Molly tapped her foot impatiently as they sat in the dimly lit pub. The clink of mugs resonated amidst the drone of conversations. "Alright, Bill," Molly began, her eyes darting between the crowd, "last time we hit a party like this, nearly got caught in the clown's make-up spray. What's our plan this time?" Bill flashed her a wolfish grin, his fingers tapping on the wood. "Careful, see? I've brought a map of this place. Look at this," he said, stretching out a crinkled piece of paper. Molly leaned in, squinting. "It's old, Bill. The party halls have double-glazed, thanks to last year's clown wrap-up." "Which is why we're going for the backdoor entrance." Bill reached for his water bottle and took a long swig. "Found the googly eyes earlier—" "Smart guy," Molly chuckled, recalling last time's red-handling. "These parties need clown-proof proof. What's inside?" "Everyone loves clowns—last time, seven slices of Tasmanian rock cake, and boy, did that make them miss you!" Bill deflected, smirking. Molly scoffed, bouncing her leg. "There's a way punier proposal. We prank call right before. 'Tell Mama we hacked your security system.' You mess with the principal dancing around, and we watch like ghosts." Bill's smile faded slightly, considering. "Not a bad heist tactic, but the slices might tempt you, partner." "Not this time," Molly sealed the deal. "I bring the lasagne, we bring the stealth. And remember, 'Last time we got caught, we stuck with our hands.'" With a nod, Bill leaned in, whispering, "Right! My spot's ready on the scone tray over there. Let's not let it dawdle, time's ticking to cast those sleigh bells away with joy, not notes of FBI." Their laughter mingled with the pub's ambiance as they slipped into the night, plotting to snatch peace and perfect presents. They left a mark on the night, two cunning thieves with a shared love for dark humor and dollops of humor in their heists. "But can you imagine the local papers tomorrow?" Molly speculated as they hid the bottle in her coat. "'Two thieves find joy in heists that no clown could top.' Maybe they'll give us our names, after all," Bill replied, a smirk hidden in the shadows of their strategy. The plan was set—it wouldn't just be a walk in the park. It'd be the balloon animals that could bring down an era of swindles. But, hey, it was all in good, well-thought-out plans. "Let's make some eyebrow pirouettes while saving the restrooms this time," Molly quipped, a sparkle of mischief in her eye. Bill chuckled. "Looks like this little party will go down much like last—except we're the ones pulling the biggest party trick they've ever seen." "Already caught them in mid-stage and the candles go crashing down!" They shared a look of triumph—a script in motion about to unfold. Two masterminds on the move, armed only with wit, slickness and a roped ship of bubble lights in their play’s unexpected voyage. "Cuttin' in like the slash-and-dai -" But the script ended abruptly, as mollies and billsy laid back their plans; for tonight, their stage was brighter, their shadows less certain, and their hearts, exhilarated.