Against the odds . Five Hargreeves fanfic

Chapter twenty six

The hot water from the shower eases my aching muscles and washes away the grime and exhaustion from the past few days. I feel somewhat rejuvenated, though my body still feels heavy with fatigue. When I step out, I wrap myself in a towel and head back to the bedroom.

Five is already there, sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a short-sleeve shirt that clings to his form in a way that makes him look unexpectedly attractive. I try not to linger on how well-defined his muscles are, focusing instead on the need for comfort.

I walk up to the bed, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in my stomach. "We decided to call it a day. It's late, and I'm exhausted. I think we both need to rest."

Five looks up at me with a nod, his eyes softening just a fraction. "Yeah, we've been pushing ourselves too hard."

I sit down beside him on the bed, feeling the weariness in my bones. "I'm really sorry for everything today. I just... I don't think I can handle much more."

He shifts, making room for me, and I catch a glimpse of his wet hair and the way it falls across his forehead. I'm struck by how he looks both rugged and strangely appealing, though I try not to dwell on it. "You don't have to apologize. We're all doing our best."

I hesitate before speaking again, feeling a bit vulnerable. "Can you, um, hold me tonight? I need a bit of comfort."

He regards me with a cool expression but doesn't hesitate to move over, making space for me beside him. I climb into bed, and he wraps his arms around me, a mix of cold and warmth that feels oddly soothing.

As I settle against him, I can't help but notice the way his short-sleeve shirt shows off his muscular arms. It's hard not to think it's somewhat attractive, though I'd never admit it out loud. "I've seen you sleep before. I thought you had insomnia?"

He shifts slightly, his voice low and a little weary. "I do. I always fake it because I don't want anyone thinking I'm weak or crazy for being up all night."

I press closer, feeling his steady heartbeat beneath my ear. "But it's okay to admit it. We all have our struggles."

He's silent for a moment, then says, "I haven't slept properly in two days. You've been helping me more than you know."

I can sense a mix of relief and vulnerability in his words. "I'm glad I could help. Sometimes it's good to let our guard down a little."

Five seems to relax a bit more, though his demeanor remains as cool as ever. "Yeah, it's easier to keep up appearances. But tonight, it's... different."

I nod, resting my head against his chest. "It's nice to be real with each other, even if it's just for a little while."

There's a pause, filled with the quiet sounds of our breathing. "I'm sorry if I've been distant. It's just how I am."

I look up at him, catching a glimpse of his eyes. "I understand. It's nice to know you care, even if you're a bit rough around the edges."

A quiet moment passes before Five speaks again. "Thanks for being here. I needed it more than I realized."

I smile softly, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Anytime. I'm here for you."

As he drifts off to sleep beside me, I feel a strange mix of relief and an emerging connection that feels both comforting and unsettling. The night is filled with a quiet promise of new beginnings and the growing bond between us.

————-

I wake up in a panic, my heart pounding in my chest as the remnants of the nightmare cling to my mind. My breath comes in short, frantic gasps, and I can't shake the image of Nyx from my head—his eyes, that twisted smile. It's like he's still here, lurking in the darkness, waiting for the right moment to strike again.

Five shifts beside me, waking up almost instantly. His arms tighten around me, grounding me in the present, and for a moment, I forget how cold he can be. His voice is low, laced with a concern that's more subtle than I'm used to from him. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," I whisper, the guilt hitting me like a tidal wave. "You finally got some sleep, and I... I ruined it."

Five's eyes sharpen, a mix of annoyance and something softer. "It's fine. You didn't ruin anything. Just breathe, okay?"

I nod, trying to focus on the rise and fall of my chest, but the fear is still there, gnawing at the edges of my sanity. "I keep seeing him... Nyx... It's like he's still in my head, messing with me."

He adjusts his position so he's facing me more directly, his hands never leaving me. There's something steady about his touch, something that makes it easier to breathe, even if his voice still carries that cool edge. "He's not here. You're safe, Evangeline. I won't let anything happen to you."

His words should be reassuring, but I can't help the guilt that twists in my gut. "I'm so sorry, Five. You needed rest, and I woke you up. I didn't mean to—"

"Stop apologizing," he cuts me off, his tone firm but not harsh. "It's not your fault. You've been through hell. I'm not going to blame you for this."

I swallow hard, trying to believe him, but the guilt is still there, simmering beneath the surface. "Okay... I'll try."

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of everything pressing down on me. But there's something else too, something I can't quite put my finger on. And before I can stop myself, I ask the question that's been nagging at me. "Five... do you feel something weird too? Like... like something's changed between us?"

He looks at me, and for a split second, I think I see something in his eyes—something softer, more vulnerable. But then he blinks, and it's gone. "Nothing's changed, Evangeline. Just get some rest."

His answer is like a punch to the gut, and I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. I was hoping, maybe even expecting, that he'd felt the same strange connection I was starting to sense. But his blunt denial leaves me feeling foolish and more alone than ever.

"Right," I murmur, turning my gaze away from him. "Of course."

Five doesn't say anything, but his hand moves to my back, rubbing small, soothing circles there. It's a small gesture, but it's enough to keep the fear at bay, at least for now. The exhaustion starts to pull at me again, but there's a sadness too, heavy and unwelcome.

As sleep starts to claim me, I can't help but wonder if I'm just imagining things—or if maybe, just maybe, Five is hiding something. But before I can dwell on it too much, I drift off, the nightmares held at bay by the boy who is both a mystery and a comfort to me.