umbrellajackassery | [Backdated] Two Grumpy Old Men Finally Get Some Sleep!

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[Backdated] Two Grumpy Old Men Finally Get Some Sleep!

It had been a long time since Five had been able to get more than just a couple of hours of sleep that weren't full of nightmares or hadn't been a blackout due to either an injury or just flat out drinking too much liquor. And well certainly it is a rarity that he lets anyone into his personal space, sleeping or not.

So it might come as a surprise to any of the house occupants, that happen to pass by the living room to find not one but two Fives passed out on the sofa. They might be even more surprised to see the pair huddled together for warmth and just general comfort. At this rate they really do look the part of twin brothers rather than two versions of the same person. This is probably the first time in a long time that either has fully let their guard down. And well they do look adorable while they are sleeping.

Anyone looking for blackmail fodder or to just enjoy poking the sleeping bear, now is the time to do it, because who knows when they will let this happen again. At least out in the living room...

[ooc; So this would be the day after Rey's date night with Steve, but before Five's post to everyone about how to tell the two of them apart. Anyone wanting to take pictures of them for proof that this happened are greatly encouraged! Prose or action brackets are fine for this fyi.]

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[Rey was heading back to the Academy to discus with both Five's how things went, and to make sure they held up on their end of the deal they made. How they would be nice to Steve, and wouldn't go making....too much trouble.

Because, trouble would eventually find them. The amount of trouble would vary, but sooner or later it would find them.

To lessen the blow, Rey was prepared to take them out for gourmet coffee. Or, if all else failed, offer to get them coffee ice cream. Either way, when she walked into the Academy, she was shocked to see both men were asleep on the couch.

No sign of blood...a good thing.

So...they were sleeping? It was cute, really. But, now Rey was stuck with a dilemma. Did she walk away from the living room, or did she walk through and ignore what she saw?

It took five seconds for her to plant herself down by the entrance to the living room, sitting down in a chair to watch the room like a hawk.

No one was going to wake neither Five up.]

[ It's sweet of Rey to look after the pair and make sure no one disturbs them. They had a night of rest so far but as the morning unfolds, other members of the house awaken.

Five's puppy, Sammy Macchiato, walks into the foyer looking for his owner (s), sniffing the floor and then looking up when he spots Rey. He trots over to the woman, wagging his tail and making noise. ]

Yip!

[Rey was content to keep a watchful eye over both men, letting them get some sleep. Part of her was tempted to check on them with her powers, if they were having a restful sleep. However, she knew the slightest disruption would cause them to wake up.

Her attention quickly changed to precious Sammy, their (?) puppy. She quickly scoops him up in her arms to put in her lap and makes a 'shh' sound.

Sorry Sammy, your Dad--Dads? need sleep. Rey will provide you with all the love and pets you require!!]

[ Yes, their puppy. Sammt knows how everyone in the house by smell, even if Klaus's own is the one that changes the most. He ikes Luther and Grace's smell best because they often carry a whiff of homemade food on them.

The moment he's picked up, the puppy immediately tries to lick Rey's jawline and face, short legs wiggling. ]

Yiiipyiip.

[Puppy kisses! It's hard to not giggle and squirm from those licks to her face. So Rey has to bite her lower lip to keep herself from getting too loud. She has a job to do! So she gives into Sammy's pets but also tries to utter a few 'shh' here and there.

Your dad's need sleep, darn it!]

[ The hushing helps to make him quiet while the petting makes the dog's tail move even faster. He rubs his furry lil head under her jawline for a little while.

Didn't they sleep all night? That's enough! :c

Sammy wiggles on Rey's hold, wanting to be put down on the floor to play more with her. ]

[ ...This doggo is too cute for words. It's so sweet, and will surely be spoiled rotten by everyone in the family. Though, it does make Rey wonder if Five would start training classes for Sammy. Just to learn the basics and then progress from there.

But nooo, the pair didn't sleep enough and they have to rest further!

Rey isn't heartless though, she does put Sammy down so he can run around, but if he runs too far, he'll find himself being picked up by an invisible force and gently taken back to Rey.]

[ Once he's left on the floor, Sammy runs around Rey in circles a couple of times. It's fun but not for long and he then moves toward the sleeping Fives as if he wants her to follow him and wake the boys up. Alas, he finds himself soon enough picked up by something invisible, making the puppy yip once in confusion. Sammy wiggles his tiny paws in the air and then tilts his head in confusion.

What is happening? D: ]

[ Clearly coffee is needed after waking up to their siblings watching them sleep, while they had been huddled together on the couch. But Five isn't feeling annoyed or anything like that. Nope, not at all. Honestly it is much easier to just focus on something else than letting him and his counterpart be the center of attention for much longer.

Thus it should come as no surprise, when he takes a seat at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in his hands and he looks to Rey expectantly.]

So how did your date go after we left?

[ It could have been worse, it could have been their brothers who found them sleeping curled up on the couch instead of their sister. Five isn't too hung up about it but part of it might be that he feels properly rested for once and he's nursing a cup of hot coffee between his hands, looking rather peaceful for once.

He perks up when his twin mentions the date and he too looks at Rey with the same interest as the other Five, even grinning a little. ]

Right, the big date. Didi you stop drinking when we left or...?

[Coffee is usually a good idea between the three of them. Though, Rey opts to have tea today rather than coffee. She had gotten a good night's sleep and wanted something other bitter coffee to line her stomach. So, bitter leaf juice was today's choice.

She was taken a sip of her beverage when one Five asked about her date with Steve--and then came the other asking the same question. Rey nearly choked on her tea, and let out a cough.]

No drinking, Steve talked me down from that. [He did, he honestly did and she was grateful to him for that.]

And nothing else happened. We had pizza, watched The Princess Bride. Had a good evening. [A great evening that made her heart flutter from the kisses they exchanged...

But, no need to tell either of her siblings that. Hopefully neither of them would question her further, or notice the smile she was trying to hide behind her teacup.]

[ Now that he is getting a good look at her, it is pretty evident that someone is walking on cloud nine. He has to fight to keep his neutral expression, since he kind of wants to laugh.]

That was good of him. We weren't trying to stress you out last night. I hope you realize that.

[ He takes a sip of his coffee, before he loses his poker face. Because he so wants to tease her, it's like his brotherly duty at this point.]

[ Five agrees with the other man with a soft 'Hmm' as he takes a sip of his coffee. They were just being themselves, which isn't always helpful when it comes to socializing with people, but they really weren't trying to antagonize Steve on purpose.

When he lowers his cup and after staring at the expression of Rey's face, Five shares a look with his counterpart. 'Nothing else happened, my ass', there's no way they're believing that but it's cute that Rey is trying to fool them. ]

Your neutral face needs work, Rey. So there will be another date...? Are you two official yet?

[Rey was in such a good mood she wasn't squirming too much under her brothers' watchful and astute gaze. Mentally, she may have been fretting, but she was happy. She hadn't been happy like that in.....god, she didn't know. Not since she was a kid and all of them were living together under one roof?

Where their lives were controlled by Reginald and they couldn't actually be who they wanted to be...a bit sad, but true.]

I know your intentions were well, but I wished you had respected my privacy a bit. [She tries to do the same with him--both of them. Unless it involves something dangerous, in which case...then the lines are blurred.

Aw, fuck they saw right through her. Of course they fucking did.

And now she does choke on her tea, coughing and sipping some of it out.]

Official? [She has to reach for a napkin to wipe her mouth--and maybe they won't notice the twinge of pink on her cheeks?]

We're dating, we're not...partners or boyfriend and girlfriend. [Because how does that even work? She doesn't know but, just one date doesn't mean they're a couple!]

I'm seeing him again before he leaves, that's pretty much it. [And they kissed, but shhhh, she's not telling.]

We were respecting your privacy, Rey.

[ He supposes she doesn't realize just how far they could have went if they hadn't been restraining themselves.

However just the look he shares with his counterpart, almost makes him crack. Lightly he snorts at the other's line of questioning, but he's curious of the answers himself. Rey's lightly blushing doesn't go unnoticed as he watches with amusement in his eyes.]

But you want to be official with him, don't you?

[ Her awkwardness is incredibly adorable, he has to admit even as she glances back over to his other self. 'Yeah right, nothing happened.' written on his face. ]

[ They didn't even threaten him with bodily harm! For their standards, they did a pretty good job not acting like an overbearing brother. Diego would have thrown a knife or two at Steve and Klaus would have made some uncomfortable sex jokes. Luther...better no to think about what Luther would have done at all.

Five hides his smile behind his mug when Rey coughs, amused at the whole spectacle that is his little sister being so obviously infatuated.
He nods along with his twin's last question, looking just as interested in the answer, and smiles further after sharing a look. ]

It's only the obvious course of action after dating for a while.

You don't become 'official' after two dates.

[Two dates? Yup, she said two. The lunch date and the one she had at her place. Well, soon to be three dates before Steve leaves, and honestly, why are they doing this? Just to get a rise out of her? Urgh. But...she won't complain. Better to have them here than the alternative...

And if anyone DARES to threaten Steve, there will be hell to pay. It's always the quiet ones to look out for.]

We're just...enjoying things as they go--and it's nice. I don't want to pressure him and he travels. Regular relationships are hard enough, and long distance ones are harder... [Ohhh, but could they make it work?

Fuck, does he even want one? No, no, she wasn't going to psyche herself out of it.]

But look... [She has to set her tea aside for the moment to be a tad bit serious.] If you could both please not say anything to the others, I'd appreciate it.

Well technically I'm sure you could if you both were in agreement over becoming official.

[ He's just going to point that out, he may not be an expert on dating and all of its intricacies but even he knows the heart wants what the heart wants.

He takes another sip of his coffee, his amusement definitely beginning to show. He just can't help it, Rey's so obviously smitten with the good Captain. Anyone with eyeballs can see it. Truly it is adorable to watch.

However as she puts her tea down and looks at them with that more serious expression, his mood mildly sobers. He lets out a little sigh but gives her a small smile.]

I won't say anything.

[ As much as he enjoys teasing Rey about her budding romance, he really doesn't want to ruin it for her either. ]

Two dates are enough to know if you can't stand a person, though.

[ Much like his other self, Five isn't an expert about dating but he generally can tell if he can't stand someone after five minutes near them. It wouldn't take more than a date for Rey to know either. So two dates and more in the way it's a positive thing. ]

Have you ever known us to gossip? [ Five would sound offended if he wasn't trying to sound reassuring. ] We won't say anything but contrary to what it looks like most of the time, our brothers aren't stupid. They might figure it out on their own.

[ Especially if Rey keeps acting like she's in cloud nine. It's a good look on her, though, and that's why Five doesn't point out that last bit. ]

Technically yes, but the topic hasn't come up yet--and I don't want to bring it up before he leaves and seem crazy for it? [Because that would seem crazy right? To ask to be exclusive after three dates--and how does one even start that conversation?]

Even if we were to make it official, it would be challenging. He lives out of state. Be hard to spend time with him that's not on the phone or video calls. [ Unless work took her to him, or his work took him to her, which was highly unlikely to happen again, right?

But, at least one Five is willing to keep things about her and Steve quiet....and yet, damnit, he has a point. He always a point. ]

Isn't that what we're doing right now? [Technically?? TECHNICALLY? Gossiping about her love life? But, fuck, Luther and Diego will catch on. Peter might not? Hard to tell with him--and shit, Klaus would.]

I could just say things are going well at work. Or, say I am seeing someone and not say who. [More pink rushes to her cheeks as she tries not to stress because surely, they wouldn't figure it out that it's Steve. Five is smart, he reads the room, he picks up on clues.

The others? Not so much.]

Eventually you will have to talk about it, especially if you decide to continue seeing each other.

[ It's only logical right? He takes another sip of his coffee, while lightly shaking his head. He had to wonder if Rey enjoyed torturing herself with the way she over thinks things at times. But as his other self notes that they aren't really into gossiping which is technically true, them discussing things amongst themselves can hardly be considered gossip when they are the same person.

However he frowns when she asks if that is what they are doing? ]

This isn't gossiping, we are asking you directly. Gossiping would be us speculating behind your back with someone else like our siblings. [ Not even technically in his mind as he looks a tad disgruntled. But he waves a hand in front of his face and takes another sip from his coffee mug. ]

The moment you say you are seeing someone, they are going to start badgering you on who the person is and you know it. Hell we badgered you for a name. [ The others might not always be as observant as he and his counterpart, but he notices when it comes to mundane things? They are like hawks. ]

[ Five silently points his cup towards his other self, silently agreeing with the necessity to talk things out, and then finishes his own coffee. He too bristles at the accusation, chiming in to defend themselves almost at the same time as the other. ]

It's not gossip if we're talking about one of the people involved in the situation. Gossip would be if we talked about you or Rogers with a third person.

[ And no, talking about Rey between them totally DOESN'T count as gossip, they're the same person. Listen Rey, that makes sense in his head.

Five look down at his empty cup and frowns. He needs more coffee to handle this conversation, the sleep helped him clear his mind and relax his body but coffee is a must. He looks around for the coffeepot as he gives Rey an almost apologetic look.]

Yep. They will know eventually or keep bugging you until you tell them. It's better to come clean once you and the Mr. Four of July know what you want to do with this relationship. We just want to see you happy and the sooner everyone knows, the less stressed you will be.

[Cue a flat stare from Rey. Yes, they are the same person--but they were PHYSICALLY. TWO. OF. THEM. She's counting that! But there is a fine line between gossip and chatting--one they're both walking on right now. If someone were to over hear them talking about her relationship to Rogers, then they could gossip and that would be...very embarrassing.

ANYWAY. Since they're CLEARLY not gossiping...]

I think we would like keep seeing each other--but I feel like Steve may want to take it slow. Don't think he's one to rush into anything--and neither am I. There's no pressure to do anything. [Like talk about a future, or kids, or marriage, or any of that in whatever order.

Rey can see one of her brothers is in need of more coffee and puts her teacup down in favor of actually brewing another cup for each of them and cringes at the nickname.]

Mr. Fourth of July? Really, Five? [Great, she won't be able to get that out of her head any time soon. But manages to find the lovely coffee grinds and starts prepping a new pot for them.]

You two don't know when to ease up on something and I like to think the others have some form of self control--[And then she realizes it's Diego, Klaus and Luther she REALLY needs to worry about.]

Okay, MOST, of them have self-control. You know the moment I say anything, Luther will be stunned that I can even date someone, Diego will want to meet him and ask for an autograph and Klaus... [May try to--no, will actually flirt with him. Sighing, she got everything ready and pressed a button to make a new pot of coffee for the duo.]

..Okay, maybe I won't say anything.

[ Well it would hardly be their fault if someone overheard the three of them talking. It's not like they were intending to gossip. Thus she gets a frown back at that flat stare. He finishes off the last of the coffee in his own cup, before putting it on the table and leaning back in his chair.]

Ah, well I guess that would make sense for him. He is still a public figure, so he's probably keeping that in mind.

[ It's speculation, but it makes sense as to why the man would want to go at a slow pace, especially if you have the public's eye on you. Though that thought makes Five frown again because that means it is only a matter of time before Rey may be dealing with more than just the family's scrutiny. Though he doesn't want to bring that up to Rey and make her worry more than she already does.]

He's not wrong. Everyone knows that Captain America was born on the Fourth of July quite literally.

[ He's just going to point that out in his twin's defense, because it isn't a mocking nickname if it is accurate. Though immediately he is looking incredulous at the idea that any of their siblings have more self control than himself, both of them. ]

Excuse me. [ He practically huffs out. Okay now he is offended.] Wow Rey, you really know how to cut deep there.

[ And here he thought him and his counterpart were doing a pretty good of holding back. They had kept their promise to her about not giving Steve grief after all. ]

No, there's no rush but...don't wait too much, you might end regretting things.

[ He's done it in the past when he was a kid. He foolishly thought there was enough time left to spend with his family, enough time to tell those he loved that he cared about them. Then blinking into the Apocalypse happened, and there were no more opportunities to talk to anybody ever. Don't be like Five, Rey.

He was about to get the coffee himself but when his sister beats him to it, Five gives her a smile. Always so thoughtful, even as her brothers drive her mad. The teasing tone is still in Five's voice when he answers. ]

Yes. The 4th of July is his birthday, is it not? How very fitting for America's number one hero.

[ Five gives his twin a tilt of his head that reads 'thank you' at his intervention. Then good humor fades away when she accuses them of having no self-control. They both look miffed, so Rey is rewarded with a double pout. ]

Self-control and Klaus are mutually exclusive concepts. And don't get me started on Diego and his I'm-going-to-save-JFK-and-be-a-hero-or-die-trying.

[ On Rey's defense, she seems to realize pretty quickly that the brothers who would give her the most trouble aren't the two tiny menaces in front of her. ]

You could try to talk to Vanya first...?

[Nope, Rey's mind isn't going to go down that path. Steve was a public figure and she didn't need to think about the press or anything of the sort. Granted, the press was on them when they were kids, wanting to know more about the students of the Mysterious Umbrella Academy. Rey didn't want to be in the spot light, that was more Allison's thing.]

Which is it then? Go slow or don't wait too long? [She teased lightly, actually comfortable enough to joke about it. But...it came from a good place. Five wanted to make sure she didn't waste her chance. Wanted to make sure she didn't have any regrets with Steve.]

We're taking things at a pace we're comfortable with. [Considering they held hands last night and kissed a few times...yes, she could get used to that pace.

The hot water drips through to the ground coffee and into the coffee pot. A few more seconds and they'll have a full pot.]

You're making that up. [That can't be Steve's birthday. That honestly can't be it because that...that would be both funny and sad at the same time? Like the man was DESTINED to be the hero of America.

There's a minor roll of her eyes at the double pouts. If she wanted a swift death, she would attempt to take a picture of the pair, just to show that they had other facial expressions aside from scowling, smirking, and pissed off. The coffee is done brewing, so she picks it up to carefully fill both of their cups.]

I'm pretty sure by telling the others to stop, they would--rather than continuing to press on and on as I squirm until satisfied with a name. [A pause as she thought it over again.] The girls would at least--most of them. [Let her believe there's good in others and they would respect boundaries.]

I could.. [She sets the coffee pot down and opts to lean against the counter, loosely crossing her arms over her chest.]

But, I don't want to say anything and then have things fizzle out. Then have to say 'hey things didn't work out.' [Her voice softens slightly thinking about that potential possibility. ] It's new and I don't want to jinx it, you know?

[ He glanced over to his counterpart a bit of a somber expression almost touching his face as he understood why he was urging Rey not to wait too long. Despite all the time traveling, they had lost so much time. So certainly it was a cautionary tale not to hesitate, since no one could predict would happen in the next instance. Though he chooses to remain silent rather than bring the mood down. Rey is happy and he is honestly happy for her.

However he rolls his eyes at her insistence that they are somehow lying about Steve's birthday. Finally he pulls out his phone and hits the listen button on the google assistant.]

When is Captain America's birthday? [ He asks the phone, before holding it up for both his twin and Rey to hear it clearly. The phone beeps and the google assistant speaks. ]

Captain America also known as Steven Grant Rogers was born on July 4, 1918 in Brooklyn, New York.

[ The phone beeps again and Five gives Rey a flat look. Google has spoken and proven them to be correct. It also reminds him that Rey's would boyfriend is also 101 years old.] Are you satisfied that we aren't making it up?

[ Instinctively he gives her a nod of 'Thanks' as she pours him another cup of coffee. Though he's not entirely satisfied with her clarification on the others having more self control. While yes he can agree that their sisters do tend to have more self control than their brothers, he honestly doesn't think they are above badgering and teasing Rey until she gives in and gives them a name.]

I think you have way too much faith in the others not to tease you mercilessly.

[ Maybe Vanya and Charlie would give her a break, but everyone else? There was no way they wouldn't want all the details. Though his expression does soften and he lets out a small sigh. He gets it, she's worried things might not work out.]

Whatever happens, you know we are here for you, Rey. The others would be there for you too. So maybe just consider telling some of them what is going on?

[ He's going to keep encouraging her to tell some of the others, at least their sisters, especially since she has so much faith in them. ]

[ He gets the teasing and it makes Five happy to see that she can relax enough about the whole situation to joke about it. And to understand what he meant by not wasting precious moments. ]

It's about finding a balance, I'm sure you will manage.

[ He leans a little close to his other self after spotting the somber expression, not too much that it's noticeable but enough that it should offer some silent comfort. They went through enough bad experiences to not wish them upon their worse enemy. Okay maybe the Handler would be an exception but the woman is dead, thinking about her in any capacity is unnecessary.

Five murmurs a heartfelt thank you to Rey as if she just handled him the cure for cancer instead of just more coffee. She's one of the few siblings in the house who can make a decent cup, he's very pleased about it. The smell of fresh-brewed coffee fills his nostrils as Rey and the other Five discuss Steve's b-day. He just watches the whole thing unfold, blinking a little when the phone speaks. Uh, they do that now? He's only vaguely aware of what Google is, he really needs to catch up on modern technology. How useful yet how probably easy to track or hack. ]

Things might not work out and that would be frustrating but not the end of the world. As he said, you'd still have all of us. And if Steve does anything to piss you off... [ Five doesn't finish, instead just sips his coffee, but she can imagine the kind of hell they will put Steve under. ]

[Well Rey was impressed by Five's ability to use Google on their phone. Shit, Steve's birthday was on the Fourth of July. She ran her hand down her face, surprised and shocked about it. Good thing she didn't have any money on that bet.]

Well shit. [There's a sigh followed by a nod of her head.] Okay, okay, you're both right. Happy? [Validation they knew what they were talking about. But, honestly it was impressive one of them knew how to use Google Assistant.

...and of course the others may tease her mercilessly about Steve, but she had a soft spot for Five. She could handle it.]

I'll be fine. Their teasing hasn't been so bad over the last few years. [Then again, she hadn't given them any ammo like this to tease her with.]

I know you're here, everyone's here for me. If I need anything, I can know I can ask. [But she won't. She wouldn't bring herself to make the others worry, and she had managed to survive (not live) this long. Surely, she would continue to do well, right?]

I'll tell the others soon, I want to have one more date before all the questions come. [Hopefully both of them would be agreeable to it, though...the idea that Steve would do anything to upset her earns one Five a slight glare.] I think he knows better than to do that--intentionally anyway.

We..[She briefly looked down, debating how much she wanted to tell them.] Talked about my powers. He's aware and trusts I wouldn't use them on him. But, he's also a good guy. He didn't do anything untoward when we watched The Princess Bride.

[ Never let it be said that his pride wouldn't allow him to be worse at something then one of his brothers. No way was he going to let Diego or Luther hold anything over his head including knowing how to use their smart phones. He's still paranoid about giving it too much information and he refuses to use social media. He's not letting anyone track him that easily. But Google's fact checking is much more convenient than researching in a library. ]

Why would we lie about something like that?

[ Five simply questions back when she asks if they're happy to be right. ~~There is a smug satisfaction, but that's beside the point!~~ They might withhold information from time to time, but lying about something that trivial? Not either of their style.

He can almost hear in between the lines of her words because it is said almost exactly in a tone that he and his counterpart would use. Slightly he frowns as he glances at his twin. He won't call her out because that would just lead to them being called out for their own withholding. Instead he takes a sip of the freshly brewed coffee in lieu of speaking for the moment.

He manages to suppress a laugh at Five bringing up Steve possibly pissing off their sister, because seriously he can't imagine the man doing anything to purposely upset Rey. But if he did, there would be hell to pay.]

By this point, I think we know he wouldn't intentionally hurt you, but we wouldn't be very good brothers if we didn't look out for you.

[ Though he smiles at the way she talks about Steve being a good guy. He doesn't say it but he is relieved that the Captain seemed to talk their sister's powers in stride, because it can be a lot for a person to wrap their head around.]

Glad to hear the old man still has manners then. Sounds like you had a good evening.

[ Once they're alone again, Five will inquire about the Google assistant. He doesn't like to be behind anything his brothers already know, and the same happens with his other-self. It will be more practical if they both learn the same things. ]

We're ecstatic. [ He answers Rey in the flattest tone he can muster but it's hard to hide his smile. Why, yes, Five (any Five) likes to be right. Blue eyes meet matching ones, easily reading the unsaid words in that frown but this time he shakes his head in disagreement before they focus on Rey. While this won't be easy to say, maybe she does need to be called out. Maybe they all do. ]

Rey, we all can ask for help, that doesn't mean we do it when we actually need it. [ He's willing to admit that he might have a smidgen of trouble asking for it himself. Mostly it's because he grew up on his own and later, when he did try to get his siblings to act as a team and help, they did nothing but cause more problems or accuse Five of being the cause of all of them. ] But we're all trying to do better, right? We already did this mistake when we were kids.

[ It's partially Reginald's fault for making them competitive and also alienating them at the same time. Five knows that they all followed his orders and seek his approval all too easy sometimes. It saved them trouble but in the process, it ruined the siblings' relationships with each other. Enough of that now. He's tired, last night's breakdown in the library made it all too obvious. Things need to change. Talking about Steve it's a lighter topic, even if now involves the way they will make him suffer if he ever crosses Rey. ]

We care about your personal life beyond not gossiping. And we like to see you happy. When is the next date, then...?

I never outright said you were lying. I was in disbelief and stated in a casual way. [A very smooth reply if Rey does say so herself, her own little sly smile of satisfaction. She's had to go around in circles before with some of her colleagues, calling them idiotic or moronic without using the exact words....] It's still unbelievable he's real at times, the man and the hero combined.

[And she was dating both? No, she was dating Steve, not Captain America. Not unless she wanted to go back to her codename, but that life was over. She didn't have an interest in being a hero.]

We are striving to do better...[And not hide too much from each other? There would be somethings they would keep from each other, Rey especially. She didn't want anyone to worry--and she was stubborn as a mule, a shared trait between her and Five.] Which is why I'm waiting until after the third date to really talk about it to the others.

[Her eyes soften at both of her brothers. Yes, they were only looking out for her. They were able to have these moments with her, and she was happy to share this part of her life (something she never thought would happen) with them.]

I know. Don't think I'd be a good sister if I didn't make things a bit difficult for either of you. [Dragging things out, and making them promise to not roughen Steve up, or do a background check on him.]

It's on Friday, the day before he heads back. He was only in town for a week because of his work. [No need to tell them its at her place again. Though, they would know better than to pop in and try to stay long enough for Steve to show up again.] From there...don't know what'll happen.

I told him I'd like to visit New York one day. For him and the pizza. [There's a soft chuckle from her thinking back to the conversation Steve and her had over it. In thinking about that pleasant memory, she looked quite smitten.]

Implying it, still counts. [ Don't try any of that word play and semantics on him, young lady. He knows that game quite well from having to deal with the Handler during his time in the Commission. He goes to take another drink of his coffee, while internally debating if he wants to try his hand at calling her out. Since she's kind of deflecting what his other self has said.

Finally he lets out a small sigh as he looks at her with something akin to gentleness.] That's fine that you want to wait to tell them anything, but still if things don't work out...you do know that you don't have to suffer in silence right?

[ That is the closest to tactful that he can get as he doesn't want tank the mood entirely by sparking an argument over how they like to retreat into themselves rather than open up to anyone.

He lightly chuckles as yes she was being a little pain with making demands of them in order to give up the name of her suitor.]

There aren't many people that can get either of us to promise to the things you've gotten us to promise too.

[ He's just going to point that out. They have been compromising for her quite a bit more than they normally would do for anybody. He leans back in his chair as he listens to her talk about when her next date is happening. He can't but think how sweet it is that she's this smitten over the Captain. He honestly hopes that things work out for her, because she deserves to be happy and loved. Instinctively he glances over to his twin with an expression that pretty much says 'She really is adorable.']

Well that sounds like you need to start making plans to visit New York then.

Edited 2020-09-30 11:18 (UTC)

[ Super smooth, Rey. That, combined with his other self's answer, makes Five hide a snort behind his cup. ]

It's rather fitting. The 4th of July...destiny was telling him something already. [ It's also weird but one of those not-bad-weird circumstances, and frankly those don't happen very often. ] Ey, if I recall, we were heroes once too.

[ Which is Five's way of saying that Steve is lucky to have Rey as well, he's not the only famous one. Granted, none of them really ever enjoyed said hero fame much. Child Soldiers would be a more accurate description of what they were. Child soldiers then and broken adults now.

But that's a too sad thought. As if he could smelling it from the living room, Five's dog Sammy comes trotting into the kitchen, yipping when he sees the three of them. The dog is wearing a small bowtie that Five assumes it's either Allison of Klaus's doing. ]

If we didn't make things harder than they should be for each other, it wouldn't be us. [ Five says before leaning down and picking up the puppy to place it in his lap, scratching him behind the ears. ] Many people? Pretty sure it's only she and Vanya who can do that. Don't use your power for evil, Rey.

[ They have a weakness for their sister, it happens. Five wished it were less obvious but he doesn't bother trying to fool himself any longer. Sammy's tail is wiggling and the dog is stretching his neck to try and lick the other Five's cheek. The boy meets his eyes and silently agrees. yeah, a lovestruck Rey is a pretty cute sight. ]

[There's a huff by Rey and the faintest of pouts, but she gives in to acknowledge the oh, so wrong-doings of not believing her brothers.]

Fine, I'm sorry. You were right, and I was wrong. Better? [Did Five expect Rey to grovel at his feet? Or expect more coffee from her? She was willing to do the latter, not the former. How was she to know that's what Steve's birthday was. It sounded too good to be true.]

Were we heroes? [Rey seemed skeptical of that. It felt like they were more like science experiments than actual children. Or, weapons? Weapons disguised as children. If Reginald didn't teach them how to harness their powers, who knows what could've happened to them. They saved the day in a few situations, but some of them now had hero complexes and some were ...trying to fix the scars left by their father figure.]

Yes, I know.. [She didn't have to suffer in silence. She didn't have to keep things from them, or hide away. Though, in saying she didn't have to suffer by herself, Rey hopes Five (both of them) knows the same works in reverse. He could tell her anything. He could go to her and there wouldn't be any questions, no judgements.

The thought lingers in her head even as Sammy comes in, making her grin. He was such a good pup.] Aww, that's adorable. A little bowtie. [She'll have to get a picture of Sammy with it. Maybe even with both Five's holding him up. Proud pet parents.]

Me? Doing something for the sake of being evil? No...but maybe for a bit of mischief, maybe. [She tried to look neutral for a moment, but the smile broke through on her face. Talking with Five...it was good. It was great, it brought back many memories of them as kids.

But, New York? That snapped her out of her lovestruck bubble.]

Ahh, I wouldn't start making plans. Not right now--or right away. I'd have to see how the next date goes and...take things from there. [She didn't want to rush! Why were her brothers making her feel like she was trying to rush?]

[ Rey's little huff earns a smirk out of him, but he's a bit more appeased, since her boyfriend's birthday isn't the thing he wants to be called a liar on of all things. He can be petty too. ] Yes, actually, it is.

[ Five can't help but snort at the idea of them ever being heroes, he knows that was what Reginald called them, but he knows as well as his counterpart they were nothing more than little soldiers that Hargreeves was looking to control. ]

That's the kinder way of putting it. [ He replies to Rey's question, though he's distracted by the sound of Sammy's little barks. He glances over to see that he is now wearing a bowtie. Who isn't spoiling the little pup rotten at this point? He wonders as his twin picks up the dog and puts him into his lap. He rolls his eyes as other Five admits that really only Vanya and Rey seem to be able to get things out of them that no one else can. However Five can think of one more person that could likely get them to concede. ]

Don't forget about Ben. He's definitely the only brother that could talk us into giving in. [ Suddenly he finds himself getting licked on the cheek by the puppy in his counterpart's arms. Instinctively he pulls away and rubs the top of Sammy's head instead. He glances over to Rey with a quirked eyebrow.]

Mischief eh? Just keep in mind that turnabout is fair play.

[ He has to warn her. Just because their sisters and brother are weaknesses to them, doesn't mean he is beneath using their regard for him to get them back. Lightly he shakes his head as he wasn't necessarily trying to rush her, but it seemed like she took it that way. ]

Rey, there's nothing wrong with striking while the iron is hot. If he mentioned anything about you possibly visiting him, then he likely would like you to visit him. If it makes you feel less awkward, maybe suggest a family outing to New York as a cover? Then you would have a reason to be in the same place as him.

[ If Rey gets pissed off by his other self and refuses to make him more coffee, Five will happily take the extra one. He will do the sacrifice. ]

We did save people...sometimes. The real question is, does Steve know enough about the Umbrella Academy to remember when our birthday is? [ And by extension, Rey's. Pretty much the whole world knews about that back in the day. It the man doesn't, because he happened to be frozen at the time and then he didn't catch up, that would be kinda funny as well. ]

If you know, then don't conveniently forget it later. [ Five chides her gently and then watches Sammy let out a single bark after Rey calls him adorable, as if acknowledging it. They are all spoiling the dog rotten and Five fails to be as annoyed by it as he should. He snickers when Sammy licks his twin and then shakes his head. ]

Let me out of your vendettas, children. [ He tells his other self and his sister but there's an amused look in his eyes. If Rey does something to the other, chances are he might end caught in the crossfire. They're both really easy to mistake for one another, in lieu of actually being the same person. ] And yes, that's true about Ben. No one tells him.

[ He will be the worst of all of his siblings if he realized he holds that power. Five loves his brother but he remembers with fond amusement that Ben could also be a little shit on occasion. He doesn't want Rey to feel pressured but these two are curious and happy to discuss something with the family that is not the end of the world for a change. ]

It's an idea. Unless you want us to actually go to New York so you don't have to lie to him. That sure won't end terribly.

[ There was a shrug of Rey's shoulders. She didn't know how much Steve knew about the Umbrella Academy, what the government knew and had fed to him. Though it lead to a more poignant question:]

Birthdays aside--do you think Dad would've let the government keep tabs on us when we were growing up?

[Great way to side step the question. Reginald wasn't a man who was known for...sharing things. He wanted his children to compete for his attention, to be the best. But, his attention amounted to a glance in their direction and a few words. Not words of encouragement or endearment. Criticism or imparting some bullshit that was important to him.]

I won't--if you both promise not to "forget" either. [Rey quipped back, watching as Sammy demands attention from his owner(s)? His parents? His..father and uncle? Either way, the dog was adorable. But, how could they forget Ben?] Ben holds a great power over all of us, we can't deny that. [They lost him once. They couldn't bare to lose him again too...And he was the most level headed one out of all the brothers.

Though, all of them could be little shit starters--at least Ben was the nicer one out all their brothers.

Rey had to hold back a chuckle at both of her brothers. The warning wasn't lost on her, yet one Five doesn't want to be involved. Ohhh, he would be though. In one way or another, he would be.] Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black, big brother?

[Just had to throw that in there. If anyone was a 'child' it was her. Let the Five's duke it out in terms of who was older, be a fun thing to watch.

As for the idea of doing a family outing to New York, that caused Rey to give her brother a flat look. There as a difference between striking the iron while it was hot and trying to kill Captain America with a tidal wave of Hargreeves family members.]

It wouldn't be awkward to meet him in New York, I just don't want to rush things. What you're proposing if having me die from stress if the entire family went with me. [Someone was bound to ask where she was going. Or tail her and if they found out she was with Steve, THEN shit would get awkward to the nth degree.]

I can talk to him about visiting during our next date, see if maybe in a month or so I could visit him. If he's not busy or anything. [She did have plenty of vacation time saved up even after taking time to go to Florida with her siblings.] Maybe do a weekend trip or something, wouldn't be too bad.

[ Okay Traitor. Bought off by coffee, he sees how it is. B| Five merely gives his counterpart a flat stare. ]

No one said that we didn't but let's be real in terms of actual heroes. We weren't even in Captain America's league. We were just a bunch of kids playing at being heroes because Reginald demanded it of us. [ No point in sugar coating the fact that their father was a piece of shit. They all got the memo by now. ] You both realize that you can google the Umbrella Academy's birthday right? That part was never a secret when Dad had us out there doing all those stupid magazine shoots and interviews.

[ He leans back in his chair and starts drinking his coffee again, because at this rate he refuses to believe that Steve Rogers doesn't know how google works, the man has been back with the living for seven years.

He glances over to Rey as she gives them a reminder as well.]

We wouldn't have brought it up, if we planned on 'forgetting' ourselves. [ They are both trying to be in their siblings' lives more now. Hell having conversations like this was honestly big steps for them. Of course he has to roll his eyes as his twin wishes to be left out any mischief as if that is an option.]

Oh please, don't even think you get to be neutral. [ He scoffs at his counterpart, before giving Rey a flat stare, oh she is trying it today. ] Oh keep pushing it, young miss.

[ Rey hasn't seen the depths of his mischief yet. If she was dying of embarrassment just over the small exchange they had with Steve in her apartment, he knows how actually embarrass her.]

Rey, stop overthinking it. You'll just stress yourself out. He obviously likes you or he wouldn't have made it a point to reconnect with you during his trip here. If he lived in this state, you can't say that you wouldn't be going out on even more dates. So what is wrong with visiting him in his state sooner rather than later?

[ It isn't rocket science here. Why make things more complicated than they need to be? Of course, he keeps those questions to himself. He's at least please to hear her suggest visiting Steve sooner, instead of acting as if she is putting undue stress on Steve for actually liking him. ]

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[Backdated] Two Grumpy Old Men Finally Get Some Sleep!

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My grammar was drunk in that last tag. God, I'm sorry

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Bugging Rey Over here!

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