?! I asked that man across the street and he said it's not his. Why is it here?" He yelled out, noticing you hadn't flinched at his tone. Giving him a bored look, you answered. "It's mine. Now if you excuse me, I have to go somewhere." Walking towards the front door, you heard your mom screaming. "Who bought you such an expensive car and why the hell are you dressed like that, young lady?!"

Opening the door, you walked out and before closing it completely, "Someone will come pick up my things later on today. Bye!" You shut the door and ran to your car, immediately starting. Hearing your phone buzz as you begin to drive, you asked Siri to display it on your screen in the car.

Panther 🤍

How do you feel about coming to Wakanda with me? :)

hope you enjoyed!

[liyawritesss]

ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴀᴛ'ꜱ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇ, ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʀᴇᴇᴢᴇ

Characters: MCU!Shuri Udaku x!Black!Fem!Reader

Type: Fic

Word Count: 11.8k

Synopsis: It’s your sister’s 25th birthday, and she invited you over for the extravagant birthday bash. However, there’s only one problem. Shuri has never met your family. She also isn’t aware of their past mistreatment of you. So when your parents begin to make jabs at you on what is supposed to be a joyous event, Shuri might have to apologize to your sister for what is to come next.

Warnings: cursing, mentions of verbal + physical abuse, mentions of severe anxiety, a very angry Shuri shuts shit down, shitty parents, dysfunctional family dynamics

A/N: So....this came about after watching a clip of Love & Hip Hop ATL, where in the clip one of the guys on the show was confronting his mother about the mistreatment and neglect he got as a kid and how his mother took all her frustrations out on him when he had nothing to do with what she was going through. That video touched exceptionally close to home so I wanted to writing for such an event but with Shuri, as I think for someone who is quite family oriented (or who appears to be), she would definitely have a few choice words to say to parents like that. Plus, I wanted to provide comfort to those going through similar situations as teenagers and young adults with their own parents. So I hope that this brings comfort to some of you, as it has done to me when writing it.

Song Suggestions: "Naked" & "Everything" by Ella Mai, "Let Me Down Slowly" by Alec Benjamin ft. Alessia Cara, "Let It Go" by James Bay, "Losin' Control" by Russ, "Control" by Zoe Wees, "You're Not Here" by Cynthia Erivo, "You Let Me Down" by Alessia Cara

Tags: @6-noir @playhousedistee @shuririsdefenseattorney @shuriszn @venusdraco @wrendermedone @writingintheshadowsforever @mbakuetshurisprincess @verachii @slytherin-34 @the_lesbian-fangirl @h34rtsformilli @strangefishflapturtle @cuddl3s4shur1 @shuriislut @dejaonline @babyboiboyega @badass-dora-milaje @inmyheadimobsessed @aaliyg @cafehyunji @chunkybabygorl @rosielovesfamily @lulu-network @nichole-224 @niyahwrites @lppriceisright @blacksapphhicmaddonna @pantherheart @marsfunzon22

Note: there are some of you that for some reason tumblr won't let me tag, so I apologize in advance.

Sign Up For My Taglist Here!

The closer you were to pulling up to your sister’s home, the harder it was becoming for you to breathe.

It wasn’t like you were ignorant enough to believe you could escape this.  You’d always known, deep down inside, that one day, you’d have to face them again. Yet, here you were, tucked into the smooth tan leather of Shuri’s car, hiding the fact that you were on the verge of an anxiety attack, and your girlfriend to the left of you filled with positive anticipation to meet your family.

Your sister, Alex, was turning twenty-five today. It is a big celebration for your bloodline, and though much of the original purpose of the celebration had been lost due to oral passing, the general belief was that the lucky lady who’d survive to her twenty-fifth birthday was to be guaranteed a long, fulfilling life.

Of course your sister would have a long, fulfilling life. Alex was a woman of greatness. She’d worked hard in school, got into an amazing college, met a handsome guy who she’d married as soon as she landed her first official big-girl job at some law firm in your home city. There wasn’t a doubt in your mind that Alex was guaranteed for greatness.

Alex was…perfect.

You didn’t want to go. As much as you knew it would have hurt her to not have her sister at her side for her big day, Alex would’ve understood. You never liked the elaborate, extravagant lifestyle. You were a simple girl with simple pleasures, who led a simple life and wanted nothing more than to live simply.

Though, that seems contradictory, since about a year ago, you found yourself gaining the attention and affections of the very Queen of Wakanda. How you managed that feat, you would never know.

It was Shuri who had found the invitation. She was visiting you during an monthly check up at one of the outreach facilities posted in your town, when she had inevitably seen the pretty invitation sitting on your kitchen island. It was all written in cursive, no doubt the product of your sister’s perfect penmanship, and most of all, it was addressed to you and Shuri.

You’d only told Alex of your relationship after the six month mark. You wanted to be certain that such a relationship would last; though, now that you thought back on it, what good would it have done Shuri to play you? Her intentions and integrity were clear the first day she had introduced herself to you. She’d never given you any reason to not trust her, and yet, you had still doubted her. It was a period of time you regretted most, and yet, Shuri still loved you. And in realizing that she would continue to do so, even after seeing the ugly parts of you, you allowed yourself to truly love her back.

Shuri was ecstatic to go. She wanted to meet your sister in person, having only ever seen each other through video calls and communicated through text. And with Shuri’s pretty brown doe-eyes that had always been a weakness to you, you couldn’t say no.

And now, here you were, gripping the door handle tightly as you released tight breathes, wondering if it would have been beneficial to sit Shuri down and tell her the reason why your eyes showed a glimpse of dread when she’d picked up that invitation.

“Darling?” The Queen’s voice cuts through the cloudiness that fogs your brain, grounding you in a way only her honey-laced voice could do. “Are you alright?”

No, you want to say, turn the car around, take me home. I don’t want to go there-

“Yeah, just a bit tired.”

Shuri looks at you quizzingly. You have not been acting as yourself since the day she’d stopped by your apartment. Since, she’d been trying to pinpoint the cause, but to no avail. Even after a year together, she still found you hard to read sometimes. It was endearing to her, a challenge she greatly accepted as part of the packaged deal that came with your relationship. 

However, she couldn’t deny that this time, things felt…different.

There’s a melodic beeping that comes from the vehicle, and the red flashing on the dash panel alerts Shuri that the car is running out of gas. And not a second later, a familiar voice speaks from the surround-sound speakers:

Panther, the vehicle is reaching low fuel. It would be wise to refuel soon. There is a petrol station approximately ten miles ahead. Fuel here is priced at four ninety-seven per gallon.

“Thank you, Griot,” Shuri hums, turning to you, “we shall stop there. Fill up on gas and get some snacks. You haven’t eaten much today, my love.”

Though you fix your lips to protest Shuri’s ever so keen observation, the way her hand slips over your thigh, her open palm meeting your skin through the large hole in your ripped jeans, it’s almost enough to have you relent. “I did eat; at breakfast.”

“Which was eight hours ago,” Shuri reminds you, “almost nine, once we arrive at your sisters. I’m sure there will still be room for the food if you just have one bag of chips to hold you over.”

You hate how well Shuri knows you. It makes it hard to hide things with her keen perception and observation skills. Though, you suppose those traits all come with the territory of being The Black Panther.

A sigh escapes your lips, and the lack of a reply worries Shuri. Yet, she does not push. Instead, her thumb continues to swipe in soothing strokes along the smooth skin of your thigh as she continues to drive to the designated gas station.

All of five minutes pass until it comes into view. When Shuri parks at one of the gas lanes, she fishes into her pocket for her wallet. From it she produces a black card, and hands it to you. “Fifty should bring it back up,” the Queen says, “and a bag of chips for you should do the same.”

“Shuri, I said I’m fine-”

“Darling.” Shuri’s tone is firm, yet gentle, and leaves no room for argument. So all you can do is press a kiss to her cheek - a practice routine of mundane intimacy that brings you both pleasure - before exiting the car and walking towards the entrance of the gas station.

Shuri sits back in her seat, a sigh pushing past her lips. She’s not quite sure what to make of your behavior.

In the year that the two of you have been dating, never once did you bring up the topic of your family. Shuri didn’t even know you had a sister until six months ago. Alex reminded her much of Nakia in some sense - powerful and self made, and in that regard, she was glad that you had some semblance of family you could reach out to.

Your parents, however, were another story. A story you had well avoided, and as of recently as a few months ago, downright refused to talk about. It became quite clear that it was a touchy subject for you, so Shuri didn’t pry. However, she could not deny that part of her grew…heated, at the unpleasant thoughts that plagued her mind when it came to the reason for the non-existent relationship between you and them.

“Griot.”

“Yes, Panther?”

“What were my beloved’s vitals during the ride?”

A beat passes, as Griot computes.

“(Y/N)’s heart rate had been jumping from one hundred forty-five to one hundred seventy beats per minute. Her grip on the door was strong enough to break a thin glass cup. It appears (Y/N) was on the verge of an anxiety attack, but had been fighting it off for the duration of your journey.”

Shuri curses under her breath, more or less to herself at the information that had been relayed to her. 

“She has been on edge all morning,” Shuri says aloud, “I did not ask, for fear of triggering her, but I cannot allow her to feel threatened.”

Shuri knows your triggers like the back of her hand. She’s learned to speak in a level tone to avoid startlement; she’s learned to make her presence known when entering your space; and most importantly, she reassures you, letting you know each and every day how much she loves you, how much she treasure your existence in her life, and how she vows to hold your heart with the utmost care in the world.

Shuri is the smartest person in the world, and yet, she cannot decipher the reason behind her lover’s heightened emotions. If it weren’t for the fact that she was focused on figuring out why you were like this, and how to calm you down, she’d surely find the thought embarrassing.

“Might I speak freely, Panther?”

A hum rumbles from Shuri’s throat as a sign for the artificial intelligence to continue.

“(Y/N)’s vitals have been heighted since one week ago,” Griot points out, “around the same time she had received the invitation to her sister’s birthday party. It would be safe to assume that these two instances have a correlation with one another.”

  “You are insinuating that Alex’s birthday party is somehow the cause of my love’s anxiety spiking?”

“Perhaps not the party, but rather, who will be there, Panther.”

Silence fills the car as Shuri takes in the information given to her. Though, she doesn’t have much to think on it, as she spots your figure exiting the sticker-covered glass door of the gas station, a black plastic bag in hand, of which she hopes holds the snacks she had requested of you to get for yourself. She exits the car and takes hold of the gas nozzle, opening up the tiny door and unscrewing the protection cap, and slots the nozzle into the car to fill with fuel.

A few moments pass before Shuri returns to the car, having placed the nozzle back in it’s place and secured the gas compartment. Her black card rests on the arm rest, which she slips back into her wallet as the corner of her eyes catches you with something in your hand - something that’s not a bag of chips.

“I thought I told you chips, darling?” Shuri asks as she starts up the car again.

“I got chips!” You respond. “I wanted a Twix, too.”

Your free hand fishes into the black plastic back to produce a bottle of water for Shuri, slotting it into the cup holder.

“What is this?” Shuri asks, gesturing to the water bottle.

“You were thirsty,” You point out.

Shuri indeed was thirsty. She can’t help the smile that paints her lips soon after, taking the water bottle into her hand, unscrewing the cap, and taking a swig of the water.

“Are you sure you’re alright, my love?” Shuri asks once more after setting the water back down, preparing to put the car into motion.

To busy chewing on the cookie-chocolate-caramel treat, you opt for nodding your head, a short ‘mhm’ to accompany it.

As much as Shuri wanted to question further, she knew nothing would come of it. So she slips her hand back onto your thigh, presses down on the gas, and rolls out of the gas station, the conversation with Griot filing back into her mind as she drives down the long strip of highway.

“My parents are gonna come.”

You’d said it the second Shuri had parked into the driveway of your sister’s home. With each second that passed on the way there, your chest kept growing tighter and tighter. You thought that maybe if you focused on Shuri’s touch on you, or her low singing voice when Tems starts to flood the car with her hypnotic, warm and swelling voice, that maybe you would be able to calm down and not worry her. It usually worked, but perhaps because this instance was due to the fact that you would be seeing your parents for the first time in years, what was usually the cure for your attacks did very little to help.

Shuri pauses as the words leave your lips, and for a moment, it looks as if she is cross. And while she has every right to be, you hope that it isn’t at you.

You should have told her before the two of you left, as you thought to do. It plagued your mind when you were in the shower, when you were fixing your hair, when you were choosing your outfit. And Shuri had been in the same apartment with you the entire time. You had ample enough time to tell her and yet…you didn’t. You couldn’t.

You know Shuri. She would try to remain calm and collected for you, to not show her anger, because of course she would be angry either way. The car ride would have been in silence, the air thickening with each mile crossed from one city to the other. But you would know that she was upset. She should be upset now because you just dropped this bomb on her and-

“Beloved,” the Queen mutters to you, bringing you from your thoughts once more, “look at me.”

Your head turns to face Shuri. She’s put the car into park, one arm leaning on the arm rest, the other reaching over to soothe your nerves by caressing your outer thigh. She looks at you with a softness that relieves some of the pressure on your chest stunting your breathing. Her gaze tells you that she is not cross with you.

“Hey,” she says, “I am not upset with you.” And the reassurance helps you unclench the fists your hands have balled into.

She doesn’t speak again until she’s certain that your breathing has evened out, as opposed to the harsh and forced inhale-exhale pattern from before. “Is there…anything I should know?”

You tear your eyes away, but Shuri’s gaze remains firm. Consistency is key, she’s learned, when it comes to you confiding in her. Her eyes are your safe space, you will return to them. And you do, after a short moment, trying to gather your mind together.

“They’re not nice people,” you confess, eyes hesitantly returning to hers, “they’ll try and woo you and shit, but don’t fall for it. They ain’t shit.”

“Okay,” Shuri hums, “and…is there anything I can do? For you?”

“Um,” a shaky breath racks through your throat, as you speak, “they’re not here now. Alex texted me that, so I should be fine, but when they get here…j-just, don’t leave me alone.”

“I will not leave you alone.” Shuri assures. Her hand gathers yours into hers, your palms rendered chilly from cold sweat. “I promise.”

Gathering your hands into hers, Shuri brings them to her lips and presses a kiss to them. She then reaches over to press a kiss to your lips, of which you reciprocate gladly.

“Thank you for talking to me about this,” the Queen commends, “and telling me how to best take care of you. I know it is not easy-”

“I hate it-” you correct, which brings a grin to Shuri’s lips and a chuckle from her throat, because yes, she knows you hate it.

“-but you are doing it, and I am very proud of you for it.”

It’s sincere, Shuri’s praise. It’s still not easy for you to digest it, but you know her love is not transactional, conditional. She means what she says, and you know her love for you is unconditional and unyielding. 

She loves you. 

She is proud of you.

The pressure on your chest becomes lighter.

Upon exiting the car, you’re approached by your sister, Alex, who had seen the two of you pull into the driveway and wanted to be the first person you’d engage with. You’re not shocked when you see her eyes glassy looking - it’s been years since you two last saw each other face to face.

Alex is hesitant when approaching you - she wants to envelop you in the most bone-crushing hug she can muster, because she misses you and it has been so long since she’d held her baby sister. Though all it takes is for you to outstretch your arms to her, and Alex embraces you in the way she had been dreaming of.

“Oh, mama,” Alex breathes as she pulls away to get a better look at you. You notice the youthfulness in her face and the life in her eyes. She looks happy, “look at you. All grown up. My baby sissy is all grown ‘nd shit.”

It’s heartfelt, her words, and they make you smile. Alex turns to look at Shuri, who’s chosen to stand to the side to witness the sisterly reunion without interrupting. “And you have a girlfriend? You have to tell me how this happened.”

“By complete accident,” you say, as Shuri steps up. Her hand presses into the small of your back, encouraging you while she holds the other out to greet Alex officially, “but I guess anything can happen when you spill coffee on someone in the middle of a morning rush.”

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Alex.” Shuri says.

Alex shakes Shuri’s hand, and the Queen notes the hesitance in the older sister's movements. “Well, it’s not every day you meet the queen of a country. Much less, a queen of a country that’s also my sister’s girlfriend.”

“Well, I hope not to bring too much excitement with my titles,” says Shuri, “I am more than alright with being just Shuri.”

She sincerely hoped that she could just remain Shuri. For if a situation arises that she would have to act in the manner of either of her titles - Queen or Black Panther - she could not promise that the birthday celebration would remain a splendor.

An hour passes before either of you know it. You’ve found entertainment amongst the younger cousins who all gawk at your girlfriend, who sits not too far away. Shuri has a cup of punch in hand as she watches you chase the children around the yard, a small smile on her lips. It’s as if you are reliving a part of your childhood you’ve missed, the way you seem so content with the children. It all but warms her heart.

“So,” Alex’s voice interrupts Shuri’s not so discreet admiration of her girlfriend, nearly making the Queen jump, “you and my sister?”

“Ah,” Shuri breathes, looking down into her cup as a rush of heat travels up her dark skin, “me and your sister.”

“I’m not gonna go into the whole interrogation thing, grilling you on if you’re treating her right,” Alex says, “I see how you look at her. If that ain’t the look of someone in love, then I’on know what is.”

Shuri chuckles at that, because she knows that Alex’s observations are true. In fact she has no idea just how correct her observation is.

Shuri leans forward in her seat, elbows propped up on her knees as she finds your figure amidst the mess of kids once again. Her necklace dangles from her neck, the gold contrasting against her black tee that nearly meets the fabric of her ripped blue jeans with her hunched over position.

“(Y/N) is…the ray of sunlight one sees after a long, dark night,” the Queen hums fondly, “and had I known my gods would send me such a woman, I would have prepared myself better.”

Alex smiles warmly. She can tell the strong connection between you and Shuri is pure and unadulterated. It warms her heart beyond comparison.

“Thank you for coming, truly,” Alex says, “I was almost worried she wouldn’t, since our parents would be here and everything.”

And at the mention of them, Shuri finds her jaw tightening just the slightest.

“Your parents?” Shuri is beginning to put two and two together, and she doesn’t like the outcome that is unfolding from her assumptions, however careful they are.

“I…assume she’s told you about them?” Alex implies.

Shuri shakes her head lightly, taking a sip of her semi-forgotten punch. “I find myself piecing the picture together on my own…She does not talk about them.”

“That isn’t a surprise,” Alex says, “given…well, everything.”

Shuri turns her head to look at Alex. Her eyes are firm, inquisitive; Alex’s words have sparked an interest in Shuri.

”She says they aren’t good people. Is that true?”

“Depends on who you ask,” Alex replies, “to the community, their saints. To us they’re just….people.”

Shuri notes the hint of solemness that laces Alex’s voice as she speaks. “They weren’t good to either of us…but they were especially bad to (Y/N).” Alex clarifies. “You know what they say; hurt people, hurt people.”

Not when the person is your child, Shuri thinks, but keeps to herself, taking another sip of her punch. Things are starting to make sense now, and Shuri finds that perhaps she will also have to have you at her side to ground her whenever your parents decide to show up.

“So you mean to tell me you got yourself stuck in a tree, and then got angry because she tried to help you get down?”

“I was not stuck! I was admiring the view.”

“Sure you were…with tears coming down your face.”

“I think this classifies as bullying-”

Shuri had grown quite comfortable as the next hour passed. More of your family had begun to show up, a number of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins wishing Alex a happy birthday as they passed through the foyer of her house and into the backyard. Shuri couldn’t count the amount of gasps she’d heard when their eyes fell upon her, sat comfortably in the outdoor gazebo, her presence obviously a surprise to the many relatives who had come to celebrate the special birthday girl. Much more, the fact that she had you close to her side as she greeted them.

The behavior of your family members irked her. Shuri suspected that Alex had talked to each of the adults to assure that they’d be on their best behavior for the occasion, given the tight smiles and curt greetings between each of them and you. Or perhaps it was because of her own intimidating presence next to you, and the fact that she wasn’t even trying to hide the look in her eyes as she analyzed each adult that seemed to pass through.

“Babe,” you cleared your throat, “stop looking like that, you’re scaring them.”

“Looking like what?”

“Like you’re contemplating murder.”

Would it have been so bad if she was, though?

Shuri sighs as she places the red solo cup she had been nursing for a while onto the table. “Just behave, for Alex-”

“I am behaving for you,” the queen clarifies, “and your sister would say the same.”

Unable to comment any further, you released an exhale through the nose, sinking back into Shuri’s side.

“It’s guilt, y’know.” You try to reason, but Shuri had already considered that route. Perhaps there were a few who did have a guilty conscience. Shuri didn’t find herself caring if that was true or not. “They’re not bad.”

“Beloved-”

“Shuri.”

“-I am merely observing,” she says, “I promise.”

Of course Shuri was only observing. Observing the behavior of each adult family member. How they acted towards you. How very little regard was given to you. How, with the amount of bodies that have accumulated in the backyard, the gazebo area remained relatively desolate, beside the two of you, Alex, and Alex’s black and white spotted cat, who had made a home on the red painted banister.

Sure. Shuri was just observing. Definitely not questioning anything at all. Definitely not formulating words she would say to your parents if they decided to make themselves an issue.

“I’m gonna go get a shot,” you say, before propping yourself up with your hands and lifting from the cushion of the outdoor couch, “you want a refill?”

You take Shuri’s cup before she officially gives you a response. You needed a way out, to move around so that the beating in your chest could quell.

Inside there isn’t much of a party scene - it's practically empty besides a teenage family member fighting their sleep on the couch while watching an infant in the living room. The music from outside is muffled when you enter the house, and you take the time to admire the mahogany walls and deep maroon floors of the home. You could compare it to the childhood home you’ve grown up in, and you think that perhaps this was Alex’s way of healing. Recreating your shared childhood environment in a more peaceful manner.

You find the kitchen quite easily, rounding the kitchen island in pursuit of the adult punch purposefully left inside so that the underaged family members wouldn’t get it confused with the family friendly punch that rested in a big glass bowl on the party table outside. On the counter is an array of liquor choices, from fruit flavored tequila to everyone's favorite, Hennessy. You weren’t a drinker, but this far into the party, you needed some sort of incentive to get you to relax a little bit.

Once you’ve chosen your choice of liquor, you take a red solo cup, pour what you deemed to be a shot's worth, and downed it in one gulp. The burn in your throat definitely woke your senses, of which you were grateful for.

On your way towards the kitchen doorway, Shuri’s refilled solo cup in hand, the sound of familiar voices drifted to your ears from the foyer, and it made you stop dead in your tracks. 

“Happy birthday baby!”

“Happy birthday, babygirl.”

“Oh, look at you, all grown up-”

It took everything in you to not drop the cup in your hand at the sound of your parents making their presence known. You backed into the kitchen again, your back finding a nearby wall to ground yourself with. Your chest began to tighten, a tight lump forming in your throat, and in that moment, your hand fished for your phone in your back pocket to text Shuri.

Kitchen. Now.

There was a light shake in your hands. You hated how just the mere sound of their voices sent you into a spiral; how much of an influence they still had on you after trying so hard to separate yourself from them. Then they had the nerve  to act pleasant.

There was a growing ringing in your ears, accompanied with the muffling of surrounding noise that made you breathe harder as you tried to stabilize yourself from the very apparent anxiety attack that was waiting to crash into you. You couldn’t decipher if it was the same one from before that you had fended off by sheer will, or if this was a new, more powerful one. However, when the smell of patchouli made its way to your nose, the thought of it became seconded.

“Hey,” Shuri whispered, one hand running the length of your arm, the other taking the cup from your hand that was seconds away from meeting the floor, and settling it onto the kitchen island, “hey, I am right here.”

“They’re out there, Shuri.” You breathe out.

Something shifts in Shuri’s eyes, and you can’t quite tell what it was, but the way her grip on you tightens in the ever so slightest way lets you know she’s thinking something.

“We can leave, beloved,” Shuri begins, but you’re quick to cut her off with a shake of your head.

“No,” you say, swallowing thickly, “I can’t leave, it’s Alex’s birthday-”

“Alex will understand, love; would she really want you to risk your own self for her?”

I’ve done it for years, the little girl in you voices tiredly, what’s another evening of it?

Shuri never wants to be forceful with you. She knows you’re your own woman and can make your own decisions, even if they go against her better judgment, even if they hurt you. Which is why, against every logical bone in her body, she proposes a compromise.

“Three chances,” Shuri says, “three chances is all they have. Then we will leave. How does that sound?”

Knowing Shuri, she’ll want to throw hands at the first encounter. It was endearing, really, how hard she went for you. The extent of such craze was never explored, simply because she was always calm, cool and collected. There was a part of you that always wondered  the extent of it as well.

And, in hindsight, you weren’t wrong about her.

Shuri peaks from the kitchen doorway and into the foyer, seeing Alex still entertaining the two adults, their backs turned towards the Queen, which gave her the incentive to leave while the trio were occupied.

She mutters a quick ‘let’s go’ with a gentle smile, and after a few seconds, you nod. Your hand finds her, tightly interlocking your fingers as Shuri pulls you back to the backyard gazebo. Shuri had no idea the depths she was about to breach in the layers of your estranged family, but whatever the case may be, she will not let you face it alone.

It was almost the perfect getaway, too, but apparently Shuri wasn’t fast enough in getting you out of the house. She heard the matured voice of your mother call out to you, asking if it was her other daughter, and Shuri supposed that it wasn’t meant to be taken in a demeaning way, but the queen certainly did. Perhaps it was predisposed biases, perhaps it was intentional. Either way, Shuri would make sure to take as much of the burden off you as she could.

“Mom,” you say, jaws tight, but Shuri stands close behind you, a hand on your waist, and it stabilizes you, “good to see you.”

The older woman, short in stature, with wide hips and thick arms, saw Shuri standing behind you, but whether or not she didn’t address her because she didn’t recognize the queen or because she simply didn’t care couldn’t be deciphered. “Come give me a hug-!”

“I’m good,” you hurriedly said, “just- uh, not feeling well.”

“Don’t be like that,” the deep, bolstering voice of your father chimed in; a large man with an intimidating physique. Shuri was not phased, her arm only snaked it’s way around your waist, “give your mama a hug, lil’ girl-”

“I said I’m good.” You reiterate more firmly, though there was an added incentive to clear your throat shortly afterwards to make your fib more believable. “Really; I know how easy it is for y’all to get sick.”

There was a moment of pause - and exchange of glances and a shift in energy before a light ‘humph’ came from your mother’s throat. “Well, I suppose that makes sense,” she snooted, “and I suppose that’s why your friend there is the exception-?”

“Girlfriend, actually,” Shuri interrupts, though it wasn’t planned, and surely wasn’t expected, “it is one of many perks of being the Black Panther. I do not succumb to normal colds and illnesses as easily.”

The pads of Shuri’s fingers press into your side as she steps beside you; she’s now side to side with you, face your parents with a high chin and a look you were sure she’d only pulled out when in front of important people - or people who she suspected would try to intimidate her, yet she’d still have to play nice for publicity purposes.

“Allow me to introduce myself formally,” Shuri said, holding out her hand for your mother to take; the shorter woman did just so as Shuri spoke again, “I am Queen Shuri to my people, but for tonight's festivities, I would like to remain just Shuri.”

“A queen?” Your mother breathes out in an amused chuckle, though you couldn’t tell if it was in actual amusement or in disbelief. “Well, perhaps we did do something right with her, hm, honey?”

Strike one.

Shuri’s hand then reaches out to your father, who stares at the long, brown arm outstretched before him for a moment, before taking one of his thick, meaty hands, and shaking Shuri’s tinier one. Though, the look on his face when the queen’s grip strengthened around his hand was enough to tell you his surprise and lack of proper judgment on the brown-skinned woman.

“Got a…firm grip for a lil’ lady.” He says.

“Well,” Shuri begins as she slips her hand from your fathers, “my baba and big brother always said a firm hand makes a firm leader.”

“Well, wise men they were.”

There was much to observe in the few words shared between Shuri and your parents. Your father hid very well behind the facade of a pleasant man of few words. Perhaps he was sculpted that way, by your mother or by his own parents; either one didn’t matter, only that the end result was a man with a weaker grip than the elders she held council with, and they were pushing their latter years of nineties and hundreds. Your parents looked to be in their mid-forties.

Your mother…Shuri admits that she wished her own were still alive, for the words she knew Ramonda would have for this short-stack of a woman would be more lethal than any weapon produced by her own hands. Condescension laced in her voice with a familiar tone of jealousy that she’d heard and witnessed many black mothers having towards their own daughters. It wasn’t hard to tell, Shuri thought, but perhaps when enough people ignore such a dangerous thing, the ugly nature becomes a tolerable norm.

“Well, if you will excuse us,” says the queen, “I’m going to take my beloved to sit down. She is in much need of rest.”

Shuri did not give your parents time to react, nor to object to the sudden ending to the conversation. She’d quickly pivoted your body around and walked back outside to the gazebo, a firm hand on your back and a ticking clock in her head for when the next strike would come.

Sure enough, Shuri did not have to wait long for that second strike. 

After getting you back to the gazebo to take a seat, on the verge of hyperventilating from the amount of anxiety the back and forth gave you, despite the fact that you weren’t even the one talking, Alex had come with a look of disdain. Your parents were in tow, as they claimed to want to ‘have a sit down and reconnect’. Of course, Shuri didn’t buy into that bullshit. Neither did Alex. And surely, neither did you.

And yet, neither you nor Alex yet had the courage to send them off, and Shuri, keeping herself in check, had no other choice but to allow them to sit with the three of you. So now you were tucked into Shuri’s side, phone in hand as a distraction, while Alex sat on a beige-cushioned chair to your left, and your parents in a similar-fashioned loveseat to the queen’s right.

Alex was kind enough to hide her discomfort in nervous laughs and meek agreements as your mother and father raved on about your childhoods. Specifically, the accomplishments of Alex, which would have been understandable as it was her birthday, if it didn’t have to include the ‘disappointments’ of yours they had to bring into the light.

“Remember the speech competition your grammar school had, Lexi-Pooh,” your mother chimed, using the youthful nickname Alex very physically cringed over, “you won your first ever trophy then at eight years old! Oh, we were so proud of you-”

“Mom, everyone got a trophy,” Alex reminded, putting emphasis on the word ‘everyone’ as she spared a glance your way, “we were babies, and it was a participation trophy. They just didn’t want us to be left out.”

“Well, still, my baby had the best poem on that stage!”

“Mom, I literally stole that poem off the internet.” Alex reasons.

“Yeah, off DeviantArt no less,” you speak with a chuckle, remembering the nights your sister scoured the internet for a poem to read because she, for the life of her, couldn’t write her own. Which she couldn’t be faulted for, she was in third grade after all.

Alex shares a small laugh as well. “If anyone should have won that competition, it should’ve been (Y/N),” She says. “All the teachers swore up and down she was gonna be the next Lorraine Hansberry or Audre Lorde. I bet you she got some bars hidden somewhere.”

Your mother could only hum in response; “Well, we can’t all be winners, I guess.”

There was a familiar sting that ached your heart. Despite how used you were to such rhetoric coming from your mother, it didn’t make the twang in your heart any less hurtful.

“You never liked that kinda stuff anyway, (Y/N),” your mother says, “so why did you join it-”

“I do like writing,” you say sharply, “and I wanted to be like my sister. Who doesn’t wanna be like their older sister at seven years old?”

You glanced up from your phone to look between the three people sitting before you. Alex shifts in her seat, uncomfortably, slightly shaking her head as she knows what is to come.

“Or were you just so busy with your perfect princess that you ain’t have time to learn me?”

“(Y/N)!” Your mother scolds, and you feel the protective arm of Shuri’s curl around you in defense. “Hush your mouth with them lies, girl!”

Your father remains silent, as he’s always done when your mother gets this way, and Shuri sees this, and takes note of it.

“I swear, I don’t know where we went wrong with you,” your mother huffs, “lost yo’ damn manners and mind talkin’ like that.”

Your mother then turns to Shuri, sporting an apologetic look, though it is not sincere, and merely a coverup for her own outburst. “Now I know your mother taught you well and good, Shuri, about how to talk to people and behave-”

“My mother is dead.” 

There is an inevitable shift in the conversation now, one that brings the eyes to Shuri as a deafening silence befalls the gazebo. Even you rise from your curled position into Shuri’s side to eye her demeanor, checking over her form to note any changes that came with the sudden mention of her mother. Yet, she is calm and collected, her eyes showing no shifts and her demeanor intact. All seemed well…on the surface, at least.

“My mother is dead, may she be at peace with the ancestors,” Shuri says, “and she is incomparable. I do not wish to speak further of her.”

A beat passes. Your hand travels to Shuri’s leg, providing a comforting touch to the woman beside you. You weren’t ignorant to the news of her family’s passing - since her father’s death, you’d had a semblance of understanding the inner turmoil she had endured. With her brother and mother gone, she was virtually alone - save for a sister-like figure and a nephew she’d only told you a little bit about in the past few months or so.

You wanted to say something, but your mother beat you to it - this time, she actually sounded somewhat apologetic for her ignorance.

“My condolences,” the woman mutters softly, clearing her throat, “I only meant that she must have had it easy raising you. You’re so well put together and polite, if only some of that would rub off on (Y/N)!”

Strike two.

“Mom, stop it,” Alex interrupts, voice firm with a scowl on her face, “you doin’ a lil’ too much now.” 

“Now, your mama ain’t said nun’ wrong,” your father suddenly speaks, who had been quite the entire conversation, but suddenly decided to stick up for his woman who was clearly in the wrong, “it’s just ladies spat, y’all know how y’all do.”

“And like I said before y’all got here, I don’t want it in my house.” Alex emphasizes. “If that’s the type of time y’all on, the door is very clearly marked with an obnoxiously pink birthday banner. Period.”

There was a small swell of pride in your chest for Alex as she set her foot down to your parents. She was determined to have them behave; she wanted a classy, friendly party for her birthday celebration. Though, she would know just as well as you that even when being put in place, the audacity of your parent’s always found itself back into trouble.

Your mother mumbled out an apology, along with something along the lines of ‘got me apologizing to my child’ under her breath as well, before you cleared your throat in an attempt to cut through the tension.

“Shuri, baby,” you hummed, “don’t we have something for Alex? In the car?”

Shuri turned to look at you, eyebrows slightly furrowed, before she officially caught on to what you were insinuating.

“Yes,” the queen breathes out with a small smile, “we do have something in the car. For the birthday girl.”

Alex, too, shares the same look Shuri previously sported, with furrowed eyebrows and confusion written on her face. “M-Me? Something for me?”

“Of course!” Shuri answers. “Surely you did not think we would show up empty handed?”

Shuri’s hand rests on your leg, both as a reminder of her very physical presence as a grounding for herself, “How foolish of me to forget. I do not know what I would do without you, my darling.”

Shuri stands, offering her hand to you as well, adding on how she will need your help to retrieve it, before escorting you from the gazebo. While on your way to exit the yard, Shuri can hear Alex giving your parents a further scolding, which makes the queen smile mischievously.

It wasn’t a complete lie for escape, however. Shuri was nice enough to buy a gift for your sister for her birthday, though it wasn’t anything massive, and despite your constant jokes of it, wasn’t a pair of kimoyo earrings (though, from Alex’s birthday outfit, she could tell that she was a jewelry girl, and a pair of earrings probably would have sufficed better).

“I’m starting to understand why you never told me about your parents,” Shuri says in a breathless scoff, pressing a button on her beads to pop open the trunk of her car, “infuriating doesn’t even begin to describe them.”

“Are you okay?” You ask in all seriousness. “The..comment about your mom, I mean.”

How could you be worried of her feelings when she’d just had to watch your mother berate you in front of her? Shuri wonders this as she turns from the open trunk of the car to face you again. Though, she supposes that from that interaction, you were more used to centering others and their emotions than yourself. Although it caused an ache in her heart, the revelation made sense of previous actions between the two of you.

“What I said was true,” the queen replies, “though I admit, perhaps there was a bite in my tongue.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t curse her out.”

“Well…I do have a promise to keep to Alex.” Shuri says in a soft laugh. “I do not want to be the cause of her birthday being ruined. Your parents are making it fairly hard to do that, however.”

Shuri closes the trunk of the car, the tiny bag holding Alex’s gift inside being set on top of it as the queen leans against the sleek black vehicle. She invites you into her embrace, pulling you between her legs and resting her hands on your hips; yours make their way onto her shoulders, a weak smile on your face.

“That’s two strikes by my count.”

“I know.”

“We have yet to even make it to dinner.”

“I know.”

“What do you want to do, beloved?”

I don’t know anymore, you think, this is all just too much.

“Let’s…stay.”

Part of you was reluctant to leave due to wanting to experience your sister’s birthday with her. You’d all but promised that you’d come to enjoy yourself with Shuri, even if your parents made that hard. But there was also an inkling of pettiness inside of you that wanted to show the assholes your parents were to the rest of your family members (who, while had suspicions of their weird behaviors and holier-than-thou rhetoric, would rather not engage in family drama to keep peace amongst the ranks). 

“I’m not letting them get the better of me,” you add on, “today is for Alex. And if they wanna make it a problem, it can be a problem.”

The look on Shuri’s face was a mix of shock and pride; she hadn’t expected you to say that, and if she were being honest with herself, she was secretly anticipating such a moment to occur. Perhaps because it would give her a chance to release the pent up frustrations that had collected within her due to your parents actions; perhaps it was because seeing you stand your ground had always been an attractive sight to her. Regardless, the small smile that spread across her face was a reflection of her hopefulness.

“One more chance, then?”

“Hopefully they make it count.”

Shuri remembers how she used to dislike family dinners.

The prospect of eating with her family irked her at a young age. Though she loved her parents and her brother dearly, her teenage self was far too absorbed in her technological advances to actively partake in the family tradition. She’d taken such a routine for granted, and now, the dinner table in the large palace she called home was barren. She barely ate there anymore, consumed by the regret of not making such precious moments a priority in her youth.

As she sits next to you at the elongated party table with the rest of your family members, she notes the same air of barrenness, but not of presence of people. It is a barrenness of love.

The behavior of certain family members began to change as the night progressed. Despite the lingering glares of your family members, many aunts and uncles approached you again, expressing their joy in seeing your presence. Perhaps it was truly the guilt that you mentioned earlier, how these extended family members were subject to the bystander syndrome, and hadn’t known how to deal with their guilty consciences for whatever reason. Perhaps these people did genuinely want to reconnect with their long lost niece, cousin, auntie. Shuri would never admit it aloud to anyone, but seeing the look of distaste upon your parents face was entertaining to say the least.

“So do you drive a space ship everywhere you go?” One of your many nephews asked the queen out of curiosity, big brown eyes and white bucked-teeth shining with glee, as he’d never seen anyone of her status before.

“Not everywhere,” Shuri answers, “only the far away places.”

“Do you go to other planets? Like Mars? Or Pluto?”

“Hmm,” the queen thinks, “I don’t think I have. I shall put that on my books and tell you about it upon my return. How does that sound, little one?”

“Awesome!”

Seeing Shuri interact with the younger children eased your tense body and racing mind. She was almost a natural with them, it seemed. You leaned into her side, your cheek squishing against her shoulder with a playful huff. “Can I have my girlfriend back, please? You’ve been askin’ her questions since we got to the table.”

“Nu-uh!” Objects the little boy. “Have not!”

“Have too, lil’ boy,” you reject, “now gon’ eat so your mama don’t yell at you.”

“Can we talk about spaceships after dinner then, Auntie Shuri?”

Shuri wasn’t sure if she should adhere to the new term, having only known the child for an hour or so, but to entertain him, she allowed it. “Sure. We can talk about spaceships after dinner.”

Thankfully, the young boy seemed to be satisfied with the compromise, and began to eat his plate of food. Shuri turns to you with an amused grin, eyebrows raised as she asks “Were you jealous of your own nephew?”

“I can be jealous if I want to,” you pout, bottom lip tucked out in protest, “lil’ shit was taking you away from me.”

Shuri laughs at your banter, both glad that you’ve somewhat relaxed, and that the evening seemed to be going well. She hoped that it would stay like this.

The clinking of metal to glass caught her attention, as well as the other partygoers. Looking towards the head of the table, Alex is standing, grasping the attention of everyone in order to speak.

“Now, we all know the reason today is such an important day, aside from the fact that it’s my birthday,” Alex begins, glancing around the table, making eye contact with each individual, “though some of the kids might not know. And since we have a newcomer with us,” she says, gesturing to Shuri, who returns a nod of acknowledgement as she speaks, “I figured now is as good of a time to talk about why we celebrate the twenty-fifth birthday of the girls in our family.”

Alex sets the glass down, clears her throat, and speaks again. “Now the story has never been written down, but anyone who has sat between Nana and Great Nana’s legs to get their hair done will know the story by heart. A generation or so before them, our family had a ‘curse’ on us girls. One of our enslaved ancestors was forced to ‘engage’ with their owner who desired a mixed child. That ancestor cursed our bloodline so that no girls would survive, and slowly our numbers began to dwindle.”

You always loved to hear this story. You were never sure why, but it had always been more than hair braiding entertainment to keep a child's attention. The raw history that your grandmother and great-grandmother passed down your line of lineage always held a special place in your heart.

“Then one thing lead to another, a generation passes, and a girl is born…and she lives old enough to run away with another slave guy she fell in love with. And that ancestor had Great Nana, who had Nana, who had mom and the aunties…who had us.”

You’d been sitting to Alex’s right when she extended her hand to you to hold. You accepted it with a warm smile. She’d done the same to your mother as well.

“Reaching twenty-five is like a right of passage. Guarantees to a long, fulfilling life. And that is what we celebrate tonight.”

There were a series of claps, cheers, whoops and hollers that erupted from the table, coming from the queen herself as well. It was indeed a remarkable retelling, she thought, and she even noticed the way that Alex posed herself as a bridge between you and your mother. She applauded the woman for still trying to reconcile, but knew that there was no hope for such a feat.

As soon as Alex sat down, your mother took a stand. “I’d like to make a toast as well.”

Shuri felt you lean just a little bit closer to her. 

“My baby, oh, what can I even say?” Your mother begins, striking up a face of pride. “You were perfect since the day I first laid eyes on you. I knew you’d be destined for greatness, and I can’t be any more proud of you than I am now. My baby girl is all grown up, and I can’t wait to see more of the outstanding woman you’ve become…”

Another round of applause echoes throughout the backyard, and Shuri breathes. Though she doesn’t trust your mother one bit, the words that came from her mouth seemed very genuine-

“...and you are more than fit to carry on this tradition. My only daughter that can.”

-nevermind.

The distant crickets could be heard as your mother took her seat again, seemingly proud of her little stunt. Perhaps she thought it was something good to say, but neither you, Alex, or Shuri saw the need for the ending.

“That ending wasn’t needed, but thank you.” Alex says through gritted teeth, a sigh leaving her lips. It was much like the older woman to need the last word, and although Alex truly hoped she would behave, her own patience was waning thin with the woman and her antics.

“We have a toast as well!”

Shuri whips her head to you, brows furrowed in confusion as she whispers, “We do?”

The words leave your lips before you can actually think about what you’re about to do. Upstaging your mother had never been something you’d acted upon, although you’d fantasized about shutting her up numerous times with your own words; the courage was just never there. Perhaps it was because now you were older, or perhaps it was because you now knew that Alex was on your side, or perhaps it was because you had Shuri next to you to back you up. Whatever it was, it began surging through your veins that once were riddled and crippled with anxiety.

Nonetheless, you’re standing up, and so is Shuri, so there isn’t any backing down now. All eyes were on you.

“Sister,” you begin, reaching your hand out Alex who stands up again to be eye level with you, “I will make this quick, ‘cuz you know I hate sappy shit.”

Alex laughs a little. Her grip on your hands is comforting, and the way she looks at you is almost in a coaching matter. She hadn’t expected such a burst of confidence either, but wasn’t about to let you face it alone.

“We’ve had our…ups and down,” you say, “and there were ‘things’ happening that I blamed you for, that I pushed you away for. But you’ve always been there. You were..the only person there.”

You feel Shuri’s hand caress the small of your back for support. You feel like crying, and you're not sure the reason for it, but you push it down and continue.

“I am grateful for you, and I’m glad I came to celebrate with you…and I love you.”

The air that was once thick when you started to speak seemed to ease when you said those last three words. And again, claps and praises flew out into the air at the confession. Alex, the much more sappier of one of the two of you, tried to keep her eyes from swelling with tears, but of course it was harder for her to do so.

“Don’t you start crying,” you say playfully through the loudness of the table, “‘cus you know if you do, then I’ma start crying, and we just gon’ be two snotty nosed bitches-”

Yet you didn’t get the chance to finish, because Alex then pulls you into her embrace. It’s tight and full of love, and she gives you no choice but to sink into it. For a second, it seems like the noise drowns out as you bask in the love from your sister, and you hear a faint ‘thank you’ being whispered into your ear right as she pulls away.

“I suppose this means it is my turn,” Shuri says sheepishly, once the embrace has finished and you’ve returned right at her side. She’d been thinking of what to day this entire time, though each scenario that she had run through her head didn’t seem worthy of a quality toast to a quality woman, “I shall try to make this toast worthy of your time, Miss Birthday Girl.”

“Sitting at this table, surrounded by all of you; it reminds me of a similar family routine that I took for granted in my youth.” Shuri’s eyes gaze from person to person as she speaks. “You see, I was too absorbed in my technological advances to truly appreciate the aspects of family dinners. The mundaneness of sitting with one another and being present. I used to want to give anything to be left to my own devices. And now, I sit at the head of the same table, with no one. I am Queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone.”

Another silence fills the table as everyone looks onto Shuri; her head is held high as she speaks, though, voice unwavering. She breathes when she feels your hand slip into hers.

“Alex, you are a very blessed woman to have your family here with you to celebrate a generational obstacle overcome,” the queen bids, “and for that, I propose a toast to you, and a saying from my people to yours.”

The queen picks up her red cup, and watches as each individual picks up their own, before speaking again. “To Alex, a woman of virtue and genuity. ‘Akukho mntu ngaphandle kwesidenge ophika usapho lwakhe’.”

A round of cheers sounds before everyone downs a gulp of their chosen drinks in unison, applauding Shuri for her heartfelt toast and gratitude. As the both of you sit, and light chatter begins to cover the table, your mother calls out to Shuri with a look of curiosity.

“Such a lovely quote, Shuri,” your mother says, “what does it mean?”

“Oh, the proverb,” Shuri says, “it is one my baba used to say.”

“Did he now?”

“It means ‘No one but a fool denies their family’.”

Hearing this, your gaze shifts from the food in front of you to Shuri, who sports a proud smirk as she watches your mother grow uncomfortable in her seat from the queen’s words. As if she were putting the dots together in her own head.

With Dinner done, your nephew was all too quick to pull the queen aside to continue their conversation about her fancy spaceships. While his eagerness was endearing, Shuri had to put the conversation on hold because of an important phone call that came through. You assumed that it was Ayo, a name you had heard in fleeting conversations, but knew it to be a person of importance to Shuri. A captain of her Queen’s Guard, which Shuri had respectfully asked to fall back on attending the outing with the both of you, since it was a family thing, and Shuri didn’t want Alex’s neighbors questioning why so many bald-headed women were lingering around her house.

She said she would make the call quick, five minutes at most, before stepping into the house for quiet and privacy. The loss of her presence made you slightly anxious, but you maintained your spot in the gazebo, and Alex popped in here and there. She was the host, so she had to engage with the rest of her partygoers, but you were more than grateful that she took the time out to still check in on you, despite it being her day.

You took a sip of your drink - the adult punch that had been put in the kitchen so kids couldn’t get to it - and watched the party goers enjoy themselves from the comfort of your seat. Children running around, chasing each other with sparklers; aunties and uncles dancing to the old school remix; teens making TikTok videos with dances and skits. For a moment, things were content, and everyone was happy. Normal.

For a moment, for the first time in a long time, you felt happy with your family. 

“You’ve found this corner real comfortable, I see.”

The voice of your mother slips through he peaceful silence that previously covered the gazebo, and although you don’t feel it at first, your body begins to tense. She herself sports a red solo cup, though you can’t tell what’s inside of it. 

She doesn’t ask to join you - just takes up a single seat across from you - and even if she were to ask, you aren’t sure if you could even mutter an answer.

“It’s been so long since you’ve left,” your mother says, “since you decided you were grown enough and left your family behind. How has life been for you?”

“Good.” You reply, short and curt, taking a sip from your drink.

“You seem more than good,” she continues, “I assume living with a queen gives you a lot of financial relief-”

“If you came over here to start shit, please don’t.” You quickly cut off. “One; my relationship is of no concern to you, but Shuri doesn’t pay for shit of mine that I have. I was good before I met her, and I’m still going good on my own.”

You weren’t sure where the sudden crossness came from, but you definitely knew it had something to do with your mother’s constant mention of Shuri, as if she held prominent importance tonight and not the other child she’d birthed. “And it’s Alex’s birthday. I’m here for her.”

Your mother scoffs at your words, “-and there you go, twistin’ my words around and making me seem like the enemy. I’m just trying to talk to you!”

“Bullshit,” you spit, rising from your seat in a quick bid to find a quick exit into an area more populated, and more importantly, away from her, “I’m not doing this with you.”

You turn to try and leave, but your mother continues to speak behind you, pushing you further, “you’re so ungrateful; after everything we’ve done for you, you can’t even show an ounce of respect to your own mother.”

In that moment your body froze on the steps of the gazebo. A dull chill awakens within you, spreading through your limbs, your skin nearly rising into goosebumps, before a wave of anger crashes in.

“Fine,” you mutter, “you wanna ‘talk’?”

You turn to face your mother once again, eyes burning holes into her face, which has the audacity to hold a look of shock. “Let’s fucking talk.”

“Oh, but where to begin?” You scoff. “Maybe lets talk about how you can’t seem to ever say one good thing about me. It’s always some backhanded comment that you can’t help to point out how amazing Alex was and how shitty I was in comparison-”

“-that is not true,” your mother tries to interject, “but you were - and still are - a difficult child-”

“-I wasn’t fucking difficult!” You shout, drawing a few pairs of eyes to you and your mother. “I wanted fucking attention that you weren’t giving me! And you thought beating me was the best way to get me to ‘stop acting out’?”

“It was discipline!”

“Oh, but Alex never needed it though, right?” You question. “Alex was just so perfect to yall. She got the best of everything while your little mistake became the punching bag you took your frustrations out on!”

The increasing shouting started to draw attention from the other partygoers, who muttered among themselves, wondering the reason for the altercation, questioning if they should intervene. And it only got worse when the sound of skin slapping skin echoed throughout the backyard, making the music that played from outdoor speakers seem quiet.

Your mother, the pious, religious, righteous woman she claimed to be, just slapped you in front of the rest of your family.

“What’s going on over here?” The voice of your father bellows as he approaches the gazebo, having only made his presence known after a few gasps from seeing your mother hit you.

“I will not be disrespected by you, you ungrateful wench,” your mother seethes, “I was a damn good mother to you, even when we fell on hard times. I raised you!”

“I was a fucking kid!” You yell back. “How does a fucking adult take their anger out on their own kid!?”

“And you,” comes your voice through gritted teeth upon seeing your father coming to console your mother, which seemed to anger you even more, “dear old dad, who never ‘picked a side’. You sat there and watched as she fucked up her own kid.”

Your voice comes out more strained, wavering at the sight of your father. The man you saw treat Alex like a literal princess while you could only ever dream of being treated as such. You knew the next words you’d say were going to push his buttons - perhaps part of you wanted a reaction from him that could show that maybe, somewhere inside of him, he cared when your mother didn’t.

“If anything you’re more of a bitch than her!”

You weren’t sure what scared you more in that moment; the loud grunt and your fathers arms menacingly reaching out towards you, or the flash of black that shot across your vision right before you closed your eyes shut, anticipating something to happen.

The silence was deafening as you felt your legs stumble back into something warm but you were too scared to open your eyes yet. Of all your senses that had been stricken with tension, the first to register with reality once again was your hearing.

“I want you to think carefully about your next actions,” the queen’s voice comes out hardened and unyielding, “because I can assure you, I will not have to think about mine.”

That flash of black that had crossed your vision earlier had been Shuri. And if your eyes had been open, you yourself would have shuddered at the pure rage that was present on her face.

Shuri’s hand, albeit tiny and delicate in most cases, held your father’s wrist in a right grasp, and despite the broader man's struggles to pull free, it was futile. She was not letting him go, and neither was the intensity of her stare that held your mother’s gaze. 

“If you don’t let my husband go-”

“Shut. Up.” And her words were absolute, leaving no room for question. Perhaps it was part of the authoritarian aura that she’d gained from taking on her queenship that shut your mother up, but whatever the case may have been, Shuri admits that she certainly enjoyed the look of surprise on your mother’s face.

“Alex,” Shuri says, and it now becomes clear to you that the thing you had back into was your very sister. It also became clear how tight her grip on you was, as if she were scared to let you go, “take my beloved back to my car. We will be leaving shortly.”

There’s a gentle nudge and a hushed ‘c’mon’ before you feel yourself being moved sideways, then forward, Alex doing as Shuri says and relocating you to the front of her home to get you into a safer, calmer place.

It isn’t until Shuri sees your figure disappear behind the wooden fence that she releases your father’s wrist. The man winces as he regains control of his limb, his wife bringing her hands to soothe the skin where it was beginning to turn purple from just how tight her grasp was.

Shuri turns in a slow circle, eyes scanning each and every one of the individuals who’d stood by and undoubtedly watched the scene unfold, offering no sign of intervention. “This is what your family is?” She calls out. “It is sickening.”

The guilt shines in their eyes but Shuri has none of it. To her, they are all just as guilty as your parents, for they've watched the same scene unfold many times before, and just the same, no one stood up.

The queen turns back to your parents, as she bites the inside of her cheek to control her composure. “I do not know your story,” she says, “nor do I wish to, and now, nor do I care. I only leave you with this as I leave.”

Shuri takes a step forward to your parents, jaw clenched tight and piercing eyes meeting theirs once again. “My (Y/N) will be loved…as it is clearly something neither of you could bestow upon her.”

And in the same flash of black she leaves the party, that had long gone silent, and biting her tongue so hard she thought she’d draw blood.

Exitting the back yard, Shuri comes around the front to see you and Alex sitting on the porch steps. She holds a towel to your cheek, whispering to you with care about holding the cold, wet cloth gently on your cheek to battle the inflammation. It was the first and only thing she could grab without immediately leaving your side, the green garden hose still running into the grass proof of it.

It takes everything in Shuri not to run to you, to pull you into her arms and cradle you into her embrace, to shield you from the cruelness that has surely been brought back to the forefront of your mind. There’s a pit in her stomach that churns with the pain of unease, and it eats at her as she thinks; if she had just been swifter with that call with Ayo, or better yet, not even answered at all, then you wouldn’t have been left alone, and you wouldn’t have gotten hurt.

Shuri grows closer and realizes that the both of you are crying, and her heart tightens in her chest. She bends down to meet you on eye level, resting a soothing hand on your leg. Alex holds her head in one hand, her other still grasped tightly onto your side, holding you close to her. Shuri finally understands what Alex meant when she talked about the varying levels of harm done to the sisters in their youth. You took the physical and verbal brunt, while Alex took the emotional.

“This was not suppose to happen.” Shuri hears Alex mutter, and the queen quickly cuts in before Alex has a chance to even say as such.

“It is not your fault, Alex,” the queen asserts, “you cannot be responsible for the actions of your parents.”

Alex looks up to Shuri, sniffling as their eyes connect. A beat passes before the older sister nods, though her jaw is still tight with tension. There’s a shift in Alex’s eyes, from sadness and regret, to a hardened security.

“I need to get my house in order,” she says, glancing to her side, and reluctantly peeling her arm from around your waist, “party’s officially over.”

Alex stands to do just as she intends, and as she leaves, Shuri grows closer to you. One hand rubs circles into your knee, the other one gently lifts your face up to meet hers. Your eyes are tired, likely due to adrenaline fatigue, but your body still shakes with a light tremble.

“I am taking you home.” She says, leaving no room for argument; even though, in your current state, you couldn’t refuse her if you wanted to. So when Shuri wraps her arms around you and lifts you to your feet, you all but lean into her warmth. 

And the kiss she presses into the crown of your head provides reassurance that even after the events that have unfolded, with Shuri, you will be okay.

If you enjoyed, please leave a like, comment, and reblog for others to see! And don’t be shy to send in a request!

[oreosmilkshakes]

Pulchritudinous Promises

Summary: Sometimes, love can be found in the most unexpected places

Pairing: Namor/K’uk’ulkan x reader

Fandom: Marvel- Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Word Count: 8,262

Warning(s): !!There are/maybe spoilers!!, canon divergence, violence, slight/sort-of Hades-Persephone trope (I hope ☹), fluff

A/N: There are details in the story here that don’t exactly follow canonically, per se but I hope I got this right! I came across this post by @beautybyfire​ and I thought of giving the idea a shot. This is a very loooong piece too.

A/N 2: I hope I didn’t overdo it on the suit because I tried my best to keep it true as to the movies. And tbh, this isn’t exactly my best piece. But, enjoy and comments are appreciated! ;-;

Taglist: @beautybyfire​

The day was solemn, the skies were shining ahead brightly yet the air was heavy. [Name] hung her head low, the white veil covered her expression from the others. Mother held Shuri as she sobbed on the black casket before them. She felt the tight squeeze in her heart, eyes closed as she took a step forward. A hand placed on Shuri’s shoulder while another on her brother’s casket. “Death is never the end, brother. May Bast grant you peace in the afterlife with the ancestors,” She muttered. Mother wrapped her arms around both of her children, gently tugging them back as the Royal Ship took away T’Challa’s casket. Mother moved a hand to [Name]’s chin, her eyes filled with so much sadness after the loss of her son. The princess leaned into her mother’s shoulder, her cries silent as she mourned for the loss of her brother.

Life has to go on. T’Challa would want that.

A year has passed since T’Challa’s death. Everyday, by the river of her getaway home, [Name] prayed to Bast, praying that her brother was well with the ancestors and that She gave her the strength to push on every day. Life was hard after T’Challa’s death but she had to move on. As the middle child to Queen Ramonda and the older sister of Shuri, Princess [Name] was next in line to be Queen and the next Black Panther. She felt that it was too quickly for her to take up the mantle but she cannot leave Wakanda defenceless. So, she and Shuri got to work over creating a synthetic heart-plant. The siblings would spend days and weeks on the creation and even with the help of Griot, it was time consuming and everyday, [Name] prayed that their formula would work.

Her prayers did not fall on deaf ears because when they finally got the right formula, Shuri immediately instructed Griot to print the plant. Mother was present too and [Name] thanked Bast for the absolute miracle, Shuri bringing over the plant that was cupped in her hands.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Mother asked and the princess looked up. She nodded, shedding her coat and folded it on a nearby chair.

Mother pulled away, taking the plant from Shuri. “I will get the plant ready for the ritual,” she said, leaving shortly.

“I want to, Mother. T’Challa made me promise him. A promise that I would always keep you, Shuri and Wakanda safe. How am I to fulfil his wishes if I do not take up the mantle of the Black Panther,” [Name] replied softly and her Mother smiled. The Queen moved around the table, bringing her daughter into a hug.

[Name] sighed softly, returning the hug. She didn’t want to break her promise to T’Challa. After all, she was ready. All of her time spent training beside her brother led to this moment.

“To me, you will always be that adorable little girl,”

[Name] sat on the bed and Shuri approached her with a sad smile. The elder princess took Shuri’s hand, recognising the look on her face. “I know that look, Shuri. What’s wrong?” And at that, the genius woman sighed.

“I’m just..I’m just afraid that I would lose you too. Taking up the Black Panther mantle..it’s a big responsibility, you know? What if you run into battle and never return? What if you fought and didn't survive? You and Mother are all I have left,” Shuri confessed. [Name] smiled widely at her words.

“Shuri, little sister. You won’t lose me. I promise you this. Whatever happens in the future. Whatever threatens our kingdom in the future, I promise you this, Shuri. I will never leave you or Mother alone. Okay?” [Name] gently pinched her sister’s cheek and the princess grumbled at the gesture.

“Why do you keep doing that? I am not a five-year-old anymore,” Shuri rubbed her cheek and [Name] laughed.

The siblings shared a laugh as Mother returned with a bowl in her hands. Shuri stepped back and [Name] laid on the bed, exhaling deeply. “You know what to do if this doesn’t work, right?” she looked at Shuri. The young princess nodded, removed her Kimoyo beads and placed them on her sister’s chest. Mother brought the bowl down onto [Name]’s lips and as the liquid seeped past her lips and down her throat, Mother and Shuri began chanting.

[Name] shut her eyes, praying to Bast that this would work.

[Name] awoke with a loud gasp, looking up into the purple skies. She swallowed, the sound of water caught her attention first as she stood up slowly. She noticed she was dressed in white, raising her head to face the river. [Name] took a step into the water. It was cold and shallow and the peace she felt was beyond anything. She wondered who she would see. Would it be an ancestor? Her father? Or perhaps her brother? She leaned down, her fingers dipped into the cool water. Her eyes fluttered shut, easing her mind and body.

But the silence was soon broken by a low growl behind her. [Name] furrowed her brows, regaining her posture as she turnt. A tall figure stood before her, a goddess, one with the head of a Panther.

“Bast!” [Name] gasped, moving to kneel before the Goddess but she was stopped by a hand under her arm.

“Please, my devoted child. There is no need for that,” The Panther said and the woman stood back up.

“You have suffered greatly, [Name]. The loss of your father, losing your family to the universe cleanse and now, you have lost your brother. Yet, with each turn, you sought me for help. Child, I admire your strength and your devotion towards me. You seek power in the heart-shaped plant and I am giving you so much more so you shall keep your promise to your brother. Your protection to your family and your kingdom will last endlessly,” Bast said, laying a hand on [Name]’s head. At her words, the princess allowed her tears to fall, tearing down her walls as she silently cried.

“Thank you, Goddess..Thank you..,” She wiped her tears, closing her eyes.

“My brother..is he with the ancestors?” Her voice was quiet.

“Yes, my child. He rests with the ancestors. He is very proud of you and Shuri, little one. Though he may have left the world, he still resides in all of your hearts. Never forget that, child,” Bast’s voice faded, leaving the woman alone.

[Name] sat up from the table, gasping hard. Mother and Shuri had their hands on her as the princess slowed her breathing.

“Who did you see? Did you see T’Challa?” Mother asked and she shook her head.

“No, Mother. I saw our Goddess. I saw Bast,”

Shuri gasped.

The mannequin was shoved backwards, hard, wedged into the wall.

“But how is that possible? How could you see Bast?”

[Name] swallowed, shaking her head.

“I don’t know either. I thought I would see our father or our brother but Bast herself came to see me,” The woman moved, swinging her legs off the bed. She flexed her fingers, feeling normal so far.

“If I met Bast..this would mean that the ritual worked, right?” [Name] questioned, approaching a mannequin. Examining it to ensure it was sturdy, she gave it a hard kick.

[Name]’s jaw dropped, snapping her head towards Mother and Shuri.

“Woah..,” she said, attention turning to the small glass of water on the table. She furrowed her brows, moving a hand up in the direction of the glass. [Name] moved her fingers and the contents within the glass moved along with it.

“But…But that is impossible,” Shuri tilted her head. Mother too had a shocked expression but it returned to a smile.

“Bast has granted you the power of the Gods indeed. The Black Panther lives!”

“The Black Panther lives!” Shuri copied and [Name] knew this would be the beginning of her heroic life.

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

The testing lab was bustling with technicians and engineers, Shuri’s minions, of course. The youngest princess was busy working on the final touches of [Name]’s new Vibranium suit while the newest protector had spent her time assisting both her mother in the royal duties as well as her sister in testing out the new suit. Truthfully, apart from her new strength and enhanced abilities as well as water manipulation, she did not know what else she got.

“The suit is ready,” Shuri set down her holo-tablet, picking up the metal bangles from the table. [Name] approached the table as well. “This is still very new but I can promise you that this suit is perfect,” Shuri fastened the Vibranium bangles on each of her sister’s wrist. She stepped back, activating her Kimoyo beads to record.

“How do I activate the suit?” [Name] adjusted the bangles, stepping back just in case anything happens.

“I simplified it. Cross your arms over your chest,” Shuri instructed.

The princess nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. The bangles touched and soon enough, she felt her body engulfed in the nano-suit. The helmet covered her head and [Name] opened her eyes. They widened, looking down at her hands. Shuri was cheering loudly, ending the recording momentarily.

“Damn, sister. You look good,” Shuri took one of her sister’s arms and dragged her to the mirror.

Shuri clicked her tongue. “Anyway, I designed this suit specifically to match your abilities. Strength, agility, durability, all the usual stuff. Flick your wrist for me,” [Name] did as she was told and claws shot out from the nails as well as her toes.

[Name]’s jaw dropped, looking at Shuri’s new masterpiece. Her suit reflected most of the past Black Panthers but it came with many modern twists. The nano-tech was the first example but the colours, while it was traditional, instead of the usual black and gold or black and purple, her suit was black, blue with some bits of silver-white. There was a short cape that connected to the fur around her neck.

“You know, maybe I should start getting you to design everything for me because Shuri, by Bast, this is amazing,” The nano-helm retracted back to reveal the wide smile on [Name]’s lips.

“The suit is water-sensitive. Which means, once it touches water, it will power up the suit. You will get stronger. Of course, in addition to your new water bending powers,” Shuri chuckled as the older princess relaxed her fingers. The sharp vibranium claws retracted. She brought the bangles together and the suit quickly disappeared back to the metal bands.

[Name] exhaled softly, the excitement slowly dying down upon realising that the first anniversary of their brother’s passing is in a few days time.

“Shuri..,”

The younger stopped, turning around.

“Do you remember what’s coming up soon?” Her voice was quiet as she approached her sister. Shuri’s expression faltered, a frown clear on her face.

“One year since brother’s passing,”

“Yes..Do you have any plans for the day?”

Shuri pursed her lips as [Name] took her hands. It was clear the pain still rests in her heart.

“No. Not at the moment. I’m afraid that If I do something, I will reopen the wound,”

“I know. I’m afraid too. But Mother says she has plans and she wants the both of us to come with her,”

Shuri gave a muffled reply.

Shuri raised an eyebrow. “Where?”

The older one shrugged. “Mother didn’t say,” And Shuri nodded, leaning in for a hug. [Name] sighed softly, returning the tight hug. She knew how Shuri felt, sympathising with her sibling. “I love you, Shuri. I won’t ever leave you, okay?”

The fateful day arrived and Mother had brought them to the Wakandan Rivers. Shuri had started a fire while [Name] gathered the stick for burning. The skies were dark but the moonlight above shone bright. The sound of nocturnal animals was somewhat comforting during this dark time.

Namor approached the three, Mother and Shuri had the spear tip pointed towards him.

[Name] stood by the water, kneeling before it as she prayed silently to Bast. Mother was speaking to Shuri. [Name] felt minor vibrations from the water, looking up to find a small herd of elephants approaching the water for a drink. She moved a hand into the water, feeling the vibrations. The water was calm, ripples light until the ripples got faster and heavier. Her head snapped up, a figure hovering over the water.

“Mother!” She called out, alarming the older women and Shuri. Both moved to grab their spears and [Name] stood guard as the figure hovered to land. Water dripped from his body, the jewels he wore glinted under the pale moonlight. [Name] wore a calm expression, studying the potential threat before her. His ears were pointed, wings on his ankles which gave him flight. He wore nothing but a green short decorated with gold. His pectoral, a gorgeous shade of blue and gold, fulgent under the moon. He glanced over to the woman, his own eyes studying the woman’s form.

“Stop right there!” Mother hissed. Namor raised a hand up, running his fingers through his dripping hair.

“Who are you and how did you get in here?”

Namor inhaled deeply, looking around. “This place is amazing. The air is pristine,” He faced the river. “And the water..,” The King turned back to Mother.

“My mother told stories about a place like this. A protected land with people that never have to leave, that never have to change who they were..,” Namor turned to [Name], keeping his eyes on her momentarily before returning to Mother.

“What reason do you have to reveal your secret to the world?”

Mother gripped her spear, [Name] was ready to defend her in case he decided to attack.

“I am NOT a woman who enjoys repeating herself. Who are you?!”

Namor had a smug look on his face.

“I have many names. My people call me..K’ul’ulkan. But my enemies call me Namor,”

“I need your people to do something for me. It is something..important to me and my people. Surface dwellers intruded my waters, bringing their technology to my sea in search of Vibranium. They talk of a scientist in America. I want you to bring her to me,” Namor stepped forward, placing the conch shell down.

“Should you have acquired this American scientist, speak into the shell. I will come. I leave that in your hands,”

Namor gave one last look to [Name], jumping back into the water.

The tension in the air left as soon as he swam away. [Name] looked ahead, a large piece of equipment sat on the grass. “How did they do that?” Shuri thought aloud as she laid the spear down.

“Mother, what should we do?” [Name] turned to the Queen, who visibly relaxed. The silence indicated that she was deep in thought, possibly planning out future situations should they not comply.

“We will take the device back to Shuri’s lap. Both of you will work on this together. This changes everything,”

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

Work could never be finished especially when the many lives within Wakanda are under threat. Shuri took apart the machine, examining each part closely to find out more about the device. She was impressed at the fact that this machinery was mostly made out of everyday materials. Garbage, to say the least. ‘Whoever made this is a genius and resourceful,’ Shuri made a mental note, pulling up the protective goggles as the piece of metal she was cutting fell off the side.

Meanwhile, [Name] was working on decoding the device’s internal drive, digging deeper on where the device came from.

“This is some impressive coding. Whoever did this..it’s clearly above their paygrade,” She told Shuri. “The codes are simple but they work so perfectly in what they do. How is it possible that that piece of junk can even detect Vibranium?” [Name] leaned back on her seat, tapping the tip of her pen against her lips.

“All of this is made of..trash,” Shuri set down a piece of equipment. She hadn’t realised Mother had entered her lab and was talking to Okoye. [Name] wheeled herself over to the big machinery, looking up.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

Before Shuri could reply, both had turned to the siblings.

“Okoye is insisting that she takes the lead in the investigation in America and she wants to bring Shuri and [Name]-,”

“When are we leaving?” Both asked, interrupting Mother. The older woman sighed, lips pursed as she turned to Okoye. She worries for the wellbeing of her children going on his mission but she trusts the General and her oldest daughter.

“We leave as soon as possible,” Okoye nodded.

Just when [Name] thought things couldn't get any worse..

The trio had managed to track down Riri Williams, a student studying in MIT who had apparently made the Vibranium detection device. Shuri managed to persuade the young girl to follow them to Wakanda and she had agreed, not wanting to succumb into the hands of her supposed water hunters.

The team hid in Riri’s warehouse, red and blue lights flashing through the tinted windows.

But, she snapped back into reality when a sudden force struck the car.

“We meet at the rendezvous point. Shuri, get in the car,”

“No, sister. I think it’s best if we separate. Don’t make us easy targets,” Shuri reasoned. [Name] thought her reasoning. It was true. Okoye was about to protest but the older princess raised her hand up. “General, take the wheel. Shuri, ride safely. Riri, watch the skies. Let’s get out of here,” [Name] got into the car with Okoye, the car revving to life with the help of Griot. Shuri had rode off with Okoye’s car following suit. The American authorities were hot on their tails. “Griot, follow Shuri. Don’t let her out of our sight,” Okoye instructed. A HUD formed on the windshield of the car, directions to their rendezvous point clear on the screen. [Name] turned around, bullets struck the back of the muscle car.

“We have to get clear of their guns,” [Name] turnt back, her hands moving around the HUD screen to find their next best route. “Take a hard right into the alley. There’s a road on the other side that leads towards the bridge,” She swiped the GPS back to Okoye. The General swerved the car, the wheels skidding hard against the asphalt as she turned into the alley. [Name] was focused on her sister and planning on their escape route, the bridge was in view and the authorities were falling behind.

“Shuri!” [Name] screamed, the impact threw the bike mid-air. The car overturned, slamming down on the hard floor with a loud bang. The princess groaned, knocking her head to the side of the door upon impact. Something felt damp on the side of her head and she knew it was blood. “Shuri!” [Name] groaned out, tugging on the seat belt. It wouldn’t budge. In the distance from Shuri, she could see the authorities had stopped, guns in their hands as they approached the site cautiously.

Okoye groaned, lifting her head to assess the situation. “[Name], are you hurt?”

“I’m good. Check on Shuri,” Okoye carefully crawled out. A hook grabbed onto Riri’s unconscious form and the warrior woman didn’t hesitate to cut the wire with her spear.

The wire was pulled back over the bridge. Okoye rushed over to Shuri, shoving the helmet off her head. “Griot?”

“The princess is well, General. She should return to us in a few minutes,” The AI confirmed, the Kimoyo beads on the woman’s hand lit up, showing Shuri’s stable heartbeat.

“Call for extrac-,” [Name] stopped, the sound of water splashing harshly. Five Talokanils jumped off the back of a whale and onto the bridge, weapons ready. The princess stood, rushing over to defend her family with Okoye doing the same.

Meanwhile, [Name] still couldn’t get the seat belt off. She growled, flicking her wrist. The nanotech formed around her hand. She flexed her fingers, blue claws ripped through the belt easily. She fell with a soft groan, slowly crawling out of the car. Her eyes looked around, the cold wind bit on her skin. Shaking her head slightly, the princess moved to Riri, cradling the young girl’s head on her lap. She felt a pulse on her fingers and sighed in relief, turning to Okoye.

“She’s well, princess,” Okoye reported and she nodded.

[Name] had her eyes on the pair of blue-skinned people, studying them. They certainly did not look like some common soldiers. They wore elaborate garments and guessed that they should be Namor’s champions.

The large male looked at the woman, speaking in a language she didn’t understand. The female nodded, joining the other three soldiers to fend off the authorities. Okoye raised her spear. “How should we do this?” Behind, Namora and her soldiers easily incapacitate the men. “I’ll take on the four. Can you take the big one?” [Name] crossed her arms. Okoye removed her coat and threw it aside. “I got him,” She held her spear in a defensive position as the two circled one another.

[Name] had to help the Americans. She ran towards the four Talokanils, her suit wrapped around her like a glove. She lept in the air, swinging a kick to one of the unsuspecting warriors. He was knocked back, slamming on the side of the bridge. The next noticed her presence, twirling his own spear towards the Black Panther. She knew better than to hurt them so knocking them out was the better option. The second warrior yelled, jabbing his spear forward. It grazed [Name]’s side, her heart racing with adrenaline pumping in her veins. She grabbed the spear, pulling the Talokanil forward towards her. Then, she dropped the spear, a foot on it to prevent the Talokanil warrior from taking his weapon back. She rammed her shoulder into his chest, knocking him back with ease.

The third warrior lept in the air, slamming the spear on [Name]’s shoulder. She hissed, leaping away and landed on the hood of the car in a stalking position. The female spoke in her language but the Panther waved her hand, a wave of water grabbed the three and threw them into the water, hard. She doubted it would do much but hoped it was enough to stun them.

Namora whipped the end of her spear onto the last American, turning to the Panther. [Name] flexed her fingers as Namora slammed her spear down, both women facing one another.

“Túun, k'a'abéet a beel le leti'ob guerrero Wakanda,” (So, you must be Wakanda’s own warrior?),” Namora spoke, her head tilted, anticipating the fight to be a good one.

“K ilej bix a meetik justo ti' jump'éel ba'ate'el,” (Let’s see how you fair in a fight).

[Name] circled the Talokanil woman and she mirrored the Panther. Namora ran to [Name], twirling her spear in her direction. The Panther kneeled down, narrowly dodging the tip of the spear as it brushed the pointed ears of her helmet. She twirled around, spinning backwards to get up. A leg hooked onto the Talokanil’s spear, pushing her down from the force. The Panther hadn’t expected Namora to recover so quickly, already whipping her spear in her direction. The hits were sure to cause bruises but her training allowed her to take in every hit. Namor slammed the back of the spear into the Panther’s chest, slamming her down harshly into the asphalt road. [Name] groaned, hands on the body of the spear and lifting it to try and ease the pressure. She growled, waving her hand. 

Water slammed into Namora’s side, sending the Talokanil woman hitting the side of the car. Namora seemed surprised at the unexpected attack. The Panther jumped to her feet, turning around to find Okoye on the floor with the male warrior approaching her. She ran to Attuma, jumping on his back with ease and had both arms squeezing his neck. The Talokanil thrashed around, hands trying to pull [Name] off but she refused to let go. She flexed her fingers, claws on her hairs and dangerously close to Attuma’s neck.

“Enough!” [Name] growled. Okoye slowly stood, grabbing her spear as her chest heaved from exhaustion. Attuma stopped moving, head tilted back and away from the shining claws. Namora and the three soldiers had seemingly recovered and ran towards the end of the fight, the Panther getting off Attuma’s back. The helmet pulled back to reveal [Name]’s damp face, claws retracting back.

Shuri let out a soft groan, carefully standing up. The elder princess turned, running to Shuri to catch her sister in a hug. Shuri let out a soft ‘oof’ as she returned the hug.

“You’re alright, sister. You’re alright,” [Name] patted Shuri’s back as she pulled away. The younger looked behind to find the five Talokanil soldiers.

The Panther turned, looking at Attuma and Namora. She raised her wrist up, activating the kimoyo beads. “Griot, I need translation,”

“Did I miss something?”

“No, not much. I want to make an offer with them,”

“I am a Wakandan royalty. I have an offer to make to your King. Take me to your King but let them go. Namor has no more quarrel with the girl. I wish to make a peace offering with him,”

Attuma and Namora turned to one another.

“Leti' le realeza Wakanda,” (She is Wakandan royalty?)

“Míin le ajawo' aceptaría u ti'ibil óolala',” (Perhaps the King would accept her offering)

Namora turnt to the princess.

“Le ajawo' taak le ch'úupalo'. Yaan k bisikech ta yéetel le ch'úupalo', chéen ba'ale' P'at bin a kiik yéetel a guerrero,”

“The King wants the girl. We will take you and the girl but let your sister and your warrior go,” Griot translated and just as Okoye was about to protest, [Name] held a hand out to prevent her from furthering her actions.

“Fine. We will come with you. My sister and my General will return home. Take us,” [Name] flicked her bangle, her suit disappearing into the metal completely. Shuri grabbed her hand and tugged her aside.

“What do you think you’re doing?! You want to willingly give Riri away? He will hurt her, sister,” Shuri frowned.

“Shuri, please understand. We don’t fully know Namor’s capabilities. For all we know, his army could best us in every fight initiated. I want you to get ready Wakanda just in case my peace offering does not go as expected. I promise you that Riri will return safely to you. Okoye, take Shuri back. I don’t wish to discuss this further,”

[Name] turnt to Namora, a mask held in her hand. She placed it over her mouth and nose, a soft hiss emitted from the mask itself. Attuma had picked up Riri, making his way to the edge of the bridge. The princess felt her vision blur, Namora quickly catching the woman before she could fully pass out.

She could hear Shuri’s faint scream and that was the last thing she remembered.

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

[Name] felt hands on her, eyes fluttering open to the soft, blue light. Slowly, she sat up, finding Riri in front of her with a worried expression.

“Oh, I thought you were dead or something,” Riri heaved a sigh, sitting on the hammock. She pursed her lips, unaware of their whereabouts. It scared her.

“Where are we?”

“What happened on the bridge?” Riri turned to the princess, awaiting some answers.

[Name] rubbed her head, shaking it.

“I..uh..I don’t actually know,”

[Name] furrowed her brows, recalling the events.

“A fight with the people who wanted to take you. I had to end it,”

“A peace off- Are you serious, right now? Man, you are crazy, seriously,”

“And..exactly how are you going to do that?” The young girl crossed her arms over her chest.

“An offer of peace,” She said sheepishly, scratching the back of her neck gently.

[Name] laughed nervously. “Yeah, maybe I didn’t really think this through properly but this man..he has the power to hurt my people and you and I had to do something. What better way to talk, right? War and violence isn’t always the answer..,”

“Oh, I’ll show him violence,” Riri mumbled.

A pair of Talokanil maiden approached the two, one carried a basket of fruits and another held a garment in her hands. The second maiden held up the garment.

“Nook' teechi', princesa. Bey teech u le realeza, láayli' k'a'abéet a beel tratado bey tal way te' Talokan,” (Clothes for you, princess. As you are royalty, you are still treated as such here in Talokan)

[Name] took the garment, the material was soft but the dress itself was hefty.

“K ajawo' k'áato' wilech,” (Our King wishes to see you) The maiden gestured for [Name] to follow her but before she could leave, Riri grabbed her hand.

[Name] was led to a small area where she could change out of her clothes and into the dress. She had to admit, it was the most beautiful thing she has ever seen. A white and blue garment decorated with jade. She inhaled deeply, following the maiden once more towards a secluded part of the cave.

“Wait, where are you going? Don’t leave me here!” She squeezed her hand. [Name] smiled softly, gently taking her hand.

“I won��t be long, Riri. I will be back soon,” The princess released Riri’s hand, following the maiden deeper into the cavern systems.

In the middle, was a small hut of sorts. Inside, she could see Namor with his back facing towards her. The maiden left the two alone. [Name] looked up, glow worms lit the cave gorgeously. There was a pool of water by the step stone and it looked very deep. She slowly made her way across towards the hut, swallowing as Namor slowly turned to face the princess. He had donned a cape to cover himself mildly. He was distracting but the art behind her pulled her attention fully. “It’s beautiful..,” She acknowledged the mural. It was painted in various colours and it told a story, one she couldn’t exactly figure out.

Namor moved to the princess.

“I thank you for your kind words, princess,”

[Name] tilted her head down, eyes meeting Namor’s.

“Thank you for agreeing to this meeting, Namor. I’m just disheartened it had to be under tense circumstances,” She began. Namor gestured for her to sit and she did.

“I don’t want war, Namor. I bring the girl to you to show that I do keep the end of our bargain. But I cannot willingly give her over to you. She did no wrong, Namor. It is her country’s people who have acquired her project for their usual selfish usage,” At this, Namor lit up. Her views were similar to that of his own. He felt his own heart skip a beat at that.

“My warriors told me of a peace offering you had,” Namor adjusted his cloak and the woman nodded.

“I’m doing this for the benefit of your people and mine, Namor. I hope you understand that I would do anything for peace and for my people. As a king to your own empire, I’m sure you share this with me…,” She trailed off, reading Namor’s expression.

“My views are the same. Surface dwellers are the true monsters of our story. They are selfish, destructive and they cause harm to everything they touch,”

[Name] had to thread carefully now. She didn’t want to give Namor the wrong idea.

“What I’m trying to say is that, you have no quarrel with the surface world-,”

“No, princess. I bear hatred towards the surface dwellers,” Namor’s eyes darken and [Name] leaned back, afraid he might do something irrational.

He reached towards the table, picking up a jaded bracelet.

“This belonged to my mother. She gave it to me before she passed all those years ago,” Namor held the bracelet out to [Name] and she took it. She brought it up closely, examining its own beauty. “It’s so pretty,” She smiled softly, fingers dragging to study each carved jade.

“We were not always who we are,” Namor began, looking at the mural on the wall.

“My mother and her tribe were born human, living on the surface world where they thrived greatly. Then, one by one, they fall ill. Strong men would grow frail and die. Children barely reach the age of maturity, dying in the arms of their mothers and fathers. Their tribe was stricken with a sickness brought in by the colonists. As a final resort, the tribe shaman sought help from the gods, seeking for a cure to their ailment. The gods gave him signs, where it led him to a water hole,” Namor moved a hand over the mural of the depiction.

“The Shaman found a blue plant beneath the water hole and made a cure for the tribe. The plant alleviated the sickness but it left them with a gift. A gift you see before you,” He paused, turning to the princess.

“At that time, my mother bore me. Despite her wishes not to consume the plant, the shaman had begged her to do so, foreseeing that the child would not survive if she did not consume the plant. So, she did. I was the firstborn son of Talokan, a hybrid that gave me powers beyond anything imaginable. I was a mutant,”

[Name] stood, joining Namor by the mural.

“But my mother, over time, grew sick. She couldn’t bear the thought that she could not live on the surface anymore. She longed for it. She died not long after and as per her wishes, I buried her on her land. But, what I saw was the seed to my hatred towards the surface dwellers. My mother’s people became slaves, treated poorly beyond anything I have ever seen. So, I killed them all, burning everything to the ground and killing everyone,” He paused again, looking at [Name] in the eyes.

“A Spanish man of faith cursed me as he died by my hand. He called me, ‘El Niño sin Amor’. A child without love. And I took my name from there. Namor. Because I have no love for the surface world,”

[Name] understood his feelings. He was the ruler of a hidden tribe, one hidden for very good reasons. If she were to be placed in his position, she would have done the same thing.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Why? Because you and I are the same. We would do anything to keep our people safe from the outsiders,”

Namor’s hand moved to [Name]’s, fingers moving to tie the bracelet around her wrist. Her heart raced at his sweet gesture, cheeks reddening under the blue light. He was such a strong warrior but his hands felt nothing as such. They were soft, warm and large enough to cover her own hands.

[Name] was taken aback by his words but then, a smile formed on the King’s lips.

“Thank you, Namor,”

Their eyes meet momentarily, until Namor pulls away.

“Talokan is a beautiful city. I want to share it with you but the water down there..it’s enough to kill you,”

“We have a diving suit for you,”

Oh, she couldn’t wait to see his world.

Talokan was unlike anything [Name] has seen. To see a home thriving under the sea, she fully understood why Namor was so driven to protect his people.

She sat by the water, Namor beside her.

“Namora told me of your special abilities. Do you love the water?”

She looked over to the King, her lips pursed to bite back a smile.

“I do. More than anything. When I took my own version of the blue plant, I was met with our god, Bast. I was a devoted pupil of hers and that pleased her. In return for my devotion, she granted me the power of the Panther, alongside with a few extras,” She waved her first finger, a small wave of water brushed against her bare feet.

She hadn't realised that Namor was staring at her, one filled with admiration and adoration.

“K’uk’ulkan, there’s a reason why I offered myself here. I want to have peace between our kingdoms and there has to be a less violent way to do so. Riri, she’s only a child. What she made was merely for a school project. She had no way of knowing that her country’s government had intended to use it for their own. There has to be some other way, K’uk’ulkan. I am willing to offer a peace offering in return for peace. But, you should pick whatever peace offering you wish to have. I believe it’s only fair,” [Name] turned to Namor. He looked relaxed but behind those brown eyes, he already knew what he wanted.

“Anything?” He repeated.

She nodded. “Anything,”

She gasped, wanting to pull her gaze away but kept it firm. Her cheeks were hot and reddening.

Namor leaned forward, a hand moving to cup the woman’s jaw.

“In that case, I believe the best and most traditional way for two kingdoms to form an alliance would be a marriage, no?”

A marriage?

“The marriage is one thing but the other thing..I want you to stay with me,”

Namor wanted a marriage..with her?

The King of Talokan wants to get married to the Princess of Wakanda? What would mother think? What would Shuri think? [Name] closed her eyes, calming her erratic mind. She parted her lips to speak but Namor beat her to it.

Namor gently gripped her hand.

“K’uk’ulkan..,” She began, taking a deep breath. She moved a hand over his, the one that laid on her cheek. She took his hand, placing her palm on his.

“This marriage, I can agree to. But to stay with you? Please, Namor, I cannot simply abandon my family and my people. I am still their protector,”

“Then for six months, stay with me. The remaining half, you may return to your kingdom but once it ends, you stay with me again. Do you agree?”

[Name]’s eyes met with Namor’s. She knew what she was walking into. If she had to do this for the safety of her people as well as form an alliance with Talokan, it would be a win for both parties.

Namor leaned in close and she did the same. Their foreheads meet, eyes fluttering close at the intimacy they shared. [Name] will learn to love the King.

She nodded, a smile on her lips.

“I agree to your terms,”

The times the princess had with the King were well spent. Namor was relaxed around her and [Name] opened up to the King. He became her listening ear when she had to release the emotions she withheld about her late brother. He understood perfectly what it was like to lose a family member. He sympathises with her.

When Namor was busy, [Name] had Riri to go to. Riri eventually eased up around the Talokans but there was still some form of tension between them. She didn’t tell Riri of her arrangement with Namor.

The princess was unaware of the fact that Nakia had infiltrated Talokan. Her eyes darted to the silhouette beyond the far edge of the caves and she stood immediately, stopping her conversation with Riri.

Nakia had a rifle up, pointing to the Talokanil guard.

“Nakia!” She rushed over, the guard held her spear up.

“They’re friendly, Nakia. They are friendly,”

Nakia furrowed her brows. “What? But I was briefed-,”

“Nakia, I have established an alliance with their King,”

At that, the other woman froze. “An alliance? The Queen told me they were dangerous beyond anything Wakanda has faced,”

“Yes, they are but trust me on this..please?” [Name] begged, approaching her friend slowly. Nakia lowered her rifle and the guard, her spear. The princess nodded to the guard, who stepped back. She rushed to her friend, hugging her tightly.

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

“It is so good to see you, Nakia. I know you have your orders but take the girl,”

“What?-”

“Take Riri and bring her to Wakanda. Namor has agreed to let her go and our alliance in exchange for a peace offering. I will stay here but please, tell mother and Shuri that I am safe and I will return soon,” [Name] gestured to Riri to follow Nakia. Nakia wanted to say more but the princess urged them to leave. Soon, the two disappeared from sight. [Name] knew better than to argue with the princess. A soft, sad sigh left her lips as she made her way to Namor’s home. She allowed her mind to drift as she sat on a stool, staring up at the painted murals, thoughts filled with how she yearned to return home and to reveal to Wakanda of their newly formed alliance.

[Name] wore a wide smile on her lips as Wakanda came into view. She wore her suit, protecting herself from the water as she swam. With the aid of her powers, she moved quick, though Namor was quicker. The princess had got into contact with her Mother a few days back and the worries the older woman had almost drowned the princess. She had to assure Ramonda that she was alright and that Namor had done nothing to hurt her. He had finally agreed to go to Wakanda with [Name] and her kingdom prepared for their arrival. Talokanil soldiers rode on whale-back into the Wakandan waters, royal ships hovered overhead to lead them to the palace. [Name] resurfaced, jumping out of the water and onto land. Namor returned to her side.

“Are you ready, sthandwa?,” (my love)

“I am, princesa,”Namor nodded as a royal ship brought them to the palace.

[Name] could see that Mother, Shuri and the Dora Milaje were waiting for their arrival. The ship landed shortly. [Name] was out of her suit, running to her Mother and Shuri.

“[Name]!” Shuri caught her sister in a tight hug, faces buried in each other’s neck as Queen Ramonda approached her children, hugging her eldest tightly. Behind, Namor stood by the ship, his soldiers behind him. The Queen pulled away, her gaze dark as she glanced at the King.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of my child,” Mother cupped [Name]’s cheeks, her shoulders visibly eased up knowing her first daughter had returned.

[Name] pulled away.

“Mother, Shuri, I know you have questions but we have more pressing matters. It is related to the future of Wakanda and Talokan,”

“I know, Mother. I have missed you and Shuri so much. I miss home so much,” [Name] turned, Namor had approached the family.

“Mother, Shuri, you know K’uk’ulkan. He isn’t here as a threat but as a friend to Wakanda,” She moved to Namor, arms brushing against one another.  

“Let’s talk inside, Mother,”

Mother glanced between her daughter and Namor, a frown clear on her lips and an obvious displeased expression. Shuri was confused, following Mother into the gathering hall.

“I hate to see you unhappy, Princesa,”

[Name] turned to her lover.

“Thank you..,”

“For what, my love?”

“For bringing me home. To see Mother and Shuri again,” [Name] reached up, arms around his neck as she pulled the King down for a hug. His hand gripped her waist comfortably, lips brushing her neck as she pulled away.

[Name] smiled widely, turning to follow her family. Namor gestured for Namora and Attuma to stay with the other soldiers as he followed his lover.

Mother sat on her throne, Shuri beside her as [Name] and Namor stood before them. The elders were all here in the citadel, surrounding the pair.

“I know you have a lot of questions, Mother, Sister, Elders but what I did, I did it for a good reason. What reason do we have to seek war with Namor and Talokan? Yes, his motive at first may be unjustified but he did it to protect his people, to protect his kingdom from the touches of the outside world. Are we not the same? We protect Wakanda and her resources from the touches of the outside world and we would do anything to keep us safe, don’t we?” There were murmurs going around the hall. It seems the Elders were agreeing with her words.

“Did he force you to stay?” Mother asked, her voice was firm and hard.

This time, it was Namor’s turn to speak.

“No, I did not force her to stay. At her own will, she chose to stay with me in Talokan so we may talk about peace between our worlds. What she speak, is true. Princess [Name] has opened my eyes to the surface world, helping me see that there is more than just war, violence and greed. We share the same vision and the same mission. She made a peace offering with me,”

“And what is this peace offering exactly?” Mother hissed.

Silence fell on the Citadel momentarily.

“To ensure an alliance between Wakanda and Talokan is forged..I have agreed to marry K’uk’ulkan and to stay with him for half of the year,”

Loud gasps and louder whispers went around the Citadel. Mother stood up, horrified.

“What?! No, absolutely not. I am not losing my child again. I will not agree to this peace offering,”

“Mother..,” [Name] approached her mother, a small smile on her lips as she took Ramonda’s hands in hers.

“Mother…K’uk’ulkan has agreed to this alliance. Think about how it would benefit our people, how an alliance would mean that Wakanda would grow stronger. This marriage is for all of us, for both Wakanda and Talokan. I will come back for the next half of the year. I will always be your daughter, Mother..I will always be the protector of Wakanda. You will never, ever lose me. I promise you, Mother. I promise you, Shuri and the people of Wakanda,”

Queen Ramonda looked defeated, clear tears pricked her eyes. Her heart grew heavy, turning to her daughter. Her hand cupped her cheek, tears threatening to fall.

Tears fell as the Queen stroked her daughter’s cheek.

“Is there no better way?” Her voice was soft. The princess smiled sadly, shaking her head.

“I..share feelings with K’uk’ulkan, Mother. He has treated me with nothing but kindness and my heart is for him,”

“I always told T’Challa that you would grow up to become a strong, independent woman who would be fit to be Queen of Wakanda one day.. If your brother could see you right now, he would be so, so proud of you,”

This time, it was [Name]’s turn to cry at the mention of her brother. She hugged her Mother tightly, sniffling into the older woman’s shoulders slightly. Mother gestured for Shuri to join and she did, hugging her family as tightly as she could.

The elders looked at one another, nodding in agreement.

[Name] pulled away, wiping her tears with her sleeve. Mother took in a deep breath, quickly wiping her tears.

“Are there any objections to this alliance?”

All eyes were on M’Baku, the Jabari Clan leader, who inhaled sharply. If all of Wakanda would benefit from this alliance, then it would be the same for his clan.

“There are no objections from the River Tribe,”

“There are no objections from the Mining Tribe,”

“There are no objections from the Border Tribe,”

“There are no objections from the Merchant Tribe,”

“There are no objections from the Jabari Tribe,”

“Then it is agreed. Wakanda sees Talokan and her King as our allies. Therefore..this marital alliance shall be the beginning of our endless alliance,” Ramonda announced.

[Name] turned to her mother and Shuri, a smile on her lips.

“Thank you, mother,”

Ramonda cupped her daughter’s cheeks.

“Will you be staying?” Mother asked and she shook her head.

“It would be wrong of a mother to hinder her child’s fullest potential. It pains me and Shuri to be separate from you for six months. I know you’ll return but the hole still burns in my heart,”

“I know, Mother. I feel it too but I know you two trust me on this. This will work, I know it will..,” [Name] trailed off, glancing at Namor.

“No. There are some matters K’uk’ulkan and I have to attend in Talokan but I promise to keep in touch,” She brushed her fingers on the Kimoyo beads, smiling as she pulled away.

[Name] gave her family a last look before leaving the Citadel.

She found Namor speaking with his people and her presence made him stop.

“Don’t stop on my account, my love,”

Namor wore his beautiful smile, one she grew to adore so much. Her cheeks felt hot.

“Why don’t you start by giving me a kiss and then..we can continue once we reach Talokan,”

“In yakunaj, words cannot express my adoration for you. My heart races whenever you are around and there is so much I wish to do to you,”

[Name] gasped at his words, not expecting his confession. She smirked, leaning close to the King. An arm snaked around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair.

Namor didn’t hesitate next, capturing his future queen’s lips in a soft kiss.

This was a start of a new chapter for both kingdoms and a start of a beautiful relationship between the King of Talokan and the Princess of Wakanda.

[vixentheplanet]

illicit nights | part 2

“gimme few more minutes of this feeling. for right now time don't exist.”

shuri x black!reader | 18+

Summary: You were born and raised in Wakanda, but you chose to leave to pursue a modeling career. You've amassed global fame as an international model, gracing runway shows, featuring in luxury campaigns, and appearing in fashion magazines. You're in the spotlight, and the entire world is watching your every move. After a very public breakup, you decide to return home to reconnect with your country and the people you love.

You didn't expect to catch the attention of your sister's best friend in your attempt to get over your heartbreak, let alone end up in a private sexual relationship with said friend. The Wakandan Queen.

word count: 9k

themes: model/famous reader, queen shuri, childhood friends, hookups

warnings: very explicit sexual relations

i forgot everything… the summary. the tags. the storyline. i actually almost put up the collage that was supposed to be for part 3

i think this was the song… IDK IDK. i was supposed to re-edit it but i don’t have time. 😩🤍 y’all know how i feel about this… so DON’T 😐😒

The breeze tickled your skin as you sat outside, waiting for the sunrise. Your body had only begun to adjust to the time shift, and you usually woke up early enough to have breakfast with your mother before she left for work. The majority of your days were spent catching up with friends, spending time with Izara when she wasn't at work, and visiting some of your favorite places in your hometown—also, Shuri.

It’s been three weeks since Aneka’s party. Since you had left Shuri’s bed with the vow never to sleep together again. The next morning, when you saw Izara, she whistled at you, "Look at Miss, I don't sleep with strangers." She was sitting at the table with a half-finished plate of food. For a second, you weren't sure what she was talking about as she fixed her gaze directly on the bite marks on your neck.

To be fair, you said that there would be no kissing. You did not mention biting, but you're paying for it now. “Oh, yeah.” You speak plainly, attempting to dismiss it as nothing significant, but you know it won't work with your sister. Shuri had spent much time with her lips attached to your neck and a few scattered on your chest. You try to push the images away before they take over your mind and become too vivid.

There’s a bowl of fruit on the counter, and you make your way over to it, examining your options. Banana. Pear. Apple.

Izara keeps pushing. “How was it? Who was it? Did you get their number?” She pressed for specifics about the previous night, and it was too early for you to come up with a sensible explanation.

Ignoring your sister, you take another look at the fruit before settling on a pear and biting into it. "You're asking too many questions, hurting my brain." You speak once you've swallowed. Izara made jokes about you moving back in, but it appears she was the one who did. Despite having her own place, she came here very frequently. You're surprised she came here so early in the morning; she was probably looking for leftovers in the fridge to help with her hangover.

“She went to the market, and you’re lying. I've seen you drunk. You didn't drink much last night." She accuses, and you sigh.

Hangover or not, it’s too early to ask all these questions. "Am I your next research subject?" You sass.

She takes the hint this time. "No, I'm only observing because this means you hooked up with them sober," Izara exclaims, clamping her hands over her mouth. "They must have said something to charm you. You should see them again.” You laughed at her suggestion. Shuri was the one in question, and it couldn't happen again because-

You groan, “That’s not the point of a one-night stand.”

"Well, I guess not, but it wouldn't matter," your sister thinks. “You’ll be leaving eventually, and if you had a good time, I don’t see the harm in having another go at it.” She says carefully before picking up her fork and continuing to eat, and that's the end of it, fortunately.

There's a good chance Izara would give you different advice if she knew who you ended up taking home from Elixir that night. Your sister's words lingered in your mind for the rest of the morning. There was no harm in you and Shuri being sexually involved, considering that you would soon leave Wakanda. It was strictly between the two of you. No one else needed to know, and you're both single consenting adults. The fact that she's your sister's best friend adds a layer of complexity, but if neither of you told her, she wouldn't know. You are not required to inform her if you do not choose to.

That's why, after taking your sister's suggestion, the promise only lasted 24 hours. The next night, you were back in Shuri's bed. You weren't shocked when Shuri accepted your proposal for a no-strings-attached relationship. The two of you hadn't been drunk enough to blame your actions on altered brain chemistry the first time you slept together. Attraction and lust fueled your acts.

Since you would see each other routinely, it was important to reiterate the three terms and conditions established on the first night.

No kissing

No intimacy

Izara (no one) can never find out

With that being said, the past three weeks were filled with friends, spending time with yourself, and lots of Shuri. It was relaxing, and you weren't planning on returning to work right away, but your IMG agency team wanted to check in with you.

You were lounging on the back patio of your childhood home, laptop open, waiting for a video chat from Gabrielle, your manager. It was after midnight in LA, but she worked for you; everything was on your schedule. Your agency was lenient with you, but you understood it was because you are vital to the industry. In only a few years, you became one of the top-earning models in the agency, in high demand. Though that meant nothing in Wakanda, it meant everything out there, and as a result, you are held to a higher standard.

Logically, you knew they weren't going to get rid of you, but your stomach was knotted with anxiety, not knowing what to anticipate. Was the press slandering you as a result of your absence? Does the demand for your campaign involvement decrease?

The laptop on the table chimes, signaling Gabrielle's call, and you immediately answer, her face filling the screen. As she sees your face, her smile broadens. Her surroundings indicate that she is in her home office. The night sky could be seen through the glass windows behind her. "There she is, my lovely lady. We miss you, you know?”

"I miss you guys too." For the most part, you worked with a good group of people. Your team ensured exposure and opportunities at every fashion house, show, and campaign. The money was the product of all the hard work that had gone into everything.

"The team and I wanted to check in and see where your head's at?" Gabrielle says as she shuffles papers off to the side.

Right now is the first time you’ve thought about returning to work since coming home. There was no definite time frame in your mind of when you would return. "I mean, I've missed being in Wakanda and am happy to be back. I know I'll have to go soon, but I'm not ready yet."

Gabrielle nods her head, taking in your words. “Okay, that’s understandable. Of course, we'll give you as much time as you need, but you should be aware that you're the most talked-about person in the world right now," She informs you with a broad grin. A twinkle in her eyes indicates she has some important news to share.

In the industry, that could be good or bad. No publicity was bad publicity, but still. "What do you mean?" you question. You figured once you decided to drop off the face of the planet, it would all quiet down, and the media would go back to focusing on something else.

She responds to your question with a question of her own. “Have you been on social media recently?”

“No, I logged out of all my accounts.” You weren’t actively posting or monitoring what was being said about you.

Keyboard sounds break the stillness before Gabrielle begins again, "Okay, the good news. They're doing fantastic. Your last post a few months ago received 7 million likes. You've had a few viral tweets, and you're always trending on Twitter. Your name on search engines has skyrocketed, and many people wonder where you are. Why haven't they seen you in public?"

Your manager turns back to focus on you. "People want to know where you are and when you’re back on the runway. The phones are ringing. We have brands worldwide competing for your participation in their shows for the upcoming season."

She continues. "This has the potential to be tremendous, a defining career moment, a historic moment in fashion history. The return of Y/N to the catwalk." Gabrielle illustrates her point by moving her hands in a sweeping motion to the side, demonstrating how massive this could be.

She looks at you, eyes still sparkling with excitement.

But you’re anything but, “I don’t know. When would this be?” you ask.

"If you were interested, next month you'd have to come out for a couple of fittings for other companies," Gabrielle reads from a document. It would be completely under the radar. We'll have everyone sign NDAs, and you'll be back in Wakanda in no time." The way she puts it indicates that she considered every issue or inquiry you may have that might convince you to say no.

"The shows wouldn't be until the season starts, but you'd get rehearsal and additional fittings closer to the shows. Think about it.” The details were nothing new to you. You've been doing it for a long time. Fashion Week preparations took a significant amount of time and effort.

You pick at your nails while biting your lower lip. "I'll think about it," you answer.

The woman on the screen looks honestly surprised at your response. You get it. The entire world is waiting for you. Major fashion corporations from all over the world are vying for your attention, but you're reluctant. You would have leaped at this offer a few months ago. Her tone of voice when she mentions your name, "Y/N," is quite defeated. “You can’t let Mya win.” It's as if she's been thinking about it for a while and finally feels like she can let it out.

The mention of your ex-girlfriend irritated you a little. "What are you talking about?" Was she attempting to persuade you to make a decision?

“I mean this in the best way possible. I understand how difficult it is, but you can't hide forever. Particularly not from a chance like this." Gabrielle explains, but her comments are still hurtful.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Don't pass it up. That's all I'm saying. You already know I want the best for you." She looks you in the eyes, yet her words sting. Were you allowing Mya to win by hiding? Was she satisfied knowing you fled due to the chain reaction your breakup caused?

This ridiculous fucking conversation. "Thank you," you say quickly, avoiding eye contact.

Gabrielle sighs, undoubtedly aware that she has upset you. She's been your manager for a while now. She is highly aware of your moods. “I’ll email you over everything, take a look and get back to me when you can. Take care of yourself.”

Your voice had escaped you. You finish the call with a polite nod.

Gabrielle assumed she was doing you a favor by presenting this ‘great’ news with her oh-so-helpful advice, but now you were filled with dread and regret. Is that what the rest of the world saw? Mya made you run? A heartbroken coward who would rather hide her face than deal with the aftermath of a poor decision to give her heart away to the wrong person. It's the first time you've cried since your split. You weren't upset over the broken romance. It was the fact that you were completely overwhelmed by the idea that Mya had won.

Here you were, at the top of your success, trying to figure out what to do next. Gabrielle wanted to make it appear as if the decision was yours. Still, how she illustrated and spoke about it being a part of fashion history made it evident that she was attempting to sway your mind into saying yes. Yet, you didn’t know if you wanted to, but you also knew in the back of your mind you’d be an idiot to pass this up.

You thought about going to Izara. Your sister was generally your go-to person in situations like these. Even though she was supportive, you knew that telling her you could be going would make her sad. Even though she still had work, you swear she spent every waking moment with you, and you would never complain about being in your sister's company.

It was reassuring to know you had time to think about it, at least because your mind was not in the ideal place to make such important decisions right now. You were in a daze all day, but your spirits lightened when you helped your mother test new recipes for her bakery. When your mother retired, she decided to run a bakery. She spent her whole life as a culinary master and was delighted to share her food with others. You grinned and joyfully took all the sweets she placed in your mouth. You were responsible for informing her if she needed to add more sugar or if the dough required additional butter; it was a tedious job.

Around 3 o’clock, you get a text.

Be here at 10.

Shuri. After typing a short response, you put your phone aside and spent the remainder of the day with your mom. The process of trying out new recipes was time-consuming, but she needed your help, and it was keeping your mind off of other stresses.

"You're distracted," Shuri accuses. Today was the fourth night you've been over this week; it's probably due to a lack of sex life in the months leading up to your breakup, but sex with Shuri is addictive. It's as if she passed a master class in your body, bringing forth noises you'd never heard yourself make. Reaching parts of your body you didn't know existed. Perhaps because there was no expectation of long-term dedication or closeness, which also played a role. Once the night's events were over, you dressed and went home, waiting for the next time you or Shuri sent a text arranging your subsequent encounter.

There was never any foreplay. This was supposed to be fast enough for both of you to get it out of your system and go before anyone became suspicious. That was mostly your mother and sister. Fewer people were in the halls at this time, and the queen's floor had restricted access. Except for Dora, no one was up here. Ayo always met you outside the palace to accompany you in and out as a precaution.

Shuri usually had you naked and trembling when you opened the door, but today, you were lazily sitting on top of her, rotating your hips. Zoned out. Her voice pulls your attention. "I'm not," you exhale, blinking and looking down.

Her hands come up to your waist, forcing you to stop. “You are,” Shuri argues.

Though it was a slow rhythm, the loss of it made you whine. “Stop arguing with me and get on with it.” You complain, brushing your hair away from your face. You should have tied it up. You'll have to redo it when you get home.

"You want me to get on with it?" she says, her brows furrowed. “You're on top of me."

The thought crosses your mind, "Can you take over?" you ask, sighing. She watches you with suspicion from her position below you. You can sense she wants to continue the subject, but there are other moments to start talking about everything bothering you.

Shuri is quiet for a minute before holding out her arms and saying, "Come here," You fall into her embrace, lying on her chest. The calm is only momentary as Shuri puts her arms around you, supporting her feet on the mattress, and thrusts up into you.

Surrendering to Shuri was a better idea than being in control. You lay in her grasp while she takes you apart, bringing you to that state of euphoria your body has grown accustomed to in recent weeks. That beautiful feeling you get after orgasm puts your mind at ease.

It's 2 a.m. when you're tugging your sweatpants over your hips. "It truly wounds my ego that you can walk away every time." In response to Shuri's vulgar joke, you roll your eyes.

"You know, I'm a model. I've walked away from worse circumstances." Rebalancing after an intense release was nothing if you could stroll down a runway in 120mm Louboutins. She's standing there, watching you get ready. She was waiting for you downstairs, where Ayo would meet and accompany you to your car.

You're about to tell Shuri you're ready to go when she asks, "Are you okay?"

Was she seriously going to bring this up once more? You lied when you said, "I'm alright," but you would be fine. The news from your manager was a lot to take in, and after reviewing the emails and all the details, it became clear how vast of an opportunity you had been given on a silver platter. Yet accepting this would mean being forced back into the spotlight without knowing if all of the previous gossip had finally died down. Even more so, being in Wakanda made you remember what taking a step back and breathing felt like. In Gabrielle's opinion, turning it down meant that your ex would win the prize, seeing you fragile and heartbroken.

There was too much to think about, and you couldn't unload it all on Shuri. This was not the type of interaction. You'd both gotten what you came for, and it was time to go.

Shuri must suspect you're not telling the truth. "You know," she begins. “We are still friends.” She's staring at you with seriousness, yet it's unsettling. You've never been close.

You tilt your head in reaction to her statement. You weren't friends; you spent time with Shuri when you were younger, but it was because you were stuck to your sister's hip. Izara adored you and would never push you away, even while you were in the company of her friends. However, once you gained independence, you rarely saw Izara's friends. “We are not friends. You’re my sister's friend.” You put more emphasis on it.

Shuri shakes her head, disagreeing. "That's not to say we're not friends, though." And there is a hint of disbelief in her tone.

"Name one thing we've done together," you challenged, your hands on your hips. Shuri's smirk and the way her eyes look across to the bed you've just finished in tell you exactly what's on her mind.

"When we were kids!" You exclaimed, a flush spreading across your face. She was irritable at times.

Shuri chuckles, amused by your reaction. “I’m trying to say that being Izara’s friend never meant I didn’t care about you.” Sharing your sentiments and emotions with anyone requires you to be attentive, clear, calm, and compassionate. All of these factors lead to genuine intimacy and trust. That didn't help bridge the distance you were attempting to build between you.

“I appreciate that, but I’m fine.” The tone of finality in your voice was enough to make Shuri drop the topic.

The emails Gabrielle sent you were overwhelming once you saw just how many brands there were. Dior offered you ten million dollars to start and end their show. Mugler, Tony Ward, Zahair Murad... You had previously worked with some of these fashion houses while you had just fantasized about others, and now your fantasies were coming true.

You'd be back on the radar of all the celebrity news and gossip websites if you resurfaced in the spotlight. Though, your split with Mya was in the past. What if people continue to link you to her? Mya Hope’s Ex-girlfriend, Y/N, reemerges from the dead after her ex forced her into hiding- oh, and she’s also headlining fashion week. Will your accomplishments become an afterthought?

Despite better judgment, you enter the actress's name into a web search. The universe intervenes just as you're about to torture yourself by pressing enter. The phone rings, and your sister's picture flashes on the screen.

Izara calls to invite you to her apartment to hang out. "I'll be me, you, and Shuri," she says. Immediately, it was odd she wanted all three of you to spend time together. You could understand if it was a group outing. But the three of you together? You haven’t done that since you were kids.

“Shuri?” you repeat.

“Yes, Shuri, it was her idea.” Naturally, it was. It seemed as though she was attempting to prove you wrong. You have no idea why Shuri suddenly became interested in your acquaintance, but it was completely unwarranted. Did she not realize Izara was too observant for her own good and could quickly detect something off between you if you suddenly became too close?

As far as she’s concerned, you and Shuri haven’t seen each other since Elixir three weeks ago. You put your laptop away, feeling even more nervous and anxious. One issue at a time.

You tried to come up with an excuse. You have been doing that a lot lately. “I don’t want to interfere. I have plenty of alone time with you-”

“No!” Izara is quick to cut you off, unwilling to hear any excuse. “How often will I have my two favorite people over?” And you give in because you would do anything to make your sister happy.

That's how you end up at Izara's on a Tuesday evening. Your anxiety was high. What if you and Shuri seemed a little too at ease around each other, and your sister noticed that something had changed between you two? The days of Shuri thinking of you as "Izara's little sister" were long gone since you began hooking up.

When you arrived, Shuri was already in the kitchen, helping your sister prepare snacks. Izara ushered you into the living room, handing you a blanket and telling you to relax.

She temporarily abandoned her duties in the kitchen to get you comfortable. “Shuri and I normally try to do this every once and a while,” Izara explains, turning on the television. “But I don’t mind you crashing. I want to spend as much as possible with you before you leave.” There’s a frown on her face at the thought. A ping of guilt hits you. You can’t imagine going from seeing someone every day since birth to barely spending time with them and being constantly miles away from you.

Your sister and Shuri shared the couch while you cuddled in the armchair alone. It was probably paranoia, but you didn’t want to give away anything that would suspect anything about the rendezvous you've gotten up to these past few weeks. You couldn’t believe Shuri had gotten the two of you into the situation. The woman in question emerges from the kitchen carrying two bowls of popcorn.

She holds the smaller one out to you, “I thought it would be easier for you.”

“How thoughtful,” you say, forcing a smile as you accept the bowl.

That was the first interaction you’ve had throughout the night. You both sat in your respective seats, enjoying the movie. It was good enough that it kept your attention. Occasionally, you would steal glances over at Shuri and find her already looking at you. Could she be more obvious?

Halfway into the movie, Izara hits pause on the remote, much to Shuri’s dismay. “Seriously, Zar, you could have stopped at a worse time.”

Izara’s moving the bowl of popcorn she and Shuri had been sharing onto the table. “I know we’re almost at the end, but I have to pee!”

“Hurry up!” Shuri calls as your sister throws the blanket off her and runs out of the room. You can’t help but laugh at the exchange.

The sound catches Shuri’s attention, and the laughter in your throat dies when you realize you two are alone. Without the movie or your sister’s presence, you can freely glare at her, crossing your arms to emphasize your mood toward her. “Can you stop glaring at me?”

“You’re the one staring at me.” you accuse.

Shuri rolls her eyes, “That’s because I can feel you glaring at me. Stop.”

“No, you did this on purpose, you know? You didn’t ask me if I wanted to be here tonight. You told Izara, knowing I couldn’t tell her no.” It wasn’t an accusation, simply a fact.

Shuri would never outright admit it. Instead, she flashed you a small grin. “This is a completely normal evening.”

You roll your eyes, “I shouldn’t be here, and you know that.”

“Y/N. Do you not realize how ridiculous this is?”

"You don't think it's strange that we're now making plans to spend time together after almost a decade?" While you and Shuri were alone, there was no one else there. You didn't have to be mindful of how you interacted with each other. As you began to spend more time together, especially around your sister, you would have to be extra conscious of what you were doing.

“No, I don’t.” Shuri protested. You wanted to throw the bowl of popcorn at her but opted for flicking her off and going back to ignoring her.

Given the lack of noise, you can follow your sister's movement back into the living room as she exits the restroom. “Okay! Press play,” Izara calls, announcing her return and Shuri’s pressing resume before she even has a chance to resettle on the couch.

In all honesty, Shuri chose a good film. Several actors were unfamiliar, leading you to believe it was an indie production. The storyline was interesting enough to hold your attention, and the plot twist was unexpected, which was a plus. Even though it was interesting, you were relieved when it was over.

"This was fun," Izara said afterward. Getting the dishes ready to bring into the kitchen. "It's been a while since I've seen you two together."

You’re helping with cleaning, folding the blankets, and arranging them neatly on the couch. When the comment gets your attention, You blink a few times, unsure what to say.

Purposely, and you know it’s on purpose. Shuri says, “We should find time to do this again,”

“Yes!” your sister agrees, looking at you. You hum in agreement because you can openly oppose the idea without alerting your sister's suspicions. You believe the discussion will stop there, with the hope of you hanging together again, but there are no firm plans, so nothing is certain.

Then Izara mentions, “Oh! We’re going to the beach on Saturday. You should come with us, Shuri.” You discussed it last weekend while out to lunch with your friend Eshe. Eshe told you about her and a few other people's plans for the upcoming weekend and agreed that the more, the merrier.

You shoot a glance at Shuri, giving her a look silently, begging her to say no, as Izara awaits her answer. Shuri looks you in the eye, “I would love to.”

Right then. You decide that she must despise you.

You and Shuri then depart Izara's after the cleaning is done. When you leave her apartment and head to your respective vehicles, she tells you both to drive safely and message her when you get home.

Shuri heads for the elevator, but you take the stairs instead. You decide to take your time and assume Shuri is already gone because the elevator is faster, but as soon as you exit the building, you see her leaning against the passenger door. Her determination is sexy, but you were annoyed. You bypassed her, going directly to the driver's side.

You managed to get into the driver's seat but couldn't close the door fast enough. “Move.”

Shuri leans inside the car, sighing hard. "Are you seriously upset with me?" Her tone is stoic.

"Are you really coming on Saturday?" You make fun of her serious style.

There is complete silence as Shuri's expression tightens. "Do you want me to come?" she finally says.

Now she needs your input on something. "Clearly, it doesn't matter what I think. You can do whatever you want." You reach for the door once more, but Shuri straightens her posture and shuts it for you.

She didn't contact you again for several days after that night. You didn't think much the first day. She was probably allowing you to calm down. The longer the week went on without so much as a "you up?" text or phone call, the more concerned you became. You realized how irrational you were by the time Saturday rolled around. Mainly because everything in your life had been unpredictable and uncertain. The one sense of consistency was Shuri, and now you don't have that.

You have no idea why you were so adamant about proving to Shuri that the two of you were not close. You had no reason to treat her as you did; the regret was tearing you up inside. You thought you wanted to put as much distance between you as possible, but now that you have it, it drives you insane.

This is why, when Saturday came along, you were excited at the possibility of seeing Shuri in person.

As you arrive at the beach, you immediately notice your sister setting up and laying out a towel. There are a few people you recognize surrounding her. Two of them are your friends, Eshe and Visola. But there was no Shuri.

You put your tote bag down on the ground and asked, "Is everyone here?" since it seems less suspicious than asking for one individual in particular.

"Shuri couldn't make it," Izara replies, spreading the patterned blanket on the sand.

She’s not coming. "Did she mention why?" you question, trying not to seem too disappointed. Was she upset with you?

Your sister shakes her head. “No. She tried to keep the phone call short, but I knew her. She can’t keep anything from me.”

Want to bet?

Izara frowns. "There's a lot of pressure on her in her duties as Queen. It's hard to make everyone happy in politics." Working with Shuri, she certainly knows more about what's going on than she can say, but it's reassuring to know she wasn't avoiding you but was merely responding to more immediate issues.

You don’t say anything else, not wanting to show too much interest. Others joined you, a mix of individuals you knew and strangers. The people you were getting to know asked you many questions about your life as a model, which you gratefully answered.

Wakanda had some of the world's finest beaches, where you could decompress with the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Your thoughts turned to Shuri. Why was she avoiding you? Was this her way of ending things? Have you overcomplicated things?

You couldn’t just outright ask forgiveness and say, “Let’s have sex,” that just seemed rude. But you needed to find a way to start a conversation.

You took a quick body selfie of yourself in the bikini and sent it to Shuri, writing, "Can't believe you're not here." That was playful enough to be true to the essence of your relationship while still acting as a check-in. If she texted you back, you could ask her why she wasn't here, hoping she'd be honest and not simply brush it off.

Shuri would reply as soon as she could; she had pressing matters to attend to. There was nothing you could do but wait, which was excruciating. Hours had passed while you swam, ate, laughed, and drank. Between it all, you couldn't help but check your phone for a single person's message. Nothing.

"You've been checking your phone all day," says Eshe as you collapse back down into your towel.

In the distance, you can see Izara building a sandcastle with some little kids who became drawn to her earlier in the day. "I have?" you say, pretending to be surprised. You knew your phone had barely left your hands today, except when you entered the water.

“Yes! Whoever that is, I hope to Bast that they respond soon." Eshe probably thought you were talking to someone. She's grinning at you, openly inviting you to divulge more details, but you're not going to do it.

“It’s not like that.” You explain leaving it at that. You felt bad, and not knowing how Shuri felt made you uneasy. This was really ironic... You felt like a dumbass.

Eshe rises to her feet, extending out a hand. "Whoever this is isn't thinking about you right now, and you shouldn't either. Give it some time." And you already know she's correct. Checking your phone was not going to speed up the response.

You reluctantly lock your phone and hand it over. Eshe grins and stuffs it inside the discarded shorts she wore over her bikini.

You squeeze every last bit of enjoyment out of the day before the sun goes down and the temperature drops. Along with the collection of selfies you took, you snapped a couple of photos of the sunset and Izara's sandcastle, which you helped find seashells to decorate it. Overall, you had a good time, and before you shower, you show your mother some of the photos you took. "Such a lovely smile. It's no surprise you choose to share it with the rest of the world." The comment warms your heart and serves as a reminder of how proud your mom is of you. She kisses you on the cheek before retiring to bed.

Shuri texts you close to midnight as if she can sense your never-ending thoughts about her.

I know it's late, but can you please come over?

After reading the text message, you feel relieved that 1. she wasn't mad with you. 2. Despite the fact that you've been a brat over the last few days, she was still interested in your arrangement.

Be there soon.

You immediately reply, changing into shorts and a hoodie, easier to take off.

The A.I. system recognizes your face, so the doors to Shuri’s living quarters open up as soon as you arrive. “You didn’t answer my text, you know. You’re lucky I don’t hold grudges-“ the joke quickly dies as you notice Shuri pacing around the room when you enter. She's dressed in her bed attire, which tells you she probably tried to get to bed but couldn’t with whatever was running through her mind.

She clearly isn't fine. "I apologize it’s so late. I've spent the entire day working on social and other issues, and-" She sighs, cutting herself off, her shoulders slouching.

"You're not going to like hearing all of this. All I need is to get my mind off of today." You've been overthinking, and the last few days have given you mental clarity.

You see, you're the problem, and maybe you've been taking it out on Shuri, who was trying to do nothing but be there for you, but you chose to push her away. This arrangement was supposed to be fun, but you've recently caused tension by acting in ways that seem intended to demonstrate to Shuri that you were not friends and that there's nothing left between you. What the hell is the matter with you?

Shuri has had a difficult day. They are to be expected, given the amount of responsibility she carries. While you wouldn't mind if she fucked you to vent her frustration, it wouldn't help her sense of peace. It would only be a temporary relief, and as soon as you left, she’d be right back inside her head stressing. That's when you decided to prioritize her pleasure. You would apologize another time.

You make your way over to her, removing your shoes. "It's alright, just breathe," you say as you take her hand in yours. You pull her into you and begin kissing her neck, creating a safe zone. Stripping her of her clothing, you guide Shuri over to her bed. "Lay back." You speak in her ear, and she complies.

You switched positions. Shuri was the one who needed your support to forget about the stress. Her legs parting instinctively, you bring your fingers between her folds to feel her, and she’s dripping. You wanted to make sure she made the most of this opportunity to focus on herself and her comfort.

A thought occurs to you. "I'd like you to take deep breaths in and out." You tell her, caressing her on the outside but not delving into where she needs you the most. You knew deep breathing was a good activity that helped stimulate tranquility and restore stability; it always came in handy before runway shows.

"I want you to say 'In' when you feel me inside of you," you finally say, sliding one finger into her wetness and feeling her clench around you. A breath of release lips passes her lips as you watch some of the tension melt away. "And when you feel me pulling away, say 'out' and take a deep breath."

You pull your finger back for a second, swiping along the ridged pleasure point and massaging her inner walls. Shuri responds with an "In," and as you retract, moving out and stroking around the outside of her entrance, she responds with an "Out."

The two of you continued with that pattern until Shuri's voice trailed off, no longer speaking as she relaxed into sheets.

"You need and deserve this. To be able to breathe and feel happy." You tell her quietly, taking pleasure in the way her face contorts in delight.

Breathy gasps escape her lips as she concentrates on the sensation of your fingers stroking around her, unconcerned about the tension of the day.

Your fingers were drenched in her juices, and the more you felt the moisture inside her, the more you wished to taste it. You get on your stomach with your head buried in between Shuri's legs. Shuri relaxed into your touch as you massaged circles into her skin, aware that the pleasure she was experiencing had enhanced her sensitivity.

Her fingers grasped the sheets, and her abs tensed in anticipation. You slid your tongue around the inner and outside folds before beginning a gentle licking with a flat tongue around the entire surface area. The moans from her lips turned you on and left you damp.

It was nice to concentrate only on Shuri's satisfaction. You appreciated the way her hips stuttered as you took her apart. As you pushed her further and further into ecstasy, she lapped up the sensations of arousal her body provided.

She was definitely close, and you couldn't wait to taste her on your tongue. Shuri soon had her hips working in little circles as she pressed into your fingers, chasing her orgasm. Moaning became increasingly audible.

You softly coaxed her inner walls with two fingers pushed inside her. "Mmm, Y/N," Shuri says as she calls your name. Her walls are spasming around you, and you know she's coming. Her breathing is labored, and you appreciate her strength because she's still careful not to squeeze her thighs around your head even though she's breaking.

You focus on her clit, sucking in tandem with your fingers, and soon she's letting out those lovely sounds, and her body jolts as you feel her release.

"Do you feel better?" you ask, happy at the satisfaction on her face.

"Yeah," Shuri confirms as she sinks lower into the bedding. Hopefully, she'll be able to sleep soon. You get out of bed and are ready to leave when she snaps her head up. "Where are you going?"

“Home.” You answer, straightening out the wrinkles in your hoodie from lying on the bed.

“Now? I figured we were going to-," She started, but you stopped her.

"I'd love to have sex with you, but I think you should rest. You're obviously overworked," you observed, frowning.

Her tone of voice shifts. “You think I’m going to let you leave my room without coming?” She's in charge now and not interested in a debate.

“I-“ The way she keeps cutting you off indicates that there isn't much you can say to convince her.

Shuri continues, “Giving you pleasure is relaxing. I like concentrating on you,” she admits. And that breaks you. How could you deny her? It’s enough to make you stop, but you don’t proceed to the bed, waiting for her next command.

"Take off your hoodie." She gave the order. You take the ends of the hoodie and pull it over your head. “Shorts,” Her instructions are brief but effective. You're not standing there in your bra and underwear, waiting for her next command, which never comes. Shuri simply lifts her eyebrows, and her look conveys all. She need not speak a word to command your submission. She already holds it.

You reach around to release the bra clasp, allowing the fabric to fall to the floor. Shuri is biting her lower lip as she watches you take your time slipping your panties down your legs.

You climb back onto the bed, this time with your exposed body straddling Shuri's waist. You're in the same situation you were in a few days ago, but this time no other issues are distracting you. Shuri had you under her control.

“Are you happy?” Shuri seems absolutely ravenous, eyes burning with hunger. She can't get enough of you undressed, no matter how many times she's seen you. Her desire for you never dies.

"That's not where I want you," she says, biting her lower lip again. Shuri's voice is low, silky, and seductive, and you can feel yourself getting aroused at the sound of it.

“Where do you want me?” you breathe. You were unprepared for what she said next.

She points to her face, “Up here.” Shuri chuckles at the expression on your face. Completely surprised she was requesting such a thing.

You purse your lips, contemplating her request, “Shuri, that’s-“

Her hand grabs your ass, squeezing. "Don't make me tell you again. I hate repeating myself.” The hand on your backside is a warning. Knowing what would happen if she had to tell you again, you're nearly tempted to disobey.

Carefully, you climb up her body until her head is between your thighs, supporting your weight on the knees. In anticipation, you hover above her face, fingers gripping the headboard. "Mm, it's been four days, and she really misses me."

In this position, Shuri had complete access to your sensual zone and the most important spots to stimulate. She drags her mouth across your clit, as if sampling before diving in. Stretching her neck up to take the sensitive bud into her mouth and sucking, you can feel the flat of her tongue licking side to side in unison.

"S-Shuri," you gasp, already stuttering. You had to be careful not to put all your weight on her face, no matter how much you wanted to get lost in the feelings. You were intent on not harming her in the back of your mind. Both the pleasure of Shuri's actions and the effort of maintaining your balance cause a burning sensation in your core and a trembling in your thighs.

Shuri's tattooed hand reaches out from your waist and rubs across your skin. You whimper at the separation of her lips from you. "Stop thinking and ride my face," Shuri murmurs quietly beneath you. Her words make your pussy clench.

You readjust your position slightly. "I don't want to hurt you." You've had plenty of sexual interactions, but this was the first time you'd been asked to ride someone's face.

As teeth penetrate into the flesh, you feel a stinging ache on your right thigh. The ache lasts for a split second before transforming into pleasure that has you gasping. "Did you really just bite me?"

"If you did what I asked, I'd be doing something else with my mouth. Can you be a good girl?" Shuri's words are breathed directly into your heat as if she's speaking to it.

"I love watching your pussy react to my words." Although you can't see her face, you can hear her smirk in her words. Cocky. It was difficult to loosen up even when your muscles were begging for you to do so. Even if you want to, you are afraid of hurting her; there was no place for argument in the face of such a dominating tone. Shuri grabs your waist with a punishing hold and lowers you to sit on her face.

The sensation of feeling her beneath you is exhilarating. Her tongue moves slowly around your clit, igniting your pleasure in small sparks that will gradually consume your body.

Shuri's hands on your hips encourage you to rock back gently against her face. You submit. Considering Shuri's strength, you know that if you wind up injuring her, she'll quickly remove you. You rest one hand on the wall for support, slightly moving your hips as if testing. You were attempting to appreciate it, knowing that it was making you feel good as part of Shuri's relaxation. You kept rocking as she flicked her tongue on your clit, your knuckles paling as you grasped the headboard tighter.

Shuri is massaging reassuring circles into your thigh, letting you know relaxing and enjoying yourself is okay. Shuri was no longer licking into you with her tongue, allowing you complete control of your pleasure, and the fact that she was letting you use her made you increasingly wet. "Fuck," you exhaled, moving your hips and grinding against her lips.

Shuri effortlessly lifts you up to take a breath. “You’re doing so good, baby girl.” The name sends shivers up your spine. When Shuri lets you back on her face, she keeps her tongue still, allowing you to grind against it. You're thankful for this experience; it was so unique you can't imagine never feeling like this again. Hips snapping straight up and down, you find a rhythm and lose yourself.

"Shuri, I-I-" you cut yourself off with a gasp, and your mouth opens wide. The delicate, breathy sounds you used to make have vanished, replaced by loud, high-pitched moans.

Sensing you’re close, Shuri cups your breast, rubbing the sensitive bud between her fingers. The additional sensation causes your lips to falter. One of your hands lets go of the bed, clutching the wrist connected to the fingers holding your chest.

Your free hand grips the headboard, adjusting the pressure and pace. When you come, it’s with a scream of Shuri’s name you’re sure anyone on the floor could hear. Your brain whites out as your body curls in on itself. You try to move away from Shuri's face, but her grip keeps you there as she refocuses her attention on the fluids released during your climax. Her tongue laps hungrily across your pussy.

It was most undoubtedly the most intense orgasm you'd ever had. You're not even aware that tears are welling up in your eyes.

“Shuri! Fuck! Please, Shuri!" You cried, your voice rising in octaves as your stomach tightened. You will never be able to compete with Shuri's strength. She won't let you go until she's satisfied, at which point you collapse against the wall, exhausted. Your legs continue to twitch, and your body is oversensitive, yet you move lower till you're on her chest.

Shuri swiped two of her fingers inside of you as she watched you pant and struggle to come down. Your breath hitched, and your legs shook a little more. Coated in your come, Shuri brought them to her lips. She needed more, as if she wasn’t already covered in you. You lowered your gaze. Her face glistened, and you brought your mouth to her chin, sucking at the flesh and using your tongue to clean yourself off her. “Such a nasty girl.” you just moan in response, moving to the other side of her face.

You slide off her body and onto the empty side of the bed next to her. Closing your eyes. “Someone’s sleepy,” Shuri's tone is teasing.

Your eyelids are fluttering open, “How are you not tired?”

“Stamina, it’s a gift from Bast.” She moves closer to you, and the next time you open your eyes, she looks down at you.

Taking in your tiredness Shuri informs you, “You know you can stay, right? I don't kick you out or anything. You leave as soon as we're through." That is true. Shuri will never ask you to leave. You take the initiative since there was never any reason for you to stay. But your body is against the idea of standing up right now. You can't get up, so Shuri must have gotten her wish.

Instead of responding vocally, you wrap your sweaty body deeper under the covers. She should really change these.

Shuri speaks up again when she notices this. "Thank you for stopping by. I know you're upset with me."

This time you mumble, “I’m not mad at you.” Face shoved into the pillow.

“Really? Because you slammed the car door in my face the last time I saw you."

You turn to face her, and your eyes are half-closed. "Your pillow talk is awful."

There's a moment between you, and Shuri's expression is filled with uncertainty. She is hesitant to express her feelings. You're trying to appear interested, fighting against your body's exhaustion. Maybe this talk should have happened before you had sex. “Whatever is on your mind. Say it,” you encourage instead of shutting her out.

She takes another minute before saying, "I don't want you to think that all I want from you is sex. You're not some random person, Y/N. I've known you practically my entire life, so come to me if you have a problem."

“That’s why I told Zar to invite you to the movie night.” She explains. “I just don’t want you to think I see you as a body where you can’t tell me when you’re feeling down. It makes me feel shitty.”

You’re apologetic. “ I'm sorry. I didn't notice." You had no idea how Shuri was feeling. It must be difficult as well. She could not view you like a warm body and renounce her caring attitude toward you.

Since she was so honest, you told her what you failed to do many nights ago. "I received a call from my manager," you explain. "I have opportunities flying into my lap, and of course, I'm living my dream as the most in-demand model in the world right now, but I don't know what to do. I don't know what I'm doing for the first time in my life, and it stresses me out." The words flow freely off your lips, spilling out everything you've been feeling, and it feels really good. You understand how stressful it was to hold all that in and be burdened with so much anxiety and despair.

You sigh, adding, "And the only normalcy I have is sleeping with my sister's best friend." Saying it out loud puts into perspective the reason for your actions these past few days. Subconsciously, you were concerned that spending too much time with Shuri and opening up about your feelings might jeopardize what you had—realizing now how natural it is to talk to each other without awkward silences or pauses between. You may not have actively pursued a strong friendship, but you care about her well-being as much as she does about yours.

Shuri groans next to you, “Don’t say it like that.”

“It’s true,” you mumble, sinking deeper into the comfort of Shuri’s sheets. They smelled like her and sex, but mostly like her. Your body settled into relaxation post-orgasm, and you felt yourself getting sleepy again, eyes hazy.

“Whatever decision you make, you have people who care for and fully support you.” Shuri’s words are comforting and true.

You smile, eyes closing again. “And I know I said we’re not friends, but you’ve always been in my life,” you admit.

To summarize. “You’re you, and I’m me, and we’re just us.” The smile on Shuri’s face tells you she’s content with that.

“Wake me up in like an hour,” your body no longer has the strength to fight off sleep. You turn around and finally shut your eyes.

When you reopen your eyes, you're surprised by your surroundings. This room is way too large to be your own, and there's a lot of sunlight streaming in through the windows. You sit up, aware that you are still in the Citadel. Shuri isn't next to you, but you can hear noises coming from the bathroom and assume she's getting ready for the day. You adapt to the light by blinking a few times, feeling clear-headed and revitalized.

Who says you can't solve your troubles with amazing sex and a good night's sleep? You stand up and begin your usual practice of playing hide and seek with your clothes. Shuri has returned to the room by the time you're dressed, and her eyes widen as she sees you awake.

You playfully narrow your gaze on her. "I said one hour," you complain, but your words have no bite.

Shuri defends herself by raising her palms. "In my defense, I fell asleep."

You grab your car keys as you smile at her surrendering. "I think I should go." You've definitely overstayed your welcome.

"I'll have Griot direct Ayo to keep the hallway to the rear entrance clear for the next ten minutes." She is already planning your getaway, and you can’t help the laugh that manages to escape you.

“What’s so funny?” Shuri inquires, her expression questioning.

“You are using the Dora Milaje to distract people so you can get your sneaky link out of the palace undetected.” You chastise, mockingly shaking your head.

Shuri laughs and tilts her head. “You have such a colorful way of describing things.”

Before you leave, Shuri asks, “Are we good?”

"We're fine," you say.

Shuri smiles and nods.

As you walk away, your cheeks begin to hurt from smiling so much.

[neftisautora]

Proposta - Part 1

Shuri Udaku x Princess!Reader

The sun had just risen in the sky of the Baku Empire. The capital of the African country was bathed in the yellow and blue sky. The chambers of the princess of Baku were empty, the heir to the throne was, as always, beginning her tasks for the day. The first being the training room, to perfect your fighting skills with your general,Enek. Meanwhile, his mother waited on her throne for a visit that could change the course of Baku forever.

The Queen of Baku was sitting gracefully in her throne room, the breakfast table set with various foods for not only the Queen, but her children. Anela enjoyed her corn cake, while Aki drank her morning juice. The queen faces her youngest daughter and her middle son, the presence of her eldest heiress being missed.

“Where is Y/n?” The woman's voice breaks the calm silence of the morning.

“Training, Your Highness…” His faithful advisor, Nali, responds.

“How does this girl think about training without at least eating something?” the queen asked worriedly.

“She ate, my queen. It was in the kitchen in the early hours of the morning.”

“How active your sister is sometimes worries me, honestly.”

“You should be used to it by now…” Aki smiled at her sister’s antics.

“She will be a great queen, but she still needs to learn to be careful with herself.” Anela shrugged.

A few more moments of silence followed, before Nali received a message from the imperial guards.

"My queen? Shuri Udaku, ruler of Wakanda has just arrived at the border.”

“Is the queen of Wakanda here?” Anela sighed excitedly.

“Why are you so excited, girl?” Aki grumbled.

“Maybe because the queen of the most powerful kingdom on Earth is here?”

“You forget that we are also on this podium, don’t you?” Akiza rolled her eyes. “After all, what is she doing here, mom?”

“Shuri requested a meeting with me two days ago.” The black woman responded as she stood up. “Let it in, Nali. And please clear the table.”

“But I'm not finished yet…” Aki sighed dissatisfiedly.

“Who told you to fool around with food?” Anela sneered.

Soon the queen of Baku found herself sitting on her throne, her two sons at her side and once again, without the presence of the heir to the throne. It didn't take long for the vibranium doors to open and the queen of Wakanda entered with all her confidence.

Shuri admired the kingdom of Baku, from the outside of her ship, it could be seen that the unknown kingdom a year ago was not far from what would be Wakanda. Huge technological buildings and houses with futuristic design surrounded the then Baku castle. The queen of Wakanda was taken towards the throne room as soon as they landed. Walking through the doors, which Shuri did not fail to notice were made of vibranium, into the huge hall, Shuri looked at the queen of Baku, the woman was wearing gold and brown clothes, extremely well cut and aligned, her wrinkles and her expression of seriousness and confidence reminded her of her late mother. The queen had a crown that resembled those of Pharaohs, her golden throne, necklaces, the entire enclosure, would resemble objects from the culture of ancient Egypt. Something that heightened curiosity to discover this new kingdom whose existence no one knew about before. He then noticed, at his side, two teenagers, who according to his research should be Princess Anela and Prince Aki.

“Your Highness…” Shuri greeted, her eyes staring intently at the woman in front of her.

“Queen Shuri…” the Queen of Baku waved back. “To what do I owe the honor of visiting the ruler of Wakanda?”

A little hesitantly, Shuri sighed before saying the following words. “I came here to ask for your daughter’s hand as a wife.”

Direct and firm. Shuri watched as surprise appeared on the faces of the queen and her children. Mainly your children.

“Did I hear you right?” The woman on the throne slowly stood up. “Are you asking for my daughter’s hand? But which one?”

“Y/n, your first daughter.” Shuri continued confidently.

The Queen of Wakanda was surprised that she wasn't expelled within the next thirty seconds. This meant that the queen could consider the proposal.

"Do you know her? Have you ever seen her?” The queen asked curiously.

“No, Your Highness.”

“Then why do you want to marry my daughter?”

“My subjects want me to marry, but to someone who deserves the crown of Wakanda. There is no one better than the heiress of your kingdom, who has the same principles and coincidentally the same vibranium.” Shuri didn't plan on stalling with her proposal. The objectives were obvious, there is nothing to dispute. Even the Queen of Baku knew this. “It would be a perfect alliance, the two most powerful kingdoms together.”

The Queen of Baku considered the idea for a moment. The eyes looked at Shuri with even amusement. Everyone in the room was impressed with that woman's courage, perhaps not what Shuri thought, however. Only someone so brave would make such a proposal to the crown princess of the throne.

“Unfortunately, I am not a queen who decides who her children will marry…” The woman began, her face serious as she stared at the Panther. “This is Y/n’s decision alone. However, what I can do is introduce youtwoand you ask her the question directly. I can’t guarantee she’ll accept it, far from it, but who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky, darling.”

The woman sat down again, but not before asking Nali to call you. Her brothers stared at Shuri with mocking smiles, the same thought about the humiliation the princess was about to go through for daring to ask for her hand out of the blue.

It doesn't take long for you to appear. The doors open to reveal her beautiful and glorious figure. A two-piece burnt brown cloth covered her body, her upper part was covered by a brown leather skin-tight top, leaving her shoulders uncovered, reaching halfway down her abdomen. A linen battle skirt hugged her waist, with a larger tie across her thighs. Her feet are bare, soft hazel skin glistening with sweat, African braids loose and falling down her bare shoulders. You stared at Shuri with intense black eyes, assessing her casual but elegant clothes, African cloth pants with a shirt in the same style, African designs in gold, a haircut shaved on the sides letting her curls fall into her face. His disinterested gaze wandered vaguely over the slender curves of the unknown but well-known woman.

“Did the queen call me?” her voice was delicate like honey, if her beauty had previously made Shuri interested, her voice only amplified this interest even more.

"Yes. This is Shuri Udaku, queen of Wakanda.” The Queen of Baku waved her daughter closer while pointing at Shuri. “Shuri came to us to make a bold proposal.”

"A proposal?" You raised your eyebrow suspiciously.

"A proposal. Mostly you, actually.” The queen smiled amusedly. “Can you repeat your proposal, Your Highness?”

"Sim claro." Shuri suspirou nervosamente para ela olhar. "Vim pedir o seu casamento, Princess S/n."

[nut4shuri]

BLISSFUL NOISE

(18+)

#shuri x female reader

SOMEONE ASKED FOR THE DIRTIEST FIC I COULD WRITE,SO I TRIED..LET ME KNOW WHAT YALL THINK!🤍

Warnings:⚠️Smut,oral sex,Dom shuri..as always,Provocative language,this fic is dirty asf,its filthy and i know yall gone love it.⚠️

~

Shuri watched in awe as you pranced around her lab in your tiny shorts and half shirt,biting down on her bottom lip she flicked her tounge over her lips and pressed her pen up against her top lip thinking of all the dirty shit she could do to you.

As much as she hated you,she wanted you so bad. She played as if she disliked you because you where indeed killmonger's baby sister or a close friend (⚠️NOT HIS ACTUAL BLOOD SISTER! MORE LIKE A CLOSER FRIEND/PLAY SISTER,THIS IS NOT AN INCEST STORY⚠️!!) and as far as she could see it you where part of the reason her brother was gone.

But none of that could shake this feeling,she loved you,she wanted you,she craved you,she touched herself every night just thinking about you,being in you..caressing your beautiful brown skit,feeling her touch lapping at it,her face between your thick thighs sucking at your sweetness. It was all like heaven to her..

"Princess..."your gental voice sounded though her thoughts,till she noticed you stood before her.

Shuri chocked out "What?"

"I just wanted to tell you i had finished the calculations.."

Shuri stood on her feet her figure towering over you a bit as she ran her eyes down your tiny but thick figure,walking past you dismissively she began to scan over something not even saying another word.

But you paid it no mind. She was always like this to you,and as far as you could say you loved it. You liked her dominant personality,and how smooth she was,You liked the way she carried herself,you sometimes imagined what it would be like for her to push you up against the walls and have her way with you.

Inclusive Thoughts... You smiled lightly.

Your imagination ran wild as you took in her figure,wanting nothing more but for her to slam you against the table and rail you.

"Your staring."Shuri sounded out.

"S-sorry.."you said completely embarrassed.

"Don't be sorry,be careful"

"Why would i have to be careful?" You spoke with out any thought. You had quite the mouth and Shuri liked that.

Such a fucking brat..She thought.

"Because you could get yourself into some trouble,not even Bast could get you out of."she said turning your way she smirked at your flushed figure.

"W-"

"Your flushed."she said

"N-no im not.."

She began to walk your way causing you to back away into her desk accidentally knocking over something in the process.

Shuri groaned for a second and walked over to you faster pushing you on to her desk.

"Sh-shuri"

"Y/N..i need you,i need you like i need the air i fucking breath,please let me have you."she begged,her accent making it sound so much better.

"ok."

~

You whined out gripping on to shuris curls as her tounge lapped at your wetness,sucking onto your clit and squeezing your breasts.

She sat in her desk chair and she had you laid out on her table,nipping and sucking on you as if you where her first meal of the day.

Her fingers moving around in you as if she was seaching for something and you moaned out at the feeling.

She moaned into you,as if her bringing you utter pleasure only turned her on even more.

"Fuck it i gotta feel you.." she spoke before flipping you over on your knees,planting a firm smack to your ass making you whine out.

She yanked your head back by your hair,attaching her lips to your roughly.

She pulled away smacking your ass again causing you to moan loud.

"Shhh,you dont want the elders to hear you know do you?" She spoke planting a kiss against your ass.

"Fucking Beautiful."she spat out with agression.

"Im gonna take you now.."she spoke to you as you looked back at her.

How did she even have time to put that thing on..you thought

She laughed a little,rubbing the strap between your folds allowing to circle your clit,then began to push it in slowly.

"fuck.."she groaned lowly as if she could feel it to..(she can)

Gripping your hair harder she steadied her self.

"Put your hands behind your back.."she said and you crossed your hands across your back.

She used one hand to hold your hair and another to hold your wrists.

Not wasting anymore time she began to fuck you relentlessly,moaning and groaning at each thrust.

Letting go of your hair she gripped your ass in her palms and placed firm spanks to it.

Your bodys up against each other,the heat from each thurst made this feel like heaven.

You felt as if you where seeing stars as you bit down on your bottom lip.

~

"Fuck now they can see how pretty you look..how well you take me princess."

Shuri spoke out as she drilled into you her arms wrapped around your waist holding you up against the glass and your arms wrapped around her neck.

She bit and sucked at your neck,that was sure to leave a mark.

Her forehead against your she began to slow her thrust,but made them deeper.

She wanted you to feel all of her..in the best way possible.

You two where going at it for about an hour now,her having you cum over 9 times. You felt overstimulated but you loved it.

"Fuck"she said as she slipped out of you.

She placed you down face to face with her strap and grabbed your hair.

"Show me what that mouth do ma.."she said and smirked.

You looked up at her as you wrapped your lips around it sucking lightly.

Not breaking eye contact,She groaned and pushed your head farther down,wrapping a hand around your neck.

Causing you to chock lightly,your eyes watered as you settled your throat and began bobbing back and forth.

She moaned and groaned out,praising you for how well you took it.

She bit her lip,as she pushed your head away removing the strap her juices began to leak down her legs.

She walked over to her chair sitting down she opened her legs,her pussy full on display for you.

"Come"she said using her fingers to user you over.

Walking over to her getting on your knees.

"Make daddy feel good..and ill make you cum again."she said as she ran her hands over your braids.

Opening her folds you licked over her wetness wrapping your tounge around her clit.

Doing your best to please her you added a finger then another as your tounge slid back and forth over her clit making her moan out.

"Fuck Yes.."

Her back arched off her seat as your fingers sped up and your tounge worked fast..

Her eyes rolled back,and her clit pulsed in your mouth.

"Im gonna cum,fuck" she said as her hands pushed your head deeper in and her hips thrusted up.

"Yes yes yes" she moaned out as she threw her head back and stiffened up.

~

"PRINCESS I-"

Shuri groaned out holding your hips steady as you road her slow and steady,your wetness sliding back an forth over hers.

"Fuck"she moaned out her hand around your neck.

Your clit pulsed against hers as you rocked back and forth making you moan out.

"NOT NOW.."she shouted.

"BUT PRINCESS-" the AI tried again.

"NOT N-NOW"shuri moaned out as you sped up the pace.

"BUT PRINCESS THE GENERAL AND MS.WILLAMS ARE ON THEIR WAY !" The AI shouted though the walls.

You and Shuris eyes widen as you both stood rushing to place on your clothing but you couldn't because the doors began to open so you ran underneath her desk.

"Hello General,Riri-" shuri choked out.

"Hello Princess,Y/N."

Your eyes widen as you cursed under your breath and coughed akwardly.

Peaking your head from underneath the desk.. "Hi guys!"

"Where you guys getting it on?" Riri spoke and The General let out a chuckle.

"Its not funny!"Shuri yelped.

[quintessencewrites]

She loves me

toxic!Shuri x black!fem!reader; Valkyrie x black!fem!reader

She loves me. Even though whenever I say it, she doesn't say it back.

Warnings: angst, cheating, eventual fluff, explicit language as always, implied smut Word Count: 1.9k+

Requested by anonymous

Tags: @yvxmpire @zestgodtj @k3nn3dyxo @mlmilani @letitias-fav @doms-fav  @sweetalittleselfish-honey @g4yforu @widowmakker @becauseimswagman1 @zayswriting @inmyheadimobsessed @laurensmabel1 @malltake12 @msudaku @faeriah-thv  @fetchyourlife @mbakuetshurisprincess @sinsikoxo @honey-teaaaaaaaa @rxcently @pinkcorns @takeyaki @yamsthoughts @thethickerside @0hshoot1tsl4ni @shurisbathwater @shurismainbxtch @luvrzhearts @sadfreakx @shuri-my-love @justariellove @heartsforjojo @blackgirlfariy @tuesdaylovesu @chocoflagcutii @taiiunknown @zhanylai @ziayamikaelson @verachii @taiiunknown @beautybyfire @soearthquakequeen @remwritess @pinkwright @jenlouvre @letitiasleftfoot @takeyaki @icespiceluva @ogbells16 @alistair-mooncrest @6-noir

“I’m sorry, this voicemail box is full. Please hang up, and try again later.”

The line had stopped trilling two calls ago and this time was no different. Either Shuri’s phone had died or she’d turned it off, and it was most likely the latter. 

That photo presented itself in the forefront of your mind, teasing you. You had to look at it again, had to really examine it. Oh, how you didn’t want to though. Didn’t want to believe what was right in front of you. 

Her face was hidden behind a mountain of curls belonging to a girl who wasn’t you. Toothy grin full of pearly whites, chiseled jaw set taut. Tattooed hands snaked around a neck that wasn’t yours and a waist that wasn’t attached to your body. 

That’s what gave her away. Those tattoos, so distinguishable, climbing up her fingers like vines. Fingers that you had memorized, from their calloused feel on your dark skin to their full length petting your core. 

Frustration washed over, entangling you in a flurry of emotions. The exasperated scream that crept from your lungs was deep and animalistic. Your chest burned with envy and hurt, swirling to form a nasty tornado of detestment. 

Seven months. That’s how long you and Shuri had been together. 

She loves me, you’d convinced yourself from day one. Her words were smooth, pulling you in and caressing you like silk. “You’re so beautiful” she’d purr to you. “This beautiful ass is all mine, ain’t it ma?”

She loves me. Her touch was scalding, igniting a flame each time her skin kissed yours. From those long, thin, phalanges that caressed your chin with such gentleness, to the warmth that ran through you when she laid you on your back, one hand around your throat and the other working furiously between your legs. 

She loves me. Even though she came home night after night with bruises sprinkled about her most intimate areas. Various sized dark spots contrasting starkly with her mahogany skin. 

She loves me. Even though she tilted her phone away from you whenever it chimed, alerting her of a new message. Whoever texted her, whatever they said, pulled her attention away from you like hypnosis. 

She loves me. Even though whenever I say it, she doesn’t say it back. 

Your fingers were itching to call again, your consciousness begging for her to answer and explain. “Ma, it wasn’t even like that.” 

“She’s just a friend.”

“I have a long-lost twin sister.”

Your manicured thumb hovered above their name, so desperately wanting to call. 

So you did.

 The phone felt heavy as you brought it to your ear. It rang and rang and rang. 

“Hello?” The heavily accented voice finally picked up. Your words were lost upon you, each one getting stuck in your throat and forming a lump that brought forth salty tears. 

A broken gag mustered from your lips. 

“Y/n? What’s wrong?”

As soon as your mouth opened, the floodgates followed. “V? C-can you c-come over? Please?” That last word was accentuated with desperation as you felt your beating heart break into a thousand pieces. 

“Gimme five.”

It wouldn’t even take that long; you knew that for sure. All it took was your fragmented speech for Valkyrie to rush over with an astonishing quickness. She wasted no time knocking, bending to pull the key you kept under the mat and letting herself in. 

V’s hair swung about her face, her head snapping in every direction in search of you. “Y/n, baby? Where are you?” She tiptoed on the plush carpet, as if afraid to step on you. 

She followed the sounds of your sobs, all the way to your bedroom. There you sat, in the corner, knees pulled to your chest and face hidden in your arms. Your phone had been discarded several feet away and as she stepped closer, Valkyrie got a good look at what upset you so.  

Her heart pounded, anger flowing through her veins at the sight. She wanted nothing more than to find Shuri and rip into her for breaking your heart, beating the panther to a pulp. 

Then she glanced up, catching your swollen gaze fixated on her with such despair. Shuri was a fool for sure, but her damnation would come. Now was the time to comfort you, fix you, put you back together. 

V walked slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. “Hey pretty girl,” she whispered as she crouched beside you. Like a magnet, your head gravitated to her shoulder and there it stayed. Her hand reached up to caress calming strokes into your hair. 

“She doesn’t love me, V.”

God, it sounded so pathetic. You’d spent almost a year loving somebody who didn’t love you back. 

Valkyrie is silent, but her movements don’t stop. 

“Why doesn’t she love me?”

The room is still, the weight of your inquiry settling. 

“She doesn’t deserve your love, y/n.”

Your eyes roll, and more tears release. It was such a generic answer, such a best friend answer to give. 

“She didn’t earn it,” V continues. “What did she give you besides good sex and shiny objects?”

Memories bombard you. Good sex and shiny objects. But also good laughs, fun moments. A trip to Wakanda that you’d never forget. Flowers ‘just because’ and dates that would make any girl swoon. 

But apparently you were just that. Just ‘any girl’. You were one in a million, quite literally. Shuri had sent you flowers adorned with the wrong name multiple times. Started to call you the wrong name during sex before she went mute instead. Taken you on dates to restaurants where she ordered ‘your favorite’ even though that was your first time visiting the establishment. 

The realization sent your tears streaming. It’d been right in front of your face this whole time. 

Your reddened eyes part from the floor and land on Valkyrie. Her long locs framing her defined jaw and pretty, bright brown eyes. The way she leaned her head against yours and played in your hair, mindlessly. 

The oversized top she sported showed off every flex in her muscular arms and her shorts were nearly hidden underneath the length of the shirt. 

She was in her gym wear. She wore it like a uniform, which meant she’d pulled herself from her most sacred activity to be your sanctuary. 

“I guess I love too hard, huh?”

Her gaze met yours in unison at your words, at the playfulness that jumped off your tongue behind the huskiness of your cries. 

“Too hard and too dumb,” your friend responds. 

A gasp feigns from you, “Dumb how?”

V’s head shakes, ever so slightly. “An argument for another day, y/n.”

“Well, make it an argument for today. Dumb how?”

The phone several inches away begins to vibrate furiously with yours and Shuri’s Cheshire grins ever so present on the screen. Both you and Val watch, quietly and intently, until the phone’s furious movements come to an end. 

And then they start up again. Shuri’s calling for a second time. 

“Dumb because I know you’re gonna answer that.”

Your eyes fall upon V’s, seeing a mirrored hurt behind an anguished expression. You were wounding her, playing this game of cat and mouse with Shuri. 

She loves me. She put her whole day on hold, rushing over the moment you asked and making it in record time. She would’ve come, no questions asked, no matter the time of day. 

She loves me. She was here and Shuri wasn’t. She was always here, picking up the pieces when the one you thought you loved fell short. 

She loves me. Even though you’ve just realized it. 

The device stops ringing, only to start right back up. Valkyrie stares at you hard, gauging your next move. 

It pains you to pull away from her touch, her soothing solace, but you do. You have to. 

Falling to all fours, you crawl to the phone, to Shuri awaiting on the other end with a basketful of excuses. 

The phone feels heavy in your hands as you retrieve it from the ground. It feels heavier when you press the green button and bring it to your ear. And Shuri’s voice feels heaviest. 

She knows she’s been caught; she gives you no chance to speak before she starts trying to cover her mistakes. 

“That picture wasn’t supposed to be posted on her story; she’s an ex and it’s an old pic-“

Those salty tears prickle your already glossed over eyes once more. 

“Shuri,” your voice was surprisingly steady, despite all the crying you’d just done. 

“Yes, baby girl? Listen, I’m tryna expla-“

“We’re done.”

Now it’s you who gives Shuri no time to speak, hanging up before she can register your words. 

You allow the phone to drop from your hold, unable to bear the weight of it any longer. Slowly, through your blurred vision, you turn and find Valkyrie seated where you left her. 

“Yeah, I’m dumb,” the steadiness you spoke with before is now gone and the admission comes out in a whisper. 

The silence in the room is suffocating and it lingers for far too long. V is the one to break it, her laughter chiming through the hush. It’s a genuine belly-laugh, one full of euphoria that doubled you over in the middle. The contagious kind of laughter that causes you to bend at the center as well, gripping your stomach for support as the chuckles and sobs mix. 

Val somehow finds her words in the midst of her giggles. “So dumb, y/n,” her powerful voice declares with outstretched arms, inviting you in. 

You don’t hesitate to accept, settling into her hold, the sounds of your shared exuberance harmonizing. 

“Dumb how?” You ask again, arms sneaking to wrap around her neck while hers come to rest on your waist. 

It feels right, Val’s touch, in a way that didn’t with Shuri. Hers was forced, consciousness elsewhere. 

Val’s was gentle and aware. She was here, doing this, because she wanted to. She wanted it; she wanted you. 

“Dumb because,” she begins, plump lips parting, dark eyes twinkling. “I think you’ve just now realized,” she emphasizes. “What’s been sitting right in front of you.”

Her tone is cocky but her words settle on your stomach like a fulfilling meal. 

Your response is slow and deliberate, and you mean every word. 

“I think I have too.”

“And?” She asks immediately, anxiety growing at the sudden slow burn. 

In the background, your phone constantly buzzes, Shuri’s face ever present on the device. It goes ignored, however, because you finally take in what’s been sitting in front of you. 

“And, I think I finally appreciate what’s been sitting right in front of me”

V’s eyes roll to the heavens, demeanor falling a bit. “Oh great, I’ve always wanted to be appreciated-“

Her dramatics halt when your hands graze her cheeks, pulling her striking gaze back to you. “Val. “ the sound of her name rolling off your tongue shushes her. 

“I like what’s sitting right in front of me.”

Valkyrie’s smile is so genuine, so pure and elated. She rests her forehead against yours, sinking further into you. “Yeah?” She whispers. 

You lean into her touch, grip on her tightening as if she’ll disappear beneath you. “Yeah,” you whisper back, truthfully, and for the first time in a very long time, you feel a tranquility that can only be explained by the girl seated in front of you. 

[intothemultifandom]

– 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 [𝟏/𝟑] || 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐚

SUMMARY: In the aftermath of The Blip, you and Attuma–warriors turned interim leaders–bond over loss, grief and the weight of two different worlds. When the second blip occurs, those who’ve returned decide to wage war. Unaware of the relationship you’ve forged in their absence. PAIRINGS: Attuma x Reader, Wakandan!Reader, T’challa + Shuri Sister!Reader TAGS/WARNINGS: angst ; hurt and comfort 

You lost your siblings during The Blip. 

T’challa had turned to dust right before Okoye, Shuri scattered somewhere out on the battlefield; and a weight unlike any other (the weight only your brother knew) settled around shoulders when the wind did not claim you, too. 

At only seventeen, you had been reduced to an only child by the snap of a Madman’s fingers. Expected to ascend the throne now that your older siblings could not. Not that you would, given your distaste of politics and the UN Embassy in general.

Where T’challa was King and Shuri led your scientific division, you had trained under the tutelage of the Dora Milage. Had become one of the best warriors of the country in spite of your youth, expected to surpass Okoye once you reached her age.  

Your natural skill had fuelled your desire to join the War Dogs before N’Jadaka had come into the picture (as Princess, you could not join the Dora Milaje officially), a dream you had to contribute to the safety of your Kingdom and your brother’s reign under the aloofness of being the youngest child.

In the eyes of the world that remained, however, this was not possible when your existence, your survival, received constant praise by Nations who hungered for someone young and naive to ascend the throne.

To their displeasure, you’d assumed leadership over the secret division of your country instead, entertained by the thought of Colonisers dictating what you did with yourself. Your amusement further peaked as you presented yourself publicly as Wakanda’s Consulate General alongside your natural title as Princess.  

With your Mother maintaining the throne and dealing with politics, you’d spent the first three years working diligently to forget your siblings’ absence. Your own grief and shame.

Someone had to stamp out the political unrest in your country, had to re-establish Wakanda’s spy-network in the midst of mounting political tension around the world.

And you had done it all at from seventeen to twenty, held together by the love of your Queen Mother and spurred on by the council of your closest confidants, Okoye, Aneka, Ayo and, surprisingly, the Jabari’s own M’Baku. 

The success of your network around the world had earned you the respect of many, though nothing cemented your legacy more than what happened during the Wakandan three-day-Massacre: 

The Marube Tribe were a relic of time, isolated from the rest of your country when they denounced the advancement of your technology.

Deep in the Mute Lands, they’d practiced old customs and studied even older texts where, in the shadow of Thanos’ terror, they’d turn to ancient techniques to make their warriors strong. Stronger than even the Black Panther. 

Since they could not ingest Vibranium through the heart-shaped herb, a group of their men had etched it into their flesh. Tattooed the raw substance into the planes of their body so they could flow better with nature.

And for a brief time, it worked. The process had given them unnatural durability and strength, the ability to run faster than the wind and yet capable of moving the Earth with a stomp of their foot.

Only, Vibranium itself is radioactive unless tempered with a substance only Shuri and her division knew how to make.

And with your sister and her team gone, ashes in the wind; the Marube tribe, without knowing the consequences, inadvertently kickstarted what might’ve been the doom of your people with the creation of the Madmen. 

As Vibranium had become one with flesh, the radiation did not blister skin nor melt flesh from bone. Instead, it drove the person to madness, to a murderous rage that would not end and was made even worse by the indestructibility of their bodies.

In a single night, the Madmen decimated nearly their entire village before they took to their neighbours. 

When the missive came the following morning, your Queen Mother demanded only for the Dora Milaje to go, for them put an end to the madness before it reached the Golden City.

What she seemed to forget was that the last Madman you fought murdered your siblings, so you could not, would not, simply remain in the Palace.

And so as stealthily as you could for someone who’d learned many tricks from Nakia, you followed your warrior-sisters beyond the throne room, grateful that Okoye turned a blind eye when she caught you amongst their numbers. 

The battle against the Madmen had been a ruthless and bloody affair. 

The people who fought with you and against you were your own people; the land you fought on once roamed by your Ancestors; yet no amount of familiarity could diminish the brutality of war as the Madmen slaughtered your people in masses, pushed your team deeper into the battlefield and towards the centre of their ruined Tribe like wolves surrounding sheep.

Just as you thought you had reached your end, had stood back-to-back with Okoye, Aneka and Ayo and readied yourself for death, Bast had smiled on you that day as the survivors of the massacre–women and children who’d hidden themselves beneath the ground–opened a hidden hatch and welcomed your group into their refuge.  

The Marube people may have denounced modern Wakanda; but they were Wakandan all the same.

For almost half an hour, you and the warriors huddled with them in the dark of their underground cave system where you’d grieved and planned, prayed for your Ancestors to see you through another day even when the Madmen waited for you above. 

It had been one of the Elders who survived, a woman named J’Kobe who weakly presented the idea of someone undergoing the same process as the men above to turn the tides of the battle. She who suggested bestowing a great power upon someone, anyone, so that they could end the Madmen’s bloodshed once and for all before madness took them.

It would be a sacrifice, went unsaid. 

As the determination settled on Okoye’s brow and Ayo and Aneka shared a sad, resigned smile (they’d realised too that the Madmen could not be beat as their weapons bent under the pressure of their strength)–you had stepped towards J’Kobe with the memory of your family and your people, the smile of a toddler who bared your brother’s name, as you knelt at her feet and offered yourself before they could.

Your siblings had been gone for three years, and in those three years you’d found no dignified way of joining them until then: ...though of course, you didn’t actually die as you thought you would. 

Even now, you could not remember what had happened down in those tunnels, how long your friends had argued against your decision before you laid on your back and then your stomach, the pain immeasurable as they and J’Kobe embedded the Vibranium along different areas of your body. 

Tattooed by your countries most fearsome warriors and one of the last practitioners of old, you did what many thought was impossible when you ascended the tunnels with fresh tattoos that glowed purple and a newfound strength to greet the Madmen as an equal match. 

On the third day of the three-day-Massacre, you gave your people a new protector as you stood over the Madmen who lay at your feet, defeated: 

Olumo, J’Kobe called you. 

Molded by God. 

After the battle had been won, and you’d marched with your Warriors and the survivors home to prepare to be put down, to apologise to your Mother one last time before calling Nakia; like the wind that did not claim you when your siblings disappeared, death did not take you in the end, too. 

Because your Father, his Father and so on, ingested Vibranium through the heart-shaped herb, they’d altered their genetics and granted their children and lineage invulnerability to the radiation of Vibranium. 

Meaning you would not be lost to madness from the procedure after all, a stroke of luck for your friends who considered sacrificing themselves. 

Since then, you’d fought many battles as Olumo, the disciple of Ptah and Kokou. Had succeeded in many minor and major battles that helped you carve your own legacy as you fought for True Wakanda, your Vibranium tattoos a symbol of your service and devotion. 

There were days, of course, when the power you’d been bestowed stirred uncomfortably. Days where you felt restless in your own skin, plagued with the undeniable urge to move, run and fight. 

You’d always been a warrior than a leader. 

The Dora Milage, adored as they were, were supportive in this regard; always ready to give you an outlet to rid yourself of this feeling as you fought and sparred them in the safety of your Kingdom. 

Even M’Baku and his warriors, through a rare sight in the Capital, sparred with you when they could. 

It wasn’t until you met him, though, that you felt more alive than you’d felt in the past three years. Felt seen and understood in a way that your friends and Mother could not and would likely ever understand, given the power and responsibilities you now held. 

His name was Attuma, and he called himself the greatest warrior in the underworld. 

NOTES: 

• This is Part 1 (context; your POV) of a three-part-story. 

• Part 2 (snippets of you and him during moments in-between; his POV) will be coming soon. 

• Your background is inspired by the BLACK PANTHER #7 (Origins of Vibranium) + BLACK PANTHER #3 (#200 Legacy) 

• Ptah the Shaper is considered the god of metal alloys, mainly Vibranium whereas Kokou is considered the Wakandan god of War

TAGLIST:

@tommymcartney ; thanks for inspiring me to keep writing! 📝

[yoditopascal]

Béet

Attuma x black chubby reader smut

summary: With the alliance between Talokan and Wakanda in full swing, training and tactical drills have become a common occurrence. You were one of Shuri’s best and brightest scientists, so why were you stuck on med bay duty and why was the Talokanil Shark General coming in so often? content warnings: canon-typical violence, smut, p in v, attuma himself is a warning, cussing, begging, no real plot just literal attuma brainrot, you need a big boy, thigh riding, fingering, no use of y/n cuz I hate that shit, reader is afab, attuma being an ass, namora okoye and shuri make a cameo

The first time she saw him she was late.

Having missed her first few alarms she was late to work again for the 5th time in a row. Late nights of researching and assisting Shuri with recreating more of the heart shaped herb had finally caught up to her. The dinging of the elevator signaling that she had reached her floor had snapped her out of her thoughts and just as she stepped out onto the lab floor she had to stop herself from damn near walking straight into a huge blue mass. There on the lab floor stood Attuma, one of the generals from Talokan, the nation they had just formed a new alliance with. She had seen him in passing before, mainly when he and the other general Namor came down to run drills with Ayo and Okoye, but never this up close and personal.

God, he was kinda fine.

“Tu'ux le le general?”

He asked, his baritone voice rumbled from his chest as he gave her a once over. The scientist before him was a little thing coming up just under his shoulders but like him was by no means skinny.

She then remembered they didn’t speak the same language as everyone else did, she couldn’t understand him but the word general made it a little easier to figure out what he was there for, he probably had training again.

“Oh you looking for Ayo?”

“Máax ka'ansaje' táan u cargo bejla'e' mina'an ba'ax in k'áaj” his voice came out a little raspier as he stalked closer if that was even possible, and looked down at her from under his lashes.

“Yeeeeah I don’t- I’ll just get Shuri for you” she started cheeks heating up as she felt boxed in. The man was intimidated and he definitely knew it. “I believe Attuma is asking for the General,” an overhead voice interrupted them, “Namora is already on the 14th-floor training with Ayo and Okoye. I’ve taken the liberty of letting them know he’s here.” The young scientist had never been more thankful for the A.I.’s presence.

“Thanks GRIOT.”

“It is my pleasure” Just as she was about to turn her attention back towards Attuma the dinging of the elevator caught her attention as she watched Okoye and Namora enter the lab, both women nodding to her as they entered.

“Llegas chúunk'iin u Attuma” Namora scolded as she crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at the man under her breathing mask.

Waving her off he walked past her into the elevator she just came from but not without giving the scientist one last once over.

That was the start of her week on med bay duty. Once she had finally gotten all clocked in and settled at her work station Shuri had stopped her before she could get too invested in what she had on her desk.

That was the start of her week on med bay duty. Once she had finally gotten all clocked in and settled at her work station Shuri had stopped her before she could get too invested in what she had on her desk.

“I’m beginning to worry about you sister, it’s not like you to be late”

“I’m fine Princess-“

Shuri called her name giving her a stern look as she closed the scientist’s laptop forcing her to focus on her.

“I’m just tired is all” she said with a sigh rubbing her forehead trying to ease the beginnings of a headache she felt coming on.

“Maybe you should take a break”

“I can’t afford to take a break, besides you need all the help you can get with this Princess we’re so close to bringing it all back for good.” She pleaded and as Shuri shook her head at her.

“And we will bring it back but not with you at half capacity”

“Shuri-“

“I’m putting you on medical duty. The warriors have been getting roughed up more than usual lately because of the Talokanil soldiers and they could use your help.”

“Are you grounding me?”

“If I have to” “You’re taking a break one way or another.” Shuri chuckled as she pat her on her shoulder and sent her on her way right back out the door she came from.

Shuri wasn’t lying when she said the warriors were getting hurt a lot more than normal lately. Normally the Dora Milaje never had a reason to stop by the medical center on the other side of the building, they could take any and everything that was thrown at them but she suspected that ever since the two generals started sparring with them that it was a little bit more than they could handle, especially from Attuma the man was big damn near the size of M’Baku and she liked that about him.

With her back to the door, the young scientist typed away on her laptop, finishing up her notes from the other night, she didn’t hear the door to the office open until it slammed shut behind the intruder. Startled she jumped in her seat and turned to see Attuma standing furiously as blood seeped from his arm.

“Jesus you scared the shit outta me!”

He didn’t say anything as he stalked over towards her, his dark eyes glaring down at her clearly telling her he didn’t want to be there.

“What happened?” She questioned putting in a pair of gloves and getting out the cotton swabs and cleaning solutions, the cut wasn’t too bad, it was superficial at best, but with him coming and going from the ocean she didn’t want to risk it getting any kind of infection.

Not waiting for him to answer not that she thought he would she gathered her supplies and got to work patching him up.

“You don’t talk very much do you?”

Again he said nothing.

With a sigh, she wrapped up his arm in a waterproof bandage and sent him on his way.

That was just the start of their little meet-ups. Every few days for the last few weeks Attumaor some of his men would come in with a new injury on either his face, his arms or his torso, each one just as bad as the last, courtesy of either Namora or Okoye and each time he visited was just as awkward as the last.

“So what’s the weather like in Talokan?”

“Are you guys only blue on the surface or do you stay blue underwater?”

“Yo, you have gils?! How do they work? “Are they sensitive? Is this kinda like a The Deep kinda situation?”

She tried desperately to make conversation each time she saw the man but each time he just glared at her and went on his way.

By the 5th visit she had resorted to just straight up being an ass to him, she could tell it irritated him but that was usually the only way she could get any kind of conversation out of him.

“Bet Okoye did that to you huh?” She questioned pressing an antibiotic-soaked cotton ball to the cut on his cheek

“She told me she kicked your ass the last time.”

Oh fuck he probably doesn’t understand me she thought as she tried to make conversation. Now that she thought about it she doesn’t know why but she never considered whether he could actually understand her or not, that was probably why he never really answered her.

“Leti' desearía yantalto'on in pateado le!” He growled back with a hiss startling her as the cotton ball in her had pressed to his cut a little harder than she meant, GRIOT translated for her.

“Oh, so he speaks!” She chuckled more to herself. “And you can understand me” She stood going to throw away her gloves, judging by how he had come back without so much as a scratch from his last visit she figured he’d heal by the end of the night and wouldn’t need any bandaging “You just like being stubborn.”

Again he said nothing as he stared her down but this time not with a glare but with an emotion she couldn’t quite place.

“We’ll congratulations you’ll live,” she said with a smirk. Once more Attuma looked her up and down, his expression unreadable before he turned on his heel and left.

The third time he came in it was different.

When he stormed into the med bay like he normally did she noticed almost immediately his wound was a lot more serious this time as blood was pouring from the cut on his neck pooling under his bone gorget. The young scientist jumped from her seat rushing to get her equipment stumbling as she moved about.

“What happened?!”

There was no time for their normal banter as she tried to figure out how to get him to remove his collar. Reaching out to touch the shark teeth that adorn it she’s stopped in her tracks as he aggressively grabs her wrist, tightly holding it in place.

“I need to treat your wound Attuma,” she reasoned snatching her arm back “it looks bad.”

“Yéetel utsil” he huffed as GRIOT translated going to push past her to grab the bandages “Chéen envuélvelo yéetel túuxta'al in tin beel, ma' táan u humor teechi'”

“Look I know you’re used to throwin’ your weight around and getting what you want but I’m not about that shit ok?” She snapped back pushing him back so that he was leaning against the exam table. She knew he had let her but she liked to think she pushed him purely with her own strength. “You’re gonna sit here and let me clean you up.”

“Táak a in tin wu'uyaj meentik in” he snapped going to brush past her but as he reached for the door he felt her grab his forearm and stopped, turning to look back at her.

“Béet” she pleaded.

“Ba'ax” What? GRIOT translated

“ B-béet that’s how you say please right? I know you know what I’m saying so please just listen for once.”

“Multa.” he sighs through his nose going back to the examination table but sitting himself in her chair in front of it instead, if he was going to let her do this he definitely was going to give her an easy time.

“Are you going to tell me how this happened?” beginning to clean his wound out with a swab she thought she’d make small talk but Atuuma obviously had no intentions, examining his neck further she realized he was just another scrap like he always had but the blood pooling out of it had scared her, a lot more than she’d like to admit.

“We going back to the silent treatment again?” again he did nothing but stare as she worked on him from between his legs leaning over him continued to clean the now-closing injury.

With a sigh, she began to pull away when a hand on her arm stopped her "Ba'axten jach dispuesto a wáantiken?" GRIOT translated for him. His grip was firm but still somewhat soft. “It's my job to help you,” she said pulling away and looking into his eyes, there was that same unreadable look in them again. With a slight roll of the eyes. He released his grip. "Yaan ba'ax ma' táan a wa'alik ti' teen." His voice lowered with a bit of annoyance as the A>I> continued to translate for the pair. ”Like I said I know you're Mr. Big and Bad down on the battlefield but you don’t gotta be tough shit here, let somebody take care of you for once.” she said putting a hand to his cheek. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked into her eyes. His annoyance left as his hand moved onto hers.

Attuma’s eyes briefly flickered up to her lips before going back up meeting her dark eyes again pupils blown wide. He reached up to brush her cheeks with his fingers, thumb tracing over her bottom lip before he leans his masked lips down to hers, trying to kiss her through the material heavy and needy, the force almost knocking her onto her back as she began to kiss him back.

Giving her chest a gentle squeeze his hand slid downward palming at her chest through her shirt drawing out a low moan as his other hand gripped at her thighs and hips practically dragging her into his lap as he worked her pants off.

“Beetej.” he breathed her in as he began to rock her clothed cunt against his knee soaking it in the process.

She moves her hips even quicker, rocking on his thigh, the inside of her own thighs soaked. “Fuck.” She moans, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck to hold him impossibly closer. Eyes closed she could practically feel Attuma staring up at her, his hands roaming her back and chest before coming to rest on her stuttering hips.

Gripping her hips hard he takes over, making her ride his thigh, basking in the soft sounds he was pulling from her. He can feel her cunt clenching against him through her underwear, can feel the wetness pooling on his bare thigh, and he fucking loved it.

“Beetej,” he groaned throwing his head back “Je'el u páajtal a take'”

Slowly, he presses his knee up higher as she grinds down on him adding even more friction. Her eyes fall close and her mouth drops open in a breathy moan as she tries to grip his broad shoulders, hands too small to fully encompass them. She’s unable to kiss him on his lips due to his mask but she still leans forward to press her forehead to his as he continued to work her open.

“Attuma.” She hissed, grasping at his hands as he increased his speed.

“B-bèet…”

“A'al ka'a.” he panted not relenting in his pace as he dragged her down even harder.

“Bèet- fuck please just don’t stop!” Hips bucking wildly she came with a hoarse cry, shaking and riding him as he still rocked her over his thigh.

“Please…” she continued to beg, beginning to feel the twinges of overstimulation. “Please…”

With a loud growl, he ripped her from his thigh and turned her around pressing her chest to the cold steel table below them. The temperature a sharp contrast to her hot skin, as she feels him begins to undress them both.

“Táak in wu'uyikech,” his dark gaze trailed down her back as he tugged her underwear down and tossed them to the side along with her top and bra. His fingers grazed over her clit softly before sinking in curling and scissor around in her spongey walls while his thumb worked at her sensitive bundle of nerves.

Having already been on the end it didn’t take long for her to come again around his finger. Looking back at him as she spasmed on the table she saw hi cock looking painfully hard and dark as it strained against his lower abdomen, leaking at the tip, and looking bigger than she’d imagined

“Jach jodidamente mojado,”Attuma’s voice was rough as he watched her come unraveled beneath him, her arms struggling to hold herself up at she twitched around him uncontrollably on the table.

“A'al ti' teen wa Yaaj in” he said slowly easing his cock into her as he pulled her up and turned her to be on top of him as he set himself back down into her desk chair almost not fitting as he spread his legs.

She cursed, burying her face in the crook of his neck again, her hands roaming his chest and shark tooth scarring on his tummy. She mouthed at his neck kissing at his gils under his apparatus as he began to thrust up into her, already setting a rough pace. They both moaned in unison as she started to bounce, her legs trembling as he split her open on his lap.

“Attuma fuck!”

“Teech jach jodidamente ki'ichpam,”he sighed, Attuma’s voice was hushed as he watched her reaching her peak and tried to kiss her softly through his mask.She felt his hips begin to stutter and began to plead once more.

“Please, I need to feel you”

A strangled sound left Attuma’s mouth, as he roughly slammed up into her hard one final time the loud squelching music to his ears as she continued to bounce softly in his lap while the steady rhythm of his thrusts began to dissolve into a desperate frenzy, moaning huskily as he filled her with his thick hot cum.

As they both came down from their highs she stayed in his lap gently rocking until she came to a full stop. Cum immediately started to seep from between them but before she could stand up to clean up, not that she thought she could at that moment, a blue hand came into her line of vision and pulled her face to his as he kissed her lazily for a moment before pulling away.

It’s then that she noticed that in the heat of it all, he ripped his mask away, drenching them both in seawater and sweat.

“Bèet ìfè mi, again,” she said her voice barely above a whisper as he leaned down to kiss her once more lifting her up to set her back on the examination table.

Translations: Tu'ux le le general? -Where is the general? Máax ka'ansaje' táan u cargo bejla'e' mina'an ba'ax in k'áaj -Whoever’s in charge now I don’t care Llegas chúunk'iin u Attuma -You’re late Attuma Leti' desearía yantalto'on in pateado le! -She wishes she kicked my ass! Yéetel utsil -It’ll be fine Chéen envuélvelo yéetel túuxta'al in tin beel, ma' táan u humor teechi' -Just wrap it and send me on my way I’m in no mood for you Táak a in tin wu'uyaj meentik in -you want me to listen than make me Béet -Please Ba'ax -What? Multa -Fine Ba'axten jach dispuesto a wáantiken -Why are you so willing to help me? Yaan ba'ax ma' táan a wa'alik ti' teen -there's something you're not telling me Beetej -Keep going Je'el u páajtal a take' -you can take it A'al ka'a. -Say it again Táak in wu'uyikech -I want to hear you Jach jodidamente mojado -So fucking wet A'al ti' teen wa Yaaj in -Tell me if it hurts Teech jach jodidamente ki'ichpam -You’re so fucking beautiful ìfè mi -my love (in Yoruba)

@lunamoonbby

[stressedemoblackbratz]

pretend

pairing: shuri x singer!black reader

warnings: swearing and fading relationship between reader and her boyfriend

a/n: as you can tell, i was definitely inspired by Zay’s own writing (the title has magically excused itself from my brain (i’m thinking lemonade, but i don’t wanna fuck up) my apologies, but i’m gonna blame that on finals). i loved the chapters and it inspired me to write something after a year. those euphoria requests wore me out lol. also, i don’t mention the death of anyone in this story. it didn’t happen…okay? okay! i might do a backstory to this? I’m not really sure, but we’ll see. i hope you enjoy babes!

words: 1.4k + not proofread

let's pretend we never met. a good excuse to play forget. let's pretend you never lied, so i can give it up all night, swallow my pride, and learn to forgive. when i'm looking for love i pretend it's you. a love that never ends.

the bed was cold, your lace band was on snug, and the food you cooked for your boyfriend of 2 years was cold.

and after all that damn cooking?

he could throw away the food and clean the dish he didn’t get to eat.

2 years and this was life. you used to bask in each others presence, go on dates, write poems together, make appearances, but now?

now you barely saw him because he was rehearsing lines with his new costar and you were trying to finish your album.

he didn’t look at you the same anymore, the house was cold, and those i love you’s we’re definitely empty.

you were perfect and just like that it was gone.

pretending like you were fine was the only thing you two had in common.

you remember one morning darius got a call stating he nailed his audition and filming would start soon. that night you two attended a movie premiere then at the after party you met t’challa and he introduced you to his sister, shuri.

now it was forced smiles on the red carpets, powdering your face after cry sessions, lying for him, and him avoiding questions about you slyly.

real enough.

now shuri, your producer for your upcoming 3rd studio album, she knew better.

she watched you write the songs, cry mid recording, consoled you when you came in with puffy eyes and swollen lips, fed you when you realized it had been some time between your last meal due to the fast paced life…she picked up the pieces.

and she hated it because she’s in love with you.

“okay! okay! but sza? ctrl literally raised me…sos is gonna eat.” you proclaimed to shuri one night after recording one song and touching up two others. it was crunch time and your label and fans wanted the album soon.

laughing at your seriousness she put the pho she had ordered down. the light you got in your eyes while speaking on the popular album was so cute to her.

you loved this shit as much as she did.

you were raw. letting each emotion out in each song and showcasing your life to shuri before showing it to those who supported you and your craft. you didn’t put on a facade in front of her even after you had been pretending for awhile.

“for me uh…” shuri paused to think after her giggles died down. she licked her bottom lip before flicking her eyes to yours. “definitely ego death by the internet. they raised me and i hope that their next album isn’t their last. i’d scream out to bast.” she started giggling again with you joining in.

two beautiful women discussing a mutual love.

“hey y/n. listen baby, i’m gonna be late, but i promise i didn’t forget.” you could hear aeva, darius’s costar, giggling in the back. “see you soon, love you.” he quickly said before the recording clicked in an ending.

according to him he wasn’t with her intimately, but you knew him. he was drawing away for awhile, way before this role. you wanted the peace of not caring or wondering what he was doing. wondering if what he once felt for you was what he felt for her just times ten.

in that moment, with tears in your bottom lash line and legs criss crossed sitting in the large black satin bed, you knew him coming home in a few hours, waking you up with sex and sorry’s you’ve learned not to believe wouldn’t cut it this time.

it hurt so bad to know that you were done.

it hurt more to know you gave up, not that the love died. you had already grieved on that. you tried so hard, but it takes two.

but you were so happy because you’d be able to address those growing feelings you had for a certain wakandan producer.

those feelings you suppressed to honor what was left of your expiring relationship.

all of that was over. you decided it.

climbing out of the king sized bed, you made your way to the bathroom. after cleaning up your face and sighing at the water clumped lash extensions, you decided you needed to shower to sooth the ache you felt simmer in your heart.

while rinsing the soap off of you, you realized your bedroom would make you feel suffocated. you needed to leave.

the only place close by though? shuri’s studio.

quickly drying off, moisturizing, putting on deodorant, and changing into a light pink crochet top, panties, black shorts, and the most beat up pair of crocs you owned, it was almost time to go.

a purse and jacket on one arm with your phone and keys in the other hand led you downtown.

shuri was up playing with beats. you needed one more song on the album before your label would review it and decide on the next steps.

she didn’t want the hard work you had done to not be cleared. this final beat would put you and her in the spotlight. this album was your baby and in a way, hers too.

she hadn’t heard griot announce your presence as she nodded her head to the beat, but she acknowledged your existence when she smelt your signature scent overwhelm her nostrils.

you definitely noticed her. she smelt so good and looked even better. her curls hung in front of her face, different vibranium rings across all 10 fingers, wearing low hanging sweats, and a tight beater that helped show off her lean, but muscular frame.

“y/n?” she called turning around. by the look of your eyes her heart dropped, but she could notice a different kind of look on your face compared to what she usually saw associated with that feature.

“what’s wrong, entle? kukho into ayenzileyo?” she asked stopping the beat, queuing a different track, and grasping your hands.

you smiled at her urgency. she was always so sweet to you.

“shuri you know i’m still learning. i only caught you calling me beautiful.” you teased with a smile. her heart didn’t feel as heavy anymore with that look. it wasn’t forced, just playful.

“kukho into ayenzileyo, i asked did he do something?” shuri said with a light smile and knowing eyes. yours darkened a bit before you looked away and contemplated on the best way to tell her.

“he promised he wouldn’t miss dinner again, he did and it’s because he wants to be with her.” shuri frowned at his actions.

“i can’t take this anymore so i’ve decided when he comes home i’ll let him know we’re done. i’m going to make sure he gets a good mover for his items and i find a good locksmith so he can’t come back.” you revealed. saying it out loud made you feel lighter.

“i’m giving it all up. i choose me and my happiness.” you whispered as she brought you into her chest. the slight jolt she endured as a result of you slamming into her made her bump the play button and start the last song you recorded together.

let’s pretend that we bout to break up…to catch the feelings so we can make up…

“i’m…i’m proud of you! this whole album was you baring it all and finding yourself…this might be the end of a chapter. you’re stepping into a new book.” shuri spoke to you. she was tired of picking up the pieces he broke. she was tired of seeing you try to fix them.

let’s pretend i ain’t your friend so we can get it on again.

“ndiyakuthandana.” she whispered her love to you.

so we can get it on again. let’s pretend we never met, a good excuse to play forget.

“nam ndiyakuthanda” you whispered right back.

i pretend it’s you…that i’m in love with…

a tattooed hand gripped the side of your face before shuri questioned you.

“you mean that shit?” she lowly whispered.

you looked into her dark eyes and thought about everything. the first session, your recent session, the parties, the conversations, the outings, the meals you ate together, the secrets you told, the feelings you shared, everything you’ve experienced with her or because of her you wouldn’t trade.

you did mean it.

a thousand times you’d say yes.

with a nod from you shuri lifted your head from her chest and kissed you.

she’s been waiting for it.

that kiss was one of many that night. clothes left on the soundboard, seven mixed calls and a few texts left from darius ignored, the sun started to come up, and a new life was brewing on the horizon.

pretending led you to what you really wanted.

shuri.

[saintwrld]

MONEY AND LOVE 2

pairing: shuri x black fem!reader

summary: in which you and Shuri share a mutual interest between money and love

warnings: slight teasing, t’challa’s here 🥳

translations: sisi omncinci - little sister.

word count: 4.3k (half the size of the first one…)

saints's notes: welcome to saint records! i truly hope you enjoy this one. by FAR one of my fav fics i’ve written. sorrows, sorrows, prayers for taking so long with this one, i was just simpin over a bunch of men (still am) but you know i had to write for bae!

love y’all deep!

taglist: @taiiunknown, @playgurlxoxo, @abenomeiiii, @pinkwright, @verachii , @vampzxi , @izrinmabel1 , @marsology , @inmyheadimobsessed , @heejayy , @venusdusse , @oceean .

money and love pt.1

-

The silence of the store was slowly killing Justine and Leilani as they sat in the comfortable burgundy chairs. Patiently waiting for their friend, they drank the complimentary flutes of strawberry champagne.

"Why the fuck is it so quiet in here? Don't they got some quiet background music or sumn?" Leilani complained and slouched on the chair, hoping for you to come back quickly.

"Already felt some old geezer staring at me when we walked in like do i not look lesbian enough?" Justine expressed and looked at Leilani for an answer to which Lani just shook her head. "I don't?" Justine stressed, taking out her compact mirror from one of her pockets on her denim jacket.

Before Leilani could comment, she heard your voice as you walked closer and closer to where they were sitting. You walked in the room first with the sales associate trailing right behind you, holding two large orange boxes.

"Sorry I took so long guys, the Kelly's were a bit further and your custom scarves were sealed." You smiled at your friends, clasping your hands together, your Patek shining as the sun hit the diamonds.

Leilani stood up to hug you tightly and immediately walked to the sales associate, eagerly waiting for him to open the boxes already. You returned the hug and took a seat next to Justine who immediately held your hand as you sat, squeezing it as a sign that she was grateful. A little code you three made when you were flying into France two days ago.

"Okay ladies. I must admit, I am incredibly excited to reveal your Kellys for you. We'll start with Justine." He smiled at your best friend, putting special gloves on to touch the large box. He took the lid of the box and put it to the side, revealing the famous Hermés logo on the dust bag. He gently opened the dust bag to take out Justine's custom Kelly bag. The silver hardware on the bag had contrasted beautifully with the lilac colour, her name embroidered in the bottom corner of the bag.

Leilani's Kelly was slightly bigger than Justine's however hers had little flowers painted along the bottom, with the bag being the most beautiful shade of blue. Both girls had tears in their eyes as they held their bags, immediately tackling you into a group hug. "As long as you guys are happy, then I am as well."

Leaving the large boutique, you could feel the Dora Milaje's eyes on you three, keeping a close eye on you per Shuri's request. You see, the princess never hid her fondness for you from anyone really. The only one who had no clue what was going on was her older brother, T'Challa.

Reaching the Maybach SUV, you placed the bags in the trunk along with the other luxury bags that had filled the car as the day went by. As you entered the driver's seat, your best friends took their seats. You started the car and you drove to the last of your appointments in luxurious stores, Cartier.

You had planned this specific activity for the three of you very thoroughly as it's usually quite difficult to get appointments with this specific brand but because you are closely connected with Shuri, it was the easiest process. You were getting matching love bracelets with Justine and Leilani with a few customisations and although you already had quite the stack of these bracelets, one more couldn't hurt, right?

Admiring your pricey friendship bracelet, you had waited for your friends in their lounge already cozied up as you had paid before even boarding the private flight to France. It was quite a warm Saturday in Paris, the streets bustling with people walking everywhere. You just wanted to get back to the hotel to at least get a chance to call Shuri. She had excused herself earlier in the day to report to her country's needs and you knew that the time difference would be weird but you just wanted to check in on her.

"Miss Y/N." You were pulled out of your thoughts by Tobi, one of the Dora that was assigned to you. You hummed in response as you looked at her then your friends who were looking around the shop. "The Black Panther would like to inform you that she is okay and will be in contact with you soon." She reported. "Okay, thank you Tobi. Would you like anything here?" You asked and the shock on her face was prevalent, causing you to smile.

"O-oh no Miss, I cannot accept that." She replied and you shook your head, standing up. "I'm ordering you to choose something for yourself and please let the other Dora know. We won't leave until you all have something." You expressed, the smile on your face never leaving. Tobi hesitantly walked away to tell the others who had to come to you for confirmation of your choice. After 30 minutes, everyone walked out of Cartier and all drove to the hotel, exhausted yet delighted with today's activities.

Seeing as you shared the large penthouse on the top floor with Leilani and Justine, all three of you entered the penthouse elevator carrying all your shopping bags and immediately sighing the second the elevator doors closed. "Gahdamn, I haven't had such a workout since that Drake concert last month." Leilani breathed out as she placed the bags on the floor and held her hips.

"You mean the concert or Aubrey himself?" You teased, earning a little push on your arm as you and Justine burst out laughing. "Man, it ain't even like that." Leilani kissed her teeth. "Girl, we all know that man want you. No man just buys a Porsche for a little crush." Justine snickered. Leilani glared at the both of you before smiling a little. "Yeah but I signed up to be in my whorish era and plus he weird as hell."

"You are right about that one but does he know that you're not interested?" You questioned, noticing how slow this elevator was. "I told him but- oh my god, he's gonna write a song about me." Leilani slapped her hand over her mouth and looked visibly stressed. "I don't need bad blood with 21 Savage." She sulked and you both couldn't help but laugh.

The elevator door eventually opened and you were met with a beautiful surprise. Bouquets of white roses were lined up alongside a few candles. You stepped out first, absolutely mesmerised by the sight before you. Justine was about to step out too but Leilani pulled her back into the elevator. "Y/n! We'll be downstairs to check out a few cafés, you have fun now!" She called out to you as she repeatedly pressed the closing button until it finally shut, giving you your privacy.

Taking off your heeled boots, you walked through the penthouse, leaving your shopping bags in the foyer. You couldn't hear anything besides the streets of Paris below. Walking into the living area, you noticed the chocolate cupcakes on the coffee table. With that being your favourite dessert, you immediately reached for one however you felt a sharp tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you tried not to scream but you quickly realised that the stranger was Shuri in her Panther suit that you've never seen her in.

“Oh..my..god.” The only words that could come out spewed out of your mouth as you admired the suit that you had thought was a myth a few months back. The sun reflected on the gold and silver accents of the suit with you desperately wanting to reach your manicured hands onto it. Slowly looking at her face, you saw the shit-eating grin she had displayed on her lips as she watched you gawk over her. She absolutely loved seeing your reaction to the suit, wishing she could’ve recorded it.

“Hello my love.” Shuri rasped out, staring into your eyes as her finger hooked under your chin, her signature scent flooded your nose as she stood ever so close to you. Trying to find the words to say to to the Panther was hard, with you eventually deciding to give your lazy smile, one similar to the type of smile you’d give her after hours of pleasure.

“Hi Shuri.” You managed to get out as you felt her suit-clad arms wrap around your waist, her hands deciding to rest on your lower back, giving you shivers when she let one hand fall down to your ass. “Tell me about your day. I heard you were quite the gift giver.” She smirked as her hand kept rubbing the same spot on your side where you had a surprise for the royal.

“It was a cute day. Finally picked up the bags for the girls and just decided to spoil them today because they deserve it. With the Dora, I wanted everyone to leave Cartier with something so..” you answered, watching her react with an impressed smile on her face, making you feel like you accomplished something that she would be proud of you.

“And did you get yourself something, entle?” She questioned, letting go of your body as she turned to the couches in the living area to take a seat then patting her thigh, making you internally squeal at the thought of you sitting on her lap once again. Ever since that wonderful night, all you ever wanted to do was to recreate that moment but you were way too scared to initiate anything of that sort.

Walking over to her and straddling her as she relaxed her head on the couch as she watched you settle on her lap. “Well, I did get myself something for my graduation soon and a few clothes for that surprise you were talking about.” You replied, playing with your nails, avoiding her eyes completely. “I’m so proud of you, sthandwa. I’m glad that I’m by your side.” She expressed all while slowly sliding her hands on your thighs as she listened to you speak. Shuri absolutely loved these little moments of intimacy between the two of you, be it sexual or non sexual. She had said that she would give you the world and she’s working on making sure you see the appreciation she has for you.

She would pay millions to see your smile every day as the sun would shine on your beautiful brown skin.

-

Laying your head on her lap as she gently stroked your arm, you were completely unaware of where you were travelling to as you slept peacefully from the moment the Royal Talon Fighter took off from the rooftop of the Wakandan Social Centre in California after you dropped off Leilani and Justine, specifically at Drake’s house but that’s a story for another day.

Several minutes later, you felt a hand shake you a little as you stirred out of your sleep, not feeling the aircraft moving anymore. You opened your eyes to the interior of the aircraft, seeing a few of the Dora’s hastily walking out while a few stayed inside waiting for you to exit. You sat up to see Shuri staring at you with a smile on her face and she reached for your hand as she stood up before you. You quickly fixed your Fendi bucket hat along with the wig underneath it before taking her soft hand and standing, holding your phone in the other hand.

Walking down the ship slope, you couldn’t stop your eyes from looking everywhere. Breathing in the extremely clean air, you looked at the different Dora’s who were amused by your widened eyes taking in the space before you. Looking forward, you saw Okoye and Ayo standing at the end of the slope, looking ever so powerful. Beyond them, you saw figures standing in front of this grand building that you had yet to recognise.

Shuri had greeted Okoye and Ayo, along with Aneka who was excited to the young royal after Shuri had said that she has a surprise) and seeing the Dora’s that Shuri had been speaking very fondly about had heightened your anxiety. The three women turned to you with warm smiles on their faces as they observed you standing next to Shuri, sensing your anxiety.

“Hello Miss Y/n. Welcome to Wakanda.” Okoye had greeted and her words had made you stomach drop in excitement. Turning to Shuri with your hand covering your mouth from shock, she chuckled at you before placing her arm around you to bring you closer to her body. “O-oh u-uh um, hello. Um, your country is spectacular.” You managed to stutter out to the women in front of you. All they did was nod their heads with the smae warm smiles they greeted you with.

“Come, I have people I want you to meet.” Shuri leaned down to whisper in your ear as she still kept her arm around your waist as she guided you towards the entrance of the palace.

“And so I see my little sister all happy outside the lab. Bast, if only we knew it would take a beautiful soul next to her to drag her out.” A voice boomed out, heavy footsteps making their way towards the both of you before stopping in front of Shuri. Lifting your head up, you were met with the sight of T’Challa, smiling ever so brightly at the arrival of his younger sister and her guest. The siblings did their handshake, ending with the ‘Wakanda Forever’ gesture.

He then turned to you and you could swear that your soul had left your body for a quick second. You mustered your best smile and held your hand out to which he ignored it and rather open his arms for a hug. Taken aback, you hesitantly walked into the hug, immediately feeling comfortable the moment he reciprocated the hug. After letting go, you stepped back into Shuri’s space who was now behind. Ready to introduce yourself, Shuri decided to do it for you instead whilst placing her hands on your waist. “Brother, I’d like you to meet Y/n Y/l/n. She’s my person.” She smiled, watching her brother take in the information that his sister blessed him with.

Letting the smile take over your face, you were thankful to Shuri for clarifying to her brother your current relationship status with his sister however you weren’t even sure what exactly you were with Shuri as the two of you had gone past the sugar baby/sugar daddy (mommy) stage when you two had met. You weren’t sure what these feelings for Shuri were but they felt good.

“Well, I am T’Challa. It is a great pleasure to meet the person that has stolen my sister’s attention. And this,” he gestured behind him a stunning woman, who walked over to greet Shuri with a hug. “Sisi omncinci” the woman had said as she let go of Shuri and made her way to you. “This is my person, Nakia.” He finished, looking ever so fondly at the woman. “Hello, my name is Nakia and might I say, you are absolutely stunning.” She expressed as she held your hands in hers. The smile never leaving your face, you introduced yourself to her as she studied your face.

“Not to interrupt this adorable moment-” “That’s exactly what you’re doing, brother.” Shuri rolled her eyes with a smile when her brother sent her a look. “Anyway, Y/n. If you don’t mind me asking, is that the Rolex Oyster Perpetual? With diamonds?” T’Challa asked as he studied your hand, admiring your watch.

Looking down at your wrist at the pink watch that Shuri had given you as a gift when you complained about your studies to her, you nodded. “Oh yes it is! Shuri had them put on.” You smiled at him, seeing his face that held impression. “And might I ask if that is the Tiffany Dial addition?” You questioned, excitedly looking at his wrist as you finally were talking to someone about your love of watches.

Both Nakia and Shuri stood back as they watched their people fangirl over each other’s watches, discussing other watches. “I think your brother has made a best friend.” Nakia commented with a chuckle.

-

Walking into Shuri’s large bedroom within the palace, you slowly walked towards the bed, plopping down with exhaustion as she walked in behind you and locking the door. You were too exhausted to even marvel at the intricate details of her grand bedroom, just wanting to get in the bed with her and rest after today’s activities. After lunch with T’Challa and Nakia, Shuri had taken you to the infamous lab, excitedly showing off the place then going into the lively streets of the Golden City which had a street festival in honour of Shuri returning after a while out of Wakanda. Dancing the night away, you both came back into the palace with heavy eyelids.

She sat next to you and placed her hand onto your thigh, rubbing it ever so slightly. With your breathing slightly harbouring from her touch, you could feel your arousal slowly peaking in. She watched as your chest heave up and down and decided to rub her hand a little higher, seeing the reaction on your face. Opening your eyes, you saw her eyes lowering as she took in your body. It had changed the more you spent time in Pilates and from a special thing she would use on you from time to time.

She leaned down to your face, placing a few pecks onto your lips with you chasing her lips after the last kiss but you knew you were too exhausted. Shuri slightly tapped your face with her fingers, waking you up as she could see that you were slipping into sleep. “Come on baby, we need to go change so that we can sleep.” Shuri trailed off, feeling exhaustion take over her body as well.

After a much needed shower, you were both in your sleeping garments, with yours being a large t shirt and cotton shorts with her being boxers and a simple white tank top. Out of nowhere, you suddenly remembered the surprise you had for her. You were certain she hadn’t seen it in the shower so you were excited to show her. “Shuri?” You whispered out to her. She hummed in response as she was getting the bed ready for you two.

“S-so, I did something and I hope you like it as much as I do.” You softly smiled as you lifted up the large shirt to just under your neck, showing her your back. Her eyes went wide and she practically ran to your side to look closer, your giggles filling the room.

You had gotten your first ever tattoo two weeks ago and it looked healed even though you knew it was far from it as it was such a big tattoo. It stretched from just underneath your neck to the end of your lower back and of course it was painful but it’s something you’ve wanted for a while. You see, Shuri hasn’t seen it because the both of you had been busy, you battling your final exams before graduation and her with her Panther duties.

Shuri gawked over it for a while and asked multiple questions as if she hadn’t had her few scattered across her body. “It’s so beautiful, my love.” She commented. Shuri had also wanted to talk about something else and you could see that it had been troubling her the whole day. “Shuri. What’s wrong? Have you been worried the whole day?” You wondered, putting your shirt down and led her to the bed to sit next to her but she put you on her lap once again.

“The introduction I gave to my brother about you. I’ve been thinking about it.” She expressed and you could see the emotion swarming through her eyes. “Oh.” You said. Now that you thought about it, you’ve thought of what title you wanted to give Shuri but could never figure out how to tell her.

“U-um,” you started. “I’d like to say my feelings now because I’ve also been thinking about it as well.” You said and she nodded, wanting you to continue. “Obviously you know that I’ve never been experienced in anything romantic my whole life so you know that I’m new to these sort of conversations. But u-um,” you took a deep breath before continuing. “I like you beyond the agreement and I can’t figure out these emotions that you give to me. It’s a warmth I feel everytime I’m around you and it makes me feel..happy. You’ve treated me so amazing that I think, no, I know I’ve fallen for you.” You finished, absolutely terrified for her next words but glad that you were able to express them to her.

Her hand lifted up to stroke your cheek as she searched your eyes. “My pretty y/n.” She said, making you giggle at the nickname. “I want to wake up next to you and watch as the Wakandan sunrise reflects in your eyes every day. You..you make me extremely happy so would you please do me the honour of being my girl?” She said, holding you so close to her as if you were the most precious cargo to her, to which you were to her.

You nodded, feeling the warmth spread through your body once again. You threw your arms around her neck as she held you for what felt like forever. You slowly let go and held her shoulders for support. “My girlfriend.” She whispered as you leaned in to kiss her once again, only letting go to take breaths before diving into each other’s spaces.

The Wakandan stars shone on the both of you throughout the night as Shuri had wanted to show you that you were her girl and that she was your girl.

-

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“Miss Y/n Y/l/n, Bachelor of Science with an achievement of a Cum Laude on The Dean’s List.” Professor Danbury called out your name from the podium. You walked onto the stage, carefully walking in your heels while doing your little celebratory dance whilst walking past other professors along with the Dean, giving you the biggest smile and a hug as she handed you the certificate and other documents. The cheers from the crowd had brought a smile onto your face, the loudest coming from Justine, Leilani, T’Challa, M’baku and Shuri. The Dora had called out their celebratory chant for the duration of you on the University stage.

“Once again, congratulations to the class of 2024!” The Dean had cheered, you and the rest of the students from your year had stood up and threw the graduation caps up in the year. After congratulating your college friends once again, you made your way outside where you were greeted with your new found family with Wakanda. You knew that your parents knew of your graduation but they had made no effort which never hurt your feelings so you were more than happy with your life.

Leilani had been the first one to run towards you, giving you a bone crushing hug while crying. “Oh my god! My baby graduated!” She exclaimed. The rest of the crew came to congratulate you, definitely putting attention on all of you as the royal family of Wakanda was there. Shuri had been the last of everyone to come up to you. Cupping your cheeks, she planted a kiss before hugging you and spinning you around.

“Congratulations, my love. I’m so proud of you.” She smiled, kissing you once again. You thanked her and spent time with the crew before Shuri remembered that she had a surprise for you (well more like the surprise texted her). “Oh! Entle, come with me. I have a surprise for you.” She said as she stood up from the benches the crew found on the campus gardens. Everyone followed you as you held Shuri’s hand and walked towards the large parking lot. She had stopped you before walking towards your Rolls Royce.

Looking behind you, all you heard were giggles from your friends and the crew taking out their phones to film your reactions. Along with other people that wanted to see what was happening.

“Shuri, what did you do?” You questioned, worried about the amount of eyes looking at you and your girlfriend. “So,” she started, chuckling ever so lightly. “Last week, you were eagerly talking about something and I knew it would make you happy.” She smirked at the confusion displayed on your face.

Before you could respond, you saw a light blue Ferrari SF90 drive in with a large red bow on top of the hood of the car. You squeezed Shuri’s hand as your dream car drove towards you. Looking at her, the smirk never left her face. “Oh my god! Shuri! You didn’t-” You couldn’t even finish your sentence as the car parked and your celebrity crush and favourite formula 1 driver came out of the driver’s side with a large smile on his face.

“Is that fucking Lewis Hamilton?!”

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