𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 ~ 𝗞𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀

~ Chapter One Hundred Fourteen ~

Year One

"What did they mean we're on The Express train? Express train to where?" Victoria paced back and forth, her hand still gripping the metal pole, but the sheer force and weight of the anxiety and frustration coursing through her body was almost enough to pull the pole right out of its socket. Five kept his focus on the subway doors, silently counting the train stops, hoping to mark their way back home. At first, the Bonnie and Clyde couple suspected maybe they weren't as far off, perhaps five or six stops. But it soon became apparent that they were WAY off course, and heading deeper into the great unknown.

Their hearts sank into their stomachs. Five's indirect words of "I told you so," echoed in their minds. But Five knew better than to speak it out loud, knowing for a fact that Victoria's fear could easily turn into rage under such stress. Eventually, Victoria slumped down in a nearby seat, and as Five moved from one metal bar to the next, he sat down next to her, gripping her hand. "Hey, we'll figure this out. We always do," Five reassured. "How do you know that? We're gonna be trapped in this damn station forever!" Victoria buried her face in her hands.

"At least we're together," Five reasoned. "For better or for worse," Victoria slowly lifted her head, feeling Five's fingertips brush against her shoulder. "I swear to god, you can be so cheeky sometimes," She slightly chuckled, leaning her head into his shoulder. "Only for you, Vic. Only for you,"

Year Two

"If we went two stops ago, we'd be in the right station! It's completely your fault! I said we should go Eastbound!" Victoria argued as she and Five stepped onto the next subway. Both were still catching their breath, barely escaping with their lives after being caught in the crossfire amidst the Battle of the Bulge. They'd only been in the 1940s for at the bare minimum of one to two days, but amidst the chaos between the Allied and Axis powers, they found themselves struggling to survive for five straight days. 

They'd hide in the empty trenches as the battle ensued, and during the nights, one would have to keep a lookout as the other one slept. It was one of those rare times when Five actually appreciated being part of The Commission back in the day. At least he had been booked a room and fresh meals, rather than sleeping on tree bark and stealing rations and scraps.

Victoria and Five's argument continued as the doors closed, and the Subway sped off once again. They had lost track of how many timelines they visited, but according to Victoria's map, it was more than either could count, and with so many possibilities left, it felt like they'd be in their hundreds when and if they made it home. When silence finally engulfed the train, Five and Victoria spoke not a word to each other, giving the other what little space they had on this metal box with wheels. When they finally found a station that seemed relatively free of any danger, the couple decided to make camp, feasting on the stray rats that had been scurrying around for their next meal, only to become one for the starving travelers.

Victoria stared at the small fire, watching them slowly roast as Five wrestled with the stray pieces of newspaper and old blankets as they fashioned temporary sleeping bags. "Five?" She called, tucking her matted hair behind the hood of her jacket, patting the seat next to her. Five looked up from his work and muttered to himself before joining her, the tension still thick between them. "Look... I'm sorry. I know I've been a pain in the ass lately, but I just... hate the idea of being so far away from everybody. Who knows how long we've been gone from the group?" Victoria sighed.