AT 7 AM sharp, the Prosthetics Lab's doors clicked open, the morning light just beginning to seep into the quiet streets. Five sat in the driver's seat, the silence in the car heavy, broken only by the soft, steady breathing of the girl slumped beside him. He cast a sidelong glance at her, taking in the way her hair fell messily over her pretty face, how her brow furrowed even in sleep.  She was supposed to be his enemy, yet here she was, passed out in his car, tangled up in a mess neither of them fully understood.

The sound of footsteps caught his attention. A doctor, bleary-eyed and clutching a coffee cup, was just slipping into the lab. Five knew this was his moment. Moving carefully, he eased the car door open, wincing at the creak of the hinges, hoping not to wake up the shitshow next to him. But before he could make a clean exit, a groggy voice cut through the quiet.

"Jeeesus, my head!" Katerina groaned, her voice thick with the remnants of sleep and alcohol. She blinked, her surroundings slowly coming into focus. Her eyes widened in sudden realization as they landed on Five- Five Hargreeves, her target, his hand frozen on the half-open car door. Panic flared in her chest as the events of the previous night came rushing back. Desperately, she started patting down her pockets, searching for her gun.

"Yeah, don't bother trying," Five said, his tone dry as he turned to face her, unimpressed. "Already took it."

Katerina glared at him, her panic morphing into annoyance. "You know, most people would just wake someone up if they wanted to chat."

Five shot her a look, clearly unamused. "And I'm not 'most people.' Do you even remember anything from last night, or did all that tequila burn through what little brain cells you had left?"

Katerina winced, the pieces of the previous night starting to fall into place. "You said... you saw me dead? In some kind of apocalypse?"

Five nodded, his expression serious. "Bingo. At least you managed to hold onto that much. It wasn't pretty, by the way."

She frowned, the weight of his words pressing down on her. "And you're sure it was me?"

"Positive." He didn't elaborate, but the way he looked at her—made her believe him.

They stared at each other for a long moment, a silent understanding passing between them, though neither would ever admit it aloud.

Finally, Five broke the silence, his impatience creeping back into his voice. "So, are you coming or not? Because I've got things to do, and babysitting isn't one of them."

Katerina hesitated, the logical part of her screaming to walk away, but her powers- well her powers told her something entirely different. "Yeah, I'm coming. But don't think this makes us buddies or anything."

Five's lips curled into a faint smirk as he pushed the door open wider. "Trust me, that's the last thing on my mind."

Katerina rolled her eyes, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this was exactly where she needed to be—even if it meant diving headfirst into whatever the hell was coming. As they stepped out of the car, her resolve hardened. She wasn't just following him; she was on a mission to get the answers she needed.

They walked toward the lab, the early morning air crisp around them. Five paused for a moment, looking over his shoulder. "You know, for someone who was supposed to kill me, you're pretty damn persistent."

Katerina raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Well, you're not dead yet, are you?"

Five shook his head, a rare hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Lucky me."

As they reached the entrance, Katerina's steps faltered, exhaustion and the remnants of alcohol catching up with her.

"Don't pass out on me now," Five muttered, his voice laced annoyance.

Katerina blinked groggily, fighting through the haze of her hangover. She glanced at her arms, the harsh reality of her powers catching up with her. The veins in her arms, darkened from her last job, stood out starkly against her skin. Each darkening line was a grim reminder of the suffering she absorbed—an unintended consequence of her "gift." She was a skilled assassin, effective in her role, but she had a wretched habit of getting too close to her targets, taking their pain directly to ease their suffering. It left her with visible scars, both internal and external, and the hangover only exacerbated the feeling of her curse tightening around her.

"I'm not going to pass out," she said with a strained determination, pulling her sleeves down over her hands to hide the darkened veins. Her voice was steadier than she felt, masking the fatigue that threatened to overtake her.

Five glanced at her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He didn't see the dark veins or understand the weight of her curse; all he saw was a girl who looked far more troubled than someone suffering from a simple hangover. Her face was tight with a seriousness that spoke of deeper issues.

"Let's, uh, get going, Katerina," Five said, placing a particular emphasis on the "r," as if to assert some control over the situation.

With a nod, Katerina followed him, pushing through the doors of the lab. The cool air inside felt like a reprieve from the chaos of the night, though her mind was still plagued by unanswered questions and the lingering ache from her powers. As they walked into the building, she tried to steady herself, focusing on the task at hand rather than the turmoil within.
 
                                        •••

As the elevator dinged open, Five and Katerina stepped into the lobby of the prosthetics lab. The stark, sterile light overhead cast a harsh glow on the polished floors, making the space feel both clinical and cold. Katerina, trailing slightly behind, watched as Five surveyed the area with an analytical eye. The lobby was empty except for a receptionist stationed behind a desk and a few chairs lined up along the walls.

Suddenly, a doctor emerged from a hallway to the left, his lab coat rustling with each step. His eyes widened at the sight of the two teenagers standing in the lobby, a look of confusion crossing his face.

"Uh, can I help you?" he asked, clearly bewildered.

Without missing a beat, Five turned around, holding up a small, glass eye that caught the light and glimmered ominously. "I need to know who this belongs to," he said, his tone steady and calm.

The doctor's brows furrowed. "Where did you get that?"

"Why do you care?" Five shot back, his gaze unyielding.

Katerina, a few feet away, observed the exchange with a mix of apprehension and intrigue. Her role had shifted dramatically.  She was now helping the enemy. But why? Why did her powers have to lead her down such a dangerous path? The Commission will most likely kill her on sight if she doesn't exterminate Five next chance she gets. The fear of their wrath loomed large, but the current situation was out of her control.

The doctor eyed Five with increasing skepticism. "I... I found it... at a playground actually," Five said, his forced smile barely masking his irritation. "Must have just..." He clicked his tongue. "Popped out," he finished, the lie hanging awkwardly in the air.

The doctor gave a dismissive grunt and pressed his lips into a tight smile. Katerina, meanwhile, was already crafting a potential escape plan. If she could slip away now, she might find a chance to strike when Five was least expecting it.

"I want to return it to its rightful owner," Five insisted, pressing the issue.

"Oh, what a thoughtful young man... and... girl," the receptionist drawled, her gaze lingering with a hint of judgment on Katerina, who leaned against the wall, looking like a wreck.

"Yeah, look up the name for me, will ya?" Five pressed.

The doctor's smile tightened. "Uh, I'm sorry, but patient records are strictly confidential. That means I can't tell you—"

"Yeah, I know what it means," Five interrupted, his patience wearing thin.

"But I'll tell you what I can do," the doctor continued, determined to offer a solution. "I will take the eye off your hands and return it to the owner. I'm sure he or she will be very grateful, so if I can—"

Once again, Five cut him off. "Yeah, you're not touching this eye."

"Now you listen here, young man—" the doctor began, only to be cut short as Five swiftly grabbed his collar, pulling him closer.

"No! You listen to me, asshole," Five snarled, his face inches from the doctor's. "I've come a long way for this, through some shit your pea brain couldn't even comprehend. So just give me the information I need, and I'll be on my merry way. And if you call me 'young man' one more time, I'm going to put your head through that damn wall."

Katerina, stunned by Five's outburst, began to edge toward the elevator. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for the button, pressing it with a soft ping.

"Oh dear," the receptionist muttered, her voice tinged with worry.

Five released the doctor and spun around just in time to see Katerina stepping into the elevator, the doors sliding closed. Without hesitation, he blinked and placed his foot in the gap, forcing the doors open again. "And where do you think you're going?" he demanded, his irritation evident.

"I was, uh... hungry," Katerina stammered, scrambling for a plausible excuse.

Five's eyes narrowed as he regarded her. "If you're planning to run back to the Commission and try to kill me, let me make this clear: I will eradicate you without a second thought."

Katerina's hands shook slightly, but her voice was defiant. "Yeah? And if I don't?"

"Then you'll be just another loose end I have to deal with," Five retorted sharply. "So, what's it going to be? Are you going to stick around or make a run for it?"

Katerina met his gaze, her resolve faltering but not entirely giving in. "I'm still trying to figure out if you're worth the trouble."

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Five's lips curled into a tight, forced smile as he gestured toward the exit. "Ladies first," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Katerina stormed ahead, her anger propelling her faster than before. The cool morning air cut through the haze of her fury, and she could feel Five trailing behind, his footsteps a reminder of his uninvited presence. Who does this little prick think he is? As she reached the car, she spun around to face him, her eyes flashing with frustration.

She fumbled through her pockets, her hands shaking slightly, until she finally found her cigarettes. With a quick, practiced motion, she pulled out a lighter from her pocket and flicked it to life. The small flame danced as she lit a cigarette, the tip glowing as she drew a long, slow puff. The smoke curled lazily from her lips before she blew it directly into Five's face.

Five winced, his expression souring as he closed the distance between them. "Nice trick. Real charming habit you've got there."

Katerina raised an eyebrow and flicked the ash from her cigarette. "Oh, please. I didn't realize knee socks had a problem with my choices."

Five glanced down at his socks, momentarily puzzled. "What's wrong with my socks?" he muttered, trying to make sense of her jibe.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Nothing, just looks like you're playing dress up."

Ignoring her snide remark, Five opened the driver's door and slid into the seat. "I don't have time for this," he said, his tone blunt as he settled behind the wheel.

Katerina took another drag from her cigarette, holding it between her fingers. "Just a couple more puffs, Five. Don't get your knickers in a twist."

Five gave her a disapproving look but relented. "Fine, whatever," he said with an air of resignation. He waited as she finished, his patience wearing thin.

Once Katerina had extinguished her cigarette and climbed into the passenger seat, Five revved the engine and sped off. The car roared to life, cutting through the early morning quiet as they drove through the city streets.

Katerina turned to him, a smirk playing on her lips. "So, what's the big plan? Where are we headed?"

Five's eyes narrowed as he focused on the road. "We're going to the Academy. I need to devise a plan."

Katerina tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Oh, do tell. What's the grand scheme?"

Five shot her a sharp look. "Not that it's any of your business, but it's a matter of tactical importance."

Katerina huffed, leaning back in her seat. "Right, tactical importance. And here I was thinking you were just another over-caffeinated time-traveler."

Five ignored her jibe and turned the conversation. "Are you still planning on completing your assignment, or has that little incident with the Commission made you rethink your priorities?"

Katerina's gaze hardened as she regarded him. "Oh, I'm still on it. If the world's ending, I might as well get out of this hellhole before it goes up in flames."

Five chuckled darkly. "Good to know your sense of self-preservation is still intact."

Katerina's lips curved into a dry smile. "Well, if the apocalypse is coming, I'd prefer not to stick around for the grand finale."

They rode in silence for a few moments, the weight of their shared predicament hanging in the air. Five's thoughts churned as he navigated the city streets, while Katerina stared out the window.

•••

As they pulled up to the imposing structure of the Umbrella Academy, Five parked the car and stepped out. The mansion loomed ahead, a grand relic of a bygone era. Its Gothic architecture, with its ornate stonework and towering spires, cast long shadows across the manicured grounds. Ivy crawled up the walls like dark veins, and gargoyles perched on the eaves, their stone faces frozen in grimaces. The grandeur of the place was undeniable, yet it bore the weight of a hundred untold secrets.

Five opened the car door for Katerina, a surprising gesture of courtesy that made her raise an eyebrow. As she stepped out, she looked up at the mansion with a mix of awe and skepticism. The heavy wooden door creaked open, revealing a grand foyer bathed in muted golden light. Intricate tapestries hung on the walls, depicting scenes of long-forgotten battles, while a massive chandelier glittered overhead, its crystals casting fragmented rainbows across the marble floor.

"Well, enough eyeing my childhood home, let's get going," Five said, his tone a mixture of impatience and exasperation.

Katerina followed him into the living room, where her gaze fell upon a curious sight. Sprawled across an oversized leather couch was Klaus Hargreeves, clad in nothing but a pair of underwear and an extravagant fur coat draped over him like a makeshift blanket. His hair was a wild tangle of curls, and he looked as if he had just rolled out of a decadent dream, his eyes barely open and a languid expression on his face.

From Katerina's perspective, Klaus was a surreal, almost comical figure—a wild-eyed, disheveled mess of fur and flesh. The fur coat was a glaring contrast to the stark simplicity of his underwear, giving him an air of both absurdity and untamed glamour. He looked like a character plucked from an eccentric novel, his limbs splayed in a way that made the couch seem more like a personal throne.

"Klaus! The early bird catches the worm! Wake up!" Five called out, his tone cheerful as if he were rousing a sleepy pet.

Klaus groaned and squinted at Five, clearly annoyed. "Five, why do you have to be such a little shit?" he grumbled, his voice thick with sleep and irritation.

Five shrugged, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Because, Klaus, the world is ending." He gestured dramatically with his hands, making a 'poof' motion with his fingers.

Klaus's gaze shifted to Katerina, who was now standing by the couch, taking in the scene with a mix of bemusement and mild horror. His eyes widened as he took in her presence, and a mischievous smile spread across his face.

"So, Five," Klaus said, leaning up on one elbow, "where'd you find such a pretty girlfriend? Is this some sort of new recruit?"

Katerina and Five responded simultaneously, both rolling their eyes. "Not even close," Five snapped.

Katerina scoffed. "Yeah, not my type at all."

Five turned on his heel and headed toward the kitchen. "Kat, fancy a coffee?"

Katerina scrunched her nose at the nickname, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Only if it's not poisoned," she replied.

Five's face remained impassive as he handed her a steaming mug of black coffee. "Haha, very funny."

As Five poured himself a cup, Klaus shuffled over to him, his interest piqued. "So, what's the deal? What do you need me for?"

Five set down the coffee pot with a sigh. "I need you to pretend to be my dad. We need information, and you're the best at blending in."

Klaus raised an eyebrow, his expression one of playful curiosity. "Pretend to be your dad? Should I get a 'World's Best Dad' mug or something?"

"No, Klaus," Five said, his patience wearing thin. "Just act like a concerned parent."

Katerina, who had been sipping her coffee, chuckled at Klaus's antics. "This should be entertaining."

Klaus grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. "Alright, alright. But if we're pretending, can I at least get a say in the script?"

Five shot him a frustrated look. "Just be serious for once, okay?"

"Fine, fine," Klaus said, waving his hand dismissively. "But don't expect me to be all 'stern father' without some drama."

After a few more back-and-forth exchanges, Five finally sighed in exasperation. "Go put on something nice, Klaus."

Klaus sauntered off, a cheeky grin on his face. Five then turned to Katerina. "Come on."

They climbed the grand staircase in silence, the old wood creaking beneath their steps. Katerina looked around the corridor with a critical eye, noting the faded wallpaper and the dusty air that clung to the place like a forgotten memory.

When they reached Five's room, Katerina stepped inside and surveyed the space. The room was a mix of vintage charm and disarray—a large four-poster bed draped with heavy curtains, a desk cluttered with papers, and shelves lined with books and odd trinkets.

"You know," Katerina said, "I could use a shower before we head out again. I should find a hotel."

Five, unfazed by her suggestion, replied, "Oh wow, the Commission didn't even bother getting you a hotel. Must be one of their most prized assassins."

She shoots him a dry look, but he doesn't meet her eyes.

" You can stay here for now. The bathroom's down the hall on the left."

Katerina gave him a curious look. "Alright, but I'm not staying if this place turns into a mess."

Five watched as she walked towards the door, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he turned back to his own thoughts. The old mansion seemed to swallow her presence, leaving Five with the uneasy feeling that the past—and its many shadows—had just stepped back into his life.

•••

Katerina slipped into the bathroom, her fingers trembling as she locked the door behind her with a faint click. She faced the mirror, and the sight that greeted her was almost alien. Her reflection bore the marks of a night's tumult—hair a wild, tangled mess that framed her face like an afterthought, mascara streaked beneath her eyes, giving her a look of haunted fatigue. Her shirt fell away, revealing a torso covered in a tapestry of bruises, each one a testament to the ferocity of her last encounter. She hesitated before touching a particularly angry bruise, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through her.

Her gaze fell to her arms, where dark veins, the remnants of her powers, were slowly receding. Relief washed over her. Thank god, she thought. The less anyone knows about this, the better.

She stepped into the shower, the roar of the hot water enveloping her like a scalding embrace. The heat pelted her cuts and bruises, each sting a reminder of the violence she'd endured, but she welcomed it. The warmth was a luxury, a small comfort amid the chaos. Her eyes shut against the steam, and her mind wandered. Thoughts of the Commission and of Five flitted through her consciousness, but soon her thoughts turned to someone else entirely—Darius. She often wondered how her brother was faring, how he was coping with the mess that his life had become.

When she finally emerged from the shower, she realized with a sinking feeling that her clothes were still in her car, likely towed after her hurried departure from the bar. Wrapped in a towel that barely covered her, she took another towel to dry her hair and prepared to call out to Five for some clothes. But as she stepped out of the bathroom, she noticed a room across the hall, its soft pink décor hinting at a feminine touch. It had to be Five's sister's room.

Inside, she found a neatly folded white v-neck t-shirt and a pair of comfortable sweatpants. The fabric was soft and welcoming against her skin as she dressed quickly.

As she walked back towards Five's room, the murmur of a woman's voice calling his name reached her ears. She approached the door. "I borrowed some of your sister's clothes, hope she doesn't mi-"

Only to freeze as she saw the scene inside. Still drying her damp hair with the towel, she hesitated in the doorway. Five was engaged in conversation with a small-framed woman whose presence seemed as out of place as Katerina's own. The woman's eyes widened in surprise at Katerina's unexpected entrance, her curiosity evident as Five's gaze flicked from his sister to Katerina.

Five seemed to shortly snap back into the conversation he was having with the woman.

"Maybe you were right to be dismissive." He says calmly, the calm demeanor seeming to rapidly leave him. Scoffing, he continues "Maybe it wasn't real after all. It felt real. Well.... like you said, the old man did say time travel could contaminate the mind."

Katerina shoots him a baffled look, wondering why he was lying to her. She could sense the woman cared about him.

"Then maybe I'm not the right person for you to be talking to" she pauses for a second opening her mouth, as if thinking if she should pronounce the next phrase or not. "Look I used to see someone, a therapist. I could give you her information."

Fives looks the other way, his lips pressing into a tight line. He turns his head and cuts the woman off. "Thanks, but.... I think I'm just gonna get some rest. It's been a long time since I've had a good sleep."

"Okay" she says, sighing while seemingly accepting the situation. She whips around and her eyes meet with Katerina's. She stops and opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out.

"Oh, right, sorry" says Katerina, awkwardly chuckling while moving to the side to let the woman pass. Her gaze shifts to a hundred yard stare, walking past her as if she did not exist.

After the woman left, Five strode to the door, his focus unwavering from the task at hand. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he, too, barely acknowledged Katerina's presence. But just as he reached the threshold, a clattering noise erupted from the closet, causing him to halt abruptly.

The closet door flung open, and Klaus stumbled out in an outfit so horrid it seemed designed to repel all fashion sensibilities. Katerina raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. At least he's being himself, she thought, her amusement barely concealed.

"That's so..." Klaus gasped, struggling to right himself. "Touching, all that stuff about family and dad and time. Wow!" He shuffled towards the window with a gait reminiscent of a sleepwalker.

Five's face twisted with frustration, his brow furrowing deeply as he shot Klaus a scowl. "Would you shut up? She'll hear you!"

"She'll hear you too if you don't quit stomping around like a monkey without bananas!" Katerina retorted, grabbing at Five's arm. Five glanced back, locked eyes with her for a second, the shrugged off her touch with a dismissive shake of his head.

"I'm moist," Klaus declared, his tone a mix of confusion and irritation.

Five eyed Klaus's attire with a critical gaze. "Thought I told you to put on something professional."

Klaus blinked, his confusion palpable. "What? This is my nicest outfit."

"Maybe change the pants, Klaus. They are a bit, uh, how shall I say this... whore-y?" Katerina suggested, her tone laced with a blend of sarcasm and amusement.

Klaus's mouth hung slightly open at the comment, but before he could respond with something equally absurd, Five sighed deeply, his exasperation clear. "Whatever, we'll raid the old man's closet," he said, gesturing toward the door.

"As long as I get paid."

"When the job is done," Five added, tapping his wrist as if checking a nonexistent watch. "Come on, Kat. Time is running out!"

Katerina groaned but complied, her steps reluctant. "Okay, but just so we're clear on the finer details," Klaus began, trying to regain his composure, "I just gotta go into this place and pretend to be your dear old dad, correct?"

"Yeah, something like that," Five replied.

As their conversation devolved into another round of bickering, Katerina found herself studying Five more closely than before. His face, usually hardened by years of conflict and responsibility, now held a blend of irritation and determination. His sharp features and piercing eyes had an edge of vulnerability that intrigued her. For a moment, she admired the strong lines of his jaw and the intensity in his gaze, a fleeting attraction surfacing in her thoughts.

Suddenly, she snapped out of her reverie. "What a disturbing glimpse into that thing you call a brain," Five finished, noticing her lingering stare. His eyes narrowed, an unspoken question in their depths.

"Why are you staring?" Five asked, his voice tinged with annoyance and curiosity.

Katerina bristled, her defensive posture evident. "I'm not staring. I was just—"

"Clearly, you're very interested in something," Five interrupted.

"I wasn't—" Katerina began, but Klaus, unable to contain his amusement any longer, burst into laughter.

"Hey, Kat," Klaus managed between fits of laughter, "if you ever need a good laugh, just look at Five's face when he's trying to be serious. It's like watching a cat trying to read a dictionary."

The absurdity of Klaus's comment struck Katerina like a bolt of lightning, and she couldn't help but erupt into laughter. The tension dissolved into shared amusement as Five rolled his eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips despite himself.