Arthur walked across the hall, stopping in front of Charlie's door. He reached for the handle, but hesitated before grabbing it.

Do I really want to get him involved?

He pulled his hand back and stood still, thinking.

He’ll end up getting involved eventually anyway, but still…

The door opened, and Charlie stepped out.

“Are you coming in or not?”

He stared at Arthur, his expression cold and stiff. He seemed to be analyzing every last detail of Arthur's face as he held the door open.

“I… I…” Arthur stuttered.

“Just come in already.”

Charlie walked back into the room, leaving the door open on his way in. Arthur hesitated, then followed him in.

“Sit down.”

Charlie pushed two chairs out into the middle of the room, facing each other. Arthur sat down. Charlie sat down in the other chair and placed his palm on his forehead, sighing.

“Explain.” He said without looking up.

Arthur hesitated.

“Do you… do you know?”

“No. I don't. I have no idea why you're acting like this towards me.”

“O-oh…” Arthur was shocked.

He doesn't know?

“It’s suspicious.”

Charlie stood up and walked over to his bed, taking a knife from under the pillow.

“I don't trust you.” He walked back over to his chair. “I can't trust you.”

He sat down.

“Explain everything.”

Charlie stared straight into Arthur's eyes, unblinking.

“It's… a long story.” Arthur scooted his chair backwards slightly.

“I don't mind.” He pointed the knife at Arthur. “Now, explain.”

Arthur paused, unsure of what to do.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I guess I don't have a choice anymore.

Arthur exhaled, preparing himself.

“Alright. But please, believe me.”

“I'll think about it.”

Arthur chuckled. “You never change…”

“What do you mean?”

“Charlie… I've come here from the future.”

Charlie's eyes went wide.

He looked down and closed his eyes tightly.

“Continue.”

“In the near future, a dystopia will take control of the world and make life a living hell. I was sent back to this time in order to prevent the dystopia before it can take control, and the machine that sent me back here was built by you.”

Charlie was silent.

“Do you… believe me?”

Charlie began to chuckle.

“I see… I see!”

“Charlie?”

“Arthur, can you draw me a picture of the time machine?”

Charlie grabbed a notebook and pen and handed it to Arthur.

“Sure.”

Arthur sketched a rough drawing of the machine and handed the notebook back to Charlie.

“So it ends up working…”

“What?”

“The machine that sent you back, I've been working on it for years now!”

“That's impossible! We stole the designs from a government researcher! You said so yourself!”

“I must have lied. I wouldn't put it past myself.”

Charlie threw his head back and laughed, his glasses sliding down his face slightly.

“Arthur, tell me, what was my future self like.”

“Well…”

Arthur hesitated to tell him.

“Just tell me, I won't find it rude no matter what you say. After all, if you're successful I probably won't end up turning out the same.”

“You were… honestly, a little crazy. You never acted that way, exactly, but you had to have been. Nobody can act that calm in circumstances like those if they're not.”

“I see.”

“You devoted all of your time to research. It wasn't strange to not see you for weeks out of time, only for you to emerge from your room with huge bags under your eyes and significantly less hair, from pulling it out out of frustration I presume.”

“Ha! So I don't change much, huh? Good to know! Arthur, I will continue the work of my future self, and help you prevent the dystopia.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. All I need from you is what you remember about my future creations.”

“I don't know how much help I'll be with that, but deal!”

Arthur jumped out of the chair and shook Charlie's hand vigorously.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Arthur sprang into defensive position, readying himself for combat.

Charlie laughed.

“Easy, Arthur. I doubt there's anyone out to hurt you just yet.”

Charlie picked up his knife off the ground, his facial expression becoming more serious.

“It might be an issue if they heard our conversation though.”

The door opened and Steven walked in, his usual bright smile absent from his face.

“Arthur, is what you said true?”

“You heard?” Arthur eased out of the combat position, still tense.

“Yes, I did. I apologize for eavesdropping, but I must know if what you said was the truth.”

“Yeah, it is, so what?”

“I see. Then I, too, will assist you in your fight, Arthur.”

“I appreciate the gesture Steven, but I'd rather not get you involved with this.”

“No. I believe I will become involved no matter what you do.”

“What do you mean?"

“Please follow me. Both of you. I have something I must show you.”