Phoenix under the Umbrella (Umbrella Academy AU) Chapter 48: Dave's introduction

[Third Person's PoV] 


When Nathan and the others finally returned home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and the house was bathed in the soft glow of the evening. Klaus stood near Nathan, pressing his fingers together in a gesture that was meant to get his brother’s attention.


“Can you do that thing you do? You know, the thing where you call everyone together?” Klaus wiggled his fingers dramatically by the sides of his head. “You know, using your abilities.”


Nathan rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Yeah, yeah, don't worry, I got it.”


With a deep sigh, Nathan closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, he lazily collapsed onto the couch. “They’re on their way,” he muttered, stretching out as if he had just performed the most exhausting task in the world.


Diego moved over to the minibar, shaking his head. “Anyone want a drink?”


“Two scotches on the rocks, hermano!” Klaus called out, raising two fingers in the air like he was ordering at a bar.


As the minutes passed, the rest of the family began trickling into the living room, summoned by Nathan’s mental call. Vanya was the first to arrive, glancing around at everyone.


“It’s been a while since Nathan summoned us like this,” Vanya remarked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.


Allison, walking down the stairs alongside Luther, rolled her eyes. “I swear, I do not miss suddenly hearing his voice in my head,” she grumbled.


In an instant, Five blinked into existence right next to Nathan, his expression tight with irritation. “Where the hell were you?” he snapped. “I needed your help hours ago!”


Nathan smirked. “Fighting God.”


Five crossed his arms, his face deadpan. “You're not religious. Come up with a better excuse.”


Diego, now leaning against the minibar with a fresh drink in hand, chuckled darkly. “Hermanito, he’s not talking about faith.”


Five narrowed his eyes, confused, before his gaze shifted around the room. His attention landed on someone unfamiliar, standing close to Klaus, who looked... happy. It was a startling change from his usual chaotic energy.


“Show me,” Five demanded, his eyes sharp.


The rest of the group exchanged confused looks, unsure what Five and Diego were talking about. Then, their attention turned to Klaus, who was practically glowing with excitement. Klaus beamed, his arm casually slung around the shoulder of a man none of them recognized.


Ben and Jennifer had just taken their seats when Ben leaned forward, gesturing towards the stranger. “So, who’s this guy?” Ben asked, eyeing Klaus suspiciously.


Klaus grinned wide and, in true dramatic fashion, grabbed a spoon and tapped his glass, calling for everyone’s attention. “Now, hear ye, hear ye! Everyone gather 'round. I have some news to share and someone very special to introduce to you all!”


As the room grew quiet, Klaus pulled the stranger closer with both arms, as if showing off a prize. “I want you all to meet Dave, my boyfriend,” he announced, placing a hand over his heart as he gazed lovingly at Dave.


The room fell into stunned silence. Dave, standing awkwardly in the spotlight, gave a small, nervous smile and raised a hand in greeting. “Hey, I’m Dave. Nice to meet everyone,” he said, his voice unsure.


They all stared, mouths slightly agape, unsure how to react. Jennifer, always the icebreaker, smiled and waved. “Hi, Dave. I’m Jennifer.”


Her warm greeting seemed to shake everyone out of their stupor. Allison was the first to recover, a teasing grin spreading across her face. “Klaus, you dog! You didn’t tell us you were seeing someone! And I gotta say, he’s pretty cute. Good job.” She nodded in approval, clearly impressed.


Klaus preened under the praise, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Thanks, sis.”


Allison turned her attention to Dave, offering a genuine smile. “I’m Allison. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dave.”


Before Dave could respond, Ben cut in with a smirk. “I’m just surprised Klaus managed to get into a relationship before either Vanya or Luther. That’s pretty sad for you two.” He gave them both a look of mock pity.


Vanya scowled, clearly more affected by the jab than she wanted to admit. “Vanya,” she introduced herself curtly, still thrown off by Ben’s comment.


Ben, unfazed, extended a hand to Dave. “The name’s Ben.”


Dave shook it politely, still adjusting to the sudden wave of introductions.


Without warning, Five blinked in front of Dave, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the newcomer from head to toe. “Seriously? You picked Klaus?” he asked, his voice dripping with disbelief.


Dave blinked, unsure how to respond. “Uh… yeah?”


Five continued to study him for a moment longer before finally extending his hand. “Well, although Klaus is a bit messed up in the head with a lot of issues—”


“I’m literally right here,” Klaus interjected, pointing to himself indignantly.


Five ignored him. “He’s still our brother. So take care of him.”


Dave, unsure of how to respond to such an odd mix of criticism and brotherly concern, simply nodded and shook Five’s hand. “I’ll do my best,” he said.


Satisfied, Five blinked back to his spot on the couch.


Luther, standing off to the side, cleared his throat awkwardly. “Since everyone else is saying something, I feel like I should too,” he began, patting Dave on the shoulder. “Like Five said, Klaus is... well, he’s got a lot going on up here.” He tapped his temple.


“Still standing right here, big guy,” Klaus muttered into his drink.


“But he’s been hurt before, and all I ask as his brother is that you don’t hurt him too.”


Klaus raised his glass, slightly touched by the sentiment. “That was... kind of sweet. And really gross.”


Dave, though slightly overwhelmed, nodded sincerely. “The last thing I want to do is hurt Klaus.”


Luther clapped him on the back. “Then you’re alright by me. Call me Luther.”


When the introductions were complete, the room seemed to settle into a more relaxed atmosphere, though the shock of Klaus having a boyfriend still lingered in the air. 


Klaus then lifted his cup in the air, “I want to propose this toast to my brother Nathaniel~” Klaus said sniffling as if he was crying, “For making all this possible and fighting the heavenly father himself to reunite us!” 


Everyone slowly turned towards Nathan who was still laying down on the couch moving his fingers along his shirt before blowing on his nails smugly.