“LOOK MAMA!💗”
Mama.
And Shuri knew now…
The power of a love like this can be held in her very palm.
Herdaughter’s sweet chirping voice, as clear as the ocean and as ethereal as the gentle breeze, calls out to her like an echoing, booming, squeaking of a young calf from the sea.
Being cued upon, Shuri gazes at her daughter in the distance and smiles with pride.
With a little neon purple bathing suit that adorns a cute green octopus on her chest, their baby girl spreads her wings like a baby bird, ready to take flight… while standing tall on the very palm of her Baba.
Namor, who was grinning like an adorable fool with a smug face that said, “Look at what I helped make!” Proudly holding up their daughter with one hand makes Shuri feel not the slightest bit of embarrassment that her man is making her ovulate on the spot immediately and the thought of having another baby with him right now so that he could hold up their children in each hand. Showing off their babies in every land and ocean realm.
Hmm, she would really love and want to see that.
“LOOK MAMA!💗”
Mama.
Shuri sighs softly, her heart swelling with love, just like that…
Her new calling… as a mother.
A calling that she didn’t know existed in her until her baby girl came into her life. Shuri raises both her palms to her mouth and shouts back with all her might, with the same force of love their chubby baby possesses.
“I SEE YOU! MY LITTLE LOVE !💗”
She wouldn’t trade anything in the world for her daughter.
“—Look Baba! Mama saw us!!!”
— and for him.
“—You ready, sithandwa sam ?!” My love.
— She would bleed for them, lay down her life for them, and she would love them until her very, last, breath—
—Apart from when Namor decides to toss their daughter with the strength of a hulk, speed like a torpedo, energy like when their daughter wants to play with the whole ocean and with the sheer enthusiasm he tosses her out like a boomerang when they were separated by an entire beach, an ocean’s distance, and the entire army like blades of grass they have here, like he once threatened her when they first met—
“CATCH PRINCESS!💗”
Namor yeets.
He yeets her just like that…
He yeets their daughter towards her…
He fucking yeets their baby across the entire—
Even the gods of wind seem to let out a joyful scream when her baby traces a graceful arc in the tranquil sky.
In an instant, Shuri sprints before she knows it.
Leaving a hole in the soil, as if her Black Panther suit materialized out of her necklace, she dashes out like she is on a mission. Not forgetting to yell out loud and curse,
“BAST DAMN YOU NAMOR!!!!”
The outburst of strength propels her to sprint a few hundred meters towards the sea in the blink of an eye.
The water engulfs her ankles, her calves, her thighs and her waist. Throughout, Shuri’s gaze never wavered from her daughter being tossed towards her with force. Her baby girl was flying in the air, her two little buns glittering under the sun, and she was wearing that little smug-ass grin just like her father. Bast save me.
Shuri raises her arms high, taking a step back to plant her feet firmly in the fluffy, running sand, ensuring she is in the right position and ready to catch her baby no matter how hard the waves keep crashing hard into her. Shuri precises on her aim— she never misses.
“I’ll catch you, sithandwa sam!”
“MAMA!💗”
Her daughter’s excited, high-pitched squeals, mixed with Namor’s boisterous laughter in the background make her…
“For Bast’s sake—”
smiling ole so brightly.
Finally, Shuri surrendered to immense laughter, amused again and again by the playful antics of the father-daughter duo.
Ch’ah Toh Almehen better be praying to Chaac! As soon as she caught their daughter, she would pounce on him!!!
“MAMA CATCH!!!💗”
…except when Shuri had that split second of forgetting… that her daughter was just like her father…
Shehad wings on her ankles.
That split second cost her everything.
Her baby steps stepping into the air never fail to impress Shuri.
Her daughter was soaring headstrong into her open arms like a baby rhino rushing towards her eagerly wanting to have endless head rubs.
Immediately, mother and daughter collide and collapse into each other with bursting giggles, embracing tightly despite the strong gust of wind brought by none other than the Princess of Talokan and Wakanda.
“I GOT YOU MY BABY!!!”
“GOCHAA MAMA!!!💗”
As Shuri cradles her little sun , who joyfully and softly, crash landed into her life with the utmost delight.
Shuri gazes up at the azure sky, closing her eyes in chaotic serenity, and willingly lets the strong force of wind knock her down as fluffy waves run over her as she gracefully—
falls backwards into the water she now calls home.
🌊SPLASH🌊SPLASH🌊SPLASH🌊
Even in the water, the laughter of her baby seems to amplify, resonating with her own excited heartbeat which is pounding crazily in her chest.
LUB-DUB!🫀LUB-DUB!🫀LUB-DUB–🫀
This feeling will never get old, or fade away.
Shuri feels like she has grown several strands of white hair in the span of ten seconds. And she’s counting all of them on Namor, as arms wrapped around her, she tallied them all onto this man’s silky, dark hair—
He was no man, no god, no king. He was a monster.
on the man who told her only the most broken people can be great leaders,
on the monster who asked her to burn the world together,
o n the monster who drew out all her hatred,
on the man who poured all his love and devotion onto her,
on the monster who brought all sorrow upon her,
on the man who dragged her out of the gloom and despair,
on the monster who drowned her in vengeance,
on the man who helped a bit in bringing their daughter into the world,
on the monster who she took as a husband,
on the man whose name is Namor, who brought her to the surface of shimmering waters, aglow with light, and life.
He was no monster, he’s just a man.
He wasn’t just a monster, but also, ultimately, extremely,
human.
He holds her as they break through the incredibly hard surface of the water that blankets them together.
“—I got you,Shuri—”
The fervour of their embrace, at this moment, swaying with the sea, etches itself into a time of eternity.
The K’uhul Ek’ B’ahlam did not hesitate to spat a mouthful of seawater onto the all-mighty K’uk’ulkan’s face.
“Yeet my baby next time, I’ll yeet you to the fucking moon. ”
Hesitating with a slight sense of sheepishness and a mouthful of fearlessness, Namor opens his tightly squeezing eyes to gaze at his wife, feeling the infinite warmth against his forehead, causing a smile to grace his softened features as his lips curl upwards in wild abandon and unabashed joy.
"Then I shall hurl you towards the sun,for you are my ilanga.”
Namor’s eyes sparkle as he stares at his sun with such blazing affection that even the sun pales to it, holding his girls tightly in his arms as they sway with the surging tides.
Shuri grins. Her silver-tongued man. “You slick snake—” Namor cups her cheeks and steals a quick peck before murmuring on her lips.
“Yeet me outer space, I’ll fly back to you anyway.”
Shuri swears she could see her reflection and the glowing love in Namor’s eyes, almost blinding her. She holds their daughter and dives into his embrace, bursting out a giggle again.
As the high wall of waves slams upon them, the family of three sinks underwater. Shuri could hear the melodic high-pitched whispers of whales resonating through the water as if they were watching the three of them with amusement from afar.
🌊blub🌊blub🌊blub🌊
Before Shuri would run out of breath, Namor had lifted them together again, breaking the soft surface of the water. She embraces him around the neck, while their little one clings to her. Opening her eyes to gaze into the mesmerizing brown eyes, now slightly dulled by the sun, but filled with the blue sky and clouds, brimming with love.
Shuri saw Namor, and herself.
As if with him, her hair would still be dark,
“With the two of you by my side, it seems even turning white-haired would be a challenge to fear.”
Shuri cocks an eyebrow, teasing him as her fingers trace the lines of his wet eyebrows.
As if with him, she is not afraid of turning white.
“With me here, you have nothing to fear.”
Namor caught her hand, bringing her fingers to his lips and placing a solemn kiss on them.
Their baby girl, trapped between them and having had enough play, pops her head out of the water and leaps toward her beloved mother.
“I got you, Mama! I got you!” The little princess squeals.
“I’m all yours, my little star!” Shuri showers her little face with irresistible smooches.
“A handrad skor for Mama!” Their baby girl excitedly announces, then snuggling into her mama’s chest, humming in happy baby language.
She could feel her heart tightly squeezed by the little human being nestling on top of her heart, feeling immense love again. “Can’t believe I made this little ball of sunshine…” Shuri gazes at him with adoration as she whispers softly like in a dream.
“Yeah, I helped make her too~”
Following his daughter, Namor snuggles into Shuri like a baby too. He inhales deeply in the nape of her neck with greed.
Shuri has the scent of the sun, and sea salt, mixing with their baby girl’s scent, sweet mangoes, raspberry tea leaves, and him.
Kissing up to her delicate ears, Namor coos to his beloved.
“In yaakunaj ku péeksik le mareas le océano.” My love that moves the ocean tides.
And then—
“You ready, sithandwa sam?!”
“RrEEeaAdDyyY bABa!!”
“Ready for WHAAaaaatTT—!!!” Shuri did not see this coming!!
Namor submerges under the water, grabbing Shuri’s ankle and propelling her out of the water, effortlessly lifting his wife. Breaking the surface, Namor looks up at a dumbfounded, leg trembling Shuri, and their daughter giggling and wiggling in her mother’s embrace.
“You should have given me a heads up!”
Finding her balance and not trembling anymore, Shuru realized she had been lifted up like how Namor had their baby girl in his palm moments ago.
“Where is the fun in that, princess?”
This. Unbelievable. MAN.
But when Shuri looks up and witnesses the sky merging with the sea, she seems to understand why the father and daughter always loved to play like this. It was different from being in the Sunbird and soaring in the sky. To be able to fly and touch the clouds itself—
It was truly beautiful.
So, imitating him, she made sure to hold her little one securely, preventing any falls. Shuri lifts her daughter in her palm, wavering yet calm, letting her share a loving embrace with the wind.
“See? I can do it too!” She looks down and taunts him.
And Namor’s heart melts into an endless sea, as vast as the ocean, as never-ending as the sky.
“I’m so high, Mama! Higher Baba!!”
Namor easily lifted Shuri with one hand, his hand wrapping her feet securely so that she could lift their little one even higher. As the water from her body kept on dripping all over his face, all he could see was her underwear—
“You lovin’ the view down there?!” Shuri teases from the top, grinning knowingly.
The god-king of Talokan finds his wife is dressing quite… revealing today.
“Is this your way of giving me a refreshing facial?!”
Namor teased back, smirking ear to ear because Shuri had lowered down, slipped one of her ankles out from his grasp and landed right on his face.
“Ah, step on me mummy.”
“The baby’s here!”
Shuri made sure their baby girl was still absorbed in chatting with the wind before moving her foot to brush against his beard, making it tickle.
“Go ahead and look, I’m very generous today.”
Namor bit her foot when he had the chance, making Shuri squeal.
“Careful now~ if you keep soaking me like this, I might just lose my grip.”
then you’ll fall right into the mouth of the evil snake.
“Baba HHiiiGgHERRRR!!” Their baby girl finally has enough of her Mama and Baba’s antics.
“Maximum effort, old man!” Shuri finally gives him a firm nudge with her foot, going back to standing tall as she lifts their baby high.
Namor shakes his head affectionately, still having water dripping onto him. He lifts his chin proudly as he gazes at the mother and daughter duo, his life.
“Fly high, my princesses.”
“WooOOoooOooooOo~~~”
“WeeeEeEeeeeeeEE~~~”
They would probably attract the attention of the entire ocean’s wildlife.
“Mama, I need to go!!!!” Her baby girl wiggles and tries to dive into the ocean like an Olympic champion. “Are you going already?” Shuri is amused.
“I’m going to play with Mr. Totler, Totli, Tutu and Tata today! We are gonna race, Mama! Bye~” The little one always has fun dates on her own… Shuri had seen it coming…
Her little one will soon take flight on the wings of the wind, perhaps the day she flies away from her is just around the corner.
Shuri is reluctant to let go, how could she?
Yet, she does let go.
Shuri shakes her head and smiles, losing her grip on her little winged ankle. “Alright, be careful, and remember not to chase the seals.”
Their daughter was born towards the sun, fearless of any hardships.
“Yes, Mama!! Weeeeeee~”
Their baby girl steps into the air like she owns the sky. Dipping into the water playfully, there she goes.
The water that witnessed her birth is now about to witness her growth.
While she was lost in thought, Namor had firmly brought her down from the sky, and Shuri didn’t even realize how she had slipped from his hands into his embrace until his intense gaze pulled her back to him.
Namor stares at her with a hint of amusement as Shuri frowns unknowingly, gently kissing her wrinkled nose with affection.
“Don’t worry, you know there’s a whole herd of fishes tailing behind her all the time.”
“I’m not being worried, I just…”
Not prepared to let go so soon.
Shuri leans in to embrace her love, filling each other’s hollow chests with their hearts. Watching the waves roll in from near to far, each layer crashing over the other, vulnerability soaking into her bones… yet in Namor’s arms, she felt an extraordinary sense of stability.
She did not sway with the water, but her heart sways with his.
He bumps her head gently, holding her tighter and tighter and tighter.
“You never have to let me go.”
She buries her face in his neck, taking a deep, deep breath— Namor’s scent is the smell of home.
“I want you wrapped inside me, never to be apart.”
At last, Shuri chuckles with a sense of relief.
What can she do when she has a husband who constantly confesses his love for her?
She leans back, arms braced against his shoulder. Shuri boops Namor with her nose.
“I still find you too clingy.”
If smirks could fly, Namor’s will be in the sky.
“Nonsense, you clearly can’t get enough of me.”
“Shut up.”
And hers will be right alongside his.
They nestle comfortably in the waves together, her every anxiety firmly grasped and crushed in his hands. Until a strong current surge nearby draws gushes of waves crashing towards them, Shuri laughs and asks, “Is that our baby?” She was so quick she couldn't even catch up!
“Who else could it be?” Namor beams as he can see the sea turtles slowly stroll miles behind their princess and call the dolphins for help.
Shuri gently strokes his drenched, dark hair as she watches Namor observing everything just from the surface of the water, always ensuring their daughter is safe. While knowing he understood her thoughts… and distress.
“...I’ve always felt that I didn’t spend enough time with my mum…” her mother, the great late Queen Mother Ramonda. “I was always busy in the lab…” when Namor cups her face, feeling warm in his very palm, Shuri knows she’s safe. “Hiding away… bearing the pain of losing my brother alone… because I didn’t want her to worry about me. I was angry… I was angry at myself.” that she couldn’t save her own brother.
It still hurts. It always will.
“I’m sorry.”
Shuri watches her tears fall into the clear sea, realizing she had once again unearthed the shared wound within their hearts.
“I’m sorry, I just... seeing our baby girl, I just… miss my mum.”
This time, it was her turn to cradle his face, kissing away the tears that lingered at the corners of his eyes, tears shed because when she hurts, he hurts too.
“Do you sometimes… miss your mother too?”
She had long since forgiven him… and herself. They had once vowed together, that they would look ahead once more. They would continue to walk forward and keep going together from then on.
“Yes.”
Let the waves wash away her sorrows
“All the time.”
and his hands caress her with love.
“When she died… I…”
Namor lost all words. He didn’t have to say anything— Shuri understood.
Especially when it was he who had brought her all this p—
“When she died, I was all alone,” she whispered.
In the very next heartbeat, Shuri is swept into his embrace, where Namor banishes all her pain with a single, powerful collision of their hearts.
“Not anymore.”
A fierce tide shatters all the weight of sorrow they carried, where they lifted away each other’s burden, scattering it to the wind—
“Not anymore.”
Shuri wraps Namor in her arms too, each other’s presence a balm that soothes all the numbness.
leaving only solace in its wake.
“I have you now… and you gave me a daughter with your stubborn heart.”
Shuri chuckles along with Namor, having a daughter of their own now… it was like the sweetest karma they ever tasted.
“Then give me a son with your stubborn heart…”
The hardest part is letting her go…
“...and unyielding love.”
…but the best part is watching her fly.
Shuri once thought she would not live for anyone. Not even herself.
“Give me six more mini us and we’ll rule the seven seas.” Namor teases when a strong water current sweeps beside them again.
“MAMA LOOK!!💗”
Shuri looked, and it was their daughter riding on a dolphin like a jet ski… Chaac save us.
“You sure you want six more mutant babies?” Shuri teases back.
But no.
Now, she would live for Namor and their daughter. No matter how painful she crashed into the water.
She would live for them.
All of them.
“Remember what you agreed to.” Namor’s face spells out t-r-a-p.
Suddenly, Shuri thought of something.
“My inyanga.”
Shuri hums. Namor cocks his brow as she slyly tries to leave his side, but his hand is always glued to hers. This woman ain’t going anywhere without him.
“I thought I was your inyoka and you were going to launch me to the moon.”
“That was before you tossed and squeezed my heart like a stress ball!”
Shuri is still trying to wriggle free from his grasp.
“Our daughter and I love to keep you on your toes.”
Namor lets her go .
“You sure?” Shuri widens her eyes in response to him.
She is his home, where his heart settles. And he’s her safe space, where her heart rests. Their daughter was their little anchor— a fussy rock trying to grow legs and run everywhere with them chasing after her.
They inspired her to live well… just live well.
“You made life worth dying for, Shuri.”
Namor would willingly sacrifice anything, including his own life, for this.
For what they have now, for what they will always have. Forever.
“But before that, my inyanga…”
With tear-filled eyes and a winning smirk, Shuri stares at her beloved, they are just an arm’s length away from each other.
“Yes, my ilanga?”
Namor tilts his head, smiling at her. He knew he didn’t need to reach out to hold her tight— because he would never lose her.
In an instant, Shuri sprints before he knows it.
“YOU. YEET. MY. BABY!!!!”
With reckless abandon, Shuri pounces at Namor.
And together they crash landing into the water, breaking through time, where millions of sparkling bubbles dance around them like tiny stars, trying to separate them.
Yet no water could keep Namor from drawing Shuri close, their lips meeting in a kiss that held the warmth of the sun.
They kiss until they both run out of breath.
As if they really could.
Shuri knows Namor wouldn’t complain if they drowned in their love like this.
the end.