Tango with Doom

(A Snowflake on Ice Vignette)

Author's notes: Been trying to come up with a Doctor Doom story that involves Illyana. Then I hit upon a dream. Hmm, for those who care, all the food and wine in this sequence are real (I'm a bit of a foodie), as well as the restaurant (wow expensive and fantastic). The Vignette ended up being a bit longer then I planned so I've decided to release it as a stand alone story. As always, comments are welcomed!

Dinner had been utterly boring, the climax of an especially boring day; burger and fries. As it takes time to get the food all the way down to the X-Brig, the fries never have the crispness to them that you get when their right out of the oil. The burger had been ok but... bland. Boring. Routine and the routine was very old.

Illyana had decided to try to go to sleep early, just one of those days.

Ash she drifted off to sleep she received an invitation of sorts. Received, and then after some thought, accepted.

The fogs of dreaming slowly parted as it were. She found herself in a fancy French restaurant with a high altitude view for Paris, but all the tables were empty, except for one. An iron grey suit of armor, with a green cloak and tunic, stood by a table next to a vast window. It was Victor Von Doom.

An unseen quartet was playing, heavy on the violin. It was Schubert's Death and the Maiden (somehow very appropriate for the both of them).

"Miss Rasputin, Thank you for accepting my invitation. I do hope you like French food. We are in the Dreaming, but this is an incarnation of the Le Jules Verne, the restaurant situated within the Eiffel tower. A skilled establishment that I sometimes frequent when I am in Paris".

Illyana had materialized as it were next to the private elevator. She was dressed in a simple but elegant white formal silk gown, wearing long white silk gloves and matching high heels. She was unadorned by any jewelry except an opal brooch of a sword upon her left breast. The sword was created a flaw within the stone, the opal flames in all colors of red, green, blue, but the sword shaped flaw was a blazing white.

She replied with a slight grin as she made her way across the empty dining floor.

"Lord Doom, I found that I had no prior commitments. I was bored and your invitation was... intriguing. I don't believe we've ever actually met".

Doom gestured at the large table for two by the window and pulled a chair back for her.

"No I don't believe we have. Please sit and enjoy the view. Forgive my presumption in that I've already ordered".

Illyana sat down and Von Doom pushed the chair in as she replied. "Not an issue. I wouldn't have the first idea as to what to order. In fact..." As she gazed out on the sprawl of the city of lights at night, "I don't think I've ever been in a French restaurant before".

Doom replied as he walked over to the facing chair and sat down. "A sad deficiency that Doom shall now rectify. Ahh the wine has arrived. I believe you favor whites. William Fevre Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru 2013 I think will do for now, although I hope to tempt you with a red or two".

An apparently invisible waiter, apart from two white gloves, approached holding a silver tray which contained the chilled bottle of wine and two high stemmed classes. The glasses were placed in front of the two of them and the wine poured. Doom took a slip and then proclaimed it excellent. The bottle was left on the table and the tray, plus the gloves, departed.

Illyana took a sip, Doom was very correct, the wine was excellent; in fact the best she'd ever tasted.

"Your choice is excellent Lord Doom. That of course raises expectations for the meal, which, if the wine is any indication, should be... scrumptious".

Doom appeared to be pleased, but one can never fully tell when your opposite is wearing a metal mask and armor. Illyana took another sip and asked a question.

"I hope this is not some... attempt to bind me, enslave me, or otherwise bend me to your will Lord Doom. And I hope you don't have any designs upon my sword. I will be quite... displeased if that were to occur".

Doom gasped in mock pain. "You wound me my dear, although I suppose one must be careful. I assume you would not have accepted the invitation if you suspected that of me".

Illyana smiled, this time the smile was a bit... predatory. "I don't really know. I am bored and such activity would break the tedium. Although it would likely not just be tedium I'd end up breaking. But no, I believe you to be a man of your word and the invite was very specific as to intent".

The first course arrived floating again on silver trays carried by white cloves. Marinated line-caught gilt-head bream (a type of fish) with horseradish and sesame condiment.

There were three words to describe the food. Sublime and perfection. Both of them ate with gusto and Doom poured some more wine.

When the plate was clean, and it was clean very quickly, Illyana commented.

"I fear my appreciation of such delights is lacking. So very delicious but likely Miss Frost would better appreciate such cuisine".

"Ahh, but it is not Miss Frost with whom I wish to converse, as engaging a diner partner as she has been over the years".

Illyana took another sip of wine, wow this was really good.

"And you wish to converse with me because..."?

Doom refilled his glass and then waved it about as he talked, he tends to be expressive with his hands or with whatever he is currently holding.

"Doom found your vengeance to be impressive. Most impressive. Worthy of Doom himself. I had thought you but one skilled in the craft, but after the downfall of the Elder gods I realized you were far more than just skilled. We had never met and Doom wished to meet you to take your measure. I would have preferred an actual physical meeting but... your current domestic arrangements make that difficult so I arranged to craft this construct within the Dreaming and asked you to join me. Thank you for accepting".

Doom's tendency to speak in the in the third person did not phase Illyana, she sometimes had her own odd ways of speaking. Doom continued.

"I had thought that you would have been more... hesitant. Not all of my dealings with the X-Men have been benign".

The second course arrived. Sautéed scallops and delicate lettuce velouté with gold caviar.

Illyana tucked in. Wow, this was way better then burgers and fries. Hmm, maybe she needed to explore food experiences better; once she got out of X-Brig that is. Due to her... traumas she was still rather stuck in the burger and pizza zone of teenage life.

"As I said Lord Doom. You gave your word on the invite. Your word has value. I also recalled a debt I believe I owe you and wished to thank you in person".

"Thank me? I recall no assistance or aid that I have provided you".

"No to me. To Kitty, a... friend of mine. Years ago you were willing to aid in her healing when others would not. She... I could not help her. My skills are mostly constrained when it comes to healing others. She meant... means a great deal to me. I consider myself in your debt".

"Ahhh, yes, the time she could not unphase and was drifting apart. Richard did assist in that endeavor and did... find some irregularities that I had overlooked due the rather endless complications caused by the fighting between the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Such difficult attendees to the procedure. I really should have banished them to a greater distance".

Illyana drained her glass and held it out for Doom to refill. "You took the initiative Lord Doom. You provided the equipment. You did the deed. Thank you".

Doom drank the remainder of his glass. "Child, it is not always a wise decision to decide that you are in Doom's debt. Doom... tends to always collect what is owed him".

Illyana smiled, but this time the smile was not very friendly, she drank more wine, and then replied. As she spoke the dream slowly morphed from the French restaurant into a rocky outcropping only large enough for the table and two chairs.

The sky was a blackish shade of purplish red with scattered blood red clouds. Below the rock outcropping a pool of lava boiled and churned. Dark and evil things flew in that sky and a hot dry wind filled with the stench of sulfur and death was blowing. Doom swore that he saw a flicker of a red barbed devil tail behind her.

"I am no child Lord Doom. I haven't been one for... a long time. I choose my words with care and I mean what I say. I consider myself in your debt. It is not a blank check. It does not let you command me to do things against my will. It does not let you harm those I care about. But, if requested, and it does not offend me, I will grant you assistance or aid at some time of your choosing".

Doom gazed upon the hellish landscape. If it bothered him he gave no sign.

"You have altered the Dreaming. I did not think anyone could take control of my construction".

Illyana give a slight laugh.

"Lord Doom please refrain from playing such games. You left certain flaws, opportunities within the construct. It was a test to examine my proficiency and... my tactical sense. Would I alter the dream? Could I alter the dream? Would I let you know that I could? Would I sense it was a test? All that and much more. I've... played many such games on my travels before I returned to Earth to play the biggest game of all, the reclaiming of my Soul and the downfall of the Elder Gods".

The dreaming of a Hell faded and the restaurant returned. Illyana continued.

"There, much more pleasant and the food is better".

Doom was greatly intrigued with this young lady. He had not known what to expect but this, this was turning out to be one of his more interesting evenings.

The third course arrived. Escalope of duck foie gras cooked in a cocotte with pumpkin and a Port reduction. Mmmmm.

Doom refilled both of their glasses, which polished off the bottle.

After some silent eating Doom resumed the conversation.

"Games? Doom plays no games".

Illyana swirled the wine in the glass and had some more foie gras. Mmmm, she was so going to ask for an X-Brig menu update tomorrow, fat chance of that happening; but can't hurt to ask.

"You play many games Lord Doom. You are a master of magic and science. Only a fool underestimates Doom. For example, the game you played with Mr. Richards when he interfered with your healing of Kitty. Suddenly there is a flaw that only Mr. Richards could see and fix. But will he? Dare he? Your little mind game with him, and the Fantastic Four was... impressive, and very cruel. But you have the belief of just cause for your anger with Mr. Richards".

Doom was... irritated. Insight into Doom was not something he welcomed or permitted.

"I will name two more examples Lord Doom. Alison Blaire, A.K.A Dazzler, defeated you early in her career; back when she was a disco singer and wearing roller skates of all things. Now, that was likely a Doombot but even then, Dazzler vs. Doctor Doom and she wins"?

"Then there is Spider Man. You have had many encounters with him and yet he lives to defeat and hinder you and your aims. You play... a larger game then what many see. The true goals of Doom are not easily discerned. I know a thrown fight when I see one, I've... thrown more then a few myself. You play these games as I did, as I still do. But I think you play many more games then I".

Doom was not used to such... perception. Takes a player to know one I guess.

Doom's tone was flat. "It is dangerous to interfere with Doom or to presume to know his mind".

"And now you play the villain Lord Doom"? Illyana asked as she finished off her glass.

"Doom does not play" was his angry retort.

Illyana had an expressionless expression. "Yes Doom does play. You know it and ones such as I know it as well. Know and don't particularly care. It is... what we are. What you are".

Doom was somewhat flummoxed. The meal had gone deeper into things then he cared for. Her insight was... perceptive and... of concern.

Illyana grinned, "But enough of such talk Lord Doom. My glass is empty and I think you promised to tempt me with something... red I believe it was"?

Doom drained his glass as well. "Yessss... are you one whom believes white wines are only for fish and red wines are only for red meat"?

"No. I have no such skill or discernment. I like what tastes good. Much of my education as been truncated or is deficient. Shards I was only starting on geometry in math before she... I died. My Limbo education focused on other classics as it were".

"Excellent, then I shall order a red that goes well with turbot. Baaah on the naysayers of reds with fish. Their inferior palettes are nothing compared to Doom's".

Illyana replied with a grin. "I am in your hands Lord Doom. I'm... confident that you will find something pleasurable for the both of us".

Hmmm Doom thought. Interesting choice of words...

"Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 from Napa Valley. A fine choice for those who have discernment".

The wine arrived on yet another silver platter, with two fresh glasses. It was poured and Illyana expressed her approval.

"This is way beyond good Lord Doom".

Doom said nothing but simply smiled. Of course it was good. He was Doom after all.

The fourth course arrived, seared Turbot with winter tender vegetables in a citrus sauce.

Again the two of them were quiet for a time as the food was enjoyed. Then Doom asked a question while he pointed at Illyana with his fork.

"Did Summer's really need to gather so many people, of such power, in that conference room where he decided to lock you up"?

Illyana sighed and nibbled a veggie.

"No, that was a rather dramatic of him. Although I suppose it was a bit of posturing for the others; they were upset. And surprised, after all I had manipulated all of them, and had quite harmed my teammates in the pursuit of my goals. Such people don't react well to such events. Nor do they like learning just what I was... am capable of. He had to show he was in charge. That I would be punished, contained, controlled. Really the outcome would have been the same if we had been alone".

Doom ate the last of his Turbot. "And if you had disagreed with the outcome"?

Illyana frowned in thought, then replied. "Lord Doom, would such an assembly have overwhelmed one such as you"?

"No, Doom does not accept limitations from his inferiors".

"And if what you wanted required it"?

"What could they have that Doom would submit to such indignities"?

"That which I... desire. I... played with everything Lord Doom to archive my plan. What I desire now I don't wish to manipulate to attain, I wish to earn, if that is even possible anymore".

Doom thought upon her answer. "We... I suspect your desires and goals are far from the goals of Doom".

"Yes... I believe they are".

The fifth course arrived, Demi-deuil style Jaune des Landes chicken done with Albuféra sauce.

They both ate slower now. The ending of the meal in sight.

Doom made a comment, and a leading statement. "Many would have refused my invitation, improper to be dealing with a villain and all".

Illyana did not reply at first. Too busy enjoying the chicken. Damn this is good.

"Yes, you fit the villainous description quite well Lord Doom. As do I, I suppose. After all what would you call somebody who betrays her friends, allows them to suffer greater harm, pretends to be defeated in battle just to set everybody up, and arranges for a reality destroying mutant to come back into our reality just so she can utterly do unto others that which they had so done unto her? I find I don't pay much attention to such terms anymore. Likely another moral failings of mine".

"You hated the Elder gods that much"?

"Yes Lord Doom I did. Everything bad that ever happened to her, my former self, and myself was directly caused by them. I... I had and have issues as it were. Issues partially resolved now that I've regained my soul".

Doom took another bite of the Chicken, then replied. "I am somewhat surprised by your... verbosity and candor Miss Rasputin, I had not anticipated nearly so much conversation from you. Your prior dealings with your cohorts were far more... terse".

"Well... you are Lord Doom. I suspect that you already know most of the answers to your questions before you asked them. You are likely more interested in how I answer, or if I answer then in the actual words. I will admit to being more forthright then I was with the X-men, but somehow I don't think I would have accepted this meeting with you before the culmination of my plans". A smile. "Although I suppose the wine and the food might have something to do with my verbosity as you said. That, and the pleasure of an attentive attractive man".

Doom angrily growled. "It is dangerous to mock Doom".

Illyana's eyes narrowed. "You will know when I choose to mock you Lord Doom. I gave no cause".

"Attractive? And you claim no mockery"?

"No, I claim no mockery. Doom, you know what I am. I do not... judge by petty human standards. You are many things. One of which is very attractive to me. I know what hides behind that mask. Just as you know what I hide behind mine. I meant what I said. Attractive".

Doom eyed Illyana, if she lied it was beyond his ability to tell. He grudgingly apologized. "I... may have overreacted".

"Yes you did, but I understand. I'm... touchy as well on certain topics".

Hmm no sign of concern about the possible anger of Doom. Doom liked strong women. Hmm this encounter was far more then Doom had imagined it would be.

The sixth course arrived, dessert. Chestnut cake with blackcurrant cream all with an infusion of Mont Blanc. Plus the dessert wine, Inniskillin Riesling Icewine 2002 from Niagara Peninsula, Canada.

Illyana was content, content in a way she'd never really experience before. Really good food, heck fantastic food. Great wine, and pleasant male company, even if he was a bit moody from time to time.

"Lord Doom, do you eat like this all the time? And if so how are you able to fit in that armor"?

Doom chuckled. "Doom, indulges when the whim strikes him. But he tends to... skip dessert". That and the weight loss spells, but no need to speak of such things.

Illyana had a resigned look upon her face. "The only problem with a meal like this is now I've got to go back to X-Brig food. Well, such is fate, although I'm definitely going to start branching out after I'm released. Mmmm, you are such a tempter Lord Doom; likely a bad influence as well".

Coffee was served for Doom and Silver moon tea from TWG for Illyana, along with crispy tower hazel nut chocolates (the restaurants' own creation). In addition after dinner drinks were served. 40 year old Taylor's Tawny port for Illyana and Dartmore King Alexander III scotch for Doom. The meal was done.

"Get any answers you wanted Lord Doom"?

'Yes. And some Doom did not" Doom replied as he sipped his coffee (triple espresso, from Guatemalan high altitude shade grown beans, for those who want to know. Doom likes his coffee strong!).

Death and the Maiden was done playing, Now Yo Yo Ma's interpretations of the Tango filled the air (the music of Astor Piazzolla).

"Oh Gods, that was always one of her fantasies"!

"What..?" was Doom's inquiry.

"The Tango. She... well I, always wanted to dance the Tango. Do you dance Lord Doom"?

"Doom... Doom rarely dances".

"It is a dream Lord Doom, I'm sure you will dance divinely. Will you indulge me this one thing"?

Doom... consented. It was a dream after all. And the setting was private.

The two stood up and moved to the center floor, now devoid of tables and took up positions. The Tango is a dance of closeness and intimacy with the two bodies presses tightly together, chest to chest and sometimes thigh to thigh. They choose the milonguero style, which is characterized by a very close embrace, small steps, and syncopated rhythmic footwork (how did they both know the dance? Well, Doom knows many things, and it was a dream after all).

The two moved as one across the dance floor. Doom mostly leading and Illyana following, although the Tango does have more then a few steps were the female leads and the male follows.

They danced thought several songs. Then parted.

Illyana was breathing heavily.

"Thank you Lord Doom. That was... marvelous. A fitting end for a first date".

"You are mistaken Miss Rasputin, I do not court you".

Illyana smiled. "I know that, but I was referring to the school girl fantasy of the first date. Food, song, and dance with an attractive mysterious gentlemen. That is the predominant fantasy that they always giggled about when she... I was younger. Never did go out on a date so I'd have to say you've fulfilled that fantasy very well".

Doom was slightly taken back. Fulfilling school girl fantasies was not one of his usual descriptions.

Illyana leaned in and kissed Doom on the cheek of his armor. For some reason he could feel the kiss on his actual cheek.

"Thank you Lord Doom. I would be... receptive to another future encounter between the two of us".

The dream swirled and Illyana awoke in the X-Brig. She skipped breakfast that morning.