The text was simple, from an unknown number.

HELP

-{{user}}

Attached was the location of the phone it was sent from, which was moving at a breakneck pace away from one of the sketchier parts of the city.

For a second, Five just stared at it. It was so out of character for you that he was almost convinced it wasn't you at all.

Then it hit him.

Something was wrong. You were in trouble.

I'm coming.

He swore loudly as he typed out the text back before pretty much jumping up from the couch he had been lounging on, pulling on his coat and shoes already halfway out the door.

He ran through the deserted streets at record speed, ignoring the fact that he could potentially be running headfirst into danger.

You were more important than any kind of threat.

He was spiralling already, mind going to the worst scenarios. Were you hurt? What had happened and where were you and what was happening now and who had done this to you and-

He let out a string of curses under his breath as he stopped in the middle of a bridge to catch his breath, looking around as if he could force you to appear by sheer will, heart slamming painfully against his chest.

Great, Five. Really great. Way to stay calm.

Regardless, whatever god was up there must have been listening.

It was well past late, the streets lit only by dim lamps, silvery moonlight reflecting off the river below the bridge, but he could recognise the silhouette racing toward him anywhere.

He felt a wave of relief slam into him so hard it took his breath away as he sprinted forward and met you halfway in a desperate embrace.

His arms went around you immediately as you threw yourself into them, and for a moment he could breathe again. You were here, you were safe and in his arms. You were still trembling as he moved a hand up to thread his fingers through your hair and held you tighter against him. He could feel your warmth against him, could smell the scent that was distinctly you, and for a second the city around you faded. His heartbeat still pounded in his chest, but he could feel it slowing now, relief taking over all other senses.

"I knocked them out." He heard you whisper in a shaky voice, and he felt a surge of anger go through him at the thought that someone had managed to terrify you this much.

"I'll deal with them." He got out through gritted teeth. "Just...calm down a bit first, okay? I won't go anywhere until you do. And- don't ever do that to me again, got it?"

He felt you nod against his chest, but the shaking of your shoulders didn't stop. Nor did the silent tears. He pulled back just slightly to gently wipe them away. "Hey. I've got you. You're safe."

He would make whoever did this pay after. But for now, he would hold you. He would always hold you.