Let it Rain (The Umbrella Academy)

CHAPTER ELEVEN: Inconspicuous

"Why are we climbing down the fire escape, again?"

"Because it involves less talking and I don't really want to meet Luther like this again."

"Fair point." We climbed down the rickety ladder to see Klaus digging through the garbage.

"I'd ask what you're up to, Klaus, but then it occurred to me... I don't care."

I rolled my eyes. "Well I'll bite. What're you doing Klaus?" I asked as I hopped down off the ladder.

"I'm trying to find whatever priceless crap was in that priceless box so that Pogo will get off my ass!" he exclaimed in an irritated outburst.

"You put a price on it. Didn't you?"

"No. Maybe. Possibly. Yes." I closed my eyes in mild annoyance and sympathy. "You know there are easier ways out of the house, buds?"

"Five said this one would involve less talking." I quirked an eyebrow.

"Well I thought it would," he grumbled.

"Need anymore company today? I could, uh... clear my schedule." He took a drink from his flask.

"I think you've got enough on your plate," I pointed out.

"Oh, this? No, no. I can do this whenever. I'm just—" He drunkenly fell. "I just misplaced something. That's all."

"Well, best of luck to you." I gave him a thumbs up.

He dove back into the trash. "Found it! Thank God!" He took a bite of a bad donut. "Delicious." I scrunched my face in disgust.

"I'm done funding your drug habit."

"Yeah, what happened to the twenty I gave you." I put a hand on my hip.

He lifted his flask. "Well spent."

"Unbelievable." We walked away. I wouldn't have cared if he'd come along, but not drunk.

"Come on! You don't—Maybe I just wanna hang out with my brother and sister."

"Later. All right?" I waved.

"I love you!" Klaus called after us. "Even if you can't love yourselves!" We slammed the door to to van and drove off.

We parked outside of  the laboratory and watched as Lance walked in the building. I handed him a bottle of alcohol. "Stake out 101," I said as I took a sip out of my own.

"Indeed."

"I really hate that this eye is our only lead. It's better than nothing at all, but still. It feels like a wild goose chase."

"What, you don't like stake outs with me?" he said with a fake pained expression.

"I love stake outs with you, just maybe not for the fate of the world resting on an eyeball." I pecked his cheek and he fiddled impatiently with the eyeball.

Children ran in front of  the van with their father playing soccer. "Do you ever think about what'd it'd be like having had a real childhood?"

"All of the time," Five replied. "But I wouldn't have you if I did." He smiled at me fondly and I returned it.

"Precious." His smile dropped to a frown. "What would you have done with it? Your life."

"I dunno." He shrugged. "I've never really thought about it. What would you have done?"

"Well, I almost had one, in Scotland with my mum, but I would trade a normal life for a life with you any day." I played with his fingers.

He stared out the window in deep thought. I rubbed his hand with my thumb in a soothing manner. "Where's your mind at?" I asked euphonious. The moment was broke as Luther yanked open the door and barged his way into the front seating. "Hey!" I tried shoving the ape man out of my seat but it was no use. Five moved me onto his lap with leer at Luther.