Not So Friendly Anymore

Chapter 28: A Magical Deal

(Hey everyone, sorry I didn't update last week. It was my mother's birthday and I forgot to announce that I would be taking the week off since we were going on a trip to celebrate.)

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The air remained thick as Peter's words lingered. Doom, his iron mask concealing any hint of emotion, said nothing. His gaze swept over Peter, Susan, and Sable, cold and calculating as always. Behind him, his green cloak billowed slightly in the wind, flanked by the ever-loyal Doombots standing sentinel.

Peter stood firm, though he could feel the weight of the silence pressing down. Sable shifted subtly, ready for whatever might come, while Susan's posture was calm yet resolute, her history with Doom evident in her stance.

Then, Doom's gaze shifted, settling on Franklin and Valeria. Though his expression couldn't be seen behind the iron mask, his body language changed, a slight pause, a moment of recognition.

Valeria's face lit up, breaking the tension entirely. "Uncle Doom!" she exclaimed, running forward and throwing her arms around his armored figure.

For a long moment, Doom did nothing. Then, with the faintest inclination of his head, he rested a gauntleted hand lightly on her shoulder. "Valeria," he said, his voice deep and measured, though softer than before. "It has been far too long."

Franklin followed at a slower pace, a reserved but warm smile on his face. "Hi, Uncle Doom," he said, his voice quieter but no less genuine.

Doom nodded slightly, his gaze turning toward Franklin. "Franklin. I see you are growing into the strength I always knew you possessed. Are you still striving to exceed your limits?"

Franklin chuckled lightly. "I'm trying."

"Good," Doom replied, his tone faintly approving. "It is what I expect of you."

For a moment, the scene was almost surreal. Doom, the infamous monarch of Latveria, stood there with the two children, his intimidating armor and mask contrasting sharply with the rare, almost tender moment.

Peter watched from a distance, exchanging a glance with Susan, who gave a small, knowing smile. "He's always been different with them," she murmured.

Peter nodded slowly, though it was still strange to see Doom so... human.

Finally, Doom's gaze shifted back to the adults, his voice regaining its usual imperious tone. "Now," he said, the cold edge returning, "shall we discuss why you have come to My Latveria?"

Peter took a deep breath, stepping forward until he stood a few feet from Doom. The flickering torchlight of the chamber cast long shadows across the ornate walls, the tension between them palpable. "I'm here for one reason, Victor," Peter began, his voice firm. "I want you to teach me magic."

Doom's gaze lingered on Peter for a moment, his iron mask betraying no emotion. When he finally spoke, his voice carried a cold, skeptical edge. "You come to Latveria, to me, of all people, seeking instruction in the mystic arts? Why, Parker, should I ever consider granting you such a request?"

Peter crossed his arms, his posture unwavering under Doom's piercing scrutiny. "Because Reed and Strange wouldn't want you to," he said, his tone steady and deliberate.

For a long moment, silence hung in the air. Then, behind the imposing iron mask, Doom's lips curved into a smirk. Though unseen, the shift was evident in his voice. "Ah, Parker. You do know how to appeal to my sensibilities."

Susan narrowed her eyes at Doom, her arms crossing defensively. "Victor, this isn't about your ego. This is serious."

"And I am nothing if not serious," Doom replied, his tone sharp. "Rest assured, Susan, my decisions are not made lightly."