Chapter 33: Iceman
Happy Janm-ashtami to anyone who's reading my story!
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A bit short and late because I was busy in celebrations !
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Niklaus Vought entered the lavish room fiven to Robert, his tailored suit pristine, his blonde hair slicked back in its usual immaculate style.
He exuded an effortless confidence that could light up the room—or command attention, depending on the angle.
Today, however, it was the softer side he was showcasing.
Sitting at the large oak table was a young boy, barely in his teens, looking nervous.
He had pale skin, messy brown hair, and wide, uncertain eyes.
Niklaus approached him with an easy smile.
"Robert, right?" Niklaus greeted warmly, extending his hand as he neared the boy. "I've heard about you."
Robert looked up at the tall, charismatic man in front of him.
For a moment, he hesitated before shaking Niklaus's hand, his grip unsure but firm enough. "Y-Yes, sir," Robert stammered. "That's me."
"Please, call me Niklaus," he said with a chuckle, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him.
Robert nodded, clearly overwhelmed but trying to keep himself composed.
He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially not from someone like Niklaus, even though he was only a few years older than him.
He sat back in his chair, still fiddling with his hands, and tried to muster up some words. "Uh... thanks for... I mean, for bringing me here."
Niklaus smiled gently, leaning forward slightly. "It's no problem at all, Robert. You've been through a lot recently, haven't you? I heard about what happened on the bus."
Robert's eyes widened slightly, and he swallowed hard. "Yeah... it was..." he trailed off, still trying to wrap his head around everything that had happened.
"I don't really know how to explain it. One second, everything was normal. Then the next....." His voice broke slightly, remembering the chaos and fear.
"I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Niklaus nodded, his expression serious but understanding. "I know. Though I'm not sure everyone knows that. It's not your fault, Robert. Sometimes these things just... happen. Especially when it comes to—mutants."
Robert's brow furrowed in confusion. "Mutants?"
"Yes," Niklaus said gently. "You're one of the next steps in human evolution. People who are born with extraordinary abilities like yours. It can be overwhelming, I know, but it's also something special. Something that makes you unique."
Robert seemed to take that in, still uncertain but starting to understand. "So... what happens now? What am I supposed to do?"
Niklaus leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs casually. "Well, first things first—we're going to make sure you're safe from The authorities and that you learn how to control your abilities. You'll have the best resources at your disposal, Robert. And you'll have guidance. I promise you that."
He paused for a moment, his tone softening. "And don't worry about being scared or confused. That's normal. But you're not alone in this."
Robert looked at Niklaus, feeling a strange sense of calm settle over him.
The fear that had gripped him ever since the incident on the bus was still there, but it wasn't as paralyzing anymore.
"Thank you," Robert said quietly.
Niklaus smiled again, standing up from his chair. "You'll do just fine, Robert. I'm sure of it."
He placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder before turning towards the door.
"Come on. Let's get started."
Niklaus paused just before reaching the door, turning back to look at Robert.
"There's something else you should know," he said, his tone shifting ever so slightly, a hint of pride mixing with the warmth he had shown earlier.
Robert blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Niklaus smiled, but this time there was something more behind it—a certain intensity that hadn't been there before.
"I'm not just Niklaus Vought," he said calmly, watching the boy's reaction closely. "You've probably heard of me by another name."
Robert's eyes narrowed slightly, trying to process what he was hearing. "Another name?"
Niklaus stepped forward, the light in the room seeming to reflect off him in a way that made him appear almost larger than life.
"I'm Homelander."
The room fell into an almost eerie silence as Robert's eyes widened in shock.
His mind raced as he tried to reconcile the man standing before him with the figure he had seen on TV—the hero who had saved countless lives, the symbol of strength and hope.
"You're... Homelander?" Robert whispered, his voice barely audible.
Niklaus—or Homelander—nodded, his expression unreadable .
"That's right. And that's why you don't have to worry, Robert. With me looking out for you, you're in the best hands possible."
Robert stared at him, still stunned by the revelation.
He had never imagined that the one he was talking to—the one who had shown him kindness and reassurance—was the hero.
"Why... why are you helping me?" Robert asked hesitantly, still trying to make sense of it all.
Homelander smiled, a softer, almost paternal look on his face.
"Because I see potential in you, Robert. You're special. And I want to help you become the best version of yourself. Just like I did."
The weight of Homelander's words hung in the air as Robert slowly nodded, still in awe but also feeling something else—hope.
If someone like Homelander believed in him, maybe he could handle whatever came next.
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