“In other news, we are watching history play out in front of us. New Tech company, Wakanda International, has blown past all of Stark Tech’s record setting achievements in the past 5 years. If you remember, that was when we lost our beloved Tony Stark. Leaving his company in the hands of his adopted daughter, Riri Williams. Since her take over, we have seen disappointment after disappointment in their advancements and in their stocks. Which makes up wonder, did Tony make the right choice? Later tonight we will be interviewing a former employee-” The tv is turned off.
“What the hell?! I was watching that!” Riri turns around to see Peter with the remote in his hands, frowning at her.
“I thought we agreed that you would stop watching the news.” He said.
“No, you asked me to and I said nothing! I never agreed.”
“Ri, it’s not healthy. You need a break from this torture. So our numbers are a little bad? You were literally handed a billion dollar company as a 19 year old. Things were bound to go downhill before they pick back up.”
“Yeah, but I’m 25 now. I can’t use the “I’m young” excuse anymore.” Riri flops down on the couch in her living room. “Why didn’t I see this coming? Wakanda international.” She scoffs. “I was blindsided by them. What do they have that I don’t?”
“What’s with all this “I” talk? We are in this together remember? Now, I’m your brother. So understand that when I tell you this, it’s coming from a place of love. Get your head out of your ass and do something about it! The Riri I know would do everything in her power to get back on top! This useless pound of flesh sitting in front of me is not my sister.” Peter is all but through with Riri’s self loathing attitude.
Riri pouts at him. “I’m trying!!! I have nothing so far.”
“It’s a good thing that WE are a team and I’m great at what I do. Here.” He hands her an envelope full of documents. “This is everything we need to know about the person running Wakanda International.”
Riri starts looking through the files. “Peter, you’re amazing. Shuri huh?” She pauses at a picture of Shuri. “I don’t know how I feel about taking down another black woman… but it has to be done. If only there was a way to contact her without directly reaching out. I don’t want to seem weak willed.”
Peter slides two tickets in front of her eyes. “That’s why I bought us tickets to the Bulls game. I know for a fact that she will be there tonight. If we just do happen to bump into her…”
“We can size her up! Remind me, which one of us is the genius?”
“We both are.” Peter smiles proudly.
“Damn right we are!”
LATER THAT NIGHT
“I can’t BELIEVE we lost!” Riri shouts as she and Peter make their way to the Bulls locker room after the game. They were personally invited by Lonzo Ball. (this is the only nigga I know that plays for them lol. I don’t keep up with sports)
“Yeah what the fuck was that?! They better be glad that I didn’t put any money on this game.” Peter says as he holds the door open for Riri. They enter the room and navigate around the reporter’s interviewing the other players. Finally getting to a private room to see Lonzo, they stop dead in their tracks. “Oh shit! Shuri is in there.” Peter whispers to Riri.
“Oh yeah? Why are you so nervous now? This was your plan! Besides, she doesn’t know who we are. This will be easy. C’mon now. Deep breaths.” Riri reassures him, and they walk in.
Lonzo looks at them. “What’s up y’all! Sorry to disappoint you tonight. We’ll get them next time.” He daps up Peter and hugs Riri. “Oh, my fault. Let me introduce y’all. This is Shuri. And this is-”
Peter interrupts him. “Man do you know how much money I could have lost on this game?! Let me show you my stats.” He successfully distracts the basketball player. Giving Riri the opportunity to scope out the competition.
“So… Shuri is it?” Riri asks casually.
“Yeah that’s me. I didn’t mean to take up too much of his time, I was only stopping by for a second.” She means Lonzo.
“Nah, you’re good. Those two get lost in their own world anyway. At least I have someone to talk to while they do it.” Ok, the sexy ass accent threw Riri off. She needs to dial it back and steer clear of flirting.
“I see that. Men and their games right?” Shuri is practically staring into Riri’s soul. Her intense stare has shaken many people.
But, Riri is not no ordinary bitch! “Right.” She needs to subtly bring up work. “They take it almost as seriously as their real job. Current company excluded.” Meaning Lonzo. Because it literally is his job.
Shuri tilts her head. “I have to admit, I’m guilty of that sometimes. But, I’m way too good at my job to let it affect me.” This cocky son of a bitch.
“I feel you. Although, in my field, I don’t get the luxury of being distracted by some game.” Riri pushes the conversation forward.
“And why is that, Riri Williams?” Shuri smirks at the brief second Riri allowed confusion to grace her face. “I have to admit, you’re really good at this. Had I not known who you were, I would have fallen into your trap. But I’d recognize that calm composure and Chicago swagger anywhere.”
“You know about me?”
“Of course I do! You’re my greatest adversary. Though lately, it hasn’t been feeling that way.” Shuri’s smile drops. “Honestly, I was expecting more from Stark’s prodigy. And his other prodigy.” She gestures to Peter.
Ohhh ok. This bitch. “You know what, I was planning to play nice. But now, I’m going to make you wish you never crossed us.” Riri’s demeanor turned intimidating.
“There it is. That’s the fire I was expecting. All it took was for me to spark it.” Shuri’s smile returns.
“Fuck you.” It’s childish, she knows. But she started it! “Peter! We’re leaving.” She eyes Shuri before being followed by Peter out the door.
They reach the car waiting for them outside and climb in the back.
“Didn’t go as planned?” Peter notices her tense posture.
“She knew who we were. We’re gonna kick Wakanda international’s ass next quarter.” Riri declares.
Peter rubs his hands together. “Alright! Let’s get shit done!”
THREE GRUELING MONTHS LATER
“In today’s news, we learn to always expect the unexpected. At the beginning of this quarter, we all thought that Wakanda International would continue their winning streak. But, with their creation of new nano technology that can fix internal bleeding without major surgery, Stark Tech blew them out of the waters! We have with us the owner and CEO of Wakanda International. Shuri, was this at all expected?”
“To say it wasn’t possible would be a lie. I know my opponent’s abilities. And she did not disappoint. Now, I realize we will have to step our game up.” She looks directly into the camera. “I don’t know what changed, but a spark was lit with in them and it ignited a fire that consumed us all.”
“Thank you for joining us today Shuri. Up next, sports!” The tv turns off.
The room erupts with cheers and champagne bottles are popped. Stark Tech is celebrating their victory. “Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech!” The crowd is chanting. Peter steps up to the mic.
“Uhh, hey guys. It’s an exciting night isn’t it?!” More cheers. “Our fearless leader has lead us into victory! Whoever doubted Tony’s choice to pick her can go to hell!!!” Peter scans the room for Riri. She’s nowhere to be found. “Here’s a toast. To Riri, and to many more quarters of making Wakanda International our bitch!” The crowd goes wild. He steps down from the stage and asks security where Riri went off to. They, once again, don’t know. “What are we paying you for?! Move! I’ll go find her.” He sets off to look for his sister.
MEANWHILE IN RIRI’S OFFICE
“Did you lock the door?” Riri asks while dodging kisses.
“Of course I did. I’m not trying to be hiding in your closet again. I’m too tall for that!” Shuri continues her attempts to kiss every inch of Riri’s skin.
“Good, then come here.” Riri pulls her towards the desk. Sitting on top of it while Shuri settles between her legs. “I did good. You should be showering me in attention.”
“Yes you did.” Shuri tugs Riri’s shirt over her head. “Trust me love, I’m going to give you all the attention you need. And then some.” She starts kissing down her body as she gently pressed her back to lay across the desk. She gets to her skirt and pushes it up around her waist. “Starting here.” She leans in…
The office door suddenly flys open. “Riri, are you in here? You know this party is for you. OH FOR FUCKS SAKES!!” Peter shields his eyes. “What the hell is going on?!”
Shuri jumps up from her position and pulls Riri’s skirt back down. Peter takes off his jacket and throws it at Riri so that she can cover up. The three stay quiet as he paces the room. Finally calming down, he sits on the couch in the middle of the office.
“Explain.” He says to no one in particularly.
“Peter, before you have an aneurysm, I’ll tell you what happened.” Riri begins to recount how this came to be. “It started back when we met at the game really. After we left, Shuri reached out to me in all honesty to taunt us. But, what she wasn’t expecting was my charming personality.” Peter rolls his eyes.
Shuri picks up where she left off. “From then on, we just kind of never stopped texting. It was not flirty at first. But, I mean look at her. Who wouldn’t risk it all for this.” She gestures at Riri.
“Yeah, I’ve seen her. I know my sister is a beautiful woman. But that doesn’t explain how THIS happened.” Peter is exasperated.
“Do you remember when I begged you to come with me to the gala in Sacramento? But, you refused because Ned wanted to hang out?” Riri asks.
“Yeah…”
“Well, we ran into each other there. Both dressed to the gods! And the drinks were flowing…”
Shuri speaks up again. “One thing led to another… and we’ve been “hanging out” ever since.”
“You mean to tell me, I leave you to your own devices ONE TIME and you go and fuck the enemy?” Peter looks at Riri.
“Well when you put it like that…” She avoids his glare.
“You know what… tonight it about celebrating our victory. Those people down there deserve a good time. So you-” he points at Shuri. “Keep your hands and other body parts to yourself. And you-” he points at Riri. “Put your damn clothes back on! They want you to give a speech. And bring me my jacket when you’re done!” He storms out the door. Making a point to lock it behind him.
The two women stay frozen in the same spot for a while.
“This is why we beat you. I told you to lock the door and you couldn’t even do that!” Riri shoves her playfully.
“Mhm. Enjoy this while you can. Because next time, we’re gonna kick your asses!”