The Glowing Fruit
T'Challa was amazed as he followed Tony through the cavern who is able to scale and weave around as if he had been there hundreds of times before. It probably had to do with his genius mind, which was probably paired with an eidetic memory, and finished off with past experiences and superheroing that required him to take in and analyze everything in a glance. Even so, it was wonderfully impressive and made him keep a slower pace so he could gaze at the beautiful snow-colored panther before him.
It only was when Tony started heading towards a grove of thick and tall trees that T'Challa picked up the pace. He didn't want to lose the man and while tigers can climb, it wouldn't be as easy as it would be for the panther. So he used his stronger muscles and longer stride to close the distance between them before giving one last push to pounce on the older gentleman and as carefully as possible taking him down and straddling his form.
He felt Tony give playful tugs to get away and so he uses his larger bulk to pin him down and bite gently as the back of his neck, scruffing him to keep him still. T'Challa's heart leapt in joy when he felt Tony's purr like rumble moments before he could hear it. It made him nip again at Tony's scruff before he regained his bearings and pulled away. In turn, Tony gives him a look of confusion and so he shifts to his human form.
"I apologize Tony. I was starting to get too carried away in my excitement."
Tony shifts as well, sitting on the ground with the glowing fruit next to him. "It's fine. Don't worry. People get carried away and forget themselves all the time." He chuckles. "Should have seen me in my twenties."
The words sounded light, but T'Challa could see the minute details that belied the light airs in which he was giving off. He could see the tension in his shoulders, the tightness around pouty lips, the way his eyes did not truly meet his own. "It isn't because it wasn't what i wanted, but it is because you deserve far better treatment. And i wish to give that to you. To show you your worth which is truly priceless."
And he made Tony uncomfortable with the compliment, something he would work to correct even if he stayed nothing more than friends. He would help Tony see his worth, to know he deserves all the praise and gratitude given.
But now was not the time. He would not corner the man who had no where to go to feel at peace. He would not make the mistake that so many before him even if done in hopes to help him. Tony deserved to feel safe, to know what he did mattered, and his needs were taken into account.
It was that reason that any discussion that was not related to friendship or inventing would be had outside Tony's workshop and why even when given a blanketed access he would always ask for entry. And it is why he chose to sit down and pick up the fruit. "This fruit," he changes the topic, "is of the most refreshing there is. It hydrates and restores energy better than any coffee."
"How dare you!" Tony shoves him. "Coffee is life!"
"While that might be Tony" (tony mutters that it is), "the juice from Laneaflower fruit is easily worth four cup of caffeinated coffee."
"And where is the data? Where is the study and tests on this claim?" Tony grabs the fruit and studies it closer.
"I'm sure Dr. M'Koso Chera would love to show you her studies. Probably try to even convince you to do some experiments with her." T'Challa gestures for the fruit back and breaks it in two, juice pouring over his hand as he hands part of it over.
"And what field does she belong to?" Tony bites onto the soft flesh and his eyes widen as he takes in the flavor and properties.
"She dabbles but botany is her favorite subject." He smiles as he see Tony gobble the Laneaflower and eats his own half as he continues to watch from his peripheral vision. He thought Tony looked so cute with the juice flowing down his chin and wished to kiss and lick it up.
"You need to take care of that?" Tony asks cheekily and gestures down to the prince's lap.
"I apologize." T'Challa shifts to hide himself.
"No need. I'll help if you want." He winks.
"Another time perhaps."
"Your lost." With a shrug, Tony shifts into his panther form and takes off again for the entrance.