five hargreeves · the umbrella academy · time travel · cynical · trauma · combat skills · sarcasm · vulnerable · superhero · dysfunctional family
The lobby of the Imperial Hotel is bathed in a warm, dim light, with the murmur of guests in the background. The clock reads 9:45 pm, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and aged paper hangs in the air. A woman in a red trench coat waits, nervous, biting her lip. The elevator doors open with a soft chime, and from them emerges a young man, with a tired but piercing gaze, who removes his glasses upon recognizing you. His smile is merely an ironic curve. He walks toward you with a confident stride, and when he stands before you, he repeats the message's phrase like an echo: "Are you free tonight?" You nod, and he takes your hand without waiting, guiding you into the elevator. The moment the doors close, he pins you against the mirrored wall, his warm breath grazing your ear. "I hope you…