Part two of Stay
M'Baku feels alone for once in a long time. It has been two months since you left. Your father was proud, blessing you before throwing a party for you. M'Baku didn't go to it: he didn't want to accept you are leaving.
"Chief...the king is here."
M'Baku looks up from his office and nods as he grabs his fur and goes to see him. He stops mid-stride when he hears your voice followed by laughter. He enters the room and stares.
You are in a simple black dress with a fur wrapped around you. You are darker and glow, your golden brown eyes standing out. You appear curvier, as if you gained weight but it looks good on you.
"Chief M'Baku."
"King T'Challa. Maha."
You give him a cool look and M'Baku feels as if he will he turned to ice. You look away before leaving, not saying a word.
"We have much to discuss."
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M'Baku and T'Challa enter the temple and see you talking to your father. You have changed into traditional Jabari clothing and are smiling.
"So tell me about this prince."
"What is there to tell baba? He is kind, funny, intelligent, and very sweet. He has asked to meet you."
"Now why would he want to meet me?"
"Says it's only right he knows where I get my attitude from."
Your father gives a hearty laugh.
"Zuri says the same."
"Speaking of, did you ask?"
"I did. He is coming to the festival in a month."
"My baba has a date! Oh, I will run and tell the village."
He laughs before spotting T'Challa and M'Baku.
"The Chief and the king arrive."
"No need for formalities. We are about to be family with you and Zuri becoming a couple," T'Challa says smiling.
"A Jabari and a Panther? Oh how the gods laugh."
"Legend has it Bast and Hanuman were once a couple."
"That is true. It will be...interesting. Now tell me T'Challa, this Erik boy, is he treating my daughter well?"
"Yes. He has no choice or Shuri and Zuri would have his head."
"Good good. Now I don't have to rough him up."
M'Baku stands quietly as you and T'Challa walk away.
"M'Baku."
He looks at your father.
"Jafar."
"You love her."
M'Baku sighs.
"Does it matter? She is upset with me and Erik..."
"Has laid no claim on her and is not courting her. M'Baku I nearly let the love of my life slip away, only getting lucky that he came back home. You adore my daughter: I see it in your eyes."
"But...she doesn't want anything to do with me."
"How do you know?"
M'Baku looks at Jafar.
"Here. Go and ask her."
M'Baku takes the small black box and rushes after you.
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You and T'Challa are standing by the river when M'Baku comes over.
"Maha!"
You turn and gasp as M'Baku drops to his knees. T'Challa blinks.
"Please...hear me out. I know I have been a complete idiot and you have every right to be upset at me but...I would be a fool if I don't try to fight for you."
You blink.
"Maha, daughter of High Priest Jafar, I, M'Baku, Chief of the Jabari want to court you. Your father has already given me his blessing and all I need is your Yes."
"M'Baku..."
"Please...I...I just want a second chance."
You look at T'Challa who nods, giving a thumbs up.
"I will allow it but I will also allow Erik to court me as well."
M'Baku smiles as he picks you up, hugging you drawing a giggle from you.
"Here."
You open it and gasp. It is a beautiful deep grey and blue choker. It matches M'Baku's usual clothes. He gently puts it on you, making you smile.
"You two are adorable."
You smile at T'Challa as M'Baku grins.
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M'Baku would send two of his men every week to drop off courting gifts for you. Erik had quickly learned the customs of courting from T'Challa and also was courting you.
Shuri was currently going through the gifts with you. You had furs, jewellery, books, and small trinkets.
"Jesus, these men really want you."
"It's flattering but if I am to be fully honest, I think I will go with M'Baku."
"Why?"
You and Shuri sat on the bed.
"M'Baku and I have been acquaintances for a while."
"So?"
"I...I love him. It's why I allowed him to get so close before I came here."
"How will you tell Erik?"
"I don't know...can I have M'Baku do it?"
Shuri laughs but nods.
"You can."
You let out a breath.
"Thank god."
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Several months later
It is snowing again and M'Baku looks out the window. Children are playing in the snow while adults walk around.
"Ncinci Gorilla."
You took his hand and he smiles at you, kissing it.
"Yes my love?"
"Nap?"
"You always want to nap when you come home."
"I can't help it. I'm around big cats all the time."
M'Baku laughs.
"I keep telling you to come home."
"And leave shuri to deal with Erik and T'Challa on her own? Oh no."
He laughs as you two lay in bed. He kisses your cheek as you two cuddle under the blanket.
"Would you ever want kids?" He ask softly.
"Little gorillas running around? Can you handle that?"
"Yes. Especially if I have a daughter with your eyes."
"She will be the spoilest child ever."
M'Baku laughs.
"Just like her mother."
"I am not spoiled!"
"Yes you are!"
"I am not!"
M'Baku smirks.
"Then explain how you got me in bed to nap?"
You blink before getting up and he laughs, pulling you back into bed. He nuzzles your neck.
"I am sorry my love."
"No you're not."
M'Baku laughs and you kiss his hand.
"I do want kids."
"Can that be spoken about after we nap?"
"I will keep you to that."
You hum before snuggling closer, dozing off in your boyfriend's strong arms.
M'Baku smiles down at your sleeping figure and kisses your forehead.