Molly rolled her eyes as Bill fidgeted with the map on the table. “Listen, Bill, we’re not jays or squirrels this time. We're professionals—grab those tools, and let's get fancy with precision, okay?” Bill glanced up, a smile creeping onto his face. “Alright, chief. Here’s the game plan—I’m going for the candy, you nab the toys. That's plan A. Plan B? Practically identical, it’s just I’ll grab the games.” “Toys are shinier and louder, Bill. We stick to toys.” Molly insisted. “We talk about sustainability. Nobody at a party conversationally addresses their recyclables.” “Sustainability won’t close any eyes, Molly. Candy, that’s instant gratification! People won’t even flinch.” “Here you go, sweet acrobat. Ladders aren't made of candy, Bill. Ever tried stuffing a present in one hand and ladders in the other?” Chuckling at Molly’s jab, Bill replied, “Point taken. Now let’s circle D-12, the nicest kid’s party in all of Palindrome town.” With synchronized stealth, they made their way through the house without making a sound. “The twister set at the babysitting station could use a steal too,” whispered Molly. “Visualize it, Molly. You’re pulling off a toy tornado that could knock over an antennae,” Bill countered with a grin. “Just don’t end up with a Lego motor for your car, alright?” she teased. They sweltered in sweat, careful not to disrupt the festivities, and managed to coax the presents out from under their noses. “Here, wrap this up in the adult sofa cushion,” Molly directed as Bill duped a crowd of parents, “easy street ninja.” By midnight, they were lounging amongst a heap of gifts, their pockets heavy and eyes gleaming with mischief. “See, Bill,” Molly said with a triumphant laugh, “if we can out-sneak Santa himself, we might just make a name for ourselves.” “Maybe we should stick to good old-fashioned Christmas theft,” Bill replied, eying his treasure. “Oh, let’s just fancy it up. We’re breaking the mold more than reindeers this year. To our next caper, operatives!” With a nod and a shared smirk, they vanished from the party as dawn threatened, a silent pair savoring a successful sweetheist yet untouched by guilt. (Word count: 335)