Reborn: Chapter 3: Klaus

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Five Hargreeves x reader

Warnings: none

The photo of Klaus Herschberger set the tone for the next phase of their search

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The photo of Klaus Herschberger set the tone for the next phase of their search. Max and Y/n worked late into the night, building a profile of the man behind the yoga studio. Klaus had settled in Pennsylvania, where his classes catered to anyone seeking "inner peace" or "a trip to the metaphysical beyond." His studio was decorated with crystals and vague motivational quotes, and he had a reputation for being... eccentric.

Max couldn't help but smile at the descriptions in the online reviews.

"Sounds like a handful," Y/n commented, glancing over his shoulder.

"Sounds like Klaus," Max replied, the name feeling strangely familiar on his tongue.

Y/n noticed the wistfulness in his voice but didn't say anything. Instead, she patted his shoulder. "We should book tickets. Pennsylvania's not that far, and it's better to meet him in person than just stalk him online."

Max nodded. "You're right. But this isn't going to be a simple reunion, Y/n. If he's like I remember... Klaus is unpredictable."

Y/n grinned. "Unpredictable? Sounds like a guy I'd love to meet."

The flight to Pennsylvania was uneventful, though Max spent most of it in silence. Y/n tried to lighten the mood, cracking jokes about how Klaus might be some sort of yoga cult leader, but Max's mind was elsewhere. He kept replaying fragments of memories: Klaus sprawled on a couch, chattering about ghosts; Klaus taking Drugs; Klaus crying because he is afraid of all these ghosts.

"Max?"

He blinked and turned to Y/n, who was watching him with concern.

"You've been staring out the window for ten minutes. What's going on?"

Max sighed. "I'm just... nervous, I guess. What if Klaus doesn't remember me? What if I'm the only one who has these memories?"

Y/n reached over and squeezed his hand. "Then we figure it out together. But I've got a feeling Klaus will remember. From what you've told me, he sounds... unforgettable."

The yoga studio was tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, its bright purple sign standing out against the muted brick buildings surrounding it.

Klaus's Yoga & Spiritual Healing Center

Y/n tilted her head. "Subtle."

Max chuckled despite himself. "Classic Klaus."

They stepped inside, greeted by the scent of incense and a wall of eclectic decorations—tapestries, dreamcatchers, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. A small group of people sat cross-legged on mats, listening as a tall man with shoulder length hair gestured animatedly at a whiteboard covered in squiggly drawings.

"Now, remember," the man was saying, "chakras are like little disco balls inside you. If you don't keep them spinning, your energy gets all... clogged up. And trust me, nobody wants clogged chakras."

Max froze. It was him. His eyes were lined with eyeliner and his fingernails were painted, unmistakably Klaus.

Y/n nudged him. "You gonna say something, or just stare at him like a creep?"

Max took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Klaus."

The man stopped mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Max. For a moment, there was no recognition, just confusion. Then something shifted.

"...Five?" Klaus whispered, his voice cracking.

Before Max could respond, Klaus sprinted across the room and enveloped him in a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh my God, it's you! I thought I was losing my mind, but it's really you!" Klaus pulled back, his hands on Max's shoulders. "Wait, you look... older. Or maybe younger? I don't know. Time is weird. But you're real!"

Max couldn't help but laugh, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. "Yeah, it's me. I go by Max now, but... yeah, it's me."

Klaus's eyes flicked to Y/n, who was watching the scene with an amused smile.

"And who's this?" Klaus asked, wiggling his eyebrows. "Your assistant? Girlfriend? Secret government handler?"

"Y/n," Max said, his tone warm. "She's my partner, and the only reason I'm here right now."

Y/n extended a hand. "Nice to meet you, Klaus. Love the studio. Very... you."

"Thank you, darling," Klaus said, shaking her hand. "I've worked hard to create a vibe, you know?"

The rest of the yoga class watched the exchange with wide eyes, clearly curious about who Max and Y/n were. Klaus turned to them with a theatrical wave.

"Class dismissed, my lovelies! Remember to keep those chakras spinning!"

They spent the afternoon catching up, sitting in the back room of the studio. Klaus brewed them tea—though Max suspected it was laced with something more potent—and shared his story.

"I thought I was going crazy," Klaus admitted, his usual bravado faltering. "The memories started when I was still a child. Little things at first—faces, names, this overwhelming sense of loss. But when I saw you, it was like a floodgate opened. I remember everything, Five. The Academy, the apocalypse, all of it."

Max nodded, relief washing over him. "You're not crazy, Klaus. I've been having the same memories."

Y/n watched the exchange quietly, fascinated by the dynamic between them. There was a raw honesty in the way they spoke, a bond that seemed unbreakable despite the years—and lifetimes—that had passed.

"So what's the plan?" Klaus asked, leaning back in his chair. "Are we reuniting the gang?"

"That's the idea," Max said. "But I don't know if the others will remember like we do."

"They'll remember," Klaus said with certainty. "Trust me, you don't forget something like our family."

Max smiled, a small but genuine expression. "Then let's find them."

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