The Black Panther (Discontinued)

Azari ( New chapter)

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T'Challa pov *

I couldn't seem to get a word out of her. After she stopped sobbing she collected herself and finished showering with me. I dried her off and watched her slip under the covers in nothing. I pulled on briefs and joined her. For a moment it was awkward just watching her stare at the ceiling quietly. I felt she was trying to make sense of all this. She was trying to process everything still.

" Look at me ", I called to her. Her eyes staggered on a pattern at the end of our bedframe before they slowly made their way up my torso and at me. I grabbed her hand and she flinched. Holding it firmly in mine I pressed it against my chest.

" It's me Mnandi ", I reassured her.

" Talk to me ", I press. I was worried for her. She looked like she was seconds away from a mental breakdown.

" I.........", she didn't know what to say. I felt her sigh in disappointment and then look away.

Without warning I pulled her to me by her leg. Slightly startled she steadied herself with her hands on the bed. The closer I brought her towards me the more she relaxed. She sat criss cross in front of me, looking down at the hem of my briefs probably to distract herself. I took that opportunity to press my hand against her stomach which took her by surprise. Her eyes lit up and traced my face to my hand. I rubbed it, pressing very very gently.

" I actually feel a bit of pouch. How far along are you now ? ", I asked.

" 7 weeks and 6 days ", she spoke quietly. Almost as if she didn't want to talk loudly.

" So almost 8 weeks. That means it's about...the size of a juicy raspberry. Or a GMO grape ", I joked. She cracked a small smile watching my hand dance across her stomach.

" Are you keeping your food down ? ", I ask her. She of course nodded.

" We need to schedule an appointment. Were the Doula and the midwife helping you while Killmonger reigned ? ", I ask.

" No...most people were separated from me ", she looked down with sadness. I withdrew my hand and clinched my fist instinctively. I remembered to stay calm. The situation was already dealt with...and even with my being gone for a few days, I just wish I could turn back the hands of time. My most precious jewel was used and abused. I fear to ask her what truly happened but from the looks of it she wasn't ready. Neither of us were. I lift her hanging chin with my pointer finger forcing her to look at me. Her glossy irises zoomed and then expanded when she focused on me. That's how I knew she loved me.

" I'm here now...and I'm going to make it all better. Do you understand me ? ", I wait for her.

" Yes ", her voice shook.

I pull her to me and bury her in my arms and legs pulling the covers over us. We struggled for a good nights sleep. It didn't come easy. Throughout the night she stirred from nightmares.  

I woke up in the morning to her sitting at the end of the bed taking her prenatal the chamber maids left for her delivered by her doctor. I watch her in her natural state, walking around the room and doing small tasks. She didn't even notice I was awake. She disappeared into the bathroom for about five minutes before she came out with puffy eyes and a red nose. I didn't know why I was disappointed that she was still sad. Unrealistically I hoped that my presence would heal everything but so much had transpired in that small amount of time that I was absent. I fear Harper would be traumatized forever with the way she'd shrink herself down in my presence.