T'Challa appreciated the refreshments but he was relaxed enough with Tony and the others that he didn't take long to get to the reason for his visit – and he didn't want to be away from home for too long, either, of course. He set his half-finished drink aside and looked over the table at Tony.

"So the invitation has been tendered," he said. "Peter, Ned, and MJ are invited to spend their vacation in Wakanda, with us. What are your concerns?"

"I trust you and your people to keep them safe," Tony told him, honestly. "How many times have you trusted us with the kid, here?"

Shuri smiled at the informal address, but she didn't say anything, since she knew that the conversation needed to be between Tony's people and her brother's people. Not her. She wanted to listen in, though, because she knew that she would be expected to follow whatever stipulations were made to allow the visit.

"Many." T'Challa smiled, pleased that Tony didn't immediately object to the idea. "But this will be the first time Peter is allowed to come alone – as well as any concerns that the parents of the other two – so it is understandable that you have concerns that should be addressed."

"We want the kids to have fun," Tony told him, sincerely. "What we don't want is for them to be eaten. Or injured, obviously."

"The word safari came up several times when the idea was being pitched to us," Pepper told them. "Not surprisingly, of course, since Wakana is filled with amazing creatures. Peter, of course, went with us when we were on our honeymoon, but Ned and MJ haven't seen anything like Wakanda has to offer, and I think it'd be good for them. And for Peter to spend time with his friends without mom and dad hovering."

"But we want them to come home with all their fingers and toes and everything in between," Tony added.

T'Challa nodded, but he didn't smile – although he was amused at the phrasing.

"So you would be willing to allow a safari?" he asked. "Similar to the one you, yourselves, went on?"

"Yes," Pepper told him. "With proper guides to make sure things didn't get out of hand and the kids don't find themselves in a situation they're unable to handle."

T'Challa nodded.

"Since Shuri is determined to accompany them, you can be assured that the safety of the group will be an utmost concern for us all."

"I'd expect nothing less from you," Tony replied, smiling. "Even if Shuri wasn't there."

The young king bowed his acknowledgement of the compliment.

"Our initial idea is a six day trip," he said, and they understood that he wasn't using the royal we but he meant his security people and those who he'd spoken to, thus far. "Their first day would be an official welcome to Wakanda and the night spent in the palace. The next morning they leave – with proper guides – for four days of safari, ending back in the palace for the final day to get refreshed before going home and perhaps a small celebration?"

Tony looked at Pepper and she smiled.

Who didn't like a party?

"That sounds like a plan." Stark looked at Natasha. "We'll leave it with you to connect with Okoye regarding any security concerns?"

Romanoff nodded her agreement. Not only did she want to keep appraised with what the preparations for the trip were, she was also the one who had the best form of instant access to the Wakandans (through Stephen) if they needed to meet face to face. Tony would be available if she needed him – and he and Pepper would have final say on anything – but Natasha was the best choice for security, since she was already Peter's guardian in every sense of the word.

"That's fine."

The assassin looked over at Okoye, who nodded her agreement, as well. T'Challa smiled, cheerfully.

"Then it is settled."

Shuri looked excited and wasn't bothering to hide it.

"I cannot wait to tell Peter."

Tony held a hand up.

"Why don't you let us tell Peter," he told her. "And Ned and MJ. We still need to talk to their parents and finalize things on this end."

She didn't pout, but only because she was a princess and very good at not showing annoyance when she didn't want to do so.

"Very well."

"Thanks." Now he turned his attention back to T'Challa and Ramonda. "Peter and Ned went to the farm and we don't expect them back for some time. We were getting ready to have lunch. Have you had dinner?"

"We have not."

"Then join us?"

They both were pleased – although not really surprised – by the invitation.

"Thank you."

OOOOOOOOOO

It was late afternoon by the time Peter's Pontiac pulled into the garage at the compound. This wasn't a concern; the boy had made sure to let Tony know that they'd been invited to an early dinner and had accepted. Filled with a very satisfying meal of ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn – not to mention half of a chocolate cake that had been baked just that morning in preparation for their visit – they weren't too surprised to see that Tony was waiting for them, leaning against Natasha's Corvette. He was holding Ironpig in his arms, and the piglet was wearing a blue sweater and was half-asleep from the head rubs that Tony was bestowing while he waited.

He smiled when the car stopped and the engine turned off, and Peter and Ned got out.

"Hey, guys," he said, easily. "How was the farm?"

"It was great," Ned said, speaking before Peter did. "There's a new calf, and two new lambs. Spot almost got kicked by the horse when he tried to check out her new baby."

"Yeah?" He looked at Peter. "Was he alright?"

"He seemed okay," the boy assured him. "I wasn't there, because Gina and I were making a cake."

Tony raised an eyebrow.

"You made a cake?"

"No. Gina did. She just let me act like I was helping – and I licked the beaters."

"That woman spoils you."

Peter smiled, but didn't deny it.

"Maybe a little." He reached out and rubbed Ironpig's head. "She told me to remind you that you owe her a piglet, still."

"Or you can give her Ironpig," Ned added, grinning since he already knew how Tony felt about that idea.

The billionaire's grip tightened just a little.

"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that, kid." He turned toward the exit. "You can pick up a piglet in Wakanda to give her."

The two boys froze, as if uncertain what they'd just heard, and then they looked at each other before hurrying after Stark.

"We're going to Wakanda?" Peter asked, feeling a surge of excitement and happiness.

"You are," Tony confirmed. "We haven't confirmed anything with Ned's mother – or with MJ's – so there isn't any kind of guarantee of their attendance. We're going to let MJ in on the portal technology – letting her think that it's alien tech like the cloak is alien as far as she knows. We're not going to subject Ned to a flight halfway around the world, after all, and there's really no reason to keep it a secret since she's seen it, before – even if it was fleeting."

"Should I call my mom?" Ned asked, excited, now.

"Not. Pepper and I will call her – and MJ's folks – tomorrow and take them to lunch or something to discuss it in person. Without you and your big puppy eyes, or MJ's. I don't imagine we'll have any real hesitation with the plan, but we will be able to answer any questions that they might have."

"Sweet."

Tony smiled, catching the good mood of the boys and always happy when he saw Peter happy.

"Come and join me and mom in the lounge and we'll tell you the basic plan. Then you can call MJ and warn her that we'll be calling her mom and dad, tomorrow."

"Okay."