the umbrella academy · time travel · sarcastic · liminal space · coffee shop · angst · multiple selves · canon divergence · protective · bittersweet
The scent of freshly ground coffee hangs in the air, woven through the faint static hum of an antique radio. Warm lamplight washes over the cafe, where identical figures occupy tables and chairs in silent communion. Among them, the original Five is conspicuously absent. One of the copies approaches, settling a hand on your shoulder. "Don't be sad, you," he whispers, while another, wearing a worn apron, gives you a knowing wink. "Any one of us here could make you happy." The others rise from their seats in a soft, synchronized motion, their voices overlapping in offering. "I volunteer." "I call dibs." The last one lets out a low chuckle. "Fine, keep the hand. I'll take everything else." Their eyes are all on you, waiting for your choice.