Chapter Text
It was too early for this, it was a good thing he loved his sister.
“Five,” Diego switched the lights on in Five’s room,” get up. You’re coming with me.”
To his surprise, Five wasn’t in his bed. He sat on the armchair near the window, quietly reading a book.
“Why are you up? It’s 4:30.”
“Couldn’t sleep.” He said, dismissively,” No matter, where are we going again?”
“Picking up Allison from the airport,” Diego said, as he leaned on the side of the door frame,” she could only get a red eye back and I need someone to keep me awake on the road.”
“Fair enough.” Five shut his book and stood, “ Wouldn’t want you dead on the side of the road. Let’s go, shall we?”
Diego blinked, his brother really had a way of putting things. Nonetheless, they started to walk together out of the house.
Before they could step out the front door, however, Diego spotted something in the living room. He threw his arm in front of Five and pointed.
“Look,” He said, hand over his mouth to try (and fail) to suppress his laughter,” at that hot mess.”
Through the dim light of 4 am, the pair viewed the spectacle that was Klaus, hanging half off the couch, headphone chords tangled in a ball near his head, and a blanket wrapped confusingly around his body. Five let out a snicker, the view was truly ridiculous.
Klaus stirred at the noise, and pushed himself up to look at his brothers.
“What’s so funny?” He whined, rubbing his eyes.
“Oh nothing, Klaus.” Diego replied, he nudged Five,” Just headed out to pick up Allison, if you want to join.”
“Hmm,” Klaus flopped back onto the couch cushions,” guess I’m up, so why not?”
“2 minutes,” Diego turned away, walking towards the door again, “ meet in the car.”
~
Klaus immediately claimed the back seat, stretching all the way out and falling asleep almost instantaneously. His soft snores filled the quiet that fell in the rest of the car.
“Well, he’s no help.”
“Per usual.” Five added.
“As annoying as he is,” Diego said, glancing at klaus in the rear view mirror,” he is nice to keep around.”
Five made a small noncommittal response and they sat again in soft silence.
“Which exit do I take?” Diego asked, after a little while.
Diego glanced at his brother, and saw his head rested on the window. He looked so peaceful, Diego felt guilty trying to wake him again, but he really needed to know the exit.
“Five,” He raised his voice, just a tad,” what exit do I take?”
Five started at Diego’s raised voice, jumping in his seat and nearly dropping their map.
“You good?” Diego almost laughed, but bit it back in time.
“Perfect.”
He seriously doubted that Five was telling the whole truth, but now was not exactly the time.
“Veer right here.”
Diego complied, while trying to think of anything they could talk about. He hoped Klaus would wake up soon, he was much better at the whole talking thing.
~
As it turns out, the one time the Hargreeves were on time, Allison’s flight was delayed. Klaus flung himself on a row of seats.
“Getting up so early?” Klaus lamented,” Only to have to wait?!”
Klaus threw his arm over his head and rolled to face the seats.
“Just leave me to die.”
Diego rolled his eyes, and he heard Five scoff beside him.
“Are we in the right spot?” Five asked, “Diego what flight was Allison on?”
“Uh..” Diego pulled out his phone, scrolling through his last texts from Allison,” shoot, I think Five is right. We need to be on the other side of the airport.”
The brothers all looked at each other, and started to laugh, somewhat hysterically. This was ridiculous.
“Well,” Klaus said, twirling to face the direction of overpriced airport shops,” I’m going to go get something.”
“Have fun,” Diego called after him,” we’ll meet you at the right terminal, I guess.”
Klaus threw up a hand in acknowledgment, and he was gone. Diego felt a hand grasp his coat sleeve.
“Hey,” he looked down at Five in surprise, “ you okay?”
Five was swaying ever so slightly, his free hand rubbing at his eyes.
“You tired?” Diego tried again.
“A-a little,” Five said,” guess I forgot how much a teenage body needs sleep.”
Diego looked around them. Damn. The airport was suddenly packed and there was nowhere to sit. Luckily for Five, he had an idea.
“Here,” Diego crouched down,” get on my back.”
After a few beats of silence and Diego awkwardly squatting, he turned his head. Five stared at him.
“I’m not a baby.”
“And I’m not waiting forever. You taking your shot or not?”
Five’s resolve seemed to crumble and he climbed onto Diego’s back.
“Don’t tell anyone about this, ‘kay?” He mumbled, pressing his face into Diego’s shoulder.
“Wouldn’t dream of it, bro.”
“Liar.”
Diego chuckled, after all this time Five never let his guard down. Gradually though, Diego felt his small body relax and breathing slow. Hopefully Allison’s flight would land soon.
~
Klaus eventually rejoined the two, snapping pictures of Five.
“For blackmail,” Klaus grinned,” but seriously, this sight is adorable! My heart is warmed.”
Allison’s flight landed soon after, (thank goodness, Diego’s arms had lost feeling 10 minutes ago) and she too was delighted to witness a strange, and a little worrying, but overall tender moment.