𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄
—𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚛𝚊 𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚢—

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐒 bright as it rose above the horizon; its contrasting colors would've been the perfect scene for Mariana to paint, and possibly give to her father so that he could display it in the dining room. However, the girl wasn't in her own room when she opened her eyes, and found that she had slept through the night peacefully. But as soon as she focused on the ceiling above, trying to recount what had happened the night before, she realized that she didn't want to know. Upon learning that she had almost taken the lives of two people, the raven-haired girl had the strong urge to walk home, admit to her parents all of the immature things she had done within the past three days, apologize for her irresponsible actions, and lock herself away with no hopes of ever seeing Five Hargreeves again.

In moments like this, she wished she had never met him — if it hadn't been for his presence, Mariana Carson wouldn't have lost control of her powers, nor would she have began this rebel stage that she was convinced she was going through. All the while, she was thankful for him in more ways than she could count; he had brought out her true form, and taught her things that no one else could.

Sitting up, the girl rubs at her temples, groaning at the migraine that was beginning to blossom. Perhaps it was due to her reckless behavior the night before, or even that she was getting ill — but either way, it didn't stop her from dropping her hands when noticing that Five was sitting in a chair near the corner of his room. The Carson girl didn't remember falling asleep — only that she was tired when she lied her head on his shoulder while on their way back to the Hargreeves residence. Five had carried her inside, considerate when tossing his comforter over her body, before placing himself in a chair so that he didn't have to bear too much distance between them. He had been worried for her, especially after her unexpected retaliation at the clothing store.

And, if he was being honest, he would confess that he felt bad for leaving Delores behind. He didn't regret it, however, considering the fact that he would give his own life so that Mariana could have hers. Five had something different with the living girl, and it felt almost . . . magical. That shit that he was feeling was turning into something so much more, and he wasn't sure how to handle it — perhaps pushing her away would be best for her safety. He was beginning to cherish her more than anything else, and it was a terrifying feeling. The fate of the world was in his hands, and that included the life of Mariana; so how was he supposed to take that lightly? The truth was simple; he couldn't.

He had stared at Mariana's sleeping state for quite a few minutes, before averting his gaze — he was being weird, wasn't he? All of the obsessing over her was taking a toll on his ability to focus . . . he just couldn't pay attention to anything else when she was in the room. The way her cheeks were flushed so lightly, her hair splayed on the pillow that rested softly beneath her head, and her gentle beat of her heart that he could practically hear, if he thought hard enough about it — or perhaps it was his own pounding heartbeat that he was hearing.

With the darkest depths of decision on his mind, he had managed to fall asleep while watching Mariana. The chair wasn't too comfortable, of course; it's days were nearing an end, with the bottom wooden braces splitting and shifting further upon his weight. But it would work for now.

Moving to sit up on the mattress, Mariana rubs at her eyes with a slight tiredness that, as she had come to notice, was beginning to become a pattern. She had been getting so caught up in the usage of her powers that she hadn't focused on getting a good night's rest, which had indefinitely caught up to her. But she wouldn't complain, at least not while Five was here. The girl was never one to come across as ungrateful — especially after the harsh life she had learned to live. Mariana didn't want to wake Five, but she also didn't wish to leave him here while she left for home. While rubbing at her eyes with her palms, the girl releases a slow, almost pained, sigh. As she does so, she notices Five's soft snores get fainter, before he stops altogether — and suddenly she can see his chocolate eyes.

"You're awake," Mariana says aloud, "did I wake you?"

"No," his voice is stiff, and sure, although he it was quieter than she had expected. "How long have you been up?"

"A few minutes," the girl shrugs in response. "Not very long."

The Hargreeves boy leans forward in the chair in which he had slept, twisting to shift the aching bones in his back. "Would you like to go out for breakfast? I know you prefer to be out in the open, rather to be held inside of a house."

"I would love to, but . . . " Mariana falters, biting her lip, "I should probably be getting home, don't you think? My father would be disappointed if he knew where I was, let alone if I were to turn up late."

"Oh," Five frowns.

If he was being truthful, he didn't think it was that late — eleven in the morning wasn't bad at all, actually. But, seeing as Mariana's parents were strict, it was probably seen as a bigger deal than what usual parents would. Then again, this wasn't just an ordinary girl Five was thinking about; she was Mariana Carson — a talented girl who held power like no other, and could charm anyone with the right words and her beautiful smile.

"I'm sure we could see each other again," Mariana assures him, while still hesitating on the words that she wanted to say, but couldn't. "You know — before the world ends, and all. Unless, of course, we can find a way to stop it."

"You still want to help?" The boy arches an eyebrow. "Like I said before, it's not an easy task, so—"

"I want to help." Her voice is firm, as well as the sullen expression that desperately latches to her features. "Maybe if I prove to myself that I can do something good with what I have . . . "

Mariana trails off, hoping he understood what she was holding in; and he did, almost immediately after she said it. Despite everything he had ever told her, the girl truly thought that she had been cursed — but this, her gift, wasn't a curse — how could he make her see that? She wasn't a monster, nor was she incapable of learning how to contain what she was given. Like Klaus had said, all she needed was a little training.

"Do you want me to walk you home?" Five asks, hopeful that she would nod in response. But instead, her expression grows a bit softer.

"If my mother were to see us together, there's no way I'd be able to see you again," Mariana frets, winding her fingers together and averting her gaze to the floor as she sighs. "I'm sorry, I wish things could be more simple."

"What if we teleport there?" He offers — and he would go on doing that, at least up until she finally agreed to something. The brown-haired boy wanted nothing more than to spend more time with her, but sadly, it seemed as though their time was running out. Not only was he faced with finding out how to stop the apocalypse with his dysfunctional siblings, but he was also trying to keep his cool while knowing that Mariana would be full of stress at her own home.

She wasn't the worrying type; that's what Mariana would say if someone had asked her. But she was. In truth, she stressed over plenty of things, and would certainly do just that when she was stuffed up in her room, alone, and thinking of nothing but all of the mistakes she had been making lately. The Hargreeves boy was suffering — he could only imagine what she was going through.

"Don't you think it would make my parents suspicious if I just randomly showed up in my bedroom?" Raising an eyebrow, she sinks a little farther into the mattress. "Father has no idea that you have powers too, and I doubt he'd be impressed if he were to find out."

"We'll be cautious," he shakes his head, desperate for the answer he desires. Number Five stands from his spot, stepping a little closer before offering his hands to her. "I just want to make sure you get home safely. Please, Mariana."

It was a full minute before Mariana even considered what he was saying. She was caught up in her own line of thought, and had been overly consumed by the idea of her parents being disappointed in her actions. Would they believe she was rebelling against them? Would they ever trust her again? These were the people who raised her, who kept her safe from all the dangers in the world, and from herself. Of the person she was almost sure she was becoming.

But then she stopped thinking.

Thinking; it was the only thing that she ever seemed to do, which made her second guess every choice and agonize over the decisions she made. Now, the time had come to stop dwelling on what had been. She needed to start looking forward at what could be. And Five could be. She and Five could be.

"Okay," her tone is lighter now, almost like the crisp morning air of an open field of blossoming wildflowers. The anxiousness that resides inside of the back of her mind no longer exists as she clears her thoughts, and stands up to place her hands in his.

There was a familiar feeling that grew in her chest once they were staring at each other, gazing longingly past the air that moved between them; it was carelessness. Mariana didn't care what her parents would do to her if they were to find out about Five's powers. She didn't care that Spencer was with someone else at this very moment. She only cared that here she was here, right now, and feeling whatever emotions the boy in front of her was causing.

Then again, what emotion is this? The one that she only feels when she's close to him and wants nothing more than to eradicate the distance between them?

The teens were gone in an instant, flashing through space before reappearing in the dull fluorescence of her bedroom. It looks exactly the way she left it, with her easel still displayed in the corner, and bottles of paint still scattered among the windowsill. Glancing over her creation, Five's lips part in amazement. Eyes gleaming, he looks to the girl in awe, "Did you paint this?"

He's quiet, she notices; but is nothing but sincere. "Of course. I mean, it's not as good as some of my others, but I think that with a little work, it could be—"

"No, no, no," Five squeezes her hands, "it's perfect. You're extremely talented, I just didn't know it was possible for someone your age to make something so incredible."

The edge of her lips twitch upwards, forming the most unbelievably gorgeous smile that Five Hargreeves had seen in his many years of existence. And he would've told her that, actually, if it weren't for the sound of a car pulling into the driveway outside. Mariana's parents, to be exact — it was pure luck that they had went out to a café together earlier that morning to get breakfast, and had completely lost track of time. Unfortunately, now that they were home, it was time for Five to leave.

"I'll be back for you soon," the boy promises. "Maybe even tomorrow, okay? Wait for me, Mariana."

And as he pulls her into an embrace, she hopes, for the sake of her sanity, that he really meant it. That he would be back for her, and this wasn't farewell . . . but if that was so, why did she feel as though she were saying goodbye forever?

Here, in his arms, she was invincible. Nearly a second after he released her, the boy placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, before disappearing and leaving her alone.

Mariana Carson was back to reality again, and before she could even think about her actions, her cell phone was in her hand and her fingers were dialing a number that they had done so many times before. Placing the speaker to her ear, and hearing his voice was all she needed to bite her lip and face her fears.

"We need to talk. What's the earliest you can meet me at the river?"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The weather outside was growing a bit warmer as the day grew on; Mariana could finally feel the sun on her skin, and decided that it would be better if she didn't wear a jacket to the river. Her trip was short — merely minutes after she had finished her phone call, and had announced her brief dismissal to her parents. They hadn't questioned her actions, nor had they told their daughter of the morning they had experienced. It was a short, clipped conversation which consisted of close-to-nothing, and Mariana was thankful for that. She was prepared for the long day to come, consisting of a dreaded talk with her best friend and a much-needed nap right before dinner.

The raven-haired girl perches herself upon the bank of the river, removing her sandals to dip her feet into the shallow waters. Bending her hand just above the small waves, she lifts a small orb of water into the air, before holding it up in front of her. This was the peace she had needed for a while, and the serenity set deep within her. Mariana was cherishing the cool feeling that was now radiating through her veins, and all because she was enjoying the hand of cards that life had dealt to her. The footsteps leading up behind her were enough for Mariana to stiffen a bit — she would now have to do the thing she had been dreading.

It wasn't that Mariana lacked bravery, but she did, however, lack the ability to hurt the feelings of those around her. She had always given things with ease, and her best friend (one of the people she had spent nearly her entire existence with), would know what to expect. But now . . . now things are different. Mariana is different, and so are her boundaries.

"Long time, no see," Spencer chuckles from behind the girl, curious as to why she hadn't turned around to face him; perhaps she hadn't even realized he was there. But she had. "Woah, practicing with your powers? That's fantastic, Mari."

She could've broken at the nickname. It was nearly enough to make her tears begin to spill, but not quite. There was a strength within her that forced her to swallow her cries, and instead gave her the courage to give the boy a weak smile. He was taken aback now, immediately noticing the tension within the air, and the added fake smile. The downs boy almost grimaced as he moved to sit next to her, only for Mariana to widen the gap between them.

"You asked me to come," Spencer speaks slowly, and with care, "so why is it that you won't look me in the eye?"

"Because I'm scared of what might happen if I do," she murmurs, just loud enough for him to hear. There was despair laced deep in her words, and it was then that he noticed the tears that had pooled within her honey-colored eyes.

"You're starting to scare me, Mariana," his face falls, and he reaches out to take her hand. "Please — is something wrong? Are you alright? Did someone hurt you?"

Flinching away from his touch, Mariana finally builds up the energy to stop focusing on the water between her fingertips, and instead give her attention to Spencer. "Would you ever lie to me?"

"Why would you even think that?" He frowns, offended by her sudden urge to keep a distance from him. They had spent nights together — many, in fact, and now their closeness was a problem? The hurt sank into his chest, leaving a burning that made him want to walk away. "I tell you everything."

"Then who is she?" Her voice shakes as her bottom lip trembles. "The pretty girl at the mall . . . who is she?"

"You were there?" Spencer hesitates, his expression falling quickly. "Mariana, I know what it might've looked like, but please just let me explain—"

"Then please educate me," she begs, hugging her arms tight to her chest, "because it looked like the two of you were on a date — and why would you hide something like that from me?"

"We weren't on a date, just listen to me," he pleads, reaching for her touch once again; at this point, he practically needed to hold her. If he didn't, he was fearful that she would leave him here, and would never come back. "Yes, we were together, but not together—"

"You were smiling," Mariana states, her bottom lip trembling as she begins to cry helplessly. "And Spencer . . . I've never seen you like that. I could never make you smile the way you were when you were with her."

Her heart was breaking slowly, and she was sure that she could feel each piece separating. The pain she had felt the day before had been nothing — this was what real heartbreak felt like. What it felt like to be completely alone in the world, and to lose someone that was supposed to be by her side for life.

"Don't say that," Spencer warns, tears of his own threatening to spill, "don't you dare say that. I've been with you through everything, and I wouldn't do that to you. She is—"

"I saw you!" Her voice grows stronger, and now her tears are those of anger as she shoves herself onto her feet. "Don't sit here and lie to me. I'm not as stupid as you think I am!"

"I could never be with her!" He, too, is on his feet now, and yelling back to her. "Why can't you see that? I couldn't if I wanted to!"

"Because I hold you back, right?" Her tone drops away, and she's vulnerable again. A sob leaves her swollen lips, "I always have and I always will. I'm different than anyone you'll ever meet. I'm not normal."

"And that's why I choose you every time! Who said I want normal?" Spencer wipes furiously at his tears, holding out his hands for her; something that Five Hargreeves had done to her several times before. "Mariana, please just let me tell you everything. I hate seeing you like this, I don't want to hurt you."

"It's a little too late for that, don't you think?" The girl throws her arms in the air with exhaustion. "You said you choose me every time, but why wouldn't you tell me something like this? Someone who means something to you, someone you want — you should tell me! Just tell me the truth, that's what best friends are for!"

"Fine! I want you, Mari! That's the truth that I've been hiding from you. And that girl at the mall? She's my cousin — who I just found out about, might I add — and I was showing her around town. She's new, and didn't have any friends. I spent the day telling her about you."

"What?" Suddenly she isn't angry anymore, but faced with utter confusion. Spencer wants her? What did he mean by that?

"We've been friends for years, how could I not catch feelings for you?" He questions, giving her the same weak smile that she had offered to him earlier. "You've always been what I wanted. I guess you've just been too oblivious to see that."

"You have feelings for me . . . " the girl trails off, her tears finally coming to a halt. "Since when?"

"Since forever. You say you're different, and I agree — you're so different from everyone, and not even because of your powers. You're the kindest person I've ever met in my life. You're genuine and so understanding. There's not a more beautiful person on the earth," this time his smile is genuine, "I'm sure of that."

Why hadn't he told her this? Now, of all times, he had chosen to break the ice and spill his heart to her. What would Five think of his actions?

What was Mariana supposed to do?

What was she supposed to say?

"We've been through everything together," he begins, "and I've been able to watch you grow every day. I miss you every second I'm not with you, and I don't know how I got so lucky as to have you in my life. Words can't describe how I feel when I'm near you, Mari. And if there's a single person on the earth that's even close to being perfect, it's you."

There wasn't a response on Mariana's lips, nor did she want to hear him speak any longer. Somehow he was repairing her heart, and she despised it — how could he be so similar to Five Hargreeves without her noticing?

But that was the problem.

Spencer Downs wasn't Five Hargreeves, nor could he make her feel the way Five could.

Everything had changed the day she met Five; it was almost as if she had been watching life from the wrong perspective. He was everything that she had been searching for. And the best part was that he, too, wasn't completely human. He understood things that Spencer never could. He could be what Spencer couldn't.

Five Hargreeves was the one for Mariana, and she knew that.

"I've been so scared to ruin our friendship," he sighs, shaking his head, "I wasn't sure how I could ever look you in the eyes and tell you. But now that we're here and I'm finally getting everything off of my chest, I . . . I need to tell you everything."

Running her fingers through her hair, Mariana closes her eyes, "Spencer, please don't. You can't — don't do this."

If those fateful words were to fall from his lips with sincerity, Mariana knew she would have to take things to drastic measures. This boy in front of her — the one whom she had always adored with the greatest of admiration — was about to make the biggest mistake of his life, she thought. He would be crushed to hear what she would say.

She had fallen for someone else.

Telling Spencer that would be too much for Mariana to handle, and she knew she didn't have the strength to do it. There was too much kindness in her small body to complete that task, and she would end up saying everything that she didn't mean to. So, when he finally opened his mouth to do the final damage, she had to act quickly before she could start to cry again.

"I'm in love with you."

And it took everything in her to do what she did next; Mariana, with a heavy heart and a mind full of unmade decisions, had turned on her heel, and walked away from Spencer. She needed Five's company right about now, and wished so dearly that he would appear out of thin air to hold her as she sobbed in helplessness.

She had left her best friend standing in the clearing by himself, as broken-hearted as she was, his eyes rubbed red and his shoulders slumped.

Now that the truth had been revealed, Mariana Carson regretted that she ever asked for it.

❝ i hope i'm not the only person
crying because then i'd feel stupid :(
only five more days of school until
i can actually update on a schedule!
who else is excited for the next
chapter?? was this chapter worth the
wait? tell me what you think! ❞