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In his dreams Five's back at the Academy. He walks around the well known halls and they seem somehow friendlier than he remembers. Warmer. Better. They feel like... Home.
The music of the violin carries through the corridors and it's the most beautiful sound he's ever heard.
Vanya plays like she's never played before. She looks relaxed, calm. Happy.
Don't tell the others, she whispers in his ear, but you've always been my favourite.
She giggles, running away. The music stays.
He gets enveloped in warm hugs. Allison and Ben smile, while Klaus ruffles his hair playfully.
We missed you, they all say. You were gone for so long.
He gets friendly pats on his back. You took your sweet time, didn't you? Luther and Diego laugh teasingly.
And then there's mom, her soft fingers combing soothingly through his hair (Five, darling, welcome home). And everyone is there, smiling, happy, welcoming. Alive.
And then the music stops, the academy falling apart. And then his family disappears, turns to ash and dust.
And then he's back in the wasteland of the post-apocalyptic world.
And then he's alone once again.
Five curls up against the still standing wall, hugging Delores tightly to his chest. She's cold against his skin. Synthetic. Not real.
He feels tears running down his cheeks. He doesn't bother to stop them.
"Please," he whispers, his voice hoarse and breaking. "I just want to go home. Please."
But if anyone's listening, they don't answer.