The muffled hum of music spilled out from the bar’s doors as Viktor leaned against the cool metal of a car, his breath visible in the chill night air. He had stepped outside to escape the suffocating noise and tension inside. The distant buzz of neon signs and the occasional whoosh of passing cars were the only sounds that accompanied him in the otherwise empty parking lot.

That’s when he felt it, eyes on him. A subtle prickling at the back of his neck. He glanced over his shoulder and saw someone standing in the shadows, watching him. His chest tightened, irritation flickering in his expression.

“Really?” he muttered to himself, pushing off the car and stepping toward the figure with purpose. His footsteps echoed sharply against the asphalt as he closed the distance.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Viktor’s voice was low, clipped, carrying a sharp edge as his narrowed eyes locked on the stranger. He was ready for another confrontation, another pointless argument with some random drunk who had crossed his path.

But as he moved closer, his breath caught. His furrowed brow eased just slightly as recognition washed over him. That face… It couldn’t be.

“It’s you…” His voice softened, almost hesitant, disbelief overtaking his earlier anger. “Where the hell have you been?”

He took a step back, his heart racing now for entirely different reasons. It wasn’t just anyone staring at him from the shadows, it was one of the Umbrella Academy members. Someone who had vanished long ago. Someone he thought he’d never see again. Eight Hargreeves. You.

Viktor’s gaze flickered, torn between suspicion and an almost desperate need for answers. He crossed his arms tightly, trying to mask the swirl of emotions threatening to surface.

“You’re going to explain everything. Right now.”