Sunlight filtered in through the open window, a breeze coming in to play around the couple on the bed. Dancing over their dark skin. Okoye caressed W’Kabi’s hand, legs tangled together, in the cotton cloth enjoying the few moments of quiet before the day started. W’kabi shifted pulling Okoye closer and nuzzling lightly in her neck.
“Are you ready for today my love?”
“Yes, the Dora Milaje will have a good time warming up against your men.” W’kabi’s laughed filled the room, his chest rumbling against her back. Her hand slipped down to her stomach. “And our little one will be there to cheer me on.” He kissed her stomach briefly before slipping out the bed.
Stretching she also got up, since finding out she was pregnant she felt different. Physically and mentally. Her goals didn’t change but her priorities did. Looking down she rubbed her stomach. At four months she wasn’t showing, her doctor said it was natural due to the fact she is always constantly exercising. Her stomach muscles were strong and weren’t likely to change much. Whispering she said “I’m going to win this tournament for the both of us little one. So that one day you will know you can do anything.”
*****
Walking through the halls of the palace she could feel the excitement in the air. The normally stoic guards couldn’t seem to keep the grin from their faces. She twirled her staff lightly, eager for a fight. She hasn’t told anybody besides her Husband and doctor she was carrying a child. It was news she wanted to keep close to her heart for just a little longer. While it wasn’t a complaint, she gave so much of herself, she just wanted this to be hers a little longer. The finals were in a couple of hours, giving time for the final stage to be prepared. This tournament was something every guard looked forward to every year. A chance to show off their skill and to have fun.
There was a long-standing competition between the Border Tribe and the Dora Milaje to see who could get the most people in the finals. The Dora usually won but the Border Tribe made them work for it. Underestimate them, and victory was theirs. The captain in Okoye also used this tournament as a chance to judge the decision making of those under her. As she got closer to the tournament the excitement in the air grew.
It was Okoye’s turn to fight.
A quiet hush of anticipation settled against her skin. Electricity teasing across the surface of her skin, playing with her heartbeat. A simple drumbeat started signaling the start of the fight. Okoye swung her staff, the sound of her feet on the ground making music only she could dance to.
Okoye always loved fighting. Not for the violence, not even because she was good at it. She loved it because to her it was like dance. Reminding her of her mother dancing to music when she was a little girl. Her hair around her face, much like the lion’s mane she saw on her school field trip, mouth open wide in joy. Her former Dora teacher had once told her “Everybody can dance you just have to learn their rhythm.”
The ground beneath her feet was cool and almost smooth beaten flat by many soles. Her armor brushed against her skin as familiar to her as her husbands’ hand. Thinking of him she smiled. While he was always supportive, the only reason he didn’t object was because he knew that the tournament allowed vibranium armor in the form of a shirt. Which was fitted snugly around the precious cargo that she carried.
Not that she would need it Okoye thought. She wouldn’t let them get that far.
The drumbeat changed.
Her opponent stepped into the ring. Karabo she remembered. At one time they were training to be Dora together before she dropped out. Wanting to stay close to home. Okoye couldn’t remember much about her except that she gained a nickname early on.
The air next to her ear whistled as she dodged a jab, silently she scolded herself hard earned reflexes saving her from a swollen eye.
Just because your mind is wondering doesn’t mean your opponent is.
Whistle. She suddenly remembered as she jumped over a sweep by her feet. We called her Whistle because of how fast she could swing her weapons. Grinning slightly, she blocked a hit to her side and pushed back. While her opponent was fast Okoye was sure that Karabo wry frame wasn’t as strong as hers.
She attacked her legs where their armor clothing didn’t extend. Quickly dodging blows to her sides.
A challenge. I like that.
*****
Three minutes later the two of them stood, silently inhaling cool air to help their burning lungs. Okoye won but it was a challenge for them both. Neither of them willing to back down. The cheers of their country men continued to echo around them as Whistle pulled herself to her feet. A grin in her face, it wasn’t missing before but there was a mark of respect in her eyes.
She would be a good sparring partner, Okoye thought someone to keep me on my toes. I’ll have to remember her.
Okoye had once again managed to remind everyone why she was the leader of the Dora Milaje. Smiling she stepped out the mat. The Dora had won once again, while she was happy, she was also extremely tired and wanted to do nothing more than let her husband give her a bath in some scented water. W’Kabi came over to embrace her, his friends congratulating as he passed. His eyes were only for her. Which very much pleased her.
Later that night the couple laid together on their bed, much like they had in the morning. The evening breeze doing a slow waltz around the room. The doubts Okoye had been keeping at bay jumped to the forefront of her mind. Was this the life she wanted to lead while raising a child. She had seen what being parentless was like with W’Kabi. That was not a fate that she wished on anyone, especially her own child.
“Okoye, your thoughts are loud, go to sleep” came W’Kabi’s voice, rough from sleep. “Whatever you’re thinking about we will deal with it in the morning.” Tears pricked at Okoye’s eyes. Even without knowing he was once again giving her the support she didn’t know how to ask for.
Damn hormones.