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Role Reversal. Charles is from 1916. Edwin is from the 80s. Charles dresses formally, maybe a nice waistcoat. Edwin has a modest alternative look going. Charles, after 70 years in hell, smiles through anything to keep from looking broken. Edwin, who'd been living during the HIV/AIDS crisis, would never breathe of or process his sexuality. Maybe they still maintain their brain and brawn dynamic. People just get really confused when this kid gentleman is great at fisticuffs and pulls boxing gloves (or knuckle dusters!) from his bag. They get intimidated by the looks of this dark-clothed twink that chills everyone with a bitchy look and a little spellcasting.
Something about how they still find each other, and themselves, in every universe no matter the circumstances.