SCREEEEEEEEECCCCHH….HOOONKKK. Leopold woke with a start, his eyes pacing the room. One thing that he had a hard time dealing with was unfamiliar places and things. For an instant, Leopold forgot where he was. The blaring of horns, screeching of brakes, and yelling that even surprised Leopold. His hand brushed something warm, and he turned to see Kate's sleeping form beside him. Leopold smiled, and slipped out of bed, kissing Kate's cheek.

Kate stirred slightly as Leopold eased off the bed, mumbling something in her sleep. Leopold took a lingering look at his wife, and walked quietly into the kitchen. As much as he loved the company of Charlie, Stuart, and Kate (Kate especially), Leopold enjoyed these moments alone to reflect on his life.

Leopold shut his eyes and drank in the silence, sorting out his thoughts. Most importantly, his wife was pregnant, but that was a different matter. What was really on his mind was Kate herself. He shook his head and smiled. Though from two separate centuries, Kate and Leopold had so much in common, although while Leopold had never fallen in love, Kate had stepped deep into it. How fate had drawn them together was still beyond Leopold's reasoning.

A pair of arms encircled Leopold's neck, pulling him backward. "What're you doing up?" Kate whispered. When Kate woke up and Leopold's spot was empty, her first instinct was worry. Worried that Leopold left and was wandering around in present day NYC.

Leopold smiled and took Kate's hands in his, kissing them gently "Good morning, my Katherine. I trust you slept well." Leopold pulled Kate around to face him and cupped her face in his hands. Kate gazed into his eyes.

"Leopold…" she murmured, a finger tracing his jawline.

"Yes, Kate?" Leopold's heart hammered.

"I'm hungry," she finished. Leopold looked at her with surprise, and grinned.

"Come, then, we'll find something to eat," Leopold chuckled. While Leopold sorted quickly through the fridge, Kate popped two Pop-Tarts in the toaster.

"Leopold, I have breakfast covered," Kate grinned and laughed. Leopold kissed her fingers and smiled. Kate began to snuggle into the comfort of Leopold's arms, when Charlie burst in.

"Goooood Morning America!" Charlie exclaimed as he bounded into the room. He paused at the sight of Kate and Leopold. "Umm, am I interrupting something," he asked teasingly. Kate and Leopold broke from their embrace, grinning awkwardly. "Anyway," Charlie continued. "Stuart Besser said he has an important announcement to make. Really important." Kate raised an eyebrow curiously, just as Stuart himself rapped on the window. Charlie beckoned him to come in.

"hey," Stuart greeted Charlie, Kate, and Leopold. The three others smiled in greeting, but paused at the sight of Stuart's somber expression.

"Stuart," Kate said softly. "What's wrong?" Leopold took her hand and pressed his lips to Kate's head, and Charlie looked hesitant. Stuart's lips were pressed in a grim line.

"Might as well get it out now," he whispered, half to himself, half aloud. He glanced at his companions. "Portal opens tomorrow," Stuart said, plain and simple.

Kate stumbled backwards, and Leopold recovered just in time to catch her. "hold up," Kate said firmly. "Tomorrow? Stuart, are you sure about this?"

"If I wasn't sure, I'd be putting you in a lot of danger, Kate," Stuart replied. Charlie was shaking his head incredulously. He knew his sister and Leo would have to go back eventually, but so soon? He didn't even get to tell her the new talent act he got. Suddenly, a few days worth of time with Kate and Leo vanished, and Charlie was overcome with things to say. Nothing came out.

"Charlie!" Kate choked out, turning to hug her brother.

"Save it, Kate," Charlie said quietly. "Not now." His face burst into a smile, a forced smile, but a smile nonetheless. "not now," he repeated. Kate blinked back tears, and turned to her husband.

"I have one place I'd like to visit," Leopold said thoughtfully. He'd thought about it awhile, and now that goodbyes had to be said soon, he decided now would be as good a time as ever.

"You're wish is my command, My Duke," Charlie joked lightly. He made a sweeping bow and nodded to Kate and Stuart.

"Very well," Leopold smiled. Kate slipped off to get dressed, and Leopold turned to Charlie and Stuart, speaking in a hushed tone. "I want to get Kate across the bridge, as she has said she has never done. I want her to have that experience before…" Leopold faltered, unable to get the words "we leave" out. Stuart and Charlie nodded understandingly, as Kate walked back out. "shall we?" Leopold offered his arm to Kate, who took it.

Stuart and Charlie, both seemingly numb with the news of Kate and Leopold leaving, walked out after them, feet feeling as though they were glued to the floor.