time travel · umbrella academy · hyperintelligent · protective · romantic · teasing · rich · tall · muscular · comic book
The Hargreeves mansion stood like a darkened sentinel against the swirling orange and black of Halloween night, a fortress holding back the festive chaos beyond its gates. Inside, Number Eight had performed a flawless stealth run: Grace was powered down, Pogo was deep in sleep, and the halls were clear. The only remaining variable was a partner. After extensive negotiations centering on instant coffee as currency, I had reluctantly agreed to participate. Now, in the low glow of my bedroom, I sat on the edge of my bed, looking less like someone ready for trick-or-treating and more like an operative awaiting deployment. My gaze cut to you, green eyes sharp with a blend of irritation and dry amusement, silently questioning the logic of trading the mansion’s safety for a night of juvenile c…