Chapter 79

T'Challa's Proposal

Disclaimer: Let's go! For anyone interested, I have a merch shop on TeePublic called IndieComiX.

New York, The N'Dare Academy

It was another fine day in New York as another day of learning at the N'Dare Academy was coming to a close and as part of her custom, Storm was outside watching her students leave for home with an occasional comment and conversation here and there with a few of the other teachers doing the same as well. Doing so was always one of the highlights of her day and she honestly couldn't see herself anywhere else now. Even with Charles' attempts to bring her back into the fold so to speak since he was facing some resistance to taking back control. Which was probably for the best he wasn't in control considering how much calmer things were for the new Institute from what she'd heard so far. And as the last of the kids made their leave, Storm prepared to head back inside the Academy to find her wife but found herself stopping when a Limosine appeared with little flags on it bearing the symbol of Wakanda on them. What could T'Challa be doing here?

It had been some time since they'd spoken after all, years in fact, and they rarely even kept in touch due to their roles in life. Storm waited patiently for T'Challa to come out of the limosine thanks to his driver. "Ah, Ororo, as beautiful as ever!" Greeted the man happily with a smile as he approacher and she allowed him to kiss her on the cheek before having a hug with him.

"And what brings the King of Wakanda to my corner of the world, hmm?" She asked of him once they parted.

"Some old business I felt I needed to finally attend too but first… How about a tour of your Institution for an old friend?" Requested the King with a smile.

"Well, as the students have all gone home for the day, that can be allowed since during school hours, we do not allow strangers within." She told him.

T'Challa nodded in understanding as they walked towards the entrance of the school. "A most sensible idea. Especially given this is a School for Mutants." He remarked in approval.

"I rather thought so myself and its for Humans too." Storm corrected him and he took it in stride with an apologetic smile.

A little while later would see the two atop the building of the Academy after the conclusion of the impromptu tour, one that had gotten a few comments from Emma over. Though mostly with other members of the staff since it wasn't smart to do so in front of Storm and the King of Wakanda as even the former Hellfire member could see why the man was really there and so could Yukio. But she wasn't worried in the slightest as she had nothing to worry about where the King's interests were concerned. The two old friends took in the view the rooftop provided them in silence until T'Challa broke it. "I am sure you are curious to the 'old business' I mentioned earlier?"

"While I am, I would believe it to be none of my business as I figure its to do with your role as King."

"Considering its to do with you, it very much is your business, Ororo." He told her, causing her to turn to him with raised eyebrows and curiousity welling up in her.

And before she could give voice to it, her eyes widened as T'Challa got down to one knee and brought forth a small black box from his coat pocket and opened it to reveal a Diamond Ring inside. "Ororo Munroe of the Storm, will you marry me?"

She could only stare at him in shock for several seconds before finally finding her voice. "I can not, T'Challa, I'm sorry." Was the answer he was not expecting whatsoever!

"But why not!? We were always meant to be together side by side!" He told her as got off his knee to properly confront her.

A sad look came his way from Ororo before an answer was given. "Maybe in another time I would have said yes, but my place is here, with my students. And… With my Wife." Replied the Weather Goddess to the stunned King.

Causing him to stumble back a bit in shock as he hadn't been expecting that either! "W-Wife!?"

"Mm-hmm, you met her during the tour, the one with the bright green and orange hair combination, Yukio." She told him.

"I… I think I need to go. Ma-Matters of State need my attention." Was all he could think of to say and left in a hurry as Storm watched him leave with a sad look on her face as she knew she'd broken his heart.

But even if Yukio or another wasn't in her life, she still would have refused his proposal as the students needed her and the rest of the staff to help guide them. "You gonna be alright, babe?" Asked Yukio quietly as she came up to her wife.

Having seen T'Challa shoot past her after a quick once over before resuming his leave. "I am, but it will be some time before he will be."

Yukio nodded in understanding as she wrapped an arm around her wife and the two made their leave from the roof seconds later.

Avalon

On the Mutant Safe Haven/Space Station known as Avalon, a chaotic nightmare had once again descended on the Haven despite some belief they had figured out a way to prevent its happening ever again. What chaotic nightmare could this be you ask? Well… "B-I-N-G-O! B-I-N-G-O! AND THAT SPELLS SHIPWRECK'S NAME-O!" Sang out a group of Shipwreck Clones from the Mojoverse as they and others of their kind wreaked havoc all across Avalon.

"That's not how that song goes!" Growled out a pie covered Amelia Voght as she advanced on the singing group.

"Yes it is!"

"No, its not!"

"Yes it is!"

"No, its… WHY AM I SINGING TOO!? DIE!"

The singing Shipwrecks laughed maniacally as Amelia chased after them with a large weapon and only adding to the wrecked look of things as she fired and missed the group much to her rising anger. From outside of his living quarters, Magneto stewed in rage as he desperately tried to get rid of the lime flavored Jell-O that had filled the room up. "SHIPWRECK! I WILL SQUEEZE THE LIFE OUT OF YOU THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU! I SWEAR IT! YOUR DISEASED MADNESS MUST BE RID OF FOR ALL OUR SAKES!" Roared the man wrathfully.

On Earth At The Joe Pit Base's Misfit Manor

A cold feeling went down Shipwreck's back as he focused on the show being played on the TV in front of him. Okay, I haven't done anything lately so I don't know who could be that mad at me.

He was broken from his thoughts when Barney called out to him saying he needed his help. Ah well, I'll worry about it some other time.

Author's Notes: Now, I only really know anything about Storm and T'Challa's relationship thanks to various online sources but the fact they were retconned to knowing each other at some point while younger seems kind of forced. The fact they later got married only feels like its something that was done because they are both prominent Black characters in Marvel and you need a better reason than that in my view. Of course, I could be wrong about the whole thing.