panther (kingly) wrote in avengers_logs, @ 2020-01-14 19:14:00 |
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Entry tags: | sam wilson, t'challa |
Who: T'Challa & Sam
What: Catching up over a beer! Gossip! But it's called something more sophisticated than gossip
When: Recently, after the NYE party
Where: An Irish pub
Status: Complete
T’Challa could be something of a hermit if left to his own devices - he was actually quite introverted, preferring a quiet night in with someone, a good meal, drinks, enlightening conversation as opposed to putting on a fine suit and having to mingle at an event. Or even visiting one of those dance clubs, of which there were many in the city - no, they weren’t really his style. But despite all that, he enjoyed outings with friends where he got to catch up - like right now, with Sam; it was a long overdue chat and he knew that his friend was always good for a beer and a conversation, nothing too ostentatious. They met at a bar that seemed to pulse with a warm, ‘old school’ Irish charm - the vast selection of beers on tap and comfort food meant that he’d be enjoying time here on a weekday, before all the college frat brothers took over the place come Saturday night. He had a beer that was local to the area, something with the taste of malted sunflower seeds, and he’d probably have another once he finished. These outings were typically the only time he drank beer at all, anyway. “So how are things?” he prodded (gently). “You looked to be having a nice time with Carol at the New Years Party.” Well, alright, he wasn’t subtle - but details! They were important! Sam greatly appreciated the work he was doing with T’Challa. It gave him a sense of purpose that he hadn’t had since joining the Avengers took him away from his work with veterans. Sure, being an Avenger was worthwhile and he didn’t regret it for a moment, but it was different. Helping his own community was far more rewarding than blasting bad guys. He’d opted for a seasonal beer with chocolate notes and it wasn’t all bad. This place had a great atmosphere and he’d have to bring Carol here sometime since he knew that she’d appreciate it. The gentle prodding made him chuckle. “We did have a nice night,” he said. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you and Natasha.” If they were going to gossip, then they were going to go all out. “Ah, yes - “ A grin flashed, T’Challa unable to help it at the mention of Natasha. But since Sam had been there since the beginning, involved in the unfolding of this thing between he and the Widow, T’Challa felt comfortable enough to talk to him about it. “We have been stepping out more and more. I even took her to Wakanda, to kind of immerse her in things.” She hadn’t actually been, not for anything leisurely - visits to his homeland were, previously, wrought with some kind of bad guy dealings. “My family was unsurprisingly a bit tense about me bringing her,” he admitted, sipping his beer. Whatever the thing was between them, Sam was happy to see Natasha having an opportunity to both relax and smile. She deserved it, probably more than most of them, considering all that she’d gone through after the snap. He really needed to check in with her soon. It had been too long. Maybe he’d invite her over for breakfast. “Really? I would have expected your sister to mock you mercilessly,” he said. Shuri was funny and she didn’t hesitate to give her brother crap even though he was king. Sam figured it kept the other man humble. “Everything went okay though?” If it hadn’t, he figured he would have heard about it, if not from T’Challa or Natasha, then through the grapevine. Superheroes were a gossipy bunch. T’Challa’s expression was fond, as he thought of his younger sister. She was both a spitfire and a ray of sunshine - the latter of which was often sorely needed at times, considering the burdens he shouldered as King. She also did give him hell and he appreciated that - it was her duty as a little sister, wasn’t it? “Oh, no, Shuri welcomed everything - of course she mocked how smitten I seem to be,” he clarified, with a gentle laugh. “But my mother, the Dora - “ Okoye had never really been fond of Natasha for some reason, but then again, it took a long time to get in her good graces regardless, “...I think they assumed I would choose someone native to Wakanda as a partner. It was a bit of a shock that I did not.” They’d have to get over it though. He wasn’t about to give up on Natasha. “Probably not an unreasonable assumption, considering how insulated your community was until recently,” Sam said. Some of them were probably lamenting that they hadn’t been chosen by the king. It amused him when T’Challa admitted to being smitten. They seemed like a good match and he was pleased that they’d found each other. “Natasha’s pretty great. She’ll win them over.” He couldn’t imagine any of those strong women disliking someone who’d been through what she had. He was glad that he didn’t have to worry about anyone accepting his relationship with Carol. Well, at least on his end. Sam still wasn’t sure that Fury and Talos didn’t have it out for him. “I’d give you the whole ‘if you hurt her’ speech, but I’m well aware that she’s far more frightening than I ever could be.” “She is very frightening, isn’t she?” The King found this to be a positive attribute, however. And he was certain that Sam was correct, that Okoye and the rest of the royal guard would come around when it came to accepting Natasha - they were all incredible women who had a place in his life; he cared for and respected each of them. It wouldn’t take long before the Dora Milaje saw exactly what Natasha was capable of, how wonderful of a person she was as well. He pulled his beer closer to him, swallowing another mouthful and considering. “I presume you got the same talk though, from Carol’s loved ones?” It was nice to have family looking out for you. He knew intentions were good, in that regard. Sam took a long drink of his beer, shaking his head at the question. “Oh, I got more than that,” he said. “Did you know she’s close with Fury?” That should say everything that needed to be said right there. As scary as Nat could be, Fury was much, much worse. Or maybe that was just Sam’s opinion since he’d seen Natasha in more vulnerable situations. And then there was Talos. “Have you met Talos?” Sam asked. “He’s an interesting guy. Shapeshifter. He hit on me as an attractive woman once. His way of testing to make sure I was loyal.” It still made Sam nervous when he met new people, wondering if it was Talos trying to test him again somehow. T’Challa didn’t know that, but it explained a lot. Like why and how Sam had fear struck into his heart. He winced, jokingly, but he was also sympathetic. Having Fury as a father-figure would no doubt be stressful for any man looking to woo his pseudo-daughter. “I have not met him, but I suppose that’s one way to test someone’s loyalty,” he allowed, laughing a little. “However, you are a good man. You treat Carol the way she deserves to be treated. Surely they know this by now and things have smoothed over somewhat.” There wasn’t any drama at the New Years Party, from what he could tell. No duels over Carol’s honor or anything - so perhaps it was all fine. “It seems to be quiet lately,” Sam said. “I know Carol was pissed at them and has vowed revenge though.” He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t looking forward to that. No one should want to be on Carol’s bad side. He did still feel a little guilty that he’d kept the budding relationship from Steve now that the man was gone. “We should all go out sometime. Might be fun.” Though encouraging Natasha and Carol to bond could end up being a dangerous thing. “Ah, yes, a double date - I think we tentatively planned for that back when we did not know what we were doing?” T’Challa reminded, with a smile that flashed the white of his teeth briefly. “That sounds like a good plan to me. I think we would all have fun, certainly.” He would have to mention it to Natasha - he was quite sure she’d be interested, though of course would see when an optimal time was. “Just something besides bowling. I hear that is the worst double date idea.” It was a joke, but really, was he wrong? T’Challa thought not. Double dates were not something Sam had much experience with. “As long as we don’t do anything where the ladies can kill us,” he joked. That took out paintball and laser tag and anything else involving fake weapons. Probably mini golf too. “Maybe a show or something. Or karaoke, if you and Nat are up for it.” He’d pay good money to see the King of Wakanda and Black Widow sing a duet from Grease. “Karaoke?” T’Challa repeated, brow furrowing. It took him a second to remember what that even was. And then oh, yes, that thing where you stood up and sang, embarrassingly, in front of people - oftentimes while under the influence of copious amounts of alcohol. “That sounds just fine, but I think I will need to get used to the idea by ordering another beer,” he quipped. “And perhaps some cheese fries.” A show would have been good too - between the four of them they could get tickets to Hamilton somehow, couldn’t they? But no, karaoke. Yes. He felt good about this. Bring it on. Sam laughed. It amused him to see the Black Panther, the fearless King of Wakanda, looking unsettled by the idea of singing a song in public. He lifted his hand to get their server’s attention. “Another round please,” he said. “And two orders of cheese fries.” They should probably discuss work at some point, but for the moment, he was content to simply enjoy a drink and conversation with his friend. |