Conclusion [Two Days Later—Wakandan Private Enclave, Island of Madagascar]
[A/N: After all of the doom, gloom and hard trials, I figured our favorite couple deserved some time in paradise. So here goes. Enjoy! I may develop this section out into a story of its own at some point.]
Warm Breezes wafted across the island's Indian Ocean shoreline. Dawn brushed Red, Golds and Magentas across the sky. Waves lapped and foamed against white sand. Birds soared and glided over trees and sand as well.
Paradise…
Gwen stirred from Bliss' dreams. Her eyes took in the magnificent suite around herself. The sheer sheets covered her with Feathers' softness. Her head sank into Soft Pillows' embrace. Fine Teakwood Table and Chairs sat in the corner. Carpeting more befitting a palace than a beach bungalow graced the floor. Her head swam from the previous night's Wakandan wedding celebration in their and their friends' honor. The coffee was to die for. (She'd never look at the Coffee Bean the same again….) Contentment eased a sigh from her lips….
…and that wasn't including her lovemaking with a certain wall crawling husband either….
"Peter?" She spied the curtains flapping in the breeze. She pulled her robe on and tied its sash. Urgency and Worry pushed her across the floor and out onto the patio. "Peter, are you okay?"
"Hmm?" He turned to find her watching him in turn. "Hey! I was checking out the sunrise." He shook his head. "You'd never get anything like this in New York." He motioned for her to join him. "You were still sleeping. I figured I'd take it all in."
Teasing Lecture died on her tongue. She'd seen sunrises on Long Island with their own scenic shows. This scene, however, blew those away…no contest. "For this, you can wake me up, Man o' Mine. But I need something first." Smirk danced across her face. She put her arms around his waist.
"I think I know what." His lips pressed Amor's imprint across hers. "Good morning!"
"Now this is a good morning!" Sass accented her tone. "Maybe though we can get more of that awesome coffee? And I still want to see you in that bathing suit, Mr. P."
"If I get to see you in that bikini again, Mrs. P." He kissed her forehead. "I'm so grateful to see you walk over to me. I'm glad you're here. I love you so much." He held her close against him. "I'll admit I still have nightmares about the you know what."
"Right back at you." She rubbed his arm. "You know that's the reason I agreed to the double honeymoon deal. We're here with the folks who made it possible. Your friends…Spidey's friends…whatever…saved us. They fixed me better than new. They lined up other possibilities. They blew away our nightmares, restored my legs and gave us an over the Moon honeymoon! And look at what we have here! They did this because you're their friend. Okay? So, look around, Man o' Mine! No more Parker Luck or beating yourself up. This is all the result of that big heart, oversized responsibility deal and ever-loving support streak of yours. Our friends…well yes, I can say that because they've accepted me into that big old super hero spouse deal of theirs…know your value. Dad never gave up on us! I'm sure your Uncle Ben's over the Moon about what you're doing and what we're building together. Let's find balance together. All right?" Her eyes sparkled into his.
"You bet." He kissed her forehead yet again. "Shall we enjoy the view and then we get breakfast?"
"Twist my arm." She rubbed up against his shoulder. Her eyes drank in the deepening colors overhead. Her heart beat in sync with her Prince's.
Simplicity at its finest….
[An Hour Later—Two Buildings Over]
Waiters and Cooks worked around the dining room. White Cloth covered the table. Polished Silverware lay snug within Linen Napkins. Fine glasses and coffee mugs sat at each place. Coffee brewed in its corner pot. Another white-clothed man squeezed oranges for fresh juice. Cooks baked Belgian waffles and had eggs ready in case anyone wanted omelets. Strawberries, chopped fruit, cream, butter and real maple syrup sat on the table.
Crystal walked in with Johnny first. She'd enjoyed their day on the beach. As with Gwen, the previous night's festival intrigued her. She'd definitely need to read more on Wakandan culture upon their return. T' Challa had agreed to lend her whatever she needed in that regard. Consideration might lead to possible service as an ambassador one day…
…one day…
"Lot to take in, isn't it?" Johnny looked about the area. "T 'Challa's a great host. He's helped us out a lot in the past too. I can't believe he's doing this for us." He smiled at her. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
"I was advised that this compound is overwhelming. It is amazing! I can't believe he has a place like this that's so serene and peaceful. He's generous to share it with us, Johnny. I wish we could thank him again for letting us stay here." Crystal inhaled aromas and scents all around them.
"Our King will say it is his pleasure. We are ready to seat you." An African man bowed to them. His English came out as pristine and without wrinkle as his suit. He guided them to the table. "I believe you'd like some coffee while you wait? I hope the Parkers will be here in short order."
Johnny shrugged. "It's their honeymoon too. Let them enjoy the morning." He squeezed her hand. "That walk up the beach was great!"
She giggled. "You were so taken up with the ocean and everything, you missed them waving to us. They enjoyed the sunrise right along with us. Mimbalda, thank you for your consideration."
"You are most welcome, Milady." Mimbalda led them to their seats. He saw Peter and Gwen stroll in. "And as you foretold, Mistress, our other guests have arrived! Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Please sit down and enjoy the meal." He pulled out their chairs.
"I thought my ears were burning for some reason." Peter smirked and winked at Gwen. "Good morning, Crystal. Nice sunrise. I did get some shots with my camera before Gwen woke up. We don't get colors like that at home even on the Island."
"The sunrises in the Himalayas are beautiful as well, Peter. Perhaps, sometime Black Bolt would allow you both to visit our Refuge? You have seen it of course, Peter, but you could photograph those sunrises there as well. We would have to ask you not to take pictures within our city of course," Crystal proposed.
"Yeah, I gathered that from Medusa's reaction to New York." Peter rubbed his chin. "Anything I want to photograph, I ask first. Not to be a smart aleck…."
"You? Not a smart mouth? This is a first…." Johnny started before an elbow jabbed him in the side. "What?"
Crystal frowned. "This is different, Johnny. I heard from Medusa about Peter's insults and taunts. He acknowledged he needs to ask for permission first." She turned back to Peter. "What's is your question?"
Peter shrugged off the point. "Johnny's being Johnny. I'm not going to let that get me riled. I just wanted to know who I can ask since Black Bolt can't speak without…well you know what happens. Just thinking diplomatically."
"Thank you for that, Peter. He can nod and shake his head no, Peter. You saw that at our wedding. Medusa can speak for him. We can interpret for you if and when the time comes. You understand it is up to him of course." Crystal bowed her head slightly.
"We get it loud and clear, Miss Crys." Gwen accepted a Belgian waffle. "Mmm…MMM! That looks yummy! I'm getting some butter and syrup for mine please. That looks great!"
"I'll say! We might have to invest in a waffle iron ourselves. Aunt May had one a few years back. I remember those waffles when I was a kid." Peter smiled. Memoria recalled Uncle Ben eating a couple at breakfast. He cut a sausage link and dip it in Syrup's sweetness. Nostalgia's smile and mist gathered across his face. "Good memories."
"Well then, Master Parker. We shall have to see what we can do." Mimbalda set the waffles down on the table. He bore sausage links and bacon on small platters for their consideration. "Are these similar to your aunt's?"
Peter's mouth watered. "They are."
"Now, I really have to look into getting one for the apartment." Gwen put butter and a little syrup on her waffle. "These are real treats. Maybe you might make some of your apple and cinnamon French toast for us one morning?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Apple and cinnamon…?" Johnny looked at Peter. "That sounds pretty good, Pete. You make French toast?"
"I do all right with it. I'm always tinkering around in the kitchen. I have the best teacher in my Aunt May." Peter put butter and syrup on his waffle too. He speared a couple of sausage links. He broke off a piece of waffle and sausage, soaked them in syrup and put them in his mouth. Their combined taste swept him back to his childhood. "Mimbalda, you've done it! This is exactly it! My compliments to the chef and your King." He bowed his head.
"I am honored. King T 'Challa will be pleased. Now, please enjoy your experience." Mimbalda filled their mugs. "I offer you fresh Sumatran coffee this morning. I hope you enjoy. At some point, Master Parker, perhaps you might share your recipe? I would like to take some to our King."
"All right. Everyone, keep eating. Do you have some sliced bread I can use? I see everything else I need." Peter got up from his seat. He took a draught from his mug. "Have to work the magic, Gwendy." He rubbed her shoulder.
"Mmm! I'll have to leave some room, Peter. Wow them. That'll really put me over the Moon this morning!" Gwen's face brightened even more. "Trust me. This is good!'
Peter walked behind the cooking station. He beheld the full spice rack, sliced white French bread, eggs and chopped fruit. "Yes! Everything's here!" He took four apples from the bowl to his left. He peeled, cored and cut them into chunks. Then, he broke four eggs, whisked in crème, cinnamon and the apple pieces within their own bowl. Skillet started to heat on the stove.
"I never thought I'd see him doing something like this." Johnny took a gulp of juice.
"He surprised me like this the day after my Dad's funeral. Trust me. We're in for a big treat." Gwen got up. "Hey, Hubby o' Mine, I can keep an eye on the skillet if you want to mix."
Peter fought back his disappointment. He'd hoped to wait on her that morning. Still, he'd take her help any day. "Sounds great! Mimbalda, we'll have some for you too." He set four bread slices in the egg mixture. "Butter on the skillet please."
Gwen nodded. She let a big piece of butter melt on the skillet's heated surface. She watched him set the first three slices in the pan. "I got it. I think we have enough so that folks get samples. We don't want to usurp the yummy breakfast they have."
"It's for samples. What T 'Challa might like, T' Challa can try. He shares with us. I'd like to share with him. That's what makes the world go around. Flip the toast, Dear." Peter smirked at her.
"I was going to, Professor." Gwen arched an eyebrow at him. Snort escaped her lips. She kissed him on the cheek. "Yes, Dear." She flipped the toast. "You've got some chunks on each one here."
"I'm just mixing over here." Peter's smirk grew wider. He repeated his procedure on another apple and slid those pieces into his mixture. He put four more slices into the mixture.
"Smart guy." Sass danced through Gwen's eyes and tone. She grabbed for an empty plate to her right. Spatula helped her remove the first four slices. She melted more butter. "Second three, Mr. P?"
"Right here." Peter put the next three slices on the skillet. "These three in the bowl should do it. I can soak more bread if our merry group likes them."
She flipped the next three slices. "They'll be so over the Moon that Dr. Richards will have to look in the next galaxy for them. Look at you. Inventor, Scientist and Diplomat." Pride warmed her heart.
"Not to mention Hubby to the Best Gal in the Universe?" Peter stole a kiss off of her cheek.
"That smells great, Peter! I'm agree with Gwen! I can't wait to try some!" Crystal concurred. "Are you paying attention, Johnny? I'm sure Sue would like some of this at home."
"Yeah I'm sure she would." Johnny rolled his eyes. He could imagine Reed or Ben looking at him for helping in the kitchen. Peter's culinary skills surprised him to say the least. The brown nosing…well … he could do without. Still, the smell made his mouth water to say the least….
Gwen stacked those three slices. "Next three?"
"Right here." He set those three on the skillet. Then, he took the first six slices out to the table. "Okay, Troops. She's got the next three cooking. Let's see how you like these." Peter put two apiece on Crystal's and Johnny's plates. "Mimbalda, do you have a plate? We still need this one. Sorry."
"I have one right here. My thanks, Master Parker. I am glad we could provide what you need for this contribution." Mimbalda brought him another plate. "I will take that one and give you this one."
"Enjoy. Take some butter with it. It makes the dish better." Peter headed back to the skillet with his dish. "Take those on this plate." He looked at the group's expressions.
Mimbalda nodded. "I will require your recipe. I have never had French Toast such as this!" He ate another piece from his plate. "The King will enjoy this treat."
"Told you so, Mr. P." Gwen cleared her throat. "We can take a piece and half apiece. With our yummy waffles, that'll pack our tummies." She set their portions on top of their plates. "So, what's the verdict, Fellow Travelers?"
Crystal's face brightened. A smile broke out across her face. "I love this! You'll have to show Sue and me." She drank from her juice. "Johnny?"
"Have to say, Pete. I never saw this coming. You might have a career as a chef if science and journalism don't work out. Word of warning, you'll have to make three dozen for the Thing. He can put that stuff away. If I didn't have the waffle too, I'd be asking for two more pieces easy." Johnny sampled yet another bite. "Crys, kind of nice that we save them. Then, we see the benefits of them being together." He allowed her and them a smile for emphasis. "As I said a few weeks back, Pete, she's good for you."
"See, Peter? We're the peanut butter to each other's jelly." Gwen bit into her French toast. "Don't you forget this." She waved her forkful in Peter's face for emphasis. Then, she savored her treat. The cooked treat delighted her mouth. Still, her Prince's accomplishment warmed her heart. Her back sat up a little straighter and stronger. Accomplishments washed away Nightmares.
With that, Shared Dawn turned the page from Night of Pain and Misery to Day of Optimism and Amor.
On that note, I think we should allow our newlyweds their treats and time alone. After all, some things are savored in such ways.
THE END
[A/N: And so, the curtain comes down on this version. Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think. Again, I'm tempted to do a bigger version of this honeymoon story. (Whether this remains all peaceful or with a Spidey/FF/Black Panther twist is up to the Muse.) Anyhow, you all take care!]