A/N: YOU REALLY NEED TO READ, 'WELCOME TO THE PAST' TO UNDERSTAND THIS FIC! Check our profile page, please.

I'm gonna finally spill the news. We are on HAITUS...have been for almost a month now. Not that you noticed cause we had such a GIANT backlog of stories. Still do in fact. But once that river runs dry kids...not sure what to tell you:D Between jobs and moving, our RP and fanfiction has taken a back seat. Not that we dont' love you...well, most of you, it's just...life blows:D:D:D

So, please...enjoy this while you can;)

Riku - 2011

"I'm happy to say that your server is back to functioning normally and that all viruses have been deleted." I smiled at the rather large older gentlemen seated across the desk from me. He gave me a nervous smile and nodded.

"I don't even know how we even got viruses on there, but thank you Mister Cartwright for all your help with this matter." Yeah right. I'll bet you don't know how you had over thirty files of illegally downloaded porn on there either. And I'm sure it had nothing to do with all those viruses. I just smiled and accepted my check, shook his hand and nodded to the receptionist on the way out. These places were all the same. Problem with the computer? Check the downloads. Probably all the porn people ended up downloading at work. It was disturbing.

I checked my phone and saw I had a few missed calls. Sighing as I saw they were all from Marluxia, I quickly put my bluetooth on and got into my car and dialed as I started the engine. I'd asked him to not bother me at work, but he didn't really care. Oh well, I'd warned him and he couldn't be upset about me ignoring him. Listening to the phone ring, I waited and decided I probably had time to stop at the bank before heading back to my apartment.

"Well it's about fucking time!" I grimaced and held myself back. It would do no good to snap at him, he'd only whine until I apologized.

"I was at work. What's up?"

"I know you were at work, and I told you I'd only disturb you in case it was an emergency. Which, considering the state of my head, it is. The bleach was mega heavy on my hair and I have to wait for a long while before being able to color it back unless I want to go bald. I can't show up like this at your family dinner."

"What are you talking about? You did something to your hair?" I groaned. "I told you that you looked fine! What did you do?"

He cleared his throat uncomfortably, which told me it was probably real bad. "Paulette," The apprentice down at the hairdresser's he worked at, "assured me that she could do this. All I wanted was to lighten it and get some highlights." He paused, seemingly hesitant. "It's pink, Riku. My hair is candy pink."

"What? Marluxia! What on earth possessed you? Dear lord." I was torn between laughing at the thought and being really pissed. He knew that this dinner was a big deal and I didn't want my family to see him like that!

"Yeah well, you're gonna have to deal with it since if I go over it now?" He sobbed fakely, "Bald. I'd rather it remain pink forever than go bald. My scalp is actually hurting right now. I think she added too much..." His voice trailed off, telling me he was focused on something else now. "Have to go! Love you!" Click.

Nodding at that, I hit the end button on my phone. It wasn't really my thing to say 'love you' to everything, but that was just the way Marluxia was. He ended every phone call like that and most of our conversations. It was...endearing in a way. But, dear god, now I was going to have to introduce him to my family with pink hair. I guess I couldn't really be pissed at him, but it was humiliating, to say the least.

Which reminds me...Grabbing my phone I scrolled through my contacts and sighed as I highlighted my cousin Reno. Why did I have to be the one to remind him? Oh yeah, because my aunt was the worlds biggest homophobe and she refused to talk to her son. Reno's father was my uncle, but he'd run off when Reno was just a kid and since I was the closest one in age to Reno, I was the fallback contact. Whatever. I hadn't seen him in years. And we weren't that close back then anyways. Pulling into the parking lot at the bank, I killed the engine and took a deep breath and prayed for his voicemail as I dialed.

"What?" He barked.

Jumping at his voice, I scowled. Rude, much? "Hey, easy Reno. It's just Riku."

"Yo. What do you want?" He didn't sound happy, surprised, annoyed or anything really. Just monotone. Clearly having no opinion about me whatsoever.

Rolling my eyes, I bit out, "Nice to talk to you too. I'm just doing my duty and calling to invite you to the family get together. You coming?"

There was a pause and then his voice, "Of course I ain't coming, Cuz, where the hell's your head at? Reno don't show to these events, yo?" He waited and when he realized I wasn't going to talk back, "Kay, you get me, good. Gotta go, yo, middle of a job, talk to you...When the fuck ever."

Scowling at his attitude and just annoyed at him in general, I snapped back, "When the fuck ever, huh? Yeah, I figured. Later, cuz." I hung up. He wasn't coming, fine. I hadn't expected it, but I guess it would have been nice to see him again. What in the hell was he up to? Nobody knew anything about him at this point and maybe that was because no one had even asked. But it's not like he was really that nice to talk to as evidenced by his reaction to my phone call. I sighed. I was going to call him back, maybe if I could just talk to him, things would be better and he'd think about coming. At least to not totally give up on his family. I hit send again and waited for him to pick up.

Sora - 1910

"I thank you, Mister Kinsley, for having been willing to add my brother in the painting even if it was already finished..." Lady Kairi murmured as she looked over my shoulder while I added the last strokes of bright red to Axel Griffits unusual hair. "I miss him so..." I could hear her sigh softly, but it wasn't an unhappy sound. "But wherever he might be, I'm sure he's better off."

Pulling the brush gently off the canvas, I smiled at her. "I'm surprised Lord Ashdown had a photograph of him at all." Since he'd gone without informing his sister of his whereabouts, she'd only been able to give me a reference of him through a relatively old photograph. Apparently it hadn't been taken that long ago, but it hadn't been well taken care of, which is how it had taken me quite some time to make sure I got his features right.

Lady Kairi nodded, "Hmm... Yes, it is strange. Looking at the photograph I'd almost say Axel wasn't aware..." She murmured, holding the picture carefully in her hands. "Well. You did splendid work once again. I'll make sure to call on you when my baby is born." She rubbed her rounded belly, smiling. "Would you like some tea? I can get my servant to bring you an afternoon snack if you are hungry?"

I grinned, shaking my head. "No, that's alright, thanks. You're too kind, Lady Kairi, but I have some business to attend to in London and since I am here, I might as well make use of it. I'll see myself out after having cleaned up." I waved around at the chaos around me. Brushes in water goblets, oil paint on several pallets.

"As you wish." She touched my shoulder affectionately and then exited the room, leaving me on my own. Making sure the door was properly closed behind her, I let out a sigh, slumping back into my stool and running my paint covered fingers through my hair. Oil was a substance of evil. I disliked it very much. Yet, I was quite good at it. Aquarelle was more to my liking though, but many of my customers preferred their paintings with oil.

Standing, I started gathering my things, making sure to clean the brushes before putting them back into their pocket or otherwise I'd be in the same situation I'd been last time. Or, well, many a time. Pockets filled with oil paint and seeping into it. Yes, oil was evil... Pulling the shoulder bag over my head, I frowned throughout the motion, suddenly feeling lightheaded, my stomach upset and my knees weak. Letting the bag drop on my shoulders, I held onto my head when I saw white, realizing that I probably needed to eat. I did that often, forgetting to eat and drink properly when I was painting, much too far gone in concentration to think of my bodily needs.

When the moment of weakness subsided, I sighed in relief, deciding that I should go treat myself with some kind of pastry. Maybe I should ask Lady Kairi to get me that afternoon snack after all. I turned around to look at the painting one more time before taking off, needing to make sure I hadn't forgotten any type of detail. I'd done some touch ups on Lady Kairi's figure and that of Lord Ashdown as well while adding Axel to the scene. I frowned, then blinked and then to make absolutely sure, I rubbed my eyes and then tried looking again.

How was it dry? Eye twitching, I leaned closer, reaching out with a shaky finger and touching it. Pulling back, my lips parted and a long squeaky sound escaped it as a piece of my painting crumbled off. Not just dry, but ancient dry! It needed to be hydrated! Was that dust? I grabbed onto my chest and sobbed at the state my painting was in. Granted, it's not like it was a personal piece I had emotions tied too, but I'd spent months on this thing! Wait, where was the light? Why was it dark? Whirling around, I frowned at the night sky visible through the window and my heart beat picked up in speed as all the furniture was covered in white sheets. What in the name of hell was going on?

"Is this some kind of joke?" I shouted out, feeling just a tad scared. In response, a shrill noise went off, something I'd never heard before in my life and terrified me to my very soul. Yelping, I jumped away from the painting and the general direction the sound was coming from, hiding behind an oak desk that had been new just a few minutes ago, but looked antique now.

When the noise stopped, I carefully peeked out over the oak desk, spotting the thing the noise had come from. Well, that must be the strangest thing I'd ever seen in my life. It was rectangle shaped and seemed to have some sort of lid... A window? The noise went off again, the window glowing a bright white light and jumping back with wide eyes, I knocked the back of my head into a wall, wincing and rubbing the spot.

"It won't hurt you, Sora Kinsley. Pick it up and open it, then you press it to your ear and listen."

Banging my head against the wall against in another jump of fear, I darted my eyes across the room. "Who are you?"

"Larxene. Your friendly neighborhood witch. Do what I tell you, silly boy, or else it might be too late." She wasn't in the room... A witch? Well, I better do as she said then, I wouldn't want her to use black magic on me for not listening.

"O-okay." I stuttered out, getting up on shaky legs and making my way slowly over to the thing that was still glowing and producing noise. Picking it up like she'd instructed, I frowned, not all that scared anymore of it as it didn't seem to bite, more curious to find out what it would do. Opening it, I pressed it against my ear, hoping it wouldn't hurt it. There had been a great painter in the Netherlands, Van Gogh, he cut off his ear. I wanted to be great like he was, but preferably with both ears.

Gulping, I waited and listened like Larxene the witch had told me to do.

"Hello? Reno? Hello? Dude, I know you're there. Stop breathing like that, it's creepy."

Eyes huge, I slowly pulled the thing away from my ear, stared at it and then pressed it back again. "Ehm, hello?"

There was a pause and then, "Who is this? Where is Reno? Is this his boyfriend?"

Boy-friend? "I have friends that are boys. I don't know a Reno though. What are you?" An object that spoke... "Is this a phone?"

"Are you on drugs? That is Reno's phone! Go and get him." The voice was speaking slowly, obviously thinking I was dumb.

"I don't need drugs, I'm very healthy." I told the man with the funny accent seriously. "And I don't know this Reno, so I can't go and get him." I smiled then, sitting down on the stool now covered with a white sheet. "I've never talked on a phone before. You see, I'm only a painter and can't afford one of them. But rest assured, I've seen these devices in the house of Lord's when I paint their portraits."

"Argggh! This is starting to piss me off! Get my god damned cousin on the phone right now! And you better hope that he decides to leave you behind when he comes to visit. I don't like you already!"

Pulling the phone from my ear so he wasn't shouting into it, my frown deepened. "You are quite rude, sir." I didn't like confrontations, or people getting angry at me, it made me uncomfortable and I wasn't very good with them. "I... Larxene the friendly neighborhood witch told me to pick up this phone and listen to what you had to say. So that is what I am doing." I paused for a moment and then, "Might you know what is going on? It is nighttime and it was only afternoon less then ten minutes ago."

"Witch?" A pause. "What in the hell is going on? Where are you? How can it be nighttime?"

"I am in London. It is the third of May 1910, sir. It was afternoon time less than ten minutes ago and suddenly it is night time. Should I be worried?"

"Umm, no. No, it's not. It's the third of May 2011. And I'm in Las Vegas, so that means it must be nighttime in London. But that's besides the point? Where did Reno go? I was just talking to him!"

I wrinkled my nose. "Could you please stop talking so loud? I can hear you just fine." I assured and then froze. "2011?" No... it couldn't be. Although... Las Vegas was something I'd never heard off and his accent did sound very strange. And I was on a phone that I'd never seen before, especially because it was not attached to a cord and apparently it didn't need to connect through the phone house first. Blinking, I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Uh oh..."

Hearing the man on the phone ramble on, I stopped listening and carefully placed the device on the stool after having stood up. Licking my lips, I looked up at the ceiling in worry. "Larxene? I think there's been a misunderstanding. You see, I wasn't aware magic was true at all up until you told me it was. I didn't order a spell to be cast. Maybe you mixed up the customers? Is it possible someone used my name as a prank?" I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. "Was it Hayner?"

I couldn't help but jump in fright again as her voice rang through the room with a soft chuckle. "No, it wasn't your friend. Apparently there's more to the curse I placed upon Reno then I thought. Unfortunately, you're the side effect I didn't predict. What Riku Cartwright says is correct. You are in 2011 and I'm sorry to say that you will be stuck in this time period for a while until I figure out how to get you back."

"Oh..." I muttered, not quite sure how I felt about this. "Well, I suppose I can't do much about it."

Larxene sighed, "I am truly sorry, Sora. You are a good guy and don't deserve this. But, to make up for my mistake, I'm going to make sure you are comfortable during your stay here in 2011, okay?"

I gulped, nodding my head. "Yes, alright. Thank you, Larxene."

"Careful, you're too nice. That might cause you problems in this time period. Now, stay right where you are and I'll go and find a way to get you situated while I solve this curse mystery."

Riku

"God dammit! Answer me!" I didn't know who this clown thought he was, but if Reno brought him to the family reunion, then I was going to give him a piece of my mind in person.

"Riku Cartwright? Is this the right apartment?" A female voice rang through the room and sounded an awful lot like the one I'd heard muffled in the background along with that clown. Only now it came from right behind me.

Spinning around, the phone still in my hand, I glared at the woman who stood in front of me. "Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?"

She raised and eyebrow and then sighed. "Okay, lets not drag this out. Like this," She snapped her fingers and then... disappeared. In a puff of smoke no less. Before I had any real time to... react in the most manly manner possible, of course, she poofed back, smiling. "Yeah, so, I'm going to need your help." She drawled out, walking over to my couch and seating herself in it.

Okay. That wasn't really something you see everyday. In fact. Here in the real world, that never happened. Magic. Or more precise, a witch. Gulping in fear, I closed my phone and slowly walked over to my recliner, keeping an eye on the witch in front of me.

Gingerly sitting down on the chair, I took a deep breath. "What is going on?" Keeping my voice low, I prayed that she wasn't the type to curse rude people.

"I am the type to curse rude people. But you're not so bad, Riku Cartwright. Your cousin on the other hand..." She blew out some air, looking exasperated. "Reno fucking Heffings... He needed to be taught a lesson for all the wrong he did on a daily routine basis." She shrugged. "So I cursed him, sent him back to a simpler time where I figured he'd be forced to see the light." She sat up, clearing her throat and smiling. "See, now that part is brilliant. The minor side effect on the other hand..." She cringed, blushing and sitting back in the couch.

"Side effect?" I can't say I was really surprised about Reno pissing people off, the guy had a big mouth. And now I was sort of unnerved as she seemed to read my mind. 'What am I thinking now?' I thought at her, just to test it.

She grinned then, "You're wondering why you didn't faint upon realizing magic is true. I can answer that. Before coming in here, I made sure to place a spell on your apartment, making the people inside more open minded. It helps you work through the mind blowing knowledge with ease and serenity..." She murmured out in a zen like manner. And then she snapped out of the calm state. "But yeah, side effect. See, I'm only an apprentice witch, so I don't got the hang on it all yet. When I tossed Reno into 1910, I accidentally pulled a boy named Sora Kinsley from 1910 into 2011." She pursed her lips, looking thoughtful. "Might have something to do with that rule I decided wasn't worth paying attention too..."

I cleared my throat. "Why did you even curse Reno? Can't you just un-curse him?" An apprentice witch. That was probably not a good thing to have going around cursing people.

She shook her head. "No, he needs to learn his lesson." She said firmly, clearly determined to punish my cousin. "And I don't have the power to break the curse, only Reno does. Meantime... I catch glimpses from the future and it tells me that I gotta convince you to babysit the little painter from 1910, so... Please just agree to take care of him while I figure out how to bring him back to his time period. I'd rather you consent on your own terms." She said meaningfully, with a smile and everything.

I gulped, understanding the underlying threat easily. Nodding, I prayed that she would not want to curse me because of my association with Reno. "Yes, ma'am. I can babysit your boy painter." Please break your curse, Reno. Get your ass back here.

"Yeah, don't put your hopes too much on that ass. He's very selfish, hence the curse." The witch said, jumping off the couch. "Well, get up and take my hand. I'll take you to him. You'll have to take a plane back, which, good luck with that by the way..." She snickered while offering me her hand. "I'd poof both of you back here, but I'm only an apprentice, so I only get to poof a certain amount a week and I only got one poof left."

"Um, wait! I need my passport! Money, ugh, just wait!" Jumping up and quickly moving away from her, I was still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that she just wanted to dump me in London and leave me there to make my way back home.

"Just a passport! The tickets are on me, you know, since it's sorta my fault." She grumbled. "I'll fashion a fake passport for Sora, since he obviously doesn't have one." Walking over to my desk, I pulled the drawer open, at least remembering where I'd put it in the first place. "Imma give you a potion too, have Sora drink it before getting into the plane in case he freaks out. Oh, and also, you might wanna bring him to the doctors when you guys get into the US. I don't know if he's had his shots considering time period difference and all that..."

A short hysterical giggle escaped me, and I clapped my hand over my mouth. He sounded like a puppy, and yeah, I was sort of on my way to a minor freak out. "Yeah. Okay." Biting my lip to hold myself together, I just gripped my passport and slowly extended my other hand. "Um, this isn't going to hurt is it?"

She shook her head, "No, it shouldn't. Then again, I'm supernatural and can handle pain better than humans." Waggling her eyebrows, she didn't give me time to respond as she snapped her fingers, my vision blurring and my nostrils filling with a lavender smell. My stomach turned and my head felt like I'd been drinking and I tried to focus my eyes into the blurring of the scenery around me. Not good. I think I was going to throw up...

"Hold on there, tiger." I felt the witch's hand grasp my shoulder, steadying me while giving me a moment to get back to normal. Once I felt better, I nodded at her and she let go. "Awesome. Alright, so, the boy is behind that door over there." She pointed at the door at the end of the long wooden hallway. "He seems to be handling things relatively well all things considered, but, just take it easy on him, okay?" She then snapped her fingers, a bag landing in her hands. "In this you'll find some food, clothes for Sora that'll fit this time period, his passport, the potion and the tickets. Including some money." She handed me the bag. "If for some odd reason he decides not to trust you, tell him you're a descendent of Vaan and Kairi Heffing and that should do the trick. Got all that?"

What? "I'm a what?" Taking the bag out of reflex, I just stared and tried to comprehend everything she'd told me. This was all happening too fast, I shouldn't be here, it was impossible! Right? It was dark and I could tell that the house hadn't been lived in for years, dust was covering the ground everywhere and I could almost taste the mothballs.

She leaned against the wall, smiling, "Here, listen to this and relax." She suggested. "Vaan Heffing, married to Kairi Ashdown. Lords in 1910. Sora painted her, her father called Ashdown, and Axel Griffits, who is Ashdown's bastard son." She explained calmly, making sure that I could take a moment to calm myself and ease down. "She married Vaan without the blessing of Ashdown. You and Reno descend from them."

"Okay." What else could I do but nod? I was in London, rescuing a boy painter, while my cousin was stranded back in time. And this witch was telling me that I was in fact, descended from a set of Lords and Ladies that this Sora person painted. Yes, this was going to reassure him. What was going to reassure me? "Where is he?" Deep breath in and out. I could do this. Reno better hurry the hell up.

"Right through that door." She pointed at the one at the end of the hallway, "I'm going to let you take it from here and give Reno my attention now. He's sorta freaking out himself and I think I should probably give him the facts before he terrifies the hell out of your ancestor Kairi."

"Yeah...good idea." Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I gave Larxene a little wave. "I'll hopefully see you soon and um, be nice to my cousin. Even if he is a jackass, he's family." Although, now that I thought about it, I was kind of curious as to what he'd been up to that led to him being cursed.

"He's a professional thief. Don't have sympathy for him." Larxene sneered. "That boy behind the door is a good one though. He's much too nice and I'm afraid it might get him in trouble. Protect him, would you? 2011 is quite mean." She gave me a nod and then walked away, pulling a cellphone out of her pocket as she went.

Taking a deep breath, I turned towards the door at the end of the hallway and started walking. He was probably some young kid, like a teenager. Sighing, maybe I could just turn on the TV and let him rot his brains with that to keep him out of trouble. Licking my lips and taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and winced as a very loud squeaking told me the door could use about a gallon of WD-40.

It was still sort of dark in the room, but there was a light on the outside of the house, probably right by the window it was shining through. What was his name..."Sora? Um, hello?" Glancing around, I squinted and looked for him.

A figure popped out from behind an antique oak desk, huge blue eyes staring at me. "You are the voice from that futuristic phone device."

Woah. Those eyes..."Um, what?" Brilliant, Riku. Instead of the 'young boy' that Larxene had mentioned, I was instead staring at an older teen, maybe even older than that. And dammit, he was beautiful. Spiky brown hair that made his eyes stand out, an innocent face and a perfectly proportioned body. I felt my heartbeat quicken and I tried to remember that I was in a relationship...but hell.

"Sora? You're Sora?" This wasn't going to be that bad of an assignment...Ugh. Way to be a good boyfriend, Riku. I blushed and felt the beginnings of my conscience slamming a hammer into my brain. Boyfriend, Riku. You have a boyfriend, so quit ogling the handsome artist in front of you.

He gave me a small smile, "Yes, that would be me. And you're that voice. I don't think I caught your name though...?" He stepped out from behind the oak desk, walking over, hand outstretched towards me, offering. He was wearing a pair of neat looking pants and a button up blue shirt, both clothing items smudged with paint, hand prints and brushes most likely wiped off them. He had some in his hair as well, and now from up close I could see he had some on his neck and jaw.

I took his hand, and smothered my hormones and feeling all sorts of guilty as I shook it. There was something wrong with me. "My name is Riku Cartwright. And I've been told I could inform you that I'm a descendant of um, Lady Kairi and Lord Vaan. That's supposed to make you feel better, I guess." I chuckled nervously and released his hand and ran it through my hair. "Um, is there a reason you're covered in paint?"

He blinked and then smiled brightly. "Lady Kairi is very nice. She was always trying to stuff me with pastries." Chuckling, he then pointed to the wall beside us. "I painted her. She wanted me to paint Vaan and their soon to be born child as well, but I will need to go back to 1910 before I can do that." He grimaced as he stared at the painting. "It looked a lot better when I was placing the finishing touches on it. But then I ended up here and now it's covered in dust and the oil is cracking." He frowned at me. "This is the strangest explanation I've ever given in my entire life."

"Yeah, tell me about it." I glanced at the painting and noticed that it was indeed cracking like he said. Taking a deep breath, I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts. "So, are you ready to go? We should probably get out of here. Reno was a thief and I'm guessing that he wasn't here to admire your painting. The sooner we're back in Vegas, the better." Not to mention that I had a meeting in the morning...or um, wait. How far ahead was England, eight hours? Yeah, sighing in defeat, I dropped the bag on the floor and unzipped it. I'd never make it. "You need to get changed first."

He nodded, taking the bundle of clothes I fished out of the bag for him. "Yes, I probably should. People dress funny in 2011, and I better do as well so I don't stand out." He walked back over to the oak desk, hiding behind it, but I could still see some skin when he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his naked back to me. "I will try to not be a burden." He murmured, pulling a regular 2011 t-shirt over his head once he'd figured out how.

Oh my gosh. Naked skin...smooth...fucking hell. Snapping my eyes back to the painting, I ignored the feelings. It was nothing. He was attractive, yes. But that didn't really mean anything. No, I was a grown man in a relationship and finding someone else attractive was not a crime. No matter how cute he was. Plus, he was from the past. He wasn't gay. That was a huge weight off my shoulders. Yup, straight men were off limits.

"Don't worry about it. Larxene has pretty much taken care of everything. We'll fly back to the states and wait for her call when Reno has broken his curse. Then you can go back home."

He hummed absently while pulling up his pants and then... "What in the name is this?" He squeaked out, coming out from behind the oak desk and pointing down at his crotch.

Holy hell. I held in a moan and I wrenched my eyes away from where he was pointing. Swallowing, I looked at him hoping that he couldn't see my blush. "It's a zipper. You just pull up on it." Please, just let him be smart enough to figure it out...

He frowned, tilting his head curiously down at it and then pulled it up. "That is brilliant!" He declared. "Saix, one of London's finest tailor's, he would really enjoy this invention." Smiling, he then looked at me expectantly. "What is next?"

"You're fine now." Dear lord, was he ever. "Let's get out of here." I grabbed the bag and turned around heading for the door. I needed to get out of here, and fast.

Sora - A plane ride to Las Vegas later

I was worried that I'd make a fool out of myself, shout out every time I saw something that had evolved beyond the point of recognition to me, like the phone. Or that I'd exclaim in wonder every time I'd see something that hadn't been present in 1910 at all. Mainly, I'd worried about being a burden to Mister Cartwright in that sense. He was going out of his way to help me in this time period and I didn't wish to embarrass him. Little did I know back in the safety of the house's room that things would have been so overwhelming for me to absorb, shouting or exclaiming wasn't something I could even do.

The streets were different, as were the houses. The cars had changed and there were big great canvasses hanging everywhere with what Mister Cartwright called 'publicity'. Everything was bigger, shinier and 'better'. Television was very strange and the way people looked and dressed.

Busses, trains, planes. Electric toothbrush, showers and microwaves. Computers, xbox and ipods. Public toilets, McDonalds and chinese take out. Mister Cartwright had said that Larxene had given him a potion for me to take before getting on the plane, to help me 'relax'.

I'd honestly told him that everything was so mind blowing, the head ache was going to knock me out cold alone. Of course, that's before I was introduced to the airport security. They made me take my shoes off, and then they passed an electronic device over my body to try and see if I had anything pointy or sharp or dangerous carrying on myself. I'd assured them I didn't, but I guess they didn't believe me since they did it anyway.

I... Well, there was too much to think off. I'd seen so many new things in the expanse of just a few hours... I'm sure I forgot half of the things I'd seen. There was too much. Just, too many things. I... By the time we'd settled in the plane, Mister Cartwright had warned me that the 'take off' may be slightly strange to experience and I suppose he was right since during it I'd fallen into a slight panic attack and he'd quickly given me the potion. It was a couple of hours later that I'd told him the seats were very comfortable and he'd then told me we were lucky that Larxene had gotten us first class tickets. Never in my life would I have thought I'd travel with the lords one day... There were phones in the plane as well. Mister Cartwright had made a call to his 'partner'.

Apparently in 2011 you didn't necessarily have to get married to be officially with someone. I'd felt a slight sadness upon learning that bit of information. He was a very handsome man. Of course, even if he had been a bachelor, I wouldn't stand a chance. He was a descendant of Lady Kairi. Technically he was a lord. But I wasn't sure, so I figured 'Mister' to be the appropriate title. Whoever he was with, she sure was a very lucky lady.

He leaned over and looked at me. "Okay, now this next part is going to be a little bumpy. We're going to land, so just take a deep breath and don't freak out. Okay? I promise that even if it seems bad, we're fine."

Blinking out of my thoughts, I gulped and then nodded at him nervously, trying to breathe in and out as he'd instructed. The pilot speaking through a device that allowed him to be heard through the entire plane announced that we were going to land and indeed... A few minutes later we were descending, my stomach giving me the clear sign as I got the tickles there. I managed to stay relatively calm, that is until the plane hit the ground, or I assumed it did, I couldn't be sure, how could I know? Eyes wide, I squeaked out and quickly reached out to grip Riku's hand, feeling my heart racing in fear.

I heard him gasp and his fingers wrapped around mine and he patted my hand. Giving a little chuckle, he said, "It's okay, no worries. You're fine. Deep breaths, Sora." He didn't release my hand, just letting me hold onto him as the plane slowed down pushing us forward in our seats.

Not expecting the sudden stop, I slammed back into my seat, remaining frozen for a small moment before exhaling loudly. "Maybe Reno can just stay in 1910. I don't think I can do this once more just to go back to London and through the painting." I breathed out shakily. I then felt his fingers move, and I quickly released his hand, blushing and dropping my eyes away as I looked out the window and saw the plane drive into it's... Riku had called it a 'Parking space' for cars, so I assumed it to be the same for planes. Would 'cops' place a ticket onto the plane's 'windshield' as well if it stayed on the spot too long? Hmmm...

He cleared his throat. "Okay, um, when we stop, we have to wait a few minutes to get off and then Marluxia, my partner, will be meeting us in the parking lot." Pause, "I hope."

When the light told me I could, I undid the belt, standing to stretch my legs, cracking my neck too. "I'm sure she was very worried about your sudden vanish. She will most likely be waiting for you with great anticipation." I offered him a smile, knowing that if I was with someone like Riku Cartwright, I'd worry if he suddenly disappeared, and I'd most certainly await his return with great anticipation.

His eyes got wide, and he put his hand over his mouth and tried to smother a laugh. "Oh, this is gonna be good." Taking a deep breath, he said, "I'm gay. That means that I like men and my partner is a man. I know that is probably repulsive to you, but I assure you that in this day and age, it's okay for a man to be with another man. Does that make sense?" His eyebrows were raised and he was staring at me intently.

Being with men was okay in 2011? My lips parted and my heart swelled because of the kindness that was humanity. One day being with men wouldn't be considered wrong anymore... I'm sure there were more things that would pleasantly surprise me in this time period, but I'd never expected that one to be on the list.

I closed my mouth and nodded at him. "Yes, that makes very much sense." Riku got up and started moving out from our seats, gesturing for me to follow him as we walked after the line of people making their way out of the plane. "And it's not repulsive. I am..." I frowned, "Did you say the term was 'gay'?" I grinned. "I like that. I do feel particularly more jolly for liking men. Especially because in 2011 it's allowed."

He stopped for a second before turning around to stare at me, his mouth open in surprise. Glancing around at that people in front of us and behind me, he leaned forward and whispered, "You like men? Seriously? As in, you're gay? The whole men kissing men, men fucking men...That kind of gay?" His green eyes were wide and he licked his lips, watching me.

I chuckled, "What? Did you think you 2011 folk invented it?" When he blinked at my joke, I nodded as an extra to confirm his questions, crude as they may be, blushing as this wasn't exactly something I was used to. "That kind of gay." I mumbled out, peeking around and feeling my cheeks heat some more.

"Oh." Was all he said before turning back around and walking forward towards the exit.

Making sure to not lose sight of him, I stayed close behind, my heart picking up in speed again as we stepped out into the inside of the airport, now following the exit canvasses that would most likely lead us to the parking lot his male partner was waiting for us. He hoped. A couple of minutes later, Riku halted in his steps, looking around the large parking lot filled with very fancy shaped cars. I then saw a man walk towards us and my eyes widened, mouth dropping open because that was a hair color I'd never seen before in my life.

Not able to help myself, I walked over to Riku and asked, "Did the human body evolve as well over the years? Can people be born with pink hair?" I kept my voice a whisper, not wanting to offend the stranger.

He laughed quietly, a very nice laugh, and I could tell he was holding back. "No, no. He was trying to dye it and let's just say that he didn't do a good job. Just, try not to stare." Patting me on the back once, he took a step forward and gave the man a quick peck on the lips and said thanks.

I watched as Marluxia placed a loose arm around Riku's shoulders, giving him a smile before looking at me, his eyes trailing over my figure in curiosity.

"I was expecting an adult." My eyebrows raised in surprise and while I felt self-conscious now, I didn't let it show. Riku had told me he'd rather not tell Marluxia about the whole 'magic' thing. He'd connected me back to Reno, saying it was a favor to his family to have me stay at his residence.

"I am nineteen." I felt the need to point out, frowning at his pink hair because even if Riku had told me not to stare, it was impossible not too. "Yo." I added, hoping that would make me seem from this time period. Riku had told me a bit about Reno and I'd remembered that.

"Thanks again Marluxia. I didn't mean to call you away from work. Did you want me to drop you back off there?" Riku asked, brushing his hair out of his face.

"No, that's fine, Paulette followed me in her car and we'll drive back together." Marluxia assured, taking his arm off Riku's shoulders. "We're doing house calls this afternoon and the first one is close to the airport." He gave Riku a set of keys and then reached up to pat his cheek. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," A quick peck on the lips, "Love you and talk to you later." Turning towards me, he gave me a small smile. "Nice to meet you." And then he walked off to a car with a woman waiting inside.

Inhaling deeply with his brow furrowed, Riku glanced at me and grabbed the bag. "Come on, let's go. Try not to freak out too much. I know that the buildings are going to look very...um...sparkly, but try not to distract me. Marluxia will kill me if I wreck his convertible."

"He'd kill you?" I shrieked, but didn't press for him to explain when he gave me a narrowed look and picked up in his stride to get to the car faster. He was probably just tired. Or maybe he was sad he didn't get to spend more time with Marluxia. I didn't like Marluxia, which was strange as he hadn't done anything unpleasant. I think.

Riku

Anyone else and I would be annoyed to high heaven right now, but as it was Sora, the poor victim of Larxene's meddling and Reno's curse, I tried not to smack him every time we passed one of the hotels on the strip and he gasped in surprise and asked me, 'What's that? What's that?'. After the fourth time I answered, 'a hotel', I think he figured out that they were all hotels.

This entire thing with Marluxia was making my head hurt. And it was making me feel like a first class asshole. I was very happy with Marluxia. Well, not very happy, but I was happy. Or I thought I was. Or maybe I was questioning my relationship because I felt more attracted to Sora than my own fucking boyfriend right now. Which made me angry at myself. I thought that I was at least a decent person when it came to things like this. But apparently I had wandering eyes just because me and Marluxia weren't always on the same page. And here I was trying to justify my attraction to someone and at the same time rationalize that maybe me and Marluxia really weren't happy together. What exactly am I supposed to do now?

I didn't want to throw away a six month relationship with my boyfriend because I was slightly attracted to some random guy I had to babysit, but I couldn't ignore that I didn't really feel that attracted to my boyfriend and the thought of breaking it off didn't upset me. And that, right there, was the main reason I felt like shit. Sora was an innocent bystander, but he was already a pain in the ass. I didn't need this kind of drama. This was like something you read about in the soap opera section of the supermarket tabloids.

As we pulled into my apartment complex a half hour later, Sora of course having to remark on the traffic that was backing up on the freeway, I parked and tried not to bang my head against the wall. I was attracted to Sora. And now he had to stay with me. All the while dealing with the fact that my relationship was not on the best terms. Or at least in my opinion we weren't on the best terms. More like we weren't on the same page as a couple. But that didn't mean we were going to break up. Right?

"We're here. Come on, let's get inside. I feel like shit."

He took the bag from me, looking uncomfortable. "I'll stay out of your hair." He murmured.

Oh crap, now I felt bad again. It wasn't his fault I was an asshole..."No, Sora, I'm sorry." I turned around to look at him after I unlocked the front door. "You're fine. This is all new to you. Feel free to ask me anything." Giving him a smile, I was trying to let him know that everything was alright. "I just don't travel well. Come inside and we'll get you settled in." Eying his body, I shook my head. "Yeah, we're gonna need to take you shopping. There is no way you can fit into my clothes."

"Oh!" He frowned, "I don't want to burden you too much. You most likely have plenty of things to do. I can just..." His eyes widened as he took in the apartment. "You are a lord..." He murmured, clutching the bag more tightly against him and trying not to touch anything around him.

"I'm a what?" Confused, I stepped closer after shutting the door. What was he saying?

He blinked up at me, giving me a sheepish smile. "A lord. You have a title and fortune." He explained carefully. "Don't you call it that in 2011? Your ancestors were lords, very wealthy people, respect-" He cringed, "Well, Lord Vaan was a scoundrel before Lady Kairi 'reformed' him. And as she married him without her father's blessing, that sort of made them the scandal of the town..." He grinned. "They are very nice people."

I threw my head back and laughed. Okay, my apartment was pretty nice. Vaulted ceilings, large kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms; it was considered luxury. But I definitely did not have a fortune. "Sora, I am not a lord. My family has been in America for generations and believe me, there are no titles like that here. In this country, everyone is equal. And I don't have a fortune. Just an apartment with some nice toys. Now, relax and make yourself at home and I'll give you a tour."

He pursed his lips, dropping the bag on the floor and from the looks of it, he was going to start that tour right now, with or without me. "I think I quite like 2011..." He murmured and then halted in his steps, looking down curiously at the stereo. Before I could really realize and warn him, he'd pressed a button, the music flowing out of it and I'm quite sure I'd never seen someone jump that high in fright. Falling back, he scrambled away, breathing heavily and looking terrified. "I wasn't expecting that! I remember the music boxes, but I honestly believe you people made too many shapes of them. I can't remember all of them!" He shouted.

"Sora," Snicker. "Sorry. Sora, relax. That's my stereo. And most anything electronic plays music. You're just going to have to get used to it." Walking closer, I patted his head, the soft spikes giving way. "Come on, let's get started. The sooner we start, the sooner I can introduce you to the wonders of the modern day shopping mall." I took a deep breath and stepped away from him and motioned for him to follow down the hallway.

"Yes, alright." He got out, glaring at the stereo while getting back up on his feet. I guided him into the living area and he stayed close behind me. "This is so strange..." He murmured, looking around, the couch catching his eye and that led him to walk away curiously again. Touching it hesitantly first, his lips parted and then he smiled widely before letting himself flop down on top of it. "This is amazing!" His voice muffled as his face was squished into the soft pillows. "I never get to try the sofas at the Lords and I don't have one myself because I'm just a poor painter!" He didn't seem particularly unhappy as he exclaimed this. Head popping out of the pillows he looked at me with big eyes. "Do you have one of those shower things?"

Gulping, I just nodded, wanting to mentally bleach away the images that assaulted me of him in my shower. "Yes, I have two. And before you get all excited, everyone who has a house has a shower in it." Tapping my chin, I thought of something. "Okay, you get to ask me one question per room, per day. Okay?"

"Okay." He agreed easily, pushing off the couch. "You can ask me questions too if you want." He offered.

I stopped myself from saying no, as I figured he might be more comfortable if we were even in our questions. "Okay, first, tell me a little more about yourself. You're a painter, right?" Turning and walking down the hallway, I stopped at the first door. "This will be your room until further notice, I suppose." The room had a queen size bed in it and a dresser, with two side tables on either side of the bed.

"Woah..." He murmured, shaking his head after a moment of staring and then nodding at me. "Yes, a painter. I prefer aquarelle, but my customers back in 1910 prefer oil at the moment." He wrinkled his nose. "Messy stuff, I don't like it very much, but I'd rather paint with oil than work at a factory." He shuddered then. "Harsh places. My friend has broken his arm two times this year because of working there. But Hayner is s a tough one, so he can handle it." Looking into the room again, he shrugged. "I don't have any questions for this room."

Closing the door, I walked a few steps to the next room. My pride and joy. Smiling at just the thought of showing off this room, I asked, "Hayner? Is he your boyfriend? Oh wait, how does that work in the past?" I was really curious about that. Because if Reno was back there? I shuddered; heaven help anyone who would try and put him back in the closet. The guy was out there.

Sora snorted, "Hayner as my lover? Gods no." He looked thoughtful and then shuddered, telling me he'd tried to picture it. "No!" He shouted frantically. "I mean, no, he's not my boyfriend." More calm now, giving me a sheepish smile, then he frowned. "But... He might be gay, now that I think of it. Huh..." Shaking his head, he smiled. "We all have to hide. We cannot be public in any kind of way, it's very much frowned upon. Not just frowned upon, they'll bloody well kill you for it if they get the chance to corner you alone. I used to live in a small village in southern England. I had to run away because my boyfriend there suddenly decided to not be gay anymore and ratted me out. That's how I ended up in London."

Wincing, I said, "Man, I'm sorry. That kind of sucks. Well, nowadays you don't have to worry. I mean, some people still find it bad and what not, but not me." I smiled at him. "Okay, this next room is super special. It's my office and toy room. You can ask two questions for this one." I pushed open the door and waited for his reaction.

"It's so shiny..." He responded in awe, his huge blue eyes barely blinking as he slowly moved his head to take every bit of the room in.

"I am a freelance computer programmer, so everything you see here is because I need it." I glanced around basking in the three computers I had set up, the one with the duel monitors being my main work station. Up on the wall there was a fifty inch plasma screen so that I could relax and watch in here while I was working. The sofa was one an old roommate had left behind, still really comfortable, but it didn't match the set in the living room so I shoved it in here. "Basically, I make the big screens work."

"That is..." He was still taking everything in, so his voice seemed absent. "Very impressive. I'm not sure what computer programmer means. But maybe I can find a book that explains-" He tore his eyes off the room and then looked at me. "Well, everything truly." He paused and then, "But I'll still ask you questions," He assured quickly.

I laughed as I suddenly had an idea. "Hey, after I'm done taking you shopping, I'll introduce you to Wikipedia. It can answer all your questions." Closing the door, I continued walking, aiming for the door at the very end of the hall. Pointing to my right, I said, "This is a bathroom, I'm sure you don't need me to explain it, but just let me know."

About to walk on, I stopped when he didn't follow. Giving me a slightly pleading look... "Can I try that shower thing...?"

I shook my head and smiled. "Not until we get you some clean clothes. But first thing when we get back, okay? Come on, one more room and then we're done. Okay?"

Looking back longingly at the bathroom, he sighed and then nodded, following. "Yes, alright. Does Marluxia live here too?"

"Um, no. He has a key though. We just don't live together." Which was actually one in the long list of things that we fought about. But I didn't want to think about it right now. "This is my room and my bathroom is in the back." Turning the handle and opening the door, I was suddenly glad that it was laundry day and that I didn't have dirty clothes all over.

"You are a much cleaner person than I." He announced, peeking into the room and then pulled his head back out of the door frame, smiling up at me.

Glancing in, I was amazed that I'd remembered to make my bed, which automatically made the room seem cleaner. I was a bit spoiled, a California King size four posted bed took up a large area of the room, and I had a forty-seven inch TV in here mounted on the wall. A large desk was set up along the wall that had the windows on it, and my laptop was on it, charging.

"It doesn't always look like this, I promise. Okay, ready to go shopping?" If we left now, we'd have plenty of time to find him some clothes, make it back here, and then I'd still be able to do some work before bed. I'd had to move the meeting to tomorrow morning and I needed my sleep.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to disrupt your routine." Looking thoughtful, he then suggested, "Maybe if you give me directions I can get there on my own?" That seemed to confuse and scare him, but it was clear that if I told him that would be more practical, he'd do it.

"Sora, relax. And stop thinking that you're going to mess up my routine. You're my guest and I don't mind taking care of you. Just relax and we'll even stop and get you some good 'ol fast food. I'm sure they didn't have McDonalds in your time." I found it rather endearing that he didn't want to bother me, but that didn't mean that I wanted him to be running around in my clothes. He needed his own. Especially since I couldn't help but think about him running around with nothing on. Yup, he really needed new clothes.

"Well, alright then." He agreed. "Is it possible to use Reno's money so I'm not spending yours?" He raised an eyebrow, "He bloody well owes me."

"Let's check the bag and see. Larxene told me that she added some money in with your passport and I haven't looked at it yet." I grinned. "I'm thinking that if she can afford to send us first class, then I'm thinking that we'll be fine in the money department." Closing the door, I walked back into the living room and dug around in the bag for a moment.

"How much?" Sora asked curiously, standing behind me and looking over my shoulder.

"I'm thinking we pretty much have unlimited funds." Dear lord. Reno was gonna kill her if he found out about this. Tucked into the side of the bag, was a credit/debit card with Reno's name on it. And a four digit code stuck to the front with a post-it; his pin number. Poor guy, I was going to enjoy this.

"I think the witch likes me." Sora declared.

"Well, you seem really sweet, and plus you're a victim in this whole mess. Of course she likes you." I quickly memorized the pin code, put the card in my pocket and smiled. "Alright, let's go."

A/N: TBC, updates...sporadic...*MWHAHAHAHA*