Rising From the Ashes • COMPLETED ✓

14.) Understood: Natasha Romanoff

NATASHA ROMANOFF - BLACK WIDOW

July 11th, 2017, Wakanda

As soon as I open the doors, T'Challa, a handful of guards, and amazing architecture screams in my face. His Highness is talking to one of the royal guards, but he quickly nods at the man and turns to us.

"Greetings," He says. Steve and I give a nod, but Peter looks stunned. Luckily, his phone is in his pocket, so the kid isn't taking any pictures of this. Parker's eyes are scanning everything in awe, and his calculating gaze reminds me of Tony. I can practically see the gears running in Spider-Boy's head.

"Your Majesty." Steve bows his head respectfully once again.

"Rogers, Romanoff. We don't have a lot of time, but it's nice to meet with you." T'Challa meets each of our eyes, but then his stare lands on Peter. "Who is that? What is he doing in Wakanda?" The guards visibly tense up, and I notice that a few of them are now gripping their spears tighter. I'd recognize fighting stances anywhere. T'Challa's neutral expression has hardened into one of worry, and I fear that anger will be in his eyes as well.

I protectively wrap an arm around the boy—effectively snapping Parker out of his trance. "This," I reply cooly, "Is Spider-Man."

Now the stoniness in T'Challa's posture softens. He blinks in disbelief, "You're that bug boy from the airport?"

Peter gives T'Challa a salute. "Nice to meet you, Mr. T'Challa Black Panther Majesty." He gives the king a nervous grin, "S-Sir." At this, I swear that the slight ghost of a smile is on His Majesty's face. Success? I think too soon, however. T'Challa stands up, and I can tell he's still irked.

"So it's this boy you two came to talk about." He raises a questioning eyebrow at Steve and I.

Steve squares his shoulders, "Yes."

T'Challa's mouth twitches. "Why should I allow him into Wakanda? What's stopping me from kicking him out of our—my kingdom?" T'Challa waves a hand at the wall behind him. It's made entirely of glass, and the city and horizon of the beautiful country is wonderfully displayed through the crystal. "You do realize all of this is supposed to be secret, correct?"

"We understand, T'Challa," I answer. "But the reason bug boy is here is something you should listen to." Nudging Steve's arm, I give him his cue.

Rogers clears his throat, and I can tell he's nervous as well. "I've spent time with Shuri, whether it was to check on Bucky, ask her questions, or to just have a chat." He locks eyes with the king. "However, the princess has told me lots of times that she wants a friend; someone who matches her intellect, and someone to be by her side. She's lonely, T'Challa. And 'bug boy', or Peter Parker, is a great kid. He fits Shuri's description, and I believe he's got heart. I know he does."

"T-Thanks, Mr. Rogers," Peter responds. He's grinning like a goof and rubbing his neck from embarrassment. How old is he again? Fifteen?

I give T'Challa a knowing smile, "What Steve said." A few seconds go by, and I can tell His Majesty is absorbing all of this.

"I see." Something like guilt flashes across his stern face, and I know that he wishes he could spend more time with his sister. "Fine. But if bug kid steps out of line," T'Challa flicks a thumb over his shoulders for emphasis, "I want him gone."

Nodding, I squeeze Peter's shoulder, "Understood."

"How long is he staying?"

Now the nervousness is back. "About two weeks," Steve answers, taking the blow for me. I pray there isn't one.

"We have plenty of spare rooms. I see you have a suitcase. Let me know if you need anything." T'Challa answers stiffly—but not too stiffly, I note.

"Thank you so much, Mr. T'Challa Black Panther Majesty Sir," Peter chokes out again, almost short of breath. "I promise I'll prove myself to you."

Another whisper of a grin appears on the king's lips. "Don't make me regret this, Peter Parker."

"I won't." The kid salutes him once more.

As the three of us leave T'Challa in the room, Steve and I stop in the middle of the hall, letting out a synchronized exhale of relief.

"Where are we going next?" Peter asks, bouncing on the soles of his feet like an overjoyed baby. His phone is in his hands in a flash, ready to take more pictures of the secretive palace.

"Shuri's workshop," Steve answers.

I smile, "This is gonna be good."

Short chapter, but it's short so it can set up some super spicy stuff. (Nudge nudge, wink wink.) 

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