AN: So these first few chapters are just laying out the rules and expectations for the kids, that kind of thing. The story will get more interesting as we go along, of course.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
It didn't take long to advise the boys of the conversation that had been had with T'Challa. Tony wasn't annoyed that both boys looked excited – he was happiest when Peter was happy, after all – but he did hold up his hand to stop them from high-fiving each other at their successful campaign to get to go to Wakanda.
"I know you're excited," he told them. "But there are a few concerns that I, personally, have, and I want to address it with you guys while we have you alone."
Peter frowned, because Tony was suddenly very serious.
"Like what?" he asked. "You know I won't let any of us get hurt."
He had his spider-senses, after all, and everyone going knew that he was Spiderman so he didn't have to hide his abilities if something came up.
"I know. But I want to make sure you boys understand how much trust T'Challa is giving you. This is a co-ed trip, after all, and involving teenagers. One pair who is a known couple," he added, looking at Peter. "The tents are boys only and girls only, and I want to make sure that you understand that it needs to stay that way."
Peter blushed, slightly, and shook his head.
"I know. Honest. We're not going to do anything like that. I promise."
"And we believe you," the billionaire assured him. "If there was any concern, there's no way in hell that you'd be allowed to go."
"There'll be guides, though, right?" Ned pointed out. "They can be like chaperones. Making sure that no one has any reason to think something happened…"
"There will be several guides," was the reply – this time from Pepper. "Not because we don't trust you – or because T'Challa doesn't – but because Shuri is a princess, and we don't even want a hint of any kind of scandal that might sully her reputation."
"Or her honor," Tony added. "It's all very well for a noble's son to sow some wild oats, but it's different when it's the only princess of the country."
"I know." Peter did know. Not only because Shuri had told him something similar more than once – even before they were an official item – but also because Alex was always in the minds of those around Peter and that included those times when they'd been to Wakanda, or when the Wakandans had come to him. "I'll be really careful."
"That's all we're asking," his father told him. "We want you to have fun, but nothing inappropriate."
"I'll make sure he doesn't do anything dumb," Ned assured them.
"Thanks, Ned."
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
"So they said yes?"
Peter nodded, reaching to catch Nutmeg when the kitten started to slide from the back of the couch onto the boy's shoulder. Since he was only wearing a thin t-shirt, he didn't want to give those sharp little claws a chance to scratch him when he started to fall.
"They did," he confirmed. "Pepper's going to call your mom and dad, tomorrow, and set aside some time if they want to come to the tower and actually talk to her face to face – with you, there, or without. Whatever works for them."
"So let them know," Ned added.
MJ's image on the monitor nodded.
"I'll let them know in the morning. My mom will have to dig out my passport."
Peter smiled, because she was excited and trying to hide it from them.
"You don't need a passport to go to Wakanda," he told her. "Just a Visa approved by the monarchy – and T'Challa has already approved that."
She smirked.
"Must be nice to be a king."
"Right? We're going to be leaving Friday night after school gets out, so you'll probably be coming out to the compound from there so we can get going."
"Not the airport?"
Damn.
"No. We'll talk about that, later, I guess."
She didn't know they were taking a portal and it definitely wasn't something that should be addressed over a phone call – even one that was secured by Karen and the network that protected the compound, as well.
"Okay." She smiled. "Good job."
"It took some fast talking, earlier," Ned told her. "And we had to make a lot of promises not to do anything stupid while we're there."
"Of course." It was Africa, after all, and she knew that the initial plan had been to do some kind of safari while they'd been there. "We can do that."
"Yeah." Peter rubbed Nutmeg's head. "T'Challa and Tony and Pepper will have to have a bunch of conversations about the itinerary and who all will go with us on the safari."
"Someone from SHIELD?"
"No. I don't think so. It sounds like we're going to be allowed to go without any security team following along. Shuri has been here, before, without anyone from Wakanda, because T'Challa trusted us to protect her. Now Tony and Pepper and SHIELD have to show some trust in the Wakandans, too."
"It'll be more fun to not have a bunch of people."
"There'll still be adults," Ned reminded her. "If Shuri comes, then she's going to have to be guarded by more than just us. We'll have to have some security with us."
"Most likely it'll be our guides," Peter said. "We'll have to wait and see what they want to do."
They being the Wakandans, Ned and MJ understood.
"It's going to be fun, though," MJ told them, smiling. "I can't wait to see Wakanda."
"Shuri's looking forward to showing it to you."
"Make sure you bring some goats," Ned said, smirking. "Everyone is going to want souvenirs."
She smirked, too.
"I'll see what I can do. I'll talk to you guys, tomorrow, okay?"
They knew she was already working out in her mind how she was going to get her own parents to allow her to go to Africa for her spring break rather than spend time with them.
"Yeah. See you."
The call ended and the display went blank. Ned looked at his watch, doing the mental math needed to figure out the time in Wakanda.
"Are you going to call Shuri?" he asked Peter.
"No. She'll be having a few conversations with T'Challa and them, right now," he replied, setting Nutmeg back up on the back of the couch. "She doesn't need me distracting her."
"True."
Without discussing it, they reached for the game controllers on the coffee table.
OOOOOOOOOOO
"You understand the trust that we are putting in you?"
Shuri nodded, looking over the table at not only her brother and her mother, but also Okoye and the more senior members of her security detail. She knew this was a serious conversation, but she was definitely marring the occasion with the smile that she couldn't suppress.
"I do, brother. Nothing will happen on this trip."
"Nothing better happen," Ramonda said, pointedly. "Not only do I not want to deal with any kind of fallout from a potential scandal, I am certainly not ready to be a grandmother."
"We will do whatever it takes for you to be willing to allow this trip," she assured her. "Peter and I are not going to do anything you would not approve of, I promise." She turned to her brother and Okoye. "And we understand the need for chaperones for the duration."
"I will assemble a security team," Okoye said. "And-"
"I did not say security," Shuri interrupted. "There is little chance of anyone trying to kidnap any of us. We are on Wakandan soil and protected by the forcefield and the border tribe that guards it. We will, of course, require guides in order to keep from becoming lost, or accidentally finding ourselves in situations that would be dangerous. I do not see why these very guides could not act as the chaperones that are required for propriety."
Okoye – predictably – scowled at the interruption and at the argument made. It was clear that if she had her way she'd have the teens buried in protection details. Ramonda and T'Challa didn't look pleased, either, but it was more because of the interruption, which was just this side of rude.
"I suppose that you are correct," T'Challa said, grudgingly. His country was as safe as any – and safer than most. "But in order to appease those who might gossip, we will have four guides. One per traveler, so none will say that there was any opportunity for someone to sneak away." He raised his hand before Shuri could say anything. "Not that I think you would. But this way there is no doubt and there is no room for speculation. Agreed?"
Shuri smiled.
"Of course."
That wasn't an issue.
"Then I will contact Tony and Pepper, tomorrow, and continue this discussion with them."
The smile widened and she had to sit on her hands to keep from jumping up and hugging him.
"Thank you, brother."