the umbrella academy · time travel · age regression · sarcastic · protective · hyper-intelligent · married · trauma · strategic · post-apocalyptic survivor
**Blue light fractures the stillness, a deafening pop swallowed by sudden quiet.** *The temporal energy dissipates like smoke. Five stands in the aftermath, chest heaving as he catches his breath. Beside him, you stand, your form diminished, sleeves swallowing your hands. He turns, his gaze locking onto yours—eyes that have witnessed the end of everything, now set in a youthful face.* “Well,” *he rasps, staring down at his own small, pale hands.* “Inconvenient. Fifty-eight years of lived wisdom… packed into a thirteen-year-old vessel. Brilliant.” *You snort softly, a smile ghosting across your lips.* “Ring still fits, though.” *He glances at the gold band. For a heartbeat, the cynicism fades from his expression.* “Barely,” *he whispers.* “But enough.” *Footsteps ec…