#character: king t'challa | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

inmyheadimobsessed · 1 year

Text

I Can't Love You in the Dark

pairing: riri ✘ fem!udaku!reader

summary: given your siblings' over protective natures, you are forced to keep your relationship with riri a secret, but missing her calls for drastic measures. what happens when they find out? (requested by @melodykisses)

word count: 10.4k

contains: fluff, implied smut, protective!shuri, protective!t'challa, slight himbo!t'challa, shuri in her detective bag, lovesick!reader, lovesick!riri

tags: @verachii @szalipcombo @rxcently @coolestgay @widowmakker @fetchyourlife @blackgcomica @shurisbbymama @bestfriend491 @simp4iwaizumi @mocha-aya @shinsousliya @bratydoll @shuriswifereal @shuriri4life @shuris-whore @letitias-fav @axailslink @chidinma @xoxo-dede @yvxmpire @zayswriting

divider by: @firefly-graphics

note: ngl it took me forever to finish this because i kept crying whenever i had to write scenes with t'challa in them. i hope it turned out okay and i didn't completely botch his character lol. but i think it's cute and fun idk. as always shouts out to oomf for the translations. pls enjoy these words my brain concocted <333

translations: ndiyacela - please, ndikuthanda kakhulu - i love you so much, mtuwam - my person

Rainy days in Wakanda always brought with them nostalgia. Droplets pelted the grass in your garden as you sat perched by your windowsill, admiring the fall. The hammering rain remedied your mind, bittersweet memories playing on an extended loop. A necessary distraction from your existing reality. It was not heavy enough to be deemed a storm, there was no thunder, no lightning, but it had the same lasting effects on your mood.

Rain made you miss her. You missed her smile, her laugh. You longed to feel her lips against yours again, craved the wistful sensation they filled you with that last night she spent in your quarters.

She'd come to say her goodbyes. She was with Shuri moments before, collecting her things and being reunited with her father's car. You thought she'd leave without a word, seeing as your time together was barely enough to be considered anything. Stolen touches in the presence of your siblings, magnetic fingers ghosting over one another. A push and pull that never got the chance to connect, not completely.

You two would lock eyes in your sister’s lab from a distance, using yearning stares to convey what your words could not, what you wouldn't allow them to.

At the time she wanted more than you saw yourself able to offer, so assuming she would leave Wakanda without saying goodbye to you was an idea you made yourself comfortable with. Until she showed up that night while you sat on your balcony, nursing a cup of tea, and letting your mind spin on with thoughts of turmoil and loss.

“Heavy is the head.”

You whipped up at the sound of her voice, not believing it at first. Her warm half-smile brought you back down to Earth and out of your own thoughts. Seeing her, just merely looking at Riri standing in your doorway had your chest tightening and heart sprinting.

“I am afraid you must be thinking of my brother. T’challa is king, his head is heaviest.”

She chuckled slightly, moving closer onto the balcony. “I don't think Ima ever get used to how gorgeous it is here. You hear the stories, but they don't do it justice.”

Brown eyes marveled at the city lights before them, while you marveled at how the gleams illuminated her face. It was difficult to admire the city when someone else stole all of your attention just by being.

“Wakanda will miss your presence.” You sipped your tea, averting her eyes when she finally turned to face you.

“Here I was thinking y’all wanted me out for good. I mean I'm technically the reason all that shit went down anyway.” Her nervous laughter pulled your eyes to hers.

You stood, walking over to her, studying her features. You could see the guilt swirling in her pupils, how it lodged itself deep inside of them, darkening their hue. “None of what happened was your fault. No one blames you. You are a victim just as we all are.”

“I blame me.” It was a whisper, and it rocked your core. A flick of anger ran through you at the thought of her feeling even the slightest bit guilty, anger at those who created it. Everyone who made her think this way about herself was taken care of. It eased your conscience some, knowing she would not be bothered again. Yet you still wished there was something you could do to absolve her of the feeling, anything.

You tilted Riri’s chin with your index finger and she flinched. You’d hardly touched her since she'd been in your country, not in the way you wanted to. So her shock was warranted. The two of you were aware of the brewing emotions when in each other's presence. You liked it, wanted more of it, but you were also aware of your older siblings, and their overprotective natures.

You knew it would only intensify now with your mother gone, and being with Riri, or anyone for that matter, would make them wary.

“I want you to stop that. I do not blame you, and I will not have you leave me believing that I do.”

Riri gulped. This was the closest you'd ever let her be to you. “Leave you?”

“Are you not preparing to leave me? Isn't that why you've come? To say goodbye?”

She shook her head, stepping out from under your touch. “Nah, I'm leaving Wakanda. You made it clear you didn't want this, don't do that.”

She was wrong. So very wrong. You wanted her more than she knew, more than you yourself understood. But you couldn't have her, and she didn't get that. “Do what?”

“That. Don't act like I'm breaking your heart or some shit. You don't wanna be with me and that's cool, but don't make me feel like it's on me. I told you how I felt from jump, don't put this on me. Please.”

“It is not on you. Nothing is on you, I need you to know that, now and forever.”

She backed away slowly, frustration fueling her antics. “Ugh! You know ion like when you do that. You're making it seem like choosing to be with me is some huge task, like you want to but can't. It's either you do or you don't. You're in your own way, this don't got nothing to do with Shuri, or T’challa. It's you. You don't want this, you don't want me.”

“Riri I–”

“Nah. I came to say bye, like you said, and Ima do that. Cause you deserve that at least, and I'm big on treating folks in the way they deserve. So goodbye, have a nice life.” She tried to step through the door, but you grabbed her wrist, igniting that familiar pull. That magnetic buzz you two knew well.

You spun her to face you and her eyes widened. She attempted to tug away, she was quite adamant about it, but your hold was firm. You wouldn't let her walk away from you. Not this time.

“Don't.” She did not mean it. You’d grown to learn her tones, and this one was a plea not for you to stop, but one that begged for continuance. Riri wanted you to take it all the way, and her beautiful gaze told you as much.

When you kissed her the sky roared, shaking your world. It pelted the two of you with endless showers. You cupped her wet face amidst it all, pulling her closer, kissing her deeper. Passion seeped from within her into you, and you absorbed it all like your clothes did the rain. Soaking up all that Riri was had been a long-standing desire of yours for the last two months, and now you were drowning in it; you were drowning in her.

The rain still poured as you pulled away, but neither of you seemed to mind, neither of you seemed to notice. You were too caught up in the heat of each other as you watched the lightning reflect in her striking eyes. “To hell with my siblings. I do know what I want. I want you, Riri Williams.”

She nodded, kissing you again before tugging you into your room and ridding your bodies of your soaked clothing. You touched her everywhere that night, making up for lost time. It was something you both needed, something to solidify everything you felt for each other. No one had ever made you feel the way Riri did, and you needed her to know that.

Rain pounded at your windows, desperate and eager just as your lips were roaming her body, and it only added to the intensity floating inside your bedroom. You’d never felt more whole than in that moment.

“I am going to miss you terribly. Going to miss this.”

She put her bra back on before slipping into one of your tops. She kissed you then, less forceful now, still as heated. “I think you'll be aight for a couple of months.”

“Months?!?!”

Her laugh was loud and it roared from within her like the thunder outside. “Damn, I barely got my clothes back on yet and you already feening? Was it that good ma?”

You tossed a pillow at her and she gasped. “Shuri gave you Kimoyo beads?”

She held her wrist up, showing off the bracelet your sister crafted. “Good. I will be contacting you every day until I am able to see you again.”

“You real cute when you clingy, I like it better than you being detached and trying to ignore me.” You pulled her in again, pecking all over her face and she giggled. “But I really gotta go before Shuri comes looking for me and finds me half naked in your room. I been gone way longer than I said I’d be.”

Your eyebrows shot up as you were reminded of the risk you were taking. “You are right. She tracks me and watches me like a hawk. You should hurry.”

With one last kiss, Riri was out of your bedroom and heading back to America. And all you could think of was the way her mouth felt against every part of you, and how big your feelings for her were.

Every time it rained, your thoughts drifted, returning you to that night. That was your last time seeing her in person, feeling her, and you were suffering. You longed to be in her embrace again. Riri was a drug and your addiction only strengthened and grew incessant the more days you spent without her.

You’d kept your relationship a secret, fearing your siblings would not approve, especially now. At first it was thrilling, having something only you and Riri shared. And it was easy to conceal, being worlds apart.

But months of video chatting and vaguely explicit messages were no longer cutting it. You needed her with you, and it was something you were going to get. A plan hatched in your mind just as you heard soft rapping on your bedroom door.

You rolled your eyes. “Yes, I am awake. I am breathing. You may tell my brother that and you may leave me alone.”

“Who is to say I am not checking on your living status for myself?” Aneka stepped into your room then, grinning as she often did.

You spun to face her, sporting a bored expression. “As you can see, I am alive, and I am well.”

“Alive, yes. But you are not well. You have not been well since Miss Williams returned back to America.” She smirked when she caught your eyebrows shooting up, knowing she had you, but you were determined to prove her wrong. “What? Did you think I was unaware of your relationship?”

You deadpanned. “I have not been well since Shuri and T’challa decided I was a prisoner in my own home.”

“Ah, Princess, come on now. You are not a prisoner, they are only worried about you and want to keep you safe. As do I. We have all learned that we are not as protected as we previously thought ourselves to be.”

“Then why do I feel like I am a prisoner?” You challenged.

Aneka stepped closer to you, holding your gaze in that deathly intimidating way that she did. Despite her seemingly chipper demeanor, this stare she possessed, this daunting glare, it never failed to run your blood cold. The goosebumps on your forearms sparked instantaneously, like a knee-jerk reaction as she stood directly in front of you. Your breath hitched. “I can assure you, the life you live is in no way similar to the life of a prisoner, Princess.”

“Have I mentioned how unsettling it is when you stare at me like that?” Your attempt to keep the air light was acknowledged and she loosened her shoulders.

“You think so? I have been trying to perfect it, Ayo told me it isn't quite there, but I disagree.” She grinned. You respected Aneka a lot, and you respected her ability to shift from soldier to friend with ease.

You rolled your eyes with a huff, flopping onto your bed rather dramatically. “I'm glad you find this so amusing.”

“If you are so miserable without your scientist, why don't you make your case to go see her? I'm sure Shuri and T’challa would not mind you spending time with her, she and the Princess are friends after all.” You tried ignoring the buzz you felt at the words, your scientist. Riri was yours, all yours.

This made you sit up, a plotting grin hanging on your mouth. “Oh don't you worry about that, Aneka dear. I have that all figured out.”

“Now it is you who unsettles me, Princess. I want no part in whatever it is you are scheming. I will report to the King that you are awake.” With that, she picked up her spear and shifted out the door, leaving you alone to your own devices. Not a particularly logical thing to do, seeing as you had it in your mind you would be seeing your girlfriend soon. You and your devices would make sure of that.

•••

The Throne Room awakened memories you tried putting to bed. Months of avoidance, only for you to return now, reliving everything all over again. Gone was that homey feel it previously housed, in its place stood despair. Somehow the rain was aware of that. Crying skies depicted the emotions you felt being back here, your mood threatening to darken like the clouds outside.

It was quiet. No stirring apart from the gentle showers. Your brother was alone, as you hoped he'd be.

Stoic as ever, T’challa stood in front of the reinforced windows, palms tucked inside each other behind his back as he studied the foggy glass. You needed not to see his face to know he was contemplating, deep in his thoughts, swimming in them as he often did.

His whirring mind did nothing to conceal your presence from him. There was no doubt he sensed you coming before you even rounded the corner. “Do my eyes and ears deceive me?”

He watched you now, following your distorted silhouette through the glass as you strode toward him.

“They do not, My King.” His aura as intense as it was inviting, pulling you closer until your feet rested right beside his towering body. You joined him in his leisure, your own eyes falling to the streams of water racing each other down the surface.

"How are you?" His true concern buried deep under the question, and you answered as best you could, aware he was feeling similarly.

You bumped his shoulder with your own, grinning ever so slightly.

When he chuckled, it rumbled out of him from deep within. It was teasing, just as you expected. It was also comforting, cozy, washing over you and lightening your mood. “Have you come to ask me for something Shuri has said no to? If she has denied you, I am afraid there is nothing I can do to help you, Littlest Sister.”

He was bluffing and you knew it. Together, there was no negotiating with Shuri and T’challa. They worked as a unit to plot your untimely demise, as you were so fond of saying. Or rather Shuri worked, whilst T'challa merely followed her lead. The simple thought of your new ‘restrictions’ had your irritation flaring. No late night walks or drives alone, no venturing to the river without supervision, you had to be home at a certain time, no spending the night at your friend's.

Some were reasonable, you could admit that, and you understood their worry completely. But not allowing you to go shopping in the market without Aneka at your side was a tad overbearing. You were not a child, you could protect yourself just as well as they could. But once the two of them made up their minds together, that was final.

Which is precisely why you sought T’challa out alone. Of the two, he was easiest to manipulate. In Shuri's absence, you got what you wanted. She knew your tricks too well, having been the one to teach them to you. It was tougher for T’challa to say no to you and you took advantage of that.

“No. I have not seen Shuri today actually. Aneka was too busy, she could not cradle me in her arms like a baby and escort me to the lab.” You narrowed your eyes and his smile grew.

He tsked, deciding to play along. “That is too bad. I suppose since you have no supervision, I have no choice but to confine you to your room for the rest of the day, hmm?”

“I do not need supervision, Brother, as I've been saying for months.”

“Then what is it that you want? I am sure it’s something.”

Your gasp was dramatic as you clutched your chest, and it made him laugh again. “Do I have to want something to pay my Big Brother a visit?”

“Usually, yes. What else would bring you here, and have you address me as King, instead of what was it again? Oh yes, your jailer.”

You rolled your eyes, stomping your foot in the process. He still hadn't changed his stance, if he didn't see your pout and puppy dog eyes, you would be leaving here without the thing you came for. “Well now that you mention it, there is something I have come to discuss.”

“See, I knew it!”

“But! It is not for me, it's for Shuri.”

He turned to face you then, sporting a curious expression. Perfect, it was game time. “Well, I am sure you've noticed she retreats to her lab more often these days. You didn't hear this from me, but I think she sleeps there. It's worrisome. Not good for her at all.”

You embellished your concern, adding extra emphasis to certain words in attempts to keep his attention.

The two of you nodded in unison. “Yes, I have noticed this. You are correct, it is worrisome.”

“Right? I’d say maybe she should be the one constantly surveilled and not me, seeing as she's clearly losing herself in whatever it is she's working on over there. This new project of hers has truly been causing immense stress. It's not healthy, I think–”

T’challa snapped his fingers, losing patience with your rambling. “Your point, let us focus on that.”

“Oh yes! My point! The reason I am here! Well, I have a proposal that I believe can be good for her. Something, or rather someone, who can assist her, someone who gets her. A person who thinks similarly to the way she does.”

“And who is this person you speak of?”

A large smile spread across your face as you thought of her, her name escaping you coated in sheer adoration. Adoration you wanted to keep inside. But in order to carry out your plan, have it succeed, you would need to share it, reveal it only slightly to get your way. “Riri Williams.”

“Ah, yes. The American scientist. You believe she can help Shuri?”

You paced in front of him, your hands mimicking his behind your back. “Oh, I do, yes. They are both very intelligent, I believe they can help each other.”

“And how do you know this is something that either of them will want?” His eyes followed you, watching you walk back and forth.

“Well, I can assure you, Big Brother, this is something Miss Williams and I have discussed for quite some time. She wants to return to Wakanda and I would love– I mean, I think Shuri could benefit from her being here.” You cleared your throat and tried to ignore the smirk on your brother's face.

Your demeanor displayed the utmost confidence. You rocked perfect posture and spoke with worry-drenched words, but still, there was a storm brewing inside you.

Your heartbeat stuttered with every sentence, sweat dampened your forehead the longer you stood under T'challa's skeptical gaze. He knew there was something deeper going on than your concern for Shuri, but you had to sell it the best you could.

“Is that so?” That smile on his face told you he was not at all convinced by your sentiment. But you did not need to be convincing, you only needed his permission.

You nodded with a hard smile and faux desperation. He could not break you, you wouldn't let him. “Yes.”

“You and Miss Williams speak often?” Something in his tone dipped and so did your stomach.

“We are friends. Can I not have friends?”

T’challa threw his hands up and you exhaled softly, an indication that he would not be pressing you any further.

“I do not believe that this is entirely for Shuri, you’re not that selfless,” You feigned hurt and he laughed, scratching his beard. “But I will allow it. I quite like Riri, let her know she is free to visit whenever she may like.”

“You wound me, Big Brother. But I quite like Riri as well, and so does Shuri, obviously. Which is why I have decided to arrange her visit for this weekend.”

You beamed, and he squinted at you. “Oh, Littlest Sister, this is where you reveal the part of your plan I will not like, right?”

You bobbed your head up and down before speaking. “I was thinking since this is a surprise for Shuri, I could accompany Aneka on the trip? It would be good for Miss Williams to be greeted by a familiar face you know. She doesn’t know Aneka as well as she knows me. It would make her more comfortable.”

You threw your arms around him before he could protest, pulling back to gaze at him with the most gentle, pleading eyes you could muster. “You've already said she can visit, I just want to make sure her journey here is safe. This would make you my favorite big brother in the world!”

“I’m your only brother. And I did not agree to this. This was not the idea you pitched to me. No, Aneka can retrieve her on her own.”

“Please? Please can I go? I've been cooped up in this palace for months, I just want to greet my friend. Say yes, please?”

He shook his head in defiance. “No. And that is final. I will not risk your safety. Out of the question.”

Your arms were around his neck again as you begged, yanking hard and promising to take extra precautions. You felt T’challa relax under you and a devious smirk formed on your lips, dripping triumphantly. You’d won.

“Fine. But Shuri cannot know, do you hear me?”

You zipped your lips and locked them, tossing the imaginary key over your shoulder. Your smile still housed those doe eyes, and he shook his head.

“Go. Before I change my mind.”

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

You skipped off then, humming to yourself on your stroll back to your quarters. Excitement and anticipation bubbled in your chest at the thought of seeing your girlfriend again. Your longing daydreams of holding her and kissing her would soon become a reality and you felt like you were going to burst.

•••

“Where you going? You look pretty.” The holographic image of Riri’s face examined your expression. You were on your way to surprise her, and it was getting harder to conceal your joy the longer you spoke to her.

You smiled with a light blush, getting lost in her eyes. “Oh, I’m just heading to Shuri’s lab with my babysitter.”

Aneka’s groan was loud enough for Riri to hear and she laughed. “Well, I miss you baby. I wish you were coming to see me.”

“I miss you too, my love.” Riri stretched and you bit your lip at the sight of her in only a sports bra.

When she caught your reaction, she smirked. “You miss me? Or you miss something else, ma?”

“I do not appreciate what you are implying here.” Your voice lowered to a whisper as you eyed Aneka cautiously.

Riri laughed again and the mere sound of it soothed you, making it exceedingly hard to be annoyed with her. “I got the texts to back it up too. Remember when you said, ‘I just want to feel your mouth on m-’”

“Okay! We’ve arrived at the lab, I will talk to you later! Love you, bye!” You swiftly ended the call, hanging your head in embarrassment. Riri’s candor would never be a thing you got used to, you’d found. It was something you loved about her, her openness, but it never failed to shock you.

Aneka turned her head slightly as she spoke to you. “If only the King knew what he agreed to when he allowed you to go on this trip. I told you to leave me out of it, now I have to be subjected to these displays.”

“Ugh! How much longer until we are there? Can’t be trapped in here with you for another minute.” You huffed and she returned her attention to flying the aircraft.

“I can turn it around, you know?” Her words rendered you silent, and you remained that way for the rest of the flight. It was easy to discern from the self-satisfied smirk on her face that Aneka was pleased with her ability to shut you up. You were too excited to see Riri to challenge her anyway, even if you were sure her threat was indeed false.

“We are here.”

Stepping off the Talon Fighter, each breath you drew dried your mouth out, nerves beginning to get the best of you. This was not your first time in America, but it was your first time in Boston, and your first time being in Riri’s world.

Your mind trailed back to when you’d learned of Shuri’s kidnapping the last time she was here, along with Riri. Terror grew inside you that day at the thought of never seeing your sister again. You feared for Riri too, though you hadn’t known her then.

Now it was impossible to envision not knowing her. She took up so much space in your life, and did so gracefully over the span of months.

Your anxiety grew the closer you inched to her dorm room, treading through the sea of students littering the hall. You stood in front of her door then, and you knocked, anticipation clawing at your throat. Trembling fingers fidgeted at your sides as you waited. Seconds felt like hours, ticking by slower than molasses moved, and you allowed the intrusive thoughts to trample your mind like a stampede of elephants.

Did your hair look okay? You’d gotten your Bantu Knots redone that morning, just for her. What if she hated them? What if months apart made her realize she was no longer interested in you? Was she even home? Did she meet someone else? Maybe that was why she hadn’t answered the door yet. Perhaps she was no-

The door swung open and a rather sweaty-looking Riri stood before you: eyes wide and lips parted as her chest heaved. Post-workout looked amazing on her.

She hadn’t moved, nor had she uttered a word, her slow blink recognized as shock. You found yourself at a loss for words as well, taking her in fully for the first time in far too long. The two of you got lost in each other's eyes, as you often did. Staring down at her ignited that pull you’d been craving for months. Your eyes flickered to her lips, and she nodded, still unable to speak. You knew what she wanted, you wanted it too, yearned for it, even if you couldn’t find the words to say it.

You leaned in, smashing your lips to hers and fireworks exploded at the connection. Kissing her awoke a hunger inside your sternum. Riri hopped up, wrapping her legs around your waist and you backed the both of you into her room before kicking the door shut. Her back was on the bed shortly after as you hovered above her, lips still locked. Breathing was an afterthought. You only wanted more of her, all of her.

“You lied to me.” She managed in between hard pecks to your throat. Your hands roamed her sides and her exposed stomach as you moaned into her touch. “Said you was going to Shuri’s lab.”

“I know. Surprise.” Your lips met her chest and she shuddered with a giggle. Her whimpers drove you mad and you tugged on her leggings. “Off.”

She obliged without a beat of hesitation, and you slithered down her body, leaving a trail of hot, wet kisses down her abs on your way to your final destination.

You rolled beside her, exhaling loudly and she laughed into your side. “You are radiant, do you know that?”

“You aight too, I guess.” You gasped and pinched her thigh, bringing forth a whine. When you shifted to face her on the mattress, you found her shiny eyes already on you. The sight warmed your insides. Feeling the heat radiating from her sweaty body pulled you in, that neverending attraction working overtime to weave you two together. Being by her side mended parts of you you did not know were fractured, and you felt whole again. Riri made you whole.

Words were still scarce as you lay next to her panting body, the dim light casting shadows over that face that stole your breath away.

“What are you thinking about?” Riri’s gentle voice was like a song, and you got caught up in its melody.

“You. How much I missed you. How much I love you.” You watched the words wash over her and she grinned, making your heart flutter in that way only she could. You’d said your first real ‘I love yous’ two months ago, and now you couldn't stop.

Riri sat up, pulling her knees to her bare chest, head resting on them as she watched you intently. “How are you here right now?”

“As I said, I missed you and I wanted to see you.”

“Right, but how are you here? Thought T’challa and Shuri had that ass on lockdown.”

You rolled your eyes with a faint smile. “I think I have proven that when it comes to you, I am willing to defy everyone and everything in the world.”

“Damn, okay Princess. So how long you staying?”

“I’m not. You are coming with me.”

You watched the confusion flash across her face. “To Wakanda?” You nodded and she scrunched her nose.

“I got class on Monday baby. I can’t just-”

“I will have you back here in time for your classes. Now, get dressed and gather your things. Aneka is waiting.”

Riri did as she was told, grabbing a bag from her messy closet, stuffing clothes into it. “So you flying me to another continent? Just for the weekend? Is that what I’m hearing?”

“Yes.” Your answer was matter-of-fact and simple, and you could tell she was having a hard time believing it.

She slung her bag over her shoulder nonetheless and waited by the door for you to lead the way. “Ion know how I be forgetting I’m dating a literal Princess. Like powerful kingdom and rich as hell type Princess. How do I forget that?”

You laughed, grabbing her fingers and lacing them into yours. The static shock did not cause either of you to jump, instead, you latched on tighter. “It’s because I am quite humble, what can I say.”

“Or I’m just so obsessed and in love with you alone, I block out all the unimportant stuff. Like how rich you are.”

You beamed down at her clinging to your arm. “I think I like that reason better.”

“While we on the subject, just how rich are y’all over there? Gimme like ballpark or something.”

Your chuckle was hearty as the two of you boarded the ship hand in hand and you shook your head.

•••

The trip home seemed to be shorter than the one leaving. Riri was all over you the entire time: sitting in your lap, kissing your face, whispering sweet nothings into your ears, and making you giggle with her corny little science jokes.

“Okay, okay you gon like this one. What do you call it when a biologist takes a photo of themself?”

Your eyes rolled and you sighed. “I don't know.”

“A cell-fie.” She laughed in that over-exaggerated way she reserved only for you and slapped her knee. It was your own fault really, you’d made the mistake of telling her science and humor did not mesh well, so it became her mission to prove you wrong.

“That was awful.” You responded with a fond smile.

She pushed off you and you attempted to pull her back. “Man whatever. That shit was hard, you just wouldn't get it. Shuri would laugh.”

“Speaking of my darling sister. She doesn't exactly know you are coming.”

Riri quirked a brow, and you heard Aneka huff a soft laugh at your confession. “What are you talking about?”

“Well… in order to get my brother to agree with you coming here, I was forced to tell a few white lies. One of which included me telling him I was bringing you here as a surprise for Shuri.” Your grin did nothing to shift her frown.

“And what does that mean for us? This isn't gon be like the first time I was here right? Because that was just, no. I ain't doing that ag–”

You reached for her hands, trying to ease her unrest. “No! Of course not. You would only have to spend some time with her in the lab. And given her current state, it is highly probable that she'll kick you out almost immediately. Then we may spend the weekend together. Trust that I have thought this through, mtuwam.”

“Okay… if you say so.” It was evident she was still a bit uneasy, so you kissed her lips gently, hoping to soothe her.

“Princess, we are home.”

Reentering Wakanda’s borders was an activity you could never grow bored of. Your home was marvelous, and being reminded of that was an amazing feeling.

Letting go of Riri’s hand proved to be a difficult task. You kept grabbing it and pressing kisses to her knuckles, prolonging your stay on the ship. T’challa was waiting to greet you as you landed and you made sure to stand a reasonable distance from Riri, though her body called to you.

“I see you have made it back in one piece. I must admit, I didn't think the odds would be in your favor, Littlest Sister.”

“Comedy does not suit you, Big Brother, I would stick to sulking on the throne if I were you.”

He laughed, then his eyes drifted to Riri perched patiently beside you. “So happy to have you back with us Miss Williams. I'm sure Shuri will be as well.”

“Happy y’all invited me. Wakanda is dope as hell, I love it here.” Her response was genuine and it filled your chest with pride. You met her gaze for a split second longer than intended and you couldn't help but grin. Damn those striking eyes of hers.

You cleared your throat, excusing yourself to help Riri settle in and T’challa nodded. “Give me your bag dear.”

It was a whisper soft enough only for the two of you to hear, and you hoped the gesture wouldn't seem too off. You were simply being hospitable. There was no way you were letting Riri carry her own bag, not when your hands were ready and available.

Your hands brushed at the exchange, longing fingers lingering lovingly. You felt eyes on the two of you as you walked away, but when you turned, there was no one.

“And the best part is my room is right down the hall. So you can sneak out at night to visit me. Or I can visit you, whichever you prefer.” You’d just gotten Riri settled in one of the palace's spare rooms.

She only beamed at you, pulling you in by your waist and you laughed. Her hands on your body just felt right. She was on her tippy toes then, kissing you long and deep, and you molded into her. Her fingers traced the hem of your skirt, climbing higher and higher up your thigh.

She shoved you onto the bed with force and you groaned. “Riri.”

“Just go with it.” She was on your lap soon after, wet mouth roaming your exposed neck as she created bruises that were sure to last.

You moaned, allowing your fingers to find her hips. “We can't.”

“You sure?” Her head was descending lower and you wanted her to keep going, every muscle in your body wanted to guide her, but you couldn’t. Not now, not with the Dora posted outside the room door, and not when you were supposed to be sticking to your plan. You knew T’challa would be checking in soon and you needed to head to Shuri’s lab immediately to avoid further suspicion.

“Ayo is outside, and T’challa could stop by at any time. I do not want to risk anything. Besides, we must go see Shuri now.”

Riri groaned but got up, once again allowing you to lead the way. You laughed at her and she stuck out her tongue. Bast, you had to be the luckiest person on Earth, with the cutest girlfriend on Earth.

“You sure Shuri’s in here? It ain’t usually this dark.” The two of you entered your sister’s lab. It was empty. Her playlist drowned out the sounds of her soft snoring, but they got louder the closer you inched to her.

“Oh, she is certainly in here. Griot, the lights please.”

The AI obeyed, lighting up the space to reveal a sleeping Shuri at one of the workstations. She was still in her clothes from the day prior, same lab coat too. Her curls were wild and frizzy from not being tied down and there was a small amount of drool on the side of her mouth.

“Yo, did she sleep here?” Riri walked closer to where you stood in front of your sister and you nodded. “Do we wake her?”

“In due time, my love, in due time.” You snapped a selfie of you and her sleeping form, mentally bookmarking it for later use. Your girlfriend shook her head next to you and your lips curved. “Now we wake her.”

Your finger met her cheek and you poked, but she did not stir. Then a thought struck you and you did everything to hold in your laughter.

“Shuri! You will never believe this, wake up! Tems has followed you back, look!”

This jolted her awake, and you took note of the candy wrapper stuck to the other side of her face. “She what? The love of my life has noticed me? Where? Show me!”

“Yeah, she did not actually notice you, but could you imagine? Tems is not thinking of you, dear sister. Just needed to wake you is all, seeing as you slept here again after you said you wouldn't.”

Shuri narrowed her eyes, looking you up and down curiously. “I would much rather sleep here than in the same place as my lying and deceitful sister. You cannot joke like that, you know how much I love her.”

“Right…” She pinched your arm and you yelped. "Ouch! What is your problem?!"

“Speaking of lies and deception, I will give you one chance to tell me where you went this morning, I lost signal on your Kimoyo beads for a few hours.”

Your groan was to be expected, and it did not soften her accusing tone. You knew Shuri would be tracking you, which is why you switched them off the moment you were outside the border. “I am not a child, you know. I can come and go as I please.”

“No. You cannot. Now tell me where you went and who you were with.”

Riri poked her head out from behind you after minutes of going unnoticed by your sister. She waved shyly with a smile. “She actually came to get me. Heard you was working on something that had you stressed, and your sister thought I could help.”

She reached up to pluck the wrapper from Shuri’s face and you swallowed your laughter.

“Riri! I've missed you! I honestly did not see you standing behind her. Sometimes I forget how short you are.” She pulled the smaller girl in for a hug and you snarled.

Annoyance bustled within you, the need to protect Riri taking hold of your thoughts and actions. “Hey! She is not that short. You’re one to talk.”

Shuri tilted her head, startled by your outburst, and your attempt to play it cool was rendered useless when you caught Riri’s sly smirk, clearly pleased with your defense. You fought your own smile, ignoring the awkward tension floating above the three of you. You prayed desperately for it to dissolve, fearing Shuri’s comments if it did not. “Okay then, that wasn't weird at all. Where is your sense of humor sister, geez? But anyway, Riri, yes I could use your help. I have not slept in my bed in days.”

“We can tell.” You retorted and she attempted to smack you.

“Uh yeah, how can I help?” It took nothing for them to completely zone out, wholly consumed by their work.

Though your presence was neglected soon after, the sight of the two most important women in your life bonding warmed your entire heart. You did not think it possible to love Riri more, but witnessing the smile she brought to Shuri’s face, seeing the way her eyes lit up, made you aware of how wrong you were. Loving her was limitless. It was so easy for her, lifting the spirits of others, being generous with her mind and time. She filled you with joy and pride, every ounce threatening to seep out of you.

You were staring, and you knew it, but it was not a thing that could be helped. Being so enamored with all that Riri was, you were oblivious to Shuri’s eyes darting between you and the young scientist you ogled across the lab.

Riri’s presence was enveloping like that, it toweled around you, muffling everything that wasn’t her.

“I think I'm going to call it a night. Going to actually sleep in my bed for once. Riri you are welcome to stay here as long as you like, I’m sure my sister would be happy to keep you company.” Something in her tone of voice sounded off, but it was difficult to pinpoint.

Riri nodded, turning back to the blueprints on the interface.

“Be safe, please.” Shuri kissed your head, smiling softly before leaving.

It wasn’t long before Riri took advantage of your aloneness, leaping onto you like a bunny. Her mouth was all over you, and you were a mess underneath her. She gripped your ass and you shrieked. “Riri, not here, we can't.”

“When you gon give me a chance to show you just how much I missed you, ma?” She kissed your stomach, pulling a tired moan from the back of your throat.

She knew just how to get you worked up, touching and kissing all the right spots. “Okay, fine. But it cannot be here.”

The two of you were giggling messes as you tiptoed through the silent palace. Riri pulled you into a secluded hallway, nipping hungrily at your jaw. Her tongue lapped over the bruises decorating your neck, amplifying your need for her. You smirked down into her lust-filled eyes. She would take you right here, and you were prepared to let her.

“I want you.” Her fingers were already under your skirt and you whimpered at the contact. Your heart came alive in your chest, batting against you from the thrill of it all.

A heated kiss muffled your moans as you writhed under her. “Shhh baby. You gon get us caught.”

It was difficult, and Riri was terribly skilled with her fingers. You were both gone off each other, so inebriated that the footsteps approaching the dark corridor went unnoticed. Someone cleared their throat and you jumped. Your stomach flipped, and your heartbeat revved into overdrive. Thrill melted away, dissolving into gut-wrenching dread.

You ripped your wet lips from Riri’s and turned to face the mystery person. The two of you were distraught and out of breath as Ayo inched closer. “Princess? Is that you? What are you doing out this late? The King–”

“I will head to my room now! No need to involve my brother!” The shake in your voice was noticeable, and her eyes widened when she caught sight of kiss-blown Riri tucked nervously behind you.

“Oh! Um, my apologies Princess. I was not aware you were not… alone. But please, head to your quarters. If I have found you, anyone can.” You tried ignoring her admonishment, but she was correct after all. Taking this kind of risk could have ended a lot worse, T’challa could’ve found you, Shuri. You knew better. It was reckless, but when Riri was in your head, thinking straight was a battle, a losing one.

She dipped her head, leaving you and your girlfriend alone. Your laughs were instant after, and you slapped your palms over each other's mouths. “Ooh, you in trouble Princess.”

“Stop it! Come on, let's go.” You tugged her to your quarters, fully intending on finishing what was interrupted moments ago.

•••

Waking up with Riri next to you was a feeling you needed to know forever, you’d decided. In the dark of the night, she'd tucked herself into your side, head on your chest as small snores escaped her. Being deprived of this sight, this warmth, for as long as you were was criminal.

She nestled closer and it just about brought you to tears. A soft kiss to her temple pulled her from slumber and she frowned, stunning brown eyes finding yours instantly. “You woke me.”

“With a kiss.”

“I ain't sleeping beauty.” She glared at you, it was so cute you just had to kiss her again.

Your chuckle was immediate as you stared at her arms, still wrapped around your torso with zero plans of letting go. “You are beautiful when you sleep, so I disagree. You're quite the sleeping beauty.”

“Corny.”

Rapid knocking at your door hindered your response and you panicked. It was far too early for Aneka to be checking on you. You leapt out of bed frantically with your sheet wrapped around your naked body, fearing it was one of your siblings. “Who is it? I am not yet decent.”

“It is just me, Princess. Thought I’d come to check on you a bit earlier, in case you needed help sneaking a certain scientist out of your quarters.”

You sighed loudly. “I don't need–”

“Do not lie, Princess. I am aware of where she spent the night. Your little run-in with my wife last night has made me privy to many things.”

You heard Riri giggle behind you and you huffed. “We are fine, Aneka. Your assistance is not needed.”

“Very well. Oh, and Shuri would like to see Miss Williams in her lab later today. Something about their project. And, be cautious, ndiyacela.”

It was unclear if Aneka’s concern about your relationship remaining a secret was out of love for you, or fear of losing her job. But knowing her, it could very well be both. When she left, you crawled back into bed, pulling Riri atop you, cradling her body ever so delicately in your arms. She tucked her head beneath your chin, meshing well with your skin there.

A puzzle, the pair of you were, you fit just right. Tender fingers massaged circles into her back, causing her to coo into your ear. If given the choice, you'd stay this way forever, making her frame an extension of your own.

“We have got to get up eventually, mtuwam.”

This caused her to groan and snuggle closer into you. “Don't wanna.”

“If we do not get up, someone will come looking for us. Most likely Shuri herself, if she's requested to see you.”

Riri held you tight, still refusing to budge. You had no desire to move either, having made a home under her warmth. But alas, like a wolf, you had to blow it down, leaving her bare skin exposed to the cool of the room.

Her little huff of annoyance was adorable as she shifted back to the side of the bed she slept on, and you got up. “So does this mean you won't join me in the shower? That is too bad. I remember how much you enjoyed the water pressure when you were here last.”

Riri’s head rose from the covers excitedly, tripping over the sheets as she ran into your arms.

After your shower activities, you and Riri found yourselves battling to keep your hands off of each other in the elevator down to Shuri's lab, touching her only enabled your growing addiction.

The lights were dimmer than usual when you stepped off, it was quieter too, no music or buzzing chatter of her team. Weird. There was always movement during the daytime.

“Shuri?” You called into the darkness, but silence greeted you. It all felt off; ominous, and you did not like it.

Riri tugged on your arm. “Ion think she's here babe.”

“Oh, but she is here… babe.” A shadow moved toward you and you squinted, eyes adjusting to Shuri as she stopped in your direct line of sight. T’challa was not far behind, face contorted into what you believed was meant to be a scowl. “See. I told you, Brother, if I sent word for Riri, our darling sister would be in tow as well.”

Shit.

Your eyes passed quickly to Riri, who seemed more confused than anything. You, on the other hand, were on the verge of collapsing. The drumming in your chest blared in your heated ears, blocking out the sound of Shuri’s ranting. T’challa had not yet addressed you, his eyes merely fanned you disappointedly, which somehow made it all worse. Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Answer my next question truthfully or so help me…” Shuri wiped her palms down her face with an exasperated sigh, thickening the atmosphere with the air her body expelled.

“Are you two,” She wagged her finger between Riri and yourself. “You two are… Bast, Brother I cannot even say the words.”

She was being theatrical, honestly. When Shuri got like this it was hard to get her to listen to reason, but reason escaped you, so either way you were screwed. You passed a glance at your girlfriend, whose eyes seemed particularly fond of the shiny floors. Every bone in your body wanted to comfort her, needed to reassure her, but you froze, your feet planting deep roots in the ground, prohibiting your movement.

“Littlest Sister, is it true? What Shuri has told me about you and Miss Williams? Are you two… involved? You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” T'challa spoke at last as Shuri paced.

Involved? Involved made it sound so formal, so dated, like the two of you were in your forties. You were not involved, you were in love. Admitting that would only escalate things now though, so you bit your tongue and hung your head in shame. You had to hand it to him though, pulling out the doting brother card was almost enough to crack you.

Neither of you spoke, fearing too much the outcome. Riri’s discomfort buzzed off her and onto you as though it was your own. Not easing it was enough to fracture you again, undoing all the rebuilding you’d done in the past twenty-four hours. She stood silently, fidgeting with her fingers, intending on following your lead like usual, but you were all out of moves.

“Take her silence as an answer Brother.” Shuri’s unyielding glare made you flinch. Under any other circumstance, you’d find her behavior amusing, but her ability to intimidate had grown more effective after ingesting the heart-shaped herb.

You cleared your throat, finally gaining the courage to speak and you felt hopeful eyes on you, Riri’s eyes. “Why are you doing this?”

“Answer the question, liar.”

A laugh climbed your throat as Shuri spat her sentence at you, but you swallowed it. “And what is it that you presume I've lied about?”

Your question was only to gauge their knowledge, to see just how much you could twist your already existing string of lies before it snapped completely and forever.

Shuri tapped her chin dramatically. “Hmm, well let us see. Should we start with the original lie you told to get her here? Disguising it as a surprise for me,” T’challa nodded beside her, cosigning the entire ordeal. “But that one is more on you, Brother, for not catching it.”

“Hey now! In my defense, I was truly concerned for you when I agreed to Miss Williams coming here.”

“You were a fool is what you were. You fall for her tricks all the time, it's sad. I’m sorry, but it is.”

T’challa scoffed. “Can we please focus? I am not the one in trouble here.”

“I'm just saying, if only you had run this past me, instead of blindly agreeing, this could have been avoided altogether.” Shuri’s expressive hands spoke with her, just as frantic, just as accusing.

“Well–”

Your anxiety dissipated the longer you watched the two of them bicker, who the ring leader was, was clear as day. You passed a glance at Riri, discreetly squeezing her hand for a few seconds.

“Oh! Did you see that?! Let's get back to you deceivers, eh? Seeing the way you defended her when I called her short did not concern me much, it was odd, but not concerning. Now, the way you ogled her, that, raised my eyebrow.”

She paced some more, condemning you with each stride. “I knew that look, it’s the same look I sport when Tems uploads a new photo. But it was not quite enough, no. It could be explained away.”

Shuri stopped, regarding Riri’s puzzled exterior before turning her focus to you. “And that brings me to my next piece of evidence,” Her fingers lowered the collar on your button-up and you cursed under your breath. “Brother, what do these look like to you?”

He jolted to attention, clearly unaware his input would be warranted. “Um, I believe those are hickeys.”

“Hickeys.” The word rancid on her tongue. “I noticed them when I kissed you goodnight. Now how would my little sister get hickeys on her neck? They weren’t there the day before, but conveniently appeared when Riri arrived.”

“I saw you take her bag as well. Yesterday when you returned, you carried her bag, you may not have thought I saw it, but I did. Shuri, tell them.”

Shuri rolled her eyes at him. “Yes, T’challa saw the stupid bag. The point is we know about you two. We know everything. And there is more.”

“More? What more?” T’challa seemed just as perplexed as you and Riri, eyeing Shuri in anticipation.

She held up her wrist, displaying a rather incriminating video on her beads. T'challa’s gasp was as loud as it was comical. It was of the both of you, in the lab last night. Your mouth on hers, hands in places they shouldn’t have been. Your blush crept up the back of your neck, stretching across the span of your body. You felt it in your stomach, your toes, it even slithered itself into your mouth. Bitter and dry, and scarce of compassion.

“I needed to be sure of my suspicions, so I turned on the cameras before I left. What do you have to say for yourselves? Lying will not save you now, we have seen everything.”

“Everything.” T’challa repeated, waving his finger in your faces.

You locked eyes with your girlfriend again, communicating without words. “Fine. You've caught us.”

“I knew it!”

Shuri’s glower was a bullet of irritation, and she smacked T’challa in the head. “Of course you knew it, genius. I told you this before they arrived.”

“Right. You did, yes.”

Your laugh evaded you before you could stop it and you were met with the same look your brother received. “So you find this funny?”

You shook your head. “Sorry, no. This is all very serious. Serious allegations, serious evidence. Carry on.”

“How long?”

“A few months.”

She squinted. “How many months?”

“Seven.”

They both widened their eyes at your confession, and T’challa slapped his hand over his mouth, bewildered. “You have been lying to us for seven months?!?! So this started before you returned to America?”

Her question darted to Riri, and she waited expectantly for an answer. “Yes.”

Your brother shook his head, mirroring Shuri because of course he did. “You are too young to be involved with anyone.”

“Exactly. I forbid it.” Shuri threw her hands up as if her word was final. You refuted her statement with a quickness, under no circumstances did she get a say in your love life. Before you knew it, you were in a screaming match with your siblings, a rare occurrence, but you would not back down.

“You can't forbid me from loving your sister Shuri.”

The yelling subsided, three royal heads whipping around to face Riri. You had not expected that, you hadn't expected her to say anything. It was your mess, not hers. Your lies.

“Loving her?”

Riri stepped forward, gripping your fingers tightly, and for the first time, the shock startled you. “I love your sister. I'm in love with her. And if I'm speaking out of turn my bad, but forbidding us from being together ain't gon work because I’m not giving her up, not ever,” She observed them cautiously before continuing.

“Now I understand why there might be cause for concern, I get it, after what y’all went through, being protective is justified. But trust that I wanna protect her too? I want her safe, I want her sound, and I want her loved. I love her so much, too much, and ion wanna have to do that in secret. I don't wanna have to hide. Because your sister deserves more than that.”

T’challa was the first to wipe his tears. “Shuri, maybe we are being too harsh. They seem happy, hmm?”

“Was that rehearsed or did it all just come to you right now?” Her unrelenting glare was beginning to falter.

“Can't rehearse how I feel Shuri, I just… feel.”

Shuri's watchful eyes were on you, you felt them, but you only had the strength to focus on one thing, so you chose Riri. Her words rearranged every cell in your body, rendering you entirely and utterly speechless. Coherence was a thing you no longer knew as you stood dumbfounded, watching her, learning her all over again. For a moment you zoned out, forgetting where you were and how you’d gotten there.

“And what have you to say, Sister?”

“I-I love her too. She means everything to me. She is my person. I choose Riri, I will always choose Riri.” Gazing into her eyes felt different this time, more honest, more open; though they sucked you in all the same.

Shuri gagged. “You two are gross, but I suppose I can allow this, seeing as I trust you both,” She turned to Riri then. “But if you ever hurt her, and I mean in any way, I will create a virus so complex and otherworldly to infiltrate and destroy every piece of technology you own, including your suit. Maybe even while you're in it, zipping around in the sky. Then bam!"

She slammed her fist on a table with force, cracking it in half and you both jumped, blinking in disbelief. T'challa's snicker was muffled behind you and you shot him a look.

"Just because we are friends doesn't mean I won't demolish you in the name of my little sister. I will end you, in every way I know how. And trust that I know many.”

Riri gulped, clearly shaken by Shuri’s tone shift. “That's fair, I respect that.”

“Now I may not be as harsh with my words as my little sister, but I do agree with everything that was just stated. Do we have an understanding?” Your brother’s hands were on Riri’s shoulders and she bobbed her head. “Good. You two may go, enjoy the rest of your weekend, I will deal with Shuri. Make sure she calms down.”

You wasted no time, scurrying off and onto the elevator, wanting desperately to escape your siblings.

•••

The evening breeze was brisk, and it cooled your tea as you watched the city lights flicker on. The sweet aroma of her leave-in conditioner greeted you before she did, wafting deep inside your nose and clinging to your senses. You smiled when she emerged on your balcony.

“We suck at being in a secret relationship.” Riri sat in your lap and you gripped her waist.

“Absolutely horrible at it.” Her eyes were the softest you'd ever seen them, leaking with vulnerability and want. “Perhaps our love is not meant to be concealed, mtuwam.”

Her lips curved upward, delighted by your admission. “Say more words like that.”

“I want to love you in the open. I want the world to know you are mine and I am yours, truly and fully.”

“Damn. You real good at that. Almost makes me wanna kiss you.”

Her words made you scoff, as they were intended to, and she laughed. “Almost?”

“Kinda scared to do anything now after your crazy ass siblings just jumped me.”

Your own laugh bellowed out, causing her to dip her head into the crook of your neck. “If I am remembering correctly, they cornered us both.”

“And who got threatened with an ‘otherworldly’ virus? Me or you? You ain't tell me Shuri was kinda…”

“What? Insane? I'm sure I've mentioned this over my many rants about her aforementioned insanity.”

She glared at you, and you smirked. “Seeing it for myself was different. I ain't believe you for real.”

“That's truly something, I'm glad we are in agreement, but can you please kiss me now? Or do you want me to tell them you've been denying me, and you’ve hurt me?”

Riri grabbed your cheeks and scrunched her nose. So, so cute. “Shut up.” Her lips were on yours moments after, and her tongue was in your mouth. The kiss was rough, it was passionate, and it warmed your insides better than your long-forgotten tea ever could on this chilly night.

A clap of thunder gave you déjà vu and you two pulled away. The stars competed with the shine in her eyes, losing terribly. You were bathing in rain soon after as she pulled you in again.

When the showers became too much, you carried her inside, tossing her damp body onto your bed before getting on top of her and connecting your foreheads.

She giggled as she held your wet face in place. “Convenient how it always rains when we on that balcony of yours.”

“Perhaps it is all my doing. To get you out of your clothing of course.”

She leaned up to whisper in your ear. “You don't need rain for that baby.”

“Ndikuthanda kakhulu, Riri Williams.”

And she grinned, wider than ever, basking in the tangible feeling of said love. “Right back at ya.”

#riri williams x black!fem!reader #riri williams x fem!reader #lyricswriting #riri williams x black!reader #myworks #riri x black!reader #ironheart x black!reader #ironheart x reader #riri williams x reader #riri williams fanfic #dominique thorne #black panther #wakanda forever #ironheart #riri williams #riri williams x y/n #riri x reader #riri black panther

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talkingparrotkee · 11 months

Text

After seeing disagreeable claims critiquing the end of Wakanda Forever float around for the nth time, I felt like organizing my qualms and putting them neatly into another blog. These are just my musings.

"Shuri should've killed Namor! Sparing him was wrong!" I apologize for my harsh phrasing, but this is a horrible and brainless take, especially when it's from begrudged shippers or anti-Wakanda Forever recasters 😭. Whenever I see it, I can't help but wonder if anyone who says this or agrees genuinely likes and (especially) understands Namor and/or Shuri's actual characters. And no, I do not mean the surface aesthetic of or attraction to them.

If you knew and understood what kind of character Shuri (at least in the MCU) is, you would know why she spared Namor's life after nearly taking it. If you understood the important messages carefully baked into the film, you'd understand the writing choice of Shuri sparing Namor and Namor not being the "incorrigible villain who deserves death."

Asking the silly question of why she didn't kill him in the form of critique, or worse, saying she should have or somehow should give him hell after the fact (fortunately, a regressive immaturity neither character has), is a clear show of media illiteracy. It neglects both characters and at least one pillar theme of Wakanda Forever. If Shuri killed Namor, Talokan and Wakanda would unnaturally be eating away at each other for eternity, allowing the surface colonist nations to swoop in as the destabilization process was done for them. The true villains and enemies that put them in that situation where they collided with one another would gain access to their vibranium and technology. Game over.

Shuri Was Never In Her "Villain Era"

The simple answer, Shuri is not Wanda Maximoff 😊. Goodnight. (Author's note because someone was troubled by this tongue and cheek remark: I don't hate Wanda at all. I meant what I wrote: Shuri is not Wanda, just Wakandan. People want her to be Wanda and have a Wanda arc when she is not and will not. 🫡)

Even at the lowest of her low, Shuri is no villain. Shuri was just a young woman trying to find what kind of leader she was in the midst of grief, inner turmoil, and human anger. I don't know why some fans say she had a "villain era" or want her to canonically have a "villain era," but ok. That is not Shuri, nor would it have filled the hole in Shuri's heart, as said by Nakia. It was not just because it endangered Wakanda and would spearhead them in an eternal war either. Although, that is reason enough for Shuri not to kill Namor.

Who Princess Shuri Truly Is

Princess Shuri is a natural healer, teacher, and creator. Shuri loves, designs, creates, innovates, builds, and protects. Shuri has people who would die for her and trusts her to make the right choice in the end, faithfully standing beside her even when they recognize that the trajectory she currently set them on wasn't a good one. Why do you think this is? Because they know and trust Shuri. They know her brain is as big as her heart.

Shuri is not inherently destructive. That was the uncharacteristic result of her gripe with death (thinking it meant gone) and destructive handling of her grief. Ryan Coogler even pointed out how Shuri's state was unhealthy and dangerous. Shuri and Namor were both grieving and asking themselves painful questions.

That is why Killmonger is who appears to her. Killmonger is a violent, radical character (made that way by neglect, grief, loss, militaristic molding, and the suffering African Americans face) who almost carelessly sent Wakanda spiraling into mayhem. He became the people he hated, in the wise words of T'Challa, and was an unworthy king, in the wise words of Shuri. If such a man is comparing himself to Shuri and is who her subconscious elicited on the Ancestral Plane (which Shuri seems to be taking to her grave now, refusing to tell Nakia), maybe she's not doing alright? Just a thought!

This is also why Ramonda took her out by the river. It's why M'Baku said what he said at Ramonda's funeral. It is so she can mourn properly. So she could heal properly. Something she wasn't doing since the day T'Challa died.

Killing Namor would've destroyed her, not just her people. It wouldn't have sated her despite in her rightful anger, feeling it would. It would've just sent her past a point of no return.

"Show him who you are." Ramonda told her this after she struggled on her own with killing Namor. Why do you think Shuri hesitated even without Ramonda's influence (which was just her presence and reminding Shuri who she already was) yet? It didn't feel "right" to Shuri as their moment together (watching the Talokan sunrise), how Namor paralleled her, and how their people were alike flew through her mind's eye. Shuri hesitated, not because she was "soft" or "nonsensical mushy writing." Shuri saw what they were and what this was. She thought beyond herself. As Editor Michael P. Shawver said, Namor's line of, "only the most broken people can become great leaders" is what they focused on. It is what Shuri finally realizes at the bitter end. They relate. The narrative, characters, and actors all recognize this; I don't see how some audience members do not.

She and Namor were perpetuating the destructive cycle of grief and vengeance while setting that example for their people, but she was strong enough to pull herself up and break that chain. Then she offered her his hand for the sake of not only themselves, but their people. She saw firsthand the beauty of Talokan. Like Namor admired Wakanda in the beginning, she admired Talokan. She remembered her visit to Talokan in the mix of her nation's beauty.

"Vengance has consumed us. We cannot let it consume our people."

Not "my" people. Not "your" people. Our people.

Shuri realized many simple yet, at the same time, humanly complicated truths of how they had connectivity and were broken, trying to be the best leaders they could be. Neither of them was the villain but are what they were due to the bitter hand life dealt them and the situations they faced.

The Real Theme of Black Panther's Wakanda Forever

This movie also had clear themes of:

A) how POC/indigenous infighting sucks and is counterproductive

B) connectivity of black and brown, from culture to shared wounds

C) the scars of colonialization

Shuri killing Namor would defeat the carefully woven narrative and betray all these well-built things. I know some of you guys don't like to hear this, but Namor is not of the archetype of Killmonger, nor is he the real "villain," so he was handled accordingly.

“We talked to so many experts and really made relationships with them, because there was a lot to go through,” says Beachler. “There are a lot of parallels between Africans and Latin Americans as far as the colonization of their communities and cities, the enslavement of their people, the lies that were told about their culture, the misinterpretation of their words, and the ways they were made out to look demonized in order to elevate a European country.”

Shuri Getting Her Lick Back

"Shuri should've beaten Namor until-" or "She let him off the hook unpunished!" If you paid attention to the movie, you'd see she literally beat him within an inch of his life? She definitely did get her lick back just as Namor got his. Wanting her to get "more" licks after the fact is regressive.

Shuri:

isolated and trapped Namor to weaken and drain his energy

ferally clawed both of his wings, taking out his ability to fly

made him bleed and bruised him up

roasted him in a firey explosion, effectively charring him and rendering him temporarily paralyzed

Shuri didn't play patty cake with him; she made an immortal bleed and fear death. She had him gasping for air on his back at the mercy of her spear tip. She made him yield and call off the troops. She made an ally out of him on her terms who exalted her strength and is currently bandaged up, flightless, and awaiting to aid her (rather than striking first, waging war as originally wanted). It's more than enough and was the best course of action. What do you mean? What are you talking about?

#black panther #wakanda forever #namor shuri #princess shuri #namor #marvel #bpwf #shuri #letitia wright #tenoch huerta

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dark-mcu-ship-tourney · 4 months

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Hello!

Welcome to the Problematic MCU Ship Tournament!

This blog will pit 64 different pairings against one another. All of them are in some way “problematic”- some feature a minor and an adult, others feature incestuous pairings, others still simply have questionable or potentially abusive dynamics. Many ships combine elements of more than one.

Each day, 4 polls will be posted pitting two different ships together (for a total of 8 ships per day). You are free to vote in as many or as few of these polls as you’d like.

This blog is explicitly pro-ship and anti-censorship, and obviously features dark themes. If this is a point of discomfort for you, you are free to block this blog, I don’t bite. Hate towards anyone (and anything unreasonably rude about ships or characters) will not be published and users that send it will be blocked. Nothing explicit will be posted to this blog, regardless of the ship, so minors are free to interact if they so wish.

The bracket below shows all the ships that will be posted, as well as their first opponent. After the first round has been completed, the diagram will be updated and all of the winning ships will be pitted against one another. You can also find a typed list of all ships under the cut, for users that can’t or don’t want to read my terrible handwriting.

May the odds be ever in your (ship’s) favor!

All First Round Ships:

1. Morgan Stark x Harold “Happy” Hogan

2. Morgan Stark x James “Rhodey” Rhodes

3. Morgan Stark x Tony Stark

4. Morgan Stark x Pepper Potts

5. Scott Lang x Cassie Lang

6. Frigga Freyrdottir x Thor Odinson

7. Vision x Billy Maximoff x Tommy Maximoff

8. Wanda Maximoff x Billy Maximoff x Tommy Maximoff

9. Maria Stark x Tony Stark

10. Howard Stark x Tony Stark

11. Obadiah “Obie” Stane x Tony Stark

12. Tony Stark x Peter Parker

13. Peter Parker x Harold “Happy” Hogan

14. Tony Stark x Harley Keener

15. America Chavez x Dr. Stephen Strange

16. America Chavez x Wanda Maximoff

17. Odin Borson x Thor Odinson

18. King T'Chaka x Prince T'Challa

19. Xu Shang-Chi x Xu Wenwu

20. Marc Spector x Stephen Grant

21. Thor Odinson x Rocket Raccoon

22. Thor Odinson x Groot

23. Peter Quill x Rocket Raccoon

24. James “Bucky” Barnes x Rocket Raccoon

25. Adrian Toomes x Peter Parker

26. Dr. Otto Octavius x Peter Parker

27. Dr. Curt Connors x Peter Parker

28. Steven “Skip” Westcott x Peter Parker

29. Dr. Stephen Strange x Peter Parker

30. Quentin Beck x Peter Parker

31. James “Bucky” Barnes x Peter Parker

32. Steve Rogers x Peter Parker

33. Thor Odinson x Loki Laufeyson

34. Loki Laufeyson x Sylvie Laufeydottir

35. Princess Shuri x James “Bucky” Barnes

36. Princess/Queen Shuri x Namor/K’uk’ulkan

37. Thanos x Nebula

38. Thanos x Gamora

39. Thanos x Loki Laufeyson

40. Thanos x Tony Stark

41. Clint Barton x Kate Bishop

42. Clint Barton x Lila Barton

43. Carol Danvers x Kamala Khan

44. Monica Rambeau x Kamala Khan

45. Stephen Grant x Khonshu

46. Jake Lockley x Khonshu

47. Marc Spector x Khanshu

48. Arthur Harrow x Ammit

49. Xu Shang-Chi x Xu Xialing

50. Princess Shuri x King/Prince T’Challa

51. Billy Maximoff x Tommy Maximoff

52. Wanda Maximoff x Pietro Maximoff

53. Peter Parker x May Parker

54. Queen Ramonda x Princess Shuri

55. Queen Ramonda x King/Prince T’Challa

56. Peter Parker x Ben Parker

57. Marc Spector x Jake Lockley

58. Stephen Grant x Jake Lockley

59. Natasha Romanov x Yelena Belova

60. Gamora x Nebula

61. Odin Borson x Loki Laufeyson

62. Frigga Feyrdottir x Loki Laufeyson

63. Peter Parker x Carol Danvers

64. Peter Parker x James “Rhodey” Rhodes

#mcu #proship #thorki #starker #sylki #spiderio #spiderstrange #spidershield #winterspider #nashuri #yelenat #poll #ship tournament #tournament polls #poll bracket #fandom polls #tumblr polls

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tchallasbabymama · 1 year

Text

Updated 1/2/24

Black Panther fanfiction featuring Black OCs for the 18+ crowd. [Minors DNI]

Officially on hiatus until Spring 2024. I’ve been working on a lot of my original stories, and can’t do both at this time.

Also on AO3!

Here's my other Tumblr where I'll be keeping y'all updated on my original, non-fanfic works. I'm in the process of self-publishing an erotic novella at the moment. Stay tuned for updates!

All works are mine and may not be reposted anywhere. However, I live for feedback, so I ask that you leave comments on and reblog my stories as you read them.

Fanfics below the cut. Enjoy 😘

📚= complete series

📖= series in progress

📓=oneshot

🚧= coming soon

Characters listed in alphabetic order:

Erik "Killmonger" Stevens, A.K.A. Prince N'Jadaka

All For Us 📚

Erik Stevens leaves behind his wife and child to go to Wakanda.

Erik x Samira (OC)

angst

The Temple 📚

Prince N’Jadaka visits The Temple, a place of sacred sexual healing.

N’Jadaka x Aisha (OC)

smut

Black Lace 📓

Erik takes a liking to his girl’s natural scent.

Erik x Quinn (OC)

smut

Baby Body📓

New father Erik realizes his girlfriend isn’t as confident as she used to be, so he decides to do something about it.

Erik x Destiny (OC)

fluff, smut

Don’t Forget About Us 📓

Erik and his ex get that old thang back.

Erik x Kayla (OC)

smut

The Wedding Guest 📓

A lonely girl meets a handsome stranger who turns out to be much more than meets the eye.

Erik x Stevie (OC)

smut

Teamwork 📓

Erik’s girlfriend has been curious about playing with multiple partners at once, and now she’s getting her chance.

Erik x Raven (OC)

smut

M'Baku

Blossoming Ashes: A Troubled Waters Sequel 🚧

Amita Ngani has seen too much darkness over the years, but when an old classmate re-entered her life and brought a certain Jabari chief with her, Amita’s life was forever changed. Will her new life be satisfactory or is there more out there for the formerly dark aziza?

M’Baku x Amita (OC)

angst, smut

Ménage à Trois 📚

Zora works as an assistant for the US Ambassador to Wakanda, and when she gets to see the mysterious country for herself the technology isn’t the only thing that will blow her mind.

T’Challa x Zora (OC) x M’Baku

smut

Ménage à Trois Part Deux 📖

A continuation of Zora’s adventure in Wakanda with her two lovers.

T’Challa x Zora (OC) x M’Baku

smut, fluff

M’Baku’s Love 📚

Inspired by Sylvie’s Love, this story follows M’Baku during his time visiting the Wakandan Outreach Center in Oakland, CA.

M’Baku x Monae (OC)

fluff, smut

Used 📓

M’Baku needs an outlet for his aggression after losing Challenge Day. Luckily, she’s already in his palace waiting for him.

M’Baku x Akila (OC)

smut

Tea and Tattoos 📓

M’Baku gets very close with his new tattoo artist.

M’Baku x Sanaa (OC)

smut

Ready📓

M’Baku’s wife is finally ready to have kids, and he couldn’t be more excited.

M’Baku x Rada (OC)

smut

Girl of His Dreams📓

M’Baku becomes a succubus’ prey.

M’Baku x Akeza (OC)

smut

Her Throne📓

A Ménage à Trois oneshot. Zora decides to have a little fun with her sub.

M’Baku x Zora (OC)

smut

Ramonda

How Ramonda Got Her Groove Back 📖

Queen Mother Ramonda meets a handsome warrior during her brief stay in Jabariland after fleeing Killmonger’s reign.

Ramonda x Kodjo (OC)

fluff, smut

Shuri

Queen Shuri📓

Shuri reluctantly steps into her brother’s shoes while grieving his loss.

angst

T'Challa

Troubled Waters 📚

When King T’Challa’s life is saved by a mysterious woman, his eyes are opened up to a whole new world he never knew existed.

T’Challa x Nia (OC)

angst, smut

Ménage à Trois 📚

Zora works as an assistant for the US Ambassador to Wakanda, and when she gets to see the mysterious country for herself the technology isn’t the only thing that will blow her mind.

T’Challa x Zora (OC) x M’Baku

smut

Ménage à Trois Part Deux 📖

A continuation of Zora’s adventure in Wakanda with her two lovers.

T’Challa x Zora (OC) x M’Baku

smut, fluff

Playlist 📚

On his off-day, King T’Challa makes a visit to the market that could change his life forever.

T’Challa x Ashanti (OC)

fluff, smut, angst

Swimming in Denial 📚

Kali and T’Challa meet in graduate school and become fast friends, but is their relationship truly platonic?

T’Challa x Kali (OC)

fluff, smut, angst

Polaroids📓

Tasha misses her boyfriend T’Challa and plans to send him a gift he won’t forget, but it doesn’t quite work out the way she planned.

T’Challa x Tasha (OC)

fluff, smut

Potential Breakup Fic 📓

T’Challa can’t keep his dick in his pants and his girlfriend is tired of it.

T’Challa x Kiana (OC)

angst

Thunderstorm📓

The king and future queen of Wakanda spend some much-needed quality time together.

T’Challa x Ororo

smut

Homecoming📓

When T’Challa comes back from getting his masters degree, his best friend’s little sister catches his eye.

T’Challa x Hadiza (OC)

smut

Instinct📓

The king tries his best to survive his first heat after becoming the Black Panther.

T’Challa x Xoliswa (OC)

smut

Crossroads Blues📓

A grieving T’Challa meets a strange man at the crossroads.

T’Challa x Monica Lynne

angst, fluff, smut

Thank you for reading and reblogging 💕

Masterlist graphic by @griot-of-wakanda.

#masterlist #cecewritessometimes #black panther fanfiction #killmonger fanfiction #m'baku fanfiction #ramonda fanfiction #shuri fanfiction #okoye fanfiction #nakia fanfiction #t'challa fanfiction #smut #fluff #angst #18+ only

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wildglitch · 3 months

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Spider-man x Batfam Prompt's

Ok so lately I have seen a lot of "Spidy goes to gotham and gets adopted fics" probably cause of Dark Matter by mysterycyclone cause like, duh, that fic is a goddamn masterpiece. But I feel like a lot of them are sort of the same thing with diffrent fonts ans it feels a bit saturated. Not all of them...but most of them.

Am I saying that there needs to be less of these fics? Hell no! Keep writing them please. I just feel like there could be more variety is all.

I suggest maybe try one of these ideas out

1: Peter going straight to the Batfam or other heros (dosent always have to be Batfam) and they try to work together on how to get him home, while slowly realizing "omg, your life is terrible! We want to help you, we do, but maybe we shouldnt and try to give you a better life here. Then its just a moral delema on what to do as they get to know the spider child.

2: maybe another Spider-man is the one that goes to Hotham like Andrew or Toby. Insted of being sent home at the end of NWH, they where accidentally sent to the DCU. Or maybe one of the Spider verse characters or a cartoon version of the character. Dosent always need to be Toms Spider-man.

3: on that same note. Please give more love to What If...Zombies Peter. You guys have no Idea the amount of angst and "haha, my world ended and im fine" potental there is. And you can have the other surviving member also be there as they look for eachother (characters that "survived* (no one survived that episode) are Peter, King T'challa, Scott Lang+cape, and Ig Bruce Baner/Hulk, and Bucky Barnes since we never saw them get turned or eaten) just think about Spidey and the Batfam investigating a lab or sometbing and all of a sudden they find floating head Scott in a crate. Everyone if scared shitless while Peter is crying tires of joy as he moves to hug the floating head. Think about that and tell me Im not on to something here.

4: Have the fic start our like halfway through. Maybe skip him getting to Gotham and have him be there for a few months already or something. This will help with adding more crack fics.

5: Maybe have the fic be that Peter is there for a while, he knows everyone, they know him, they might or might not know the identitys but they trust eachother. And Peter has been looking for a way home and he finally finds it! But... he accidentally brings some of the Batfam with him. So now its the Batfams turn to learn to live in the MCU with help of Spidy and they finally understand so much about him, how he lived, and vigilanties he knows (team red!) As they learn the history and pubilc opinion or Spider-man and the world.

6: Just a react to fic. Yk, those fics where they're stuffed in a room and forced to watch something? Yeah. Have the Dark Matter cast stuffed in a room and watch some MCU clips. It dosent even have to be some magic forth wall bull shit if you dont like that. In chapter 44, Peter and co. are said to be going back to the cave, and Peter still have is suit. Canonically, Karen records everything. Maybe Peter ends up so tired he dosent even want to try to explain everything. So he just hooks up Karen to the computer and and has her show them everything from the suits recordings to security cameras and news reports, to the memes and videos spiderman fans have made.

7: have the Justice League get involed cause "Hes to bright to be one of yours Bruce!" And have him be a honorary member of the league of have them put him on Young Justice. Peter gets adopted by Batfam? Yes. Peter becomeing Bffs with the Young Justice kids and actually forming normal relationships with kids his age? Also yes.

Do I have more? Probably but Im too lazy for it rn

If you for some reason use one of my ideas, pls tag me and maybe credit me for the original idea (but I mostly want to be able to find the fic if you do make it ( o_o) )

Who knows, I might just write some of these myself if I ever get the motivation lol

#writing prompt #fanfic writers #fanfic #spider man #batfam #marvel mcu #mcu #dcu #dc universe #peter parker #dark matter #crossover #crossover fic #fic ideas #please #I have had some on these ideas in my head for so long now TvT #send asks

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luna-rainbow · 10 days

Note

Thanks again for answering my ask and sorry to bombard you with these.

I absolutely agree with you about Bucky and Zemo on TFatWS. This might be long as I have so many thoughts about this. The series seems to fail to understand T'Calla wasn't just someone who helped Bucky although he was of course. He was his friend. The movies don't get everything right with Bucky but I think Bucky and T'Calla's relationship is one of the high points. We don't see them much but when you do you can tell Bucky respected T'Calla immensely and not just because he's a King. He seems to be really genuinely fond of Shuri as well, asking her to call him Bucky instead of the formal Sargeant Barnes.

I know I said it before, but the Wakandans are his friends/his protectors/his adoptive family. He is not just some white guy with colonialist arrogance who expects favours from the African State. If anything its the other way around- he fought because he felt he owed T'Calla and his family a debt.

As such- I do not think he would ever have helped the person who killed T'Callas father. Yes he didn't know T'Chaka, but that is his friend's father. Its like if he found out someone killed Steve's mother and worked with them. Like slapping his friend in the face, and I can't see him doing that.

Also, finally can we talk about how the show robbed us of the emotional impact of T'Challa's death on Bucky? He's sad about Steve leaving but I firmly believe would have grieved for T'Calla too. He's lost not one but two of his best friends within a very short space of time, so he's got grief alongside all his other problems to deal with. Don't know how that man managed to stay sane. Well relatively sane and didn't have a complete breakdown.

Thanks for all the asks!

I love the idea that T'Challa and Bucky had a strong bond. I agree I think Ryan Coogler intended in that short post-credit scene to show that Wakandans have accepted Bucky as part of the family.

The kids are peering down curiously at him as he sleeps, and he doesn't startle, nor does he startle them when he wakes. There's a high degree of mutual trust there. He lives in their community, not in a boxed off high tech room like the one where he was put to sleep. They dressed him in their ethnic clothing and colour-coded it to match Steve. Someone tied (and probably combed) his hair for him when he didn't have a prosthesis. Someone has folded a blue shawl and tied it into a pretty sling to protect the stump of his arm. This is the image of a guy that was being well looked after -- not just in an impersonal, we gotta keep him alive kind of way, but in a what can we do to make his life better kind of way, and if that isn't some sort of family I don't know what is.

I mean...compare with this costume...that looks like some random sweatshirt from some sports brand worn backwards with the extra fabric pinned and pulled over tautly over his right shoulder, complete with the soft elastic cuffs and the weird neckline. Coogler put more effort into a 30 second cameo than TFATWS did for one of Bucky's most emotionally poignant scenes in a series where he's the main character. Sorry I'm never going to pass on an opportunity to shit on the series.

And like yeah, while I don't ship T'Challa and Bucky (I really like T'Challa with Nakia in the MCU), I think they're an underrated dynamic. They strike me as somewhat similar in temperament? Both peace-loving, respectful and compassionate guys, who have a strong sense of loyalty and a fierce streak when someone they love is hurt. And both Bucky and T'Challa are older brothers to younger sisters, and they both have that oldest kid sense of weary responsibility. And for someone who was broken out of 70 years of brainwashing by being reminded of a promise he made, Bucky clearly has a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility.

So yeah, it makes no sense to me that Bucky would actively do something so personally hurtful, so disloyal and irresponsible to T'Challa, without adequate justification.

As for the mourning, yeah. At the time they didn't know how Coogler was planning to write T'Challa out of the story, so that might be why the mourning wasn't in there. To be honest, Bucky's feelings about Steve was handled poorly too. As I've mentioned before, the series avoids actually addressing how Steve's departure played out. Sam and Bucky are sad about Steve's absence, but never talk about the hurtful way Endgame!Steve abandoned both of them, which is far more emotionally relevant. They talk about him as though he had died in a noble sacrifice, not dumped the world on them and went to mess up someone else's timeline.

#bucky barnes #t'challa #asks

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killmongerskeepermain · 1 year

Text

Past Regrets // Shuri

Summary: You made a promise to T'Challa in the events of his secret illness. A promise you couldn't keep without hurting Shuri. If you could change the past, you would.

Pairing: Shuri x Fem!Reader

Warning: Angst // Fluff // Mentioned Character Death // My sorry ass attempt at angst lol //

Words: 2.5k

Bendifuna usisi wam omdala - I needed my older sister.

A/N: As stated this is my sorry excuse for angst. Some of yall are GIFTED. Because yall be making me cry and shit! Lol

You remained still as you heard Ayo announce that you were home. You never thought you'd be back in Wakanda so soon. The phone call was brief but unpleasant. The king, T'Challa had passed on. The man you called your brother. The man who helped you in your dark times. The only one besides Queen Ramonda who understood your reasoning to leave Wakanda behind in the first place. He had requested you be there for the funeral. To console his mother and sister. Giving the Queen words of comfort was easy but Shuri? She will most likely shut you out immediately. After all, you didn't leave on good terms with the princess.

"Y/N. We have arrived." Ayo spoke softly. She always treated you with respect. Even after falling out with your sister Okoye and your ex. Okoye was another thought that caused your stomach to drop. You haven't seen or spoken to her since you left 2 years ago. It was time to face them all as you felt the ship land. You slowly stood as the door opened revealing the soft smile of the Queen and the scowl of the princess. As you step off the aircraft Queen Ramonda was the first to welcome you with a tight hug.

"Thank you for coming back my child." She smiled before you gave a small bow. You made no move to hug Shuri as you spoke to the pair. More so the queen.

"My condolences to you Queen mother. Princess." You locked eyes with Shuri for a second before turning back to her mother. "I hope to offer comfort for your loss." She gave a short nod before motioning to Aneka to show you your room.

“She didn’t have to come back mother. We don’t need her here.”, You winced at the malice in Shuri’s hushed voice before the queen called out to you once more.

"I will be there to speak with you soon Y/N. It's good to have you home." She said as you followed the Dora to your old room. It was still the way you left it. Nothing had been moved out of place.

"I was expecting my room to have been changed into a place where Shuri throws her old projects in." You said and Aneka shook her head.

"Both T'Challa and the Queen insisted nothing be touched in case you ever decided to come back. You ran your fingers over the dresser before biting the bullet. "How's Okoye?" She let out a small sigh before giving you a wide smile.

"She's okay. She was supposed to accompany the family upon your arrival but asked me to come instead." You gave a short laugh as you sat on your bed looking up at the ceiling. "Sounds like her. Thank you Aneka." The Dora dismissed herself as you began to go through your bag, ugly memories flooding back, filling you with sadness.

// Flashback //

"What are you on about now Y/N?" Shuri asked you with her face buried in the sequence before her. Ever since Killmonger attacked a couple of years back she's been stuck in the lab doing any and everything she could possibly think of. Except get good rest and actually eat a meal.

"Shuri you haven't left this lab in weeks. You have to rest for awhile sthandwa." You said in a soft voice but she waved you off. You were trying not to get upset as you watched her speed around the lab. "Shuri I'm serious. Your mother is worried about you. And T'Challa wishes to see his sister more." While it was true you also wished you could tell her the full truth. The truth is T'Challa now has an undisclosed illness. He doesn't want to tell Shuri because of how she'll react. All you can do is try to push her to spend all the time she can with him. As neither you, his mother or he knows when the time will come. "They can easily walk in here if they want to see me so badly."

"After everything that has happened don't you think you should be with them more? Killmonger? Thanos? You all lost so many years after that. Goes to show anything could happen and you all should spend quality time." You said and she froze before throwing her tablet down on the table.

"And how would you know? You didn't get snapped away!"

"No but I had to deal with the loss of all of you! I had to live here while you all were gone! Don't make this seem like I was affected. I just want to help!" You shouted as she was in your face now.

"I don't need help Y/N! Why try to fix what isn't broken? Everything is fine. Everyone is fine. We don't need a family therapy session." She spat and you dropped your shoulders in defeat.

"I'm just saying anything can happen, Shuri." You spoke as she turned her back to continue working. You looked up at the ceiling to keep the tears from falling down your face. You didn't want to tell her why you pushed so hard for them to spend time. Not during a fight. But it was now or never. "I'm leaving Wakanda." She spun on her heels as you stared at the floor not wanting to see her reaction.

"This is not a time for jokes Y/N." She said and your eyes found hers. Disbelief floating around her orbs and you bit your lip. Realization crossed her features when you didn't respond and you swore you saw a flash of anger quickly replace it. "Seriously. You're leaving me." You didn't want her to think that way and opened your mouth to speak before the door to the lab opened as Okoye entered.

"You two can be heard all the way down the hall. Can you just make up and relax?" She questioned before looking between you. You avoided Shuri's stare as she burned holes through your face. "What is going on?"

"Go ahead Y/N. Tell her." You sadly sighed as you were put on the spot. You had planned it out how to let everyone down gently. Including Okoye. "Tell her! What are you scared of your big sister now?" You tilted your head at her outburst before Okoye stood in front of you.

"I'm leaving. Leaving Wakanda for awhile." You mumbled and she went rigid as you searched her face for a reaction. Anything. But it seems she was still in her Dora Milaje state as the princess was present. It hurt.

"Since you're leaving, Okoye will see you out." Ouch

"Shuri-"

"You've said enough now, get out. Go enjoy your life. You won't be missed here." You turned to your sister for help but she stood tall without as much as a word. You scoffed at the two before exiting the lab with haste not bothering to look back.

// End of Flashback //

And you haven't turned back until now. A soft knock interrupted your thoughts and you turned to see Queen Ramonda with a smile on her lips. She scammed your face and could tell you were having an internal battle with yourself. Without a word she pulled you into a hug rubbing your back with words of comfort. "Everything will be alright Y/N."

"I'm supposed to be comforting you remember?" You laughed and she rubbed your arms.

"I think it is best if you talk to her. Maybe it will do you both some good."

"Some good? She's probably going to ignore me until I force her to talk. After our last fight, I'm sure she doesn't want anything to do with me."

"I beg to differ. She still isn't aware of the reason you left. Her brother never got the chance to tell her." She said and you felt your body freeze up. She still just thinks you just up and left. You gave a small nod as she kissed the top of your head before moving to leave you to your thoughts. You couldn't find the strength to move from your spot as you tried to think of what to say. 'Hey I'm sorry I left but you needed to hang out with your brother before he died?' Sounds like the perfect icebreaker. Pushing your braids out of your face you gathered your courage before making your way to the lab. Your palms started to sweat as you balled your fists trying to calm your nerves. Upon entering you lowered your eyes to the ground, hearing all the commotion around you. Then you heard her.

"It's simple really. But I'm sure you tried your best." She spoke to a scientist before she turned to walk the other way. Her being froze when she met your gaze and you bit the inside of your cheek. "Is there something you need?"

"No I'm just-"

"Then you have no reason to be in my lab." She spat and you sighed. She's still mad. Why wouldn't she be?

"Princess if you just hear me out." You tried to reason with her before she dropped her things and turned to look at you. Memories of your last fight came rushing back but you held your ground, refusing to be intimidated. She grew taller and now stood over you but you had a promise to keep.

"There's nothing for me to hear. You said what you had to say the last time you were in here. Now leave." She said with authority in her voice, leaving you a bit irritated. "Now you're hard of hearing? I said leave."

"I am not one of your scientists, Shuri. You will NOT speak to me as such. So stop acting like a child and let's talk." You retorted, dropping all formalities as she held an unreadable look in her eyes.

"Leave us." She said in a low voice before all of the scientists scurried out of the room. "You have some nerve."

"Oh I have plenty. But I made a promise to your brother to be there for you and Queen Ramonda. And I plan to keep it whether you like it or not." Your words held her attention and she stood a few steps away from you. You held her stare before another familiar voice spoke out to you.

"I can hear you both all the way down the hall. Can we not talk in a civilized manner without going at each other's throats?" Okoye scorned and you lowered your gaze to the floor. Even after not seeing her for years you still felt intimidated by the older woman.

"We were just talking." Your words came out mumbled and Shuri scoffed.

"Now you're afraid of your older sister? What happened to all that nerve Y/N? You had so much of it when you got up and left. Left your home. My mother and brother. Okoye. You left me." She spat in your face and you swear you could hear your heart beating through your ears.

"But I had a good reason. You'd know that if you'd just listen to me." Shuri threw up her hands as she turned away from you. She was done with the conversation and won’t even listen to your reasoning.

"T'Challa wanted to give everything he could to everyone before he passed. Nakia, Queen Ramonda, you! He chose to suffer in silence so he could make that happen." You were trying so hard to keep it together in front of them. "His last hope for me. He wanted me to finish my education back in the states. Finish where I left off before he became king. He felt bad for me having to pause my education. He wanted me to make something of myself and then come back here to stand by your side! I was supposed to graduate BEFORE he died." You had tears rolling down your cheeks as you let out all the pain you held in your body. "You think you were the only one who was hurting?! He told me he was sick and to keep it to myself until he told you himself. I was going to tell you anyway but you were just so angry and unreasonable that day I said I was just leaving. I didn't want to tell you while we were fighting! I didn't want to leave but I respected T'Challa's wishes because he treated me like I was part of the family."

"Y/N maybe we should-

"And you! After everything I begged you to help me figure out how to talk to her before I left. But you kept saying the princess had things to do or the princess is busy. The princess did not need distractions. You never understood how I felt! You were always in Dora mode! Why do you think I don't talk to you!" You screamed as she stood tall but you could see tears starting to form. Her mask was failing.

"I didn't need the General of the Dora Milaje to tell me what to do! Bendifuna usisi wam omdala!"(I needed my older sister!) The words slipped past your lips in Xhosa and Okoye let the tear fall down her face. "I needed my sister. I needed you! And you both pushed me away." The silence that engulfed the room became too much for you to handle so you quickly thought of a way to run and hide. Something you were used to doing. You wiped your face before fixing your composure. "I'm sorry for bothering you princess."

You turned on your heels leaving the two in silence as you went back to your room. You walked over to the balcony and leaned on the railing. The wind breezed past you and you let your eyes close to take in the comforting feeling. You felt your body sway a little as you thought back to simpler times. Times where you and Shuri would pull limitless pranks on T'Challa. Having dinner with the family. Okoye giving you sisterly advice. Your first kiss with Shuri. Letting out a sigh you felt a presence behind you and turned to see Queen Ramonda standing with her hands intertwined.

"My apologies for interrupting you dear." She smiled as she joined you outside. "Ayo informed me of your conversation with Shuri."

"Wouldn't call it a conversation. More of a screaming match. And I did most of the screaming." You said as you found yourself in her motherly embrace. "I didn't mean to yell. It's like something snapped and I couldn't hold it all in anymore."

"It's alright child. I'm not angry with you. Honestly I'm happy you let it out. Give Shuri some things to think about."

"Queen mother. Maybe it was a mistake coming back." You whispered and she gave a soft smile.

"There are no mistakes. But if you feel as if this is not for you, I'll get the jet prepared to take you back home." She rubbed your arms and you shook your head.

"I promised T'Challa I'd give my support. To both you and the princess. It hurts, yes. But I won't break that promise. It's the last thing he wished for me." She gave a small nod. Her silence was deafening but deep down you knew she understood. She understood everything. “I’ll stay. But I’ll make sure to be out of the way. I won’t cause any more trouble.” Ramonda gave a short scoff as she hugged you tighter. A familiar warmth washed over you as you brought your own arms around the Queen. A warmth you refuse to let go of a second time.

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mbakuxblackpanther · 7 months

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Meeting the Jabari leader

Requested❌

Warnings or triggers: none

Characters: Shuri, Tchalla, Queen Ramonda, Mbaku, nakia, okoye, kuba(m'baku's helper)

Story type: MbakuxReader

This is my first imagine on this page so it may be a little bad but it'll get better as I write more of them😂

Excuse any errors and Enjoy the story!

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Y/n pov:

I was in shuri's lab helping her make parts for T'challa's new suit when she called me over to her. "Y/n come here please" she said. "Yes princess" I said laughing. She hated when I called her that considering I was her bestfriend. "Bast y/n please stop with the formalities I beg of you" she said sighing playfully. We both laughed and sat down. "Your help is needed in jabariland. They are having trouble with their trading system and are in need of a Trade manager." Shuri said. "What will the job consist of?" I asked nervously. I didn't like talking in front of people or presenting things. I was very shy and quiet. "Nothing much all you have to do is help the Jabari tribe manage their trading business with the merchant tribe" shuri said. "Oh ok. That doesn't seem too hard" I said taking a breath of relief. "Very well your flight leaves tomorrow. Here are your communication devices in case you need me for anything." Shuri said handing me a kimoyo bead bracelet. "Thank you so much shuri." I said pulling her into a hug. We parted ways and prepared for my departure. The next morning I packed my suit cases and waited outside with shuri. Today was also the day T'challa returned home from his mission with Nakia. Suddenly, I felt a big blast of air wash over me. I looked up and noticed the royal talon fighter landing. The king-to-be and nakia stepped out of the aircraft. Shortly after, the dora Milagé came to take nakia and prepare her for the upcoming ceremony. "So suprised my sisters both came to see me before our big day" tchalla said smiling at us. I wasn't his real sister but tchalla always treated me like family. Every since me and shuri became besties at 7 years old he's always referred to me as his sister. "You wish, Im here for the emp beads I've developed an update. I'm also here to see y/n off for her departure" shuri said smartly. "Update? But it works perfectly" tchalla replied. "How many times do i have to teach you, just because something works doesn't mean that it cannot be improved." Shuri said to tchalla. "You are teaching me? What do you know?" Tchalla said as he handed the kimoyo beads to shuri. "More than you." She said while walking off to the royal talon. "I can't wait to see what kind of update you make to your ceremonial outfit" tchalla said. shuri flipped him off as she walked away to take me to the royal talon. "Shuri!" Queen Ramonda said. "Sorry mother" shuri said quickly putting her middle finger down. Shuri walked with me to the royal talon. Okoye was going to be taking me to Jabariland. "If you need anything use your kimoyo beads to contact me" shuri said pulling me into a hug. "I will. See you later shuri" I said getting into the aircraft. Shuri waved to me as the royal talon took off into the air.

*timeskip*

"Y/n we are here." Okoye said. As we landed in Jabariland, I grabbed my suitcases and prepared to go to my chamber where I'd be staying (imagine a big room but with fur couches/ furniture and big windows). "Y/n Mbaku wishes to speak with you" Kuba said leading me to him. *what could he possibly want? it is 12:00am* I thought. Kuba led me to M'baku's room. I was greeted by two female guards with both of them standing at each side of the door. "Ulapha ukuza kubona inkokeli yesizwe" (she's here to see the tribe leader) Kuba spoke in Xhosa. The two guards nodded and motioned for me to walk into the room. "Welcome to Jabariland" Mbaku said with a deep,raspy voice. He was very sleepy considering it was now 12:15am. "Thanks for the welcome" I said smiling. "I have some things I wanted to give you" Mbaku replied reaching into his closet. As he looked through the items, my eyes scanned his body. He was very tall with curly black hair, had strong muscles, and thick thighs. I find him very attractive. I was knocked out of my daydreaming by a hand waving in my face. "Hellooo y/n you there?" Mbaku asked. "Yes I'm sorry I was daydreaming." Mbaku chuckled at my slightly embarrassed face. "Here are some of the things you may need for your stay here." He said. I was given a warm blanket, documents for managing the trading business, and also a brand new wooden spear. "What's the spear for?" I asked. *i thought only warriors get those* "you are new to jabariland. It would be rude if I didn't give you anything to protect yourself now wouldn't I?" Mbaku replied. *he does have a point.* I thought. "Thank you for the gifts" I said smiling happily. "No problem nkosazana ." Mbaku said smiling happily at me.

*time skip*

As I prepared for bed, the events of the day flooded my mind and a particular word came to me. *Nkosazana I wonder what that means* I thought. I tried to go to sleep but the word kept ringing in my brain. I thought of an idea and quickly grabbed my kimoyo beads that shuri gave me. *it has an automated ai voice system that can answer any question I have. Almost like the internet but better* "Griot" I spoke into the bracelet. "Yes y/n. What May I help you with?" Griot the ai voice said. "Transalate the word Nkosazana into English and tell me the language." I replied. "The word Nkosazana means "princess" in English and comes from the Xhosa language." Griot spoke. "Thank you Griot" I said.

*princess. He called me princess* i thought.

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Thank you for reading! This is my first imagine so it may be a lil cringe but I promise it gets better 😂let me know if y'all want a part two. I also take requests.

#mbaku imagine #Jabariland #black panther #princess shuri #attuma #namor x reader #comic books #wattpad

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giodoodless · 1 year

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okay but i love M'baku??? he's genuinely funny and cute, strong and caring, and i find it amazing his change from black panther to wakanda forever, 'cause you clearly see he did. Including the other tribes like The Jabari to the council and opening up to the rest of the country changed their relationships, as everyone finally have an alliance that for many centuries did not exist, as Wakanda isolated itself from the rest.

M'baku telling Shuri he had promised T'challa he'd advise and support her just-- [cries]. The way he looked so proud when Shuri came back from the desert with Namor alive and side by side with him MY GOD I'M ALREADY CRYING JUST FROM REMEMBERING!!!!

All the tribes and their respective leaders looking at him with big and proud smiles as he says he wants to take the challenge for the throne AND HE'S PROBABLY KING OF WAKANDA NOW LIKE--

That's such a huge character development and i honestly hope to see more of him :')

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luimnigh · 6 months

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Let's Rate The New Champions!

So, this month Marvel is doing a run of themed variant covers. Each cover depicts a design for a teenage sidekick of the star of each book. This is inspired by the recent creation of Spider-Boy, aka Bailey Briggs, a young boy who claims to have been Peter Parker's sidekick for the last three years, but who all memories and evidence of his existence have been erased from reality.

So the idea is that all these characters are sidekicks that existed, but had their existence erased.

The weird thing is that Marvel didn't call these the "Teen Sidekick" covers, they're calling them the "New Champions" covers- the Champions being an existing team of teenage superheroes.

Almost as if they're saying they want to make actual characters of these covers.

As a resident fan of a Marvel character spawned by a run of themed variant covers inspired by a character created for a Spider-Man storyline, I thought I'd give my thoughts on each, propose a name and secret origin, and rate each concept.

Now, I am not an artist or a character designer, I am absolute layperson, the opinions expressed within are merely my own impressions.

So let's begin with:

Comments: I really like this. It's fairly simple but the pearlescent colours really add an oomph to the design. She looks like she either has hard light or magical powers, and they look really neat. And I really like the clawed fingertips on her gloves, tieing her back with Black Panther.

Secret Origin: Probably a tech or magic prodigy, out to defend Wakanda. I know T'Challa is no longer King in his current run, and is dealing with internal struggles, so maybe she's someone trying to step up and fill the void.

Hero Name: Is Neon Panther too obvious? ...wait is this design a Nyan Cat reference?

Score: 8/10. Just a really solid design.

Comments: That's Timothée Chalamet. That is Timothée Chalamet as a teenage boy version of Doctor Strange.

Secret Origin: Well, due to Strange not learning magic until he was an adult, "Time Travelling Teenage Strange" is out. Honestly, Strange is old enough to have a teenage kid, but also Strange is married to a woman from the Dark Dimension who is half-energy being, so who knows how quickly a child of theirs would age. If we're going with the idea that these characters were erased from existence, "Strange's Son" is a workable idea.

Hero Name: Well Dr Strange is the guy's real name, so this kid would probably just be Timmy Strange. Or whatever first name you wanna give him. Not Adam Strange, though, that's owned by DC.

Score: 5/10. It's not bad, it's just not creative.

Comments: Yes. Punk Rock Thing? Absolutely Yes. Fantastic design, oozes personality, the background gives a clear idea of character to this kid. I love it.

Secret Origin: The aforementioned Yancy Street is Ben Grimm's home turf. In the past, he's done some work combating gangs and mentoring the kids there. So this is a kid who's grown up in a bad neighbourhood, but has had a big-name superhero who grew up in the area keeping an eye out for them and their friends. At some point, they got caught up in a Fantastic Four adventure, get hit by cosmic rays, and become a Thing, so Ben takes them under his wing. They become a protector of their neighbourhood.

Hero Name: Wild Thing. Punk Rock. Spike. Take your pick of stone-based puns.

Score: 10/10, no notes. It's a punk rock Thing with stalagmites for spikes, it's a perfect idea.

Comment: Maybe I just like the punk look, but this is fucking adorable. This is a tween kid, who upon developing weather powers has decided she wants to be like Storm, and specifically she wants to be like Storm in her punk phase. Good taste, kid.

Secret Origin: X-Men are really easy to justify giving teenage sidekicks to, because even when they don't have a school, they're usually inviting mutant kids to come live in their mutant communities to escape violence anyway. So, X-Men, Mutant, fan of Storm.

Hero Name: I've heard people use Maystorm for this kid, but I don't know of that's an official name or not. If it is, may I suggest a real name of April Showers for pun value.

Score: 9/10.

Comment: On first glance: generic. It's just a kid version of White Vision. Gotta love MCU synergy. And there's already a teenage Vision, his daughter Viv. But there's an extra layer to this that they could use. White Vision was a version of Vision that was rebuilt after being destroyed, without his memories or personality. With his flight and intangibility, the ghost symbolism is obvious. So, symbolically, what we have here is a robot ghost child.

Secret Origin: Like I said, Robot Ghost Child. I mean, if you want to break the rule on these being new characters, there's an obvious candidate: Vin Vision, Vision's dead son from The Visions. A ghost of his son, haunting his and his daughter's lives.

Hero Name: Probably something kinda poetic, like "The Spectre of Vision".

Score: 5/10 for basic concept, points docked for lack of creativity and an already existing teenage version of the character, 8/10 if they decide to make them a Robot Ghost Child.

Comments: Okay, first off: Blade already has a teen sidekick, his daughter Brielle aka Bloodline. And as a result of that, I almost dismissed the design as merely okay. Then I had to describe everything this guy is wearing, and I realized that this design fucks severely. Two belts? Three necklaces? A fishnet sleeve under a elbow brace? Dude's stepped right of Final Fantasy to kill vampires and get into a homoerotic rivalry.

Secret Origin: Well, he's here to kill vampires. He was probably traumatised by vampires at some point. He probably started out hunting vampires on his own, crossed paths with Blade, and Blade took him under his wing.

Hero Name: ...I'm trying to think of a name based on blood or a bladed weapon, but I got nothing.

Score: 8.5/10.

Comments: Adorable. Like, maybe too adorable. That's either a very young kid, or that species is naturally quite small. I do love that they went with something more non-human.

Secret Origin: Absolutely some alien kid who looks up to Star Lord.

Hero Name: Squid Lord.

Score: 8/10.

Comments: Could Nora Valkyrie and Pyrrha Nikos please come pick up their child? No, but seriously, this really works. Like, it's recognisably Magneto-inspired while having it's own colour palette and identity. She clearly has hard-light abilities rather than Magneto's magnetism, but the top left also seems to imply hacking as part of her powerset as well. Perhaps that's justified by the electro- part of electromagnetism? Y'know, interesting direction to take it.

Secret Origin: ...look, I don't want to call Magneto a slut, but this would not be the first time he had a child who just reappeared in his life. If she's like, fifteen, then she would have been conceived soon before he made his debut on the world stage. Given how she favours his aesthetic, she may have even been brought up knowing he was her father, unlike the rest of his children. Probably idolizes him to an extent.

Hero Name: I've seen a lot of people suggest Magenta. I feel that maybe that could be her real name, though? Her being named after his pseudonym would be interesting. As for the hero name, though? Well, Monica Rambeau isn't using Spectrum right now, and that's a term in both light and electromagentism...

Score: 8.5/10

Comments: Y'know, I'd once again point out that there is a teenage Venom around... but given that's the white symbol on his chest, I think that could be Dylan Brock. Anyway, adorably creepy, clearly a kid. The question is: Alien or Demon? Venom is an alien, but Inferno (2022) did put Venom into contact with demons. And they do kinda look Dracula-inspired...

Secret Origin: Maybe alien, maybe demon, either way looks to be a Venom fan. Honestly, probably some sort of baby that's imprinted on Venom and follows them around like a lost puppy. A very deadly lost puppy. With the fluffy ruff? Nobility of some kind, too. A alien/demon prince.

Hero Name: I kinda want to do something with "bite", but I also think they could just be "The Prince In Black" to match Eddie Brock's current "King In Black" title.

Score: 7/10. Point docked for there already being a teenage Venom, who even has own sidekick in Rascal.

Comments: The problem with trying to make a Wolverine sidekick is twofold: one, Wolverine already has plenty of sidekicks. Two, there's already plenty of Wolverines. This person is competing with Fang aka Daken aka Akihiro, Talon, Laura Kinney, Gabby Kinney, Bellona, and Jimmy Hudson. And that's just counting the ones that I know are alive. And even the concept of a "more feral Wolverine" isn't even unique or original. It's just another Wolverine.

Secret Origin: ...the one thing that I keep looking at is that foot. It doesn't really strike me as Wolverine-y. It feels more... Sabertooth. So fuck it, let's pull a Conner Kent: they're a person who was made from the DNA of both Logan and Sabertooth, to try and create the ultimate killer. Logan's taking them under his wing to try and make sure the kid grows up to be a better person than either of them, hoping that nurture beats out both the natures in them.

Hero Name: Well, "Feral" is already taken, so fucked if I know.

Score: 4/10. Unoriginal, and the position's already filled multiple times over from multiple different directions.

Comments: There's already a Kid Deadpool. Kidpool. He was a member of the Deadpool Corps. He died in Deadpool Kills Deadpool, the second sequel to Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe Vol 1. This design is just Deadpool as a teenage boy, and that's not even a unique idea.

Secret Origin: Fuck it, clone. Can't be a biological son, both because that would undermine the previous storylines surrounding Deadpool's daughter, and if he was as much older than Ellie as he looks, he'd have been born before Deadpool got his powers. So clone.

Hero Name: Probably just Teen Deadpool or something. Teenpool.

Score: 4/10. I'd score him lower but Wade seems to like him.

Comments: Cyberpunk Rollerskating Teen Girl Ghost Rider. I fucking love it. Like, being a Ghost Rider makes anything fucking metal, but the contrast between "teen girl on rollerskates" and "flaming skull demon of vengeance" really adds to the cool factor. The digital design to the skull also adds a unique quality, and it's not unprecedented, Robbie Reyes' skull is also more artificial that his two predecessors. It's clearly a Ghost Rider without being a copy of prior designs. Absolutely perfect.

Secret Origin: Well, from what I know from Tumblr is that teen girls like the occult, so I can imagine this girl summoning her demon of vengeance herself. But fitting the cyberpunk angle, rather than bullies I think she was probably out to get some corporation that was running riot over her community. Ghost Rider likely then heard stories of a demon of vengeance wrecking havoc on evildoers in the area, and went to check it out, and that's when he met her.

Hero Name: Firewire, the Unholy Roller.

Score: 10/10. I've seen some argue that Robbie Reyes already fits the Teen Ghost Rider niche, but he's alway been more of a Young Adult, so no points docked.

Comments: Speaking of contrasts, one of the major points that basically every popular version of the Hulk does is contrast brains and brawn. Every human side of a Hulk is an intelligent person, to contrast the brawn of the Hulk form. Bruce is a genius scientist, Jennifer is fantastic lawyer, and Amadeus (the existing teenage Hulk!) is the seventh smartest person in the world. So making a Hulk that's a dumbass, as the image implies, removes a layer of complexity from the character. Aside from that: it's just a blonde Hulk.

Origin Story: The only interesting thing I can think of is making him a kid who drove onto a nuclear testing range, but unlike Rick Jones, he didn't have a friendly scientist to save him. Then he probably seeks out Hulk himself, to help control his powers.

Hero Name: I dunno, Bulk?

Score: 4/10. It's just... so unoriginal. So close to the original.

Comments: It's the Mark 1 Iron Man suit with wings. So it kinda looks like he's taking inspiration from Mach, the former villain turned hero who changes his codename every time he upgrades his suit. Despite there already being a teenager in an Iron Man suit, Riri Williams, this one actually does provide a contrast with her by using the clunkier, more primitive design of the Mark 1.

Secret Origin: As the original, there's been multiple versions of the Mark 1 armour over the years. Not a far reach to assume one was destroyed at some point, and it's remains went unrecovered until this kid found it, fixed it up, and decided to use it. Tony, having a history of bad things happening when he loses control over his tech, likely went out to confiscate it, saw the kid being a hero with it, and gave his approval.

Hero Name: Honestly, Mark-1 sounds like a hero name already.

Score: 7/10.

Comments: Well, it's just someone in Miles' suit, but with long dreadlocks. Not the most creative, to be completely honest, but it does an eye-catching distinction. However, I think this someone is supposed to be a girl, and that does imply something specific going on here...

Secret Origin: Miles Morales had a Clone Saga of his own a couple years back. So, in the tradition of Ultimate Universe Spider-Men: a girl clone of Miles. This time we can probably have discussions of gender dysphoria and explicit comparisons to being transgender as part of her story. Give everyone who wanted more out of Ultimate Jessica Drew exactly what they want.

Hero Name: There's already five people sharing the name Spider-Woman, one more won't hurt.

Score: 7.5/10, not the most creative, but extra points for the potential for social commentary.

Comments: Oooh, I like this. The hat, hood and facemask gives him a sort of Bedouin-inspired look that really works with Moon Knight's Egyptian origins. And I love the little throwing moons between his fingers, and the armoured gloves, clearly this kid is nearly as violent as Moon Knight usually is. This design overall works pretty well.

Secret Origin: It is my understanding of Khonshu that it would be totally in-character for him to resurrect a dying child to be a Fist of Khonshu, and then dump him on Moon Knight to take care of and train him. Which would lead to conflict between Moon Knight and Khonshu, and also inner conflict as Mark/Steven/Jake could see this as them training their eventual replacement, while also grappling with the morality of putting this life on a kid.

Hero Name: Well, unfortunately Moon Boy is taken. Moon Squire? The Lunar Page?

Score: 8/10.

Comments: The more I look at this the more I like it. It's not an incredibly striking design, it's quite subtle and simple, but it's well-put together and it does grow on you. I didn't even notice the horns the first few times I looked at her. It looks similar enough to Wanda's current outfit in the comics that it's easy to see them as team, without being a direct copy.

Secret Origin: Well, there's probably a demonic or eldritch component to it. Honestly, Wanda recently absorbed Chthon, maybe she accidentally a magic baby using part of a demon again. Give her a kid to raise who isn't off ruling the Kree-Skrull Empire or wherever Tommy is nowadays.

Hero Name: Stellar Witch?

Score: 8/10.

Comments: So, interesting contrast with the other Hulk on this list, the cover ultimately gives us less information about who she is, but given that I didn't like the last guy's information, that ultimately comes off as a bonus. Comparing her to the motorcycle, she appears to be the smallest Hulk we've ever seen, and I like the contrast of small size/physical powerhouse. The design is very civilian, but that does work for a Hulk

Secret Origin: In the spirit of She-Hulk, let's say she became a Hulk due to a medical emergency. Childhood cancer, experimental gamma-ray treatment gone wrong, activates a latent mutation, permanent Hulking like She-Hulk used to be. She met Jennifer Walters when her parents hired her sue the hospital. They won the case when Bruce testified that without a latent mutation in her DNA, the amount of Gamma rays she was subjected to would have killed her.

Hero Name: Hulk Girl. Hulk names usually aren't creative.

Score: 7.5/10. Not the most creative, but some effort put in.

Comments: Okay, giving Black Cat an apprentice does seem like a cool idea. I do like the jacket over the jumpsuit, and the inversion of Felicia's usual colours. Though I do question a thief dressed in bright white, it's probably not the most impractical thief outfit in this image.

Secret Origin: Well, given the shared hair colour, I'd suggest they're related. Cousins, maybe? I know Felicia apparently has a niece, maybe it's her nephew. At the very least, I think he sought her out to learn from the best, rather that her deciding to take someone under her wing while spotting them out thieving.

Hero Name: I'm sure there's a White Cat out there, so instead I'm going to suggest Calico.

Score: 7/10.

Comments: Now here's one that went in an interesting direction with the assignment. The suit is very Steve Rogers, but the wings harken towards Sam Wilson. Taking elements of both Captains America, and making something new out of them. The insect-like design of the wings make them distinct from Sam's. They almost look like they could belong to The Wasp. The hexagonal paneling and the way they glow makes it look like they're made with hard-light.

Secret Origin: Honestly, she looks like she could be the daughter of Janet Van Dyne and Steve Rogers, so why not just make her the alternate-universe daughter of Janet Van Dyne and Steve Rogers, stuck on Earth-616. She traveled to this universe, chasing a villain, but found herself unable to return home after the villain stole her travel device. The whole "all evidence of her existence being erased" thing would hit harder for her, as this would be the second time that people who are supposed to be her parents don't know who she is.

Hero Name: I'm torn between Glowbug, for the glowing wings; or Doodlebug, for Yankee Doodle.

Score: 8.5/10

Comments: Once again: there's already an existing teenage version of Captain Marvel. You may have heard of her. Aside from that, I do like how he takes elements from both Carol's Ms Marvel and Captain Marvel outfits, and I do have to give it props for being one of only two designs here where a male sidekick is taking inspiration from a female character. I do wonder why this teenager seems to be working with the US Air Force, though.

Secret Origin: Actually, that gives me an idea: this kid's parents work for the US Air Force. One night, he wanders out onto a restricted part of the base, and stumbles on an Air Force experiment that goes wrong and ends up empowering him. The Air Force goes "it's free supersoldier" and starts sending him on missions. Carol finds out, and after blowing up at the Air Force for deciding to employ a child soldier, takes the kid under her wing.

Hero Name: Well, Marvel Boy is taken, and so is Captain Marvel Jr. How about another one of Carol's aliases: Warbird.

Score: 7.5/10.

Comments: Oh this is fucking awesome. I've seen people say she looks like Jinx Arcane/LoL, and yeah I see that, but it still looks absolutely rad. Her mace has a very interesting design, and it's clear that she has lightning powers, which connect her to Thor, but the Ravens are usually symbolic of Odin. Almost as it trying to say she's connected to both. A lineage.

Secret Origin: In myth, Thor has three biological children. Magni and Modi, his two sons, have been explained in Marvel comics as existing in a prior version of the Aesir, from before a previous Ragnarök. But no such explanation exists for the lack of Thor's daughter, þrùdr, or Thrúd. With both visual references to Odin and Thor in her design, she clearly looks like she's supposed to be related to both, and this character being Thrud would do that. Thor's daughter, who's existence was erased from reality, but who's name is still uttered in the Poetic Edda. Hell of a concept.

Hero Name: Even if she's not Thor's daughter, I'd still vote to call her Thrud. Have his sidekick be mistaken in myth for his daughter.

Score: 10/10. Absolutely great. No notes. Surprised she doesn't exist already.

So in conclusion, a lot of great concepts mixed in with a few not-so-great ones. I don't think all of these should be introduced to the 616, but a couple of these would work as great additions. Personally, I'd predict the Thorsdottir has the best shot of actually coming into existence, purely for the fact that she'd work as MCU synergy, with MCU!Thor now being a dad. And I can't be mad at that, she's one of the best concepts here.

#marvel #marvel comics #new champions

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