❝You can count on me like one two three
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like four three two
You'll be there...❞
— "Count on Me" by Bruno Mars
"From the very beginning— from the first moment, I may almost say— of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." Vanya mumbled to herself as she became incredibly absorbed into the classic masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice. Her eyes scanned every single word, taking in each of them as they helped build this iconic scene in her mind.
A faint gasp escaped her precious lips as she hurriedly turned the page, desperate to know Mr. Darcy's reaction. She continued on her little reading adventure as she walked around the manor while her siblings trained for the third time that day. Maybe Five was right…she's indeed lucky in the aspect of having a little bit more freedom. It's because of her not having abilities and deemed, "ordinary", by her dear old dad that she'd been able to catch up on some reading. She didn't have her music lessons until after dinner, so she had some spare time to pick up a book and read it from cover to cover.
Being exposed to the numerous of books in the library helped Vanya distract herself from her reality. It distracted her from the poor treatment she received from both her father and siblings, with the exception of Five of course. It helped her cope with just being ordinary while her siblings were special. Most importantly…it made her happy…
It made her realize that she did have an ideal type when it comes to a romantic partner. It helped her think of what would be an ideal first date for her. Did she wanted to be at a beach? Or perhaps at the local café in Paris, France?
There were so many routes she could take, and it's all because of her books.
Slowly, her small smile grew wider. Vanya turned a page after page as she neared the end. She could feel some tears pool in the brim of her eyes as she came across the scene where Mr. Darcy's aunt practically insults and threatens Elizabeth Bennet. She could feel her feelings boil as she read the line,
"You insolent little girl…"
That line had hit home for Vanya Hargreeves. Being look down upon because of Elizabeth's social status – well in Vanya's case – her lack of ability, didn't sit well with Vanya. But, at the same time, it's refreshing to read about a character that she could relate to. Her and Elizabeth Bennet were the same…
Stopping in her tracks, Vanya poured all of her focus into the last few sentences before closing the book. Her fingers traced the book's binding, loving how the material felt against her skin. She then hugged the book to her chest and looked up. Her gaze looked at every direction as her mind tried to decipher where she had wounded up at.
"Great…" She mumbled as she could already hear Five lecturing her on the dangers of reading and walking, especially if she had been reading outside the manor. Oh boy…he'd lose his shit if he found out Vanya ended up in the dangerous part of the city without him by her side.
Honestly…that boy was too protective for his own good…
Confusion dawned on her face as Vanya concluded that she ended up in a different part of the minor. An area that she was forbidden from stepping foot inside.
Uh-oh…
Vanya winced. Terror burned in her eyes as she could already feel her father's harsh words. Her heart tightened at the mere thought of being forbidden from reading books because of this.
She had already lost Five to his constant training, missions, and figuring out how to time-travel. She'd be damned if she lost another source of happiness because of one tiny mistake.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Vanya did a few breathing exercises. Her panicking would not help her escape without her father knowing. If she were to leave undetected, she'd need a calm, level-minded head.
With the last exhale, this look of determination washed over her face. Vanya glanced around; her eyes noted a familiar pathway.
"Okay…guess that's were I should start then…" She uttered as she headed over towards that direction.
Vanya walked by a few doors. Some were opened and some were left with a just crack. A crack big enough for Vanya to peek through if her curiosity had gotten the best of her.
Unfortunately…it did…
As she walked by a room, she overheard some chatter. Her brain instantly registered the voices as it belonged to her siblings. Yet her mind didn't register Five's condescending or snarky tone of voice.
Odd. He should still be training until at least 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Interesting.
A quizzical expression graced her face as she took a steps back and softly walked up to the door. She hovered her ear close and listened to her siblings conversation.
They talked about how unfair their dad's being. Vanya chuckled softly at that statement, especially when Diego complained about his arm on the verge of falling out of its socket. Of course, Luther made a snippy comment; thus, initiating a small civil war between them. However, it resolved quickly as Vanya heard Allison say something about Five. Why did Allison bring Five into the conversation? He's not there, so why bother bringing him into a pointless argument?
"Come on guys…the more you two focus on spatting with each other, Five is already earning dad's favor with his increase in spatial jumping." Vanya heard Allison say. The violinist even detected a hint of distaste? No. Jealousy. Vanya noted hints of jealousy in Allison's voice. Why would she be jealous of Five? Weren't they all on the same team at the end of the day?
This was all too much for Vanya, however, just as she stood up straight, stretching out her aching muscles. She could've sworn that her neck started to stiff up as well. Great. Nothing more annoying than a stiffed up neck.
Just as she pivoted on her heels, she heard Luther pipe up. She swiftly hovered her ear over the door yet again, not wanting to miss any words. Though, she'd soon wished she had. Her blood boiled moments later…
"Please…" He scoffed, "The moment I lose dad's favor to that time-traveling obsessed freak is when Klaus willingly shares his weed with us." He quipped. His snarky remark caused everyone else to laugh as they agreed with Luther's statement.
"Seriously! Why is he so fucking keen on time-traveling? Like, he's such a damn overachiever!" Diego added, grinning from ear-to-ear.
"Five is not an overachiever!" She desperately wanted to scream at them. Her jaw tightened. Her eyes burned with anger. This sense of protectiveness controlled her body the more her siblings talked shit about Five behind his back. That's honestly not fair as he's not there to snap back as he'd normally do. Just one sentence would silence their siblings for the rest of the week.
What a cowardly move…
And she no longer wanted to hear any more of their cruel words…
But she wouldn't forget either…She definitely had to have some words with them.
It's okay if they ridiculed her, but the moment they targeted Five, that was not okay with her.
Composing herself, Vanya managed to successfully pull away from the door. She gripped the book tighter against her chest and swiftly dashed out of the forbidden area. All while she thought of what she should say to them. What would be a good combination of words and phrase should she go for to get them to at least listen?
She didn't have powers.
She didn't have any other talents except the violin.
She was already a target of theirs.
Okay…this would be a bit more difficult than she had originally thought…
At least one thing was for sure…
She was to not go to Five for advice nor be anywhere near him when this little showdown goes down.
"You hear me, conscience! We cannot go to Five!" She declared firmly in her mind as she neared her bedroom. She quickly stepped inside and closed it behind her. Though, she had an inkling that it would alarm Five as she almost never shuts it before and after dinnertime. Five would usually do that if he absolutely wanted alone time with her—which was most of the time.
Vanya carelessly tossed the book on her desk, hearing a loud thud as it landed on the wooden material.
She shuffled towards her bed and then flopped on it. Her eyes trailed up towards the ceiling. Her lips thinned as a weird groan escaped her lips. The poor girl thought about every possible word…sentence…speech…
And…nothing. Nada. Zilch. Her brain felt like mush as she pushed it into overdrive.
Little by little, Vanya began to feel defeated as there's no possible way she could phrase her demands that wouldn't result in her crying on Five's shoulder and then trying to talk him out of murdering their siblings.
"Come on Vanya…Remember what Five told you…" She whispered as her eyes closed shut, allowing her mind to drift off to the day where she had found her inner voice. This endless surge of bravery that flowed throughout her veins. How she held her head nice and high from that day onward. Her smile, always genuine, brightened every single room she walked into.
"The key to being confident is simple. The only thing you have to do is return their strong gaze with one that is just as strong and maintain eye contact. If they try to intimidate you, then you do it back to them times ten. Never back down, Vanya. You're an incredibly strong young lady. Believe in yourself." Five's words echoed throughout her mind. She could even feel his loving gaze on her face as he talked to her and gave her that much needed strength.
He didn't know it yet but it's because of him that she was able to simply ignore her siblings taunts. Well. When they're heard from afar. Face-to-face? She needed some practice. But alas, she didn't have time.
This needed to be said immediately or else she'd never find the courage again.
Sitting up from her bed, Vanya smoothed out her hair. Her eyes flickered towards her clock, reading the time. She had only an hour before dinnertime, so she made the executive decision to wait until after dinner before confronting them.
Now, her new problem would be how's she going to get around Five. Hanging out in the music room after dinner had become part of his nightly ritual. If he didn't spend a few hours with Vanya before bed, then either A) he'd become restless, resulting in an extremely grumpy Five the next day or B) he'd sneak in her room once everyone was asleep and then cuddle up next to her and sleep in her bed. The second option was a giant risk of being caught, especially since they had slept in the same bed twice already. The first option was more appealing, but that meant Five instantly attacking back if Luther or Diego made a snarky ass comment towards him. Shit. Never mind. She'd rather have him well-rested and picking his battles than attacking everyone and anyone that looks at him wrongly.
Ah….
This made her brain throb against her skull…
Then, a knock echoed throughout the four walls of her bedroom.
"Vanya?" A voice called out as the person wondered why her door was closed.
Fuck.
Five.
Surprisingly, the last person she wanted to see right now.
Now, her head ached even more.
Couldn't she catch a break?
The answer?
No. She couldn't…
The knocks became frantic. It almost evolved into pounding. The unsure Vanya continued to stare at the door, hoping that Five would get the hint and maybe go somewhere else, but she knew better.
Instead, the confusion that painted her face dissolved. She faked a smile and casually leaned against her desk chair, hoping that he'd believe her little façade.
Oh, who was she kidding? She wouldn't even believe the little stunt she pulled right now. If anything, it made her look awkward and warrant some questioning.
Hanging her head low, she shouted a quick, "come in", and mentally counted down from ten.
The moment she reached five, how fitting to be quite frank, Five appeared right in the middle her room, unbothered to physically open the door and walk inside like a normal person.
That boy…
"Hiya, Five!" She greeted cheerfully, "Okay. Tone it down, Vanya." She silently berated herself, maintaining her sweet smile. The same smile that made Five's heart flutter.
Five raised his brow; his eyes scanning Vanya, noting how odd her posture looked. He specifically noted how abnormal her smile was. He observed his violin princess long enough to know the difference in her smiles.
He knew when she faked it, and he knew when it was genuine.
But the one he saw right now? Yeah. That's different.
Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he casually walked up to Vanya; his eyes bored right into her.
Slowly, she started to feel the intense amount of pressure just from his gaze alone. However, she couldn't crack now. She needed to come up with a believable excuse, so she could tackle this task alone.
She needed to do this…
For Five…
It's her turn to do the protecting. He's always the one sticking out his neck for her while she cried on his shoulder. Yeah. That's gotta stop. She's no longer this damsel in distress. She's her own savior. Her own protector.
Specifically…
She was Five's protector…
"So, are you going to tell me why your door was closed?" asked Five, having closed the gap between them. He reached out and ran his fingers through her hair, displaying a smile of content.
Vanya, however, was the complete opposite. Her eyes grew big. Her fake smile dropped. Her bottom lip practically disappeared as she puffed out her cheeks.
Great. She was terrible at lying. Emotionless acting she could do as it's quite easy to empty out your emotions and put on a blank expression.
Coming up with a believable lie was different. Why? Well, it was because she had to figure out a great alibi, then maybe rope in Ben and Klaus as those two tolerated her the most, so they'd be willing to help her out. Of course, she had to get Klaus more weed and for Ben, she had to either play her violin until he knocked out or share her sleeping pills since the pills her dad gave her messed up with her sleeping schedule. It was one giant mission just for one lie that would last only a few hours because Five wasn't stupid.
He just had to be a genius…
Vanya opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She closed her mouth again and gnawed on her bottom lip. She forced her brain to come up with something—anything!
Then, it finally did. However, Vanya would soon wish that she waited for the next plausible lie…
"I was discovering my body." She lied, fighting the urge to make a face.
Five's eyes instantly went big. Did he hear her right? She…was…discovering…her…body…?
Discovering…her…body…
Then, realization dawned on him. His face reddened as certain images entered his mind.
Oh…my…God…
Vanya had been masturbating…and he interrupted it?!
Five's gaze trailed downward, landing on her skirt. His brows perked up. His mouth slightly opened. His tongue slowly swept over his bottom, wetting them. Damn….
He got his wish…he wanted to be like every other hormonal thirteen-year-old…
"Uh…so…um… how was it?" He shyly asked, avoiding her face suddenly.
Vanya tilted her head, "It was…good?" She replied in a questioning tone of voice. Then, her brain finally registered that this was her way out. That was the much needed lie she needed to get him to leave her alone just at least an hour after dinner.
Clearing her throat, she stood up straight. She plastered on the most innocent smile and said,
"Yeah. It was good, and I kind of would like to do it again after dinner, but if you want to hang out, I can always wait until everyone else is asleep."
"NO! I mean…you don't have to do that for me, Vanya. If you want alone time, you can always tell me. Just…um…come find me afterwards?"
"Okay, Five."
"Good. Now, let's go to dinner. I heard that mom made your favorite meal tonight."
Now, sitting at the dinner table, Vanya subtly took glances at the clock. Her fingers shook from anticipation as she watched the seconds go by.
She could feel her heart practically pounding against her chest, desperate to be freed from it cage. Her breathing slowly became uneven as she saw her siblings slowly excuse themselves one by one, leaving only her and Five. Vanya watched their retreating bodies, keeping an eye on where they were going to linger around until it was time for bed.
Okay, Luther and the rest of the siblings were headed towards the family room.
It's go time.
Vanya quickly finished her remaining bites before swiftly excusing herself from the dinner table. Reginald, being ever so loving, easily dismissed her without looking up from his dinner plate.
The nervous girl mumbled a quick, "thank you", before dashing towards the family room.
Five, put down his fork, as he watched Vanya dash off after their siblings. A look of utter confusion mixed with curiosity graced his face. He found it a tad odd that his beloved would actually go out of her way to find Luther and his followers.
Something's not right…
Not wanting to waste another minute, Five hurriedly ate the rest of his meal and then asked to be excused. Reginald gave him the okay, with little to no attitude from him. Unlike how he spoke to Vanya.
"Prick…" He annoyingly thought as he ran after Vanya before the assholes he called "siblings" made her cry again. He's already annoyed that they apparently talked shit about him behind his back, so if they were to cause tears to spill from Vanya's eyes, then, no more holding back.
He would iterally take all of them at once if he had to.
For Vanya…
Nearing the family room, Five used his spatial jumping for the last few feet. As he neared the doors leading to it, he already could hear shouting.
Adrenaline flowed through his body. His heart raced against his chest as he closed the gap between him and the doors.
Just as his hands touched the doors, ready to pry open the doors, he heard Vanya shout,
"Seriously! You guys need to leave him alone!"
Five, shocked with her sudden outburst, pried open the doors enough for him to get a peek.
He crouched down just a bit and took a glimpse in the crack. This surge of pride entered his heart as he witnessed his precious Vanya standing in front of Luther. Her hands balled into a fist. Her head held up nice and high with no signs of fear etched on her face.
Then, he saw Luther lower his face down, wanting to be at her eye-level.
"Or what? What is a person, with no powers, going to do to us? We can easily hurt you." He threatened; his eyes narrowed to the point of becoming slits.
Vanya scoffed, "Go ahead. I'd rather have you hurt me than hurt Five. He has done nothing to you guys to warrant such cruel words. Sure, he can be a tad snarky, but so is Diego and Allison," Five heard her take a breath, pausing, "You guys all have huge egos but at the end of the day, I know you guys are there for each other. At least out in the field. Me? I have no one here. I just have my books and violin to keep me company while you guys solidify your bond. You guys can talk about all of your previous missions and even have maybe inside jokes, laughing and smiling with one another. While, with me, I don't have that luxury. I don't have anyone to have that special bond because, as you guys remind me on a daily basis, I have no powers. I'm just ordinary. So please. Do not ever talk bad about Five ever again. You guys cannot afford your bond to break." Vanya finished, feeling a huge weight lift off her shoulders.
Luther and the others simply stared at her; a look of amazement glazed over their faces. Their mouths dropped a little as they each took in Vanya's speech and had developed some respect for their sister.
It took guts to stand up to them and normally, she'd cower and just leave the room.
But now?
She was incredibly brave…
Good for her…
Vanya, taking a quick breather, excused herself from them. She gave a lopsided grin and then headed towards the exit.
She pried open the door and before she could take a step outside the room, she had been engulfed by a pair of arms and then swiftly pulled towards the person's chest.
"You never cease amaze me. You know that, right?" said the voice.
Vanya chuckled, though, most of it was muffled as her face was still squished against the person's chest.
"Well, it's always good to be reminded, Five." She teased after pulling away. She smiled sweetly at him; her eyes glowed with nothing but pure adoration.
Five blushed. A rare reaction from the normally scheming boy. He then leaned closer, pressing his lips against her cheek, loving how soft her skin felt against his mouth.
Now, it was Vanya's turn to blush.
"So…you nosy person, how much did you hear of that?" She asked as her sweet smile faded into a knowing smirk.
Five returned the smirk, "Enough to remind me to never push you towards your breaking point," He laced their hands together, "Though, I'd never torment you for the sake of it." He stated as he guided them towards their bedrooms.
"Says the person who just the other day pinned me down because he wanted to see how red my face can get."
"Hey now. I'm a man of science, Vanya. I had to see if my hypothesis was indeed correct."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Five."
"Well…thinking of you helps me sleep so yeah.."
Vanya shook her head as the couple stopped right in front of Five's room.
"What am I going to do with you?"
"Cuddle with me while you tell me all about the book you read today?"
"Sounds like a plan."
A/N: Voila! I have finished my first requested Five & Vanya scene! I have two more lined up before I start working on my own personal ideas for this mini-series (there's not set connected plot between the stories lol because I think of this as more practice for me! That way I can finally work up to writing a full-fledged series with an actual plot and moments that build up to it. You know. All that fun stuff! Anyway, I hope you guys like this nice role-reversal! I just picture Vanya killing them with kindness and rational thought to be honest. Speaking of Vanya...what did you guys think of her lie? Most importantly, what did you guys think of Five's reaction to her excuse? I can honestly see Five looking incredibly flustered. I mean, what teenage boy wouldn't be flustered? Haha.
disclaimer: Now, I'm fully aware of the discourse between whether the Hargreeves are considered to be engaging in incestuous relationships or not (I especially acknowledge the arguments coming from people who are indeed from adopted families). I also know that the fandom will always be divided because of it so please do not send any hate comments on this story. If it is not your cup of tea, then do not read it. Simple as that. Anyway, I hope you guys like this!
Don't forget to hit that follow/favorite button and/or leave a review on your thoughts! I love hearing them! :) Also feel free to request something if you'd like! I'm always up for writing cute moments with Five x Vanya!
- Kim
