A/N: Hello Sunshines! I'm so sorry for such the delay of this next chapter. It would have been had certain things pop up in my life that kept me from writing and then posting. So finally it's here! Thank you for being so patient! I won't delay it any further, so here it is.
All Rights to Marvel, Disney,Stan Lee and etc who created these stories and characters in the MCU and comics.
From the grand foyer, all eyes are trained on the royal family. Polite smiles paired with curtsies and bows were directed towards the trio, but the majority of the guests were focused on the youngest of the Panther tribe. Princess Shuri elegantly flowed across the room alongside her brother and mother. She wore a beautiful royal blue mermaid-style gown that had arm length sheer lace sleeves and a low plunging V-line with embroidered sparkling gold lace around the train of the dress and near the plunging neckline that hugged her body perfectly. She had diamond studded earrings that matched her diamond headpiece that was meticulously placed in her braided updo. Her makeup was a simple natural look that heightens her natural beauty. She knew she'd attract attention with this dress which was something she wasn't entirely accustomed to, but as they neared the edge of the room and the intended person she wore it for was in her sights watching her every step she couldn't fight the smirk that slid on her face.
They reached where Everett and M'Baku stood and exchanged greetings. When Everett came to the close proximity of Queen Ramonda he placed a chaste kiss on her hand and then he turned his attention on Shuri. Flashing a winning smile he gives a small bow and places a searing kiss on her hand ensuring his eyes bore into hers. He notices the irises of her eyes darken. He rises straight up and says softly
"Princess."
"Colonizer."
M'Baku was making light conversation with the Queen mother and T'Challa and Everett had the intention to speak to them but he couldn't tear his focus away from Shuri. The two continued to admire one another up close before Shuri broke the silence.
"You clean up well, Colonizer."
"Thank you, Princess you look absolutely exquisite.
"Did you expect anything less?" she smirks
Smiling he says softly
"At this point princess, I've learned to expect the unexpected when it comes to you."
Her heart skipped a beat as she heard him murmur the same words from his first week in Wakanda. Before she can say another word rhythmic beats on drums can be echoed throughout the space. She smiles and then takes Everett's hand and she guides him to the center of the room. Confusion was painted on his face and anxiety started to flood his system but it slightly subsided as he noticed other women doing the same with other men.
She stops and as the beat continues she travels around the dazed man and grabs a scarf and seductively runs it across the back of his neck before standing in front of him and whispers in his ear
"Follow my lead and watch closely."
She pulls back a few inches and continues to dance. All he could do was nod lazily as he watched Shuri and only Shuri move with the rhythm of the beat of the instruments. Her hips swayed sensually back and forth and her arms gracefully moving in the air and she continued to dance around Everett. And using the silk scarf to pull him closer to her to the point that there was an inch of space. She closed her eyes and let the music take over. Every emotion she felt drifted away and into her movements. Much to her surprise, she felt a strong grip wrap around her waist. Her eyes open and she sees Everett holding her close attempting to mirror her movements.
She was always one for improvisation and improvements so she tossed the scarf aside and let him join. On the dance floor, everyone stopped to watch the princess dance with the outsider and witness two worlds collide. Soon the traditional Macru dance was over and a slower melody replaced it. As they continue to sway his hands were firm on her sides and her arms found their way around his neck. She couldn't help but shudder as his fingertips grazed her hips and gradually rose to the nape of her neck along to the rhythm of the music before finding their way back to her waist. Everett noticed and says to her
"You okay there, are you cold?" He smirks
"Quite the opposite Colonizer. I must say I never pegged you as the dancing type." she retorts flashing him her own flirtatious smirk.
"After so many undercover stings, galas with foreign dignitaries you pick up a few things."
"Should I be expecting more surprises Colonizer?"
Everett twirls her before pulling her back into his body fast and murmurs
"Only if you think you can handle what I throw at you."
"I don't think, I know." she counters as she reluctantly withdraws from his embrace
Smiling he grips her tighter as they continue to dance around
"I think that's what I like best about you."
"And here I thought it was my charm and beauty"
"Those two are just a bonus. It really was your wit and fearlessness."
Shuri looks away and blushes at his words. Noticing all the guest were preoccupied she tells him
"Follow me"
They make their escape from the party and head towards the other side of the palace. From a corner of the room, Nakia notices the two leave and a smirk grows on her face.
T'Challa walks up to his beloved and hands her a drink before asking
"Why are you leering like a lion stalking an antelope?"
"Oh, nothing."
The King shoots a perplex look at his girlfriend.
"Are you sure it's just nothing?"
To keep his questioning at bay Nakia sets her drink down and then turns in front of T'Challa and wraps her arms around his waist.
"You caught me. I supposed I can tell you. I was smirking about a tall, dark, handsome King and how I couldn't wait to spend some quality time alone after this gathering."
Smiling down at her his arms encircle around her waist and reels her close to him.
"Well as King I am sure I can make an exception and end the festivities early to grant your request." he murmurs as his voice drops low to a sultry whisper.
"Ah! But I could not be so selfish when everyone is having such a marvelous time."
Nakia then leans in to press a spirited yet chaste kiss to T'Challa's lips. He responds eagerly before he breaks away. She notices the irises in his eyes dim with desire. His voice is partially hoarse when he speaks
"Now that is even more of a reason for me to tell the guests that the celebration is official over.
She giggles and T'Challa was about to kiss Nakia again when he felt a strong hand clasp his shoulder.
"Your Highness, I can't thank you enough for the invitation into the Wakanda and all you've done for Bucky."
Behind him was Steve Rogers flashing a tired yet relieved smile. He unravels himself from Nakia but still keeping her close to his side.
"Of course. We were happy to help especially after the circumstances of how I encounter you both initially, but that is behind us. Are you leaving so soon?"
Bucky approaches to the side of Cap.
"You ready Steve?"
He turns and notices T'Challa and Nakia standing there a rushes out greetings,
"Not that this wasn't lovely but I have to get some rest before I depart from Wakanda."
"Yeah, grandpa has to follow his curfew instead of partying all night. I swear some things never change."
"Hey. It's not my fault that I'm considered an international criminal. I don't get the recommended hours of sleep can you blame a guy wanting to catch a few Z's when he's in a place where he doesn't have to look over his shoulder." Steve says with a small but visible pout.
"I'm just teasing Steve. Don't mind him. He gets cranky when he doesn't sleep. Thanks again for having us both your Highness, we'll be on our way."
The couple chuckle at the antics they saw as the two men leave from the party. They thought they were the first to make an exit but unaware on the other side of the palace was being occupied by a private party of two. Outside on a forgotten, secluded balcony stood Shuri and Everett in a comfortable silence viewing the starry night.
Everett thought he had seen it all. He's traveled all over the globe and yet Wakanda has to be the most beautiful place he's ever been. There was always something that seemed to mesmerized him. Shuri turned her attention away from the sky and looked at the handsome man beside her.
"Beautiful isn't?
"Very…" he turns to look her in his eyes
"But I'm looking at something more beautiful."
She rolled her eyes and dips her head down for a moment avoiding his eyes.
"That's the best you can come up with Colonizer?"
"At the moment, yes. It seems that whenever I'm around you I can't think straight."
"Okay, now that was a better line."
"These aren't mindless one-liners. They're the truth."
He grabs her hands into his and looks her straight in the eyes
"First thing is, I owe you an apology. I let my fragile masculine ego override and undermine you and your efforts to help someone in need. I know you're capable of anything and I'm truly sorry."
"And?"
"Ummm...well urm I was a complete jackass and you're never wrong and seeing how close Sergeant Barnes was with you, I guess you can say I let out my inner hulk out."
"Was the Avengers reference necessary?" she says as she eyes him up and down.
"I thought it was clever…"
He stopped speaking as he felt her finger placed on his lips keeping him quiet.
"It was very cheesy but I'll let it slid just this once. And apology accepted."
He removes her finger aside and speaks
"That's very kind of you Princess Shuri, How could I ever repay your kindness."
"Hmm, I accept cash and card."
"You drive a tough bargain. Do you accept other forms of payment?"
Her arms find their way around his neck and her face is inches from his. She knows there's no turning back and it's the most exciting yet frightening moment. Her heart rate is elevated through the roof but she manages to mask her anxiousness.
"Was there something specific you had in mind?"
Everett shivers at her close proximity and although he's beyond nervous he knows that there's no better time, no more hiding his feelings. She's laying out hers and he's ready to lay out any more delay, he closes the gap between the two and gently kisses Shuri on the lips. It was a sweet simple yet passionate kiss that vibrated the two down to their break apart for air and give one another bright grin.
"Does that count as acceptable payment?"
"Hmmm, I'm not entirely sure. I think you should keep trying Colonizer." she retorts with a seductive smirk
He pulls her close again and kisses her more deeply, his one hand delicately grasping her face. Their lips move together as one so eagerly yet vaguely restrained. Shuri hands began to wander up and down his back as Everett removed his mouth from hers and placed light kisses down the nape of her neck. They were so immersed into each other that they barely heard the chiming of Shuri's kimoye bracelet. She ignored the call and went to continue her current actions when the chiming became more and more persistent. Finally unable to stand the constant buzzing she withdraws from Everett's embrace and answers the call.
"What!" she grits out.
A hologram of Mother Queen Ramonda appeared on her beads
"Do not talk to me like that. You may be grown, but I'm still your mother." the queen's voice was stern and her stare calculating.
"Forgive me, mama, I did not know it was you."
"So I can tell, dear daughter. I'm informing you that I need you back to the main foyer for your brother's closing remarks."
"Oh mama must I. I am quite busy at the moment." her eyes flicker to Everett before focusing back on her mother.
"Yes, Shuri you must. Make sure you and Agent Ross are presentable when you return."
A blush begins to form and Shuri quickly says
"Mother I do not know what you're talking about."
Off to the side, Everett is just as red, knowing that the Queen knew of their escapades.
"Shuri. Do not lie to me. A mother knows. Plus I may be getting older but I'm not blind dear. So I'm expecting you both back in five minutes, is that understood?"
"Yes, mama."
"Good. And Agent Ross I'm expecting a little chat with you. I hardly had the pleasure since Shuri seemed to keep you all to herself. "
"Mama!" Shuri's outburst fell on deaf ears for her mother had already disconnected from the call.
"I suppose we head back."
"Don't look so sad."
"It's hard not to when I rather just spend my time with you. We are limited to time, aren't we? Do you not leave tomorrow evening?"
"I do. But we have all day for just us to spend. That is if that sounds okay with you?"
He rubs his neck nervously awaiting her answer. She smiles at how shy he tends to get still.
"I would not want it any other way Colonizer." She grasps his hand into her hers and drags him along back to the celebration.
"Come. Mama was serious when she said five minutes and we have approximately three left."
As they left the balcony and heading back towards the main foyer, at the party the Mother Queen smirked at herself as she signed off from her conversation with her daughter. She heard bits and pieces from her eldest about this budding affection that her youngest had developed for the outsider but she wanted to see it for herself. So it was much to her surprise to see the princess wearing the dress she gave her long ago to impress suitors and when in the man's presence she was diminished to a woman of few words. It painstakingly clear how smitten the two are. At first, the Queen was wary of this American agent's company in Wakanda but seeing his heroics during her home's darkest time and the immediate trust he gained from not just her son but Nakia and now the happiness he brings to his daughter, she supposed this there was more to this man.
She tears herself from her thoughts just in time to see Shuri and Everett slip into the room. Now knowing they've returned Ramonda makes eye contact with her son from across the room signaling he can now begin his speech. Understanding his mother T'Challa excuses himself from the current group he was entertaining and clinked his glass loudly. Not quite getting the room's attention he tries again until a distinct barking sound emitted from M'Baku and a few members of his tribe whose loud sounds made the guests fall to a hush of whispered tones.
"Ahem. Thank you," he says looking toward M'Baku.
"Friends, family, and guests. I thank you for coming tonight to celebrate all that Wakanda was and is. As the new king, I have wondered what kind of king I will be. How will I protect yet elevate Wakanda? As the past weeks come to mind, the adversity and danger this nation has faced I've learned the answer to those questions."
He pauses for a moment making eye contact with Nakia before continuing
"We as Wakandans were foolish to watch from the shadows as our brethren in the other parts of the world suffer. We have the resources to not only protect ourselves but we can also be a beacon of light that shines into the darkness of the rest of the world. That is why I'm announcing Wakanda is going to reveal itself to the world. It is our time to pave our way to a united future."
The guests burst into a roaring cloud of applause. As it dies down he goes on
"Alongside us, we have new allies.." he looks to M'Baku and Everett.
"And these allies I would like to thank for their efforts for without them Wakanda and the rest of the world would be in a state of ruin. I would appreciate if you all give applause to M'Baku of Jarabi for he saved my life and Agent Everett K. Ross of America who without a thought countlessly almost gave his life to protect Wakandans and our new liaison."
The guests once again break into cheers and applause as they focus on the two men. M'Baku nods his head gracefully while Everett tried to contain his nerves as he was unaccustomed to the attention placed on himself. T'Challa speaks again
"We thank you, gentleman. And I thank you all again for coming to celebrate the tragedies Wakanda has turned to triumphs. Thank you and have a good night…" He then crosses his arms over his chest and quickly throws them apart as he chants
"Wakanda Forever!"
"Wakanda Forever!" the guests chant back.
He then makes his way away from the center of the room to where M'Baku and his wife stood along with a few trusted members of his tribe.
"I cannot thank you for all you have done."
"It was the right thing to do. No thanks needed, You spared my life and I returned the favor."
T'Challa smirks and nods
"Brother?" he extends his hand out.
M'Baku takes it and shakes it and swings his arm to clasp around the King's shoulder
"Brother."
After speaking for a few moments in the corner of his eye he sees how close his sister and his American friend were and knew something must have gone well. And fast approaching them he saw his mother making her way towards the two. He decided to ease the transition by heading that direction too. As he walks up to the group he hears his mother say
"Agent Ross you must grant me the last dance of the night."
"Mama, I'm sure you can get to know Everett enough time. It is quite late and-"
T'Challa interrupts his sister
"Shuri, I am sure one dance will not hurt, right Everett?"
Everett looks between each member of the Panther tribe and was slightly intimidated. He can see Shuri motioning for him to say no but he also caught the eye of the queen whose expression seemed to seal his decision.
"Yes. I'd be honored to your majesty," he tells Ramonda before bowing. He then outstretches his arm for her to latch on and escort her to dance. He flashes Shuri an apologetic look before he begins to sway across the floor with her mother.
Peeved at her brother's encouragement she punches his shoulder.
"Ow! What was that for?"
She glares at him
"I'm getting a drink." she stalks off and he laughs at his sister.
On the dance floor, Everett was trying his best not to sweat bullets around the queen. He had an inkling she wanted to talk about his relationship with her daughter and that was something he didn't want to discuss just yet. He barely could comprehend that the princess was interested in him. But much to his wishes that was exactly what the woman before him had in mind to pass the time.
"I must say my daughter has taken quite the liking to you."
"Well, your majesty I'd have to say it's a two-way street. Shuri is an amazing woman."
"Oh, I know how extraordinary my daughter is, for you see she had to get it from someone."
He smiles and says
"I can definitely see the parallels between the two of you."
They continue to dance around even past Shuri when the Queen spoke once more
"I know Shuri is not thrilled I dragged you away from her sights but I thought it was important that I chat with my future son-in-law."
Her words caused Everett to stumble in his steps but manage to keep gliding with Ramonda.
"Son-in-law?! It's only been a few hours."
"That may be true but let us call it a hunch."
The music winds down signaling that the song is over. As they stop twirling she looks Everett in his eyes for a moment before she speaks
"I can see it in both you and my daughter's eyes that there's something almost magical when you look at another. As if the lines of fate have aligned. I will say I did not trust you at first Agent Ross. But in time you've proved yourself not to me but to the people of Wakanda and now my precious daughter."
She smiles at him as she finishes
"I erm thank you, your majesty. I don't know what to say."
She sees Shuri fast approaching and she whispers before leaving
"Promise to always look out for my children, especially my daughter when she thinks she has it all figured it out."
"I promise."
"Good."
Her daughter stands behind Everett and she announces loudly so she could hear
"Thank you for the dance. It is time that I retire. Good night."
"Good night your majesty."
She makes her depart and leaves Shuri and Everett alone. Shuri step closer to Everett and takes her hand into his
"Please tell me my mother did not embarrass me any further."
He smiled at her
"She did what most mothers do, voice their concern. Her assertiveness reminded me of a certain someone."
"Pray to tell, Colonizer."
"Well, she's an intelligent, stunning, passionate, and spirited woman whom I have the pleasure to hold in my arms."
She lightly rolls her eyes but a wide grin is still plastered on her face
"Come." she drags him out of the room once more down the many hallways until they reach her bedroom chambers.
She wasn't sure if it was the liquid courage she had moments ago or the way the evening went but Shuri was far from letting it end. She presses another kiss to his lips, one that's more urgent and feverish than the others. Her hands run through his hair as he responds just as willingly. She takes a step back from him and opens the door to her room and walks back into her room, her eyes asking a silent question.
Everett swallowed nervously realizing what the unspoken question was and it was up to him how tonight will end. Usually, he'd play it safer and just kiss her goodnight but he knew his moments with her are only a handful before he leaves. So he gives in to what he wants, to want they both want. He steps into her quarters and shuts her door delicately. Surrendering to the desires they've sheltered for far too long.
A/N: Ahhh! Finally our two lovebirds are together and I'm sure you all can use your imagination of what happened at the end. Next chapter will be Shuri/Everett centric as they spend his last day in Wakanda together. And this is a rated T so next chapter I'm going to turn up the notch to stay true to that rating. Til next time sunshines!