Words: 3284
Themes: Cute, Pining
Warnings: implied drug use.
>I fucked with the timeline
Song suggestions: Ordinary World by Green Day
Doomsday was forever getting closer, creeping only a few steps behind them wherever they went. The clock was always ticking but it appeared that the hands had gotten a little stuck, Five's initial estimate for doomsday had been completely wrong. Something had happened in the timeline that pushed the event further back, but no one knew just how long it had been pushed back for, they didn't know how long it would be until shit hit the fan. It could be years or it could be minutes.
It had been a few months since Five showed up at the door, well, through the door. In that time he had brought back two of his brothers to stay, and being a people pleaser, Elliott couldn't turn them away and welcomed them into his pretty funky home.
It was getting late on a cool saturday evening, the sun had already gone down hours ago, and the building was actually silent for once, Elliott didn't know if he was relieved or concerned. For months there had been not a single moment of silence in the household, and now suddenly there isn't even a creaking floor board or a single curse being muttered under breath. The young man decided to make the most of it anyway, taking a little bit of time for himself for once. He dragged himself from the sofa where he had been napping, his bone popped quietly as he stretched his arms over his head. He had been sleeping on that sofa for so long that he doubted he would ever get the structural integrity of his spine back, but he really couldn't complain since he was the one to offer up his bed and the spare mattress to his unexpected house guests. He groaned a little as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hands, letting himself adjust to the dim lighting in the almost pitch dark room. He shrugged the blanket off of himself and reached for his flannel shirt that he had tossed carefully over the back of the sofa when he was going to sleep earlier, he pulled it over his shoulders and shivered as the cool breeze nipped at his skin. there was something about that evening that felt ethereal, like he was still deep in a dream of some sorts, still curled up on the sofa. Maybe it was the peaceful silence that was only interuppted by a few cars driving past as people started heading home form the late shift at their jobs, or maybe it was the fact that he had just had more sleep than he has had in what feels like centuries. He shrugged off the slightly uneasy feeling that came with the silence and headed to his kitchen, first on the agenda was always coffee, his own blend of coffee made strong enough to kill a god. His footsteps echoed softly through the empty building, his odd socks shuffled along the ground as he move quickly and quietly, too used to being quiet because he knew five will erupt if you interrupt his thinking.
"Christ"
He hissed as he nearly jumped out of his skin, his heart jump started into panic mode as he made it to the doorway only to find that he was not in fact alone. Luther was still here, he had dragged one of the chairs from the small kitchen table over to the window, He had thought that he was alone as well so the sudden exclamation shocked him. He turned around to look at Elliott with a slightly awkward smile
"sorry, did I scare you?"
He asked as if he couldn't see how eli had gone a few shades paler than usual and how his fists were clenched in defence. His heart stopped throwing itself against his ribcage as he saw Luther's smile, he knew that he could trust luther more than the others, at least thats his opinion. they had let their guards down with each other from the moment they met, theres nothing like getting high with a stranger to get to know them better. Eli ran a hand through his slightly messy hair, pushing back as much of it as he could (but a few reluctant strands still fell over his forehead in defiance.) A silent chuckle made his shoulders shake a little, he leaned against the countertop as he looked at luther with a fond gaze.
"I thought i was alone, you were so... quiet for once, no offence"
The last thing he wants is to offend someone who is at least two hundred pounds heavier than him and built with pure muscle, he wouldn't stand a chance if he got angry enough to fight. Luther gave a sombre nodded as he turned his attention back to the window, back to the moon that was shining full and silver in the sky.
"I thought the same thing"
He mused, tapping his fingers gently against the windowsill, occasionally picking off some peeling paint by a leafy plant that he had put there to brighten up the place a little (as per klaus' request.) Elliott looked at him for a moment longer, tilting his head to the side as he admired luther from a distance, he caught himself in thought and quickly brought his head out of the clouds.
"stargazing?"
He motioned to the window as he went searching for his coffee tin, eventually finding it on the highest shelf, obviously put there to hide it from Five and his coffee addiction. with a small huff he stretched up as far as he could and stood on his tip toes to reach it, managing to knock it down with his fingertips and catch it before it hit the counter top. Luther almost didn't hear the question, he was getting lost in thought about the easier days of his life, he had never felt like he belonged somewhere until he was sent into space alone, He felt like he had purpose there, like he wasn't just sitting around and waiting for the end like a spare part. He sighed deeply and shook his head, rubbing his face with his cold hands
"yeah, no"
He got up from the seat and stretched his arms around his back, Elliott couldn't help but notice that Luther had once again stolen his dressing gown, it looked like a muscle fit cardigan on him. He had given up making any comments on it, since in all honestly he didn't mind it.
"I just... thought I saw something outside"
Luther added as he sauntered over to the countertops where elliott was setting out a mug, He opened one of the top cabinats and took out another mug, he set it down next to Elliott's and smiled at him. Maybe coffee would help him clear his mind. Eli nodded, that alleyway was somehow one of the most interesting parts of the world in his opinion, since it was where the hargreeeves siblings had all appeared and there were often strange characters that would come and go from there.
"did you see anything interesting then?"
He inquired with a slight smile, looking up at Luther with twinkling eyes. He wasn't ready to admit to himself the way that he felt about him, but from the moment he first saw him tumble into that alleyway he has been absolutely infatuated by him. he didnt know if it was just general intrigue or something more, but wahtever it is that it was, it as driving him slightly crazy. Being the himbo that he is, luther hadn't noticed anything, he hadn't realised that elliott always smiles a little wider around him, or checks in on him more than he checks on anyone else that lives there, always making sure that he is doing well. Luther shook his head again, standing with his hands in his pockets as he rocked on his heels and waited on the coffee to finish brewing.
"it was just a weird looking bird"
Eli snorted a little, stifling a laugh by biting his tongue. Luther's brow furrowed as he looked at Eli, he smiled a little as he watched him holding back a laugh, he couldnt help but feel his heart flutter as he saw the joyous gleam in the other mans eyes.
"Is something funny?"
He asked with a nervous chuckled as he stopped rocking on his heels, He swallowed a nervous lump in his throat as he waited for an answer, worried he'd said something stupid. He couldn't stand when people think that he's stupid, he likes to think that he is reasonably smart, he is... was, number one after all. Elliott managed to stop himself from laughing, wiping his eyes a little
"No- I just- bird watching is a weird excuse for whatever you were doing"
He grinned up at luther with a heavy heart
"were you being a peepin' tom? I know someone lives in the appartment across the road, and that you can see their bedroom window from that one there... I caught your brother 'bird watching' last week"
Luthers cheeks went pink from the accusations, shaking his head quickly with a serious face, his lips were pursed into a straight line and his brows were furrowed.
"NO! I would never"
He at least has a little more self respect and respect for those around him than klaus does, lil creep.
"so you were just 'birdwatching' at night?"
elliott mused, pouring the two cups of coffee before going searching for the sugar dish, he had to hide the sugar from that crazy lady that would come and go since she liked swapping out the sugar for salt, not only was it becoming an increasingly more expensive prank, it was a waste of good coffee. He could tell that luther was still disracted by the way his eyes were drifting over to the window every so often, like he was longing for something to change outside of it. He stirred two sugars into his coffee and offered some to luther, who just put his hand over the mug to show he didnt want any. He took the mug and went back over to the window, nodding a quick thanks to elliott, he scooted the chair a little closer to the windowsill. Elliot sighed and shook his head, pushing his coffee a little further back on the counter before opening a drawer and going searching for some keys.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of if you are stargazing"
He shrugged, shoving nearly his whole arm into the cluttered drawer.
"I stargaze"
He gasped a little as he managed to grab ahold of the metal moon keyring that he had clipped onto his keys, he dragged himself away from the drawer and bumped it shut with his hips. He looked at luther for a moment, debating what he was about to offer before deciding that it would be okay if luther knew, he trusts him to not tell any of his other siblings about the exit to the roof.
![[Umbrella Academy x Reader] One Shots & Preferences by juliet_of_roses](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/184164276-80-k92452.jpg)
that was his safe place in the chaos that his life had been in these last few months, he would go up there with the newspaper or a packet of cigarettes to be by himself and break down a little in fear. Luther glanced over his shoulder at Eli, sipping his coffee and relaxing at the bitter warmth.
"...I want to show you something"
Eli smiled, carefully picking up his coffee without burning his hand, moving in a balanced fashion so that he wouldnt spill any over the side. It was safe to say that luther was skeptical about what he was going to be shown, if it was anything about stars then it was very likely that he already knew about it since the knowledge of space from twenty nineteen is alot clearer and far more advance. But he got up and followed eli anyway
"If it's any form of weapon, you do realise I would completely wreck you in a fight"
He mused, since he arrived in 1962 he has felt like there might be someone after him at every turn, of course he doubted eli was an assassin, he would have killed him by now if he was. Elliott very quickly shook his head, he wondered if he would ever understand why Luther and his siblings always assume murder or violence or death... it must just be like that where they are from. He lead the taller man to a door down the hall that he had told them was just a locked broom closet that he couldnt get opened and that it had been like that since he moved in. He unlocked it to reveal a set of stairs, he started up them without hesitation, going up two steps at a time. Luther stood slightly dumbfounded for a moment before following him slowly, holding onto the bannister. When they got to the top of the stairs there was the quiet sound of the keys jingling and a door unlocking before a gust of cold air hit them both. Elliott stepped out onto the roof and held the door opened for luther before shutting it slowly.
"this is where I come to stargaze... I thought you might want a better view"
He motioned over to where there was a small garden furniture set, set up by a telescope. it was very basic furniture, two folding wood seats and a round folding table with a half full ashtray set on it. Luther looked around for a moment, glancing at the sky and then at Eli, this place explained why he would randomly disappear or go out for 'milk' when they didnt even need any.
"how long have you had this place set up?"
He turned slightly, his gaze following eli as he sat down on one of the chairs and put his mug of coffee on the table, the young man looked up and closed his eyes to feel the night air on his skin. he looked at peace for once, not troubled with worry.
"since... before five showed up"
He nodded, opening his eyes with a peaceful smile on his face, motioning to the other seat with an open palm.
"are you going to join me? or just stand there like a mad man"
Luther nodded, managing to regain his thoughts and braincells for a moment, he swiftly headed over to the seat and carefully sat down, always worried that a chair will break beneath him. He held the coffee in his both of his hands, looking up at the sky fondly, the silver light of the moon reflected in his eyes. Elliott looked towards him with a love struck smile, adoration was plastered over every feature.
"you're an awfully big fan of the moon"
He observed, Luther only nodded a little, looking down at the ground.
"...why?"
Eli moved his chair a little closer to the table, closer to luther. Luther swallowed a lump in his throat as tears pricked his eyes, he was used to being the strong and stoic leader when deep down he's just a sensitive guy.
"before"
He cleared his throat and started again
"before we- I- came here. i stayed on the moon... I know that is hard to believe, but I had a sort of... home up there"
nothing was hard to believe anymore, he has seen it all, a child who can teleport and a woman who can make people do whatever she wants, once you've seen that, you've seen it all.
"everyone is convinced i was up there for no reason... but- I felt like I had a purpose when i was up there"
He choked up a little, looking towards the sky to stop tears from rolling down his cheeks. He believes that he was up there for a reason, no matter what any one else says, he was up there protecting the earth from some unknown force that reginald was observing, he didnt want to believe otherwise. Elliott felt his heart breaking slightly as he heard the pain in luthers voice, he reached over and took his hand without warning, causing luther to pull back in hesitation before relaxing and holding his hand a little tighter.
"...I'm sure there was a purpose"
Eli smiled, letting go of his hand for a moment, he picked up his chair and walked around the table to set it next to luther before sitting back down and taking his hand again. their arms linked as elliott intertwined their fingers, luther was too dumbfounded to pull his hand away. they sat together in complete silence for a few minutes before luther moved a little closer to elliott again, causing the shorter mans heart to start beating out of his chest faster than ever.
"...you know how you told me about your ex wife? do you think you'll ever move on?"
He mused, glancing down at Eli who was now looking up at him with a content look, he bit the inside of his cheek before answering.
"I already have"
Luther panicked for a moment, clearing his throat
"o-oh- u-h who is she? this woman you've moved on with?"
He was many things, it just appeared that smart wasn't one of them. Eli looked away as his cheeks heated up, glowing bright red.
"...I haven't moved on like that- I just mean- I'm completely over her. someone else has caught my eye"
Luther nodded again, keeping a slightly tighter grip on Elliott's hand, making sure not to break it though.
"luther... do you think it's wrong to... I dont know... love another man? hypothetically of course!"
Luther cringed a little, knowing that Eli shouldn't have to ask that question but the world just hasnt caught up to him yet... maybe he could ask five about taking Eli back to twenty nineteen with them, if they ever get back there that is.
"It's not wrong. is this 'person' that you've moved on with a guy?"
Luther will win the Himbo of the year award for 1963. Elliott nodded relucatantly, still preparing himself incase luther were to lash out about the new discovery, he hadnt told anyone so his nerves were wrecked by the situation. all these months of pining over him, and now they are on the rooftop under the stars with their hands clasped together in a not very 'just bros' way. He shuffled a little in his seat and let go of luthers hand, turning to face him with a worried expression. He had no reason to be worried, because now luthers heart was racing faster than elliotts ever could, his palms were beginning to sweat and he was lost for any words before anything was even said.
"luther- I-"
Elliott looked up with pleading eyes, hoping that he wouldn't have to say it and that luther would actually get the hint for once in his life... and he did.
"r-really?"
He chuckled nervously, biting his tongue. eli just nodded, looking away in an ashamed manner.
"hey-"
Luther didn't let him look away, he carefully put a hand on Eli's cheek and moved him to face him again, his eyes flickered over every worried feature. no words were said, they just looked at each other in awe. Luther slowly moved his hand away, scooting his chair closer to Eli's and draping an arm around his shoulder, he pulled eli close. Elliott cuddled up against his side, taking the hand that was rested over his shoulder, he carefully ran his thumb over luther's bruised knuckles and sighed.
they didn't have to say anything to know that this feeling was mutual, this was more than enough.
((This was a request, and honestly this ship makes my heart feel so fucking full! I hope y'all enjoyed some good ol' Luther being a himbo for over 3000 words))
