I live for your snippets, I was wondering if I could request an affectionate villian and a naive hero that's has kinda like a praise kink?
“I must say,” the villain murmured against the hero’s ear. “You look almost as dashing in that suit as you do your normal number.”
The hero didn’t squeak at the words, but they could privately admit it had been a near thing. They tensed in the bracket of the villain’s arms, before exhaling a shaky steadying breath. They managed to pull up a smile for the benefit of anyone watching them, turning to face the villain.
Whatever they’d been about to say vanished as they registered the way the villain was looking at them. It was probably fake, for the sake of their cover for the night, but it still left the hero short of breath. The villain looked fond, positively shining with affection as if the two of them were really dating and the villain really was smitten. They looked at the hero like the hero was the best thing they had ever seen.
The hero swallowed; mouth abruptly dry.
“I’d say you’re the perfect piece of arm candy,” the villain continued. “But I think my favourite thing about you is the fact that you could kill everyone in this room in three seconds if you wanted to, and none of them realise it. Of course.” The villain held up a hand for the bartender, gaze still locked intent upon the hero. “I know you would never do that, you’re so deliciously moral and good at heart. But that just makes the potential all the more enticing, you know?” They looked over the hero’s shoulder to flash the bartender a charming smile. “I’ll have another two of these.” They tapped the hero’s nearly empty glass.
The hero didn’t see the bartender nod, or hear their reply, too preoccupied with the way that their heart was roaring in the ears at the words and the devastatingly casual delivery of such a line. “You’re late,” the hero managed, finally. “You were supposed to be here half an hour ago.”
“I had a few unexpected problems I needed to take care of, my apologies.”
The hero’s eyes narrowed.
“No one you know,” the villain added. “Don’t worry.”
“You always make me worry. You’re a very worrying person.”
The villain laughed, like the hero had made a joke. Their arms were still on either side of the hero’s waist, not quite touching. The hero could feel the body heat coming off them, the scent of them even with the crowding of everything else in the room. The power hummed from their skin like a second heartbeat.
“If you betray me tonight-“ the hero began.
“Darling. I’m not that stupid.”
The hero swallowed again; pretty sure they were blushing now. “Don’t deflect.”
“I’m not.” The villain met their eyes again, smiler a little softer. “You simply don’t believe me when I admire you, so you assume it must be a trick or a manipulation. A deflection.”
The hero swallowed again.
The villain’s gaze moved over the column of their throat, following the movement. “On another matter,” the villain said, “I have something for you. Just for tonight. For your cover. Turn.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“Pretty please,” the villain reached in their pocket, pulling out a truly astonishing diamond necklace. “Turn, favourite enemy of mine. Seeing as I am doing you a huge favour tonight and all.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to have favourite enemies.” The hero did turn though. They shivered at the brush of the villain’s hands around their throat, and the cold stones settling heavy and – admittedly, more in line with the gala than anything the hero had been able to come up with on their own.
It was ostentatious, and hideously expensive, and admittedly one of the most beautiful items they had ever worn. It changed their outfit from 'passing, unless one looks closely' to 'belongs in the room'.
“Does that mean,” the villain deftly secured the jewellery in place, lips against the hero’s ear once more. “I’m not your favourite?”
The hero scowled (flustered), and was rather glad when the bartender brought them their drinks.
They turned to face each other again.
“Cheers,” the villain said. Their eyes gleamed as they took the hero in a second time.
“To a successful mission,” the hero said, and clinked for anyone watching. Just that. Obviously.
“I’d say impress me.” The villain grinned, all teeth and delight, and the hero shivered again. “But you always do. Now. Shall we?”
