46
Hero sat on the side of the building, their feet dangling off the edge. They liked the feeling of it, liked playing with their own mortality. Maybe that was why they were so good at their job.
They leaned closer to the edge, peering over at the street. Cars crawled like ants trapped in the mid afternoon traffic.
"If not for your own peace of mind, then for mine, please get away from the edge."
Hero didn't need to look to know Villain. "Surely you should be pushing me off it."
"Hero, stop it."
Hero sighed and got to their feet, turning to face Villain. "Why? Does this make you... uneasy?" They rocked backwards on their heels.
"Hero, stop-"
Hero could tell exactly when Villain had had enough. But that wasn't too hard, because they darted forwards like a lightning bolt and pulled Hero into them with a strong hand around their wrist.
Hero felt like their breath had been stolen in that single touch. "Sorry," they said, soft and breathless.
Villain rolled their eyes. "You better not do that again, you hear me? If you die, I better be the one who kills you."
Hero brushed a stray lock of hair from their cheekbone, and Villain's gaze softened. They pressed their forehead against Hero's. "Promise me, okay?"
Hero rolled their eyes. "Fine. I pinky promise you get to murder me."
"Good." Villain replied, and then they kissed them - so softly Hero felt it might be a dream. They leaned into their touch, as if they could merge and become one if only Hero put enough force into it.
Maybe this was a better thrill than standing on the edge of buildings.
