______________________
Love is an open fucking door
______________________

You were on your way back to the gates, where hopefully you and Varian soon would find Argo's hideout. You were pretty sure you knew where it was located inside, but again, it was a whole village in there, behind the walls. A huge one. It might take some time. Why did Varian absolutely have to be afraid of water? Did it make things a lot more complicated?

Speaking of Varian, he was currently walking behind you, talking to your two best friends, Willow and Jack. And by 'talking' you meant listening because it was always Willow who did most of the talking. It had been a miracle that they had hung out in the clearing as you had guessed. The three of you always used to do that in the afternoon, and thank the gods they had kept doing that, ever since you left.

They were the only ones, who knew about your plan. They knew all about who Varian really was, and what the two of you were going to do. They were the only ones you could trust with your secret.

"We're here." You spoke, standing in front of the gates. You turned around, looking at Varian. "Listen, pretty boy, this is now the fun starts, and you better not mess this up. Remember what we taught you. Act natural. Got it?"

Varian gulped and nodded.

You pointed to your friends. "You'll stick to the plan, right?"

They both nodded and gave you a hug. Varian watched in confusion as they disappeared into the forest, away from the gates. He did not dare to ask you what that was about.

You looked at the raven-haired boy next to you and narrowed your eyes. "Ready?"

"As I'll ever-" He blinked. "I mean, yes."

You stepped a few steps forward, knocking four times in a row. You paused. Then you knocked one time. And then you knocked one quick time, one long knock, and then two fast ones again. You repeated that last one.

The gates began to open.

"Hell. Seriously? Now that's creative." Varian said sarcastically. You looked at him surprised.

"You know morse code?" Damn. Was there even something on earth, that this boy didn't know? How much did he read?

Varian nodded, watching the large, creaking gates, slowly open.

His jaw fell to the ground, at what he saw.

It was everything Varian had imagined, but more. It mainly resembled a slum, but with newly constructed dwellings. There were houses, stalls, weapon-shops, parks, and so much more. And it was colorful. Very colorful. There was a long curvy path through the city - so long in fact, that Varian couldn't even see the end of it. People were walking around everywhere with their weapons and clothes and facial expressions that screamed: Hey! I'm a bad guy. The trees were lit up by colorful lanterns, and there were lampposts everywhere. Just like on the outside wall, surrounding the city, there was lots of graffiti on every store, every tree, every wall. And everywhere Varian looked, he saw a red flag with a black skull on it.

"Home sweet hell." You sighed, walking inside. Varian had to process a bit more, before following.

Immediately as you stepped inside, weapons were pointed directly at your face. You heard Varian gasp behind you.

You turned your head, looking at three grown-ups, muscular men on your right. You rose your brows.

"And who do you think you are?" One of them spoke through gritted teeth.

You looked at the sharp blade, pointed to your neck. Then you looked back at the men with a grin. "You must be pretty new here, huh?"

"Who. Are. You?" He spoke again. You could tell he put a lot of effort into sounding intimidating. "And your friend." He added.

You pulled out your dagger. "Don't worry, you'll find out." You looked at Varian, who looked like one who couldn't decide whether to fight or flight. "Hey pretty boy, hold my morals. I gotta teach those guys a lesson. It's not nice to welcome two teenagers like that."

But before you could do any further, a familiar voice spoke up behind you. "Oh, if it isn't my favorite little brat, (Y/n) (L/n)."

It was a pleasure to your eye when the three grown-up men withdrew their weapons in fear. You waved at them as they slowly made their way back to their post. You turned around, looking at the man behind you, who had just revealed your identity.

You recognized the man immediately. It really wasn't that hard, considering how he always wore the same formal clothes - navy blue trousers, black boots, blue shirt, indigo vest, gold aiguillette, and a light gray-and-black blazer with patterns. And once again, his sneaky green eyes seemed to look into your soul, exposing your weaknesses - not that you had any. Gosh, you hated that guy. The two of you have always had a thorn in each other's sides.

"What are you doing here? Did you run out of kingdoms to try and take over?" You spoke, narrowing your eyes.

Varian made his way beside you. He held onto your jacket, which was so-not-villain-like, and gulped. "(Y/n). Do not tell me that this is-"

"My name is Hans. The 13'th prince of the Southern Isles." Hans announced proudly, offering a hand to Varian. He hesitantly reached his hand out, but you bashed it away.

"Uh." Varian spoke. "Didn't you get banished, from-"

Hans nodded and waved his hand. "Ah, yes. And that's why I'm here. Watching who's entering and leaves the base. It was a task I got personally from Argo." Hans looked at you and smiled. "You know (Y/n), the top criminal who's way better than you."

You stepped forward. "Yeah, and the only one, may I remind you. Tell me where are you on the list, Hans? If I remember correctly you're not even on top 50."

"And yet everyone knows my name." He winked. He was so cocky. You have always wanted to kick him right where the sun doesn't shine. But then again, you weren't much for animal abuse.

You grabbed Varian's arm and tried to walk pass the speaking idiot, but he blocked your way. "Hey, easy there. I'm here to do my job, remember? Who's your friend?"

"You just said it. He's my friend. And he's with me. Now if you'll excuse us." You tried to walk past him again, but he kept going in front of you.

"His name, (Y/n). It's not that hard. Unless..." He narrowed his little pig-eyes. "Unless of course, you have something to hide. I must admit it's a little suspicious that you suddenly show up out of nowhere, especially when you told everyone you would be away for a much longer time. And now you have brought a boy with you, even though you perfectly know the rule about how criminals must not leak this location to anyone who's not a villain, under no circumstances. Now, would you mind if I accidentally told Argo about your little friend? You know what he does to unwanted guests." Hans gave you a nasty smile.

Now, believe it or not, you didn't get angry easily. But when Hans had the motherfricking audacity to threaten not just you, but also Varian, you nearly lost it.

Especially because you knew exactly what would happen if Argo found out about Varian. Hans' threat wasn't empty.

You took a step foreward, narrowing your eyes into two thin lines. You didn't bother to take out your knife. You didn't need to. "Listen here Mr. Love-is-an-open-door. I don't follow the rules here. I make them."

You felt Varian grab your arm, trying to pull you back, but you slapped it away. You pointed a Hans. "Now listen carefully. You're either on my side, by my side, or in my fucking way. Choose wisely."

When you had stared him threateningly in the eyes for a bit, you walked straight forward, making him jump out of the way. You walked determined down the path to the heart of the city, really hoping that Varian was following you.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

"Wow, (Y/n), you're... Practically famous." Varian came to realize as he watched the many badass paintings of you on the walls, and the many criminals waving at you. Some of them talked to you for a bit.

You couldn't help but smile. Hans wasn't in your sight anymore, and just like that, your mood had shifted. "Yeah. These peasants know who's boss."

If you have had any sunglasses, you would've put them on.

"Hey, that's one's pretty accurate!" Varian exclaimed pointing at a painting portraying you smiling while holding up your lighter. You agreed. It actually did look like at you a lot.

There were many paintings of the other top villains as well. Especially the top three. Argo, you, and a really, really clever (but old) guy named Cro.

To be honest you didn't really know how you felt about seeing your face everywhere. U guessed you had just gotten used to it. But it was still pretty weird. Unfortunately, there weren't any statues of you. You've always kind of wanted one. There was only one statue, and that was located in the middle of the city - portraying Argo.

It wasn't pretty.

"This is actually a nice city. You know, for a villain hideout." Varian smiled, punching your shoulder.

"Well, I'm glad that you're not terrified." You laughed. You looked around once again, still walking. There was a park on your right, and on your left, there was the famous golden-market, where you can buy stolen items. And if you're good enough you can even steal them, and sell them yourself. Nothing was illegal here.

It was already beginning to get dark, and to be honest you felt kind of tired. You were sure Varian was too, considering how much he had gone through today. Discovering a secret villain-base, and a near-death experience.

But first, you had to get some food.

-

You walked into a familiar bar, who, weirdly enough, made the best stew in the world. It was a small place, but very cozy. There were candles everywhere, and the tables and chairs were lined up in four rows, creating a square of talking and drinking men. Everyone glanced at you and Varian as you walked inside. All of them looked intimidating, and Varian carefully hid behind your shoulder.

"(Y/n)!" A man spoke up when he saw you. The very owner of this bar. He had always been very nice to you

"Hey Garett!" you greeted, walking over. Everyone kept staring in silence.

"It has been quite a long time. Where have you been, my friend?" Garett smiled. It hadn't been a long time. You had seen him a couple of weeks ago. But his hair definitely seemed more grey than last time.

You shrugged. "I've just been doing the usual. You know, just running around. Oh, and meet my friend." You pulled Varian up beside you, who smiled and waved awkwardly.

"Hello, little one." Garett smiled. "I guess the two of you are here for some food, eh? Is someone else paying for it again?"

You looked behind you, and when you did, everyone in the bar immediately looked away, minding their own business. Varian shot you a questioned look.

"It's because I used to arm wrestle people in here. Whoever lost, paid for the winner's order. I, of course always won. And it seems like the word had spread." You took out some cash for your pockets, but Garett stopped you.

"Don't worry. It's on the house." He smiled. "The usual? And an extra-large portion, for you and your boyfriend to share?"

You just snorted making a frown, but Varian, however, got completely flustered. "O-Oh, uh, sir, We aren't... I mean, we're not acctually-"

But more he didn't get to say, because suddenly both of you felt someone tap your shoulder. You both turned around and looked at two men.

One of them was Hans, who smiled wickedly at you.

The other one was Argo.

And the last regret you had, before you and Varians plan got completely ruined, was how you didn't stab Hans 37 times in the chest when you had the chance.

A/N: Please tell me that this story isn't boring ):