T rouses from his sleep, feeling revived and fresh. He instinctively reaches for Erik who's..gone. He sighs disappointed. He looks at the clock on the night stand, it's 0600 hrs. He still has an extra hour to sleep in.
He stretches his limbs, stares at the ceiling. Thinking of ways to start his off day. E has been very convincing. T doesn't want him pulling any more fire alarms. He's done overworking, although this may vary accordingly in the near future.
He hears tiny feeble paws pad across the room. Kali prances onto the bed, crawls onto his chest. After a morning rub and cuddle, he slips out of bed. He goes to the window outlooking the gardens. He watches Erik in a jiujitsu session. He gets flipped onto his back. Sensei looks up to see the cause of this distraction. He see T'challa and bows down. He exits from the windows view.
He heads for the kitchen. He waits for the water in the kettle to get hot.
He gets the idea to go exploring in Erik's room. He picks up Kali, they head down the hall.
_*_*_*_
T feels a gentle squeeze on his ass. He's already back ? He watches Erik go into the bathroom. T lays on top of the covers. He found his baby shower gift in Erik's closet. A big light blue box wrapped up in white lace glitter ribbons.The contents lay sprawled across the bed.
A Onesie - with a pink paw in the middle
Picture frame
A book of firsts
DND Sleeping mask
A short picture book titled Oakland.
Erik joins his side in a bath robe.
' I was ,.. waiting for the right time. '
' I'm glad I beat you to it. '
' Baby, do you want kids ? '
' I don't know. '
' Whatchu mean by that ? '
' I like kids, but I don't know if I want to be a parent. '
' Wt bt Lil Su ? '
T sighs clearly uncomfortable.
' Baba was light skin. I thought..'
T'challa glances at the clock on the stand, it's already noon.
' I don't want you to get late. '
' I got this. '
He watches him slip off the bed, shed his robe onto the floor, Quickly slaps on some lotion on his skin and hurriedly hobble into his boxers. For this next part, T'challa pulls the covers up to his nose. Erik generously applies the deodorant spray. He'll have to open up all the windows after he's gone.
Erik throws on one of those fancy white dresses ( thobe ) with the golden embroidery. The weather is kinda hot. He presses a quick kiss onto T'challa's cheek. He dashes off to work.
Outside looks good. He opens the door to the garden, goes onto the lawn barefoot. Shirtless, in half of his silk pajama set with the robe floating in the wind. He waves his hand dismissively. He doesn't want to be followed. The sun is warm on his neck, the lush soft grass feels cool against his feet.
He walks down to the rose bush, he sees nanny from the corner of his eye. She spreads a cream cotton quilt on the grass and arranges some pillows around. He approaches her, eyeing the quilt. It does look enticing. Nanny bows and offers her hand. He declines, eases himself slowly onto it.
' King T'challa, I'm thinking a small picnic basket. Wine, fruits, a charcuterie board. '
' Sounds excellent. Come back after an hour. '
T sheds his robe and lays back soaking in the sun. He hears some footsteps approach him. Naeka is becoming annoying.
' Smile. ' He puts his hands up shielding himself from the camera.
' Shuri ! ' She snaps anyways.
' While we toil...' she complains as she joins him on the grass.
' Where are your lab assistants ? '
' Where is lastborn ? '
T'challa smiles. Probably putting a hole in Wakanda.
' Mmmm...food. '
Shuri appraises as Nanny brings the picnic basket. The servants in the back with some picnic chairs. He's glad, he'd started to get uncomfortable on the hard ground. Nanny gets down on her knees but Shuri wants some alone with brother.
' I got it. Thank you. ' she dismisses
They make some sandwiches down it with sweet wine.
' Let's go for a stroll. '
T'challa throws on some olive green sweats and a cap. Princess is all smiles as they stroll down into the market arms interlinked. Looking around making random commentary. This day is golden. No flashes, nobody hounding him for attention.
At 1400 hrs he watches Shuri board a hoverboard bike, hurrying back to relieve Erik. He makes it back to the palace on foot, slow. Savouring every moment. Drunk old man falling into the bushes, women with sisal baskets full of groceries, babies running around playing.
Back at the palace, he's glad to be out of the sun. He lounges in a recline chair trying to read his new book. His distracted by the growling in his stomach. Nanny comes by with a tray.
' Your highness. I'm thinking it's time for a light meal. '
' What do we have ? '
He wolfs down his chicken sandwich, ceaser salad and a low fat yoghurt.
Kali drops a ball at his feet. It's time to play catch. Nanny takes Kali out to the gardens. T'challa can now see why Erik is so spoilt.
It's too silent, he gets into his head. He was upset when Nakia told him that she was pregnant, but now.. he's just hurt and frustrated. He worries that priorities like marriage and kids are slipping away from him.
He feels a breeze on his face. Nanny to the rescue with a fan.
' My King, you look tense. '
' Naeka. '
T smiles resigned as the worry lines furrow into his forehead.
' It's been a rough week. '
' What do you suggest ? '
T'challa ends up on the massage table. He lets the masseuse work his magic. Paying extra attention to his neck and shoulders. After a quick shower and change of clothes, he sees red rose petals leading into the veranda. Nanny has set a table for two , by the bonfire. The sun is dipping into the horizon. She's about to head is out.
' My King, will you let me order you a starter while you wait for Prince Njadaka ? '
' It's ok. I'll wait. '
Kali wants a cuddle, T'challa is suprised that she still sucks on his thumb. She's still a baby. Nanny hands him a pacifier on her way out. He hears the chopper on the roof. Erik is home.
He feels a kiss on his cheek, Erik joins him on the porch. He arm curls around him and pulls him into an embrace. They share a kiss, Kali leans in to get some of it.
' What did you do today ? '
T smiles.
' Not much. '
' Did you make me a video ? '
' I wasn't inspired. '
Dinner was good and simple. They sit by the red glowing embers of what's left of the fire having a drink. Erik is still on a break. Sipping some apple juice.
' I been meaning to talk to you. '
' Bt wt ? '
' The avengers have failed to contain Thanos. '
Erik bobs his head and pretends to give it thought.
' That's what's up. '
' Is that all you have to say ? '
Erik strethes out his hand for a fist bump.
' I don't think we should celebrate so soon. '
' How do you kill a wrinkled purple nut sack ? '
' I don't know. '
' Thor might be our best shot but he disappeared after Asgard. '
' He'll probably wants a second go at Thanos when he hears about this. '
' Let's wait and see. '
As they walk back into the apartment. Erik hand wanders trying to squeeze something but T'challa is too fast. He slaps it away and breaks into a sprint
with Erik right behind him. T'challa tries not to squeal as Erik scoops him up into his arms, carrying him into the house.
