Death and Chocolate.

part 1

“See they’re trying to make me jealous—which isn’t working—I mean, it makes sense. Why else would they suddenly pretend to be in a relationship with some rookie?”

Medic stared at the Villain with a deadpan expression, their arms crossed in front of their stomach with legs crossed under the glass table. The quiet atmosphere of the local diner in the middle of the night only further intensified the Medic’s desire to drop down on the hard surface and fall asleep. “...Get a job,” they replied, an apathetic tone in their voice as they rubbed their temples. 

“This is my job,” the Villain, in contrast, was functioning perfectly fine. Their fingers passively tapping the table in an even rhythm. Sipping the sweet cranberry slushy with gleaming eyes as if they were waiting for validation. The Medic wishes they were dead. 

“Get a real job,” Medic grabbed the plastic cup from their hands, grumbling with irritation. They considered throwing the drink in their face but refrained knowing they would probably get kicked out.

Villain narrowed their eyes and scoffed, “I’m just saying, I know exactly what they’re doing and I won’t fall for it,” they smirked. Confident in their own words as if they weren’t completely on the verge of snapping a few days ago. Not from bitterness after seeing their Hero’s face all over the news along with that halfwit of a rookie, it was about a completely unrelated matter.

“I really don’t care,” Medic groaned. The Villain did not listen and took it as a sign to continue.

“Heroes just think they’re better than everyone, especially that jerk. They think their smile can fool the city but they can’t fool me.”

“Oh my God.”

Medic ran their hands through their hair, rolling their eyes and slumping in agony. There was nothing they desired less than listening to the Villain’s denial and refusal to even have a love life. If this was what hell was like, they would have to start praying.

The dense fool did not seem to pick up on their suffering though. Villain’s gaze flickered to the large digital billboard across the street. Rotating between various shots of the greatest heroes of the city, and the new upcoming stars. They chuckled dryly, waiting for their hero to show up. “They won’t be able to keep up that facade for long, once the Hero realizes the rookie is another useless wannabe they’ll come crawling back, craving the excitement.” Medic did not miss the way their gaze softened.

They straightened themselves, resting their chin on their knuckles with furrowed brows. Following Villain’s gaze just as their obsession showed up. The grinning hero conversed with the reporters, standing in close proximity with their partner. Well supposed partner at least, there are a few who doubt the nature of their relationship, and their sibling happens to be one of them. “How do you even know they’re just pretending?” They questioned, the two seemed close, comfortable even. It wasn’t hard to see why the dating rumors were easy to spread.

Villain glared at them in response, scoffing in annoyance as if they had asked a stupid question. “Because they are, obviously. Get it together, I thought you were the smart one,” they sneered. Medic’s eye twitched slightly in response, sighing as an attempt to compose themselves. A punch would be thrown, but it would occur after they were outside.

“...Why do you think it’s fake?” They said, slowly. Rewording their initial question as they realized the Villain was too far gone now.

The other smirked smugly, seriously it’s like they were asking to get punched. They pointed at the screen, their eyes focused as if they were inspecting every little detail from a five minute clip. “Just look at them. Their smile doesn’t touch their eyes, their pupils are wandering all over the place and their fingers are barely holding on to that rookie. Contrary to their statements, they don’t even live together, I checked and everything.”

“You what now?”

Villain brushed them off, pulling out their phone and opening a news article from the city’s media. “Anyway, that Valentine’s interview was totally scripted, this anonymous user from the comments claimed that they work for the agency and they admitted the two were just doing it for the marketing.” Medic squinted their eyes and leaned closer to their screen, reading the comment.

“This user also said ‘Supers were created by a secret society to kill the lizards that live underground.’” They pointed out with an unimpressed look.

“Well you never know,” Villain shrugged in response. 

Medic had to lean back into their seat, slowly registering their entire interaction just now. Hands resting at their temples again as they met the Villain’s gaze with genuine pity. They considered slapping them to return them to their senses, but they seemed like a lost cause. “...You know it gets to a point where it’s just sad.”

“What? I made perfectly rational points,” Villain didn’t understand what part wasn’t clear enough. It was pretty straight forward, yet no one seemed to understand. They even consulted their Henchman earlier and they were left speechless before turning in their request to take a vacation.

The billboard keeps switching between clips of the recent conflicts of the heroes before it landed on the most recent interview of the Hero—no, the Villain’s Hero. Villain’s eyes immediately turned to them, a faint hint of a smile threatening to show on their lips. 

No words could describe how baffled Medic was. Sure they had joked about them having feelings for the hero but they didn’t realize it would lead to the Villain becoming so pathetic, and most of all how they ended up being forced to listen to their thoughts. They scrunched their nose in judgement. A faint sense of hollowness filled their chest, unease creeped in.

“Why do you care so much?” 

Villain sneered in defense, “I do not care. Caring is my least favorite thing to do.” 

“Right,” Medic tilted their head.

“Right.”

An unpleasant silence filled the diner. The two were staring at each other, a stalemate of sorts.

“So you’re not going to crash the Hero’s date tomorrow?” Medic spoke up again, leaning forward now as they raised a brow in apparent confusion. Their crossed arms resting on top of the table.

“No, I’m still doing that,” Villain answered, reaching out to grab their unfinished slushy. They sipped the drink with an annoying sound that made the Medic wince before blinking slowly and coming to the conclusion that they were, simply put, hopeless.

“...Whatever,” they exhaled a sharp breath. I give up the Medic thought to themselves.

The other stretched their legs on top of the table, already chuckling out of amusement. They couldn’t wait to see the look on Hero’s face, it would be a moment worth framing. “It’s part of my duties as their greatest enemy.”

Medic was not amused, they took one look at the Villain and sighed again. They wondered if the Villain realized they were fooling themselves, that the line between love and hate often overlapped. Denial can only exist for so long, and most of all—the consequences of finally removing the walls in their heart. “One day you will realize that you were a fucking idiot and when that happens I will laugh.” And maybe, I’ll stop worrying about you after you accept that loving someone isn’t the end of the world. The rest of the words were stuck in their throat.

Villains and Heroes, a cat and mouse game for the people. Even so, there was always a comforting intimacy with someone who knows you inside and out, constantly on their tail, a never ending chase. That was how they were raised, at least. So perhaps it was only a matter of time before Villain gained such affections.

Villain did not see the concern faintly grazing Medic’s expression, scrunching their brows in irritation. “Who’s side are you on?”

“The one not stalking their crush,” Medic said under their breath.

“What?”

“Honey.”

The Villain fidgeted with the ends of their nails, barely paying attention to the movie their spouse had selected. The lack of illumination in their shared living space except for the TV screen only made them feel more cramped. Villain’s gaze flickered to their lover’s face every now and then, an attempt to gauge their reaction. Though much to their dismay, the other was completely immersed in the movie—about superheroes nonetheless. They couldn’t fathom why anyone would want to watch a film about heroes, aren’t they overdone by now?

“...Honey,” Villain tried again, steeling their resolve as they finally locked eyes with them. Trying to ignore how the brilliant colors emanating from the movie played on their features brilliantly, reflected in their soft eyes. A sight to behold, but not what the Villain needed right now.

“Dear,” Hero replied with a snarky grin, slightly amused by their spouse’s display of anxiousness. Though a single look in their dilated pupils and stern expression told the Hero it was something serious. They shifted on the couch, giving them their full attention as they waited patiently for them to continue.

“I-” Villain struggled for a moment, a distasteful sensation curling up in their stomach. “I need to tell you something.”

Ignoring the obnoxiously loud sound effects from the ongoing fight scene, Hero tilted their head, raising their eyebrows in curiosity. “Yeah sure,” they replied softly. Letting the other work through it at their own pace.

The Villain had the sudden urge to retreat from the conversation. While the idea of not keeping any secrets from their spouse had been a long time promise, it was a dreadful matter to convey considering their… status. A criminal—or worse a monster, Villain wondered what words would come to Hero’s mind when they found out. If they found out.

Of course Villain practiced the words, carefully calibrating the perfect response to every reaction they could think of. They knew better than to hope for immediate acceptance and a bed of roses waiting for them after revealing their identity. At the same time, Villain couldn’t imagine their spouse wanting to be involved in the Hero-Villain business; they never had any interest in the matter. Not to their knowledge, at least.

God, what if they want to break up over this? Who would willingly want to be with a wanted fugitive of the law anyways? In fact, the Villain would be more concerned if the Hero decided to stay. Though all the worst outcomes ran through the Villain’s mind at that moment, a small part of them wanted to hold on to their spouse. Perhaps there was hope that they would stay for them. Entertaining such thoughts may be childish, yet it was a comforting notion that maybe their love could overcome their flaws after all. 

The couch creaked under their weight as they shifted again, it seemed like a faraway fantasy for the Villain, they realized how long they had been stalling and cleared their throat. Suddenly all of that practicing went out the window and they blanked, unsure of what to say or even how to act. Their fingers rubbing the nape of their neck, clinging on to the last sense of normalcy while they tried to compose themselves.

“I felt like I needed to tell you, I’m…” 

The world seemed to halt the moment they uttered those words. Their spouse, who was still patiently focusing on them despite their reluctance to even graze the subject matter, reached out a hand to caress their knuckles. Such a gentle action, their touch feather-like and warm, easing some of the tension in their shoulders that they didn’t even realize were present. Would that same comforting expression still be present when they told the truth?

Villain held their tongue, their eyes darting away for a moment. Nearly consumed by their thoughts as their heart loudly pounded inside their chest. They wondered if the Hero could hear the quickening rhythm. Hero leaned closer, their noses inches away from brushing against each other, resting their forehead against the Villain’s while cradling their hand. Their eyes locked on the other.

“...You’re?”

Maybe it wasn’t the right time. Villain wanted to hold on to this moment, this familiarity, if only for a few days, weeks, months perhaps. Losing something you once held dear, Villain didn’t know if they could handle that.

“...I don’t like the new rug.”

Hero blinked slowly for a few moments before a slight frown appeared on their lips, followed by an “Oh,” which implied both surprise and disappointment. Villain took their hand, entangling their fingers together while cursing themselves internally for their cowardice. “Yeah, it’s just… not great. I think we have to get rid of it.”

“What’s wrong with it? I thought you liked it.”

They pursed their lips for a moment, reaching for the remote to turn up the volume—as if the sound effects weren’t obnoxious enough—while they made up an excuse. “The texture really isn’t great, I mean I thought I’d like it but now? Not really.”

“Well okay, that’s fine,” Hero replied. Admittedly a bit taken aback since they had no qualms about that rug before, but if their spouse thought otherwise they didn’t mind compromising. Villain chuckled—awkwardly—rotating their head back to face the TV, still holding their hands together. 

“Are you an idiot?” Medic glared at the Villain, their eyes slightly narrowed while they wrapped a bandage on the other’s arm. “What?” The Villain, slightly baffled at the sudden jab that broke the peaceful silence. They had hoped to at least get some slack after the disastrous fight in the warehouse last night. Bags clearly visible under their eyes after barely getting any sleep for the past few weeks and their body riddled with fresh cuts and bruises.

“Did you really let the Hero beat you because they seemed ‘under the weather’?” They tighten the bandage around their arm, causing some tension in their already strained muscles. “I did not, I just didn’t want to fight a sick hero,” Villain cleared their throat. The two had been throwing punches like usual when the Hero’s eyes seemed hazy, their breathing uneven and their face slightly paler than usual. Their moves were also lacking the typical force and precision, the Villain dodging every blow with ease it was almost laughable. Though the thought seemed to churn the Villain’s stomach with an uncomfortable feeling. Probably pity or something.

“Right, whatever helps you sleep better.”

Medic finished wrapping up their arm and leaned back on their seat, crossing their legs. Turning their attention to what the Villain assumed was their patient file. Villain scoffed lightly, pulling down the sleeve to cover their arm and rolling their eyes. “You know I’m really not appreciating your judgmental comments,” they sneered, brows furrowing as they rested their chin on their hand, pouting like a petulant child.

“I don’t get paid enough to keep those comments to myself,” Medic didn’t look up from the stack of papers in their hands, noting something down with barely readable handwriting on one of the pages. “You don’t get paid for this at all,” Villain retorted.

Medic finally shifted their gaze and groaned, hitting Villain on the head with their own file which made the other gasp in disbelief. “You’re right, it’s charity work. Be grateful I’m even listening to your nonsense,” Medic grumbled. Throwing the papers on their lap for them to read later. “Oh shut it,” they muttered under their breath.

It’s not like the Villain cared or anything, they just happened to be a considerate person. Besides, what good would beating a sick hero be? It’ll be too easy, too boring and definitely not worth their time. Villain had better things to do than prolonging the fight that night, like getting a few minutes of sleep before inevitably failing to get some rest. Eventually dragging themselves to the infirmary to treat the wounds they had been too lazy acknowledge.

“Really, how long are you going to keep this up?” Medic sighed, their eyes scanning over them with a thinly veiled exasperation. Villain, sprawled up on the patient bed with arms folded across their chest raised a brow at the vague question. “Keep what up?”

Medic made a strange gesture with their hands. “This ‘thing’ with the hero,” Swirling their left hand around unceremoniously while scrutinizing the Villain, their face almost looked annoyed. That fact, for whatever reason, made Villain just as irritated. Why couldn’t people mind their own business anymore?

“There is no ‘thing’ between us,” Villain said with a stern tone. Leaving no room for interjections as they glared at Medic. If they were allowed to punch medical personnel on company time, this ridiculous conversation wouldn’t even be happening right now. Medic pursed their lips with a sceptical expression on their face.

“Right,” they replied.

“Right.”

A moment of silence passed over them, as if to let the words sink in before Medic started persisting again.“So there’s nothing going on between you two?” They tilted their head in curiosity like a cat. Villain fought the urge to roll their eyes and rubbed their temples instead, surprisingly taking a second to think before answering. “Other than the usual hatred and disgust, no.” The other hummed in acknowledgement, nodding as they took in the Villain’s reply. “So if the Hero were to start seeing someone else, you wouldn’t mind?” 

The sudden hypothetical caught the Villain’s attention, making them flinch and glare at their sibling, dumbfounded. “What kind of question is that?!” Their voice slightly raised, though they didn’t mean to come off as harsh, the provoking question just irked them. Medic scoffed, a mocking smile playing on their lips as they brushed off their aggression. “Just answer it,” they urged. 

Villain bristled at the smug look on their face, weighing the consequences of knocking them out right now. “I don’t care who they see or don’t see, they’re not important to me.” They lied, the thought of it brought some discomfort to the Villain. After all, who has time for relationships when you’re busy fighting crime? Why would you not devote your utmost attention to your enemy? It’s absurd to think their the Hero would start to stop paying their attention to the Villain in favor of their spouse. The Villain had almost forgotten the fact that the question was a hypothetical.

“Okay,” Medic raised their hands in the air in a defeated gesture while averting their gaze. The corners of their lips twitching to hide a smile, undoubtedly. They leaned back in their chair again, quietly reaching out for the TV remote on the nearby desk. “You don’t believe me,” the words came out from the Villain’s mouth as more of a statement than a question. It wasn’t particularly hard to tell when Medic didn’t believe their half-assed lies. The derisive tone seemed to run in the family after all.

The TV screen lights up the dimly lit room, causing the Villain’s eye to twitch as they adjusted to the brightness. “I believe you, I’m not sure if you believe yourself,” Medic feigned indifference as they casually propped their feet on the bed. “Shut up,” Villain remarked. Kicking their feet away with a grumble, earning an annoyed scoff from Medic. 

“At least say thank you for patching you up,” they pressed the buttons on the remote, rapidly switching between channels while humming. The Villain slumped on their bed, stretching their bandaged arm carefully, almost forgetting the fact that their body hurt like hell. “No.”

Medic turned their head towards them and huffed out an annoyed breath. “Say thank you or I’m telling mum you ended up in the clinic again.”

“Why do you always pull that card?” Villain had the urge to throw them out of the room, but relented given their threat. Which they knew wasn’t a bluff. “Because it always works,” Medic shrugged as if it was a common fact. 

Villain groaned and leaned their head against the headboard, running their hands through their ruffled hair. “Thanks, happy now?” they gave in. Secretly fearing the wrath of a certain woman who they haven’t called in a month.

“Good enough,” Medic smiled smugly. Putting away the remote after settling on the news channel, one of the few that was interesting enough to capture their attention.

“Freak,” Villain muttered under their breath.

“Loser,” Medic replied.

The news flashed a clip of various heroes being awarded a few days ago, smiling and waving to the locals. Their hero inching closer to a certain rookie who hadn’t even been in the business for a year, hand in hand as they laughed softly together, lost in their own world. The Villain clenched their jaw.