Muddled Senses *The Umbrella Academy Fanfiction*

*Chapter Twenty Five*

A quick reply is heard. "Yes, yes. She's fine. It's actually more about this boy she's seeing. Well, you met him, didn't you? He gives me a weird feeling and I am trying to find all the information I can about him. I am at the library currently but I can't find much on him. I remembered how you used to keep tabs on us and was wondering if you could help me?" Allison continues to ramble getting quieter towards the end of her sentence. My head lolls to the side as I glare at the stairs I just came down.

"Allison, I would love to help but I think the most I can help here is telling you what I used to do." I sigh dejectedly.

"Are you okay?" She asks, worry seeping through her tone.

My hand travels to my forehead as I grasp it. "Yeah, I got injured recently and can't move around like I want to. Anyways, I would just look for articles with his name in them. Ones with pictures are especially helpful to ensure that you have the right person."

Some rustling is heard on her end before her voice comes through again, "I did that. I couldn't find much which is strange right?"

My shoulders shrug on their own before I remember she can not see me. "It depends. Some people leave a lasting impact on the world and others and are recognized for it. Others leave an impact on these things and are left in the dust instead with no recognition."

A sigh is heard before a reply, "I guess you're right. Wise as always I see. Don't stress yourself too much. I think I'm going to talk to Vanya about this and then I will be home. I'll help to take care of you."

My cheeks stretch as a smile graces my features. "I'll take you up on that Allison. Go easy on Vanya. We have a rocky relationship to start with already. If you come at it the wrong way she may clam up more than listen."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Asha."

"Of course, stay safe." I push off the wall to put the phone back on its holder. Pausing before I walk away I begin to think about what I should do next. Agnes crosses my mind and I take a breath before I pick the phone up again and dial the diner's number.

"This is Griddy's Diner. My name is Agnes, how can I help you?" Her voice rings through.

"Hey Agnes, it's me, Asha. I wanted to check in and make sure everything was going okay. How are you?" I question, returning to my position of leaning against the wall.

"Oh! Asha! I wanted to talk to you! I have had a customer recently who has truly inspired me." Agnes' voice raises in excitement.

I smile a small one looking down at my feet. "Really? Does this customer happen to be male?"

"I- maybe they are, what does that change?" She mumbles back seemingly nervous.

I laugh before responding, "Nothing at all. Just wanted to ask because maybe they had some charm on you. What have they inspired you to do?"

There is a pause before she responds. "I wanted to ask you something. He has- he has inspired me to start the bakery sooner than what we were planning. How do you feel about that?"

This time I am the one who pauses mulling over the options. "How soon is sooner?"

"As soon as possible." My mouth opens in shock. My eyes glaze as I begin to think about what is currently happening with my family and how I can not get away currently. "What do you think Asha? Do you think it is possible?"

I gather my emotions and respond, "I think you can do it, Agnes. I can't join you at this moment. I have some more family stuff going on. Keep in contact with me and let me know where you are putting your bakery. I will try to join if I can. You're going to do great Agnes I just know it." A tear slides down my cheek.

"Okay. I will let you know! I hope you're doing good Asha! I'll talk to you more later, a customer just walked in," Agnes states hurriedly.

"Stay safe Agnes, good luck on your bakery." I sigh reaching over to hang the phone up. A second tear follows up the first and more continue to flow down my face. The feeling of the wall on my back is apparent as I slide down. I bend my left knee while leaving my injured leg straight. My forehead bumps against my knee as sobs rack through me. "Why is everything changing?" I whisper to myself in between sobs. The memories from before Dad's funeral flash through my mind. Working with Agnes, planning the bakery, hanging out with Luther, keeping tabs on siblings each bring a feeling. "Are you happy dad? We're back together and my life has changed forever. Five is back and he doesn't seem okay. I got kidnapped with Klaus and tortured. Kidnapped from my own home, a place which is supposed to feel the safest. How am I ever supposed to feel safe again? When I close my eyes I see their masks haunting me. They told me I'm never going to be able to walk normally again. Agnes is leaving me behind because a client inspired her to push our plans forward. Am I that easy to leave in the dust? What is next huh? What. Is. Next. Are we all going to die?"

My tears stop flowing after I rant to the air, my head remaining on my knee taking deep breaths to try to calm myself down. I feel the weight of an arm over my shoulders but I don't bother looking up. "Diego, I'm okay I promise, just a lot going on right now," I sigh out. The hall is quiet as there is no response. This causes me to lift my head and look beside me to see no one. I quickly look to the other side and the only thing to greet me is the empty hallway. I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion wondering if I just imagined it. A thought crosses my mind and I close my eyes and focus to activate Klaus' power along with mine. I look once again and sitting beside me this time is Ben. My eyes widen in surprise. I trail my eyes along his body to notice his arm around my shoulders.

"I didn't think it would work. I had an inkling but I wasn't sure." His voice rings through my ears. My body instantly relaxes as if it were on autopilot now.

"How? How can I feel you? How could I feel you without my powers activated?" I barrage him with questions.

He lifts his arm off my shoulders and holds his hands in a surrender position. "Hey now, I know I'm smart but I don't have all the answers." My body curves in on itself without his touch to guide me. A small smile graces my features as I laugh at his sarcasm. "There's my favorite sight." My smile fades as I tilt my head in question. "Your smile, it's my favorite sight. As cheesy as that sounds. You'll have to deal with the cheese, I have years to make up for. Now, start with one question at a time and maybe I can help you." He smirks at me.

I ask the question that is begging to be asked, "Why are you with me and not with Klaus?" His hands fumble together in his lap. His leather jacket not making any noise.