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twelve
FIVE HARGREEVES WOKE with not only a pounding headache and an intensely sharp pain in his lower abdomen, but was pleasantly surprised to see Maria curled up on the armchair beside his bed. His lips quirked up into a smile when he spotted the Umbrella Academy crest embroidered on the navy blue blazer that was draped over her thighs.
"Maria," He whispered as he placed his hand on her shoulder, shaking her gently. Her eyebrows twitched and he heard her let out a small groan; Maria shifted over so she was facing the inside of the chair. Five shook her again. "Rise and shine, Maria, the world's ending in two days!"
"Don't remind me," Her voice was scratchy as she turned over to face him, slowly sitting up. Five stood up straight and waited patiently for her, slumping his hands into the pockets of his pajamas. He smiled slightly at her tired and disoriented state, her brown hair all knotted and messy. Maria blinked up at him for a few seconds before her eyes widened and she stood up. "Are you okay? You should have said something about the shot wound, we could have helped you sooner —"
"Maria," Five interrupted, leaning forward slightly, his lips curled upwards and his hair hovering over his forehead. Maria clamped her mouth shut and slumped her shoulders. "I didn't say anything because I didn't want to get in the way of things. We only have two days left, and now we're getting somewhere."
"Yeah, but we all would have been fucked without you," Maria said earnestly. Five's eyes softened. "We're a team now, Five. As much as you need me, I need you. So do me a favor, and tell me next time you have a bullet in your stomach."
"Will do," Five bowed his head at her. "And now — I need coffee."
"Me too," Maria agreed, her mouth watering at the thought of coffee. As the pair exited Five's bedroom, she sniffed the air and could smell the caffeinated hot drink. "I guess someone put a pot on."
"Let's hope its a good brew," Five mused before turning his head to glance at her, his eyes trailing down the length of her uniform. "Nice outfit."
Maria glared at him.
"Ha, ha," She said. "It's all Allison had that would fit me. And I didn't go home, so..."
"I like it on you," Five said as they descended down the steps. Maria felt her cheeks grow pink but tried not to show any sign of a reaction to his compliment. "Now you look like you're a part of the family."
"Hey, I haven't married Pogo yet!" Maria said, to which he shot her a glare. As they reached the bottom of the staircase, he stopped walking and grabbed her wrist, resulting in them both pausing.
"The only person in my family that I would allow to marry you is me," Five said firmly, his eyes flickering around her face. Maria's eyes widened and she felt herself loose her breath. "Besides — everyone else is way too young for you, anyways."
