Number Five Imagines

The Hardest Choice

Five Hargreeves x Fem!reader

Warnings: none

Five Hargreeves had faced impossible choices before, but none so cruelly personal. Standing alone in the dimly lit briefing room of the Commission's headquarters, he felt a crushing weight on his shoulders as he stared at the ultimatum laid out before him. The room was cold, sterile, a fitting backdrop for the chilling choice he was forced to make.

The Handler, with her ever-present smirk and predatory gaze, watched him from across the table. She reveled in his torment, deriving sick pleasure from his predicament. On the table between them lay a single, innocuous-looking file. Its contents, however, were anything but.

"You complete the mission," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "or your little girlfriend Y/n becomes our new target."

Five's mind raced, every instinct screaming at him to lash out, to fight against the cruel fate being forced upon him. But he knew that violence here would solve nothing. The Commission held all the cards, and they knew exactly how to play them. They had finally found his weakness—Y/n, the woman he loved more than anything, who had become his anchor in a chaotic world.

"Why are you doing this?" Five's voice was low, dangerous, his eyes narrowing at the Handler. "What does she have to do with any of this?"

"Oh, come now," the Handler cooed, feigning innocence. "Surely you understand by now. Love makes you predictable, vulnerable. We need leverage, and she provides just that."

Five's hands clenched into fists at his sides. He had never felt so powerless, so utterly trapped. The mission they were proposing was dangerous, even by his standards. It involved a high-risk assassination that could destabilize entire timelines. It was a task that would pull him away from Y/n for an indefinite period, with no guarantee of his safe return. But if he refused, if he failed, they would go after Y/n. And he knew what the Commission did to its targets.

He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Images of Y/n flooded his mind—her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when she was happy, the quiet moments they shared late at night. He thought about her strength, her kindness, and the love that had grown between them. The thought of her being harmed, of her being targeted by the ruthless machinery of the Commission, was unbearable.

"You're a monster," he spat, opening his eyes to glare at the Handler. "Using innocent people to get what you want."

The Handler merely shrugged, her smile never wavering. "Innocence is a matter of perspective, darling. Now, make your choice. Time is ticking."

Five felt a storm of emotions within him—anger, fear, despair. But beneath it all, a steely resolve began to form. He couldn't let anything happen to Y/n. No matter the cost, he would protect her. It was the promise he had made to her, the vow he had sworn in his heart.

He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and picked up the file. "Fine," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "I'll do it. But you leave Y/n out of this. You touch her, and I'll make you regret it."

The Handler's smile widened, pleased with his decision. "Excellent choice, Five. You have three days to complete the mission. Don't disappoint me."

Five turned on his heel and left the room, the file clutched tightly in his hand. His mind was already working, planning, strategizing. He would complete the mission, he would do whatever it took, but he wouldn't be separated from Y/n forever. He would find a way back to her, no matter the obstacles, no matter the risks.

As he made his way back to their apartment, his heart ached with the knowledge of what he had to do. He had to tell Y/n, had to explain why he would be leaving. The thought of her reaction, of the pain he would see in her eyes, was almost too much to bear.

When he arrived home, the sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows. Y/n was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared dinner. She looked up as he entered, her smile lighting up the room. But the moment she saw his expression, her smile faltered.

"Five, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she moved toward him.

He swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "We need to talk," he said quietly, his voice heavy with the weight of his decision.

They sat down at the kitchen table, the file lying ominously between them. Five took a deep breath and told her everything—the mission, the threat, the impossible choice he had been forced to make. Y/n listened in stunned silence, her eyes wide with shock and fear.

"No," she said finally, shaking her head. "You can't do this. It's too dangerous. There has to be another way."

"There isn't," Five said, his voice choked with emotion. "If I don't do this, they'll come after you. I can't let that happen, Y/n. I can't lose you."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to take his hand. "And what about me losing you?" she whispered. "How am I supposed to live with that?"

"I'll come back," he promised, squeezing her hand tightly. "I'll find a way. I have to. But right now, I need you to be safe. I need you to stay here, and wait for me."

Y/n's tears spilled over as she pulled him into a tight embrace, her body shaking with silent sobs. "I hate this," she whispered against his shoulder. "I hate that you have to do this."

"I know," Five murmured, his own voice breaking as he held her close. "I hate it too. But it's the only way."

They clung to each other, drawing strength from their shared love and the promise of a future they both desperately hoped for. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with danger and heartache, but they would face it together, even if they were apart.

As the night wore on, Five prepared for the mission, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead. When the time came to leave, he held Y/n one last time, their kiss a bittersweet farewell that spoke of love, fear, and hope.

"I'll come back to you," he whispered, his forehead resting against hers. "No matter what, I'll come back."

Y/n nodded, tears streaming down her face as she forced a brave smile. "I'll be here, waiting. Just come back to me, Five. That's all I ask."

With a final, lingering kiss, Five tore himself away and stepped into the night, the weight of his choice pressing heavily on his shoulders. The mission loomed ahead, a perilous journey that would test his resolve and strength. But his love for Y/n, and the promise he had made, would guide him through the darkness, driving him to find his way back to her, no matter the cost.