Work Text:
Charles felt as if his senses were on fire. His hands shook, and his ears rang. The encounter with the night nurse not only caused a breakdown but overstimulation. Charles hated this. It didn't make sense how overwhelmed he could become even though he couldn't physically feel anything.
That was Charles' problem when he was alive, he would become so overwhelmed by his emotions that everything else seemed impossible. Touching anything felt nauseating and his hearing was sensitive to the slightest noise. Something may be too bright for him, or not bright enough. Charles has dealt with these happenings since he was little.
Nothing felt right during these times.
This was something Edwin knew about. There was no way of hiding it. He couldn't just make it disappear like he does the image of his parents in the mirror. The first time this happened was not long after his death. Charles was deeply afraid Edwin would be repulsed like his father was. But Edwin sat by his side offering comforting words.
As these happenings grew over time, Edwin started to see the signs before Charles told him. That's why when they made their way into Jenny’s butcher shop and they followed the girls up the stairs instead of parting ways, Edwin grasped Charles' hand gently. He looked up at his older partner and saw the comfort in his eyes that he offered Charles. With one nod from Charles, Edwin walked over to the bathroom and walked through the door leading Charles in.
Without needing to be told Charles sat down on the ground leaning heavily against the door. Edwin had already left, and Charles assumed he had gone to Niko’s room. Without a second to spare his partner was back with a blanket that was fluffy and pink. He watched as his friend moved to the window in the bathroom and slid it through the rods that already held a curtain but did nothing to dim the light.
The bright room soon fell dark as dim light peeked out around the blanket's edges, like a nightlight. Next was the faucet he turned on, not too loud but a continuous soft sound to wash away the silence.
Charles didn’t understand how he deserved Edwin.
He cared for him in ways no one had before. Tended to specific needs for him, even though half of the time it was physical touch. But he flipped and changed everything for Charles if he asked or if he didn’t. Charles didn't feel like seeing the world or hearing it so Edwin covered it up and silenced it. He protected Charles as much as he protected Edwin.
Charles realized how he zoned out, staring at Edwin. He watched him work. He only focused back on his partner as he felt two gentle tugs on his coat. His partner was telling him to take it off. Charles was reminded of the disgusting pressure on his shoulders. He pulled his arms out slowly of his jacket not wanting to rub against the fabric that was so repulsive to him.
Edwin waited silently until Charles leaned forward to slide his coat off.
He grabbed the coat and moved it away from Charles. He turned back to his partner still seeing the discomfort on his face and reached out.
Edwin slipped his finger under Charles' suspenders and lifted them up and off Charles’s shoulders. Releasing the pressure from his shoulders.
His partner was physically relaxed.
His senses are treated kindly, Edwin taking care of him no matter how they feel towards each other. Charles didn't understand how he could go from yelling at Edwin to the same person tending and caring for him the next second. He believed Edwin would have been mad or at least upset from Charles yelling at him like that. He thought Edwin would keep his distance.
But no.
Edwin could see that Charles needed him, and no matter if they fought, or upset the other, they still came when called.
“I will let Crystal know what’s going on,” Edwin said, keeping his voice quiet, as he started to stand.
“Edwin-“ Charles said, reaching out and grabbing his partner's hand.
Edwin crouched back down in front of Charles. He was looking down at where Charles still held Edwin’s hand.
He watched as Charles ran his thumb over the back of Edwin’s hand. The slight pressure he could feel but not the warmth that he craved.
“Can you stay?” Charles whispered. His voice was staggered and when Edwin looked up at his friend he found desperate eyes that told him everything he needed to know.
“Yes,” Edwin said, he smiled at Charles and moved to sit by the other boy. Their thighs pressed together, Charles somehow pushing closer to his partner. He let go of Edwin’s hand to slide his arm under his friend's arm. Charles' hand tightened around his arm and clasped their hands together.
“Charles, if touch can make you ill why are you-“ Edwin started but was cut off by Charles.
“It’s different when it’s you,” Charles said without hesitation, resting his head on Edwin’s shoulder, and closing his eyes.
“Oh,” Edwin sighed, he liked being Charles only in any situation. It made him feel special and loved.
Edwin smiled “Only me?” he asked in a joking tone.
Charles laughed and snuggled into Edwin’s neck.
“Only you,” Charles responded.
Edwin smiled.
He moved his hand over Charles' shoulder to reach the boy's hair. He moved his fingers along his scalp massaging gently. Charles hummed and gripped Edwin’s hand tighter.