Chapter Text
This was all new to him. Sam was never good at entertaining company, let alone a prince. Yet, T’challa sat on his armchair, his chin deep into his palm. Nick Fury had asked Sam for this one favor, show the prince a good time around New York. Apparently he came from Wakanda, one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. If this went well, perhaps SHIELD would have a new ally against HYDRA.
Sam didn’t like ulterior motives, if you had something you need to say, say it out right. Don’t sneak behind someone’s back. But still, he was never one to turn someone away if they asked for a favor.
“How about we catch a little dinner?” Sam Wilson asked, and then he winced at the slight pun. A falcon, and a panther, out to catch dinner. Hell, if Natasha were here, she’d probably laugh at that, but Sam only felt his skin begin to crawl.
“And what,” T’challa leaned forward, his eyes glowed in the house’s shade, “Would you recommend?”
T’challa was handsome. Growing up, Sam had heard stories of princes and royalty. Regality that could only exist in faraway lands, but T’challa was like something from an old legend. Strong in spirit and body, and a deep sense of tranquility that Sam had never seen before…at least, not in the world of the West.
“Uh…” Sam’s heart was beginning to skip, “We could get some pizza. I know a place right down the street.” Sam thumbed out his window.
T’challa only smiled, “You know,” his voice was as smooth as vines, “I’ve been doing a little research on you Mr. Wilson.”
“Sam,” Sam said, “You can just call me Sam.”
T’challa smiled, “Alright, Sam. I must say…I am very impressed. Not only did you assist Captain America in his efforts, you also run a support group for soldiers, and your work with the Falcon initiative was simply remarkable.” Somehow, without Sam even realizing, the prince had found his was to Sam’s side. “I did not know such men existed in this country.”
“What are you talkin’ about?”
The Panther clan, from what Sam had heard, knew pretty much everything about every country. Surely T’challa knew about the Avengers, and how close the world had come to destruction. “The Avengers do way more than I do. If it weren’t for them-“
“No, the Avengers are a group of warriors who care more for their own egos. Common sense could have led them to the conclusion that Loki was after something on the Tri-carrier. He is the trickster god, is he not?”
Well…that was true.
“But, you Sam Wilson…you are a true marvel. Placing the needs of others over your own.”
Sam only shrugged, “That’s what anyone would do.”
T’challa inched closer. He smelled like the earth. The fresh leaves of the jungle, the new dew of rain, senses that the city could never hope to claim. Earth had found its way back into New York’s walls.
“No, not anyone,” T’challa said, “That is what you would do…just as you would take in a complete stranger at Fury’s request.”
T’challa moved closer, his lips were breathing on Sam’s neck.
“In Wakanda, Falcons are considered the greatest hunters on the air, but what most people do not realize is that their cunning is second only to their loyalty. They are royalty in their own right.”
T’challa’s voice was like night time, washing over a peaceful skyline.
“In that regard, you’re namesake is very fitting.” It was small, one quick peck to his lips. No grand song in the background, no fireworks to scare the neighbors.
Just the quick realization of a prince’s mouth against a soldier’s.
“You taste like the sky, Prince Falcon.”
A meeting of earth and sky…