Bound by Duty | Five Hargreeves

25. A risk worth taking

I stay in my room all night, listening to Five shuffle around next door. Luther knocks a few times, asking if I'm okay, but I just don't respond, and eventually he stopped.

Sighing, I put my brush down, staring at my reflection in my vanity mirror. My hair curled, my make up done, wearing a white dress with black poco dots and a black belt, matched with some black flats. I swallow thickly, getting up and quietly opening my door.

Luther's lying fast asleep on the couch, and with quiet footsteps, I head to the kitchen and pour myself a cup of coffee. "Philippa?" I gasp, looking over to see Luther sitting up. "Hey, you okay?"

I smile lightly, "I'm okay." I respond, taking a sip and walking over to him. "Has... Five come out yet?" I ask, and the big man shakes his head. I purse my lips, leaning against the wall. "Does... Five often shut people out?"

"All the time." Luther nods, leaning back against the couch and crossing his arms. "He... isn't as open as he used to be— and he wasn't overly open before he disappeared either. I'm... honestly quite surprised he lasted so long without any inconvenience with you. Usually there's something— anything that makes him shut down. But he trusts you... more than he trusts us it feels like. I don't know if it's because he genuinely trusts you... or if it's because he wants to trust you because he likes you."

My heart flutters as Luther talks about Five possibly liking me. With a soft exhale, I move to sit on the edge of the couch. "So he... snaps a lot?" I frown, to which Luther sighs.

"Did he snap at you?" He asks, and I nod slowly. Luther nods, closing his eyes momentarily before smiling at me gently. "Five's a... difficult man to understand. But yes, he snaps a lot. And he says things he doesn't mean, Philippa. So if he said something to you... no matter what it was, I can guarantee you he didn't mean it." He reaches over, rubbing my shoulder like a dad would his daughter. "Five's a closed off man... but there are some parts he just can't hide from his siblings..." He smiles, "He really likes you, Philippa. I don't know in what way exactly... but I know for a fact it's not just a friendly liking."

I nod, chewing on the inside of my cheek. I grip my skirt, looking down at my lap. "Now I feel bad..." I chuckle awkwardly, looking over at Luther who gives me a sympathetic glance. "He's... told me about the apocalypse... about what happened to him... about the Commission, and the woman who tormented him for so many years..." I close my eyes, "I should've never expected him to be perfect... especially not with everything going on."

"He'll forgive you." Luther whispers, nodding. "He will. I know he will. The way he looks at you... he won't admit it, but he needs you." Don't say that. "No matter what happens, no matter if this doomsday occurs or not... he needs you." Fuck. "And I've got a small feeling you need him too. I've always believed in the saying that 'two souls don't find each other by simple accident'." He nods, tilting his head. "You and Five were meant to meet, Philippa. Otherwise you would've have fallen so easily into our hands. And despite knowing about how crazy our family actually is for less than a week? You're... still here. Helping. That's uncommon for us. It's normally The Umbrella Academy against the world... but now it's us and you. You're one of us, Philippa. You always will be."

I take a shaky breath, the guilt in my chest rising to a dangerous level to the point where I felt like I was actually going to cry. Thankfully, the door clicks open and the attention is otherwise occupied by Five exiting Elliott's bedroom, heading over to the fridge and downing a large bottle of water.

With a frown, I get up, Luther close behind me. "Uh... Five?" I mutter, peaking into the kitchen. "Is everything okay?" He turns to face us both, gulping down huge chunks of water.

He pulls the bottle away from his mouth, swallowing and taking heavy gasps. I turn to face Luther, both of us giving each other worried looks, before facing back towards Five. "I'm gonna need to be hydrated..." The boy whispers, putting the bottle back and closing the fridge.