#teamup

“So, this is your triumphant ‘on top of the world’ moment.”

“I guess so? I never thought I’d get here.”

“And I never thought I’d be here with you.”

“Don’t hurt them!”

The villain gritted their teeth. Damn hero was always ruining their plans. “Don’t stop now, idiot! Pull the trigger!”

But the hero stood stock still, masked eyes wide and fixed on the blade at the villain’s throat. “I can’t, I-” Their gaze twitched up to the antagonist, and their expression hardened into granite. “Let them go. let them go, and we won’t try to stop you again.”

“What the fuck are you doing?! Pull the trigger! I’m not worth stopping for!”

“You are,” the hero snapped. “You’re worth it to me.”

“Aren’t I supposed to be the evil one?” The villain quirked an eyebrow. “Either I’m seeing things, or I just watched you put salt in my coffee.”

The hero stopped. Frowned. Slowly swapped the mugs over. They needed their nemesis’ cooperation more than they needed to be petty. Just. “I thought it might temper your sickly sweet personality,” they replied with false cheer, then took a huge gulp out of the salty cup. Yeah, god, ew, that was horrible. “Delicious.”

“Perfect for balancing out your distasteful attempt at cooperation then. Now, shall we start planning or do you still have childish pranks left up your sleeve?”

“You’re better than I expected.”

“And you’re worse than I expected.” The villain grinned at the hero’s scowl. “It’s not my fault you’re committing crimes! Breaking and entering is still illegal, you know.”

“I promised to do whatever it takes to stop [antagonist]. If that means stooping halfway to your level, fine.” They paused, reigning in their irritation. No sense in collapsing this partnership before they needed to. “As long as you rise up to meet me halfway.”

“Honey, I can’t think of a single better reason to behave myself.”