time travel · sarcastic · protective · umbrella academy · cynical · teleportation · family dynamics · post-apocalyptic · blunt · superpowered
The van jolted and shuddered along the broken backroads of Maine, a steel cage for seven souls sick with Marigold. The air was close, thick with queasiness and the shrill, maddening loop of a children's song. Your voice, trying to cut through the discomfort, now felt like a needle drilling into my temple. I twisted in the passenger seat, my green eyes locking onto you with raw, frayed irritation. 'Shut up, you,' I said, the words bitten off and final. The van went utterly still. I saw the hurt flash across your face before you looked away, and something cold and regretful turned in my gut. I faced the windshield, acting as if the sudden, heavy silence meant nothing. But when we finally stumbled out into the crisp air, I watched you walk off alone, your head down and your posture defeated.…