Hello Sunshines! It's been quite awhile, I apologize profusely. My life got hectic since I last updated. College started back up so I had to balance classes and two jobs so writing was on the back burner. But it feels good to be back and we're so close to the end of TPTC. Now I'm on winter break I should be able to update the final chapters much quicker. I also want to say THANK YOU to those who's been here since the beginning of this fic leaving kudos and comments and to those of you who are new leaving the same kudos and reviews and also to all of you collectively waiting for my return with the latest chapter. I never expected this following or traffic for my first fic on this site nor for my first multi-chapter fic. From the bottom of my heart I appreciate you all.
Also I'd like to reiterate this fic is rated T so in the beginning of this chapter we see the two lovebirds getting steamy and cozy but not explicit but enough to get the idea. With all that out the way, enjoy!
All Rights to Marvel, Disney, Stan Lee (RIP) and etc who are responsible for the MCU and characters and their comics. I do not own them.
The subtle streams of sunlight combined with his automated routine of rising early awoke Everett. His eyes adjust to his surroundings. He notices he's not in his assigned chambers and for a moment tenses until memories of last night poured through. He relaxes and looks down at his chest, finally noticing the extra weight. Everett smiles softly as he admires Shuri's peaceful face as she sleeps. He's never felt so content. Surely his career has provided for him in many ways from financial stability, excitement, sense of duty, yet nothing compares to laying in bed with his arms wrapped around Wakanda's princess.
Of course with the luxury of basking in bliss comes the displeasure of reality reeling him in. He was leaving today. Leaving behind not only this wondrous country but Shuri. If he could, he'd stay longer but his time spent in Wakanda has already lasted longer than originally anticipated and his superiors will be wondering what happened to him after Korea. Even more so, in the course of his time spent here especially once T'Challa addresses the UN and reveals Wakanda's true power. The internal conflict within his mind affects the rest of his body. So much that he did not realize the woman in his arms was actually awake.
"Colonizer. It is far too early for you to be tense, it's interrupting my beauty rest." she murmurs softly with a tinge of exasperation.
Smiling he then says to her.
"As if you need it. You're already the most beautiful woman in the world."
She stays laying on his bare chest and smirks
"Flattery will get you everywhere, but overly cheesiness will take you nowhere."
"How am I being cheesy if it's the truth?" he retorts.
"Are you arguing with one of the members of the Panther Tribe? That's a heavy offense." she lifts her head to shoot a pointed gaze towards Everett.
"Is that so? What is my punishment your majesty?"
Shuri then removes herself from Everett's arms and forcefully pushes him down on the plush bed and straddles his waist. Her braids cascade down her shoulders as she is sitting directly on top of him, in her sight she can see Everett biting his lip.
"I'll have you know…" She then slowly leans forward and places small kisses starting at the nape of his neck that trail down further to his chest.
"...it's quite tortuous." She can feel him squirm as her lips continue to move across his skin.
"And no mercy is shown to the offender. They must suffer in sweet, sweet agony."
She stops speaking and continues her seductive assault on Everett. Not much longer she reaches the crossroad between his torso and his bottom half before she's pulled back up with his hands placed on both sides of her face to bring her in close for a passionate kiss. His hands slide from her face down to caress her body. As each hand glides all over, she can't resist the shivers that course through her body. She can't yet figure out how he has such an effect over her. Their tongues battle for dominance momentarily before Shuri's ultimately takes the lead, she smirks as she realizes she's won and moves her mouth away from his and breathlessly says
"Haven't you noticed that I'm always in charge, Colonizer?"
"Is that so?"
Catching her off guard Everett flips them so that's she's pressed under him. Trapped between her plush mattress and the weight of his body. His arms pinning hers over her head. He takes the time to slowly graze and nip at her neck all the way down her entire body. He then begins to slowly pepper kisses from her navel and traveling south. As he slides down he removes his hands to trace the areas that his mouth left. Shuri arches her back and closes her eyes at the sensations and in anticipation for him to finally reach her desired destination when he stops abruptly. He looks up at her his hands massage her thighs.
"It seems the tables have turned Princess."
She opens her eyes and is greeted by his smug smirk.
"I swear Colonizer...ahhhh...mhmm."
She's cut if by the unexpected feeling of his tongue maneuvering itself on inner surface of her thighs. Everett grins to himself aware of how much he's teasing Shuri, a payback for all the times she's made him blush in public.
"I'm sorry what was that?" his warm breath lingers on her skin.
"Fine. You win, but no more."
His fingers ghost closer and closer but not going any further.
"No more what?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
"I'm sorry Princess. You're going to have to tell me what exactly you're referring to."
Shuri slightly glares at the man kneeling before for he's delaying the key to satisfaction. She can see the glint of mischief in his darken blue eyes.
"I know you're a smart man Everett, surely I don't have to spell it out to you."
"Of course not. I was thinking along the lines of...imploring."
Shuri scoffs.
"Word it however you want but a Princess never begs."
"It's never too late to change that."
His hands move from the inside to the outer side of her thighs to grip her hips tightly as he lowers his mouth to leave marks all over but expertly avoids moving the further lower region of her body. Shuri feels as if she's on fire, the pressure of his lips pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Deciding to damn her pride and lose the little game he's created she cries out breathlessly
"Everett please...enough teasing."
He leers at her
"About time Shuri."
"Shut up and get to work, Everett."
"Someone's demanding aren't they."
"Special orders, Agent Ross." Her fingers twisting in his hair.
"Anything to please you, Princess."
As he finally dives lower and reaches the destination, Shuri finds it hard to keep silent. Her moans grow and grow and her hands reach to bundle a fist full of sheets as Everett continues the assault on her body. As she's about to reach ecstasy there's a knock on her door. Everett stops immediately and Shuri very frustrated yells at the door.
"Whoever is there, LEAVE AT ONCE!"
"Please dear sister. No matter how much beauty rest you claim you need, it doesn't seem to be helping."
Irritated not only at her brother from interrupting her morning in but also his comment she shouts back
"Brother I swear if you don't leave my door in I five seconds I'll…"
The two bicker for a brief moment while Everett is still pressed against Shuri and wanting to continue his limited time with the Princess he decided to cut off the sibling squabble the only way he could.
He works his mouth and fingers simultaneously which cause Shuri to cry out suddenly. Ceasing the bickering between herself and her brother.
"Are you alright Shuri?" T'Challa calls out from the other side of her chambers door.
She casts down at Everett with wild eyes who is not fazed. Her voice trembles as she replies
"Yes..mmm...um...but enough of the battle of wits, we already know I win. Why. Are. You. Here!?"
T'Challa rolls his eyes
"I'm searching for Agent Ross, his chambers were empty and I'm wondering if you have seen him since you two have become quite accustomed to one another."
"What could you possibly need for him at this hour?"
"Shuri it's only 7:00 am."
"My question stills stand."
I need him to sign the finalized liaison contracts and other details plus..."
Her brother's words do not register with her for Shuri begins to feel a pressure within herself build again as Everett places himself so that their bodies come together.
"I'm sorry but I'm busy at the moment. Come back later brother." Her voice wavers, unable to resist the wave of ecstasy
"Shuri it's a simple question surely you can spare-"
T'Challa is interrupted by Everett's hoarse voice
"Your highness, with all the respect that I can muster at the moment I suggest you listen to your sister."
Finally connecting two and two together, without another word T'Challa swiftly leaves Shuri's hall but unfortunately for him not soon enough for as he turns the corner he faintly makes out Agent Ross's name echoing in the distance.
A few hours past and both Shuri and Everett reluctantly decide to leave her chambers and venture into the city. For the rest of the afternoon Shuri and Everett roam all of Wakanda enjoying one another's company and the prosperous life surrounding them. They stop periodically to talk with locals of different tribes who have been intrigued to speak with the only white man in Wakanda and of course the princess, but more so to speak with the foreigner. Shuri watches from her peripherally view as she sees how engrossed Everett is speaking with her people. It's a know fact that Wakandans are wary of outsiders. However whether if it's from her brother deeming him a hero and close ally or his down to earth personality, it brings a reassuring relief to an unknown anxiousness that resided inside.
She never has been one to care about how others perceive her but she's royalty and her image is always on display to be closely watched and scrutinized by her people. Soon it will be public knowledge that the youngest of the panther tribe has found interest in someone. It's too soon to think of wedding bells, but she's nearing her late twenties and previous members of her tribe have gotten married at younger ages compared to herself and T'Challa. On notes as such she must look ahead and one trait that must be evident in someone who shall have her heart is the same fierce loyalty and protectiveness she has for Wakanda
And so far Everett is passing with flying colors. One might wonder would Wakandan's be receptive to an outsider and Shuri knows well that Wakanda is progressive in most societal and more obviously technologically instances, but there are the few lingering elders who might voice their disapprovements, however she's never been one to please the masses. She may have moments of doubt about the path she's choosing but reminds herself she is Princess Shuri of Wakanda, daughter of Queen Ramonda and no one can intimidate her. And yet the only person to bring such happiness to her as leaving, each hour slipping from her grasp.
So deep in thought she didn't notice that Everett looks in her direction as he finishes the last words spoken to a young child. He smiles and ushers a goodbye to the child that scampers off to the calling of his mother. He watches as the young boy becomes a small dot in the distance and makes his way to Shuri and places his hand softly on her waist.
"Like to share with the class?"
Shaken from her thoughts she smiles at him and shakes her head.
Instead she leaves his embrace and grabs his hand to pull him along as she leads him off a forgotten path, away from the congested city. They walk silently enjoying the feel of there hands entwined before reaching an uninhabited area that's surrounded with green lushes and wild African flowers. Shuri leads them near the edge of a cliff that overlooks the forests that surround Wakanda and bleed into the rest of Africa.
Without looking at the man beside her but at the wide open sun kissed sky painted in beautiful pinks and purples she speaks softly
"Beautiful isn't it?"
At first, he was able to gather any words before replying
"Absolutely breathtaking."
There's a comfortable silence briefly until Everett looks at their conjoined hands and lightly rubs his thumb over Shuri's hand. His eyebrows furrow in deep thought.
"Do I want to leave? Leave this…"
His gaze move to her face as she's looking outward and his breath catches in his throat the same way the first time he saw a Wakandan sunset reflecting off her smooth hazelnut complexion.
"...Even dare to spend a minute away from her?"
"Shuri." he whispers.
She doesn't turn to look him in the eyes but instead speaks
"It seems like beautiful things begin near the end."
She forces herself to look away from the sky but at the man who in a short amount of time has beyond logical explanations captured her heart. He retracts his hand from hers and places it on her cheek as he bores into her eyes and says
"What if they didn't have to end?"
A bittersweet smile forms on her face
"All things must come to an end."
"What if I stayed here?"
"But you can't. You have duties, obligations you vowed to uphold."
He can feel his eyes gloss and his voice wavers slightly as he speaks
"What if I've found something more important to dedicate myself to?"
Shuri feels her heartbeat elevated at the words that left his mouth. She tries to speak but stops, conflicted at what to say. It was all too much to process. Never before has she felt this way about a man and it takes all of her strength not to collapse in his arms. Despite her best efforts a stray tear falls down her cheek. Everett takes both of his hands and gently cradles the princess's face as he kisses her lips sweetly yet passionately. He pulls away to allow oxygen to return to both of their bodies. He still cradles her face as his thumb trails over where once a tear stained her skin. He leans forward to press his forehead against hers
"Say it. Say the word and I'll stay."
She opens her mouth to speak and nothing comes out. Her words dies at the tongue. She tries speak once more but is interrupted by the chiming of her bracelet. She unwillingly removes herself from his grasp and answers
"Yes?"
"Sister, it is time."
"We're on our way."
She clicks off the projection and turns to Everett. Her eyes say it all and he nods in understanding. As they walk both are lost in their thoughts. Both are wondering how something that they never realized was missing in their life was found in the person beside them. And on the others side of the coin was were they strong enough to give it up. Before long they reach the steps of the palace where the Royal Falcon awaits the American. As the two come closer T'Challa is waiting by the aircraft.
"Everything is set course so we'll arrive in America early morning."
Everett gives him a small nod and says
"Thank you you're highness. For everything."
T'Challa smiles and clasps hands with the man
"T'Challa. Call me T'Challa."
A small cough interrupts the two.
Everett turns back and locks eyes with Shuri. T'Challa makes himself scarce as he mutters
"I'll leave you two."
Shuri plasters a nonchalant look as much a she can muster and playful says
"I guess the adventures of the Princess and Colonizer are over."
"Shuri." he says as he steps to close the gap between them.
She takes a step back as she speaks for she feels if he reaches her she'll fall apart.
"I must say at first I didn't expect much from you Colonizer but you've proved me wrong."
Her playful manner drops significantly as her eyes cast onto him forlornly
"There's a lot about you that I did not expect."
"Maybe you should learn to expect the unexpected." he states to her.
She smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes as it used to before
"Maybe."
The efficient hums of the aircraft's engine signals that he must leave. Everett quickly switches between the Royal Falcon and Shuri before he grabs her in his arms.
"You asked to know what kind of man I am? At first I didn't truly know myself. But experiencing everything here in Wakanda with you it became so clear. I'm a warrior. A fighter. I fight for justice, the small guy, for the things I need and want…
He drops his face inches from Shuri's and whispers
"...I fight for the woman that I want. I care about you and at this right here. It's something worthwhile and not a what happens in Rome, or in this case Wakanda. We'll find our way together and make this work. Please say you want to."
Shuri's eyes searches his and immediately she kisses him long and hard one last time before releasing from his hold.
"I'm Wakandan. We never turn away from a fight." She smirks him and brushes off invisible dust on his shoulders.
"I'll be waiting for when we'll cross paths again, Colonizer."
"As will I Princess."
"Now go before we have more white men invade Wakanda." she jokes with him.
He shakes his head as she throws him a wink. Everett turns and walks to the carrier and enters and takes a seat next to T'Challa. As he gazes out the Window as the last of Wakanda vanishes from his view T'Challa turns to Everett.
"Everett, I still need to go over a few details as part of your position as Liaison."
"Can't this wait T'Challa."
"This could've been handled earlier…" his voice drops off.
A blush creeps up Everett's neck
"I was preoccupied earlier." he mutters back.
"I do not nor never need to know the details." T'Challa replies trying to repress what he walked into earlier that day. He continues
"But I think this will interest you. How does working in California sound?"
Everett turns to face the King and quirks an eyebrow in anticipation. As the king explains the details, Everett smiles for the first time since leaving the his heart in Wakanda.