𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 & 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘 - episode 07. james hargreeves
series masterlist ! current: james hargreeves! next: ella magnolia
paring: five x eight (oc)
warnings; suggestive language, angst, character death, really sad, not proofread ! word count: 4.2k
notes; none
"Who's Harold Jenkins?" asked Allison, looking from the paper to her siblings stuck in younger bodies.
Five finished the coffee and flung behind him not caring, "I don't know, yet," he said.
"But we do know he might be responsible for the apocalypse," Eight said, her hands in her skirt pockets, "So we have to find him and we have to do it now," she finished.
Luther raised an eyebrow, "How is he connected to what's gonna happen?" He asked.
"We don't know," responded Eight looking over at her confused siblings.
Diego looked at her, "Wait, so you just know his name? That's it?" He asked this time stepping forward.
Eight cocked her head as she felt goosebumps grace her skin. She was clueless as to why, but it didn't seem to be good.
"There's gotta be a hundred Harold Jenkinses in the city," Diego finished.
Snapping out of her trance, she looked over at Diego and shrugged, "Well, we better start looking then," She offered the siblings
Allison looked at the two uniformed couples, "I'm sorry but am I the only one that's skeptical here?" she asked around, "I mean, how exactly do you know all of about what's his name?"
Five began to fidget and this caught Eight's attention, she turned to him and silently brushed her hand on his arm to ask what's wrong. He just pursed his lips and shook his head and looked back at Allison, "Harold Jenkins. You know those lunatics in masks who attacked the house?"
"Oh yeah, I remember those guys," said Klaus scratching his head.
Diego scoffed and looked at the two, "Yeah, the ones that attacked us while you were getting drunk," he tried.
Eight lifted her finger, "Incorrect, we got drunk after I left, darling," she corrected looking at her brother with a smug smile.
"They were sent by the Temps Commission to stop us from coming back," Five continued ignoring Eight's words, "and preventing the end of life on earth."
Allison's face was screwed up in confusion, "The Temps what?"
Eight rolled her eyes this time, "Our former employer. They monitor all of time and space. To make sure that whatever is supposed to happen...happens. They believe the apocalypse is coming in three days," she tried explaining to the group.
"So we went to the Commission headquarters and intercepted a message that was meant for said lunatics, 'Protect Harold Jenkins', so he must be responsible for the apocalypse," Five finished explaining to his family that still were looking very much confused.
"What do you mean, protect time and space?"
"Where's this Hazel, Five?"
Questions were shouted at the two as Diego and Klaus backed off.
"My skin is on fire."
"Do you have any idea how insane this sounds?" Allison's voice called to the two.
Five continued to fidget, but this time he took a step to the side before Eight could touch him. The girl frowned and turned to Allison rather.
"You know what else is insane?" Eight started as she looked at her siblings a little crazy, "I look twenty years old, my husband looks like a sixteen-year-old boy, Klaus talks to the dead, and Luther thinks he's fooling everybody with that overcoat." she finished frustrated at everything.
Allison looked at the blonde and the boy, husband?
"Everything about us is insane. It always has been," she finished running her hand through her hair.
"Ellie's got a point," Klaus said, laying on the couch in pain.
"We didn't choose this life, we're just living in it. For the next three days, anyway." Five finished.
Klaus looked at the two, "Do you two rehearse these lines?" He asked quietly knowing he wasn't heard.
"But the last time we tried to stop it, we all died," Allison rebuttals, "Why isn't this time any different? Why shouldn't I go home to my daughter?"
"Because this time, we're here. We have the name of the man responsible," Five said, looking at his siblings, "Guys, we actually have the chance of saving the lives of billions of people. Including Claire."
Allison's head snapped up to the couple, "You know her name?"
Five swallowed thickly knowing what he was about to say would cause pain, "I do, and I'd like to live long enough to meet her. I lost my own once, and I won't let you go through the same."
The room fell in silence, all their eyes trailing to the blonde who was looking down at her feet. Rather than meeting anyone's eyes. James Hargreeves was a sensitive topic that she didn't like bringing up much. Knowing it would cause her more pain than good.
"All right, let's get this bastard," Allison's voice brought the room back together.
Diego's eyes were on the now saddened blonde, "You had me at Gerald Jenkins," he said.
Eight lifted her head and smiled, her eyes brimmed with tears, "Harold Jenkins," she corrected with a sad laugh.
Diego was glad to bring her some type of smile, "Whatever. I already lost two people this week, I'm not losing anyone else," he said looking at the two this time.
"Luther?" Five asked looking at him.
"Yeah, you go. I'm gonna stay and go through Dad's files," he replied looking around, "I still think this had something to do with why he sent me to the Moon."
Diego who was now standing by Eight scoffed, "Seriously? Now you wanna make the end of the world about you and dad?"
"No. 'Watch for threats.' That's what he told me. Do you think that's a coincidence? This all has to be connected somehow," Luther responded, looking at his brother.
Allison stepped closer to Luther, bringing her hand to his, "No, we should stick together," she said.
"We don't have time for this," Eight said now crossing her arms.
Diego nodded, "Let's roll. I know where we can find this asshole. Klaus, El you're with me," he said gripping Eight's upper arm.
"Yeah I'm good, I think I'll uh...I think I'll pass, I'm feeling a little under the weather so, uh..." He started and waddled past Eight, Diego, and Five.
The three rolled their eyes and began walking off Diego's direction, eventually leading to the car. Five and Eight were in the back seats, while Allison and Diego were in the front.
"I know this Jenkins dude has to have a record," Diego said as they were parked on the street, "We gotta get our hands on this file."
"And your plan is to what? Waltz in there and just ask for it?" Allison asked curiously as to how he planned on walking into a police station.
"I know the station like the back of my hand, sis," Diego said looking at his side mirror at the entrance, "I spent a lot of time inside."
"Handcuffed," Allison stated matter of factly.
"Whatever. Here's the plan," he began.
"Plan?" Five and Eight chorused confused.
"Either of us could just go in and get the file," Eight said knowing it would be the easiest way to get the job done.
"No, that's not...You don't know the ins and outs of this place okay?" Diego said to them as he turned his body back to them.
"I literally just did this yesterday," Five sighed.
"What?" Diego asked, confused.
"My yesterday, not your yesterday." Five clarified.
"It'll take me two seconds," Five offered, "Why don't I just go."
"Listen to me. You are not going in there. I made a call, that's what a leader does," Said Diego as he looked at them.
Eight rolled her eyes, lifting her hand and gave him a specific finger, "Suck my ass, Diego," she said.
Diego rolled his eyes and stepped out of the car.
Allison turned to look at her, "Eleanor, really? I thought you were more mature than this?"
Eight smiled at her dimple showing, "Subconsciously, dear sister," she replied.
"Look there's a payphone over there, and I'm going to make a call, don't get yourself into more trouble okay?" She said and watched as the two nodded, with that reassurance she stepped out of the car and walked to the payphone.
The couple was finally left alone, for the first time in a while.
"I'm sorry I brought up James, but I thought that way we could get them to agree," Five said fiddling with his hands.
"I know," Eight replied, reaching to grab one of his hands with hers, "It was unfortunate what happened with little James, but we could talk about him, it just makes me a little sad," she said with a small smile.
Five squeezed her hand, "Well, I'm sure wherever James is he's saying 'about time you talked about me.'"
Eight laughed, "That he would. I miss him," she finally whispered, turning to him.
"As parents, we'll miss him forever, love," Five replied.
"He was a smart kid," Eight sighed, remembering what she could of her lost son.
Apocalypse Time
It had been ten years since Five and Eight had reunited after their time apart. And just as they promised they never departed from each other's side again. Plus this time they had a reason to stay with each other. Their nine-year-old son, James Hargreeves. He had been a gift after the first night the couple had spent with each other. He looked a lot like his mother as Five likes to say, and is thankful for that. Five would say, that way Eight will grace the earth a second time but as a boy.
James was a brilliant little boy with extraordinary abilities. Like his mother, he was able to read and control minds and influence the things around him with his mind. And like his father, he was able to manipulate time. Despite having abilities, the small boy thought he was normal. At least that was his normal.
He grew up loved and cared for. Something the couple never got from their father. So they'd be damned if James got anything but love.
The small boy adapted to the environment they lived in, just like his parents had. Helping with finding any type of edible food, that could help them in the long run.
"Dad!" James' voice rang closer, as he ran to Five who was currently returning from a trip for food.
Five dropped the bag he carried as the blonde boy jumped into his arms, "Hey kiddo, what's up?"
James smiled brightly and brought his hand up showing his father a four-leaf clover charm, "I found it while mommy shot a deer!" the little boy exclaimed happily.
"Wow, isn't that very lucky?" Five said and continued to walk, with James in one hand, and the bag in the other.
"Yes! Mommy said that's what four-leafed clovers signify, luck!" He told his father with excitement as he had learned something new.
Five finally reached the small rundown home that they were currently staying at and pushed open the door that James had left open. As he entered the home, he could see on one end that a Pizza oven was on and cooking the deer that James had mentioned.
"Mommy! Dad's home!" James yelled jumping out of Five's arms and ran around the home to where Eight was most likely.
Not a moment later, James showed up with Eight being dragged by her arm, the woman smiled and walked over to Five.
"Good to have you back darling," She said leaning forward to catch his lips in a short kiss, "how was your trip?"
Five removed his jacket and placed it down on the semi dusty couch, "It was good, I found an abandoned cellar, with water and lots of wine."
Eight smiled at her dimple showing, "Lovely. Well, you made just in time as well, the deer is about to be done," she said leaning in to kiss him once more, and grabbing the bag by his feet.
Five watched as the wife walked off to a sturdy table and took out some of the bottles. He was thankful that she had decided to come back all those years ago, because, without her James, one of the best things to happen wouldn't be born. He had a feeling that if they didn't survive, James would find a way to out-live the two.
The older man sighed and sat on the couch, just as James came running back and jumped on the couch next to him. Receiving a groan from Five.
"Dad, do you ever miss your family?" James asked his eyes only on his father.
Five signed and wrapped an arm around the boy, "Of course, but you and Eight are my family too. And I know one day you are going to meet our dysfunctional family."
"Do you think they'll like me?" James asked shyly.
Five scoffed, "Like you? They would love you, kid. Plus if they don't, mommy will beat them up," he replied causing James to giggle.
"Mommy would, wouldn't she?" He said, continuing to giggle, "Because mommy and dad love me right?"
"We love you more than everything, darling," Came the voice of Eight now sitting on the other side of James, "Till the end of the line."
"Till the end of the line, mommy," James responded leaning into the embrace of his parents.
It wasn't always happy of course. For the longest time, it was, and nothing could ruin it. Not even the horrid reality they were living in. James was the sunshine of everything and more. He brought out a soft and warm side of Five Hargreeves, something he thought he never would be. He brought out the protective and loving side of Eight Hargreeves, something that would be cherished for as long as it showed.
There was a day that Eight Hargreeves had fallen asleep on the couch, and James had wandered out. Five was once again on a mission to find, well anything. And eventually, he returned and something was definitely wrong. He could feel the heat waves from a distance.
Eight.
The dark-haired man began running towards the home, each step getting him closer to the heat. Finally, he busts the door open, and just like many times before the air was humid and hot.
"Eight! Where are you, hun?" He yelled out walking into the home, his eyes darting everywhere, just to land on the couch where she was breathing harshly and sweating. Quickly he rushed to her side holding her face, slapping it lightly to try and wake her.
"Eight, darling, love, please wake up," He said desperately trying to calm her nerves, as he knew they could get worse.
Suddenly her eyes snapped open and she sat up with a gasp. Scrambling out of his grasp she darted out of the front door, ignoring the calls her husband gave. She continued running now tears streaming down her face, as she repeatedly yelled 'No!'.
Five followed after her, worried as to what was happening.
The blonde was crying so hard, she could hardly see, but she could feel it. She didn't want to believe it. Her nerves were out of control and Five could tell from the distance. Her skin was hot, her hair beginning to float and glow a hue of gold. Her abilities were spiraling.
"James!" her voice screeched, as she climbed a large mountain of rubble where she could feel his energy.
The boy was laying at the very point of it, he was breathing hard and shaking. His face contorted in pain and he cried silently.
Eight finally reached the top and found the boy, falling to her knees she pulled the boy closer to her. Their abilities were mixing spreading waves of hot energy. It's as if the fire was engulfing the two.
"What's wrong baby, why are you out here," Eight asked as tears continued to spring out of her eyes.
"Mommy it hurts," James cried as he looked up at his mother who was glowing brightly, her hair now floating above her head, "I'm not going to make it," he said as his body shook, clinging onto his mother harder.
"No, no, no, don't say that darling, you're strong just like mommy, and dad," Eight tried to reassure the boy.
James grabbed his mother's hand and put something in it, "Tell dad I love him okay?" He told her crying along with her, "I love you, mommy, I promise I'll be with you okay?"
Eight nodded, as her eyebrows were furrowed together, as she cried looking at her little boy, suffering as his powers had got the best of him.
"Stay with me, please," He said feeling his end come near, his eyes never learning his mother's glossy blue ones.
"Till the end of the line, love," She assured him, holding him closer to her as she cried, not wanting to let go.
Five knew it would be suicide if he got closer to the two, as the energy from their powers were growing stronger, creating harsh winds around them.
"Till the end of the line..." James whispered and gave his last breath, the light in his eyes left. Just as his body stopped glowing.
Eight sobbed and pulled James close to her chest, looking up to the sky she let out a pained scream. Her power let out an explosion around her, knocking many standing buildings and trees off the ground.
Five who were at the bottom knew what this meant. Something had happened and it wasn't good. Slowly he climbed to the top of the rumble and what he saw shattered his heart. The sight reminded him of a statue their father had told the Hargreeves siblings about. The Pietá, a statue made by Michaelangelo. It depicted the Virgin Mary, holding a dead Jesus Christ in her arms. And before him was his wife Eight Hargreeves, holding the body of his son James Hargreeves.
"Love?" Five said his voice soft as he reached the floor in front of her.
"He was too young," She said, her voice almost inaudible.
"I know darling, but it wasn't your fault, you tried stopping it," Five reassured her.
The blonde's eyes flicked to meet his, her hand reached his and dropped the familiar four-leafed clover charm, "He made sure to make me let you know that he loved you," she said, her voice cracking.
Five looked down at his palm as the small gold charm shined. He smiled sadly at it, knowing wherever the boy was he was looking after them now. Leaning forward he hugged both them tightly.
That day the light of their lives left the forsaken earth, leaving them almost nothing. But not absolutely nothing. Now they had each other, and they would look after one another for till the end of their days.
James Hargreeves was a brilliant boy with extraordinary abilities. He left this earth loved and cared for, and for that, he'll be forever thankful. Just like the charm, he was lucky. And his parents called themselves lucky to have had someone like him grace their lives.
Eight and Five were never the same afterward. Never wanting more children, not because they were afraid. But because James was all they needed, and even gone, that's how it'll stay.
Real-Time
"He was brilliant," Five quipped at his wife as she smiled back nodding.
Before any more could be said, Allison and Diego returned into the car. Allison opened the file and began looking through it.
"Holy shit," She gasped as her eyes grew wide.
Diego looked at her oddly, "What?"
Allison scoffed, "Harold Jenkins is Leanard Peabody," she said lifting the file and showing it to their siblings.
Diego immediately started the car and they drove off to the location of the house Allison said he lived in.
The four got out of the car and walked passed the yard.
"Be careful, okay?" Allison told the three, "We don't know what Peabody's capable of."
"Yeah, he didn't seem dangerous when I first saw him," Diego assured them, "Looked kind of scrawny."
"Yeah, well, so are most serial killers and mass murders. I mean look at them," Allison said pointing at her siblings.
"Thanks," the two chorused.
"Good point," Diego said, "So what's this guy want with Vanya?"
"I don't know, well maybe she's special," Eight said, not really thinking, as they all went up the steps.
"Vanya? Special?" Diego laughed.
Before Eight could step any closer, Diego pushed out and arm kept her from moving.
"Woah, Hey look, I'm gonna bust through—" He stopped as he noticed Allison wasn't behind them, "It would be great if they could just stick—" Before he could finish his sentence, Five had grabbed Eight's hand and teleported.
The three were inside and heard a crash through the front door. Diego was on the floor and the glass to the door was missing.
Eight walked up to the door and turned the handle, and laughed.
"The door was unlocked, dumbass," she told him.
Diego groaned and stood up, "Yeah well, my way works just fine," he rebutted, "Spread out, yell if you uh, you know, you're in trouble."
Five looked at his wife and shrugged, "Inspiring leadership."
"One of the greats," Allison added. And headed off upstairs.
Five and Eight were in the living room looking around when they heard Allison's voice from upstairs.
The three rushed up to the attic and were shocked to find The Umbrella Academy merchandise.
"All our faces are burnt off," Allison said as they looked at the action figures.
"Well, that's not creepy," Diego added, looking at the scratched posters, "This guy's got some serious issues."
Eight leaned in looking that all the smallest pictures were burnt off.
"Well, shit," Eight said picking up a photo of her face scratched off, "This was my favorite photoshoot."
The siblings rolled their eyes at her antics.
"This was never about Vanya," Allison said, holding one of the figurines.
Behind the blonde, Five began gasping, but silently that she didn't hear.
"This was about us," Allison finished.
That was until a loud thud sounded behind Eight. The blonde turned around to see Five on the floor.
Rushing to him she looked at his face, which looked paler than usual, "Love, what happened?" She asked as she looked for injuries, then noticed his hand was gripping his vest. Quickly she lifted it and noticed all the blood.
"Fuck, Five, why didn't you tell me?" She said leaning over his face smacking him.
"You have to keep going," He replied, gasping, "So...close." He then fell limp.
"Well fuck me, Diego grab him, and let's go," She hissed at him as they did what she said.
Quickly they were out of the house, and back in the car.
"Hold on—"
"Eleanor Hargreeves don't you—"
Diego spoke too late, as Eight had once again opened the portal under the car and transported them back home. The knifeman dry heaved but quickly helped Allison get Five.
"We should have taken him to the hospital," Allison advised the two.
"Ah yes, how would you explain a sixteen-year-old with a shrapnel wound?"
"The same way I can't explain the murder shrine in Jenkin's attic," Allison replied.
Diego and Allison put him down on the couch and looked around to see what they could do. That's when Diego looked up and noticed Grace walking around.
"Diego what?" Eight asked cluelessly as to where he was going.
"Mom?" He asked in the hall.
As soon as Eight heard those words she gasped, "Mom, you need to come help Five!" she exclaimed.
And so the woman did and got him patched up and changed into his pajamas.
Eight didn't leave his side as Grace finished patching him up, at the moment she didn't really care about what Allison or Diego were conversing. Rather she cared about her husband, the only light left in her life.
After Grace had left and she was left alone, the young woman smiled as she looked down at Five's sleeping figure.
Getting up she leaned down and pressed a light kiss on his lips, "There's that kiss you've been asking for. It's not like you're going to remember it," She said chuckling , moving his hair off his forehead.
She walked around the bed and looked at Delores who was perched on a chair.
"I guess this is good-bye huh?" The blonde asked looking over at the mannequin, "I thank you for keeping us sane for as long as you did, take care darling."
She didn't know why, but she knew that would be the last time looking over the familiar mannequin. Delores might not have been real in any sense, but she had kept the couple company for many years. Even seeing many things she shouldn't have, but she was there. The woman was a symbol that they would be okay. And now it was finally time to let her return to where she belonged. She'd done her job. Eight knew that they'd be far from human contact now. So she left the mannequin with sad and final smile.
With that Eight stepped away from the room and closed the door behind her. As she walked downstairs to one of the rooms she was waiting to enter. Her light steps echoed on the wooden floor.
Pushing the large doors open, she noticed many things scattered on the floor. Stepping inside, she turned around and closed the doors behind her.
"Hello, father dearest," She said to the air as she could faintly smell his scent lingering in the air.
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