A/N: Hello. This my first story in awhile and of course it has to be Black Panther because I freaking loved the movie and fell in love with the characters. THis is going to be a timeline storyline meaning its going to span across years for our character and many of the marvel movies but it is mostly centered around the Black Panther world.
Also I'm using T'Challa's alias name from the comics when he went to college. So he'll be named Luke Charles as he uses that name during his college days. Hope you enjoy!
"Alright y'all I'm headed home now. Have a good night and get home safely." Nia waved to the rest of the occupants in the building before heading out through the door. The chill of the night air against her chestnut toned flesh was a welcome contrast to the heated dance studio she had just walked out of. Running a hand through her blue-toned hair she continued her trek down the street to her apartment. Stopping at the cross walk she took a moment to let her surroundings consume her. Taking a deep breath, she let the night air fill her lungs. Normal. She felt normal. That's all she wanted in life, was to live as perfectly normal and human as she could. Living in Berkeley, CA made it easy to fit in. Hearing the signal from the crosswalk she continued her way across the street.
Finally making it to her destination she trudged up the stairs her tired body protesting every step up. Turning down her corridor she noticed a few people slightly down the hall. She watched as two males carried boxes into a previously empty apartment. Strange, it was kind of late at night for someone to be moving in but she assumed there was less commotion without people awake. Glancing back one last time she was slightly startled as her amber eyes connected the dark ones of a male who had come back to grab some of the stuff left behind. God what fine piece of chocolate- cutting herself off she turned back to her door entering the small abode.
Standing in the corner of the crowded space she watched as bodies mingled and meshed together as music blared around her. This wasn't her typical setting but every now and then she had to leave her introverted environment and mingle with others, such as regular 20-something-year-olds do. Plus it was one of the last party's before the next semester started. Might as well get her fun in now while she was stress free. She sighed realizing the people she had come with were no longer in sight, effectively ditching her. Lifting the cup to take a swig she hummed to herself finally noticing there was nothing left. Damn it her buzz was gone. In this type of surrounding she didn't feel like dealing with people sober. Migrating the crowd with ease she found herself in the designated beverage area and scooped up a fair amount of the colorful jungle juice to replenish her drink. Turning around she yelped as she suddenly bumped into a tall figure that appeared behind her, sloshing a large portion of the cups contents onto her shorts. 'Fuuuuck' she really was just over this night. Looking up she was surprised to see a semi-familiar face.
"My apologies, Miss." Even with the loud music his voice was smooth with a slight edge and his accent covered her like a warm blanket. God, he had an African accent there was something about accents that made her tremble a little. His 6'0 frame towered over her 5'2 easily. His stance was confident but his whole demeanor seemed skittish as if he wasn't used to this type of setting. With him came an aura that held a certain power behind it that she couldn't quite place.
"Here let me get you some napkins to help…" Nia grabbed his elbow before he could fully turn away, waving her hand
"No its fine don't worry about it I'm just about ready to leave anyway and plus I have some extra napkins in my car." His lips pulled slightly downward.
"I hope I wasn't the cause of you leaving, I wouldn't want to be the one to ruin your night."
Nia scoffed lightly at him, setting the cup down on the littered table.
"Nah it wasn't you, I was bound to leave soon anyway, this" she gestured randomly to her surroundings, "isn't my usual cup of tea so I usually don't stay long. Plus I have a long day tomorrow so I should be heading out anyway."
She assured his protests before taking her leave. The hairs on the back of neck stood on edge as she could feel his presence following her. Even as she twirled and winded her way through the people. Exiting through front door she calmed down thinking she had lost the stranger. That was weird. Sure he was cute but sometimes the cute ones were crazy, especially in the college domain. She really didn't want to drop a guy if it was unneeded. Then again maybe she was over thinking things, he could've just wanted to help also. Exhaling Nia continued down the steps of the house and briskly walked down the block towards the corner of the street she had parked on.
"Excuse me Miss" Startled out of her thoughts she whirled around on the intruder; body turning rigid as it readied itself for an attack. Holy fucking shit where did he come from. Once again it was the same mysterious guy she thought she had left behind. He seemed sheepish, almost embarrassed to be standing in her presence. He rubbed the back of his neck as he seemed to concentrate on the ground.
"I apologize I didn't mean to startle you, but I was wondering if I could catch a ride with you." He put his hands up in defense at her quizzical distrusting look.
"I mean I noticed we live in the same complex and I'm new here don't quite know my way around fully yet."
Nia stared at the guy her amber eyes darkening slightly as she tried to read him. Jerking her chin in the direction of her car she waited for him to match up with her before she continued walking.
"Sooo what's your name. I'd like to know the name of the person I'll have in my car just in case something….happens" Nia questioned trying to break the ice. He might have been handsome with a fucking sexy accent to boot but she wouldn't just let her guard fully down.
"Luke Charles." Nia blinked and glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, the name didn't fit but she would let slide this time. It could possibly be his 'American' name he was using.
"Alright... Luke, why'd you want to leave the party early?"
"Well, like I'm said I'm new here and a few people invited me out. I thought it'd be a good opportunity to meet new classmates but I didn't expect American parties to be so…wild" He bluntly ended. Nia nodded to herself in understanding, she supposed it could be a bit of a culture shock for him. The two rounded the corner Luke following Nia as she made her way to her car. She unlocked her car and slid into the driver's seat. Leaning over she unlocked the passenger door before opening the passenger glove box grasping a large amount of napkins and closing it allowing Luke to fully sit in the car.
"Once again I apologize miss…."
"Nia. Just Nia," she answered filling in the blank as she dabbed the lower part of her outfit soaking up as much juice as she could.
"Don't worry about it, it's not that serious." Depositing the napkins into the back of her car. She started her car up and took off down the road.
"Where you from? I mean with an accent like that it has to be somewhere foreign, huh"
Luke shifted nervously in his seat, "I am from a country called Wakanda. I came to America to study business and physics in hope of helping my country."
"Ah UC Berkeley is a good school to explore that."
"Do you also attend Berkeley" Luke questioned trying to break the ice.
"Oh yeah I do. I'm in the MIMS program," Nia shrugged nonchalantly," I'm almost done and have no idea what I'm gonna do. I keep taking all these extra classes in hope to find something that reaches out to me, but to no avail."
Luke turned his upper body to face her. "I decided my major because I wanted to help my country and people. What is one thing you want to do, see, or be most in life?"
"To be normal."
The silence was deafening. It took a moment before Nia realized the words she had spoken. She silently cursed herself. Normal people didn't say they wanted to be normal. It had been her mantra for so long she couldn't stop herself from blurting it out when he asked. Looking at him she half expected to see his questioning gaze, instead he had held a longing expression.
"Yeah normal would be nice."
The two sat in silence before Nia broke out into a chuckle. They both shared another look before Luke joined in on her laughing. The two didn't know the other's story but in that moment, they felt a small connection.
Nia would be lying to say if she hadn't kept an eye out for her handsome neighbor. It seemed like her work and school schedule had kept them from running into each other. It had been a few days since she had driven him home. Today was her only off day and instead of using the day to relax like she would like to, she would have to spend it adulting. She had no food in her fridge and a ton of laundry to get done. She opened her window to check weather outside. She was greeted by then sun kissing her cheeks and the wind tickling her nose. She couldn't keep the smile from breaking out across her face. Today was so nice. Maybe she would walk to the store. It wasn't too far and it gave her a chance to enjoy the weather a little more. Making her decision she threw her hair up in a messy bun, slapped on a pair of spandex shorts and a light jacket before heading out on her endeavor.
He watched from down the aisle as she reached for the top shelf, her shirt rose up exposing the toned chestnut skin of her stomach. His eyes traced the stretch of her calves and thighs that were showcased by the athletic shorts she wore. He strode over and plucked the item off the top shelf she had been reaching for before handing it to her. Nia blinked for a moment, her face brightening when she realized who it was.
"Oh hey, Thank you." She swiped a stray curl behind her ear. They shuffled in silence before Nia made to move.
"Um well thanks for your help. I guess I should get going." She deposited the item into her basket, waving to Luke as she walked away.
Nia briskly walked away trying not to make it seem like she was in too much of a hurry. She never really learned how to talk to guys and she didn't want to make a fool of herself at this moment. She got into the checkout line. She waited for her turn, she shifted from foot to foot still feeling like Luke was looking at her. She subconsciously looked around. Her eyes caught with his dark orbs a few rows down, Nia squeaked and returned to her items. She paid the cashier, took her items, and left. Nia struggled to lift some of the bags she had. She had only expected to grab a few things but kind of went overboard the moment she got into the store. She readjusted the bags trying to find a comfortable spot for her to carry them home. Part of her wish she drove.
"Let me help you with those." A rich voice vibrated from behind her. Before she could object, large calloused hands lifted some of the bags out of her grasp.
"Wait no, no! Its fine. I can carry them by myself," Nia interjected reaching for the bag that Luke held out of her arm's length.
"I will not stand by and watch you struggle. It is only right that I help." He brandished her with a look that made here reconsider.
"Ok kind sir, let's go." Nia trekked down the street knowing Luke would follow.
"I see you did not bring your car." Luke mused aloud. Nia sent a smirk his way.
"Why? Tired already?"
"Of course not. I am slightly surprised to see you walking. Most people choose to drive no matter the distance."
Nia's lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm not most people. It was nice out and I decided it was only right to enjoy this weather while its here." She tilted her face squinting slightly at the sunlight.
"Do you do this often? Go around helping damsels in distress?"
"Of course not! Only for the pretty ones."
"Oh you think I'm pretty huh?" Nia gave him a side eye glance. He was probably teasing but she couldn't stop the feel of her heart speeding up at being called pretty.
They had arrived at their apartment building a lot faster than Nia thought it would take. Deep down inside she was happy to be almost home. She didn't know how to react with such a handsome guy paying her this much attention outside of her job.
"I mean to say that you caught my eye. There's something different about you." The hairs raised on Nia's neck to hear that. They stopped in her doorway. Nia set a few bags down to open her door. She tossed her groceries in and turned around to grab the one's Luke held, a lot faster than he had anticipated.
"Well thank you for being a gentleman. Um see you around, thanks for the help." Nia scurried into her home closing the door as fast as she could, leaving Luke in the hallway confused at what just happened. Behind closed doors Nia slid down the door trying to control her breathing. Her hands rubbed her temples at her erratic thoughts. He was only being friendly right? But for her being friendly was dangerous. Even if it was nothing she needed to nip this in the bud for the safety of herself. She literally met this guy twice and he already 'felt something different about her'. Nope she would definitely have to keep her distance.
A/N: Yeah Nia has a secret you'll just have to see it unfold. Until next time please don't hesitate to give feedback. Constructive criticism welcomed.
