Heroes And Villains - Blog Posts

Prompt #72

“Let’s not fight today, let’s chill.” The hero had said an hour ago, and the villain was puzzled. Baffled, more so. But they agreed to do exactly that.

Now they were sitting in the villain’s apartment, playing video games that the hero was great at for reasons the villain did not know. They were too shocked, their mouth agape.

How could the hero be good at physical combat and digital combat? “Is this what you meant by not fighting? This?” The villain scowled, raking a hand through their hair frustratedly. They kept loosing. Damn it.

“Was in the mood to show off a little.” The hero grinned, throwing them a thumbs up.

The villain groaned, taking deep breaths to calm themself. They took a sip of their drink. “One more round.”

The hero laughed. “You’ll still loose.”

“Shut up.” The villain grumbled, secretly enjoying the way the hero was teasing them.

Prompt #71

By @writingpromptsworld

When the hero finishes their training for the day, and comes home, they do not expect to see the villain sitting in the middle of their room, with a presumably champagne glass in their hand.

However, what was more strange was the fact that the villain had decorated the whole place for the hero’s happy birthday. But the decorations weren’t normal like balloons, banners, and…. Other decorations.

There were knives, and other weapons hanging around the room vaguely, yet somehow fashionably. There was a cake in the middle with the hero’s name, painted red, their name in a black font. And the villain sat, grinning.

The hero stood still for a second, taking it all in slowly. If it was anyone in the hero’s space, they would have been shocked. Horrified, perhaps. But the hero, the hero barely blinked an eye at it. They sighed. “Is this the birthday party I get for working hard all day?” They asked, setting down their backpack.

The villain chuckled. “If that was your way of saying ‘thank you’, I regret to inform you it's not the best way.” The hero perked an eyebrow, before sitting down opposite the villain.

“And why would I be thanking you for this?” The hero asked, motioning around the room in a ‘what the heck is this?’ tone.

The villain pouted, their full lips crunching into a perfect circle. “Now that’s not very nice. I worked very hard to find all of your hidden guns, and even the knives! Gosh the knives! Why do you not have a knife holder?” They mused, their brows frowning in concentration as if this was a serious thing they took great interest in.

The hero pursued their lips. They hadn’t eaten much all day, and the cake(however bloody it was designed to look) appeared as delicious as water in a dessert. Their stomach growled, and they glanced at the villain. The villain smiled sweetly.

“Let’s cut the cake! Happy birthday, my hero.” The ‘my’ was really unnecessary, the hero thought but let it go anyway.

They leaned forward and blew off the candles. The candles were all black. “Thank you.” They mumbled, feeling uneasy yet a sick kind of affection towards the villain for remembering their birthday and even throwing a party. No one had done it, not even their closest so-called colleagues.

They put on a smile. Not forced, but genuine. The villain smiled just as genuinely back. The hero devoured the cake, it was a chocolate cake, their favorite. And while eating, the villain spoke up. “Just because I did all this doesn’t mean I’m going soft on you during our fights, just so you know.” They licked their lips, a flirtatious grin spreading across their cream kissed lips.

The hero rolled their eyes with a smile. “Yeah, yeah. You’re a big baddie, who doesn’t have a heart and has a stone cold persona. Blah blah blah.”

The villain laughed, gazing at them with love filled eyes. The hero couldn’t ask for more for their birthday.

Prompt #70

By @writingpromptsworld

“What…so you’re just letting me escape? Just like that?” The villain questioned, suspiciously. Their eye narrowed slightly, examining the hero.

The hero shrugged, smiling. “You did say you’re not feeling too well, so I’ll let you off the hook for today.”

The villain stared in a little disbelief. “Oh…”

“What?” The hero questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re being oddly nice.” The villain mused, a confused frown crossing their features.

The hero chuckled. “I can’t fight you while you’re not at your best. It wouldn’t be fair.” They offered a sweet smile.

The villain’s heart beat in their chest, staring at the hero’s smiling face. They huffed, rolling their eyes. Goddamn it, they couldn’t understand why the hero was being so soft like this.

“So I can just leave then?” The villain asked again to make sure. The hero nodded, the smile still there.

The villain stared at them for a second, controlling the urge to kiss the smile off the hero’s face. They sighed.

They left after a lingering glance at the hero.

Prompt #69

By @writingpromptsworld

“Oh, come on, you can’t be putting handcuffs on me right after we had our first kiss!” The villain whined, struggling against the metal bracelets.

The hero tightened their grip on the villain’s wrists. “Only a distraction, sweetheart.” They chuckled.

The villain rolled their eyes, scoffing. “Don’t lie. I know you liked it.” They clenched their jaw, feeling a little worked up.

“Maybe.” The hero smirked teasingly.

The villain groaned. They were so fucked. They tried again. “Not even a little?” They asked in a quieter voice, aiming to get even a bit of the hero’s soft side. But, really, they wanted to know.

The hero grinned, seeing through their words. They shrugged, not giving anything away, the grin only widening on their lips.

The villain huffed, as they were gently pushed into the back of the hero’s car. “You’re so cruel.” They mumbled, slightly pouting.

The hero got in and winked, charming as always, and took off.

Prompt #68

By @writingpromptsworld

“Do you think you look all high and mighty in that suit?” The villain asked, flashing their teeth teasingly.

The hero frowned, their lips turning down in the cutest way. “Well, yes. That’s why…I wore it for tonight!”

The villain chuckled, their thumb coming up to caress the hero’s cheek. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

The hero blushed, swatting their hand away and glaring at the villain half-heartedly.

Prompt #67

By @writingpromptsworld

When the villain woke up, they did not expect to find themselves tied to a bed, their hands and legs binded. Their eyes shot out of their sockets, eyebrows frowning, as their hands twitched by their side to be let free. Panic. They could make out a patient gown that they were wearing for reasons unknown.

They struggled against the heavy metal chain that somehow seemed to wait more by the passing second. However, it wasn’t long before footsteps could be faintly heard coming towards them. Realization.

They held their breath, frozen, and their head throbbed in response. The hero. It was the hero, with a grin well too ingrained in the villain’s head, it was impossible to erase it.

They clenched their jaw at the sight of smiling teeth, and snatched at the chains again which in response tightened, and they let out a scream.

The hero shook their head with a sigh. “Don’t. Don’t try to be free of them, they’ll only strengthen in result.” They said.

The villain stayed silent for a moment, after stopping the fumbling around. They breathed heavily, looking at the hero. “Let me go.” They said, weakly, however the hero could detect the underline of threat they were trying to seep into their words. It didn’t work.

“No. I’m having way too much fun seeing you like this. Finally under my control.” The hero mused, smirking slightly.

“Let. Me. Go.” The villain repeated themself, clenching their jaw which increased the hammering of the headache.

The hero simply sighed again, as if in disappointment. They lightly treaded the ground until they were in front of the villain. “How about you stay still and wait until the scientists come, mhmm? They should be here any moment.”

The villain’s heart raced further, fear and confusion and anger filled their eyes, and they couldn’t help but grab at the chains again in order to espace. “What do you mean?” They asked, voice high but at the same time so afraid. And if it were anyone other than the hero, they wouldn’t have detected it. The hero did, however. And they took great pleasure in it.

“They’re going to experiment on you a little. See what goes in that little head of yours.” The hero smiled, delighted.

The villain’s anger only grew, and they tried to wrestle the chains again. It didn’t help, only made them cry out in sheer pain. They threw curses at the hero. Threats, promises to destroy the hero and the city, but it wasn’t enough. The hero had left by the time the villain was too tired to fight. And they had drifted off to sleep, more like fainted of dizziness.

The drugs did work, the hero pondered, walking out of the room.

Prompt #66

By @writingpromptsworld

“What if I told you that I loved you to the moon and back?” The villain asked with a cheeky grin. Their hand gently carded through the hero’s hair, massaging the scalp gently.

The hero chuckled lowly, putting down the book they were reading. “I’d say you’re a sap. Which is not a good combination along with being a villain.”

The villain smirked, snorting. “Oh yeah? Then why did you agree to marry me when I said that exact same line to propose you?”

“Because you were proposing me in front of the whole city. It’d embarrassing to reject you. I did it to save my reputation.” The hero sighed.

“So you admit it was a good line?” The villain questioned, perking their eyebrows up with a laugh as they lean down to give a kiss on the hero’s forehead.

“Yeah, yeah. You got me all wooed.” The hero admitted with a smile, bringing the villain’s hand down to their mouth to smooch it.

Prompt #64

“You know you really shouldn’t have fallen in love, especially with a hero.” The hero said, pressing the dagger deeper into the villain’s stomach, attaching their foreheads, with a sad smile and tears running down their face.

The villain let out a shaky breath. “Forgive me for loving you, then.” They said, before collapsing on the ground as the hero let go of them. They gave the hero a trembling smile as their eyes closed. Forever.

Prompt #63

(flirty hero x oblivious villain)

“I think you should give up now, darling.” The hero mused, pressing their feet deeper on to the villain’s chest, as they lay on the ground, looking up at them with their pretty eye lashes.

The villain’s eyes flashed with anger, “No! You asshole!” They said, trying to get rid of the hero’s foot on their chest, but to no avail, the hero was too strong.

“Hmm, well. We could keep doing this all night. I have no problem, sweetheart. You know I like you.” The hero said, winking. Their foot went up to the villain’s chin, and tilted up more. “What do you say?” They asked with a grin.

The villain grunted, blushing slightly, even at the awkward angle. “Shut up. I’d rather not. Let me go.” They frowned, trying to seem serious as their hand wrapped around the hero’s foot.

Oh, and the hero liked the sight. They loved it. The villain shuffled a little, the hero smiled. “In exchange for what exactly?”

The villain stopped, giving them a glare. “In exchange for nothing, jerk. Let me go!” The villain insisted, their hands braced by themselves to hoist themself up but the hero refused it with a shake of their head.

“Not until I get something in return, sugar.” The hero says, smirking. They loosed the force with which they were pressing down the villain. The villain blushed again, perhaps at the nickname.

“W-what do you want?” The villain asked, unsure.

“Smile for me.”

“What?” The villain’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

“Smile for me…please?” The hero asked, again. More softly, more gently than the villain was used to.

The villain scowled, before trying to pull their lips into a smile. It was hard, they weren’t used to smiling a lot. It was easier to sneer. They smiled, somewhat unsure. Their eyes crinkled at the corners. The hero instantly took their foot back, they crouched down on their knees.

“Your smile is so pretty, you know that?” The hero asked, smiling at the villain. The villain’s smile faded, turning into a scowl again, their face going red.

“Shut up.” They said, before looking away, and because the hero’s guard was down, they made a run for their life.

The hero didn’t follow, watching them with a tilted head as they chuckled. The villain was so innocent if they thought that they would never meet again.

Prompt #60

(Drunk hero👀)

“So…then, I told the superhero that I can’t not go. Because…” The hero slurred, trailing off as their eyes felt drowsy. Their hand was slowly falling down from the villain’s couch they were splayed out on, their legs dangling on the edge.

The villain hummed, nodding their head as if they were listening intently as they filled up an injection with a yellow looking drug. The hero groaned. “Because what?” They prompted, as they knelt down beside the hero, the cotton swab in their right hand, softly rubbing the skin on the hero’s arm. The hero’s eyes lazily drifted to the villain’s, the gentle smile the villain offered in the moment was cruel considering what they were doing. But, the hero smiled back, they could barely make out the villain’s face, let alone the syringe in their hands.

“Because…you were going to be there.” The hero finished, their eyes closed. A knowing tone and the widening smile gave away what they were feeling. The villain’s movement on the hero’s arm halted. Their eyes turned to the hero’s face, but the hero was already in deep slumber.

The villain contemplated on what to do. They couldn’t move after what the hero said. How could they just say that?! Surely, it was only because the hero was drunk. They didn’t feel that way about the villain right? The villain’s heartbeat increased, and they took a deep breath to calm themself. They lowered the syringe and put it away on the table placed by their side.

They stood up, and grabbed a blanket to cover the hero. They couldn’t do this, not today. Little did they know, that when they are slept away in their room in the morning, the hero wakes up and sees the syringe. Full. A small cotton ball thrown to the side.

Confusion, but most of all, a kind of fury settles in at the thought that they could ever have trusted the villain. They grab their weapon and walk to the closed room, in which inside the villain is tucked away, unbeknownst to the hero's growing rage.

Snippet #6(part 2)

part 1

By @writingpromptsworld

The hero's heartbeat sped up, their eyes widening. Their child tapped on their shoulder from behind. "Who is it?"

The villain was looking around, taking a knife out of the knife holder and examining it closely. The hero gulped, they couldn't let their younger one see this. They turned around, and tried to muster up a smile.

"Stay here, okay? Don't make a noise, I've got this. You'll be fine, I promise." The hero said, but the teenager shook their head, not convinced at all. The hero put their hands on the other's one shoulders, and squeezed lightly. "Do you trust me?" They asked. The fourteen-year old nodded their head quickly.

"Of course, I do. But-."

"I'll be cautious, I promise. Just stay here, alright?" The hero questioned, and then threw a glance behind them. The other one nodded hesitantly and hero planted a kiss on their forehead before motioning for their child to go upstairs. The other one followed the hero's instructions and made it upstairs without a noise. The hero turned around.

The villain stood in front of them, inches away. "Oh. Hi, old friend." They murmured, voice low, their mouth stretched into a wide smile. The hero's stomach churned, their heart clenching and unclenching.

The hero stayed silent. The villain took a step forward. "Long time no see, huh?" They asked, their eyes glinting with the same excitement as they did back in their college days, but now, it was different. Everything was different.

The hero scoffed, glancing away, even though not wanting to. "Long time no see, indeed." They replied.

The villain raised their eyebrows. "How have you been?"

The hero frowned, the question making them visibly cringe. How had they been? Really? They were acting so normal, like two old friends meeting each other after a long time. But they weren't friends (or anything more for that matter) anymore, they were enemies. The villain looked at them expectantly for an answer.

"How have I been? Funny you ask that. Because I've been very well, unlike someone else." The hero tilted their head, lips pressed tightly. A challenge in their eyes.

The villain nodded solemnly, their head suddenly bowing down. "Of course not, I've been very well too."

"Is that so?" The hero questioned, taking a step closer. The pang in their chest tightening by every minute passing.

"Yes." The villain sighed. They lifted their head up, and the hero could make out the watery glint that shone from their eyes.

"Well, if you've had enough greeting me, then I advice you leave."

"Not yet. I want to talk to you-" Before the villain could even finish, sirens ran outside the hero's house. The hero's eyes widened. The villain looked at them as if they had betrayed them. The hero stood their confused. Who had called the police? The realization struck them when their child came running down the stairs.

The villain's eyes moved to the fourteen year-old and then back to meet the hero's eyes. It would be another few days before they could finally talk, like the villain wanted to.

The villain took their flee before the alarmed police could catch them.

Prompt #57

(Tw: suicide)

It was silly, really. The villain thought. These cat and mouse games, chasing each other down with hunger in their eyes, and a mutual desire in their body craving for each other but never once spoken of. They hoped one day that they could have the hero to all themself, never sharing it to the world.

The hero laughed bitterly in their dimly lit office, hearing the other one’s thoughts in their mind, before slitting their wrists.

Prompt #56

When villain broke into the hero’s agency, they didn’t expect to see their posters hanging on every wall of the hero’s office. Pictures from years ago, little drawings lay around on their desk, scraps of their clothes held in a frame like some kind of precious diamonds. It was ridiculous.

They knew to some extent that they and the hero had something between them. A strong pull, a powerful desire, holding them both together. Attached to each other like a delicate string. But what they hadn’t expected was this. This obsession. This mad, crazy obsession that they could feel radiating off the hero’s entire office. It was like the place held every part of the villain. From the smallest detail to the biggest one. They felt a kind of unease, perturbed.

They looked around through all the memories from the little objects splayed everywhere. From the newspapers that displayed their headshots to their over-the-years changing costumes. Everything was so admirable and terrifying at the same time.

There was a clicking of a door opening, and the villain froze in mid air, whilst they were holding up a ring that they remember losing the last time they had fought, which was months ago. They couldn’t believe how long it had been since they had seen the hero.

“Oh, look who’s here.” The hero chuckled, locking the door behind them and coming forward to where the villain was standing, their hands now putting down the ring back on the table.

“I was wondering where my ring went. So, it was here. You’re such a dirty little thief, aren’t you.” The villain murmured, leaning back on the said table. The hero raised their eyebrows.

“I wouldn’t call myself that. I saved it from the cliff where we were fighting and thought to give it back to you after, but unfortunately forgot.” The hero explained themself, as they crossed their hands in front of their chest before uncrossing them again and strolling to where the ring was placed. They picked it up and examined it carefully.

The villain scoffed. “So, you’re a liar too.”

“How so?” The hero asked, not taking their eyes off the ring.

“You’ve been collecting all these things of me like a psychopath. And, I’m supposed to be the crazy one here?” The villain rolled their eyes, moving their hand to take the ring back from the hero. But the hero just snatched it away, frowning.

“I haven’t been “collecting” them. I’ve been merely storing them for you.”

“Oh yeah? Sure. That’s what people say when they are caught, hero.” The villain muttered, moving their feet to the suit they used to wear two years ago. How did the hero even find that?

“Hmmm. No comment”. The hero replied, putting down the ring and coming to stand by the villain.

“Where did you find this suit?” The villain questioned, turning their head to the side to look the hero in their eyes.

“It was in your closet, I found it thrown on the floor like some garbage. I couldn’t believe it. It was and is my favorite costume that I liked the most on you. I had to take it in.” The hero went on, staring at the villain back. A blush adorned their cheeks.

The villain’s eyebrows arched. “You liked it on me the best?”

The hero nodded hesitantly.

“Huh. Interesting. What about those drawings? Are you gonna say you were bored and thought of sketching me, your enemy, to get rid of that boredom?” The villain dared, their body now facing the hero as they stared them down with an intensity in their eyes.

The hero shook their head, and looked down. Not able to hide how flustered they were. “No, no. It definitely wasn’t out of…boredom, so to say. I like drawing, and-and you have an attractive face that I could use as a reference.” They gulped.

The villain smirked. “Do I now? Do you really think I’m attractive, hero?”

The hero’s eyes widened as they lifted their head. “You know, for a well-known person like you; I didn’t think you would be such a hideous thing.” The villain continued, amused.

“I’m not a thing.” The hero said, simply. Their blush deepening, as they tried to move away from the villain. The villain grabbed their wrist and pulled them back. The hero hissed, the grip was tight. Perhaps a little too tight and the villain knew it, because they smiled a little before tutoring their head.

“You don’t care that I called you hideous, but that I called you a thing? Tch.” The villain snorted in what felt like a very disappointed manner to the hero.

The hero swallowed, as they tried again to snatch their wrist away but the villain’s hold on them was too strong. They felt weak, just like how they have been feeling for the past few weeks, thinking of the villain. They couldn’t stop thinking about them, it was like a musical record playing on repeat for hours on ends. It felt undefinable. They felt defeated. The force of the feelings that they had for the villain nearly crushing them.

The villain tugged them closer and brought their face closer to the hero's face and smirked. "Does someone have a little crush on me?"

The hero faltered. "W-what? No."

"You're red as a tomato. What else am I supposed to make of it if not the fact that you're clearly blushing?" The villain wondered, their unoccupied hand moving to the hero's face to brush back a strand of hair from their eyes. The hero flinched at the action, taking a step back even though they wished so hard to let the villain continue, this was no time to get lose in their feelings.

"I am not blushing. You should get your eyes checked." With that, they turned around and broke the moment. The villain raised their eyebrows but said nothing and soon enough, left.

The hero sighed.

Snippet #4

The villain’s sidekick hissed as he was thrown to the ground by the hero, pinning his wrists above his head. The villain grinned, coming out from the shadows that hid him. “What? Can’t even take that?” He said, still smiling. The sidekick scowled, trying to escape the hero’s tight grip on his wrists. The hero chuckled. 

“Get off of me!” The sidekick cried, groaning. Getting pinned by the villain daily was another thing, getting pinned by the hero was another. It awakens something inside him, unlike when he was with the villain. He’d gotten used to the villain doing that every time on their training grounds. He was baffled at how he managed to always get under the villain. The hero huffed, standing up. The villain came forward and offered a hand. He swatted away, frowning. 

“Aww come on, you weren’t that bad. Just need to improvise a little more, and you will be the one pinning me to the ground.” The hero said, winking. The villain nodded in agreement, moving close to the hero to give him a gentle punch on his shoulder. 

“Yeah, definitely. I still remember our sessions. I can teach him our ways.” The villain murmured, his voice low. He licked his lips, gazing at the hero. 

Meanwhile, the sidekick blushed furiously. ‘Was the hero even aware of what he was saying at this point? He must be, he thought. ‘And what the heck was the villain talking about?’ His head pondered on and on. 

“You just need a bit more training with me, and you’ll be ready to take on both of us.” The villain turned towards him, his eyes glinting with mischief. The sidekick knew that glint, the glint that made him almost fall to his knees. The villain was flirting with him and, he just wanted to run away. Because he knew, it wasn’t real. That both the hero and the villain were just being playful. But, god did he wish it was true. He knew he was a sidekick that didn’t matter. The sidekick that the world didn’t care for, not even bat an eye over. He sighed, getting up.

❌ Not a prompt ❌

CW for implied underage drinking

Forty minutes into the party the hero disappeared. The villain found them alone on the back porch, surrounded by other people's discarded red cups and cigarette butts, staring up at the moonless sky. They did not turn, even as the villain slid the door shut with a whoosh and a click on the noise of the house party.

"These people are weird," the villain said.

The hero laughed, but hollowly. "I'm pretty sure it's you and me that are the weird ones here."

"Oh no," the villain said, leaning against the railing beside them. "I've checked it out thoroughly. We're the normal ones. Everyone else is strange."

The hero glanced back. "I was wondering when you'd come looking for me," they said softly.

"You could have found me," the villain protested.

They shifted, letting their shoulder just brush the hero's sleeve. Once the hero would have tossed the villain 30 feet for daring to come so close. Now they didn't so much as flinch, eyes locked on the sky.

The villain shrugged.

"Do you miss it?" the hero whispered. "Flying?"

"Don't bitch to me about it," the villain said, with more snap than they'd intended. They took a swig from the bottle of something they'd picked up inside. It was awful, just like everything else. "This is the world your boss made. No more powers. No more battles. You and me, free to be normal teenagers."

The hero looked down. "He wouldn't have done it if your boss hadn't murdered me."

The villain choked mid-sip. The hero gave them a sideways glance. "You didn't know? I mean, maybe I flatter myself, but it was the last thing I remember before everything changed. What it felt like to die."

"Shit," the villain said weakly, for lack of anything better to say. "Huh. Congrats on having the universe rewritten to bring you back?"

"Thanks, I hate it." The hero took the bottle, took a swig and gasped. "That's foul," they sputtered, wiping their mouth. "Speaking of bosses, you seen yours?"

"No. Well, yeah. Sort of." The villain grabbed the bottle back. "She's some kinda CEO now. Said I'm worthless to her now, she has no time for sniveling children, blah blah blah. Normal stuff. You?"

The hero shook their head. "He might be hiding. Or. He might. Be gone," they said, voice disjointed and jumbled. "There was a reason he didn't rewrite the universe everyday."

Silence fell between them. Inside, a new song had come on and the other kids were screaming along to the chorus. Something about being a teenage dirtbag, baby.

The hero looked over to the villain, tears in their all-too-human eyes. "I'm not going after her. If that's what she sent you to find out. I'm not gonna try and arrest her or attack her for killing me in an alternate timeline." They raised their hands, laughed again. "What could I possibly do now?"

"Hm. Well, finance undergrad, law school, government service, take over the SEC, give it teeth, and then in just 15 years you're primed to use teeth to rip your enemies apart where it hurts- their bank accounts," said the villain promptly. "Just to spit ball it out there."

The hero looked at them - actually looked at them - for the first time. "Oh damn," they said. "You hit the ground running."

The villain leaned in again, dropping a hand over the hero's. Sort of to hold them in place. Sort of just to hold them. "Join me. Or don't. We can make this, like, normal teenagers hating each other if you're more comfortable than that. We can fist fight right here."

The hero looked at the villain like they'd lost their mind, tried to pull away. "What is wrong with you?"

"Same thing that's wrong with you." The villain held on. "You're the only other one who remembers what we were, what we did. I don't want to be alone. And, God, you died? Do you want to go somewhere talk?"

The hero looked down at the protagonist's hand on their theirs. "Yes," they said, in a high, broken whisper. "Let's get out of here."

After that they were inseparable. At least, until the world changed again.

Center Cut - A Sam Hook novel

When the truck enters the battlefield she unleashes a flurry of hell on the enemy. Crystol, who is a unique hair stylist, working topless. Sam finds a connection with her beyond the sexual energy. Together they fight to protect each other and defeat a secret organization trying to unleash a deadly virus.

Okay, I'm an idiot, but please follow me for a second.

Old Villain with sad eyes, seeing the young hero for the first time: "you're really young"

Young Hero (also an idiot): "I've been younger"

If you need me

Just a little longer

Hero took it step by step. Trying to ignore the pain in her leg. Trying to ignore the dread of being weaponless.

Sleep. You will sleep soon

She could already see the campus dorms.

You just need to get in and not get caught or get followed.

Everything was dark. Too dark to tell if she left blood on the floor. Signing, she started taking the steps to the common rooms.

When she reached the top, ever closer to her heaven, she saw a light.

Someone sat on one of the dusty chairs, reading by a lamplight. She doesn’t know how well she’d handle another bout with Villain right now. “Nice of you to come, Hero.”

Never mind. I prefer Villain

“Civilian.”

“Are you limping to your dorm at midnight?”

“Are you sitting alone in the common room?”

“One of these questions is more urgent.”

Hero tried to walk slower, hoping to hide her injury.

“Just go to sleep. We have a morning class.”

But Rival stood up and walked to her.

“Morning class is the least of my worries now.”

Both of them were almost completely in the dark, but she could tell he was sincere. His voice was rarely devoid of any cynicism or playfulness. He took her silence as a breakthrough.

“You don’t need to tell me anything, but if you’re hurt, I can help.”

“R-”

“Look, I know you’re tough. Everyone knows. That’s why I hate you. You have nothing to prove. So if…”

He cleared his throat, and turned his look from her. Despite hardly even seeing her face.

“If some bastard needs to learn a lesson, I can help you. I won’t tell anyone.”

Just barely, she could see his honey eyes shining. But the aching pain that constantly throbbed her leg reminded her of the dangers that follow.

Why can no one else know of Villain

“Hero?”

Rival asked, she could imagine the anticipation in his features.

“I’m fine, Rival.”

“H-”

“This is none of your business.”

Her tone wasn’t as harsh as it could be, but rather heavy-hearted.

But he didn’t push it longer, just stood as she at last continued walking towards her room.

She didn’t hear him move or speak until she almost closed her dorm door, his voice barely audible.

“I’m here if you need me, Hero.”

There were about three more seconds of silence.

Rival’s heavy footsteps filled the silence. And following them, much quieter, slier steps. These steps were coming towards her dorm.

“Wh- HERO RUN”

She heard Rival spurt back to her dorm’s way. 

Cursing, she hastily thrust her door open, fearing there was no time even for getting her hidden gun. Disastrously, she was right.

Villain held a dagger.

He held a dagger above Rival’s throat.

“Leave him.”

Villain smirked at her. 

His grip on Rival’s arms and the dagger he kept on his throat remained indifferent, both to her threat and to Rival’s struggles.

“Care much?”

“You know this will be a fight to the death, Villain.”

Hero answered, unleashing her own hidden blade. “And you know I will slit his throat way before you limp one step,”

She did her best to not show her dread. Not to imagine the light leaving the honey, radiant eyes she knew.

“But there’s a way to make this less bloody, is it?”

His message was clear. Hero glanced at Rival, his message was clear too. Ever so slightly, he shook his head.

“You are going to leave him, and we will take this outside, civilly.”

“H-”

Villain gripped Rival’s chin.

“Perfect.”

He threw Rival to the floor, almost cutting his jaw in the process.

“YOU PIECE O-”

Villain caught his face again.

“Shhh… we don’t want to make this harder for your girlfriend, do we?”

Rival seemed enraged, like he would murder Villain right here if he could, but before he tried to fight again, Hero got to him.

She pushed him away, hugging him, burying her head in her neck. Just below his ear.

Bewildered, Rival froze.

“under the bed”

She whispered, and let him go.

“Oh ~ it almost makes me regret I’ll kill you ~”

Grinning, Villain moved aside and gestured to the stairs. “Ladies first.”

Hero signed, giving one last look at Rival, who seemed disturbed, but determined as well.

As she walked down the stairs, feeling Villain creeping ever closer behind her, loudly thinking of just pushing her down, she hoped she heard Rival searching her room.

Soon later, when she could feel Villain breathing at her neck, a bang was heard. Villain’s grin froze on his face as he fell. Hero moved aside and looked up, meeting with radiant brown eyes.

I might prefer him over Villain

The next day, after dealing with the police, and after the noise from the tired yet curious students died down, Hero slept like a rock.

When she did wake up, slowly realizing that her morning class is long over. 

Signing, she got dressed and tried to calculate how many library search hours she’d have to go through.

But when she stepped towards the door, she saw something that was sled to her dorm.

They seemed to be, neatly written, detailed lecture notes.

Above them, rested a small sticky note, reading “I’m here if you need me”

Chess Partner

Rival had that glint in his eyes, she noticed, the one he recently has when they play.

"Things don't look too well for you, don't they?"

The perfect, still, poker-face Heroine mastered kept away any information he tried to get.

"That is what you have said last time."

He frowned a bit, but his eyes kept their shine.

"So you do have a plan..."

"Hopefully."

"Then I shouldn't eat your knight..."

"If you doing this is in my plan."

Rival leaned in and squinted at her. Sometimes, just sometimes, he was too dangerously cute. Heroine hated to admit that to herself, but the way her lips urged to smile at his sight left no doubt.

"So you DO want me to do this...!"

"You can try to interogate me all day, or actually think for yourself."

Hero almost let out a chuckle as she answered. He pouted again, adding a frown and a crooked nose. She finally let out a laugh, dropping her straight face.

"You're a pleasure to play with..."

Rival was quite for a moment, his smile was... It has never been that soft. God her heart beat so fast.

"I can say the same for you."

He blushed a little and looked away. Scratching his scalp, Heroine used the distraction to take mental notes.

He brushed his hair, which she doesn't remember him doing in any other day they met. A warmth grew in her as she hoped that she read the signs right. His clothes were nicer, too. He replaced the usual seeatshirt and sweatpants with a polo shirt and jeans. The shirt's sleeves were shorter, which was nice and...

He has a scar. Right at the back of his forearm, barely noticeable.

"That's it. I'm not eating that. It reeks with a scheme."

Hero knows that scar. And she knows that man. Villain grinned at her.

"Knew this was your plan. Scared now?"

She immediately returned her poker face.

"Plans change."

She played her move quickly and quietly. Villain took some time but made finished his turn.

"I'm gonna win this time, I can feel it."

Hero didn't respond or banter back. She didn't say anything for the next few turns, no matter what he tried to do to tease or make her laugh. He grew more worried each turn.

"Hey ummm..."

She needs to finish this and think of the next step. This was her chance to catch him once and for all.

"You good?"

Looking up, she noticed his worried expression. It was completely geniune when she smiled and reassured him.

"Yes, just got lost in thoughts for a bit."

He smiled back.

"I actually had something weighing on me too, mind if...?"

"Go ahead."

He took a big breath. That moment, she knew what was about to happen. What she wished one of them will be brave enough for. She wished for this ever since they first played her. Ever since he truly challenged her. Ever since he took his loss with a laugh and adoring eyes.

"I know we only ever meet here to play, and that I have annoying jokes and... And an annoying self..."

Even the dread she felt didn't stop her from chuckling.

"But I like... I don't know... This. Playing wit- Even when you win. So you I thought..."

The fact that she knew of his identity didn't stop the butterflies she felt. Making her wish he was who she sees now. Just a softhearted, clever guy she met at an urban chess.

"We could go get ice cream aft-, or something less childis- I mean... Well you-"

This is her chance. Even if not for love. She showed him the best smile she could master.

"How about coffee tomorrow? I know a perfect place."

A coffee shop 50 meters away from a police station. It will be easy.

He smiled shyly and let out of all the air he held in his lungs.

"Sounds perfect..."

His blushed and relieved face turned her stomach. Imagining how he'd look at her tomorrow, when he'll realize who she really is.

But now Heroine must forget about it. She'll smile and laugh and be happy, genuinely happy, that they like each other.

They were chess partners, and she can't allow him to guess her next move.

Rest With Me

"One leg after the other,"

Hero said patienly. The short walk down the dark haklway seemed to go for years. Villain would throw a snarky comment, or try and banter to lighten the atmosphere but he was so tired.

"Here..."

Hero slowly helped him sit and unlocked her door. Villain looked up to look at her, realizing he didn't actually see her for the last two hours.

She was often the serious one between them, but he never saw her face this... Sparkless.

He couldn't find any words of comfort until she crouched down and helped him up again. Villain laid on the sofa, finally resting his sore muscles but not comfortable.

"Wait here. I'll get first aid."

Villain noted how different the appartment was from his last visit. It was messier, even messiar than it usually is, with documents and pictures and notes covering the floor and walls. The biggest pile of crumbled papers laid in front of him, circling a hand made map of the base they barely got out of.

It was really important to her, wasn't it? He signed loudly. Of course he ruined everything.

"I think I know how to take care of your arm, if there is anything worse we will call someone."

Hero sat in front of him, actually seeing him for the first time in a few hours.

"...Villain?"

His despareation was probably shown all over him. Damm it. He could at least save her the guilt.

"They won't ask anything. I would not risk you."

The pillows surrounding him didn't feel soft. He shouldn't be relaxed. He didn't deserve to.

"Villain, is... You... "

She signed placed her hand over his.

"You can tell me anything."

She tried to smile at him, but neither of them were in the mood for it and it died quickly.She took her hand away to take a bandage and start working.

The silence was awful. Hero cleaning his wounds was such a torture that it felt like a cruel joke. He should end this.

"hero..."

Villain gently pushed her hand away from his cuts.

"I'll get off your back. I just... You can go rest and I promise I'll be gone tomorrow morning."

Hero froze. She stared at him speechless, lips trembling.

"Why?"

That was all she managed to say.

"I..."

I am reckless and impulsive, but I can deal with it as long as I'm the only one who suffers from the consequences.I don't want to continue to be a burden.I have risked your LIFE.

"I- just-..."

How is he supposed to say it? Or anything at his state?

"Just leave me, hero."

The silence felt even worse now.Hero stayed still, her hand griping a wet towel. When she finally got up, instea of walking away she placed her free hand over his.

"I would never leave you,"

She said then, Villain tried to fight the butterflies he felt.

"it's only fair. You would never leave me when I need you."

"I..."

"You never did."

She pressed on his hand, leaving no doubt about the sincerity in her voice.

"You came for me today, like you always did. You stood up against Supervillain."

That's what he did, perhaps, but even with that he managed to put her in danger.Hero got captured purposely, ready to go into Supervillain's lair alone to try and rescue her friends.But the moment he saw her held up, he forgot his fear of Supervillain.

By attacking him he brought the entire lair on them."I-"

"You wanted to help."

He... Well he did but...

"I would have done the same. You know that."

She would. Villain caught himself smiling. When he looked up and saw her brighter smile, he pressed joined their fingers. Being still tired and bruised and scared, he could only look at his Hero with loving eyes. Relief and relaxation visible on her face.

He wants to believe her words so bad

"I'll get you clean up, we'll rest for a bit, then think of the next step."

He nodded, hoping that she understood how much he's committed. They will heal. They will not be broken. They will save her team. Together.

Hero sat on the couch beside, getting comfortable as she leaned in and got back to bandaging. He missed her warmth in his hand but felt himself relax.

And now, finally, both of them managed to rest.

four letters

Tick. Tock.

Tick. Tock.

I don't think I've ever noticed the hands of my wall clock this much in my entire life. I open my eyes and see them on the wall, and when I close my eyes they're strangling my neck.

I've been kidnapped by Time, kept within its infinite loops, a captive with no voice— except for these words.

"I'd even love to be kidnapped by villain, anything to get me out of Time's hands—

Hero hears a sound that sounds like a woodpecker pecking into a tree's bark. She whips her head around to find villain’s face wedged on the glass, a lopsided grin smashed to the window. Hero jumps off her bed and is there beside the window in a second, her hands trembling as she tries to unlock the window and laugh at the same time.

Villain jumps into hero’s arms as soon as she opens the window, a visible pout on their face now as hero starts to laugh out loud, the full-blown-kind-of-laughter. But again, villain had always had a thing for hero’s laughter. And in a moment, their heart is a circus and their mind a record player, playing hero's voice on loop. They can't even stay mad at her when she does this.

Hero takes her sweet time and finally looks up at villain, the height difference hitting all the good spots for hero at the moment. It's during the morning, when she's trying to grab that silly cereal box from the top shelf, standing on tip toes and still unable to reach it, until villain finally comes to the rescue and picks it up for her.

"Heyy~" she cooes and villain's heart begs for a break.

"Hi my darling. I hope you've enjoyed your full plate of laughter at my plight."

Hero thinks back to villain's face smashed on the window and a small smile finds its way back to her lips again, like how a wave always finds its way back to the shore. Villain watches the scene— a mere captive in a moment of time.

"I'm sorry," hero’s guilty half speaks out. This transition— it always catches villain off-guard. Everytime.

Villain pulls themselves closer to hero— if that's even possible, their hands on either side of hero’s cheek. Hero’s eyes dart around, as if she knows what's coming and she's looking at everything else but villain's eyes.

Villain wants to change that. And what better way than to coax hero into it?

Their hands slowly move up into hero’s hair, playing with her locks and gently scratching her scalp. Hero relaxes into their arms— the reaction almost instant that it makes villain suck in a shaky breath. They've never felt so powerful even in a battle field, even when their veins burn with power. But villain knows this is another kind of power all together— something they've read about many times in the books that hero loves stocking up in her bookshelves. They read about it when hero’s fast asleep in their arms, their steady heart grounding them to reality. It has always been something that they never knew how to feel.

Perhaps I'm feeling it now, villain thinks. It definitely felt like what was printed on those pages. They at least hoped so.

With hero, its always friendly and then before villain even realises it, they're falling. Into intimacy. Into a revolution that pulls them apart from the inside.

Feelings. Emotions. And then that 'something' that they read in those books.

All of them start to assemble underneath their skin; like an army ready for war.

But that's when villain meets hero’s eyes and she's looking at them, honest. Vulnerable. Not running away.

Seems like the coaxing worked while I was having an internal crisis. How long has she even been looking at me?!

But hero’s not bothered, her entire being invested in maintaining that eye contact.

Villain clears their head and looks once again. In her eyes, they see little things, and they all add up, one by one, culminating together to form that one four letter word, that special something.

"It's alright Love," a trick, one that villain decided to steal from a book right then. They wanted to test it, to see how that four letter word felt rolling off their tongue.

They watch again, caught in a trance as hero’s eyes become wide, surprise and happiness and many other feelings filling them up in a matter of seconds that villain can't keep up. So they just stare, bewildered.

And then hero laughs and the magic is over, like Cinderella at midnight.

"Why in the world do you look so surprised?!" Hero jabs a finger at their chest, trying to pout but failing immensely.

Laughter pulls itself out of villain’s lips, and they think that this is just fine. This is their twist, their 'something'. Their own four letters that they're going to build up together.

Hello everyone!! Hope you all remember me xd I'm sorry for disappearing off the face of the earth for a while, I had to move for uni and I'm learning to live alone for the first time so it's been quite a ride. I've missed writing dearly and this dear community of you all, so just wanted to thank you for being patient and for the support ^^ Hope you enjoyed this :)

sunflowers, breaking clichés and faraway lovers

Hero trudges back home, her foot kicking up some mud on this lonely strip of road. She can't decide if she's happy or frustrated that nothing ever happens where she lives, not even villains, as if they don't find this place appealing enough to even visit.

She decides, after a moment, that maybe it's both. She's both happy that she doesn't have to deal with villains here, that this is the one constant place that she has in her life, and she's also a little frustrated that nothing ever happens here, and everywhere you see are familiar faces. She kind of wishes her town had the tradition to were masks like people in Jaoanese festivals do, so that it would at least bring some novelty into this place. Or she wishes that she can spot a new face somewhere, but the only face she wants to see right now is that of her partner's.

The wind blows to the left, and she turns to look. That's the path that leads to the sunflower field, one of her all time favourite places. She takes out her phone as the wind pushes her further to the field, holding the device in front of her face, trying to get a nice angle. Click. She opens villain’s chat and hits the send button, with a yellow heart emoji attached to the picture. She then sits down at the edge of the field, legs dangling, eyes taking in the spectacular view in front of her. This is probably the only place I'll never get tired of, even if it's the same ten years from now, she thinks.

Hero’s phone vibrates in her pocket, and she pulls it out to see a message from villain. She opens the chat — smiling softly.

V: This looks so beautiful!! Is this the sunflower field that you always talk about? Thank you for the picture baby💛

Hero takes a moment to swoon. She loves it when villain calls her baby, and she has a feeling that they know that too.

H: Yes it is, one of my favourite places ever! I wish I could show this to you someday.

There it is, hero thinks. This ache that mixes up with the bubbly feelings in her chest because her lover lives in an entirely different continent away from her and there's nothing either of them can do about it for now. It's this sizzling agony that's there right under her skin, keeping her awake at night sometimes.

V: That sounds lovely. I would love to see it.

And then hero’s smiling, grinning. So much that her cheeks start to hurt and those blue feelings inside her chest slowly melt away, leaving her with this happy, giddy haze. Somewhere inside, the logical part of her speaks — what is even happening ?

Hero ignores that and just stares at the wide expanse of the field in front of her, beautifully painted by the sun setting on the horizon behind. She lets her mind wander to villain, her lover whom she's never met but knows — because one doesn't have to meet to know someone right? Of course hero aches to meet them, just like all the lovers in ancient texts do. She's no different. So she tries to meet them in her imagination at least- one hand in their soft, brown hair, while the other cups their cheek, tender with that natural blush that drives her crazy; and then villain's hands are in her hair, tangling her long back strands but she can't find it in herself to care one bit —

Her phone buzzes again and hero’s pulled out of that soft world in her mind, back to the real one. Her eyes take in her surroundings once again, noticing the changes. The sky is inky blue, like deep ocean waters and the sun is nowhere to be seen . The sunflowers that were all looking at the sun like dedicated devotees, have now turned to look at their loved ones next to them instead, and settle in their arms for the night. Hero looks at her phone, her mind working in two angles — one thinking about this fact that she read about sunflowers somewhere while the other focuses on villain’s chat box.

V: You'll have to fight supervillain later this evening right?

Hero groans as she remembers her pressing duties to this city — fighting supervillains, protecting the civilians, being the symbol of justice. It's only in the short time that she spends with villain — in their chatbox, occasional phone calls, when she thinks of villain, that she feels like a normal twenty something, just living her life and falling in love with someone breathtakingly amazing.

H: You're always more updated about my schedule than I am xD But yeah, I have to.

Hero imagines villain’s mouth, unable to decide between their usual smirk or rare soft smiles. She wonders what expression they're wearing right now.

V: Of course I am. That's one thing technology is good for.

Hero chuckles, simply happy that villain even bothers to keep track of all of this.

V: Fight safely and vigilantly okay? Trust your gut feelings, they're always valid. Your feelings are always valid.

Hero clutches her phone tight in her hand, trying to bury her face into her own arms. Her heart performs this dance everytime villain does stuff like this, and she never knows how to handle it.

H: Thank you my love❤ I'm a little nervous of course, but I think I'll be okay. I can do this.

Hero knows there's no point in putting up a front or lying to villain. They always know somehow. And hero thinks that she doesn't want to lie — she's always putting up a front for the world, the people, her opponents. So she wants at least this one person in the entire world to know who she really is, in all her silly, anxious and raw glory.

V: You'll be fine baby. You're an amazing fighter and I believe in you.

Okay, that's it. Hero feels like her entire body is on fire and she forces herself to look away from the phone screen at the field in front of her so that her fingers don't start doing this embarrassing keysmash that people generally seem to do when they're embarrassed. Does she want to do that? She thinks she'd rather avoid it. Or at least try to.

That's when her mind supplies that fact about sunflowers that it was trying to remember. When the sun is not visible, the sunflowers turn towards one another, as if the sun is just a fever dream that is abandoned as soon as it dips below the horizon, and the only real things that exist in the world are the flowers themselves and their partners who exist right beside them. Hero watches as the wind gently coaxes them, one flower falling into another and vice versa, as they hold each other and dance while the first stars form constellations in the sky. Hero thinks how beautiful this is, that there is a whole universe beyond clichés, that a sunflower doesn't have to achingly wait for a sun that will never belong to it, but instead the world is for its taking as it falls in love with the flower next to it — one that will return its feelings.

And all of a sudden, hero is overwhelmed by this weird emotion in her chest. She can't name it, she's always been bad with names. But sitting here and looking at these sunflowers breaking clichés makes her heart soar for some inexplicable reason. It's like nature is telling her that nothing else matters other than feelings that are respected and returned.

She opens villain's chat and starts typing in everything that she's realised in the past minute with increased fervour, afraid that all of these thoughts would just up and disappear into a puff of nothing because nothing is really everlasting — except this one moment. And she plans to make the best of it. She types the last letter, then attaches a close-up picture of two sunflowers with tangled petals facing one another and hits send.

Villain takes a minute to reply, but it brings the brightest smiles to hero's face regardless.

V: I don't know if you even realise this, but I just love the way you fucking think ❤ The sunflowers seem like they could pass for humans themselves don't they? Because I just find this whole thing alarmingly human — the way we have our hearts on our sleeves when we know no one else is looking, for that one person.

Hero sighs happily, she didn't think feeling understood could feel this liberating. It's definitely one of those feelings that people can get high on , she thinks. Damn, she thinks she's definitely getting high on this herself.

H: Thank you love, I love the way you think too! And I do agree, the sunflowers are humans xD (plus ten heart emojis).

A few more minutes go by and hero receives another message from villain with this attached picture:

there's a hand (hero guesses it's villain’s hand) holding two violet flowers together (so they look like they're hugging) with this caption —

I had to chase away two ducks for this picture, because these flowers were apparently their evening snack. How cool is that?

And hero’s full blown laughing now, the clutching-your-stomach kind of laughing and she hopes that the laughing emoji on her phone would do this justice. Probably not.

—

Here's the live coverage of Hero vs Supervillain-

The newsreader reads live from the venue and villain’s eyes refuse to leave the tv screen for even a single moment. They watch as their hero holds her ground against such a powerful foe and villain’s heart fills up to the brim with a mix of fondness and pride. They don't feel the rest of the evening pass by, as they sit and watch the entire live coverage without as much as even getting up.

Hero emerges victorious, and she has a few surface injuries here and there, some nasty looking gashes but she's standing there and she's alive and she's okay and villain finally lets out a breath that they didn't even know they were holding.

That's their strong, sweet and kind hero and villain can't be happier to call her their girlfriend.

Hellooo there lovely people!! I know it's been a long while since I posted (that's because life is pretty hectic rn) but I finally found some time to write (and procrastinate, but that's the usual lol). So what's new is that I've given you all some female rep, because I just realised that I haven't really written much female mc content. So I hope you all enjoyed reading this, and thank you for your support as always - means a lot<3

history.

A tale that remains unchanged, no matter how many times it is retold.

Their hands are soft- I got to feel them when they grabbed my hand and pulled me into an alleyway, shielding me from oncoming bullets. Having not expected that at all, it took a few moments for me to come out of that headspace, as I stood there- dazed, staring at their back as their hand that held mine a moment ago, let go to grab their gun from their belt and point the weapon at our pursuers. My brain understood why they had to let go, but my heart refused to understand and kept yearning for that touch again and again- like a stubborn child who wanted to eat more ice cream and wouldn't listen to reason. The minutes passed by as I fought to keep my brain and heart at bay while trying to stay connected to reality because we still weren't safe. Move, I reminded my legs and held onto their silhouette with my eyes. Being a human was hard.

By the time we managed to outrun our pursuers, I was gasping, sweaty palm clutching my shirt- right above my heart, as if I'm pushing it to stay inside and not fall out of my mouth. Eyes on the ground and frantic heartbeats in my ear, I failed to register anything else. I felt a light touch to the top of my head and managed to look up from my bent-over-the-knees posture, just in time to see their hand falling from its spot on my hair a few seconds ago. My heart fluttered. And then our eyes met, their worried gaze trained on my face. I swallowed, but my throat still felt dry. I didn't like it when people worried about me, it made me feel guilty. So, I smiled like I always do when I wanted to hide something- when I wasn't ready to tell them why I might have looked like a flustered mess then. They gave up after a few seconds and began to scout our surroundings. I heaved a sigh, relieved, and tried to do a lot of silly things. I tried to tell myself that I was okay, when I was not (how could I be?). Even though that touch lasted for mere seconds, I could still feel the embers of the fire that it had sparked in my chest and now it threatened to burn me inside out. So no, I was not okay. Definitely not.

A bit more of walking and we were finally home!! It's not much- a small, rundown apartment at the edge of town but it was something. The metal stairs gave a *creak* as they stepped on it to climb up, and I was about to follow when a black cat came out of nowhere and climbed up before me. I landed on the ground with an embarrassing *shriek*, my backside aching. Sounds of their laughter echoed in my ears. I looked up at them, a not-so-serious frown playing on my lips because I just couldn't be mad at them when they laughed like that- like a carefree child who had nothing to worry about in life. I sighed and gave in to their smile but then the black cat stared at me, as if to challenge me and rubbed its fur against their leg. Their attention was completely on the cat now (unfortunate for me), as they gently stroked its fur, surprised and pleased when it purred against their blue jeans. Come on, you can't be jealous of a cat, you can't be jealous of a damn cat! You just can't-

But now, finally, they're sitting right in front of me, within the confines of our single bed, legs crossed messily, and all my mind can think of is that they're so close, so close, that if I reach out my hand, I can touch them. They lean towards me to reach for the blanket, their fingers brushing against mine and that fire which I felt earlier in the day was back now, and it was angry- ready to burn me whole.

They're staring outside our bedside window, looking at the city lights far away, oblivious of the plight I'm in, while I can't bring myself to look at anything else but their eyes. They must have noticed of course- as inquisitive as they are, so they turn over to look at me and all my breaths and words just die in my throat as I realise all over again, just how much I adore those blue eyes. They remind me of a sky, where the birds soar free; of freedom.

"What is it?" They ask in a teasing tone, smiling softly but I can't answer. I can't do anything. I can only look at them. Their brows furrow slightly in concern, and they move closer, those lovely soft hands brushing against mine again. But they don't stop with that alone this time. Their fingers become curious as they start exploring my hand, dragging their index over my palm, down to my fingers, feeling them over, digit by digit and I can feel myself going crazy.

Before I know it, my hand is entirely in theirs and they're so close that I can feel their warm breath fanning over my neck. My mind goes empty but my body is set ablaze, and I think that maybe, I've stopped breathing entirely, if only for that moment. Noticing my lack of response, their hands become braver, their right one tangled with mine while their left one rises up to cup my cheek with the gentlest of touches that makes me feel so giddy.

I hear them call my name, but it feels like it's coming from the bottom of a well; so far away. Panicked, my hand reaches out towards that voice, only to be caught by theirs. I stop as I'm held in place by blue eyes; I can't escape. They're searching my face, my entire being for an answer, their soft touches coaxing me to relax and give in. I finally come out of my head, and it feels as if I'm being born again as I learn how to breathe, how to move and how to speak within the safe haven of their touch. And I don't want it any other way.

"You're beautiful", I breathe, leaning into their palm. Their lips part to let out a small laugh and my ears rejoice. "How can you say that with a straight face?!" they say fondly, as if it's something they wouldn't mind listening to everyday, my mind beginning to dream about that very scenario. Meanwhile, their lips inch closer and I don't notice until they're suddenly too close and touching mine.

And the rest is history.

Hello all of you lovely people!! Yes, I know it's been a while since I posted- been trying to find some inspiration and fight off procrastination. So here is this long piece to make up for that (hopefully xD) - I tried first person narrative this time and I don't really do this style a lot, so I hope this is satisfactory for you all to read and enjoy ^^ (also this can be read from either hero/villain/ or literally any of your fav character's pov- you decide <3)

Dancing, nicknames, and us

"Hey, shall I call you starlight now and then?"

Hero asks casually like they're asking their lover what's for dinner, not even batting an eyelash at the cheesiness.

But their lover seems to do enough of that for them, and hero watches as villain’s nose scrunches up adorably at that statement, the moonlight from the tiny window overlooking the busy streets illuminating their face just right.

"Um, I don't know, but that sounds way too cheesy." Villain says politely, not wanting to sound rude or anything.

Hero laughs like they've heard the funniest joke, eyes shut and head bobbing slightly, so they miss the way villain’s entire face lights up at the sound of their laughter, maybe even brighter than the moon for that one moment.

"Hmm yeah, you're right. Part of me thought that as well. " Hero says easily, snaking their arm around villain’s neck to bring them closer. They're dancing to some old record that's always there in villain’s apartment, a familiar tune. Villain doesn't even bother to resist, moving their hand from where it rested on hero’s shoulder around their hip, to pull them closer.

Hero chuckles at that and the words fall out from villain’s lips before they can stop them-

"Do that again."

Hero quirks their head shyly, as if thinking.

"Do what?"

"Laugh."

And hero does just that, not because they're trained to laugh on command or anything, they're no actor- it's just who they are. Hero always had a habit of laughing at almost anything, even if it's not even that funny and it's one of the things villain loves about their lover so much- their laughter.

Hero gasps a little, all that laughing making them tremble in villain's arms. The tempo of their dance is all off but the couple doesn't care one bit as they hold each other in the comfort of the darkness, a pair of matching smiles on their faces- hero’s is bright and shy, and villain’s is raw but sweet all the same, just like their personalities; they're opposites one second and the same person the next. There's no middle ground.

Hero looks up at villain’s face after their little laughing spree with so much love in their eyes, their face and their whole body, the way hero’s fingers gently brush villain’s cheek and they move just a little bit more closer, as if even the tiniest molecule of space somehow doesn't sit well with them and villain swoons with this bubbly and warm feeling in their chest-

"I love you."

They don't know who said it, and that really doesn't matter. All that matters is that they both said it.

Villain wants to run and hide away but they have nowhere to go, their heart pinning them in place. Defeated, they bend down and rest their forehead on hero’s shoulders and they can immediately feel a hand, hero’s hand, caressing their head. Villain just smiles into hero’s sweater.

"Just what are you doing to me?" Villain whines.

"Hmm?" Hero hums, trying to move in circles with villain leaning on them.

"I never knew I could be this cheesy." , Villain lazily mumbles and hero chuckles again.

Villain feels their cheeks heating up at the sound and they can't decide whether to be embarrassed or just drown in it.

"Well if it makes you feel better," Hero begins, "my heart goes crazy when you do cute things too."

Villain peeks up their head a little to catch a glimpse of hero’s face, the soft smile on their lips makes them weak. Hero was just too powerful.

"Let's just... dance." Villain manages with a shuddering breath, afraid that they'll melt into some cheesy goo if they keep this talk up any longer.

"Anything you want baby." Hero says in that cute voice like it's the most natural thing in the world.

Villain groans, smiling and looks like the happiest person on the planet.

There's love in the shadows

I want to hug you and hold you close, card my fingers through your hair and listen to the sounds that only you can make- your heartbeat, your breathing. I just want to lie down with you and forget about the world for a while, and let you hold me close so you can too.

Villain almost dropped their phone after reading that little snippet from hero's Tumblr account because they knew that it was written for them. They're hero's partner after all. Their hand grips their phone tight as their body trembles and they become all flustered, thoughts about hero racing inside their head.

Hero... you're not being fair. Villain thinks, fondly. You're being sneaky... you know that I can't mess this operation up and you go and do... something like this.

Hero just smiles from the shadows- seeing villain get all flustered over their post would never get old for them.

Don't worry my villain, I'm here to take full responsibility.

Hey there everyone! I'm just posting something short, until I can figure out the continuation for helpless - I'm sorry it's taking so long:/ so please enjoy this in the mean time!! And thank you all for your continuous support, as always ^^

Thief

Hero reluctantly blinked their eyes open. Still half asleep, they frowned against what had to be the first light of dawn creeping in through a small gap between the curtains.

Why would they be awake at-

A glimpse at the alarm clock on their bedside table informed them that it was 6:18 am. Still so early.

Way too early to even consider getting up.

They tried and almost succeeded to drift off to sleep again, until the rustling of fabric and a kick to their leg made falling back asleep impossible.

Ugh, waking someone up this early on a Sunday should be against the law…

With a soft groan, Hero threw a look over their shoulder at Villain who kept thrashing around like a little kid on their side of the bed.

By the time Hero had fully turned around to check if their partner was having a nightmare, all the annoyance had melted away already, leaving only concern and worry.

But luckily, it didn’t seem like Villain was having a really bad dream. Their face did show a tiny little frown, yet not a thoroughly troubled expression.

“Hero… hero…”

“Huh?”

Villain’s lips moved, mumbling something incomprehensible under their breath. Hero stared at them, mesmerised. Any prospect of sleep was now gone from Hero’s mind, evaporated at the sight of their partner’s lovely mouth.

Villain shifted, pulling at the blanket.

"They're stealing my fries, dosomethingaboutit"

It took a moment for Hero to process what Villain had just said. When everything clicked in their head, they almost burst out laughing and quickly had to hide their face in their pillow to stifle the sound of their giggling. Hero didn't want to make too much noise and accidently wake Villain up.

Seeing their partner dream about stolen food was somehow so damn adorable, the urge to tease them was nearly irresistible.

"Who's stealing your fries baby? I'll make sure to keep an eye out for them during my patrols."

Of course Villain didn't answer, caught up as they were in that dream of theirs and squirming further underneath the blanket.

A gentle touch from Hero onto their shoulder instantly soothed them and tracing small circles seemed to help Villain sleep more calmly.

Hero smiled at them fondly.

"If you keep thrashing around like that, you'll be exhausted when you wake up, and... we'll never be able to catch that fries thief.", they whispered, voice low and breathy.

That seemed to have satisfied Villain's subconscious, as they slowly moved towards them, curling up against Hero’s chest.

A pleasant warmth spread through their entire body as Hero kissed the top of Villain’s head, inhaled the scent of their partner’s favourite shampoo, and listened to the sound of their breathing.

Hero sighed contentedly.

Their smile at that moment could have rivalled the stars, as they put an arm around their lover and fell peacefully back asleep.

I had the loveliest time collaborating with @kaiwewi to write this and give you guys some fluff for a change xD Their writing style is amazing and it's such an honour <3 Please do check out their page for some great writing you all:)

Helpless

"V-villain, I'm feeling c-cold."

Villain held civilian's hand tight, as they laid on the ground, world burning around them, a metal rod sticking out of their stomach. Villain almost barfed when they first saw the sight, rushing in to save them, only then realising that it was too late.

They wouldn't even need to be here if Hero had done their job properly.

Anger boiled from the bottom of their gut. But they decided to quell it for now, for civilian's sake.

"Shhhh, it's okay. I'm feeling cold too, it's just... cold outside."

Civilain attempts to laugh but it comes out as a painful groan, "You're... saying that when buildings are burning around us? I'm not... *cough* deaf you know..."

Villain sighs, looking at civilian fondly. Their eyes are closed, so they won't see them but villain would look anyway. Flashes of them having a friendly debate about some random topic in their tiny apartment flashed through villain's head, making their whole body hurt and scream.

Why did it have to be you? You're so brilliant, and you definitely had a bright future ahead but now... that future's disappearing and I can't do anything about it. No matter how much I may want to.

Villain kept turning around, scanning the scene, looking for an ambulance or any health personnel but no people were in sight. Except for the dead ones. They were itching to go and drag a health worker here if they had to, but they couldn't just leave civilian in this condition. What were the heroes doing?!

Villain felt helpless and they hated it.

"V-villain, are y-you here?"

Villain immediately focuses all of their attention back on civilian. "Of course I'm here, where else would I go?" They held civilian's hand tighter for emphasis but they didn't get any response. Their heart sank.

"Oh, okay. I just can't... feel a-nything anymore."

Villain tried their best not to cry. Not now.

"Look up at the sky, it looks so beautiful today." Villain tried to sound calm and happy, but they think it came out as something strained and croaky.

Civilian strains to open their eyes. Villain's heart falls further into whatever abyss that was now swallowing them whole.

"I- can't... I can't see."

Tears run down Civilian's face and that was the final straw. Villain's hands gently wipe away those tears, while fresh tears steadily glided down their own cheek.

"I'll describe it to you then- it looks just like your eyes when you wake up. You know that your eyes change colour when they're exposed to sunlight right? That's beautiful too of course-

Civilian puts the last of their strength squeezing Villain's hand. Tight. Villain looks down at them now, their eyes barely open, but still open.

"You're beautiful too *wheeze* Villain."

Their hand goes limp in villain's hand.

No no no no no-

"Civilian, hey... hey! Wake up, come on. I'll go look for an ambulance right now, I'll drag the hero here if I have to-

Civilian didn't open their eyes again.

Villain finally let themselves sob. It sounded pained. Dreadful. Hopeless. They didn't think they could even make such a sound.

It seems like their sounds of agony had attracted someone else to the scene.

"Villain, what are you-

Hero shuts up immediately after seeing Civilian's lifeless body behind Villain.

Oh God no-

Villain was standing in front of them in a flash, Civilian's body held in their arms. Villain didn't have to say anything. Hero understood- their eyes were screaming at them.

Where the hell were you? Why weren't you here?

Hero could answer, but they didn't think any reason could justify them not being there. For civilian. For failing to protect them. For failing to complete their duty. And for breaking villain's trust. So they just stood there.

Villain seethed, and the next words that came out of their mouth made them feel like everything else that they had ever said before was a lie-

"I'm going to kill you."

Hey everyone! I'm sorry it's been a while since I posted. I just keep second guessing myself so I never end up posting, does that make sense? And yeah, this was meant to be a prompt but well, as always, I ended up making this long again haha. Hope you all like this <3

(Thanks so much for the support even when I'm not posting actively, you all are amazing💕 )

Falling for stairs

Hero let out a startled squeal, fairly loud as they felt their body swaying and legs losing every possible understanding they had of the ground . They felt like they were in math class all over again, where their head alone had an affair with gravity and that was fine because the desk was always there to catch them. Now, Hero wasn't so sure if they liked their connection with gravity at all.

They shut their eyes close tight, so tight that it kind of hurt as they waited for the painful impact.

They felt a touch on their arm not even a second later- soft at first and then firm afterwards, grabbing onto them and yanking them towards whatever it was. They then crashed into something solid and warm?! That was enough of an overload of sensory nerves that made Hero blink their eyes open almost immediately.

They were met with a tantalizing smirk, the same one that would follow them around in their dreams every night.

"You'd never have enough lives if you keep tripping over stairs Hero ."

Hero scoffed, trying to pull away and steady themselves from the warmth that was Villain.

"You're there to catch me anyways, so I know I'll be fine."

Now it was Villain's turn to scoff. "If you think that this is going to happen everytime then you're gravely mistaken. God knows how many times you fall for stairs everyday, if they were a person, you would at least have a lover by now."

Hero finally found it in themselves to whisk their wrist out of Villain's hand, walking back towards whatever class that they had next, a pout playing on their face. "Suit yourself."

After Hero's figure disappeared around the corridor, shy chuckles escaped Villain's lips. Oh how fun it was to rile up Hero and watch them dance.

-

Villain was making their way towards their Geography class when they heard that infuriating squeal all over again. They sighed, body moving before their mind could even think- how many times did this happen already today?! For the first time in their life, Villain found themselves regretting ever having super hearing because they couldn't ignore Hero, even if they wanted to- it's like their brain was subconsciously looking out for that stupid squeal no matter what Villain did, and the moment they heard that squeal, they dropped everything and rushed towards it. Pathetic.

But they couldn't stop. The horrifying image of Hero's head bleeding after it hit the sharp edges of the stairs would make them go everytime and they just couldn't understand why.

Judging from the proximity of the sound, Hero was somewhere right below them. Villain peeked to the side of the stairs just in time to see Hero already toppling over, their body so close to connecting with the jagged edges. Shit!! I won't make it if I run down the stairs. I have to jump.

Villain did just that, landing right in front of Hero, somehow managing to catch them and not topple down themselves. It was a miracle.

Hero was wedged into their chest again, chucking this time. Huh, now that's new.

"I thought you wouldn't come because you somehow knew."

Villain stared at them, head cocked to the side, a quizzical expression on their face, "knew what?"

"Knew that I fell on purpose this time."

Villain almost pushed Hero down the stairs themselves after that.

Almost.

Prompt

"N-no, Villain, please don't." Hero begged even as their voice cracked, eyes desperate.

Villain just stared at them with empty eyes, and their face showed no form of recognition that they had even understood what Hero had said.

"Why do you care?" Villain asked sharply. "I'm a Villain, you have no obligation to care for me Hero."

Hero wanted to reply but they were too lost in the image of Villain that popped up in their head- the Villain who had bright eyes and a sarcastic laugh, who made jokes just to cheer Hero up. That Villain didn't exist anymore.

Villain turned away from Hero, not waiting for an answer. Hero was pulled back to reality when Villain finally took their plunge off the ledge.

"NO-

I'm not numbering the prompts because I just lose track of the numbers/ please feel free to use this and tag or credit me^^

Secrets - part 3

part 1 here

part 2 here

Ash tried their best not to show their disinterest that threatened to seep beyond their poker face. They really didn't want to be here, but supervillain had decided to gather their team because apparently the hero had been captured successfully, at long last.

In the few run ins that Ash had had with the hero, if there's one thing that they knew, it was that the hero was a really competent fighter and was almost unbeatable in battle. Ash would go as far as saying that they even respected the hero's dedication to their work. So that's why it was really weird to them that that hero could be captured so easily. They even felt bad for them, because they had nothing against them really. If life was kinder to them, then they wouldn't even be here, they might have even stood at the opposite side of all of this mess, and maybe could have even been an ally to justice.

They shake their head, ridding it of thoughts about a past that was now impossible to change. Right now, all Ash wanted to do was go home, back to that apartment where Adrian and Alex were waiting for them. Alex did say that they were going to go all out preparing dinner and Ash would be lying if they said that they weren't looking forward to it.

Just then the door to the hide out banged open, and two figures were thrown haphazardly onto the floor. Ash felt their stomach twist and turn when they got a good look at their faces- they began wiping their eyes multiple times, pinched themselves, did about anything that people generally did to check if this was some twisted dream. They wanted someone to tell them that this wasn't real- that this was all just a bad dream, a nightmare caused by over stress. Ash tried pinching a little harder but they still felt pain. Maybe if I pinch a bit more, I won't feel anything?

They wanted to scream their lungs out, because why did the two people that they cared about the most end up here, in the supervillain's hideout. Why?!

This made no sense. Nothing made any sense.

"Well well, looks like you've knocked the hero out cold." Supervillain's the first one to speak, eyes glistening with such mirth it made Ash want to recoil into themselves.

But hero? One of them was the hero all along? But who?

Their question was answered when supervillain stepped forward, bending down and grabbing Adrian's chin roughly with one hand. Ash had to hold themselves back before they ended up twisting that hand in a moment of fury.

Don't touch them! Ash wanted to scream.

Alex was the first one who regained consciousness, squirming around uncomfortably with the binds on their wrists. Ash wanted to rush forward and immediately shield them from supervillain's piercing gaze, but they held themselves back. Neither Ash nor their friends would make it out of there alive if they made a move now.

"Oh, good morning to you civilian. How unfortunate that you happened to tag along with hero when we had planned to kidnap them."

Ash watched as Alex stared at the unconscious form of Adrian in utter shock, clearly struggling to take in that piece of information. Alex's eyes darted, flustered, from the supervillain, back to Adrian, and Ash could literally see the cogs turning in their brain, Alex grappling with the piece of information thrown at them, not knowing what to do with it. So Alex didn't know either, Ash thought. They understood though, after getting to know the both of them better, Ash could confidently say now that Adrian didn't tell Alex because they wanted to keep them away from this world, and who could blame them? Ash definitely wouldn't. They looked at Alex's stunned figure sadly- watching Adrian's effort break down in front of them was heartbreaking.

Plus, the identity of a hero when compared to a villain was especially that of top priority. They've heard that the supervillain had spent years trying to uncover hero's identity- and that was finally revealed today.

Without any warning, supervillain wedged their foot right into Adrian's stomach, making them flinch awake with pain, only to scream. Alex tried to lunge forward but was held back by the henchmen. Ash almost lurched forward, again as Alex started struggling, screaming to get the henchmen to let them go, and Adrian was still out of it, clearly in pain. The entire situation screamed despair at Ash and tore their heart into tiny, pathetic pieces.

"Oh Villain, what's wrong?" Supervillain's attention turned for a meager second away from Adrian and Alex, and that made Ash more happy than they were willing to admit, " you just froze all of a sudden."

"I'm sorry, I'm a bit unsteady on my legs. I'm alright now."

Don't lose your cool. If you play this out nicely enough, you can still get them out. They don't know who you are, this is the perfect opportunity.

Having made up their mind, Ash wobbled forward, stopping right in between Adrian and Alex.

"What's wrong Villain? Do you want to go back home today after all?"

Ash wanted to puke at the fake concern in their voice. "No supervillain, that won't be necessary. I just wanted to make a suggestion, if you would let me."

Supervillain nods their head, signaling Ash to continue.

"We only need the hero right? If a civilian was to go missing, it would cause unnecessary issues and the police will begin to investigate-

The sound of skin against skin could be heard reverberating throughout the entire room. Supervillain had just slapped Ash so hard, that the force caused their head to fall sideways. From the corner of their eyes, Ash could see worry swimming in Adrian's eyes and they heard Alex gasp. Even in such a situation, even without knowing their true identity, these two still cared. That simple fact made Ash's heart warm.

"A-are you okay?"

Ash looked over to Alex and simply smiled, hoping that was enough of a response to the question. It hurt a little too much to talk right now. That slap had messed up Ash's disguise, their mask out of place, just enough to show their hair and eyes.

" Now now villain, you know better than to question my plans hmm?" Supervillain spoke with a voice that could cut.

Ash took a shaky step back, visibly flinching at the tone. This was the first time they'd seen the supervillain face to face and they were as cruel and heartless as the rumors said that they were.

"Your answer Villain?"

"Y-yes, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

Adrian's breath hitched in their throat as they took in the Villain's appearance- raven tresses that stood on the thin line between wavy and curly, those honey orbs, and that silky voice- there's no mistake. Even though the villain was only showing their back to them, Adrian knew. But Alex beat them to it.

"Ash, is that you?"

Shit. Ash visibly tensed, realizing that their voice changer was knocked out of position by that cursed slap.

"Ash, it's you isn't it?"

Alex called out again, sounding surer this time and Ash just stood there, like a deer caught in headlights, unable to decide whether to lie or tell the truth. If they said the truth, they would be killed by supervillain, and if they lied, they would have to fight but in the end still be killed by supervillain. It really didn't matter either way.

Ash looked back at Adrian for a small second and the recognition in their eyes was the final straw.

If they've already figured it out, then there's no point in keeping secrets anymore.

Ash stepped forward, taking off their mask completely. Alex gasped, the same shock crossing their facial features once again, looking like a fish out of water, completely lost and desperate. Adrian just looked at them and sighed. Ash couldn't decide if they sounded relieved or disappointed- they desperately hoped that it wasn't the latter.

Supervillain cackled, clapping their hands together almost maniacally, their rough voice echoing inside the tiny room. They looked like someone who was having the time of their life, enjoying an unexpected plot twist to their favorite TV drama.

While supervillain was distracted, Adrian struggled to get back up on their feet, only to be kicked harder this time, right where they'd been kicked earlier. They fell to their side, coughing sharply, a copper like taste springing to life in their mouth. Everything ached and there was just so much pain-

And then a gentle touch, slowly pushing away sweat slicked blond locks, and then a strong arm holding them close. Another arm clutched onto their shoulder, spreading warmth everywhere. Adrian opened their eyes to see Alex and Ash by their side, both of them looking like it was the end of the world.

And for the first time in a long time Adrian didn't feel scared. They had the two people that they trusted their life with by their side. And that wasn't going to change now, knowing that Ash is a villain. All of that didn't matter. At the end of the day, Adrian is Adrian and Ash is Ash, they're just two college students struggling to complete their degree in peace, forced into hero and villain costumes.

"This is all just so touching, isn't it?" Supervillain drawled, a hand coming up to wipe fake tears as the other villains and henchmen all nodded their heads, like petty little puppets. "A villain, hero and a civilian, all trying to have their happy ending."

Supervillain sneered and Villain felt a chill run down their spine.

"But I'll be damned if I let you have it that easily!"

A blast shot out from Supervillain's hand and Adrian had just enough time to push Alex away to the opposite side, clutching Ash in their arms and rolling over to the other side, missing the blast by a hair's breadth.

Ash felt Adrian groan against them and their blood froze. Adrian is hurt, and I have to get them out of here.

"Take Alex and leave Adrian, I'll take care of this." Ash said in the most menacing voice that they could muster.

But Adrian wasn't backing down, giving them a death stare and Ash thinks that they have never seen them this angry before.

"You're dreaming if you think that I would abandon you and save just myself and Alex." Their voice threatened, like pines and needles.

"But I'm a villain, I don't deserve any of this!" Ash wailed, their voice a mix of anger, sadness and desperation and it hurt Adrian's ears to hear Ash's sweet voice sound like that.

"Adrian, Ash, look out!"

This time it was Ash who saw the blast coming first, pulling Adrian flush to their chest and rolling away to shield them from the blast. It scraped away a little bit of their costume on the back and they flinched at the sharp, burning feeling on their spine.

Adrian tensed in their arms, eyes darting up to scan Ash's body for any more injuries. Upon finding no new ones, they sighed in relief, pulling themselves up and then Ash. They hid behind a wall for a moment of rest and looked into Ash's eyes softly.

"I'm a hero and I protect people, so let me do my job okay?"

"You'll protect me, even though I'm a villain?" Ash sounded so unsure of themselves and it made Adrian's heart tug painfully. They slowly brought their hand up to Ash's cheek, fingers gently circling the bruise that was forming there. Ash sighed unconsciously, feeling safe and content, all in one moment. They didn't know it was even possible to feel that way.

"I don't know what you're talking about, you are only Ash to me. Besides, I'm sure you had your reasons, just like I have mine." Adrian smirked.

And suddenly, Ash could breathe more easily. They at least had enough fight in them to roll their eyes at Adrian's antics, "Way to ruin the moment, idiot."

They moved together, movements in perfect sync as they made it across the room to reach Alex, while dodging the supervillain's attacks. Alex looked like they were just about done with everything. Ash couldn't really blame them. Adrian chuckled playfully at the sight.

"So it takes a hero, a villain and a supervillain to finally shut you up huh Alex?"

But Alex wasn't an idiot, they knew that while Ash showed their emotions more freely, Adrian would hide them and begin to joke away their worries. So Alex stared back at Adrian resolutely, with a determined gaze.

Adrian let out a knowing sigh and ruffled their hair a little, glad that Alex was safe more than anything. Being a normal civilian in a room filled with humans who possessed superpowers was dangerous as it is. Adrian never wanted to feel so helpless again, just thinking about how they couldn't do anything when Alex was threatened with a knife to their throat made their skin scrawl.

Ash bent down, gently bopping their nose with Alex. They definitely preferred the noisy version, seeing them quiet was just unsettling. Alex smiled up at them.

"I'm going to protect you two, no matter what." Adrian said suddenly, putting an arm around each of them, giving them a slight squeeze. They were met back with the brightest smiles they'd ever seen. Adrian felt like they could win this battle with just that encouragement. Being a hero was a lonely job and you always had to look tough on the surface, no matter what you were feeling on the inside.

And that's why Adrian treasured Ash and Alex so much, because they knew that they would stand by their side, no matter what.

"Ahem" Supervillain coughed obnoxiously, "It would be nice if you three didn't forget that I exist."

-

It was a tough battle, and by the end of it Adrian and Ash sported many bruises and many more scars, a few of them bleeding more than the rest. But supervillain was defeated, and Alex felt like crying out tears of relief at that fact alone. Because that meant that Adrian and Ash won't be in harm's way anymore.

They ran up to a staggering Adrian, being supported by Ash, holding them both as gently as they could. The other two chuckled softly, returning the hug. The three just stood like that for who knows how long, just basking in the fact that they were all safe, alive and warm, and their hearts were still beating, just like they're supposed to and didn't just give up halfway. Alex was the first one to break the embrace, looking up and down at Adrian and Alex as if they were deciding on what wedding attire to pick.

"I'm definitely going to need a lot of first aid kits tonight."

Adrian and Ash laughed together as Alex pulled them both forward, one hand in each of theirs.

All of them stepped inside their apartment with warm smiles on their faces, knowing that they belonged with each other and they weren't going anywhere.

Okay this is the final part / this snippet is finally over / and this became long as usual / hope you all enjoyed this!! / I think it's fun to think that supervillain secretly shipped all of them so I'll leave this here