''Let- fucking- go of me!" The Hero screamed. Their chest burned, limbs aching from exhaustion as they fought against the guards that held them down. Superhero's guards- their boss, and someone Hero had went so far as to consider a friend.
They felt like an idiot for trusting anyone in this damned city.
"Sorry Hero, no can do," Superhero said, voice flat. "You should be proud, you know? Giving yourself up to Villain so gallantly, in return for them discontinuing their operations in the city- I mean, you've singlehandedly saved all of our people, a feat not even I could accomplish."
"Does Sidekick know about this?! What about Other Hero?!"
"They don't need to know. They can't help you," they paused. "Villain never mentioned anything about hurting you, Hero. If that's what you're worried about. They just want you. I guess you are somewhat of a charmer." They smirked, a tilted sneer that made Hero's blood boil. "There's nothing for you here in this city, you said so yourself."
"To hell with that!" They bellowed, pulse drumming in their ears. "I'm your friend! I'm a person- you can't trade people like they're commodities!"
"You are my friend, Hero. That's why I'm giving you a peaceful life in domestic bliss."
"Superhero...please," They searched Superhero's eyes, vision brimming with tears, for a hint of consideration, mercy, anything for the human being in front of them, but all they were met with, was ice-cold indifference.
"Take them away," they ordered. "Live lavishly, Hero. We never needed you here anyways." The fight drained out of their body. They hung their head, resigned to their fate. Hero had been foolish to trust anyone in this damned city. So, so foolish.
The Villain's behavior had been strange, as of late.
Not nefarious, or dangerous, just... strange. Strange in a way Hero couldn't quite put their finger on it.
"Why did you save me?" Hero asked, voice strained from pain, despite their efforts at keeping it grounded.
The Villain seated beside them, focused on bandaging the injured Hero, paused. "I believe the word you're looking for is 'thank you', Hero."
"Don't change the subject," they gruffed. No, Villain was definitely acting strange. To think they'd save Hero, their archenemesis, from Other Villain, when it'd only make their job easier- bandaging them, treating them with such gentle care... something was wrong, really wrong, and Hero was not about to back down without answers.
"I mean, I didn't see you for weeks! You just... disappeared, and the next time I see you you're risking your own life to save- Ack!"
"That's what happens when you ruin my concentration." Villain said, loosening the bandage around their arm.
"You did that on purpose!" To that Villain smiled, a soft, rare smile, and Hero almost forgot what they set out to do. Almost.
"Just- just tell me, alright? Where have you been? Why did you save me?" Oh, to hell with it. "I... worry about you, y'know? Even though we're enemies."
Villain stopped and gave Hero a blank, wide eyed stare. Hero, flushed from embarrassment, scrambled to try and explain themselves when they were cut short by a crushing hug from Villain.
"Ow- V-Vil'n-"
"Oh, Hero, you care about me! That makes this so much easier!"
Before Hero could ask them what the hell they were talking about-
Click. Followed by a cold weight on their neck.
Their blood ran cold.
A collar.
"Do you like it?" They asked, finally letting go of their embrace. The glee in their voice, their mania, rooted Hero stiff. "I spent weeks on it, specially made for you," Hero could only stare at this recent development, mind blank.
"It has a tracker. I'll have your location with me at all times. You don't have to worry about anyone else hurting you from now on, I'll keep you safe."
That made Hero snap out of their trance. "You- you fucking psycho!" They grabbed and pulled at the collar, the pain of their injuries forgotten, "get this off- AAAH!" They lurched forward, vision going white. Their senses escaped them until the only thing that remained was the prickling pain that seized their entire body. Breathe, breathe, breathe. A shock collar, Villain, that bastard-
"So reckless," Villain tutted. "I knew I was right." They rubbed the heaving Hero's back, the action doing little to help. "I didn't want to do this to you. I know how much you like your little...freedom. I liked your carefree, willfull nature, believe me, I did... until it became a threat to your safety,"
"When I found you unconscious on the ground, bleeding out- I-I thought I'd lost you! I thought I was too late- I could barely find a pulse a-and all the blood-" They sighed, regaining their composure. "No. It won't happen again. I won't let it happen again. Never again."
Hero watched, wide and teary-eyed, as they rose to leave. "You can go back to that Agency of yours once you've healed in a few weeks. Until then, rest. You've had a long day today." Villain headed towards the door, until they paused at the entrance, and turned to leer down at the shaking hero.
"Oh, and Hero?" They flinched. "Do take care to hide that collar when you return, would you? I don't want your friends getting silly ideas on how to remove it. You can't. Foolish attempts will only hurt you further." Though nothing could hurt Hero more than the sheer betrayal they felt.
"Oh, don't look at me like I'm a monster, Hero. Atleast with this, I'll never be late to your rescue, ever. Freedom never suited you. Be thankful I'm still letting you leave, despite everything." The obsession everpresent behind their eyes made Hero realized they never truly knew them at all. To think Hero ever felt anything for them made bile rise up their throat.
"So unless you want that to change, let this just be our little secret, hm?"
The Villain's behavior had been strange, as of late.
Not nefarious, or dangerous, just... strange. Strange in a way Hero couldn't quite put their finger on it.
"Why did you save me?" Hero asked, voice strained from pain, despite their efforts at keeping it grounded.
The Villain seated beside them, focused on bandaging the injured Hero, paused. "I believe the word you're looking for is 'thank you', Hero."
"Don't change the subject," they gruffed. No, Villain was definitely acting strange. To think they'd save Hero, their archenemesis, from Other Villain, when it'd only make their job easier- bandaging them, treating them with such gentle care... something was wrong, really wrong, and Hero was not about to back down without answers.
"I mean, I didn't see you for weeks! You just... disappeared, and the next time I see you you're risking your own life to save- Ack!"
"That's what happens when you distract me." Villain said, loosening the bandage around their arm.
"You did that on purpose!" To that Villain smiled, a soft, rare smile, and Hero almost forgot what they set out to do. Almost.
"Just- just tell me, alright? Where have you been? Why did you save me?" Oh, to hell with it. "I... worry about you, y'know? Even though we're enemies."
Villain stopped and gave Hero a blank, wide eyed stare. Hero, flushed from embarrassment, scrambled to try and explain themselves when they were cut short by a crushing hug from Villain.
"Ow- V-Vil'n-"
"Oh, Hero, you care about me! That makes this so much easier!"
Before Hero could ask them what the hell they were talking about-
Click. Followed by a cold weight on their neck.
Their blood ran cold.
A collar.
"Do you like it?" They asked, finally letting go of their embrace. The glee in their voice, their mania, rooted Hero stiff. "I spent weeks on it, specially made for you," Hero could only stare at this recent development, mind blank.
"It has a tracker. I'll have your location with me at all times. You don't have to worry about anyone else hurting you from now on, I'll keep you safe."
That made Hero snap out of their trance. "You- you fucking psycho!" They grabbed and pulled at the collar, the pain of their injuries forgotten, "get this off- AAAH!" They lurched forward, vision going white. Their senses escaped them until the only thing that remained was the prickling pain that seized their entire body. Breathe, breathe, breathe. A shock collar, Villain, that bastard-
"So reckless," Villain tutted. "I knew I was right." They rubbed the heaving Hero's back, the action doing little to help. "I didn't want to do this to you. I know how much you like your little...freedom. I liked your carefree, willfull nature, believe me, I did... until it became a threat to your safety,"
"When I found you unconscious on the ground, bleeding out- I-I thought I'd lost you! I thought I was too late- I could barely find a pulse a-and all the blood-" They sighed, regaining their composure. "No. It won't happen again. I won't let it happen again. Never again."
Hero watched, wide and teary-eyed, as they rose to leave. "You can go back to that Agency of yours once you've healed in a few weeks. Until then, rest. You've had a long day today." Villain headed towards the door, until they paused at the entrance, and turned to leer down at the shaking hero.
"Oh, and Hero?" They flinched. "Do take care to hide that collar when you return, would you? I don't want your friends getting silly ideas on how to remove it. You can't. Foolish attempts will only hurt you further." Though nothing could hurt Hero more than the sheer betrayal they felt.
"Oh, don't look at me like I'm a monster, Hero. Atleast with this, I'll never be late to your rescue, ever. Freedom never suited you. Be thankful I'm still letting you leave, despite everything." The obsession everpresent behind their eyes made Hero realized they never truly knew them at all. To think Hero ever felt anything for them made bile rise up their throat.
"So unless you want that to change, let this just be our little secret, hm?"
"I hate to see you this way, baby," Villain addressed the shivering hero, curled into a shaking mess. "So I'll ask you this one more time,"
They leaned closer and carressed their cheek. "Either you can sleep chained up in the cold for one more night," Villain's hand was so warm. Warmth. Hero needed warmth.
"Or you could fall asleep in my bed, and let me get you all warmed up, hm?
Villain watched as Hero leaned in to their touch, and smiled.
"It's your choice, Hero. Choose wisely." They said.
URGENT NOTICE TO ALL FELLOW WRITERS ON TUMBLR!! REBLOG THE HECK OUT OF THIS AND TAG EVERY WRITER YOU KNOW TO SPREAD THE WORD!! 😬
WE NEED TO RIOT AGAINST THIS AT ONCE!
I just wanted to take a second to warn you all about a new Tumblr feature that appears to have just rolled out. I have confirmed with SEVERAL other writers already that it's not just me who's experiencing it, and I don't want you to accidentally fall into the same trap.
I did a screen recording to show the dilemma, and an explanation is written below.
Basically, I'm used to being able to quickly edit my drafts and just hit "save", and it would save it and still keep it in my drafts. Easy peasy.
But NOW, for some reason whenever you hit the "edit" button for a draft, it automatically selects "POST NOW" option???? And you have to MANUALLY switch it back to "save to drafts" EVERY SINGLE TIME you edit it if you don't want it immediately posted??
I have fallen for this stupid thing TWICE already because of muscle memory of 2 years of just hitting "save" whenever I worked more on a draft. But now I have had to delete the posted part and repost twice because I wasn't finished with it and didn't want my followers to read the unfinished scene.
So, whenever you edit posts in draft, make sure to select "save to drafts" EVERY time or else you'll be accidentally posting your unfinished work every time 😭😭
REBLOG ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE TO SAVE ALL THE WRITERS OUT THERE BRAIN DAMAGE!!!
Sooooooo many people are going to be finding out about this the hard way 😭😭😭 I encourage everyone who sees this post to send complaints through feedback tickets over at Tumblr Support, and also on Bluesky, if possible. Maybe if enough people push back on this they'll change it.
“You really are beautiful,” Villain said, tilting their head to the side, a sadistic grin spreading across their face. “Imagine how pretty you’d look chained to my wall.”
Heroes were the beacon of hopes for their cities. Their defenders, their protectors. Willing to do anything and everything to ensure the safety of the city they have sworn to protect.
Hero had vowed to do just that- carry out their duty no matter what. They knew this is what their job entailed, that there would be sacrifices, they were prepared for anything, atleast they thought they were, and yet-
"Marry me, Hero, and none of this has to happen."
Villain's words, their relaxed smile- it made Hero's stomach churn. They acted as if this was something trivial to them, as if they hadn't promised to raze the city to the ground, if Hero was daring enough, or stupid enough to deny their proposal.
"Please, Villain, you d-don't have to do this," God, they couldn't think. They were just stalling for time at this point, but what else could they even say?
"Oh, but I do," they said, walking closer to Hero until they were standing right in front of them. They cupped Hero's cheek, their touch feather-light, and Hero flinched. "This is the only way I can have you."
"I'm not some- some thing for you to have." They should be mad, furious even. They should find a way to stop Villain, some other way, but in-between trying to control their shaky breath and trembling fingers, it was all they could do to keep steady on their feet.
They felt stupid. So stupid. After years of fighting and banter with their eccentric yet charming foe-turned-almost friend, dare they say they had come to grow fond of Villain. How could it have come to this?
"You are mistaken, Hero. I already have you," they said softly, inching closer. "You can be good and agree to be mine. I hope you choose that. It will be easier on the both of us, you know I don't like to cause you unnecessary pain," Hero almost mistook the look in their eyes for kindness, guilt even. "I will treat you well. Look to all your needs and wants. You will live lavishly. You won’t need anyone else, for you will have me,"
"Or you can refuse me," they continued, somber. "You know what will happen if you do, Hero,"
"And what's a hero without their city, hm? So, I suppose you will be mine either way. But I would like to not get so many people involved in our personal affairs, wouldn't you?"
Their city, or them? The lives of countless, or their own? Hero knew there was only one correct choice. They were a hero. They should do anything and everything to save their city, ready to sacrifice even themselves, if it need be. They knew that, and yet-
Hero lay amidst the carnage, barely conscious. No, no, no- they couldn't pass out, not with what was at stake.
Through their bleary eyes, they could see their gun, lying only a few feet from them. If they could crawl just a little bit further, maybe, just maybe there was still hope. However, they were quickly proven wrong when a burst of pain from their side, trying to strain towards the gun, made them see stars. A metallic taste filled their mouth, and God, they couldn't stop shaking.
"Enough, Hero." The only voice that could make dread pool in Hero's stomach, even in their barely conscious state. Villain.
Villain's towering figure stood over Hero. They were trapped. Their muddled brain- working a mile a minute, trying to find an escape, a miracle, even- blanked out.
"Look at you," they cooed. "Stubborn little thing, aren't you?"
They grabbed Hero by the collar, and hoisted them up. The sudden movement jostled Hero's battered body, making them cry out in pain.
"You did this to yourself, baby. I wanted to make it easier for you,"
Move, move! They willed their body to do something, anything.
"But that's alright. Where's the fun without a little chase, huh? I don't mind you making me earn my prize. If that's what it takes for you to learn, so be it,"
Hero squeezed their eyes shut. Someone, anyone!
"Honestly, Hero, would it be so bad to let me have you? Someone who only cares about you? Someone who would do anything for you?"
"I will keep you safe. I'm nothing like those bastards at your orgazination who let you run around and endanger your life. You won't have to work a day in your life. I will give you everything you could ask for. You will belong to me, just as I belong to you."
Hero thought back to that morning. Superhero had told them Sidekick wanted to have a movie night. They imagined themselves, cuddled up on the couch with Sidekick and Superhero- eating popcorn, laughing at trashy films, happy, safe.
Anywhere but here.
Hero wondered if they would come for them.
They hissed, their eyes shooting open when they felt a sharp pull on their hair.
"You know, to think at least now I would have your undivided attention," Villain said, softness gone from their features.
"Well, no matter. I have you now, Hero, and I promise you- no one will take you from me. I will make you the happiest you've ever been,"
"You'll learn to love me, darling. We have all the time in the world now, after all."
Hero lay amidst the carnage, barely conscious. No, no, no- they couldn't pass out, not with what was at stake.
Through their bleary eyes, they could see their gun, lying only a few feet from them. If they could crawl just a little bit further, maybe, just maybe there was still hope. However, they were quickly proven wrong when a burst of pain from their side, trying to strain towards the gun, made them see stars. A metallic taste filled their mouth, and God, they couldn't stop shaking.
"Enough, Hero." The only voice that could make dread pool in Hero's stomach, even in their barely conscious state. Villain.
Villain's towering figure stood over Hero. They were trapped. Their muddled brain- working a mile a minute, trying to find an escape, a miracle, even- blanked out.
"Look at you," they cooed. "Stubborn little thing, aren't you?"
They grabbed Hero by the collar, and hoisted them up. The sudden movement jostled Hero's battered body, making them cry out in pain.
"You did this to yourself, baby. I wanted to make it easier for you,"
Move, move! They willed their body to do something, anything.
"But that's alright. Where's the fun without a little chase, huh? I don't mind you making me earn my prize. If that's what it takes for you to learn, so be it,"
Hero squeezed their eyes shut. Someone, anyone!
"Honestly, Hero, would it be so bad to let me have you? Someone who only cares about you? Someone who would do anything for you?"
"I will keep you safe. I'm nothing like those bastards at your orgazination who let you run around and endanger your life. You won't have to work a day in your life. I will give you everything you could ask for. You will belong to me, just as I belong to you."
Hero thought back to that morning. Superhero had told them Sidekick wanted to have a movie night. They imagined themselves, cuddled up on the couch with Sidekick and Superhero- eating popcorn, laughing at trashy films, happy, safe.
Anywhere but here.
Hero wondered if they would come for them.
They hissed, their eyes shooting open when they felt a sharp pull on their hair.
"You know, to think at least now I would have your undivided attention," Villain said, softness gone from their features.
"Well, no matter. I have you now, Hero, and I promise you- no one will take you from me. I will make you the happiest you've ever been,"
"You'll learn to love me, darling. We have all the time in the world now, after all."
I usually see Villain x Hero's sidekick but barely any Hero x Villain's sidekick so I decided to write it myself. It ain't much but it's honest work
════════
Hero didn't think they'd survive the night.
They managed to stumble into a dingy alley, chest heaving from the effort it took to keep themselves upright. They slumped heavily against the alley wall, hands tightly clutching the wound on their side which was rapidly oozing blood despite their continuous, albeit weak effort to keep on applying pressure.
The mission wasn’t supposed to go so wrong.
They sank down to the floor. Come to think of it, they couldn't really feel their legs anymore...
Get in. Get some Intel. Get out.
All Hero had to do was infiltrate Other Villain's base, gather intel regarding their latest scheme and get out, something Hero had done time and time again. How could they have missed the motion detectors..?
The pain had simmered down to a dull ache. Were they bleeding still? Hero couldn't tell. Maybe the wound wasn’t as bad as they thought...
Other Villain's henchmen were on their tail in a matter of seconds. They couldn't tell which one of them had landed the cut. When Hero was a safe distance away from the base, their hand- which was unconsciously clutching at their side- came out soaked in blood.
So sleepy... maybe they should rest their eyes for a while. Hero felt like someone had stuffed their ears full of cotton. Their vision swam, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. Is that why they could vaguely make out a pair of black boots? Was that just their imagination, or did someone actually come to save them?
God, they prayed it was the latter.
They heard a faraway voice call their name, and closed their weary eyes.
___
Hero felt like they were trapped in a limbo of blurred motion and sounds.
The bright overhead lights moving in rapid succession seared their eyes. They felt weightless. All they could hear was sound of wheels screeching against tiled floors, were they in a gurney? And rushed, muffled voices above them.
"Better have---a good explanation--"
"--they'll die---not much time--"
"---putting us in danger--"
"Please, Villain!"
Wait,Villain? Before Hero could make any sense of these words, sleep pulled them under once more.
___
When Hero finally came to, they woke up in some kind of a hospital room.
God, why was everything so bright? They pried their eyes open, and with some effort, looked around the room.
The walls were a dull blue. A heart monitor was beeping steadily beside them. IV lines supplied them with blood and fluids.
They saw a small window which led in a steady stream of soft sunlight. A desk beside their bed contained a jar full of their favorite flowers, an uncomfortable looking chair and-
They froze.
Because slumped over on that chair, head resting on Hero's bed, was Villain's Sidekick, their hand tightly intertwined with Hero's.
The same Sidekick who was loyal to Villain to a fault, cold, calculating, always staring at Hero with a look Hero was sure was hate. Did they save him..? But why-
Villain's Sidekick stirred.
Their eyes locked with Hero’s, and they were up in an instant- checking vitals, looking at their readings- without warning, they opened Hero’s covers to assess their injury, which was now neatly stitched up and bandaged. Hero realized that they were very shirtless, and blushed.
"If you still have the capacity to blush, I'd say you're holding up just fine," they said, pulling up the covers once again, a sly smile playing on their lips. "You were barely breathing when I found you, y'know? Whoever you went against sure did a number on you."
Hero was even more confused. What could Villain and Sidekick possibly need from them? They're enemies. They have no reason to save Hero.
"W-what do you- from me-,"
"Stop talking. You're hurting yourself," Villain's Sidekick huffed. This was so different from the Sidekick they knew that all Hero could do was gape. "What do I want from you? I saved you!" Hero had never seen them this animated.
"Do you know how difficult it was to convince Villain to not hurt you whenever we faced off? They looked at me like I was crazy!" They crossed their arms. "But then you went ahead and fought other villains, and got yourself injured anyways," they were actually pouting, holy shit.
"If Villain wasn't mad at me before, they're definitely pissed now," they sighed. "I brought you here against their wishes. They wanted you gone the moment you woke up, but you're in no position to leave! Don't worry, I'll convince them. They usually listen to me," Sidekick flashed them a bright smile.
For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Sidekick saw Hero’s blank stare, and realization dawned on them. "Oh. Oh. Oh, Hero. You still don't get it?" Sidekick once again took their hand and held it gently, a faint blush dusting their cheeks. "I like-well, love you. A-a lot. I've loved you since... forever, I guess," they couldn't meet Hero’s eyes. "You're just..so kind, so admirable. You probably don't remember, but you saved me from a burning building once. Even though you didn't have to, even though we were enemies," They looked at Hero, eyes shining. "I don't want to be enemies with you, Hero. I'd like for us to be more than that, a lot more,"
"W-well, take it easy, you don't have to answer right now. I know this is sudden. I'd like for you to get to know me first. I'd be so good to you, Hero, I promise!" Sidekick, both flustered and determined, looked like they wanted the floor to swallow them whole. Hero would be lying if they said they didn't find it, quite frankly, adorable.
"Oh, where are my manners, you must be starving!" To Hero, it seemed like they were glad to find an opportunity to leave the room, more than anything else. "Stay put Hero. Well, not like you can move anyways. I'll be back with some soup before you know it!"
And with that they hurridly left, leaving Hero alone to digest what had just happened.
The villain had used soft, padded restraints this time.
Villain had also brought them to a spacious room with a bed, curtains, soft blankets and a bed. The chair hero was tied to was cushioned and comfortable. Hero would take it, atleast it was a huge improvement from the metal cuffs and the dingy basement room.
Hero and Villaid had a routine. A game of cat and mouse- so to speak. Hero would often find themselves tied up in villain's lair, villain would monologue and hero would argue back. Eventually, they'd find a way to escape and bring an end to villain's nefarious plan. It was their usual- it was normal.
However, nothing about this was normal.
"This doesn't look half bad," Hero said. "I was honestly getting tired of that dirty old basement."
Silence.
Villain was seated across from Hero, in a chair similar to theirs. They hadn't said a word since Hero had woken up, absent-mindedly fiddling with the hem of their tie.
"Well, this is awkward," Hero said quietly. "Aren't you going to monologue about your newest doomsday device or some-"
"Who were you with last night?"
Now it was Hero’s turn to go quiet.
"At the movies. He was wearing a tacky blue shirt, glasses- in fact, you two looked like you were quite close. Who is he to you?"
Villain's face was impassive, but their eyes shone with an emotion Hero couldn't put their finger on.
"I-I- what- Villain?"
Villain got up, slow and deliberate, like they had all the time in the world- and maybe they did. They walked up to Hero and crouched down, until their face was level with Hero’s. "I thought you hated the movies," villain said quietly. "You preferred watching them from the comfort of your home, didn't you? You said you hated the hassle, " Their face darkened. "Or did you make an exception for him?"
"How do you know all of this?!"
Their face softened. "I know everything about you, Hero. That's what you do for the one you love."
Love?
"Truly, Hero, I knew you weren't the sharpest tool in the shed, but to think you were this dense?" They laughed, almost sounding amused. "But that's okay, I find it quite adorable.''
Villain was standing, now, their arms on two of the armrests of the chair Hero was tied to, making them feel more trapped than they already were. "I saw all those times you stared at me, Hero, when you thought I wasn't looking," Villain grimaced. "I thought you felt the same way as me, but I suppose I was wrong."
"If I truly wanted you gone, you would be. So many times I could've hurt you, killed you, but I never did. Why do you think that is, Hero?" Villain tightened their grip. "Anyone who spoke ill of you, anyone who even looked at you wrong, I made them dissappear. I did it for you,"
"I wanted to give you a chance, I wanted you to come to me, but you chose him. You chose someone who isn't worthy, someone who can never love you, care for you and treasure you as much as I do. So I won't give you a choice anymore, Hero."
They sighed, and stepped back.
"That being said, you still haven't answered me, so I'll ask you this one more time. Who is he to you?"
Somehow, Hero managed to find their voice. "He-- is just-- a friend," Hero choked out. "N-nothing between us."
"Lies," Villain said calmly. "But that's okay, Hero. You're confused. You don't know what's good for you,"
No.
"But don't you worry, baby. I'll show you who you belong to, and I promise, Hero, one day you'll want me as badly as I want you. I'll make sure of it."
“You’re joking!” The Villain’s daughter said, dangerously holding whatever new monstrous invention she had tinkered up. “That’s Bullshit!”
The Villain held up two fingers. “That’s two months now, young lady! And I'm taking away your power drill!” The Villain’s daughter turned red with anger as she faced the Hero standing on the other side of kitchen island.
“Tell him it’s not fair!” She shouted, prompting the Villain to turn towards Hero as well. Hero had come by only to pick up some documents she needed from Villain, she hadn’t expected to play jury.
“Uh. Well- Villain. Maybe you're being too harsh-” Her train of thought derailed at the sight of Villain’s glare only comparable to his daughter’s. “Um…” She quickly put up two fists on her hips and raised her chin.
“Listen to your father.” Satisfied, the Villain turned to his daughter.
“Starting an underground weapon market?! What were you thinking? What if you got hurt!? Do you have any idea how traceable PAYPAL is?!”
“I started doing cash only!”
“Yes! After Other Villain venmo-ed you 8K!”
“Exactly! My business is booming! You’re just jealous I’m a better Villain than you.” The Villain chuckled sarcastically.
“You have no idea what game you’re playing! I’ve been at this for years and never once did I let myself slip or be noticed!”
“Ugh whatever! No Hero has caught me yet!”
The Hero tensed- clearing her throat. Both Villain and mini Villain turned to her before quickly facing each other again.
“I should have Hero arrest you right now!”
“She would not! It’s been 10 years and she hasn’t even arrested you!”
“I-” Hero tried to intervene.
“Exactly! 10 years of seducing Hero and turning her completely complicit. Now that’s villany!” The Hero could only stutter out her beginning to a counterargument.
“It took you 10 years to seduce her?! Is that really something to be proud of?”
“Watch it, young lady!”
“Ok fine! I’ll just seduce Sidekick then!” She pointed her weapon at Hero’s sidekick who had been enjoying the show, hand half into a tortilla chip bag on the Villain's couch. The Sidekick shot a pleading look at Hero, a look she could only shrug at. The Villain’s eyes narrowed.
“Three months.”
The Villain’s daughter groaned over exaggeratedly, threw her weapon on the kitchen island and stomped up to her room.
“And you!” The Villain pointed to Hero’s sidekick. “Get any closer than 20 meters from her, I dare you.” The Sidekick quickly nodded, a deer in the headlights.
“Yes sir. Of course sir.” Standing up straight. The Villain cringed.
“Ugh. I can’t even see you right now. Get out.” The villain said, hand to his temple. The Sidekick skipped past the Hero, giving her a nervous smile Hero returned with a roll of her eyes. Before leaving out the door the Sidekick turned back.
“Actually we had plans Friday night to-”
“Out!” The Villain yelled, throwing a fork to the door.
“Yes, of course, Mr. Villain. See ya later. Bye!” he rushed out almost as fast of his words did from his mouth leaving only Hero and Villain amidst the slam of the door. After a sigh left his mouth the Villain finally relaxed and Hero had the courage to get closer, leaning on the counter.
“Teenagers, right?” she chuckled. The Villains only huffed.
“Sorry for screaming at your sidekick.”
“He knows you don’t mean harm. Besides, I’m the one who drove here so it's not like he can go anywhere.” She joked, earning a chuckle from the Villain.
“You know what the worst part is?” The Villain softened.
“Hmm?” The Hero answered.
“Before I was angry- I was really, really impressed. Maybe even proud!” He gestured towards the weapon on the kitchen island.
"A bubble trap gun? Why hadn't I ever thought of it?" The Villain seemed genuinely intrigued as he picked it up to analyze. "This is amazing craftsmanship."
The Hero was shocked for a second before remembering who she was talking to and laughed. Villain only let out another chuckle and sighed as the Hero calmed down.
“If you do let him anywhere near her-”
“Isn’t that what my Mentor said to Supervillain?” Hero teased.
“That’s different. I didn’t seduce you to get back at my father.” The hero only smiled and leaned against him.
“Don’t worry. If genetics are anything to account for, they'll be 27 before your daughter wins my sidekick’s heart.”
The hero entered their house weary and tired at the end of the hectic day. There were no mishaps by the villain today but paperwork was more draining than fighting.
The hero had just taken off their shoes when they realized that their kid had not come running to their arms.
Milli always came running to them and complained about them being away for the whole day.
The hero broke out in cold sweat, hoping that the terrible thoughts running through their brain would not be a reality.
No. Milli had to be safe.
They silently cocked the gun moving silently through the house, making way to their bedroom. As they reached their bedroom, they peeked through the ajar door.
"Didn't know you had a kid, hero." The villain wore a devilish smirk as he patted Milli's head who was hugging her plushie and sleeping.
"And such a good one at that! Where does she get her good manners from? She doesn't even make a fuss when you tell her it's bed time. What a blessing!"
The sidekick was seated upon a chair and reading a magazine. Hero squinted to see it was the one they bought the previous Sunday.
"How did you get in?" The hero was baffled to see the duo in their bedroom. They looked at the windows, tightly locked just how the hero had left them.
"With the help of my excellent lock-picking skills, of course. Now, why don't we have a little chat? In the living room of course, we wouldn't want to disturb Milli, would we?"
Soooo just love potion whump. Heroes and villains.
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Deep down, Hero knew it was wrong.
Pushed deep into the depths of his brain he disliked it.
Even so, he couldn’t help but feel overcome with delight at the simple sight of Villain. A simple fleeting meet of the eyes. Hero knew he had never felt this way before, but in the moment it didn’t matter.
Nothing mattered anymore.
Only Villain did.
“Oh pumpkin, how I’ve missed you!” Villain exclaimed excitedly.
Despite being a usual situation, everything felt so unusual. Hero and his team were called out for another of Villain’s usual schemes, and they had just shown up to the normal setting. The usual villainous machine, Villain’s usual malicious grin, the screaming civilians.
But Hero felt unusual.
And Hero didn’t mind it.
His cheeks flushed red as his eyes gazed over Villain in his entirety. Villain was so handsome, his slicked back hair, his slender jaw, his mesmerizing smirk.
Villain’s smooth voice.
It overwhelmed Hero’s being, every part of his self enraptured in Villain’s undeniable beauty. As much as he wanted to, Hero couldn’t help it.
Villain strode toward Hero, no hesitation in getting so close to the man sent to capture him. To the team’s surprise, Hero didn’t so much as flinch away. Hero instead eagerly leaned toward the approaching villain. Villain’s slender arms enveloped Hero’s large frame in a tight embrace.
Hero liked it.
He made no attempt to push away, appreciating the touch.
“I’ve been so excited for this moment, pumpkin. I know you’re confused, that’s okay, I still love you.” Hero was confused. Very. But at the same time it meant nothing to him. As long as Villain was there, the marvelous Villain, Hero would be okay.
Hero’s throat squeezed tight, no sound escaping. He was nervous, flustered. His body was soft, comfortable in the touch of his enemy. His beautiful enemy.
“I-Villain-I don’t-”
“Shhh, Pumpkin. Call me darling. That’d make me so happy.” Villain nuzzled his face into Hero’s chest, serene and delicate. Almost as if he couldn’t control himself, Hero began petting his hands through Villain’s hair.
The hair was so soft, so silky, so cute.
The rest of Hero’s team hadn’t moved an inch, all of them frozen and slack jawed.
Hero was slipping. He forgot where he was, forgot what he had been sent to do. He was so focused on Villain, on his love. Hero’s face held a relaxed and pleased expression.
“You look so beautiful, darling.” His voice was no louder than a whisper, his words only intended for Villain. Villain’s smile, delighted and charming, was painted across his face. He looked ecstatic.
“I’ve waited so long for those words to come from you, Hero. I’m so thrilled, you have no idea.” Every word that slipped from Villain’s mouth was digested so tenderly by Hero’s brain. “You Look outstandingly handsome, as always.” Hero chuckled nervously, as if conversing with a high school crush.
Hero was beyond jubilant. Every inch of his body craved for Villain, a love so intense, so sudden, that he had never before felt. Villain swiftly pulled away from his tight grip to Hero’s body, stepping back to observe. “I can’t believe it worked. I’d been so doubtful, so worried. But I hadn’t given up on you Hero, and here we are.” Villain met Hero’s gaze, none of his usual malice displayed in the slightest. Only pure adoration.
Hero had no idea what Villain meant, but he was okay with that. Hero didn’t mind it, didn’t mind any of it. Villain, elegant and sly, had changed him. Was doing something to him, even if he had no idea what.
A feeling of pure gratitude traveled up his spine.
Hero’s mind and body was conquered now, overpowered by the mass affection and devotion he felt for the man in front of him.
“Do you love me Hero?” The five words sent Hero’s mind hurling over the edge.
“I love you, Villain. I love every inch of you, every word that comes from your lips. I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you.” The words did not feel like his, but they were. They stumbled from his mouth on instinct, unable to stop himself, caused from the overwhelming urge to tell Villain about his undying affection.
Villain, hands curled to his own face in excitement, hungrily snagged a thin vile from his pocket. Hero paid it no mind, his thoughts still stumbling from his mouth.
Hero paid no mind to the familiar gleam of the shining liquid.
A kindhearted but virtually useless Hero has no powers or skills of their own. They cannot defend themselves at all. However, they're still alive in their field of work. How, you ask? Well, they're just so nice and kind, many villains have taken a real liking to them, so they've all formed an alliance to help Hero from the sidelines without them knowing.
