Spider-Man: Duty and Loss Chapter 109: The Look

(Present)

Peter and Shuri looked over to the others as they just caught the conversation. In their little area, just away from the group, Shuri spoke up. "You know my father will not let them have a partnership. It is too much of a risk, one my father will not take. Even if it is near impossible for anyone to find out our involvement."

*Sigh* Shuri let out a sigh as she shook her head. "My Father, though loving and kind, is sometimes too protective of the nation; we have the greatest technology in the world. Technology that can defend us from anything the world could possibly throw at us, but we hide our gifts from the world. Our isolation could lead us to our destruction in the future."

Peter also struggled to keep a sigh from his lips. He had talked to Shuri a lot about this in their free time. Being best friends/Pen Pals, Shuri had mentioned on multiple occasions that she did not like Wakanda's isolationist policies and practices and that it could negatively affect Wakanda in the future.

The fact that Peter was almost killed for just finding out Wakanda's secrets was a big enough red flag for him. It honestly surprised him, when he was allowed to bring the Fantastic Four to Wakanda. To the Capital no less!

But Peter was getting side tracked. After hearing the question on their first night, even he knew the answer. Maybe if T'Challa was king it might happen, but even then after meeting Shuri's brother Peter wasn't sure.

Their practice to hide from the world and only focus on their country was a precedent set by previous generations. To be honest, Wakanda could be considered, arrogant. They did not consider the outside world worthy or ready for their technology or science; instead they kept it to themselves and justified their actions in different ways.

Peter did consider that they weren't wrong, the wars that the world had suffered, people like Doom, all of them set a picture of the outside world that did not deem them worthy of such advancements in culture and science.

Peter could only shake his head as he fixed his thoughts. As they watched, T'Chaka's words confirmed their thoughts.

"Regretfully I must decline the offer for partnership, Wakanda is not yes willing to share its gifts to the world." Reed had to be given credit as it looked like he wanted to say something, badly at that, but he kept his cool and gave another nod to the ruler of Wakanda.

"We understand and thank you for considering our proposal." A small smile came to T'Chaka's lips as he held out his hand in the universal handshake position. "Then it has been a pleasure Mr. Richards. Hopefully we can meet again." Reed clasped his hand and shook it.

A few parting words were said before the Four alighted onto their ship, with only Peter left behind. Both Shuri and Peter spoke in hushed whispers as they said their goodbyes, before Peter pulled her into a hug. Some words didn't need to be said as he looked into her eyes one last time before turning to get on the ship.

For Peter the trip to Wakanda had truly reminded him of past times with his family and friends, the warm atmosphere, the gleeful banter that hadn't been present since Harry and Gwen. Though there were no outwards physical signs, his spirit had been rejuvenated from the kindness and friendship over the past few days.

He felt calmer, happier and more energetic. The perfect words to describe it honestly escaped him, but if anything he could say for the first time in quite a while he was content with his lot in life. Knowing that he was about to return to New York, back to others who cared for and loved him, warmed his heart and made him look forwards to the time ahead, something that had been absent the last few months.

Sitting on the plane as it slowly rose, Peter closed his eyes and took a deep breath, feeling like his life was once again back on track.

Shuri stood silently as she watched the ship get further and further away. Ramonda looked at her daughter for a few seconds as she continued to stand there, slightly deflated as if muted now that Peter was gone.

An understanding glint flashed through her eyes as she turned to her husband, an unsaid message passed between the two. T'Chaka gave a small nod in her direction before Pulling T'Challa and a majority of the Dora Milaje back into the main building.

Okoye and many of the prominent guards followed their King, leaving the Queen and princess alone so that they could talk. Shuri didn't seem to notice the movement of people as she continued to watch where Peter's plane had disappeared.

Finally Ramonda walked up to her daughter and slowly placed a hand on her shoulder. "I've seen that look before cub" Shuri turned to her mother in confusion at the words, she hadn't been called 'cub' in a long time. "Mother?" Ramonda just shook her head at her daughter, a small smile on her lips.

"I have the same look on my face when i'm away from your father." Shuri processed the words quickly and instantly understood what her mother was implying. Her face slightly flushed red as she shrugged off the comforting hand in embarrassment. "Mother!"

Ramonda just gave a chuckle at her daughter's reaction. "See, there it is, all the proof that is needed. You should know by now you can't hide anything from your mother, cub." Shuri shook her head in denial once more. "He's just a friend mother" Though her voice wasn't completely certain.

"Bast, help me." Pulling her daughter close once more, this time Ramonda turned Shuri to look at her, a serious expression on her Face. "I know you might be confused and unsure right now, but I have seen that look before, on my own visage and…" She grimaced slightly. "Once with your brother…the day Ororo left."

There was a bit of sorrow in her eyes as she said the words. Regret could be seen in her eyes as she thought back on the time. Shuri said nothing as the words started to sink in, and she also remembered one of only two women that had ever truly gotten through to her brother.

He hadn't been exactly the same since she left and she was sure that he never would be.

After a small pause her mother once more spoke up, Shuri listened, but her mind was confused and uncertain as the words registered. "Don't leave it until it becomes impossibility. If you figure out your feelings, tell him before it's too late."

Ramonda starred into her daughters eyes until finally Shuri nodded her head. There was a small light of understanding dwelling behind them as she once more turned to the sky, looking after the people that had just left.

Making sure that her point got across to her sometimes stubborn daughter, Ramonda quietly left the area as Shuri stood still, the confusion on her face showing the mental battle she was having with herself.

She would stand there for a long, long time.

Chapter end