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Chapter Text

T’Challa knocked on Peter’s door, sensing the nervousness and apprehension radiating from the younger male from within his room. Tony had been sceptical and asked T’Challa to talk with Tony while he went to go talk with Shuri—who also was freaking out.

Well, T’Challa couldn’t blame either of them.

It isn’t just a wedding, a royal wedding between the two of them.

The whole world would be watching.

Especially since it isn’t just a royal wedding, but a wedding between a princess and an Avenger.

“Peter, can I come in?” T’Challa asked, after getting no response earlier.

“Yeah.”

The king pushed the door open and stared at Peter who was just staring out the window. His tuxedo’s jacket was thrown haphazardly over the back of a chair, and thankfully his stylised hair was ruffled but, in a way, that it still worked.

T’Challa could tell that the hair stylists would’ve thrown a fit if Peter messed up their hard work.

“Panicking?”

“No.”

T’Challa merely raised an eyebrow, letting his amusement roll off him for Peter to identify.

“Okay, a little bit.” A pause as the younger shifted. “A lot, actually. I’m not just getting married, it’s a public event—to a degree.”

T’Challa chuckled. “Thankfully, Tony, Nakia, Pepper, and my mother are aware about public weddings.”

“Tony and Pepper had a private wedding.” Peter argued, turning to look at T’Challa. “I understand, but seriously, I’m just afraid of stuffing up.”

Placing a hand on Peter’s shoulder, T’Challa rested his forehead against his future brother-in-law’s. Peter stiffened before he relaxed and sighed heavily.

“You’ll be fine, Pete. You and Shuri will breeze through this wedding, and it will be a blink and you’ll miss it moment.”

“I am worried about you and Ned talking with speeches.” Peter laughed.

T’Challa smiled and resisted the urge to ruffle Peter’s hair. “I don’t even have a speech prepared.”

Peter’s eyes sparkled. “So, no speech on you scaring me into submission when you first found out that Shuri even liked me?”

The elder huffed. “I only did that because you were being cheeky and showing off to my dear baby sister. I hear that Nakia has a great speech for Shuri, which is probably going to get Shuri planning revenge.”

“Well, I can keep Shuri distracted from that, until she forgets about it at least.” Peter teased, and T’Challa almost hissed at the younger for his statement.

“While I certainly appreciate it, I do not want to even hear you talking about having sex with Shuri.” T’Challa grumbled.

Peter lowered his head and mumbled. “Is there anything I should be made aware of?”

T’Challa blinked at looked at Spiderman before tilted his head and humming. “Well, nothing that you don’t already know.”

“I’m guessing, dancing and music to begin it.” Peter raised his eyes. “Get the atmosphere started, after all.”

“Well, who is very aware of our culture. I’m not surprised that you and Shuri are having a mix of Wakandan and American weddings, I just hope it goes well.” T’Challa said, guiding Peter out of the room and grabbing the jacket before pulling it over Peter. “First of all, put this on. We need a good presence.”

Peter could hear the loud music from outside the palace and saw huge crowds of Wakandans dancing to the beat. Already there were already some news reporters. Peter felt dread creep through his body and blood, and unease ticked at the back of his mind.

Oh, this is going to be great, as long as he didn’t screw it up.

Peter touched the Wakandan necklace, a spider with silver webs curling around the chain. Shuri had designed and created it for him. It was not for any of his suits, but merely for appearance.

Peter had gifted Shuri with her own necklace as well. It was a necklace that contained rubies in a paw print shape on the side of a panther with diamond eyes. The chain on her necklace was gold, and light weight as Shuri often complained about heavy jewellery.

“You’ll do fine, come. I think Tony has finished talking with my sister.” T’Challa nudged him further down the hallway.

Peter took a deep breath.

It won’t be long now until he and Shuri tied the knot.

Shuri shifted, causing Ramonda to tsk her and forced her to sit still as her make-up was being adjusted.

“I still don’t know why I have to have a huge wedding. Neither Peter nor I wanted one.” Shuri muttered, still annoyed by her wedding plans.

Ramonda watched as one of the Dora Milaje smiled at the princess’ complaints before sighing. “My dear, you are royalty, and so will he by the end of the day. We compromised and allowed for it to be a mixed of both African and American.”

Shuri looked down and almost scowled as her hair was tugged back harshly to properly stylise it.

A knock at the door caused all of the females to look up.

There was soft talking before Nakia, Tony and Pepper poked their heads in. Tony looked around at them.

“I will not stay if this is an all-female meeting. I just wanted to say, I can offer Shuri some advice, as much as I can give any way.” Tony explained, carefully backing out of the room.

Shuri looked confused. “What advice can you give me that I don’t already know?”

Tony shrugged. “Words of confidence.” He leaned slightly against the door frame, obviously getting the hint that he was allowed to be there under Shuri’s orders. “Look, you’re smart and capable. However, the wedding is actually a breeze to go through. It may seem long when leading up to it but believe me. After the whole ‘I proclaim you husband and wife’ you will definitely tune out everything going around you.”

Pepper and Nakia looked at him, prompting him to continue. Shuri could see that Tony was trying to figure out his words.

“It’s not daunting, and it seems so extravagant for something that can be done in private, or just between you and your partner. I can see why you would complain about it, especially since it’s only done to tie you together for legal reasons.” Tony’s eyes were soft. “You are going to look back on this day as one of the best days of your life. Maybe not the best, but definitely up there in the top ten.”

Pepper lightly shoved her husband. “Shouldn’t you be talking to Peter?”

“T’Challa beat me to it.” Tony said but walked away. “Well, I might as well assist him in trying to keep Peter calm.”

Shuri tugged at her hands. “Aw man, I’m beginning to get nervous all over again.”

Ramonda kissed her daughter’s forehead. “You’ll be fine.”

Peter stared at the crowd from where he stood, panic rising up inside him. Ned nudged his best friend and leaned over to whisper to him.

“Hey man, calm down. It’s just a wedding.”

Peter’s eyes widened. “Bro, it’s JUST a wedding? Be thankful yours is gonna be a hell of a lot quieter than this.”

Ned shrugged, eyes gleaming in his usual mischief. “Relax. Sure, you are just getting married in Wakanda with a royal wedding, being watched by millions of eyes. Nothing too big.”

Peter almost whined but caught himself as Tony and T’Challa walked up to them.

“Is Peter freaking out again?” Tony asked, chuckling, watching as Nakia and Pepper stood with Ramonda discussing something to the side.

“Is it that obvious?” Peter murmured, eyes fluttering across and noticing a few news reporters.

He knew that the wedding had been shown for a while now, at least two hours. The actual ceremony was starting relatively soon, and his bit the inside of his cheek to avoid expressing any further panic.

The media would eat it up and claim he was rethinking his choice to marry Shuri, and there was no way in hell that he would allow the media to claim that idiotic statement as fact.

Ned rubbed his hands together. “Just wait until the speech.”

“Oh god.” Peter rolled his eyes, becoming distracted from the venue. “Please, tell you didn’t make it that embarrassing.”

“Aren’t the reception speeches meant to be really embarrassing?” Ned asked, glancing at the two married men behind them. “Regardless, I decided you should have some fun for your wedding. Why do you think Michelle and I decided to help make the soundtrack, it’s the reason why there is pop culture songs, but more will be played later.”

Peter smiled, body relaxing. “Thank you, Ned. You really are the best friend.”

Ned laughed. “Why do you think I’m your best man?”

Peter had to agree with Ned on that front. There was no-one else he wanted as his best man.

The wait was long and tiring, and Peter had to stop himself from shifting out of anticipation. The pastor spoke some Wakandan marriage phrases that Peter had learnt and recognised from T’Challa’s own wedding. He took a deep breath and nodded to Tony who only smiled at him which gave Peter to extra confidence he needed.

He glanced at their major guests. May and Ramonda were seated beside each other, looking disbelieving at the whole wedding actually happening. After all, Ramonda was very expressive around May as both lost their husbands and had to raise children on their own.

Scott and Hope were seated in the front with Cassie beside Clint and his family. Natasha and Bruce were seated on the other side of the Barton family, with Steve, Bucky and Sam (the latter two were thankfully being very civil during the whole event). Thor, Loki and Valkyrie were standing to the side. Heimdall was nowhere to be found but was most likely watching from outside as an over all protector. The Dora Milaje were scattered across the venue.

Peter prayed he wasn’t missing any important words, but everything seemed the usual wedding speeches before the bride was meant to appear. The wedding’s customs had been altered to Shuri and Peter’s taste (they both wanted hints of American culture to it).

A smile twitched on his lips as he saw Nebula, Gamora, Peter Quill, Drax, Mantis, Groot and Rocket seated to the side. He had missed the Guardians, and he should go and see them once it was over. Politeness and all that.

Peter heard a dress brushing against the ground, his heart beat picking up in it’s pace, body almost freezing before he forced himself to relax. No-one else had heard the fabric, obviously, and Peter could only have one thought running through his mind.

In just a few more moments he’ll be a married man to the best person in the world. He still didn’t know how he managed to win Shuri over, especially since she deserved better in his opinion. Now that they are here, he shrugged that thought off.

Shuri was stunning, and his breath caught in his throat. Normally, Shuri hated wearing any kind of head gear, but she wore a crown that held a veil that fell around the sides of her face. Her hair was tied up but was not its normal braids with two strands of curls framing her face. The dress was not pure white, more of a lilac (that she must’ve chosen because of Spider-man’s red and blue colour scheme) and Peter was thankful his suit appeared deep purple in certain light.

The necklace he picked out for her stood out on the dress, and Peter heard whispers of the pendant that he had specifically made for her. His heart leapt, and pride rushed over him. This was his wife, not yet but very soon, and of course Peter would take the time to show her off.

She looked embarrassed but smiled upon meeting Peter’s gaze, her eyes twinkling when Peter realised he had begun to cry. He didn’t even bother trying to wipe the tears away, almost laughing at the incredulity of it all at the moment. Of course, he was going to cry. He is a fucking sap when it came to Shuri.

The speeches went by too slowly and too quickly for Peter’s liking, soon their vows were said, and he could finally feel his bride’s lips on his own.

Her lips twitched upwards, her voice spoken softly. “My big dork.”

“My intelligent princess.” Peter murmured back, eyes closing as he brought their lips back together.

He pulled her closer but had to step away. He whispered directly to her.

“Later, my amore.”

Shuri smirked, keeping her head away from the cameras. “I wonder if I can get you to crack.”

“Good luck.”

Shuri never got to test her ability to crack Peter, as soon enough they were being whisked away to the after party.

Ned chatted with Michelle before standing up to begin to best man speech.

This was still being recorded, because of course it was. However, all of the major guests (the Avengers and Guardians) were seated at one huge table near the family table that housed T’Challa, Nakia, May, Ramonda, Peter and Shuri themselves.

Ned began. “You know. If you told me years ago that I’d be the best man at my best friend’s wedding as he married a princess. I’d never believe you. Heck I thought it would be more likely I’d be at Peter’s wedding with a frog for how incompetent he was at talking to females when he was younger.” That earned laughs and twin smirks from Bucky and Sam. Peter almost shied away but only ducked his head in embarrassment.

“However, I must admit, I had actually never met Shuri straight away and only heard of her in stories and tales Peter would tell me about her grandeur.” Shuri blushed softly at those words. “Except, I realised my best friend’s impulsiveness when he says stuff. This moment was the highlight of everything. You see, Tony had told us teenagers, Shuri was not part of this, that he had some tickets for Coachella that he wanted to give to us. A graduation present of sorts.”

Peter groaned, realising where this story was going. Why of all stories did Ned have to pick this one?

Ned smirked at his best friend, having no intent on stopping. “However, one of our group couldn’t make it. We were debating who to ask to tag along with us when Peter had the smart idea to ask Princess Shuri. Look, when I asked him if he had a death wish I didn’t mean actually plan your death by inviting a princess to Coachella with no adult supervision for a full week in California. I swear that day Peter realised that T’Challa must really respect and trust him to allow Shuri to go with us.”

T’Challa nodded and shot the newly-weds a grin.

“And all this before they got together, if you ask me, T’Challa was planning for them to get together for the longest time. Why else do you think he let Shuri and Peter hang out.” Ned winked. “That or Shuri pleaded with T’Challa who we all know is a sucker for his baby sister.”

T’Challa leaned over Ramonda to muse with Shuri’s hair, only causing her to screech at him. Loud laughter echoed around the dining room.

Ned shrugged. “One final thing though. I could tell immediately that Peter’s crush on Shuri was completely different to all others, and I had a feeling this is the one that either makes Peter or breaks him. Thankfully it was the former, even though I have to admit I don’t know fully what I would’ve done if it was the latter.” He waved his hand. “You aren’t best friends with someone since you are kids and not expect to know when they fall in love.”

Shuri leaned into Peter’s side and he smiled warmly at her.

Soon when the first dance came on, Shuri rested her head on Peter’s shoulder, their fingers interlacing. Their wedding bands stood out against their skin.

Both were made of Vibranium, but Shuri’s were more silver to match a spider’s web while Peter’s was darker to match to fur on a panther. They glinted purple in the light, and even seemed to glow softly when the lights darkened. Peter pressed a kiss to Shuri’s lips.

“I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Their foreheads rested against each other as Quill cheered. “Time for dancing!”

Peter and Shuri could only laugh as they watched their friends and family dance to the pop playlist Michelle and Ned put together, also observing the general populace of Wakanda enjoying the festivities in the streets below.

They both sighed and rested their foreheads together.

Nothing could ruin this.