#cunningvillain

[nightfrostshadow]

Illusion

Prompt by @nuttynutcycle 

The hero tapped their fingers against the table, glancing at the clock ever so often. How long were you supposed to wait for your date to show? An hour? Did the limit change if it's the first date?

Romance is a minefield. Hero thought, absentmindedly scrolling through the news app on their phone. It wasn't like Villain to be late, especially after they asked Hero out so eloquently... Their mouth twitched at the memory.

A live news report popped up, drawing Hero’s attention. They froze at the headline: Villain On The Run With Fifty Grand. Police In Pursuit. 

They ground their teeth.That fucker. Hero grabbed their coat and stormed out the door to confront their 'date'. 

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 Hero arrived just in time to see Villain jump into her sleek automobile. Sighing, Hero didn’t even bother chasing because he knew once she got in that car there was no hope of catching her. He was in for a surprise as Villain waved at him with a grin and yelled “What are you waiting for? Hop in!” Hero jumped in without realizing why he actually listened and then remembered that he was angry, very angry with Villain. He glared at her. Villain who was busy driving was focusing on the road when she saw hero all puffed up like an angry little bird. She almost laughed. How cute, she thought to herself.

“What’s wrong little hero? What ruffled your feathers? Disappointed because you think your date was fake? “ she asked with a knowing gleam in her eyes. “Shhh, listen to me first”, she shushed hero who was about to argue. “Don’t worry I always keep my word especially since I can see the effort it took you to dress up for me”, she smiled. Hero felt his heart leap and wondered what was wrong with him. Had he actually fallen for Villain? His face was flushed as he remembered the amount of time he had stared at his wardrobe searching desperately for a cool outfit. In the end he had finally decided after calling his friend over. Not that he would ever admit it to Villain. Judging from the gleam in her eyes and her knowing smile he didn’t have to. She could tell.

“Don’t worry” she laughed,” I won’t tease you anymore. I did mean it when I asked you out except hmm what should I say, I wanted a more memorable event and venue.” Beaming, she said “Don’t you think this was good? A thrilling chase and now off to a lovely place for dinner. I booked the entire restaurant just for us. I also got them to decorate it a bit more.” Hero stared at her with amazement and happiness in their eyes. So, she had actually meant to ask him out. Suddenly it felt as if a burden was lifted off his chest. He hadn’t realized how nervous he had been and how he had feared it was a trick and he certainly hadn’t realized he cared so much.

“But why did you have to steal something he asked completely bewildered. You could have just told me to meet you here?” Villain laughed,” There’s no fun in that. This is way more exciting. Besides how else did you think I’d pay the restaurant for their special services? I’m not that cruel, I could never eat for free and leave without paying them.”, she pouted, “I can’t believe it. I thought you knew me better.”

Hero was stunned. He had no words to say. He sighed and just went along with it. He could try reasoning with her later.

***

It was starting to get quite dark outside now that they had finished their dinner. Villain was driving him home. Hero had to admit it had been the best date they had ever been on. Even if it was also the only date he had ever been on, he had thoroughly enjoyed himself. Villain was genuinely nice to talk to and had a great sense of humour. He had had a really memorable evening. “Hero?” He hadn’t realized he had been in such deep thought until Villain’s words brought him back to reality. He looked up at her.

Villain smiled at him.” In honour of our first date I’ll do something that I’m sure will make you very happy. Look where we are.” Hero looked out of the window. He had been so deep in thought that he hadn’t even realized they were right outside the bank that Villain had stolen from.

Villain winked at him” Give me a moment I’ll be right back.” She grabbed the bag full of stolen money that was still in the back seat after she had pulled out quite a few notes to pay the restaurant. She was gone before he could say anything. She came back empty handed and smiled.” There you go Hero I returned the extra money. Sneaked in and put it right back into the vault. Does that make you feel better?” Hero couldn’t believe his eyes. “Thank you?”, he wanted to say more but knew that returning that money was already a big deal he couldn’t ask her to completely give up crime today. There was no way she would do that.

By this time, they had already reached Hero’s home. So instead, while he got out of her car, all he did was thank her for the wonderful time he had had even though it had started with a robbery it had been a memorable evening and one he would never forget.

Through the window, Villain’s eyes sparkled.

“See you next time my dear hero. Here’s a tip! “I’ll be at the ice cream parlour to celebrate my next successful robbery!” She drove off with a grin without giving Hero a chance to reply.

 Villain smirked to herself as she waved her hand and the bag full of money appeared in her back seat exactly where it had been before. Untouched. Her powers were illusion after all. She could fool absolutely anyone with her illusions. It was extremely useful in most situations.

She laughed when she thought of her darling little hero so cute and so naive. First impressions? It was true that they were important but perceptions could change, after all, all that mattered was a lasting impression. She had absolutely nailed it that evening. Hero would always remember that day.