The Sparks Between Us | Five Hargreeves x Reader

THIRTY

—————༻☂︎︎༺—————
༻ Y/N'S POV ༺

The sharp knock at the academy doors echoed through the quiet space, cutting through the low hum of jazz still playing in the background. Five's head snapped toward the sound, and instinctively, so did mine. I started to rise, but before I could take a step, Five turned back to me, raising a hand to stop me.

"I'll get it," he said, grabbing his margarita as he stood, taking a casual sip before making his way to the door.

I watched him go, my fingers tightening slightly around the glass of water in my hands. I could already hear the faint murmur of voices, and it didn't take much effort to identify one of them.

Hazel.

Moments later, Five returned, and behind him, Hazel stepped into the room, his usual lumbering presence filling the space. As soon as his eyes landed on me, his expression flickered—recognition, maybe even surprise.

"You here to kill us?" Five asked, settling back onto his stool like they were discussing the weather.

Hazel scoffed. "Oh. Shit. Sorry. Old habits."

I studied him carefully as he shifted uncomfortably, glancing between us.

"Well, I can understand why both of you might feel that way," Hazel continued. "You know... history and all."

Five's jaw tensed slightly. "History like you and your scientist buddies trying to turn Y/n into a killer? Or maybe the time you attacked my family and kidnapped my brother?"

Hazel exhaled. "Look, there's not much I can do about the past. I'm not the only killer in this room." His eyes flicked between Five and me. "You both have your own bloody history. Speaking of which, that job you did in Calhoun—shit's legendary. Can't believe I'm actually sitting here talking to you after all—"

"I don't need the flattery, Hazel," Five cut in sharply. "Why are you here?"

Hazel shifted on his feet, hesitating. "Well, I'm—"

Before he could finish, a blur of movement shot past me, and suddenly, Diego was there. He didn't hesitate. In one swift motion, he kicked Hazel straight in the chest, sending him stumbling backward.

The fight broke out instantly. Diego moved fast, landing a hard hit to Hazel's jaw, but Hazel barely flinched before grabbing Diego by the arm and throwing him into the wall. I tensed, ready to intervene, but before I could move, Five reached out, pressing a firm hand against my arm.

"Not yet," he said, his tone almost amused as he lifted his glass to take another drink. "Let's see how this plays out."

I hesitated but nodded, sinking back into my seat as my optics tracked every movement.

Diego wasn't backing down. He lunged again, driving his knee into Hazel's stomach before grabbing him by the collar. Hazel grunted, pushing back with brute force, and the two struggled for dominance.

And then—Diego bit him.

I blinked.

Five sighed, exasperated, setting down his drink. In a blink, he teleported behind Diego, gripping a glass vase from the counter, and—without hesitation—smashed it over Diego's head.

Diego crumpled to the floor.

I immediately moved forward, kneeling beside him. My fingers pressed against his pulse point, feeling for any irregularities. A steady—if slightly sluggish—heartbeat thrummed beneath my touch.