CHAPTER EIGHTY-SIX: STUCK IN TIME

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"So what do you think the next timeline will be like?" Lila looked at you and Five.

"Hopefully, this one will be it. I mean, how many timelines are there anyway? Do you think we'll visit every single one?" she asked.

"This is it" you and Five said and she looked at you both "What? What do you two mean?" she asked.

You and Five exhaled heavily, rubbing your temple as exhaustion threatens to consume you both. You met her gaze, your eyes filled with a mixture of fatigue and determination. "This is the last timeline, Lila" you said "After this one, we're done. We're going back home. No more timelines" he said.

Lila blinked in surprise, disbelief creeping into her expression "Wait, what? Are you two serious? We can't stop now, guys. There's still so much to do. We can't just---" "We can and we will" you and Five cut her off "We're done, we're so done. This whole timeline exploration bullshit is pointless from the start" you said.

"Yeah. A stupid idea that was never going to work. We thought we could make a difference, but Y/n and I had enough" Five said.

She scoffed, her frustration bubbling to the surface "What the hell are you two talking about? If it's so stupid, then why did you two agree to do it in the first place? You both agreed to this mission. You both signed up for this. You two can't just give up now 'cause you're tired---"

Five clenched his fists, his patience wearing him "Because you're family, Lila" he snapped "We did this because we care about you. You're our brother's wife. Our sister-in-law" you said.

"Yeah, and we knew you needed space from him, from your life and we thought we could help. But this...this is too much. We can't keep doing it" he said.

Her expression softened momentarily until her eyes flashed with anger, but there was something deeper there, something that made her voice tremble when she spoke "I don't need you guys' pity. I never did" she shot back.

She paced in front of him, her frustration building up "I don't need your pity!" she snapped, her voice rising in the volume. She wasn't sure why she was so angry, perhaps it was the exhaustion or the weight of her own frustrations "I genuinely wanted to stop this fourth apocalypse. I'm trying to help" she said.

Five met her gaze without flinching "Pity?" he scoffed "Y/n and I care about you, Lila. We do. But sometimes, you make it damn near impossible for me to not want to kill you" he said.

"Oh yeah?" she challenged "Then go ahead. Kill me now!" her words were sharp, cutting through the tension that filled the air.

Five glanced at Lila but didn't react. He stayed still instead. His silence only made Lila's anger grow. She marched over to him, grabbing the front of his collar and yanking him towards her "Go on" she spat, her eyes blazing "Finish me off, Five! I dare you!"

"Guys, stop" you wanted to pull them away from each other but Five lifted his left hand to signal you to stop and you did.

For a moment, the tension between them was suffocating. Five's expression never wavered, but the storm brewing inside him was palpable. Yet, despite everything, he said nothing. He simply pushed her away from him.

Lila's breath came in ragged gasps, frustration and anger warring within her. Her hands shook as tears began to well up in her eyes, she hadn't realized how close she was to breaking until that moment.

Five finally decided to break the silence "You can't keep running from your problems, Lila. You have to talk to Diego. Y/n and I are not your therapist. We can't always be the one to listen to your problems, be the one who's here for you. Both Y/n and I have our own life too, I have a wife that I'm trying to protect" he said "And I have a husband that I'm also trying to protect" you said.

A small chuckle came from her before taking a deep breath.

"You're right. I'm such a mess...I tried to change. For Diego. For the kids. But here I am, still running away. Still avoiding everything instead of facing it" she looked down before looking at him again.

"I'm so sorry for everything. For dragging you two into this. I was used to you two both being strong and handling things on your own, that...it slipped my mind. I was selfish, guys. And I'm sorry" she said.

You and Five exhaled slowly, a tired but genuine smile appearing on your face. "Thank you for understanding, Lila" you both said quietly.

---

The train finally stopped and, you, Lila and Five stepped out as soon as the doors opened but it was not the right timeline, so you stepped into the train again before sitting down disappointed.

You, Five and Lila had spend months that felt like years in the abandoned subway. The plan to divert Ben from going on the Moldovan mission had failed and the only thing on your minds was returning back home to your families. The three of you had been surviving on things you have collected over time, such as snacks and bottle water.

YEAR ONE

You, Five and Lila was still sitting in the train as it was driving down the tunnel, hoping that it would stop at the right timeline.

Five stretched the map to the side towards you and you grab it.

The train stop and the three of you stepped out before looking around the station to see if it was the right timeline but no, so you got into the train again and it drove down the tunnel while the three of you was sitting on the floor in the train.

Lila sat down on the floor while Five started working out while you were hanging your head upside down.

As the train kept driving, Five put his legs up while he was laying on his back on the seat with the map covered his face while Lila was sitting on top of some other seats while you were laying on the floor. All three of you bored to death, just waiting for the train to stop at the right timeline.

"If we went two stops ago, we would be in the right station" Lila said as the three of you entered the train again after arrive at the wrong timeline.

"It's completely your fault. I said to go eastbound. This is your fault" she said "How do you think we're eastbound?" he asked "This is westbound!" Lila said out loud as the two were arguing "Stop it guys okay!" you shouted at them "Told you that this was not the right timeline and told you something will go wrong, we're stuck in time"

YEAR TWO

The three of you were in the train station in another timeline. Five and you were preparing some blanket while Lila was sitting by the fireplace looking down at the food you were making.

Because of yours and Five's survival skills and pervious experience, you knew how to survive so that was not a problem for you. 

"Why does this remind me when we were stuck in the apocalypse?" you asked "Because it kinda is" Five replied.

The three of you kept trying to find a way back to the right timeline, but it was like you were stuck.

The three of you were looking for food in the station and you lifted chewing gum machine up from the ground before you shook it and you laughed as you could hear that something was in it.

The three of you crouched down as you handed Five and Lila some chewing gum before eating your chewing gum and you laughed while Five smiled as Lila chuckled, happy over you found some food.

---

YEAR THREE

You, Five and Lila were sitting in the train, just looking straight ahead, your hair messy and your clothes dirty. But you were still so desperate in coming home, but you were lost.

---

While Lila was out searching for food, you and Five were sitting in one of the train stations across each other playing a game with different small stuff they had found.

Five turned to cough and while he was looking away you moved one of your pieces.

When he looked back you moved your pieces, taken two of Five's pieces which cause him to narrowed his eyes and you laughed which made him smile.

"You cheated and that means you are getting punish" Five moved over to you before pressing his lips against yours.

"If that is my punishment, I think I will start cheating some more" you both smiled before kissing again.

Five then lifted you up and you wrapped your legs around his waistline.

"I love you" he kissed your neck "I love you too" you kissed again.

---

YEAR FOUR.

You were sitting on the floor with your right leg up as Five was slowly removing a piece of glass out of your foot "Ow! Ow!" you said as he took it out and Lila help clean it.

---

Five was sitting on a chair as you were shaving him. He couldn't help but stare at you as your faces was inches apart.

You both looked at each other before smiling and you grab a rag before wiping his face.

After that Five cut your hair.

---

YEAR FIVE

The three of you was sitting in the train as it was driving down the tunnel. Your face looks lost and you were. You were all three covered in dirt marks and ash from a timeline you had just visited and had to try and survive in as you all sat in silently, that was until you noticed how silent Five was, which was weird since he had always been the one to talk or start a conversation during these repetitive train rides you had both grown to despair as you looked over at Five quietly and what he was doing.

Five meanwhile was still staring ahead of him, seeming to find more interest in passing wall outside the train than the person next to him, except he wasn't interested in anything and was just staring ahead of him as if he was trying to keep himself awake. You noticed how he seems to have lost that arrogant smirk he wore that was now replaced with dirt and ash, that neat hair he'd always spend a second of his free time sorting out which was now replaced with frizzy mess that he didn't bother to fix, he looked different to what you was originally graced by almost every day, so much more emptier looking than his cocky self like he had give up on trying to find his family again, like he was done, like he was just so tired.

You looked at Lila that was sitting next to you "Don't worry, you will get home to your kids" you said "I hope" she said "Don't lose hope, don't give up" you said and she nodded before she rested her head against a seat to rest.

It was late at night, and the ride didn't seems close to its end yet. You were tired and so was Five, but he forced hinself to stay awake, not wantes to miss the stop. Miss the chance of going home.

Slowly but surely tiredness took over and you slowly slipped into your dreams. Your body leaned against his side as your head fell onto his shoulder, seeking for a comfortable position that provided warmth and a feeling of protection.  

Five noticed your umintentionel act. He turned his head to look at you before smiling, wrapping his arm around you as he gave you a small kiss on top of your head, pulling you closer.

"I will get you home, no matter the cost, I promise" he spoke in a soft whisper, ready to sacrifice everything for you.

He then put his head on top of yours before also closing his eyes to sleep.

---

YEAR SIX.

While Lila was laying in a bed for herself on the subway station, you and Five was laying in a bed for yourself.

You had your head on Five's chest while you were snuggled up in his arms as he had his arms around you.

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You, Five and Lila was sitting at the subway. The three of you were sitting in the station with the train behind you as you was sitting looking down at the fire the three of you have made where some rat you have caught was being burned so you could eat them.

"Many years have passed, and I want to go home" you let out a sigh "Do you think we will come home?" you asked "I promise you, I will bring you home safely. We will find a way" Five said before letting out a sigh.

"I don't think I can eat another subway rat" Five said "If you add an orange peel to it, it kind of tastes like duck á l'orange" Lila said "Care to guess how long we've been down here?" you looked at the two "Long enough I found my first gray hair" she said as you eat a piece of meat.

"And it's not on my head" she looked at you and you exhales bemusedly while Five folded out a calendar he had made "Well, according to my calendar, it's been...six years, five months, two days" he said "Yeah, well, we'll find a way home soon enough, right?" Lila looked at the two of you "Of course. If we don't get stabbed, shot, or blown up the next time we go topside" you said and the two nodded.

He then folded the calendar "You know in some of those timelines, we would've been lucky to get out alive" he put the calendar in his bag before looking at you "Yeah, well, we're still kicking, so we must be doing something right" you smiled before looking at him "She is right. As long as you are still breathing, there is still hope" Lila said "Yeah, we will get back. You will see your husband and your kids again" you said.

"I think my marriage is over" Lila sighed "I don't think it is" she looked at you "Diego love you Lila and you love him. You and him have something that most people would kill for. I would do anything to get what you guys have" you let out a sigh before looking at her while Five glanced at you "Don't let go of him, it's rare to find someone that see all your flaws but still love you. So don't let go of that" you said before looking at her.

"How do you two keep it going?" she asked "Communication, we listen to each other, If you disagree on something, if you want to tell them how you feel, sit down and talk. Understand each other, do not interrupt" you said "Yeah. A way to prevent an argument is just to calm down and listen to what the other has to say. Keep in mind that you both want this to work. Work through it together. Communication and trust is key to a successful relationship. Do not keep your feelings to yourself, you won't want to explode in the future and make things worse. Don't be afraid of what your partner might think, they are there to accept you, not to judge you. We don't have any secret for each other. We have date nights. We spend time with each other. Express love and appreciation. Prioritize emotional and physical intimacy. Set aside quality time together" Five said.

"Relationship is nothing without trust and honesty. Engage in shared interests. Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, and marriage is no exception, but it's how you navigate it that makes all the difference. Support each other's growth and personal development. Respect each other and also forgive the other when one of us is an idiot. Nurture fondness and admiration. We give each other space when the other need it. Apologize when you're wrong. Take a walk hand in hand. Go to bed together. Make time for each other. We respect each other's choices and support each other. Always give a hundred percent together. The idea behind teamwork in your relationship is that both of you are working together to make this work. To get to that hundred percent every day, and if you both feel like you can't get there, still be there to support each other every step. No matter the struggle, no matter the downfalls, no matter what happens, be there for each other whenever you can" you said.

"Don't you two fight?" she asked "Yeah, we fight, but every couples does. But we don't give up on each other. Arguments are normal. What matters is that you makes amends and move forward together" Five said.

"Yeah whenever Five and I get into a bad argument, we both learn to push back our ego and apologize for our part in the fight" you said.

"Yeah, that is how Y/n and I make it work" Five said and you nodded before you "Maybe you and Diego should do that" you said and she did a small nod while letting out a sigh.

"Listen, true love it is the art of seeing someone's flaws and thinking they are prefect anyway. Love doesn't blind you to imperfections, it lets you see them clearly and embrace them. It's knowing every crack in their armor, every fault in their character, and still thinking they are the most beautiful and most extraordinary person you've ever know, because to you, they are everything. And I know that you and Diego are each other's true love, so don't throw that away" you said.

"She's right. Our brother loves you more than anything. You and home belong together" Five said "Thanks you two" she said "Of course"

"Listen I know I always said it was just a mission, but Five and I never apologized. We really are sorry for killing your parents" you said "I've made peace with it. I have my family now. But it means a lot that you apologized" she said before smiling.

"If I have to be honest, I have to confess something" she looks at Five "Those years we have spend together her, have gotten me closer to you, and now I actually see you as my family Lila, I see you as a sister" he said "I see you as a brother" she said "Glad we finally can handle each other now" they both chuckled "Glad you two can finally tolerate each other. 'Cause then I don't have to babysit you" you said and the two chuckled.

"Hey, do you two remember that timeline we found the day? At the greenhouse?" you asked and the two looked at you "And the strawberries. What about it?" Lila asked "Seemed pleasant enough" you said "Yeah. You're right there's no feral hogs there. No secret police. I was thinking we could maybe set up there for a stretch" he suggested "So you're giving up?" she asked "No, absolutely not, no one said give up, trust me, Five and I want to get home just as much as you do" you said "Yeah. But...it's been almost seven years" Five said "Yeah. We deserve a break. You know, a bed. A shower" you said "I would strangle a kitten for a hot bath" she said before looking at the two of you.

"We all three need a break, I'm tired of running" he said "Yeah, we need to relax for a moment or else we will go crazy" you said

"Just a few days, okay? This does not mean that we're giving up" she said "No, of course not" you hook your head "Okay" she nodded.

---

The three of you left the subway and walked over to the house. You and Lila walk side by side, you could tell she was happy in leaving the subway to finally find a place where you didn't have to be in constant alert the whole time.

Five on the other hand was walking behind you lost in his thoughts. Even if he wouldn't admit it, he was happy to leave the station as well.

The three of you were able to locate the greenhouse timeline again. Through the strawberry field was a little neglected, everything was mostly still there.

"Looks like no one found this place" Five said "I think we are the only ones here" you said as Five places your belongings on the floor.

You couldn't help but wonder if Five really meant it when he said this wasn't him giving up. He was settling in far too quickly for your liking. Regardless, you put those thought aside.

"I call dibs on the show" Lila rushed past you and Five.

Soon after you arrived at the house. You explored it more together. You finally settled on the idea of staying, even if it was only for a few weeks. You found a village which was totally desert. There was not a single soul there, but weirdly all the shops and houses were still intact. It seemed like everyone had just disappeared. You really couldn't do anything about it so the three of you took the opportunity to grab the thing you needed. 

You found yourself imagining every possible outcome for what might happen when you and Five returned home. You didn't wanted to give up, but you did not want to give yourself or Five false hope. Especially since you and Five have being running around for ages trying to save your family from the end of the world.

But it was a nice place to settle down and relax while trying to figure out a way to get home.

Beside it was just for a few days and you were going home as soon as you found out how.

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