DISCLAIMER: ALL CHARACTERS BELONG TO MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE.
The rating of this story has CHANGED from T to M now, due to sexual content. Please bare this warning in mind if you decide to continue reading.
~0~0~0~0~0~
It hadn't taken Natasha and Okeye long to become training partners. They'd spend every morning sparring, and Steve often teased that he felt as if he'd lost his fiancée for good.
Earlier that day, when he had made such a comment, Natasha had kissed him, nibbling on his bottom lip slightly, and whispered into his ear, "I'll be sure to find you later for a workout of our own." Ever since then, Steve had been slightly distracted whilst joining T'Challa on a walk through the city.
But, as sinfully tempting as his fiancees promise had been, Steve was able to lose himself in the beauty of Wakanda. The hidden kingdom was mesmerising, with its cultures and legends and how it run so effortlessly. T'Challa would have many duties as King, but his clear favourite was venturing into the busy walkways of the cities and mingling with his people amongst the market stalls. It was something which he had always done, and would always intend on doing. Staying connected with his people was the most important thing to him, and that was why he would make such a good King.
Many children rushed forward to see Steve, fascinated by him, and the women behind the stands were eager to show him what they were selling. There were a few battering of eyelashes and lingering looks, but the majority of them were just keen for his approval. He exchanged pleasantries with everyone he met, and was more than happy with the conversations turned lengthy and informative.
Steve found it easy to lose track of time when he was in the city, and became engrossed in Wakandas history, beliefs and celebrations. They had been here for just over a week now, and he was still learning new things every single day. With what had happened in that small period of time between Steve leaving and returning, T'Challa had been through quite a lot, and needed time to iron out things. Still, the new King seemed to be taking everything in his stride, and Steve was more than happy to accompany him every day for tours and trips into the city. Twice now, they had gone back to the rhinos, and Bucky had met them. Natasha had gracefully declined the other, saying she wished to train, but Steve had a good feeling it was because she still didn't trust the magnificent beasts completely.
Whenever she could be eased away from the sparring mats, Natasha also fell in love with the business and beauty that the streets of Wakanda offered. She was enamoured with the different colours and spices, the beautiful hand crafted trinkets on the market stands and the variety of fruits that were displayed. She would grip Steve's arm and drag him to a particular stall, and then another, and then another. She had also been gifted with several pretty scarves, the salespeople insisting that they matched her hair and eyes too beautifully to not be given to her.
T'Challa had been a very generous host, indeed. He'd gifted them a beautiful apartment on the outskirts of the city, where the views were breath-taking. One wall of the impressive building was made entirely out of glass, which certainly had been designed to make the most of the stunning mountain range that faced it. When both Steve and Natasha had protested over his kind present, he had simply stated that it was a wedding gift and, as he was King, he would not accept it back.
Inside the apartment, it was decorated with Wakandan designs, artistry and furniture. Whilst they could still hear the music and bustle of the city, they were secluded enough to enjoy their time alone together. Privacy had been such a rare thing for them over the years of their relationship, but in Wakanda, there was no need to keep it behind closed doors.
Nothing made Steve prouder than walking through the streets with his arm around Natasha's waist while they sampled the local cuisine and admired the delicate, hand-painted pottery at the market. They would seek advice from the people of Wakanda about what food to try, and then Steve would cook something up for them later in the evening, on the nights when they had stayed in. Every other night, however, was committed to dancing.
Now he stood facing the glass wall of their apartment, Steve took a deep breath and released it, smiling to himself.
Arms wrapped around his waist, slender and strong, and the smell of citrus surrounded him.
"Hey, trouble," He greeted her warmly, turning around to look down at her face. There would never be a day where her beauty did not leave him gazing at her in wonder.
Her grin widened, as it always did whenever he greeted her with such affection. "Hey, back." She said, reaching up on her tiptoes to brush her lips against his.
Steve's hand cupped the back of her head, his fingers threading through her red locks, as he deepened the kiss. Never one to protest, Natasha opened her mouth to his searching tongue, moaning against him.
Then, she pulled away. "I need a shower, before we go out tonight." She stated. They'd made plans to join T'Challa, Shuri and their mother in the city for another night of dancing and good food. She certainly did not want to show up with dried sweat from her sparring session.
However, he had barely seen her all day, so he had no intention on letting her go so easily. Without a word, Steve's hands moved to the backs of her thighs, effortlessly picking her up. As a thrilled giggle escaped her, Steve's mouth captured hers again. He carried them both into the bathroom, her hands already shredding the jacket off his body. With passion fuelled urgency, they undressed each other, hands gliding over one another's bodies, delicately mapping every contour and line. As Steve reached behind her to turn the hot water on, Natasha trailed kisses down his neck, her teeth scraping the skin ever so slightly in the way that she knew drove him crazy.
They backed into the water, letting the steam surround them and the hot droplets wash their bodies. Steve took a great deal of time lathering up her slender body with soap, enjoying the softness of under his touch and paying close attention to her chest and ass. Natasha smiled down at him as he kneeled on the ground, his hands sliding slowly over her strong thighs. She was well aware of the game he was playing, as his fingers grazed close to where she was burning for him, and a whimper escaped her.
Once he was satisfied with his work, he slowly got to his feet again, and she rose to meet his lips in another mind-blowing, slow kiss. Although they were both always very vocal about their feelings, their kisses were another way of communicating their love for one another. This kiss was sensual, time didn't exist while their lips moved.
Then, she took her time washing his body. Her hands traced over the muscles of his arms and legs, squeezing his rounded ass as she grazed past it, causing him to hiss slightly in desire. But, she didn't rush. Her hands came up his torso, dancing over his sculpted abs, up over his shoulders and around his neck so she could kiss him again.
As the water rained down on them and washed away the soap, Steve helped her wash her hair. It brought back memories of the two of them of that first shower all those years ago, when she had been shot and seeked out his help, the first time she had truly let her guard down for him. So much had happened in the years since that shower.
"How long until we need to leave?" Steve asked her, as he turned her slowly and eased his hands through her hair, helping get the last of the shampoo out. He loved the colour that it went when it was wet; a deep scarlet colour. It slid through his fingers so easily, and his mind was sent back to that very first shower, just after she'd been shot. The first time where she had accepted his help and lowered her walls to him. The first time they had kissed - properly - and the day where he had started falling in love with her.
Since then, he hadn't stopped.
Natasha tilted her head ever so slightly, and, as she wanted, Steve's lips found the exposed skin of her neck. She leaned back into him, feeling all of him against her, especially one part of him that seemed to be eagerly waiting. Her stomach fluttered in excitement for what was waiting for her. "Oh, we have plenty of time."
A deep growl rumbled from his chest, causing the arousal that stirred between her legs to increase even more. As Steve's lips continued to suck at the junction between her neck and shoulder, his hands came round her body. First, he grazed them over her breasts, and she hissed out as his fingers tweaked and pulled at her nipples. He was so good with his hands.
He smirked against her skin, and when she felt it, she pushed her hips back against him even more, a silent command. Don't stop.
Whilst one hand remained on her breast, the other made it's slow, tortuous path down her flat stomach, coming to a rest by the apex of her thighs. Natasha parted her legs even more, and his fingers found her, warm and wet. He groaned at just how ready she was for him, and a finger entered her.
Natasha's hands flew out to brace against the wall, keeping her up as her legs turned to jelly. Another finger joined the first, slowly curling inside her, seeking deeper. Her head dropped as her body arched, and she felt Steve growl against her, adding a third finger.
Steve knew her body far too well, and so therefore, he knew exactly how to draw out her pleasure. His fingers worked slowly, hitting all the right spots, but purposefully not pushing her over the edge. As her release built inside her, Natasha trembled, surprised that her legs were able to keep her up as Steve drove her closer and closer to the edge.
The steam from the shower still clouded around them, and their moans and laboured breathing was all that could be heard. Against her, she could feel just how ready Steve was, and excitement pooled in her stomach.
"Steve," She gasped out, as his thumb skillfully got added to the mix, rubbing slow circles over her clit.
"Let go, Natasha." He whispered, his teeth nibbling on her earlobe before his tongue soothed the bite. "Come for me, sweetheart."
Sweetheart. It was positively sinful just how good that word sounded coming from his lips like that. It was her undoing. With a shudder, her release found her, and she came on his fingers. As she stood with her hands on the tiles, the waves of her orgasm raked her body.
Steve purred against her neck, his nose rubbing against her jawline. "I need you, Natasha."
When her ability to stand up returned to her, she twisted in his arms, hands wrapping behind his neck. "Get to it, solider."
Steve lifted her up once again, her legs automatically enclosing round his waist, pulling them against one another completely. She was dripping for him, and he pulsed against her. With her back against the cold tiles, Natasha watched as Steve lined himself up, the tip of him grazing through her folds, coating him with her juices.
Then, with one swift movement of his hips, he was inside her, and she was seeing stars.
She clutched at his neck, her nails digging in, as he pulled out almost all the way before slamming back into her. Droplets cascaded down their bodies as the hot water continued to pour onto them, making their hair stick to their faces. All Natasha could focus on was the man inside her, how good it felt when he moved in and out in such sinful thrusts of his hips, of how she would never, ever get tired of being with him.
My fiance, she reminded herself, as her head rolled back and her eyes closed from the bliss that surged through her.
"Harder," She practically begged him, lifting her body in time with him, trying to pull him deeper inside her. "Fuck me, Steve."
Such words from her always caused an almost animalistic snarl to erupt from the usually collected, calm man. But, when they were together like this, Steve's control broke, allowing him to show just how much he needed her. So, he obeyed her command, moving his hips faster but striking even deeper inside her, hitting that perfect spot over and over again.
A loud moan escaped her once again, and Natasha lifted his face to her, her mouth finding his, her tongue plunging inside.
She practically fell apart there and then when he used one hand to stroke her, while the other was braced on the tile by her head. With the combination of his thumb and his cock, Natasha was having a hard time maintaining control.
"Natasha," Her name sounded so beautiful when it came from his lips like that, like a prayer. The furrow of his brow showed just how close he was to his own release, so she rutted against him, pushing down on him so he went even deeper, surrounding him with the warmth of her. Steve was always a gentleman, and always seeked her orgasm before he allowed himself on, and today was no exception. As Natasha fell over the edge once again, shuddering around him, Steve's head rested on her collarbone as he came inside her.
For a few minutes, neither of them bothered to part. Their pants were synchronised as he remained inside her, his hips slowly moving to ride her through each lingering wave of her release. Natasha's hands moved through his hair, ghosting around the sides of his neck as his lips kissed her pulsepoint, sucking on it.
"I love you," She whispered. Not a day went where they hadn't shared such statements, yet she felt as if she never said it enough. She felt she would never be able to show him just how deep her love for him went, how powerful it truly was. She'd been alone for so long, never needing anyone. Now, with Steve, she knew she'd never be able to cope without him.
He looked up, his blue eyes so soft that it touched her heart in ways that she couldn't explain. "I love you, Natasha Romanoff." He returned, kissing her sweetly. "Every piece of my heart belongs to you."
As he slowly pulled himself from her and lowered her to stand on her own feet, the water was turned off and they stepped out together. Towelling themselves dry, Steve left the bathroom first, kissing her softly before going. Looking at herself in the mirror, Natasha blushed slightly when she saw the small marks that he had left along her chest, low enough that any of her new dresses - gifts from T'Challa's mother - would cover. As much as she didn't mind him marking her as his, she didn't think it would be appropriate to show up tonight covered in love-bites.
But, as her fingers ghosted over the purplish marks, she found herself smiling. When she entered their bedroom, Steve was stood with his towel still wrapped around his waist, and he looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she approached, still completely naked. His eyes drank in the sight of her appreciatively, taking in the purposeful sway of her hips as she stalked towards him.
Silently, she pushed him onto the bed, and he sat watching her carefully. She eased the towel from around him, letting it fall to his sides. He opened his mouth, but whatever he was going to say was rendered unimportant as her mouth fell upon him.
~0~0~0~0~0~
To Steve's surprise, Bucky was waiting for them in the city. When he glanced at his fiancee, he found her smiling at him, and realised she had planned for him to join them, keeping it as a surprise. Giving him a kiss, Natasha headed for the dancing, brushing her hand over Bucky's arm as she passed, before losing herself in the crowd. Knowing he'd be able to find her in a heartbeat, as he was forever drawn to her, Steve was happy to see her so carefree.
Joining his oldest friend for a drink at a small table, Steve's heart felt full. "How do you feel, Buck?" He asked, taking a sip from the beer in front of him. Wakanda had many wonderful things, but their beer was certainly top of the list.
"Like someone took my body and recharged it," Bucky admitted. He'd spent the entire day with Shuri, going over things to ensure that his memories truly were restored. It was mentally draining, and that was evident in the way that Bucky was sitting. But, his eyes were still bright, and there was that grin on his face which showed that he was enjoying himself. "I...I don't know how I'll ever repay you for everything you had done for me."
Going through his memories always left Bucky in a state of remorse, but still, Steve did hate the fact that his friend blamed himself for what Hydra had done for him. "Start with staying out of trouble." Steve told him, but they shared a grin, knowing that Bucky Barnes and trouble came hand in hand. "T'Challa has offered you a permanent residence here, so I've been told."
Bucky dipped his head, looking somewhat awkward. "It is more than I deserve."
"You did not do all those things, Bucky. It was Hydra, but they can no longer control you." Steve reminded him. Shuri had worked wonders, and the man sitting opposite him was Bucky, not the Winter Soldier. Steve would always be thankful to T'Challa and his family for offering Bucky a fresh start.
"What about you, then?" Bucky asked, tilting his head towards the dancing. "The Queen Mother and Shuri are constantly discussing the soon-approaching wedding bells of your future. I really can't believe that a punk like you is getting married."
Steve smiled, a response he always had whenever he thought about the fact that Natasha was soon to be his wife. "I can't believe it, either." His eyes flicked over to the dancing, sourcing out a particular pair of emerald ones. There was Natasha, dancing amongst the local woman with the biggest smile on her face. Her happiness radiated from her like the sun, and Steve's heart warmed at the sight.
"I'm happy for you, buddy." Bucky said, raising his beer bottle. Steve tapped it with his. "I don't think I'll ever work out just how you managed to get a woman like that, but I'm happy for you."
It felt good to have Bucky back to his usual joking self. "Honestly, Buck, I don't think I'll ever work it out myself."
Natasha caught him watching her, and her eyes glistened amongst the lights of the street. With her vibrant hair and beautiful face, she stood out to him like a siren, calling for him. As she flashed him a pearly white smile, Steve's heart beat for her. There was a flirtatious glint in her eyes as she tilted her head to the side ever so slightly, the swaying of her body capturing his attention.
"I think she wants you to join her." Bucky pointed out. "I'm sure your dancing skills have improved somewhat, over all these decades. I've heard you and Natasha have become regulars down here this week."
Steve chuckled. "You'd be mistaken, about the dancing. All the practise in the world won't solve my two left feet." He said, watching as Natasha slowly turned, her hips swishing in a way that was criminally enticing. Even after their escapades in the shower and afterwards on their bed, his desire for her never burnt out.
"T'Challa is here," Bucky pointed out, and sure enough, the King of Wakanda was making his way through the ground. Bursting with excitement, his younger sister, Shuri, instantly broke from his side to join Natasha in the street. T'Challa and his mother joined the two friends at the table. Bowing to royals was not a custom in Wakanda, but both Steve and Bucky dipped their heads respectfully.
"We have truly been blessed with the weather tonight." The Queen Mother commented warmly, as her eyes looked up at the star-filled sky above them.
"Not even the rain could tamper with the spirits of our people." T'Challa pointed out, as the dancing Wakandan's around them continued, never once faltering in their steps even though they had been clearly going for hours. The King turned to Steve and said, "Your bride-to-be is glowing."
Steve smiled proudly. "I'm a very lucky man." He said in agreement, as Natasha's laughter found his ears over the music.
"Have you decided one a date for the ceremony, Steve Rogers?" The Queen Mother, Ramonda, asked kindly. She was a woman who radiated grace, patience and honour, and had welcomed Steve and Natasha into her home with open arms.
"I think we've gotten a little too lost in the beauty of your city, your grace." Steve admitted. It certainly was not a lie.
She smiled at the compliment. "Whenever you wish it, it will happen." She promised, and he thanked her gracefully.
The four of them fell into conversation about anything and everything related to Wakanda, with Ramanda telling them quite a few stories of T'Challa when he was a little boy. Steve caught a group of young ladies looking over to him and Bucky and whispering, but it was easy to look past them every time a flash of red hair caught his attention. But, perhaps Bucky would appreciate knowing that he was still in the game.
Unable to resist, Steve's eyes roamed the street in front of him, once again seeking out Natasha. "If you'd excuse me, there's someone who I'd like to dance with." He said to them all, dipping his head to T'Challa and his mother. He gave Bucky a pat on the shoulder.
"Don't take your two left feet with you," Bucky commented, as Steve got up.
Shooting his friend a look, Steve headed through the crowd where Natasha was waiting for him, her beaming smile captivating him as she swayed to the music. She made it look so effortless, as if the music entered her body and moved it for her in a perfect rhythm.
Behind her, the large fire in the centre of the street roared, surrounding her with a golden glow that caused her skin to shine. Her emerald eyes glistened with joy, and the scarf she had round her neck unravelled itself as she threw it over his shoulders and pulled him to her. She laughed, the scarf dropping between their hands, and he used it to wrap around her waist, spinning her before he wrapped his arms around her tightly, nuzzling into her neck.
"Marry me, Steve." She whispered into his ear, tilting her head up slightly to present more of her flawless skin to him.
He grinned, feeling her lean back into his body. Even with a fire behind them, nothing was as warm and comforting as Natasha. Nothing brought him more happiness or comfort than having her with him. "I believe I've already asked you that." He reminded her playfully.
"I want to marry you tomorrow, Steve." She explained softly, as the swaying of their bodies stopped so he could soak in her words, just how steady and certain they were. "I want to fall asleep tomorrow night beside you, as your wife."
Slowly, he turned her in his arms, his eyes searching her face. Nothing but love reflected in those green depths and he leaned down to kiss her softly. "I can't wait." He whispered, as the music surrounded them, drowning out into the background as she returned the kiss deeply.
~0~0~0~0~0~
The planning for the ceremony, despite the small window of time, had been taken care of by Ramonda herself. It was a great honour to have the Queen Mother's undivided attention, and Natasha would be enternally grateful for all the help that she was given, because really, she had no idea how someone planned for a wedding.
Natasha had her input of course, but she had been flustered and stated that all she cared about was marrying Steve. The Queen Mother had smiled at her, and reassured her that everything would be taken cared of. As they spent the afternoon discussing details, Natahsa listened to several stories about Ramonda's wedding to T'Chaka, and it was evident that their marriage had been one built on love, trust and friendship.
Even Shuri had willingly pitched in, offering her opinion on what flowers would be best; white roses. New beginnings, eternal loyalty and everlasting love.
The Princess darted in and out, claiming that as much as she wanted to help, her lab wouldn't run herself. She was always filled with so much energy that Natasha wondered if she ever slept.
Natasha had been rushed up to the Queen Mother's quarters that afternoon to be fitted in a dress. Natasha had never liked traditional wedding dresses very much, with buffy skirts and long veils. But this one was simply breath-taking.
It fit to her body like a glove, highlighting her slim stomach and curvy waist. Embroidered into the velvety material were little suns and stars, in a silver thread that gleamed when the light caught it. The front of the dress was made out of a lace-like material, and the back dropped low, almost to her waist. Natasha had been worried at first that her skin would look pale, but after days of the Wakandan's sun, it had a golden glow to it now which went beautifully with the white material. Her hair had been styled by Shuri, whose strengths lay not only in technology and science, but also in creating the most delicate, beautiful braid that Natasha had ever seen.
"How are you feeling, dear?" Ramando asked her, as Natasha stood in front of the full-length mirror.
"Overwhelmed," Natasha told her. "But, in a very, very good way." The nerves that fluttered in her stomach were good nerves, excited nerves. "I...I just can't believe that this is happening."
Ramonda smiled knowingly. "A wedding day is certainly not something that can be taken lightly," She said. "But, what you and Steve Rogers share is truly beautiful. I am honoured that we could give you this day."
It was still mind-blowing for Natasha to think of the kindness that T'Challa and his family, his whole kingdom, had shown her and Steve. Without them, they would have had to get married under false names, in a hushed church somewhere. As much as she knew the minor details like that didn't matter as long as it was Steve she was marrying, Natasha would forever be thankful that in Wakanda, they could experience such a beautiful day.
"You make a beautiful bride." The Queen Mother told her, and the softness in her tone showed just how much she meant the words she was saying. Natasha felt her cheeks heat up slightly, but she had to admit, the dress did look good on her. It was such a delicate, eye-catching dress that she was relieved that the Queen thought she was capable of pulling it off. But, in all honesty, she could have happily worn training gear, or any old baggy joggers and jumper combo, as long as she was marrying Steve. That was what mattered the most. "Marriage really is not scary, my dear, not when you are marrying the man who holds your heart."
At the reminder of Steve, Natasha smiled, and her emerald eyes glistened like green stars.
"You will be a wonderful wife to him. Encouraging. Supportive. He will be the husband you deserve, and I am sure you will both face the world and it's challenges with your chins raised high, because you gain strength from one another." Ramanda went on, and Natasha felt inclined to tell the Queen just how correct her statement was. With Steve at her side, Natasha felt ready to face anything. "And, one day, you will make a terrific mother. I have seen you with the children in the city."
At those words, her heart tightened painfully. "Oh, my Grace, I cannot - it is not possible for me to have children." Unconsciously, her hands cradled her stomach, where her empty womb would forever be. "My past took that away from me."
There was true sadness in Ramanda's eyes, but as she took Natasha's hands in her own, she said, "Whatever your future holds for you, Natasha Romanoff, may it burn just as brightly as you do."
There was a light tapping on the door just before Shuri slipped inside. "We are ready for you," She told Natasha with a grin.
The butterflies in her stomach awoke once again, flustering inside her as Natasha rose to her feet. She exchanged a glance with the Queen Mother, who dipped her head supportively, steady as always. With a deep breath, Natasha left the room, with Shuri and Ramonda close behind.
~0~0~0~0~0~
Of course, the next chapter will be the wedding ceremony! From now on, the chapters may be a little slower on the updating front, because this was around the point I slowed down writing the original draft and made a second copy to improve it. So, the chapters will take a bit more time for me to write, as I prefer having them as length chapters rather than short, choppy ones. Many thanks for reading!
- E x