MentalityOfACoolDuck

"Just what is the matter with you, Hero?"

Hero looked up at the villain, puzzled. "What do you mean?" They asked, annoyance evident in their voice. They just wanted to sleep, tucked into the soft, snug mattress Villain had provided them.

Villain really had the worst timings.

"Hurry it up. I'm trying to sleep."

"Exactly, and that's all you ever do these days. Besides eating, that is." The gall! When they had been the one to capture Hero in the first place!

"There's really not much else to do when you're chained by your ankle to a bedpost." They seethed. Why couldn't they just fuck off?

"That's not what I meant, dear," Hero chose to let the nickname slide. Villain could try to start banters all they want, Hero was simply too sleepy to engage.

"You've become so boring, Hero." They sighed, sitting down on the bed. "You don't scream, you don't fight, you haven't even tried to escape once," Their eyes bore into Hero's own. "Hell, you don't even ask about the outside world. What I've been up to, what your little friends have been upto."

Hero... didn't have an answer to that. The thought of their Agency, their Mentor- an uneasy feeling gnawed at their sides.

"You were so much more interesting when you actually had people to save. I have half a mind to just... let you go."

No.

"Shouldn't you be thankful?" They asked. "Why complain about a perfect captive?"

"That you are, Hero. But I don't want a perfect captive, I want you." Their face inched closer, and Hero had to remind themselves, it's fine, they still had their mask on, Villain couldn't possibly see the fear in their eyes.

Please, don't let me go back there.

"You do have me."

"I don't. I miss the tremble in your voice when you realized that you were completely overpowered, the shaking of your hands when you knew you had people behind you to protect, that mushy little brain of yours, fighting to figure out how to save them, how to escape me."

Villain was close. Impossibly close.

"Since you won't let me have those cute little mannerisms of yours anymore," they brought their hand up, "I guess I'll have to make do by seeing exactly what you hide behind your pretty little veil."

No, no, no!

Hero's hand grabbed Villain's before they could think. If the Agency found out their identity got compromised- no, anything but that!

But Villain, as always, was way faster and way stronger. They made short work of Hero- wrangling their hand out of Hero's grasp, they shoved the rattled hero down by their shoulders and pinned both their arms to their sides by their thighs. They couldn't move, couldn't think-

"Aw, no need to be self conscious, Hero," Hero could do nothing but stare at the predatory gleam on Villain's face, looming inches from their own. "I'm sure you are a gorgeous little thing.''

As the mask was peeled off, all they could feel was the cold, dreaded realization of what would happen to them once their Mentor found out.

Villain's wide eyes met Hero's watery ones.

"What the fuck?"  Was all they could muster, for Hero's face, gorgeous as it was, was littered with bruises. Blue and black discoloration scattered across their delicate skin, coupled with cuts, old and new.

They tore open Hero's shirt, eliciting a strangled cry from Hero, only to realize that their body was the same, if not worse.

None of these marks were caused by Villain's hand.

"Who did this to you?" Their voice was ice.

"N-no, please-"

"I'll ask you this one more time," they grabbed Hero's face, gently, and Hero had no choice but to look at the villain. "If I don't get an answer, I'll track down everyone you've been in contact with these past few weeks- no, months- every villain, every civilian, every single one of your friends, and I'll kill them all."

"So, for the last time, Hero, who did this to you?"

"M-Mentor... but p-please don't," they chocked out. "I-if you go after them... t-they'll definitely k-kill me-"

"I'll send my medics for you," they pressed their lips to Hero's forehead, and it was the softest touch Hero had ever felt.

''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.

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.

"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.

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-

Have a quack-tastic day!

Ahhh thank youuu!!

God, everything hurt.

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,"

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

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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.

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.