Welcome again sunshines! This chapter will have two parts. We're gonna see small cameos from M'Baku and a special guest! And also see how Shuri and Ross prep themselves to face the other at the party in today's chapter. I also had research certain meanings behind color for clothing regarding African traditions so that will play a part in the next two chapters as well. I also referenced an African dance that will be making the appearance next chapter as well. So that's all I have to say for now, without futher ado enjoy!
All Rights to Marvel, Disney,Stan Lee and etc who created these stories and characters in the MCU.
Over the course of the next forty-eight hours, Everett did everything in his power to let a certain princess know he was sorry. He tried almost every place he'd think he could run into her but nonetheless, she either spoke shortly with him or not at all. Somewhat defeated he decided to turn to T'Challa for advice. He walked through the palace's hallways until he found himself in front of the king's office. He knocks on the door before opening it
"Are you busy, your highness."
Looking up from a stack of papers T'Challa gives a small smile seeing the American.
"Ah, Everett good to see you. No, actually I was reciting my address that I plan to say to the people of Wakanda tomorrow. Was something the matter?"
Everett enters the room and shuts the door after himself and takes a seat in one of the armchairs. He slumps in his seat and releases an air of frustration.
"It's your sister. I can't get her to talk to me. Not even for a minute. I'm at my wit's end and I don't know what to do."
"Yes, this sounds about right. Shuri has always been a stubborn one. Especially if someone was at the end of fury no matter how insignificant the issue could be. Most usually wait it out. I'd say you have another three days."
Everett sat up straight and looked at T'Challa incredulously
"Three days?! I can't wait that long! You know I can't either, I've been here too long and need to leave around that time…"
His eyes look downcast as he continues "And I like to be on good terms with her before I leave Wakanda."
T'Challa looks up from his papers and sees the dejected look on the man's face and knew he would have to help push these two in the right direction.
"Well, one thing that's stronger than her stubbornness is her curiosity. You need to find a way to make her curious about what you want to talk to her about."
"Well isn't it obvious? She already knows what I want to talk about?"
"Yes. but you have to add something that Shuri can't resist. And I know something that she never could ignore."
Everett leaned up in his seat.
"What is it? Some complex algorithm? Or a hypothesis she's been dying to prove."
T'Challa smirk at Everett's guesses.
"Flowers."
"Flowers?" the American said bewildered.
The king got up from his seat and perched himself on the edge of his desk and chuckled.
"My sister is a woman of science, technology, and the future. However, there's the emphasis on a woman. She wouldn't admit it willingly but she loves flowers and receiving them. Call it her Achilles heel. If a bouquet appeared out of the blue with an unsigned note it would be enough to butter her up to speak to you."
Agent Ross listens intently.
"And are you sure?"
"Everett, would I ever steer you wrong?"
"If I answer anything but no, as King couldn't you imprisoned me for that?" Ross said sarcasticly
T'Challa gets up and walks near Everett and claps his shoulder as he smiles to himself.
"Yes. I supposed I could."
Everett grins and then says
"In that case, no your highness you wouldn't."
"Come. I'll tell you all you need to know."
They both leave the office discussing the preparations Ross will need to do tomorrow to catch the attention of the resident genius.
Hours passed and it was the next morning. The sunlight flooded Shuri's bedroom waking the princess from her deep slumber. Since today was the night of the celebration she decided to give herself and the other scientists and researchers the day off to prepare themselves for twenty-four hours of festivities. She reluctantly lifted herself from her comfortable bed and made her way to get ready for the day. Before reaching her bathroom she heard three quick knocks. She walks towards her door and opens it to berate whoever decided to disturb her this early in the morning.
When actuality it was only 9:30 a.m. but many know not to disturb her on her days off anytime before 11:30 a.m. Looking out the door and seeing no one, an annoyed expression gradually made its way on her face until her eyes glanced down and saw a big bouquet consisting of red and lavender roses, African irises and daisies. She let a wide smile creep upon her face as she bent down to grab the flowers and smelled their sweet subtle aroma. Searching for the messenger by peeking down the long hallway one last time and seeing no one she enters her room once again and closes the door.
As she reaches her vanity she sits the lovely bouquet down and out falls a card. She picked it up and read it aloud
"This bouquet is beautiful but doesn't compare to the beauty you hold. Tonight meet me on the dance floor, and I'll reveal myself to you."
She wanted to be annoyed but couldn't help but feel her grin stay firm on her face. She knew that only one person would have sent her this. Everett Ross the former Air Force pilot. She sighed to herself as she thought about the last couple of days. She was aware he wanted to talk to her and apologize but her stubbornness wouldn't allow it, she wanted to see him sweat. Shuri wasn't necessarily upset with him anymore but just immensely irritated by his behavior. She heard from others the lengths he's gone to just talk to her. Apart of her is ashamed of her for being overly sensitive and wonders did she ruined the chance of any progress between the two. Her thoughts kept her occupied until there was a distinctive soft knock on her door followed by two voices.
"Hello! Rise and shine Shuri, time to get ready for tonight.
"Yes! Open the door already. We know you aren't asleep."
Shuri rolled her eyes although she was amused and opened her chamber doors which revealed Nakia and Okoye standing, anxiously waiting to be invited in.
"Well, don't just stand there. You two were squawking like hens being stalked by a coyote."
The two women ignore the princess and enter, closing the door behind themselves. Walking through her room Nakia notices the large assortment of flowers perched on Shuri's vanity. She nudges Okoye and gestures to the bouquet winks before opening her mouth to speak.
"Princess Shuri. What a lovely bouquet! Did a special someone gift you these?" she says as she nears the vanity.
Okoye chimes in participating in the fun
"From what I've been told a certain American is very much interested in holding your affections." she flashes the genius a knowing smirk.
Slightly peeved Shuri moves from the flowers and throws herself onto her bed
"If you cackling hyenas must know, yes it was obviously from my Colonizer.
"Oh. Your Colonizer?" Okoye snickers as she shares conspiring glances with Nakia.
"What?! No. He's not mine… necessarily, just the Colonizer but only I call him that. If someone else were to I guess I could finally cash in the royalty card and forbid it... She groans to herself at how to fluster she's acting and notices the looks the two women are giving her and sighs loudly
"Fine. Technically he's mine. I'm interested and he is apparently too."
"Apparently isn't the appropriate word. More like definitely."
Okoye sits on her bed and says
"If so why the defeated look on your face."
"I guess you can say that I'm unsure how to go about this. You both know men weren't my focus in the past, but now this caring, handsome, intelligent man is right in front of me and I have no idea how to seal the deal."
Nakia quirks her eyebrows in disbelief before joining the other two women on the bed
"Now, Shuri. You are one of the most beautiful women of Wakanda inside and out. You can do anything if you set your mind to it. For example, how is it that you create the newest improvement on the latest technology?"
She sits up fast and gets up to pace back and forth.
"That's different. That's science, which is always precise. And this is...well its…"
Okoye interrupts the young princess
"Science. Just one you don't utilize often. Think of it as chemistry. From what I've been told and what others have seen, you both have it with one another. You just need to heighten the reactions."
"Exactly. Okoye is right. And tonight is the perfect occasion. You'll perform the Macru dance…"
Nakia then grabs a nearby piece of cloth and approaches Shuri who stopped pacing as she neared her and wrapped the cloth around her neck
"And choose Agent Ross to dance and use your charm to seduce the man."
Embarrassed Shuri removes herself from Nakia and says
"Seduce? That's not in my usual belt of expertise. Plus what do you know about seduction, I thought you were too busy galavanting around Africa helping others."
"It's a useful weapon. And your brother seems to not have any complaints."
"Ahhhh you can stop right there. That is something that I never, ever need to know about my brother."
Nakia shrugs her shoulders and laughs to herself before speaking
"The point is tonight you'll make a statement. One that he can't refuse and you will have him crawling to eat out of the palm of your hand."
"Well, I am supposed to meet him on the dance floor this evening."
Seeing the two women with quizzical expressions she hands them the card to read. Once they both were done looking over the card they leer at Shuri.
"Why did you not mention that in the beginning?" Okoye says
"Yes. This makes this even more perfect. Which means we have to get you prepared."
Shuri was going to tell them that their help was not needed but then she decided what did she have to lose. She motioned for Okoye and Nakia to follow her towards her closet to pick out the perfect dress. Rummaging through her clothes Nakia pulls out a forgotten beauty that had been hidden away.
"How come you've never worn this, it is stunning, sophisticated, and just the right amount of sexy." Nakia breathes out in astonishment.
Okoye nods as well, speechless at how beautiful the item before her is. Nonchalantly the princess says
"You both know why. That dress signifies a declaration of selecting a worthy suitor. In the past, no one met my interests or requirements so it sat."
Okoye then grabs it from Nakia and walks out of the princess' closet.
"That changes tonight. You've found that suitor and this gown was made to hypnotize any man, rather any soul who has the pleasure to come in contact with you."
Both Nakia and Shuri follows suit and the princess murmurs to herself
"You are Princess Shuri. No man has ever intimidated you and that won't start today. You'll present yourself tonight using your wily femininity and charisma. Yes." she feels more confident after giving herself a small pep talk and entering the main floor of her room she tells the other women.
"Let us get started."
The three busy themselves for the rest of day. Outside across Wakanda all of the people have already begun the pre-celebration. From live music to dancing in the streets throughout the day.
During midday, King T'Challa addressed the entire country, his message highlighting the future of Wakanda. His words elicited excitement and pride among the people whose cheers seem to echo across the capital. As the day progressed into the night Everett finds himself fixing his attire which is a suit similar to the one T'Challa wore in Korea except it's a midnight blue color with a black button up and silver pattern details all over the jacket. The blue seems to lighten his eyes and the silver heighten his grayish tones in his hair elevating his appearance as a suave silver fox. He lets his mind review today's events as he gazes in the mirror. The warmth and exuberance radiating off every citizen he came into contact with. It was extraordinary to immerse himself into Wakandan culture and in the same breath distract him from his crippling anxiety that's forming as the clock ticks away.
T'challa is dressed in a formal version of his royal attire turns and sees the American fidgeting. He walks towards him and claps him on his shoulder
"Worry is like a rocking chair it swings you back and forth and it takes you nowhere."
He looks at the king in the reflection of the mirror and sigh
"That's a nice phrase and all but I'm still nervous. What if she doesn't hear me out or-
T'Challa rolls his eyes at interrupts Everett
"It's now or never. Are you a man who will go on to ask about the what if because you were too scared to take a chance on what could be?
Taking a deep breath Everett nods his head
"You're right. Thanks for, well everything."
Smiling at the man the King nods and says
"Come. I'll meet you inside the grand foyer. I must accompany the Queen Mother alongside my sister."
He directs Everett towards the grand foyer and then walks the opposite direction. Everett continues down the path until he reaches the doors which opened before him and the standing guards announced his presence to the guests below.
"Presenting Agent Everett K. Ross of the United States."
There was a round of applause as he entered and proceeded down the grand staircase of the room. A slight blush was evident on his face and he was unsure who to speak to until he glanced to a corner and saw a familiar man with long tresses and a missing limb. He nods to a few other people there tonight and made minor conversations before making his way to Bucky who was talking to another man that clearly wasn't a resident of Wakanda who excused himself towards refreshment as Everett neared.
"And I thought that I'd be the only one sticking out like a sore thumb."
Hearing his voice Bucky turns to him with a small wide smile.
"Hey there Ross. Good to see you…" He clasps his hand to Everett's in a firm grip before releasing and continues speaking
"You, sticking out? No man you look like you belong. Especially in that getup. Is it for a certain young woman?" he quirks his eyebrow up and leers at the man with a knowing look.
Everett shakes his head in half embarrassment and amusement and rocks himself side to side
"Guilty," he says.
A familiar voice joins the conversation
"Bucky, are you trying to give relationship advice? Because I remember distinctly that it never works."
Looking the direction at the person who spoke Everett barely realized where he's heard that voice before. Standing nearby was Captain America himself. Seeing him in the flesh astounded Everett. No one has known the whereabouts of Captain America since the Sokovia Accords fiasco.
Noticing the expression on his face, he explains briefly
"King T'Challa informed that Bucky was back to himself again. I brought him here hoping they could help and they did. I've lost everything that I once knew and now that I have my best friend back, I couldn't wait to see him again."
Everett nods his head in understanding and lightly jokes
"Well I don't know if you've noticed but I'm off the clock. So from my understanding, I've never seen either of you."
They all laugh and talk to themselves for a few minutes before another familiar voice interrupts hem and roughly clasps Everett on the shoulder
"Ah. If it isn't my children's kibble" said M'Baku with a boisterous chuckle that seemed to rumble throughout the room.
Somewhat still intimidated by the man Everett gives him a weak smile
"Yes, nice to make your acquaintance again under better conditions."
Bucky and Cap remove themselves to go mingle with others which left M'Baku with Everett.
Speaking a comfortable small talk Everett throughout discussion can barely distinguish from the larger man's humor and seriousness. With his back facing the entrance he did not see Queen Mother Ramonda, King T'Challa, and Princess Shuri enter but heard the announcer acknowledge the royals presence.
Everett turns around and he felt the air knock out of his body as his gaze focused on Shuri. His eyes never strayed as he watched her walked down the staircase. His brain seems to barely function and almost missed the words that M'Baku's spoke.
"It seems the princess has decided to finally claim a suitor."
Confusion crosses Everett's face but doesn't dare tear his eyes away from the princess and he asks
"What do you mean?"
"Her dress is a style of grace but also a statement that she's decided on a worthy match. And whoever it is is in attendance tonight."
A gulp is seen passing through his throat as he thinks that what she's wearing was all for him. He sees the three are making the rounds of greeting all the guest until they head in his direction and he sees a quick smirk on Shuri's face with her eyes full of mischief that lets him know she's aware of her effect on him. He straightens himself and throws the most charming smile as they approach. He knew that nothing would be the same and he couldn't wait.
Yes I know I did leave us with that cliffhanger. What exactly is Shuri wearing that's leaving or leading man speechless? And will these two finally open their hearts to one another? You'll have to wait and see. Also I know they were brief but I plan to interweave some more M'Baku and Cap moments next chapter as well as some Nakia and T'Challa fluff. As for having Cap brought in I saw it plausible since Bucky is back to normal and I feel like Infinity War wasn't the first time he has seen his friend since Civil War. But I will try to post the second half as soon as possible. Thank you all again for every kudos, review, bookmark, share it means the world! Til next time!
P.S. You can also check this story out on Ao3.