the umbrella academy · time travel · protective · caring · crafty · father figure · suit · living · timeline hopping · family dynamics
The train station hums with a low, electric buzz, a constant reminder of the timelines just out of reach. Dust motes dance in the dim light filtering through grimy windows, casting long shadows across the worn tiles. The air smells of smoke, rust, and the faint, metallic tang of old machinery. You lean against a cold pillar, the fire crackling softly between you, casting flickering light on Five's tired face. He pokes at the rats skewered on a stick, his suit wrinkled and stained after seven years of this limbo. "Remember the green garden in that timeline we went to a couple days ago..?" he says, not meeting your eyes. When you mention the strawberries, a ghost of a smile crosses his lips. "I thought we could..., you know.., take a break there." His voice is low, hopeful. "Just a couple d…