RUN BOY RUN- reader x Five Hargreeves

Part Thirteen

"Okay, split up," Luther commanded, his voice echoing in the cavernous library. Diego and Y/n veered left, heading towards the stairs. The silence between them was heavy, laden with unspoken words and years of misunderstandings. As they ascended, Diego finally broke the tension. "Um, Y/n," he began, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "Do you really think that I hate you?" Y/n paused, her hand resting on the banister. She shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "I mean, you always teased me as a kid. And not in a good way." She took a deep breath, memories flooding back. "Remember that mission with the glass shop? I messed up, and you didn't talk to me for a week." Diego winced, regret etching lines on his face. "Yeah, that was a real dick move of me. But I don't hate you, Y/n. I hate the thought of you going around thinking that I do." He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. "I love you, okay? You're my sister."

Y/n nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. They continued up the stairs, the air between them lighter now. "Oh," Y/n said, turning back to him, "I never got the chance to thank you for saving me last night." Diego's smile was warm, genuine. "Just doing my job, being a brother." As they reached the top of the stairs, they reunited with Luther. His imposing figure loomed in the dim light, shaking his head. "Nothing?" Y/n sighed, her eyes scanning the circular room. Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure slumped over in a corner. "Diego, Luther," she called out, keeping her voice low, "Over here." They approached cautiously. Five was sprawled across the floor, an empty bottle clutched in his hand, Deloris wrapped in his another arm. Y/n rolled her eyes. Y/n's eyes rolled skyward, a mixture of exasperation and barely contained anger flooding through her. 'Of course he would bring his stupid mannequin,' she thought bitterly, her jaw clenching as she struggled to keep her composure. The sight of Dolores, perched innocently nearby, only served to fuel the frustration simmering just beneath her skin. Y/n's hands curled into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought the urge to snap at Five about his peculiar attachment. She took a deep breath, trying to rein in her emotions, but the anger continued to course through her veins, threatening to overflow at any moment.He was drunk, impossibly so for his apparent age. Luther scooped him up effortlessly, heading towards the alley behind the library.

"Where are we going to go?" Y/n asked, anxiety creeping into her voice. "Those freaks in the masks know where we live. They'll be coming for Five." Diego's response was immediate. "My place is closer. No one will look for him there." Y/n nodded, then yawned, the stress and lack of sleep catching up with her. Without warning, Diego swept her onto his back. "What are you doing?" she protested weakly. "You're not gonna get anywhere with a tired body. Just relax," he said, his tone brooking no argument. Five, still dangling from Luther's arms, let out a loud burp. "You know what's funny?" he slurred, "I'm going through puberty. Twice!" He let out a bitter laugh. "That's what you do when the world you love goes bye-bye. Poof, it's gone." Y/n ignored his dramatic words, resting her head on Diego's shoulder. The cool night air helped clear her mind, but exhaustion was setting in fast. "What are you talking about?" Five mumbled, his words barely coherent. "We're trying to find a safe place to stay," Y/n replied, unable to keep the sarcasm from her voice.

Luther, ever the leader, tried to focus Five. "Two masked intruders attacked the Academy last night. They were looking for you. We need you to focus. What do they want?" "Hazel and Cha-Cha," Five mumbled, his head lolling. "What?" Y/n perked up, recognizing the names. Luther groaned. "I hate code names." Five's laugh was hollow. "Ah, the best of the best. Except for me, of course." "Don't humble yourself, sweetheart," Y/n muttered. "Sweetheart? I like that. Call me that again," Five slurred, a dopey grin spreading across his face. "Just keep going!" Diego demanded, his patience wearing thin. "The best at what?" Luther pressed. Five's expression turned wistful. "You know, Dolores always said she hated it when I drank. Said it made me surly-" Diego spun around, nearly dislodging Y/n from his back. He faced Five, his voice low and intense. "Hey! I need you to focus. What do Hazel and Cha-Cha want?" Five's bleary eyes met Diego's, a challenge in his gaze. Y/n lifted her head, sensing the tension. "We just want to protect you," she said softly. Five's laugh was harsh, cutting. "Protect me? I don't need your protection, Diego. Do you have any idea how many people I've killed?" His voice cracked, a glimpse of the trauma behind his bravado. "No. I am the Four Horsemen. The apocalypse is coming." With that ominous proclamation, Five promptly vomited over Luther's shoulder. Diego turned away in disgust, quickening his pace towards his apartment. Y/n, her eyes growing heavy, laid her head back down on Diego's shoulder.

As they walked through the quiet streets, Y/n's mind raced despite her exhaustion. Five's words echoed in her head. The apocalypse? What did he mean? And who were Hazel and Cha-Cha? The questions swirled, but sleep was pulling her under. She must have dozed off because the next thing she knew, they were at Diego's place. The boiler room was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of metal and sweat. Diego gently lowered her onto a worn couch, while Luther deposited Five onto a nearby cot. "Get some rest," Diego said softly, draping a blanket over her. "We'll figure this out in the morning." Y/n wanted to protest, to demand answers, but her body betrayed her. Her eyelids felt like lead, and within moments, she was drifting off to sleep. As consciousness faded, she caught snippets of a hushed conversation between her brothers.

"...can't keep him here forever..."

"...need to know what he knows..."

"...the apocalypse? You don't really believe..."

Their voices blended into a comforting murmur, and Y/n finally surrendered to sleep. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, more questions, and hopefully, some answers. But for now, in this makeshift sanctuary, surrounded by her dysfunctional but fiercely protective family, Y/n allowed herself a moment of peace. The last thing she saw before sleep claimed her was Five's face, troubled even in unconsciousness.