“Wow. I’m impressed. You’ve grown wiser since your time abroad, Ingucka.”
Then a little jab, because she can’t help herself --
It’s true -- the salt and pepper of his hair is made only more obvious by the way he now wears his hair and beard, short and clipped close. It’s a different look, yes, but one that feels like it’s been earned, and she can see it in the way he carries himself now, too.
Bucky, for his part, shoots her what can only be described as a truly wolfish grin. And in that moment, Shuri can’t help but think just how appropriate his Wakandan nickname was.
“I think it makes me look refined, your Highness.” he simpers, and she laughs at that, the first real laugh she’s had all day.
He’s right -- ugh, Shuri hates that he’s right -- because she hasn’t been able to stop ogling him since his return. He hasn’t caught on just yet -- at least, not as far as she can tell, anyways.
--snippets from a story i will never write