You're the one I Dream of
Ayo and Aneka were informed of Okoye’s condition. They dropped everything, and came over. All of them sat quietly, waiting for an update by Shuri. A medical tech was sent out, after an hour. But only said the operation was still ongoing, and Okoye’s status stable.
Attuma left the trio, after the hour mark; and the tech's update. He needed to roam, and asked M'Baku to call, when Shuri comes out. He made his way to the river flowing about the city, and stood by it, drawing some serenity. His mind went back to their first meeting on the bridge, if that’s what it could be called. That’s when he notices, the disturbance in the water. As if, something or one was swimming towards him. Then Namora flew out, and landed in front of him.
“Why are you here?” He growled.
“I was sent by K’uk’ulkan,” she informed him. “He wanted me to speak with your friend, King M'Baku. Something about the Wakandan woman’s health? What is he asking? Is she alright, Attuma?” He knows Namora, from toddler days. And from her questions, the tone of her voice, but mostly; her facial expression. She wasn’t in the loop, and Namor was; and he sent her, as the sacrificial lamb, as the saying goes.
“Namor sent you to find out how was Okoye’s health?” He questioned.
“I’m guessing, because you left so abruptly, he felt you got some bad news,” she surmised.
“No, I didn’t, because I’ve been back since then,” he informed her. “And Namor knows this.”
“What? Wait, he didn’t mention anything about your returning,” she was baffled. “This is perplexing, why wouldn’t he tell me?”
“Yes, why didn’t he,” he endorsed her confusion. She looked up at him.
“Why do I get this feeling; there are things of a devious nature, in play here?” Attuma gave her a look, only the two of them shared. “You should know, that old girlfriend of yours has resurfaced, and from what I understand, her daughter has left Talokan.”
“I know about all of that, but there is a question I need you to answer,” he came closer to her, staring into her eyes, searching. “Bey in etail yéetel in kiik.” (As my friend and as my sister.)
“Sure,” she replied, without hesitation.
“Did you know, Namor fathered a child?” He asked. She looked even more bewildered.
“No, he didn’t,” she answered. “When the rumors first circulated, I went to him myself. He debunked it empathically. Then the next I knew, the rumors ceased.”
“Do you know who the woman, and child; he was accused of?” He queried.
“After he denied it, I left it alone. I have no idea, since it wasn’t true,” she told him, then saw an expression sculptured on his face, that gave her an alarming sensation. “What?”
“You say Tecumbalam is with him?” He walked away, resuming his gaze in the water.
“No, I didn’t, and I don’t want to talk about her. She broke your heart, then returns with a baby.” Namora was staring at him. He looked at her.
“I came back to Talokan last night,” he began. “I was going to have it out with, Namor and you. When I returned to Wakanda, I found out, the both of you intercepted messages to inform me Okoye had to have surgery. We you lie to me Namora? Why would you do that to someone you claim to love?”
“Because she broke your heart too,” she blurted out. “You were this shell walking around. You allow yourself to be used in the most sordid way, not anything I would imagine from you. So, no I’m not sorry, anyone hurts you, does the same to me. Teech in suku'un (You are my brother).”
“What she did was out of love for me,” he told her. “She pushed me away; because she thought she was dying, and didn’t want me to see her go.” Namora, was speechless, and what M'Baku told her about their love being deep rooted, made sense.
“Now it’s clear, about hers and your love being solid, immovable,” she looked into the water. “What is going on Attuma?”
“I need to get back, she’s in surgery,” he started towards the medical unit. “We can talk later.” Namora, watched him walk away, and leaving her standing. She turned away, and prepared to dive. “Aren’t you coming?” She looked back, and saw him with this questionable expression.
“Why not? Since I was sent to speak with your King M'Baku,” she walked up beside him, he put his arm about her shoulder.
“Has Namora, returned with news,” Tecumbalam came into Namor’s room. He looked up at her.
“No, she hasn’t and that concerns me,” he noted.
“So, I’m not being paranoia, am I?” She sat at the table, Namor took a seat across from her.
“No, you aren’t,” he poured himself a drink, and offered her one. “When it comes to Attuma, Namora would empty a ocean for him, if he asked. And one more thing, if she ever discovers the truth; Attuma will be the least of your worries.” Tecumbalam down the beverage, and placed the glass on the table, gesturing for another round, he obliged. Then he poured himself another too. So, begins for the two of them; a repeat, of their infamous one-night stand.
Attuma arrived back in time to see Shuri coming towards them. She glanced over to see Namora, but quickly put her presence in the back of her mind. “It has been a careful, delicate procedure, but it was successfully. We were able to remove all of it, the surrounding tissue was healthy; and will heal accordingly. Okoye is resting, but only one person can go in at this time.” Shuri informed them, and of course, Attuma was elected to be that one person to go to her. He left with Shuri. Namora felt out of place, as all eyes fell on her.
“I will go now,” she said and started down the hallway.
“I never took you for being a coward,” M'Baku voice grabbed her with that statement. She turned in offense, Ayo prepared to engage, she failed one ruler, she will not again. M’Baku rest his hand on her shoulder, as to tell her to stand down. “Your brother, needs your support. Yes, he has us, but it would be nice to have one of his people here.” Namora thought for a second, knowing M’Baku spoke the truth. She prepared to stay, Ayo and her, glaring at each other. M'Baku smiled, he would enjoy seeing these two in battle, and curious with the outcome.
Attuma walked into the room Okoye laid, resting. He sat in a chair placed next to her bed. She looked as if she were sleeping. He took one of her hands into his, raising it to his lips, and pressing them into it. If he could, he would breathe healing into her, for a fast recovery.
“In yakunaj, I’m here; waiting for you,” he whispered to her. “How long it takes.” He pressed her hand to his forehead, holding it there for his comfort.