Well, I'm back again, and I didn't take two months to upload a chapter. True, the argument that it's pretty dang close can be made, but please, let me savour this.
OK, I also may need to warn some people that there are a few areas of bow-chicka-wow-wow, but I mostly blame that on T'Challa...actually, I tell a lie: I completely blame him for those spots!
Anyway, hang on to your hats and enjoy!
Surprises At Every Turn.
Have you ever had a dream about someone you're secretly in love with, where they d just about anything you've fantasized them doing? Well, I could have sworn that I did about T'Challa. But there was no chance of anything of that sort happening.
No, I was probably in a hospital bed somewhere, my brother sitting next to me and nearly asleep, and when I wake up, there'll be the conversation I was not looking forward to—the one concerning my ex-not-quite-boyfriend—and the other conversation of whether I go into hiding or not.
:You know what? It may not be a bad idea to keep sleeping.: I told myself. With that thought firmly in mind, I snuggled into my comfy little spot, hugging the warm arm just a little tighter and smiling a little as—wait, what?
My eyes fluttered themselves open and revealed that I wasn't in a hospital bed, and that I was indeed hugging an arm. A dark-skinned, male arm. And that same arm was now resting its hand on my hip as another lay over my body and snaked underneath the pillow near my head.
:Oh...my...god...:
I was about to turn my head to look over behind me, but the warm breathing against my neck stopped me, and sent a tingling sensation though my body. As if he knew the reaction I just had, I was pulled closer to his body, my back flush against his chest as he sleepily nuzzled the area behind my ear before pressing a drowsy kiss to the same spot and resting his chin in the crook of my neck.
It was almost enough to make me try escaping his embrace (if only so no one would get the wrong idea if they suddenly walked in) when his chest began to vibrate as he hummed.
:Cheeky sod.: I weakly grumbled even as my body went completely slack; I think it was safe to safe say that T'Challa knew by now that I'd go weak if and when he began singing. Sometimes it kind of made me sad that I couldn't sing a note (well, not without breaking a glass object), but the feeling would pass as it often does, allowing me to enjoy the deep warm baritone hum emanating from within his chest.
"Think of all the things we've shared and seen, don't think about the things which might have been." He sang in a gentle tone, then he stopped to brush the softest of kisses to the skin of my shoulder, causing another shiver to run down my spine. "Good morning, Rose." He spoke in the same tone.
I merely settled for pretending to still be asleep against T'Challa as he cuddled me closer. From the foot of the bed, I heard a loud whine as Voltaire yawned himself awake before getting to his feet and carefully padding over to us. Unable to stop myself, I giggled softly as T'Challa grunted in protest due to Voltaire having crawled on top of us: since I was safely cocooned in a warm pair of strong arms, poor T'Challa was left to bear to full weight of a large dog.
"You know you love him." I teased him lightly
"He is fortunate that he is dedicated so wholly to protect his mistress, then." T'Challa grumbled, "Else wise, I would not tolerate him climbing all over-Argh!" Apparently, Voltaire had decided to greet T'Challa in his usual cheeky way—a cold nose in his ear, followed by a quick lick.
By now I was laughing loudly as Voltaire gave a happy yip, his tail thumping on the bed loudly.
"Ok, buddy. We're up." I told him, reaching behind me to push against him, "Off." He protested but did as asked and leapt off the bed, giving T'Challa the chance to breathe again. Shifting so that I was now facing T'Challa, I unsuccessfully bit back a smile as T'Challa looked over his shoulder to glower at Voltaire.
"Yes. Very fortunate." The Panther King drawled before turning his head to look at me, heaving an exhausted sigh that ghosted against my face. "How do you put up with that morning greeting each time?" He asked.
"Easy: he never does that to me." I remark, and felt a tiny hint of impish glee as he heaved another sigh—this time of dismay—and tilted his head backwards. Feeling a bit bad for him, I leaned forward to press a soft kiss to his jaw line. "Good morning, by the way." I belatedly greeted him, smiling as I felt a shiver sweep through his body.
He said nothing in return, instead pulling me into a warm hug that had me turning into liquid. Resting my head against his chest, fitting snugly underneath his chin, my hands slid themselves up before stopping under my cheek, and I could perfectly hear his heart beat flutter and skip a beat before T'Challa gave a long and slow exhale of contentment, his body losing all tension.
It would be so easy for us to stay like this for the rest of the day; just lying here, in each other's arms, with me listening to his heart beating deep within his chest, and his fingers gently running through my hair. It was perfect.
"Arooroo!"
Except that the demands of a hungry (and very heavy) dog were not going to be so easily denied. Not if Voltaire had anything to say about it. Besides, breakfast sounds like a good idea right about now.
Seeing that he was beaten—or he just didn't want Voltaire crawling on him again—T'Challa reluctantly let me go and slipped out of bed, stretching his arms above his head and heaving a large yawn. I busied myself with sitting up and rubbing my eyes, and trying hard not to ogle at his body (his shirt somehow having disappeared during the night). Voltaire was standing at the bedroom door, scratching at it impatiently.
"All right, we're coming." I laughed softly and slid out of the bed, "Honestly, Voltaire. You act like we haven't fed you in days." My furry friend merely settled for whining, pushing his head against the door as T'Challa and I walked over. Ever the gracious host, T'Challa opened the door and allowed Voltaire and myself to enter the next room before him.
Now that it was daytime, I could finally get a better look at this room. Immediately, I noticed the large L-shaped couch, its dark brown leathered back facing us. In front of the couch was the large white carpet we sat on last night. On my right was a very tall book case, filled with different topics. Along the two bottom shelves were DVD's, which I fond odd: he did mention that he wasn't all that fond of American films. Another bookcase sat against the wall directly opposite the bedroom door, extending the whole length of the wall.
"I take it you're a lover of the written word?" I gently teased my host as he lead me to the dining table on my left, its dark wood gleaming under the sun's rays and the many covered dishes laid out for our breakfast.
"Perhaps." T'Challa smiled as he pulled a chair out for me, "But I have found something more enticing to occupy my time with." Rather than ask what he was talking about (though the heated look gave me a hint, and a blush), I sat in the chair and let him push me closer to the table and watched as he uncovered the dish set before me.
I almost drooled at the stack of pancakes with fresh whipped cream and strawberries, and a dusting of icing sugar. Again, my opinion of T'Challa being the perfect boyfriend went up several notches: he remembered that I loved having pancakes with cream, strawberries and the lightest dusting of icing sugar for breakfast. Tony would do the same thing, but usually it was reserved for special occasions.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I focused on eating my breakfast, and trying not the drool in front of T'Challa. Mind you, he kind of had enough trouble trying to avoid a certain furry dog and his gaze of utter cuteness.
"Sorry, T'Challa." I apologized sheepishly as Voltaire finally gave up and proceeded to hide under the table and sulk. "I guess I've spoiled him a bit too much."
"It is no trouble." He assured me, "Though he could stand to learn about patience." While I looked at him in confusion, T'Challa loaded a third plate with a few pancakes and strawberries before placing it on the ground and waited. It took Voltaire all of two seconds to forget about sulking and go for it.
I had to laugh at him and all of his quirky habits before retuning back to my own meal, and T'Challa to his. Throughout the meal, we made general small talk, mostly about what we wanted to do today. I was for going outside: cabin fever and I don't make good bed fellows. T'Challa did want to go outside, too, but to see a movie. Something I rose an eyebrow at.
"Something troubling you, Rose?" He questioned once he noticed my odd look.
"...You and Western films is a concept I'm still piecing together." I finally told him before narrowing my eyes a little. "You wouldn't be trying to keep me inside for a reason, would you?" Seriously, after the Hammer incident, I wouldn't have put it past either him or Tony for trying to keep me out of the public eye.
Rather than fly into a suspicious panic of how he wasn't—or even getting the slightest bit insulted that I had thought him capable of such a thing—T'Challa merely chuckled to himself as he reached for a glass of water, which didn't answer my question. A small thought of panic was that he was trying to keep me hidden from someone or something, and that really didn't sit well with me.
As he lifted the glass to his lips, my hand reached over and slid in between, his lips pressing to the back of my hand instead. Slightly surprised, T'Challa glanced at me. I think the look on my face alone was enough to set some warning bells tingling: whenever I was frowning and my mouth pinched into a grim line, people usually got the gist.
Feeling him give a smile, I watched as T'Challa lowered his glass and took my hand in both of his, his teasing smile countered by the genuine look in his eyes.
"You are right is assuming that I am attempting to hide you." He confirmed, and my stomach sank.
"Oh." I replied softly, and somewhat hurt. I guess no one thinks I'm 'all right' about having paralysed my ex-boyfriend, or that I was held at knife point.
"It is not for a terrible reason." He tried to assure me. He'd have a better job if he didn't look so perplexed himself. "In point of fact, your brother called last night—before you woke up—and ask that I keep you busy until he calls later on. I am to then return you to Avengers Mansion." Try as I might, there was no hiding the wince I just gave.
"Ah, I saw that." He teased, pressing a soft kiss to my fingertips, sending a thrilling sensation up and down my spine. "You needed worry, my Rose: I have been assured by his assistant Ms Potts that there is a perfectly good reason." Hearing that Pepper knew about whatever Tony was planning for did much to settles some of my nerves, but I was only completely calm when T'Challa took one of his hands away to cup my cheek.
"Perhaps we should humour him, hmm?" He asked with a slight quirk in the corner of his mouth, and I privately agreed with him. Besides, it would make sense to spend as much time as my secret crush as possible. Right?
######
:You are a freaking glutton for punishment. Seriously; the last few hours have been simple torture!: No kidding.
No, the day didn't go bad from that point. It's just that when you're in secretly love with someone, spending time with them—and not having them know you're in love with them—is truly nerve wracking. Especially when they continue to surprise you with never spoken of talents, and acts of seduction.
After finishing off the pancakes, there were still a few good dozen pieces of strawberries and cream left over...and yes, it had to happen: T'Challa—Mr. Seductive-in-every-which-way—decided that hand feeding each other was a good idea. If he wanted to turn me into a beetroot red, squeaking pile of goop, then yes, it was a good idea.
And it did NOT help when it was my turn to fed him—sneaky sod knew just which buttons to press. Mostly by letting his lips touch my fingers as he took the offered strawberry, and using his tongue to 'subtly' lick at any cream on my said fingers. Coupled with the heated 'come hither' looks he'd give, I was in serious need of an ice cold glass of water.
I'm guessing he sensed that I needed a cool down, so T'Challa asked in I wanted to hear him play the piano. Not only did I miss that large black piano in te corner of the room, but also the fact that e even played in the first place.
"You never mentioned that you played." I pointed out as he rose from his chair and offered me his hand, which I took without hesitation.
"True." He admitted as he lead me to the other end of the table, where the large piano waited, and a black velvet-covered chaise longue for another person to sit and observe. "But I find that if I tell you everything there is about me, there will be nothing left to surprise you." He finished as he sat me down.
:Uh-huh, sure.: I thought as he took his place at the keys. Soon the melodic tones of Fur Elise began to fill the air, and take my breath away. I mean, geez! I thought he was a fantastic singer, but the skill he showed now? I wasn't sure how long I sat there with a dumbstruck look on my face but soon I felt myself relaxing as the music played on.
The time went on as T'Challa played more pieces by various artists (he almost killed me with the 1st movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata). He was currently playing an up-lifting piece that filled me with such a feeling of hope, but then he stopped all of a sudden. I felt somewhat disappointed, when I opened my eyes (when did I close them?), I saw that T'Challa had stopped because of the person whispering in his ear.
"Very well; we shall be there in half an hour." He told the person. They gave a small bow before leaving us alone.
"I guess Tony wants me home now?" I asked, trying not to let my disappointment show. As much as I wanted to see my brother and the others, and let them see that I was ok, I was genuinely enjoying myself as T'Challa played on the piano.
"Indeed." He sighed forlornly, "A shame; it is nice to play for another person instead of myself."
"I'm honoured to hear you play." I told him, "you have a beautiful talent, both at the piano and in voice." When T'Challa looked at me, there was such a brightness to his golden gaze, as if he was truly happy that I loved hearing him use his musical talents to please me.
I nearly swallowed my tongue as he stood up and came over to help me stand up from the longue, his hands holding both of mine as we stood so close together, I could feel the heat radiating from his body.
"It fills my heart greatly to hear you say that." He spoke softly. I could feel my heartbeat increase with his soft tone, making my breasts press into his chest as my breathing became a touch more faster. The feeling of a thousand butterflies returned, quivering in my stomach and chest as T'Challa began to lower his head towards mine, his eyes half closing and his mouth opening the slightest. My feet began pushing me up closer, my own eyelids fluttering shut as...as...
A loud whine snapped a cold spell up my spine, breaking the spell I was under. I turned to Voltaire to see what he wanted, then started to laugh, T'Challa joining in. Apparently, Voltaire was still hungry and decided to help himself to the leftover cream, though most of it ended up all over his face. The silly goof just sat before us with a big silly grin on his face.
With that interruption, T'Challa ushered me towards the bedroom, letting me get dressed first. Quickly brushing my teeth in the bathroom, I changed into the clothes I had brought in before brushing my hair out and slipping my feet into my shoes. Once deemed presentable, I headed back out to discover that T'Challa was dressed as well, and wiping Voltaire's face clean.
Once we were ready, T'Challa led us to the outside world and into an awaiting limo. Strangely enough, he never brought up that moment we almost had. Not that I found it awkward or anything, but I would like to know what was running through his mind, and if the moment was going to be what I thought it might've been. Or I could just be over thinking it, as usual.
Either way, I didn't bring it up, but it was going to make the trip a whole lot awkward. Of course, T'Challa decided to distract me the way he knows will always work: by wrapping his arm around my shoulders, his head bowed as he whispered into my ear about something. I couldn't tell you what the subject was, but I can tell you how red-faced, hot and bothered I was becoming.
We finally made it to Avengers Mansion without further incident (though there were a few close calls on my part), and as elegantly-without-seeming-desperate as I could, I exited the limo before T'Challa and Voltaire, the pair of us humans following the very bouncy dog towards my home.
"He's very excited, isn't he?" I commented as T'Challa opened the front door.
"What gives you that impression?" He asked, nearly slamming himself backwards into the door to avoid getting bawled over by the subject of our conversation. After spending a few minutes to check for injuries (:Liar; you just wanted an excuse to touch him.: So not going there!), we followed Voltaire inside, while quietly discussing what could be wrong with him. Voltaire, I mean. The large white dog would bound forward a few steps before turning to make sure we were following, then bounded ahead a few more steps and repeat his actions again.
"Do you get the feeling he knows something we don't?" I asked the equally bemused T'Challa.
"Perhaps we should not disappoint him." He answered, taking my hand in his and began leading us after the energetic dog. Happy that we had caught on, the white-and-black-speckled beast bounded forwards again, this time leading us towards the kitchen. The empty, completely dark and kinda creepy kitchen.
"You have got to be kidding me." I griped flatly to the darkness, scowling when I heard T'Challa started to chuckle. Voltaire just looked so super happy, bouncing on his paws before laying his front half down, his rump sticking into the air as his tail wagged so fast, he almost took off like a helicopter.
"There is no way I'm walking into a dark room." I immediately, and adamantly, refused.
"You act as if something terrible awaits you." T'Challa teased, laughing outright when I attempted to smack his stomach, only to have my hand caught in his. "Do not worry, Rose: I will be right here." He assured me. Part of me was a little sceptical, though it melted at the utterly adorable pouty look he was giving me.
:Goddamn the person who invented the human puppy pout! And that goes double for the person who taught T'Challa to do it perfectly!: Somehow biting back both a cringe and a groan, I heaved a sigh before reaching to find the light switch.
Click.
"SURPRISE!" I shrieked and jumped back into T'Challa, my hand clutching at my chest. It took a few seconds to recognise that the entire team, plus Pepper, Quartermaine and Alenka were standing in the kitchen, decorations fit for a party adorning the walls.
"Gotcha, sis!" Tony teased as he came and threw his arm around my shoulders. "Didn't expect this, huh? Huh?"
"No, I didn't." I answered honestly, rubbing the area above my heart and tried to calm my breathing. Tony, plus a few others, laughed as I was brought towards the large table covered in assorted food dishes. "So, what's the occasion?" I inquired, earning a warm smile from Pepper.
"Now don't tell me you've forgotten your own birthday?" She teased. The dumb look must've said it all, earning another round of laughter.
"My birthd—It can't be!" I protested, "It's not till June!"
"The 5th, for accuracy." Alenka interjected, "But it's almost the end of May now; the 31st." It's nearly June? To further aid my poor brain, Alenka produced her cell phone with the date clearly visible on the screen. With the date confirmed, it finally started to sink in.
"Wow. Time flies." I quipped playfully before gasping, "I'll be 20 in 5 days!" It may seem like a small thing to get excited about, but I honestly didn't expect myself to see it happened, at least consciously enough to partake in it. Hey! I'd like to see someone have to deal with a crazy ex-boyfriend, several super-villains circles knowing you're Tony Stark's sister and not go kooky!
"The big 2-0." Hawkeye commented, "Where does the time go? I mean, it seems just like yesterday that you were running around and causing mischief."
"You kidding? She still does that!" Tony whined dramatically, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead in added effect. "My little sister is a terror on my poor nerves! She causes chaos with no thought for her poor older brother."
Several persons—myself included—gave a sarcastic snort, knowing that Tony was the real instigator of such hijinx. Rather than get into the details or an argument, Tony directed our attention elsewhere. Namely back onto the subject of my birthday.
"Anyway, not that you're nearly 20, the big question beckons." He declared, and all at once I felt very nervous again, especially when he gave me such a serious look to go with his statement.
"What Tony means." Pepper interrupted, giving my brother a chastising look before giving me a gentle smile, "is what would you like to get, birthday present-wise?" Oh, was that all?
"No idea." I answered with a slight pout, "I'm pretty much set." Well, truthfully, I would like to have a certain teammate/king as my boyfriend, but I was definitely not going to tell anyone that—not unless I was in a desperate need to have Tony get upset with me.
:Um, you do remember that Alenka is here, right?: That thought sent a chill down my spine, which she noticed. All she did was give me a warm smile akin to an older sister.
"Well, whatever you do decide to do, we'll support it." She assured me.
"Absolutely." Pepper agreed firmly, accepting the cup of apple cider Alenka was levitating to her and the others. I should also note that she gave Tony an extremely firm look, the one that silently said that if he did something to screw it up, he wouldn't survive her wrath.
"Even if it's global domination?" I teased lightly, putting that little thought from my mind. But my question was met by a sarcastic laugh from Tony.
"Nice try." He threw back, "But I know your weakness: the one person that could ever have a chance of stopping your 'tyranny'." I raised an eyebrow in curiosity before looking at Alenka. Well, she is a high class mutant: it would make sense that she'd be the one to stop me.
On the other hand, I'd also have to give some credit to T'Challa, especially when he pouts. I have a feeling that if he ever finds out that he could undo me with a single pout, he'd use that against me, and be quite effective too.
I was just about to ask who Tony was talking about when a voice from the entrance of the kitchen nearly had me choking on my tongue.
"I hear the word 'tyranny' being spoken by Tony. Should I be worried?" I nearly snapped my neck as I turned to the voice.
"James!" I cried happily, almost thrusting my drink into Panther's hands before tackling my friend in a hug. James Rhodes laughed as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and returned the gesture, just more gently. James was an old friend of Tony and I; he was there when we grew up, when our parents died, when Tony first became the Iron Man, and everything else afterwards. He was like a second brother to me, being the more saner voice of reason for Tony (which often ends in exasperation) and myself.
"Hey, baby doll." He greeted affectionately, using the pet name only he was allowed to use. "Happy Birthday."
"Thanks!" I chirped happily, "you got time off from the Force?" The Air Force was his life, outside of our crazy life. Sometimes his duties meant that we couldn't see him as much as we'd like, but on special occasions (or Tony's mishaps) he'd definitely make an appearance.
"Just today." He nodded and turned me back to the others, "So I'm eager to get this party started." And with that, Pepper and Alenka began handing out plates for everyone to help themselves, the air filling with soft chatter.
"Heard about you troubles." James spoke as we hovered off to a side, everyone else in a conversation of their own. "Sorry I wasn't there to help out." He apologized. I gave him a sympathetic look before reaching out to squeeze his arm.
"It means a lot to hear you say that." I assured him before retracting my hand to nurse my fork, "Besides, I've been handling it pretty well." True, there was one particular incident that I really did wish he'd been around for, but that was water under the bridge now.
"Yeah, heard about that one, too." He remarked with a low chuckle as he leaned down to whisper into my ear privately. "I've been feeling his glare in my back for the last 10 minutes when I called you 'baby doll' before." I pulled my head back to give him an odd look. He flickered his eyes in a silent gesture over his shoulder.
Carefully doing so without alerting the other, I tried to see who he was referring to. My eyes drifted, then came to a halt when I saw the veiled but incredibly dark look in a certain king's gaze, aimed at my pseudo brother's direction. Seeing that look sent an unpleasant chill down my back as I looked away.
"I've never seen him look like that before." I whispered to James as I looked up at him, "Should I talk to him about it?" Honestly, I was hoping for a negative answer: that look on Panther's face was scarier than the one he wore when Hammer held me hostage.
"Later." James told me, "Give the guy a chance to calm down, and you guys don't want to make a scene." All very true. Plus it'd give Alenka a bit longer to talk to him. But it was very weird that T'Challa was acting like this, all dark and angry. Especially to someone he doesn't know. I wasn't going to add Hammer to the count—the dagger to my neck was an obvious hint that he was bad.
"So, how long has it been?" James asked, standing tall and eating once again.
"How long has what been?" I asked back, genuinely curious as I raised my glass to my mouth.
"Since you and him have been dating." I was so glad I hadn't taken a sip from my drink, otherwise it probably would've ended up all over him. Instead my face began turning beetroot red, making James raise his eyebrow in silent curiosity.
"W-w-w-w-we're not." I quietly stammered, looking anywhere but at him, or at the others. Something just tells me that if Tony ever heard that T'Challa and I were dating, all hell would break loose and people would be hurt. Especially T'Challa.
"Really? Why not?" James asked me, getting my attention again. Giving a small sigh—and a silent prayer—I quietly explained all that's been happening since the breakout: how T'Challa and I met, what we'd do when he showed up at my window every night, how wonderfully he's been treating me all the while, everything. Unlike Tony, James handled it all pretty well. Well, with minimal scowling, at least. When I got to the part about this morning, he lost the look and settled for a smug little grin.
"Oh, he so has it bad for you." He commented teasingly after I finished speaking. An explosion of red splashed my face, even though the butterflies came back in full force, and my heart surged with hope.
"No, he doesn't." I tried to deny, but even as I took a small sip, I was hoping that it was true. I looked away from James and let my eyes roam, this time they drifted towards T'Challa. He was still in a conversation with Alenka, but occasionally he did glance my way from the corner of his eyes. At one point our eyes caught each others, and it was like the room went quiet, the only sound I could hear was my heart beat. As if he could it too, T'Challa raised his glass to take a drink.
:Ugh, he's a freaking seduction sadist.: I weakly whined as I watched, transfixed with a blush, as his throat bobbed with each swallow, and as he lowered his glass, he ran the tip of his tongue over his lips. All of that while his eyes began to turn into pools of molten gold.
"I hate him." I weakly squeaked into my glass as I finally managed to turn away, which James got a chuckle at. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I was determined to ignore T'Challa for the rest of the night. And maybe all of tomorrow, too.
'Or...' I heard Alenka teased before whispering her plan into my mind. Ooh, I like that sound of that! I have my answer by plastering a little smile onto my face, before reaching up to brush some of my hair out of my face, exposing my neck a bit. I made sure to slowly drag my fingers down the side of my neck. A subtle glance from beneath my lashes confirmed that I had caught my targets full attention, and a mental nod (and laugh) from my partner in crime confirmed that he was suffering majorly.
Feeling a bit bold, I let my fingers trail to the top button of my shirt and start to toy with it. I did have another shirt underneath, but T'Challa didn't know that, and this particular button would expose a bit more skin if I were to open it.
T'Challa must've known that, too, and the poor glass in his hand suffered as his grip caused it to shatter. Thankfully, Alenka sneezed at the right time, giving the others the impression that she had a minor misfire with her powers—which were known to happen—and caused the glass to break.
"Sorry!" She yelped, her powers quickly launching to work of gathering the broken shards and any liquid spilt on the floors and clothes. "Sorry: I had a sneeze mishap." She apologized again. While the other paid more focus on Alenka, I braved a look at T'Challa and winced at the stern look I was getting. Now I felt bad for teasing him like that.
:Ex-CUSE me?! He started it first!: My inner voice retorted indignantly. So very true, so I merely turned away from T'Challa with a small huff. Another prod from Alenka said that he felt bad. Good!
"Cold, baby doll: that was real cold." James commented with a small smile, "Even if he started it first." Normally, I would've winced when he said that, but the little smile made the difference by telling me that he applauded my efforts to get payback.
Humph! Nobody seduces in public on my birthday, not even handsome Wakandan kings...
...which neatly reminded me that my real birthday wasn't till 5 days from now, so why was the party tonight?
"Hey, Tony?" I called to my older brother.
"Hey, what?" He called back, looking up from his conversation with Pepper, Hank and Quatermaine.
"Just out of curiosity, why are we celebrating my birthday tonight, and not in five days?" My innocent question had Tony choking on his cider, prompting Quartermaine to give him a solid whack on his back to help clear out the airway. Once that was achieved and Tony could breathe again, he began stammering as a look of pure panic swept across his face. By now, everyone was looking at him oddly. Pepper rolled her eyes at Tony's lack of cohesion and gave me an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, Briar, but the board of directors has been asking Tony to come back to work for a while now, and they've just secured another company in Montana. They want Tony and I to be there personally to make sure things go over smoothly." She explained Tony finally nodding in agreement, though the wince he was pulling clearly said that he'd rather not be there.
"Seriously?!" Wasp whined what probably what everyone was thinking, "You're going to miss your own sister's birthday?"
"That's ok, Wasp." I hurried assured her and the others, "really, I don't mind if he has to work." Ok, a tiny, itty bitty part of me was a little bummed out, but I knew that Tony would try his best to make the deal fall through as quickly as he could without ruffling too many feathers, and try to be home in time.
Tony looked a little relieved for the moment, then broke out into an apologetic smile, which had me worried. What did he do this time?
"There's also a downside to your birthday." He admitted, making everyone groan in disbelief.
"What did you do, Stark?" Hawkeye demanded, folding his arms over his chest as he fired my brother a deadly look.
"Hey, I had nothing to do with this one!" He immediately protested but stopped when Pepper pressed her hand to his chest and looked to me.
"It's not a bad thing, unless you're Tony." She explained for me, "But to get to the point, you've been invited to attend the Summer Ball." The pin dropped somewhere as my mind went blank, and Wasp squealed loudly in excitement.
"You mean the biggest, most fantastic, sophisticated event of the high class society calendar, ever?!" She squealed happily before launching herself to engulf me in a big, nearly-broke-my-neck hug. "You are so lucky!" She added before stepping back with a gasp, "Oh, my gosh! There's so much to do! You'll need a new dress, makeover, everything!"
"Whoa, whoa, slow down, Jan." Hank chuckled as he rested his hands on her shoulder, "Give Briar a moment to catch up." I guess he noticed the blank look on my face and stepped in to save me.
The Summer Ball is an annual event of the social elite to celebrate the start of Summer, by having—you guessed it—a ball, and trust me, it's a big deal. For the elite class of the city, that is. Mostly, it was just a place where they show off their jewels, gowns, business empires, connections, all that stuff.
Personally, I actually did want to go to a Summer Ball, just once, to see what it was really like. Tony got invited every year, and claims that it's beyond boring. But the glam and glitz of it all...yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing that.
"You don't have to go, if you don't want too." My brother offered hastily, "I mean, come one? Balls, dresses and snooty people? That's not your scene." As he continued to prattle on, I turned to Pepper for an explanation.
"He doesn't you going because of all the eligible bachelors that will be there." She shrugged. Ah, that would explain it. A side note of the Ball was to 'informally' introduce any single wealthy people to the class, with a few hoping to snag a husband or wife. And like any over protective older brother, Tony did not fancy the idea of me meeting any single men there. Though, one would imagine he'd drop his personal grievances after the argument we had at the start of May.
I was about to give an answer when I felt someone poke me in the shoulder. I turned my head just as James lowered his and cupped his hand around my ear.
"Can I suggest that you go to the ball, but have Mr. Death Glare act as chaperon?" He quietly offered, "Since it's clear he's into you, this may be the chance he needs to tell you that. Plus, it'll give Tony some piece of mind knowing that someone he knows will be there to watch out for you."
:Oh, that is a brilliant plan.: My inner voice gushed. IT actually was: if I persuade Tony to actually let me go, he will naturally insist on someone to go with me. And since he was 'technically' part of the elite class, T'Challa would be the ideal guy to be my shadow. Which would give me the perfect opportunity to spend the night with him and somehow get the courage to say that I love him.
"Ok, I'll go." I finally announced, cutting across Tony's rambling.
"Say what?" He questioned dumbly. This is where I had to be careful with my cards.
"I'll go." I repeated, walking over to poke him in the arm, "it's not my scene, I'll admit. But you're always telling me that I should try something at least once. So, I'll give it a go, that way I can at least say I've been to one." Tony just gave me a blank stare as his mouth open like a gaping fish.
"She does have a point, Tony." Pepper added, "And you really don't want your sister to miss out on such an opportunity like this, do you?" Now Tony's mouth was closed, his lips puckering slightly as he thought about it.
"Ok, fine." He nodded, "but please, for the sake of my sanity, can someone go with you?" Perfect! He's walking right into it!
"Count me out." Hawkeye immediately spoke, "I don't do penguins suits."
"I can't dance." Cap informed us all. When Tony turned to the Hulk, said green giant just growled darkly, clearly signifying that he wasn't going to go.
"Alas, I am not familiar with Midgard traditions." Thor apologized, the barest hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
"I'm pretty sure Hank has a meeting booked around that time." Wasp offered apologetically, said man giving her an odd look, "Besides, I have enough trouble prying him from his lab on a normal day." I think Tony was getting the general idea, but decided to keep on trying.
"Sorry, Iron Man." Quartermaine shrugged, "Fury has me busy for the next three weeks, and I can't spare any agents, either."
"My brother and uncle will be busy, too." Alenka replied when looked upon, "Summer's a busy time to protect the multi-verse, so I'll need all the help I can get from them." Finally, Tony turned to James for help.
"Sorry: I only have today off." My second brother shrugged, "And I don't do Balls at any point."
"Which leaves only T'Challa to chaperone Lady Briar." Thor pointed out, giving said man a heavy clap on the shoulder. The look on Tony's face when he realized that was priceless: as if single bachelors weren't bad enough, the only available friend he knew to watch over his baby sister was the guy that was sneaking into her bedroom at night for three weeks before getting found out. There was no way that Tony would normally allow something like that to happen, but right now-courtesy of Pepper and Alenka-he wasn't having much of a choice.
"Yeah: besides, T'Challa is probably the only one out of us that can actually stand those people." Wasp snickered with a roll of her eyes.
"Then it's settled!" Pepper smiled brightly, "T'Challa can act as chaperone to Briar and keep all the single men away from her at the ball." Seeing that he was pretty much beaten into a corner, Tony gave in and finally agreed to let me go. I squealed happily as I threw my arms around his neck in a big hug, and reminded myself that I seriously owe James big time.
The party continued after that, and with all the food and drink being shoved at me, I finally felt sleepy and headed off to bed. Deciding what dress I would wear could what till tomorrow.
######
You may want to talk to your 'boyfriend', baby doll. Love, James.
When I woke up to next morning, the first thing I noticed was the message on my phone. Reading it left a sort of panicked feeling in my stomach, which also made me feel a bit sick. Maybe teasing him like that wasn't a good idea, after all. Or maybe throwing him into chaperone duty was a bit much. Ugh, why must these things be so complicated?!
Tempting as it was just to forget about it and go dress shopping (the Summer Ball happened to be three days after my birthday, leaving me 8 days to find the perfect dress), I was sort of curious as to why T'Challa was looking at James is such a hostile manner.
So I slid out of bed and had a shower, trying to make myself as presentable as possible before raiding my wardrobe for something nice to wear. Since it was sort of warm out today, I finally settled on a pair of jeans and a rather feminine red blouse. It was made from a light material to keep me from getting too hot, though it did reveal just a little too much cleavage for my tastes.
Tossing my keys, phone and other accessory items into a small backpack, I roused Voltaire from his spot at the foot of my bed and headed downstairs for a quick meal for the both of us then headed out. Normally, I would've taken some mode of transport, but it was a nice sunny day. Even if there was a chance that T'Challa was in anything but a sunny mood.
It seemed like forever, but I eventually found myself staring at the large embassy tower, the sheer size of it making me swallow nervously. Voltaire patiently sat beside me, his big blue eyes looking up at me with his show of silent support.
Rationally speaking, I should have nothing to be worried about: T'Challa is a respectable man and of sound mind, even if he was cranky. But that was before I realized that I was in love with him. Now, my good sense was being overthrown by my panic, mentally going through every scenario possible, mostly the ones with a not so happy ending.
:Ok, now you're just being silly.: I finally told myself, :T'Challa is not the sort of man to throw a hissy-fit. Once we talk it through, everything will be fine.: At least, that was the hope.
Gathering as much courage as I could, I walked up the steps and into the building foyer, Voltaire faithfully following me like a shadow. I was barely inside for a minute before the man behind the front desk gave me a welcoming smile.
"Good morning, Miss Stark." He greeted cheerfully, which had slightly startled me for a moment. "Are you here to see His Majesty?" I gave a small nod, and soon I found myself and Voltaire following one of the servants to wherever T'Challa was hiding himself.
Soon I was led to an elevator, which then took the both of us somewhere further down. It didn't help that it was just Voltaire and I, or that there were hidden levels within the embassy.
:Just where exactly are we heading, anyway?: I asked myself, and as if the heavens were listening, the elevator came to a stop, its doors opening to reveal a rather dark room.
Timidly stepping away from the biggest light source, I nearly jumped when the doors closed and sent everything into semi darkness. There were a few small light sources to see from, but it was very faint. Hell, I could barely see Voltaire or my hand in front of my face!
"Ok." I exhaled softly, wrapping my arms around myself to ward off the shivers of rising panic. "Nothing to be scared of, Rose. Nothing at all." Absolutely nothing at all; either T'Challa is down here and doesn't know I've arrived, or he's in a meeting and will be down shortly.
:Uh-huh, then why are you breathing so fast and feeling completely scared?: My inner voice questioned sarcastically. Ok, fine! I'm completely freaking out, and with good reason! The last time I was in a dark room I ended up getting attacked by my ex-boyfriend! I think I'm allowed to be terrified and have a panic attack! Speaking of which.
I could feel my pulse going like crazy even as my breathing increased to an almost painful level, my eyes darting around to find the brightest source of light, or even the elevator by this point. Wait—what was that noise? Where's Voltaire?! Where-where-
"Rose?" I gave an ear-splittingly high pitched scream, my adrenaline kicking into over drive and throwing a fist at whatever was touching me. The thing caught my fist and spin me around. Before my mind caught up to itself, my back was pressed against something warm and solid with something encircling tightly underneath my breasts, both my wrists clamped tight in a hand, its twin firmly covering my mouth to muffle my screams.
Now I was beyond terrified, and started to squirm furiously, screaming at the person to let me go, but they were stubborn and strong.
"Rose, enough!" A deep voice ordered, sounding itself right into my ear, "Rose, it's me, T'Challa!" Somehow, my brain managed to stop working, causing the rest of my body to freeze, but I thankfully didn't pass out. It took my brain a few moments to get back to work again and realize what was just said. Since I wasn't fighting anymore, whoever was holding me seemed to relax a little, but kept their grip strong.
"You are safe, Rose." Panther's voice continued to speak, this time more softer. "I am going to take my hand from your mouth now, but promise me you won't scream." I managed a jerky nod. A warm breath rushed past the shell of my ear as he exhaled, and slowly removed his hand as he said. As I promised I didn't scream. I did take in a shaky breath.
"T-T'Challa?" I choked out weakly. The hand that covered my mouth slide underneath my chin, turning my head to the right and up. My spine stiffened with tingles as I felt something velvety soft ghost over my lips before a warm kiss was pressed against my forehead, sending a wave of warmth and comfort throughout my body, making my limbs grow slack.
Now that the fight was gone from my body, T'Challa let go of my wrists and turned my body so that we now stood chest to chest, and so closely that you couldn't fit a crow bar between us. Immediately, I stood on my toes and buried my face into his neck, inhaling his familiar scent of something earthy mixed with sweat and male musk.
T'Challa moved his hands, one stroking my hair, the other circling around my waist and holding me in a cocoon of safeness. My own hands moved as well, sliding up to rest on his chest. Beneath my fingers tips I could feel the thin material of his shirt, the intense heat his body was generating and the powerful beating of his heart.
"Are you alright now, Rose?" He whispered against my forehead, "I did not mean to fright you so." Hearing the truly apologetic tone in his voice, I felt my stomach start to quiver with butterflies. "I was in a separate room, and because of my heightened senses, I did not bother to turn the lights on: I see through the night as clearly as the day." He continued to explain, his thumb caressing my hip gently before sliding underneath my shirt to rub against my spine. The sensation of his fingers touching my bare skin sent a thrilling wave of heat throughout my body even as I felt my breath hitch a tiny bit.
I could feel his chest expand as he inhaled deeply, giving a soft humming purr as he exhaled, and pressed another kiss to my forehead before resting his cheek onto of my head.
"I'm going to get you back, T'Challa." I softly warned him as I lowered myself from standing on my toes, "Intentional scare or not." My body shook as he began to laugh, and the atmosphere finally lightened up.
"I will keep that in mind." He promised while settling his hand against my hip against and tightened his grip in a hug. "Now that you are not panicking anymore, what brings you to my laboratory?"
"Well, I wanted to—wait, laboratory?" I jerked my head back to look at him, but of course the lights were still turned off, so I couldn't see his face. Dang.
"Yes; it is not as grand as yours, but it serves its purpose." He explained, "there is an area for medical situations, another so that I may create and work on upgrades to my suits, and a third for training."
:Not as grand, my butt.: I mentally griped, but I'm pretty sure T'Challa could see the frowning pout I was giving him. My assumption was proven true when he laughed.
"Ah, Rose." He breathed other before resting his forehead against mine, "I am truly grateful for having met you." I gave a sarcastic snort as I rolled my eyes at him.
"I am being honest." He assured in earnest, "You are truly an amazing young woman, with a bright soul that makes any room livelier. And your courage, your mind, your heart and beauty—"
"Beauty?" I repeated. The feelings inside of me had been growing as he spoke, and now it was filling my heart with hope. "You really think I'm beautiful?"
"Your beauty is greater than the goddess Aphrodite herself." He purred in a seductive tone, leaning against me till I was almost bent backwards over his arm. I couldn't stop myself from blushing any more than I could control the weather, and I turned my gaze away sheepishly.
"You don't mean that." I murmured softly. What happened next not only blew my mind, but had my pulse racing. The hand at the back of my head lowered a little and fisted into my hair, the other tightening on my hip and pulled me so close to his body that I swear I could tell if he was circumcised or not. And—wait, it that what I think it is?! Oh, my. Oh, my!
Of course, my body's natural reaction was to turn my face bright red and make my breathing quicker.
"I assure you, Rose, I am not." T'Challa growled, in a tone that was so low and dangerous that it completely turned me on. I could barely swallow, I was so hot and flustered. "And I shall prove it." He declared, his lips hovering right above mine, I could just feel how velvet soft they were.
:Yes. Yes! YES!: I began to chant in my mind as T'Challa began to close the—
"Your Majesty!" A voice cried as the elevator opened and the room was flooded with light.
:GODDAMN IT, NO!: I cursed, taking a quick step away from T'Challa, not only to save his image but to get my body back under control. Was T'Challa about to do what I think he was about to do? But...why me?
T'Challa, on the other hand, looked ready to kill this poor guy. "This had better be—" He began but the person who interrupted us ran up to him, nearly falling over in a breathless heap.
"Forgive me, my king." He apologized, struggling to deliver his news and catch his breath. "But there is urgent news from Wakanda." T'Challa didn't seem all that impressed, but the servant handed him a note. Whatever was written on it must've been something big to change the look on his face: he went from royally pissed beyond anything, to extremely cold, which was quite worrying.
"Are they sure?" He finally asked, in an ice cold voice that increased my worry.
"Absolutely." The servant nodded firmly, and the cold look on Panther's face intensified. Whatever was going on had to be big to cause this change.
"T'Challa?" I started softly, "Do you need to go back to Wakanda?" His gaze flickered to me, and I really had to resist the sold shudder those dead angry eyes sent down my body. "If you give me 10 minutes, I can have JARVIS prepare a Quinjet, ready to go when you get to the Mansion." The look in his eyes softened: he was still mad at something, but now it wasn't unintentionally directed at me.
"Thank you, Rose." He nodded before turning to the servant, "Have a driver take her home. I shall not be too long after her." The servant nodded and headed to the elevator, Voltaire after him. I gave Panther's hand a quick squeeze before jogging after them.
The ride up was silent and tense, just like the events afterwards. Soon I was sitting in the back of a limo With Voltaire at my feet, and my phone to my ear as I called JARVIS to get an air shuttle ready.
I won't deny there wasn't a sinking feeling in my stomach. Whatever was happening in Wakanda was big, bigger than something any of us expected. And it was going to change everything.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Sheesh! See what I mean? Dang you, T'Ch-Whoa! *dodges the vibranium daggers launched at the head* OK, OK, enough! Geez; you give that guy the barest hint he'll kiss Briar, and then interrupt him, you're as good as dead! *dodges another vibranium dagger* OH, KNOCK IT OFF ALREADY! *Total silence*...good.
Anyway, the next chapter may be out next month or the month after: there's a bit of research that needs doing, but I'm positive I can manage it. If not...my goose is barbequed. *gulps* Well, till next time...if I'm even in one piece for it.