Sorry for the whole yearly delay. I was thinking over what to write for this story while working on my other ones. But finally, here's chapter 2. Happy New Year!
Chapter 2: T'Challa's Return
Tyson walked into Shuri's lab, where he spotted her working at her lab table. "I had a feeling you'd stop by to see me while my brother is out." Shuri said as Tyson walked up to her and hugged her from behind. "Meh, any excuse I get to see you, beloved." Tyson said. Shuri giggled as he kissed her cheek. "How's that new design coming." He asked. "Well, there were a few setbacks here and there, but I think I finally fixed the glitch problem in the Vibranium core." Shuri said. "That's my girl. This is why I love you. You're smart and beautiful." Tyson said. "Too bad those are the only qualities you like about me." Shuri joked. "Oh, excuse me. I forgot you're funny too." Tyson said. "And you also have the same qualities in yourself, my beloved." Shuri said as she turned around and wrapped her arms around Tyson's neck. "Bast, I love you." Tyson whispered. Shuri smiled and brought him into a kiss.
Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. They broke the kiss and turned to see Ayo, second-in-command of the Dora Milaje. "What is it, Ayo?" Shuri asked. "Word from General Okoye. Nakia has been retrieved. The prince is returning as we speak." Ayo reported. "Thank you, Ayo. Let's go greet our brother's return then." Tyson said. "How much do wanna bet he froze up in front of Nakia again?" Shuri asked as they walked out. "Oh, usual. He always freezes in her presence." Tyson said.
They met up with Queen Ramonda and awaited T'Challa's arrival. The Royal Talon landed before them. T'Challa, Okoye and Nakia, T'Challa's ex-girlfriend, exited the Royal Talon. Ayo and the Dora Milaje saluted them as they walked up. "Queen Mother. Princess. Tyson. I comfort for your loss." Nakia said as she bowed to them. "Thank you, Nakia. It is so good to have you back here with us." Ramonda said. "It's been quiet without you around." Tyson said. Nakia smirked at that. "I've missed you too, Tyson." She said, giving Tyson a quick hug. "Take her to the River Province to prepare for the ceremony." Okoye ordered. "Yes, general." Ayo said, saluting to her general before nodding to Nakia. T'Challa watched Nakia as she left with Ayo. "Did he freeze?" Shuri asked. "Like an antelope in headlights." Okoye said. "I knew it." Tyson said as Shuri laughed. "Are you finished?" T'Challa asked in annoyance. Okoye winked at them before tapping her spear. The Dora Milaje obeyed the tap and walked away with her.
"So surprised my little sister came to see me off before our big day." T'Challa said. "You wish! I'm here for the EMP beads. I've developed an update." Shuri said. "Update? No. It worked perfectly." T'Challa assured. "Here we go." Tyson said. "How many times do I have to teach you? Just because something works doesn't mean that it cannot be improved." Shuri said. "You are teaching me? What do you know?" T'Challa asked as he handed the beads to Shuri. "More than you." Shuri said before walking away. "It's pointless to argue, T'Challa. Shuri's smarts and improvements to our technology is a blessing and a curse." Tyson said as he followed Shuri and caught up with her. "I can't wait to see what kind of update you make to your ceremonial outfit." T'Challa said. Shuri flipped her middle finger at him for that, making Tyson snicker. "Shuri!" Ramonda scolded. "Sorry, Mother." Shuri apologized. "How are you feeling today, Mama?" T'Challa asked in concern for his mother. "Proud. Your father and I would talk of this day all the time." Ramonda said. T'Challa felt his heart break at the mention of his father. "He is with us, and it is your time to be king." Ramonda said.
As they re-entered the lab, Shuri placed the beads on her table to be updated. "We should prepare for the ceremony once the update is finished." She said. "You know, my Sais could use a bit of an update as well." Tyson said as he examined his Sais. "I know, they do. I've been developing one for weeks now." Shuri said. "That's why I love you. You're always one step ahead." Tyson said. "Although, now that I'm thinking about it, we should work on updates for our ceremonial outfits." Shuri said. "Letting T'Challa's words give you ideas again?" Tyson asked. "A little. Maybe I could expose my midsection a little bit…just for you." Shuri said with a seductive wink. "Oh, you little temptress! Get over here!" Tyson exclaimed as he started playfully chasing Shuri out of the lab.
