Chapter Text
Klaus blamed the fish. It dared him. He was not responsible for what happened next.
In retrospect, however. There was a chance the guy wasn’t an actual fish, and was instead Ben telling him ‘Don’t you fucking dare’ and then Klaus, of course, daring. He didn’t remember all of it, just that he had drunk a lot. Not all alcohol either. Klaus was pretty sure he had paid for it all though. The problem came when he had to go to the bathroom afterward and the store manager was being a dick cause he had bought something. So what if it was from a different store? Klaus vaguely remembered Ben with his palm pressed to his forehead. The manager said something, Klaus smirked, and that was the moment Ben had said the ‘Don’t you fucking dare’ and then Klaus. Well. He fucking dared.
Which was how he ended up in jail for public urination.
Of course he could of called someone, been bailed out. Actually the bailed out thing wasn’t for sure, at least half of them would of left him to rot. Or maybe not. He never bothered trying. Cause though he couldn’t be sure if any of them would leave him, he was positive he’d at least get lectured and or judgement. Neither of which was worth it, thank you very much.
“You know,” Klaus began, hands clung onto the bars like they were a toy and not a prison cell. “I am a superhero. I could of saved your life.” No, he couldn’t have. He wasn’t the life saving one, he was the one they talked to after dying. Not that he was interested in listening.
“Sure buddy.” The Officer said sardonically.. Oh yeah. Klaus could not crack him. He knew the type all too well. At the least though he’d having fun trying, or annoying the shit out of him. Whatever worked.
“Um, Mitch?” Another cop came in, this one was a ton more nervous. Now, Klaus was sure he could of cracked him. Convinced him to let him roam free, off just this time. He was part of the Umbrella Academy. At least that childhood nightmare was good for one thing.
“I’ve always liked the name Mitch.” Ben noted, and potentially yes Klaus forgot he’d been there. Which admittedly was a bit stupid considering Ben was always there.
“What is it, rookie?” Mitch replied, his tone grating. The rookie comment made him seem like kind of a dick. It reminded Klaus of dear old dad.
“There’s um- there’s a girl here and Stef isn’t here so I’m not sure how to deal with this.”
Mitch gave a eyeroll and Klaus decided, officially, he did not like him.
“Tell the girl to wait.” Mitch said the words without batting an eye and the inner superhero in Klaus felt offended .
“What if something happened ?!” He exclaimed, butting into a conversation he was in no way invited into.
Ben groaned behind him.
“It is your job, as an officer, to make sure all are okay! Protect the innocent! Help the helpless! Lay down the law .” He looked to the rookie, nodding his head because duh this was basic cop stuff, right?
Mitch looked more annoyed. The nervous cop who walked in cracked a smile and Klaus decided he liked that one.
“Rookie,” Mitch addressed in the same demeaning way as before. “Bring her in. Our very own superhero could tell our victim what to do.”
At this, however the Rookie seemed unsure. “Are you-- I mean-- qualifications--”
“Rookie.” This time, Mitch's voice left no room for any objection. “Bring the girl in.”
“... yes sir.”
The rookie cop shuffled out of the room and Mitch glanced his way. Klaus met the glance with as big a smile as he could muster. The dick cop was quick to deepen his glare, then look at his desk like he had something important on it. Klaus was sure he didn't.
“Hey,” Ben addressed him. It was times like these that Klaus wished he could hear Ben’s footsteps or get a nudge from instead of the word in which he knew what would follow. If Ben had something normal to say he’d just say it. If it was important, he’d start with a ‘Hey’ to make sure Klaus was listening. It fuckin sucked.
“If the girl they bring in is traumatized or something, Klaus--”
“ Hey ,” Klaus said, partially to mock Ben’s own ‘Hey’. At such a large noise Mitch looked up at him. Klaus raised his hand for a quick wave before turning back to Ben. “I got this.” He said, just as loudly. Mitch retained that annoyed look on his face, though Klaus was sure he could make him even more so if he put his heart into it. He was already pretty sure he was producing a more reddish color to him. He was proud of that.
Then the rookie cop came in with the girl.
Except, it wasn’t a girl. It was Vanya .
Ben expressed it perfectly, and eloquently in three gorgeous words. “What the fuck?”
Vanya hadn’t thought too much during the time she was writing the book. It was simply, why not ? Being able to pick out all those things that had hurt her, hurt them all , it seemed cathartic. In fact, it had felt like something that could potentially be good.
But then it was published. Her already fractured ties with her family, well, they broke . Shattered, actually. Into the kind of pieces that yeah you could try and glue them together but you know it would never be the same again so was it even worth it?
Admittedly, their original bond was nothing to be jealous of. Yet, it was better than no bond at all, right? Diego had been the first to make his feelings clear, using his words in the same way he normally used his knives. Sharply, and with intent to hurt. Funny enough, the most pain he produced was when Vanya realized just how betrayed he felt.
Diego had been the one made the loudest deal of it while others spoke in their silence. Reginald hadn’t uttered a word to her in now months. Luthor followed in their father’s stead as always, and it was common knowledge that their mother’s actions always followed suite as well. Pogo, on the other hand, she couldn’t place. Easily he could be acting out of his master’s will, and easily, he could be acting out of his own. Out of all the ones who raised them, somehow it was Pogo who knew how to make each of them feel guiltiest when they had done something he perceived as wrong.
Then there was Allison. Who looked at her with coldness in her eyes, not used for a pesky sister who entered her room without knocking but for someone who had broken all forms of trust. Allison was cordial, and if she was a stranger Vanya could of perceived it as kind.
But she wasn’t a stranger. So instead, it hurt.
Klaus’ differences were the most subtle. Vanya was surprised she noticed them herself. She’d never thought of herself as someone keen, who noticed those small things. She was ordinary. A fact she could never forget.
Sure she remembered Five’s favorite sandwich, but never before had she noticed these other things. Like, the first time she saw Klaus after the book was published, she knew it was different. He acted the same as always, as if nothing changed. Yet, without a doubt, it had. It took a lot of time thinking on it, until she finally realized. It hadn’t been something different, it had been a lack of things she was used to. No longer did Klaus’ eyes light up a bit when they met hers, he didn’t smile in a genuine way, he didn't even greet her with enthusiasm when she entered the room, no jokes toward or with her. None of it.
It was the cease of those small things that made Vanya realize, yes, the book had been a mistake. Potentially, probably, a fatal one.
She hadn’t even known she was capable of such a effect on anyone, let alone her family.
Living on her own was something that took getting used to. She hadn’t even realized how safe living with superheroes made her feel until she was on her own. Or maybe, Vanya realized, it hadn’t been them being superheroes at all. It had been the family part that made her feel safe. (It stung to realize that. It was easier thinking it was the superhero thing.)
There were other small things took getting used to. They weren’t all entirely small, but calling them small made it easier so she didn't remember how terrible it could get. Things like remembering to lock her doors and windows, grocery shopping, bills. Then there were the bigger things she tried to pretend weren’t so hard. Being alone, going days without talking to another person, wanting so desperately to have someone who cared and knowing no one did.
Vanya thought she could take it. Reminded herself, that there would be times like this back at home too. It never helped. But she kept going anyway. She had to . Cause if she let herself start drowning in her sorrows she wouldn’t ever be able to breath again.
Months passed. Then a year. Her life was beginning to have a semblance of normalcy. Which, of course, when the not so normal thing happened. Except it was also totally normal in a way and that made it worse.
It started out with legitimate small things. Being sure she locked her door then finding it unlocked. She must of forgotten to lock it . Then things were missing. Things that she could of easily misplaced . It was only after Vanya found the picture on her table that there was no explanation left to explain what was happening. The drawing on the table that could of been called beautiful if it had other context attached to it. The fact was, however, it’s context was very simple and blatant. It was her. Sleeping. The same pajamas as she was currently wearing, curled up as she always did on cold nights like the last one had been.
Is my hair really that long now ? It was the first thought Vanya had at the sight of the well drawn art. It was in the following seconds the reality of it smashed into her. Vanya, Number 7, felt her heart race in a way it hadn’t in a very long time. Fear twitched in her chest, ready to go ka-boom and she had to fight to keep it from breaking out and engulfing her whole.
So she took a pill. It wasn’t in a instant fix, no. After all, being calm was wishful thinking in situations such at these. It did help her think clearly though. First, Vanya grabbed the most weapon like substance she possessed. A kitchen knife. Then, she checked her front door. It was locked. Somehow, it was locked. How--- then her eyes met the windows and she had to resist the urge to take a second pill.
They came in through her window which was on the second floor. Which meant determination. That made her sick.
She scrambled across the apartment, locking the windows and in the same instance knowing that locking them would due no good. If they wanted to get in, they would get in. Vanya didn't know much about stalkers (she didn't necessarily know it was a stalker but it was a safe bet, and if not a stalker then what else?) however the Academy had some of their own and stopped a few in their hayday.
Reginald didn’t like to make a habit out of it, he thought it too simple . Stalkers were simple, and normal and a waste of time. But Luthor had his hero complex, Diego had his beating Luthor complex and the rest were pulled in for the ride of it. Vanya even remembered a particular one when Five was still around. He had come home fairly sullen compared to his usual demeanor. For a few weeks afterward he looked at her differently, so much so there was no way she wouldn't notice. He did small things too. Like always making sure she left the room before he did, keeping a watchful eye on her. There had been one big thing though, that they never spoke of. Vanya had seen a bug and she let out a scream simply by impulse. Then suddenly Five was there, pure fear on his face. A look he didn’t wear often, or practically at all. It was much later it dawned on Vanya the fear had been for her . The expression didn't fade away until his eyes landed on the bug. Then, it went cold. He stomped on, squishing it under foot without hesitation. He stared at her for a single moment more, and then was gone. Then things went back to their version of normal.
Vanya hadn’t been sure what any of it meant for a very long time. Then, Five was gone. So she asked. Allison had been the one to answer. The stalker had a little girl in his basement, Five had been the one to save her. She had bangs, like Vanya had had. In that moment she had felt warmth, for affection she hadn’t even realized that had been given. Except now the giver was gone. It would of been funny if it hadn’t hurt so bad.
Trying to figure out the situation at hand, Vanya ran down her options. She considered calling the police only a moment before thinking of her father. If she called the police he was would without a doubt get involved and Vanya… she just didn’t want it. It was hard enough knowing she was hated, she didn't need the reminder with every time he looked toward her with what could only be described as disdain. Luthor could help, he would help if she had the courage to ask. Except, Vanya didn’t have that courage. Allison-- she didn't even know how to get in touch with her anymore. Diego was a no-go. She didn’t have to consider that one. That left Klaus except Klaus was Klaus .
No, Vanya reminded herself, Klaus being Klaus wasn’t always a bad thing. Not always a good thing either, it just who he was. He was Klaus. Whether that was helpful or not depended on him or who you were.
And she happened to be the sister who no one wanted. Before the book they had to pretend, afterward there was no need to
Then she glanced toward that drawing, with all the details of her face. The details were perfect . They, whoever they are, had been there for more than just a few minutes in order to draw something so utterly correct and well done.
Even if was just to see if anyone would care, even if it was just to not be alone, Vanya needed someone . It was selfish of her, and she knew it. At the very least though, she could choose not to be selfish with her family. Instead, simply hope that the police comply to her request her father not be involved.
“Your hair got longer.” It was the first thing Klaus noted when faced with the sister who wrote the book exposing their terrible childhood and innermost secrets. It didn’t take much to faze him, that came with the seeing the dead territory. Yet here she was, and he was faized.
“She probably didn’t even mean to.” Ben was the one to say so, and he was most likely right. Vanya was never one to care too much about that stuff. She had cut it herself one day, giving the only explanation as it got in the way. Even Alison had been surprised at the clean cut, Klaus himself had asked if she had the extra hair anymore.
Luthor had given him that Luthor-y look, and Klaus considered justifying himself by admitting he knew a guy who liked collecting hair. Except then he’d have to admit the guy was a drug dealer, and that yes, he would gladly trade his sister’s hair for drugs. He made the choice not to. Though somehow he had a feeling they all guessed as much.
Except Vanya herself, of course, who had just looked tired. Maybe it had something to do with whatever her hair was getting in the way of her doing. He never asked.
Vanya looked startled by his presence. Which, was a bit nice. A family member who didn’t expect the worst of him. The niceness only lasted until he remembered her book, how much it hurt to read, and no thank you. Fuck you sadness and pain. Adios.
“So what brings you to my humble abode?”
The Rookie cop gave a cute little snort at that and Mitch looked a bit disappointed that his plan had failed. Klaus would of felt bad except he had no reason to, plus Klaus liked seeing the failure to make him uncomfortable.
Klaus himself had been the victim enough times to know how to deal with one, plus it was Vanya so--
It was Vanya .
His sister remained silent, probably having one of those intenternal debates whether he was worth telling her shit to or not. Ben, on the other hand, looked more distressed.
“Something’s wrong.” He declared. “ Look at her . Something’s wrong.”
Funny thing was Klaus was looking. Yet all he could see was someone who had flung their little bit of privacy they had left into the wild for the vultures to chew on. Did vultures chew? Were they pink ? Or was he thinking of something else?
“Focus!” Ben demanded snapping in his face. It was funny how he couldn’t produce footsteps yet he could snap so easily.
Klaus blinked his eyes, focusing once more on the traitor. Had she always been that pale or was that a new thing? He wondered if Ben was thinking the same thing, but asking would admit he cared. Which, he did not .
“I… should go.” Fuck . She was scared, and Ben was giving him that fucking look like he should do something but what the fuck was there to do?
Vanya turned to do as what she said she should do, leave. The Rookie looked between them, confused at the tension. Was it tension? Klaus never really did the tension thing. He preferred witty sarcasms and scathing glares. Not that he was a scathing glarer, more producing them was his style.
“Um-- Miss, you came here for help.” The Rookie said earnestly. It reminded Klaus way too much of a puppy dog. “So let us help. Please.”
Mitch continued not even paying attention-- nope, wait, he wasn’t not paying attention he just wasn’t giving a damn. Real good copping there cop .
Vanya looked conflicted, and scared too. It was a bit startling to realize, Klaus was more used to the scared look. Reginald produced it from each of them all too often, The confliction was the new one.
“C’mon sis ,” Did he sound a bit bitter? Klaus wasn't sure, he didn't aim for it. He was though, if anyone was interested. Very bitter. Ben shot him disapproving look #29 cause Ben was willing to put aside everything and anything if someone needed help. Klaus took a hard pass on that philosophy. “Whats up?” Maybe the shit eating smirk wasn’t the best move cause the way Vanya looked at him next made guilt stomp it’s stupid little foot on his face. Which was dumb, considering she was the one who should feel guilty.
“Nothing important.“ She said, and it felt like she was trying to force herself to believe it.
“Miss,” The Rookie urged. “You said something about a stalker.”
Then, Vanya looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Klaus sorta felt like one too. Cause Vanya was a ton of things, a liar was not one of them. She had a stalker. She went to the police for help instead of asking her superhero family. Which maybe was fair. All of them made their lack of love clear, but also that didn’t mean an actual lack of love . Did she think it did?
He wondered if it was his own silence that made her continue, or an obligation to answer cause Vanya was never one for ignoring others. She had too much of that growing up to inflict it.
Still, she did look nervous. Squeamish. Small things she had gotten over, like fiddling with her hands were apparent. She inhaled, as if what she was about to say was difficult.
Wait , Klaus realized. It probably was .
The Rookie officer took her silence as a means to ask questions. Klaus had no idea where he got that fucking idea from. “Did he assault you?”
“Does she look assaulted?!” Klaus cut in before Vanya could say a thing, he didn’t spare her a glance because Vanya wore her whole heart on her face and if she was then he’d see it. He didn't want to see it. Cause if it did happen. Well. No . He wouldn't deal with that unless he had to and if he had to he’d do double the number of drugs he usually did and potentially OD. In that single sentence, single reaction, Klaus felt more vulnerable then he wanted to.
The dick cop, Mitch, what the fuckever. Now , he looked interested. He looked at Klaus, and briefly Klaus wondered if it was possible for eyes alone to look smug, and then fuckin Mitch turned to Vanya and asked. “Were you?”
Vanya blinked her eyes at the question alone, and thank the fuck that Klaus knew her well enough to know that meant no . It was a legitimate no because the question was appalling and also what the fuck kind of cop just goes and asks something like that? Both of them, the rookie and the dick. She began to shake her hand, and the extra reaffirmation was heavenly . “No-- not-- no…”
“Then what happened?” Ben questioned, and Klaus hadn’t seen such intensity on his face for a very long time. Of course though, no one else saw Ben and his concern was ignored.
Maybe it was the answer, maybe it was the hesitation but the dick cop, in his usual dick fashion, rolled his eyes at Vanya. “You handle this.” He said to the rookie, not even glancing at any of them as he made his exit.
The dick.
The rookie cop looked to Vanya with the kind of puppy dog eyes any sort of cop ever should not possess. Vanya remained looking awkward, sheepish, her usual type of thing. But no, there was more to it too. Fuck. She was scared. Fuck .
“I could…” Vanya started to say, but seemed lost mid sentence. Which was reasonable, given the question, what could she do?
What could he do ?
As if reading his mind, Ben said. “We could help her.” We . Like Ben could do shit and wasn’t fucking dead. Vanya glanced his way, and only for a moment did their eyes meet. He wasn’t used to looking at her, like, at all. They hadn’t talked in who knows long, yet now here she was. Something obviously was up and he… he was just himself. How could he possibly help?
For the first time in a long time, Klaus found himself unable to come up with something to say. Cause what could one say? He could make a joke about it, yes. He kind of wanted to. Except then Vanya could run, and she could be alone and he knew he couldn’t do anything but he couldn't stay put either.
Fuckin superhero instinct (of course it had to be that, nothing to do with them being family. No way.)
“You could bail me out.” Klaus said and Ben gave him look judgemental look #17. Klaus likened that one to ‘Are you fucking kidding me?’, not to be confused with judgemental look #22 in which he had his arms crossed during it too.
Her lips went agape, seemingly lost in the whole situation. She really hadn’t expected to see him at all nor did she have any idea what to say or do, and maybe it did hurt a bit that his sister had no clue on how to handle him. Then again, Klaus had no clue how to handle Vanya either. Most likely she’d be on her merry way in 10, 9, 8, 7-
“Okay.” It was a simple word and Vanya even looked surprised at herself for saying it. Before one could say something to make her take it back she repeated it. “Okay.” More confidence in tone now, more sure of the choice.
Her eyes met his once again, and this time she didn’t retreat. She seemed unsure, and Klaus couldn’t help but relate.
“I… I have to run home.” She spoke, and Klaus would of suspected that being a version of leaving him if it were any other of his siblings. Except Vanya wasn’t much of a liar, never had been. She was more like the type to give him an apologetic look and high tail it out of there. She didn’t seem to be apologetic, but there was a ever remaining sheepishness about her. “For-- how much is the bail?”
The rookie puppy dog cop seemed a bit shocked that, yes, she was going to bail him. Nonetheless he gave the number and Vanya flinched at it. Yet still, didn’t take back her double okay.
“Did you--” She started speaking facing the cop, but ultimately turned to face Klaus himself. “Did you come in with a coat?”
“He didn’t.” The cop said, still a bit confused about the turn of events.
Vanya gave a nod, firm despite the expression on her face. “Okay. I’ll get you a coat too-- it’s freezing and I’ll be back.”
She was getting him a coat.
Huh.
“Ask what happened--- she shouldn’t be alone.” Ben exclaimed, and it always marvelled Klaus how even as a ghost he could care so damn much.
So, Klaus opened his mouth. Only a moment did Vanya wait for him to say something. Only a moment, was he unable to say something. Only a moment later, Vanya was leaving with a weak wave in his direction.
The rookie cop followed her out, and Klaus heard the shuffle of feet. “Do you want me to get the papers ready? For when you come back?”
“Y-yeah, that’d be great.” Vanya said, sounding a bit like she had no idea what she was doing. Except then she stopped for a moment. Klaus heard what she said next loud and clear. “Thank you.” He could almost picture it in his mind, though he couldn’t see. Vanya giving that weird kind of smile she did that wasn’t full but wasn’t deceitful either. “Could you somehow get him out in the meantime? I mean I’ll come with the bail money but keeping him in there-- “ It was like the idea offended her to her core and she didn’t know how to express it.
Klaus was touched.
It felt weird.
Ben, on the other hand looked exasperated. “She was here because she has a stalker or thinks she does-- she shouldn't be alone!” And then, for what felt like the first time in years, Ben left his side. Not like he could do much if something were to happen.
So Klaus let out a huff to no one particular and made himself as comfortable as he could, trying not to let Ben’s worry become his own.
Seeing Klaus had been a shock. At first, only for a moment, Vanya thought it was a sign to involve all her siblings. Except then she felt the weight of all eyes on her, and the reminder of the difference in the way Klaus treated her and all their other differences too and realized, no. It wasn’t a sign. But she also couldn’t leave Klaus there, whether he wanted to help her or not.
Even if he did hate her, even if they all hated her, she had to.. Well, there wasn’t much Vanya was capable of doing that was helpful. But what she could offer, she would. After all, there was no one else interested in taking it from her.
She was only a block or so away from the precinct when the temperature dropped. She felt the chill prickle at her skin, and found herself with the regret of not getting a cab or even bringing gloves or a scarf. On the bright side though, was that there a thrift store right on ahead. She’d find a coat for Klaus in there easily, and had just enough money to cover it. Well, hopefully.
Shopping for Klaus in itself was a strange experience. Mom or even Pogo had taken care of all their clothing before each of them left (Reginald couldn’t be bothered beyond their uniforms). She didn’t even know his size, so Vanya figured she could do some guessing. Get something a little bigger then it even, just incase she guessed wrong. Having a coat that was a little big on you was better than a tight one.
There was a yellow one with black on the sides, cheap and warm. Vanya was about to grab until remembering she was shopping for Klaus. This.. it didn’t fit him. Maybe he wouldn’t care in the end, what she picked out. Maybe he’d even get rid of it the moment he could but even so-- it was worth the effort. Cause if somehow he did like it, even if he tried to say he didn’t or whatnot, well. The thought of him being happy about it made her happy.
So, inhaling, she looked over what remained. Once her eyes began to roam for what Klaus would find suitable she found herself in the women's section and a coat with fur on it. Not real fur, not even fur all over, but enough coating that Klaus undoubtably wear it. At least, she could imagine him wearing it. Vanya hoped that was enough.
The coat was a bit more expensive than the other but she swung it, she was heading home to get more cash anyway for the bail money. The best idea would be even to take a cab back there instead of trekking through the cold again.
The coat was bagged, and Vanya could only hope it didn’t start snowing at least until she got home and took a cab back. The moment she went through the thrift shop doors a deep breath was exhaled. She saw it before her eyes, the temperature was dropping fast . Her eyes looked both ways upon the street, preparing to cross it.
“I thought you were passing by.” It was a deep voice, a man’s voice. Wobbly though, like someone wounded them.
Vanya turned to face it, a bit startled and momentarily unsure if they were even talking to her. “Do you… mean me?”
She was the only one there. The man rubbed his hands together in a way to spurt warmth. He looked tired, Vanya noted. He had a black beanie on his head and was looking at her in a way she didn’t recognize. There was no hate, but instead hurt.
“Just… just passing by.” He said, as if dazed. “I never thought you’d stop.”
Vanya pursed her lips, a car buzzed by them. Then another. “There’s… a bit of traffic. And I need to cross so…” He was staring at her. Big eyes, almost childlike wonder within them. It was only then she realized the line had changed. No cars were crossing. “I’ve gotta go- my brother’s sorta in jail so… bail money. Yeah.” She had no reason to give herself an excuse. Except for the nagging part of her mind that was screaming about a total stranger and needing to run run run .
A look passed over his face at the mention of Klaus. Relief? Maybe? Vanya didn’t care to examine it more and instead crossed the street instead. She found her feet walking fast, panic stirring within her chest.
Maybe it was panic over nothing. Maybe he was just a man, lost and disorientated. Maybe he believed she was someone else. Trying to find an alternative solution did nothing to ease her growing panic on the most likely of theories.
It was only once she was blocks away that she took a moment to stop. Her apartment was only across the street. She just needed to wait for the cars to pass and then cross. In the meantime she out deep breaths. Yeah, she needed more cardio. Walking so fast, plus the fright, plus even the cold, it took more out of her then she realized.
“You know, there’s a shortcut.”
No way . Feeling her heartbeat pick up, the fear inside screaming RUN , Vanya turned her head with growing horror dawning upon her.
“You followed me.” She was trying to remain calm, instead her tone came out quiet. Almost resigned.
“Instead of going all the way around you could go straight through.” He spoke, ignoring her. “There’s an alleyway.”
There’s an alleyway . She’d heard enough of her siblings stories, taking down every villain they could, all sorts of baddies. She should of seen this coming.
“I’ll show you.”
He tugged on her arm so hard she would have fallen if not for him pushing her. Her shopping bagged soar away and Vanya felt her head slam into the building’s wall behind her. She hoped she didn’t have concussion. Or perhaps she should of been hoping to get out of this intact .
Was there no one around to see this? To help? He had dragged her, she had hit her head, it was loud slam and-- and she didn’t scream . She should of screamed instead of standing there like a dumbass. Yet she couldn’t find it in her. Too stricken with fear.
He approached her, casual in his strides. Then, he stood over her. Vanya hadn’t felt so small since she was this small, and Reginald looked at her a similar but entirely different way. Reginald and this man, standing over her in a way that made them feel powerful. Except it was a different power. Reginald’s power had come from his lack of caring, standing over her yet look right through her. This man, on the other hand, stood over her with a different look. He looked at her like she was his whole world. Like she mattered so so much.
Vanya didn’t even know his name.
He bent down before her, and reached forward as if to caress her cheek. Was this what it was to feel like you couldn’t breath? To be frozen in fear? She wondered if her siblings ever felt like this, maybe on their first missions. Or had they felt powerful enough to not be scared, or took that fear and went on despite it. Both things she found herself unable to do.
Then, his fingers touched her face. They did just as she thought they would. Caress it. They were freezing cold, and she felt wetness form in her eyes. Why couldn’t she be braver ? She hadn’t even been able to scream, to call for help. What the fuck was wrong with her?
Then, his expression of adoration morphed. Once more, betrayal clear in his eyes. “You’re afraid of me.” It was brief, because betrayal soon became understanding. “You don’t know me. Not yet. That’s okay. I know you.”
He knew her .
“I was keeping an eye on you, cause-- you know if you don’t come home no one will know. No one will care. Someone has to keep an eye on you.” That hurt to be heard. Especially because it was all too true, and a thought Vanya had had more then once. If she died, who would mourn? Truly. It wasn't like she was apart of her family’s life, nor anyone else’s. It’d take days for anyone to even realize, potentially weeks. Maybe even over a month. If she died, their lives would go on. They did after Ben. They had actually liked him. And she… suddenly it popped into her head. She had thought it before. Klaus was Klaus . What the fuck did that even mean? She was Vanya. Vanya was Vanya . Vanya was the girl who was defined by the extraordinary people around her, Vanya was Vanya who could disappear and no one would bat an eye.
“You look so sad.” He noted, and Vanya felt herself seething. She didn’t want his sympathies . She didn’t want anything from him. “It’s okay.” He spoke. “It’ll be okay.” His hand hadn’t retreated from her cheek, despite the growing hatred in her eyes.
“You look at me like that…” He shook his head. “I don’t like it.”
And, for what felt like the first time, Vanya found the courage to speak. “I don’t give a flying fuck what you like you fucking stalker .”
Once again, his face morphed. No, this time it was more of a twist. It twisted into rage.
Whatever would happen next, it wouldn’t be good.
“You… you lured me.” What ? “With your music, and your legs, and your laugh and you-- you need me. No one else loves you. You lied about your brother- you haven’t seen any of your family in months Vanya! At first I wanted to believe you then I remembered that so you lied.” He sounded breathless, devastated. The fucker. “ You lied.” Like a broken record. “You lied .” Except that time, that time the devastation was gone and instead he was back to rage. “I left you a picture so you knew you were safe. So you knew I was watching over you and protecting you and you--” His face churned. Then, he slid to his knees before. His other hand went to clasp her cheek, far more harsh than his other. Forcing her eyes to meet his. “I love you. I’m the only one. You have no one else to love you so you’ll learn to love me too.”
Then he leaned in-- he was leaning in . “Get off me!” She roared, as if spurred to life. Her arm still hurt from his rough grab, and her head still hurt too, but like hell she was going to sit here and just take this.
Vanya wasn’t a superhero, no, but she was no goddamn damsel in distress.
Her body moved before her mind even thought about it. Hands pushing him roughly, despite the sting of pain in her arm, and then she was scrambling to her feet. She hadn’t even realized just how far into the alleyway they were until his hand tugged her ankle out from under her and she crashed down.
She’d feel that crash in her back tomorrow. If she made it to tomorrow.
Then, he was on top of her.
“Don’t you fucking run again.” He said, aggression clear in tone. Then Vanya felt something sharp and close to her neck. Only for a moment she thought he was crying above her, like he was the one in peril. “Don’t make me hurt you.” He begged, like he wasn’t the one who had her pinned and a knife to her throat. He wasn’t crying though. No. It was snowing. “Come home with me. Please. Let this be easy. I know you don’t think you deserve happiness but-- “
“You..” She breathed the word out, panic screaming through her body from the reminder of the blade at her neck. “... what’s my favorite color?”
He seemed lost at this. Like she didn’t make any sense. Like she was the crazy one.
Vanya felt tears for real this time. Her own, tracking down her cheeks. Cause she was going to die, or she was going to be kidnapped, and she knew no matter what outcome came through she’d never be the same. Her tears were oddly warm.
“It’s white. By the way.” She stared right into his eyes. Knife to her throat, pinned down, and in just this little moment, feeling like she had much more power then he could dream. “You don’t know that cause you don’t know a thing about me. You don’t know my favorite food, you don’t know the things that make me happy, you don’t know what cereal I like in the morning or my fears or my dreams or anything about what makes me who I am.” Boldly, her handed lifted in as much leeway as he allowed. “You don’t know anything about me.” She put in between her neck and the knife, trying to lead it all away. “Not really . I’m not who you want . I’m not who you love .”
He stared at her. Differently this time. Like a scientist almost, trying desperately to understand. Finally he said five words. When apart, the words were okay. Put together as they were, they made her heart skip a beat. “It’s okay.” It’s okay . “I’ll fix you . ” I’ll fix you .”
There was a silence. Where all Vanya heard was her heart beat loud and clear, hammering into her chest.
Then. “Fix this motherfucker!” The words were said mid tackle. Vanya felt breathless, cause somehow he was here . Klaus saved her. The world felt like it was moving too fast to keep up as they rolled across the ground-- first Klaus on top and then-- …. Klaus was on his back. A mutter of Bastard and was that blood ? Then the stalker, he was on his feet and there was a knife inside her brother .
The stalker grasped the knife, and before anything else could be done Vanya shrieked . Her throat felt horse, and she felt her heart beating faster than ever. So fast it hurt . Cause Klaus could die, he was about to die, and-- and that couldn’t happen.
“You… you kill him and I’ll never… never… ” Her head shook as she spoke, and the words were struggling to get out. She was too panicked, too scared. How could she tell everyone Klaus died? How could Klaus die? How could she learn to live in a world where he wasn’t there? Ben had been hard enough, and then Five. Losing Klaus? She couldn’t handle another brother being taken, it was a unimaginable thought. One that, if came into fruition, Vanya was unsure she’d even survive. Or if she’d even want to survive.
Then, the stalker pulled out the knife, and Vanya faintly remembered Pogo mentioning that you should keep the weapon inside when faced with a stab wound. Though, it being pulled out felt like a better option then it being thrust deeper within.
He gave her a look. One that made her feel sick , feel violated . It only lasted for that single moment. Cause then, he was gone.