Work Text:
The sky was a canvas of brooding gray, streaked with ominous shades of charcoal as storm clouds gathered on the horizon. Edwin sat perched on the rooftop of Jenny's building, the cool breeze tousling his hair as he gazed out at the darkening sky.
Beside him, Niko lounged comfortably, her gaze fixed on the turbulent clouds as they roiled and churned with untamed energy. There was a quiet intensity to the scene, a feeling of electricity crackling in the air as the storm brewed on the cusp of release.
"Looks like it's going to be a big one," Niko remarked, her voice filled with awe as she watched the clouds swirl and dance across the sky.
Edwin nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the darkening sky. The impending storm seemed to mirror the turmoil brewing within him, a tempest of thoughts and emotions swirling beneath the surface. His mind had been a mess recently. The bracelet on his hand reminded him of the punishment the Cat king had given him. It was a constant reminder of the the unspeakable things the Cat King had implied wanting to do with Edwin. He tried to push those thoughts back, and think of something else.
This time his thoughts drifted towards Monty, the admittedly beautiful boy he and Niko had recently bumped into.
"Edwin," Niko began gently, breaking the silence, "I've noticed you've been acting differently lately. Especially Around Monty."
Edwin turned to her, slight shock on his face. "What do you mean?" It was as if Niko had read his thoughts.
Niko took a deep breath, her gaze steady and reassuring. "You seem different when you're around him. Happier, but also... nervous. Like there's something you're not saying."
Edwin shifted uncomfortably, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Niko smiled softly. "Edwin, it's okay. You don't have to deny it. I understand if you have feelings for him."
Edwin's eyes widened, and he shook his head vigorously. "No, it's not like that. He's just... he's just really nice, and I enjoy his company. That's all."
Niko watched Edwin, her expression gentle and patient. "Edwin, have you ever thought about the possibility that you might like boys? That it's not just about Monty, but something deeper within you?"
Edwin's face remained tense, his eyes darting away from Niko's. "I... I don't know. It's complicated."
Niko scooted closer, her voice soft and encouraging. "It's okay, Edwin. Take your time."
In the hushed anticipation of the impending storm, the only sound that filled the air was the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant grumble of thunder, like a harbinger of the tempest to come.
After what felt like an eternity, Edwin finally spoke, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I did. A long time ago. There was a boy at school, before I... before I died. I had these feelings, and I didn't understand them."
Niko nodded, urging him to continue with a kind smile.
Edwin swallowed hard, his voice growing more strained. "Everyone around me, my friends, my teachers, my family, they all made it clear that it wasn't okay. They said it was wrong, unnatural. So, I buried those feelings deep inside and tried to forget about them."
Niko's heart ached for her friend. "I'm so sorry, Edwin. That must have been incredibly difficult."
Edwin nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It was. And now, with Monty, those feelings are starting to resurface, and I don't know what to do with them."
Niko took Edwin's hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "You don't have to be afraid of your feelings, Edwin. You're not in that place anymore. Times have changed, and there are people who understand and accept you for who you are."
Niko's eyes remained soft and reassuring. "Edwin, do you think you might like Monty? As more than a friend?"
Edwin bit his lip. "I'm not sure. I mean, he's kind and smart, and I feel comfortable around him. But it's confusing."
Niko nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, let's try something. Close your eyes and imagine being close to Monty. Picture yourself holding his hand, or maybe even kissing him. Just think about how that makes you feel."
She then rose from her spot on the rooftop, her movements graceful as she stood up and stretched. "I'll leave you to it" she said softly, her voice carrying a sense of encouragement.
With a reassuring smile, Niko made her way towards the door leading back into the apartment building, leaving Edwin alone with his thoughts. As she disappeared from view, the silence of the rooftop enveloped him once more, broken only by the howling of the wind.
The evening grew colder as Edwin sat alone on the rooftop, the town of Port Townsend sprawled out beneath him, quiet and serene. The question Niko has asked echoed in his mind. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, trying to follow her advice.
He pictured Monty's kind smile, his intelligent eyes, the way his laughter always seemed to brighten the room. Slowly, he imagined himself reaching out, holding Monty's hand. It felt warm, comforting. But then, as he tried to picture himself leaning in for a kiss, Monty's face began to blur and shift.
In its place, the face of his best friend, Charles Rowland, emerged.
Edwin's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding in his chest. He shook his head, trying to dispel the image. "No, no, it can't be," he whispered to himself.
But the more he tried to push it away, the clearer it became. Every time he attempted to picture Monty, it was Charles' face that appeared instead. Charles, with his mischievous grin and ever-present sense of adventure. Charles, who had been his closest companion for the past thirty years.
A horrifying realization washed over Edwin, chilling him more than the night air. Could it be that his feelings weren't for Monty, but for Charles? His best friend, his partner?
He buried his face in his hands, torn between fear and an undeniable truth. He had never dared to consider these feelings before. The idea of liking Charles in that way had always seemed impossible, forbidden even. But now, as he sat there on the rooftop, he couldn't deny it any longer.
Edwin felt tears sting his eyes. How could he have been so blind? All those moments of camaraderie, of shared laughter, fleeting thoughts and whispered secrets—they meant more to him than he had ever realized.
But what could he do about it? How could he possibly tell Charles, risk their friendship, and perhaps lose the most important person in his afterlife?
Lost in his turmoil, Edwin didn't notice Niko who had come back, until she quietly sat down beside him. She studied his tear-streaked face with concern. "Edwin, what's wrong? What happened?"
Edwin took a shuddering breath, struggling to find the words. "Niko, I tried to imagine being with Monty, like you said. But every time, it wasn't his face I saw. It was Charles'."
Niko's eyes widened with understanding. "Oh, Edwin..."
He looked at her, his expression one of pure anguish. "What am I supposed to do, Niko? How can I possibly tell him? What if it ruins everything?"
Niko took his hand, offering him a reassuring squeeze. "Feelings are complicated, Edwin, and love can be the most confusing of all. But Charles is your best friend. If anyone can understand, it's him."
Niko's words lingered in the air, but Edwin's heart still felt heavy with doubt. He knew Niko was right about Charles being understanding, but there was another layer of complexity that she hadn't addressed.
"There's something else," Edwin said softly. "Charles... he has something going on with Crystal, doesn't he? They are always together. What if I ruin it by confessing? What if he doesn't feel the same way, and it makes everything awkward? Or worse, what if he starts to resent me?"
Niko sighed, looking out over the dark town. "I can't pretend to know how Charles will react. But keeping your feelings bottled up isn't fair to you or him. It's like living with a ghost that won't let you rest." She paused, glancing back at him and letting out a slight chuckle. “Maybe that was a bad metaphor.” Edwin smiled back at her.
"You deserve to be honest about how you feel. Even if it’s hard."
Edwin stared at the ground, his mind racing. "But what if he doesn't want anything to do with me after I tell him? What if it changes everything between us?"
Niko squeezed his hand again, her grip firm and reassuring. "Edwin, I can't promise it will be easy. Love is always a risk. But Charles cares about you deeply. You know that. Whatever happens, you owe it to yourself to be true to your heart. And if Charles truly values your friendship, he won't just walk away."
Edwin nodded slowly, her words sinking in. "I suppose you're right. I just... I need some time to think about how to do this."
Niko smiled softly. "Take all the time you need. I'm here for you, no matter what."
They sat in silence for a while. Edwin felt a strange mix of fear and resolve. He knew he couldn't keep this secret forever, but he needed to find the right moment, the right way to approach Charles.
As the rain clouds began to move closer and Edwin felt the first raindrops on his skin, he stood up, feeling a bit steadier on his feet. "Thanks, Niko. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Niko stood up as well, brushing the dust off her purple jeans. "That's what friends are for. We're in this together, no matter what."
Later that evening, Edwin found himself alone in the office, trying to lose himself in a book. But his mind kept drifting back to Charles, to the possibility of what could be, and to the fear of what might be lost.
Just as he was about to give up on reading, the door creaked open, and Charles walked in, his usual bright smile on his face. "Edwin, there you are! I was wondering where you'd disappeared to. What are you up to?"
Edwin felt his stomach knot with nervousness. "Hey, Charles. I was just... thinking."
Charles plopped down on the arm of the chair he was sitting on, looking curious. "Thinking about what?" He reached out casually, placing a hand on Edwin's shoulder as he often did, a simple gesture of friendship.
Edwin felt a jolt of emotions surge through him at the touch. He fought to keep his composure. Even though he was a ghost, and couldn’t actually feel the other boy’s touch, the warmth of Charles' hand seemed to linger, sending his thoughts into a whirlwind.
"Just... thinking about a case we solved recently," Edwin managed to say, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
Charles nodded, accepting the answer without suspicion. "That was a tricky one, wasn't it? You did great, though." He lifted his hand, intending to pat Edwin on the back.
This time though, Edwin was prepared for the touch. He shifted slightly, avoiding the contact. Charles' hand hovered in the air for a moment before he withdrew it, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.
"Yeah," Edwin said, forcing a smile. "It was a real challenge."
Charles glanced at him, a hint of concern in his eyes, but he decided not to comment on the avoidance. Instead, he leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, if something's bothering you, you can always talk to me, right?"
Edwin's heart ached at the sincerity in Charles' voice. He wanted to spill everything right then and there, but the fear of disrupting their friendship and Charles' situation with Crystal held him back. "I know, Charles. Thanks."
Charles smiled, the concern still lurking in his eyes but overshadowed by his usual warmth. "Alright. Just remember that, okay?"
Edwin nodded, grateful for the understanding but still feeling the weight of his unspoken feelings. "I will."
As they delved into their conversation, discussing the nuances of their recent case and brainstorming potential leads for their next one, Edwin couldn't shake the conflicted emotions swirling within him. Charles' presence was both comforting and agonizing, a constant reminder of the feelings he couldn't yet bring himself to confess.
As they were engrossed in their discussion, the door creaked open. Crystal walked in, her presence drawing Charles' attention immediately.
"Hey, Charles," she said with a smile. "Can I steal you for a moment? Remember that we agreed to… talk in my room tonight?"
Charles turned to her. "Of course! Sorry Edwin, gotta go."
Edwin watched silently as Charles rose from his seat, his heart sinking with a pang of jealousy. He knew he should be happy for Charles and supportive of his budding connection with Crystal, but a part of him couldn't help but feel a tinge of pain at the thought of Charles being drawn away from him.
Charles gave Edwin one last reassuring smile before following Crystal out of the office.
Alone once again, Edwin felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over him. He knew he had to let Charles go, to allow him the space to pursue his own happiness. But it was hard to ignore the ache in his heart, the longing for something more that he couldn't yet bring himself to confront.
Taking a deep breath, Edwin tried to push aside his feelings and focus on the task at hand. He buried himself in his book, attempting to lose himself in the familiar comfort of the written word. But no matter how hard he tried to distract himself, his thoughts kept drifting back to Charles.
The next day dawned with the promise of a new beginning, yet Edwin couldn't shake the weight of his unresolved feelings. As he sat with Niko on the rooftop once again, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the town, he knew he needed to confide in her.
"Niko," Edwin began, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "I don't know how to deal with this anymore. The jealousy. It's scary how I cannot control it."
Niko turned to him, her expression gentle and understanding. "It's okay, Edwin. Jealousy is a natural reaction, especially when you're grappling with your own feelings."
Edwin sighed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I know, but it's getting harder to ignore. Especially after seeing Charles with Crystal yesterday."
Niko nodded sympathetically. "Their talk lasted well into the night, didn't it?"
Edwin's stomach churned at the thought. "Yeah, it did. And I can't even begin to imagine what they were discussing." Or doing , was left unsaid.
Niko reached out, placing a comforting hand on Edwin's shoulder. "You don't have to figure it all out at once, Edwin. Just take it one step at a time."
But Edwin couldn't shake the nagging feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at him. He knew he needed to confront his feelings, to find a way to move forward, but the fear of ruining his friendship with Charles held him back.
"I just wish there was an easy answer," Edwin murmured.
Niko squeezed his shoulder gently. "Sometimes, the hardest paths lead to the greatest rewards, Edwin. You'll find your way through this."
As Niko offered her comforting words, the weight on Edwin's shoulders felt a little lighter, yet his inner turmoil still raged like a storm within him. Just as they settled into their conversation, the rooftop door creaked open, and Charles stepped onto the scene, his presence interrupting the fragile peace Edwin had found.
"Hey, what's going on up here?" Charles asked, his brows furrowing slightly as he glanced between Edwin and Niko.
Caught off guard, Edwin's heart skipped a beat. He exchanged a quick glance with Niko, a silent plea for help, before turning back to Charles, forcing a smile. "Oh, just enjoying the morning breeze, you know?"
Charles raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on Edwin for a moment longer than usual. "You seem... tense. Is everything alright?"
Edwin swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "Yeah, everything's fine, Charles. Just... lost in thought, I guess."
Niko chimed in, her voice steady. "We were just discussing... uh, my mother. If I should write her back."
Charles seemed unconvinced, but nodded, deciding not to press further. "Ah, got it. Well, if you need any help, you know where to find me. Although I think this is a thing solved better with just the two of you."
With that, he turned to leave, but before he could take another step, he reached out to pat Edwin on the back in his usual friendly manner.
Instinctively, Edwin flinched away, his heart pounding as he avoided Charles' touch. The air between them grew heavy with tension, and Edwin couldn't bring himself to meet Charles' eyes.
Charles paused, his hand still hovering in the air where Edwin's shoulder had been. "Edwin, seriously, what's going on? You've been acting strange lately."
Edwin's mind raced as Charles' concern lingered in the air like an unspoken question. He searched for a way to deflect, to shield himself from Charles' probing gaze.
"Oh, you know me, Charles," Edwin replied, his voice strained. "Just a lot on my mind lately. Anyway, where's Crystal? I thought you two had some plans today."
Charles's expression softened slightly at the mention of Crystal. "She's downstairs talking to Jenny. I think they’re talking about the fact that Crystal stays up so late, often waking Jenny up.”
Edwin nodded, relieved for the change of subject. "Right, of course. Shouldn’t you be there too then? You are often a part of her late night goings after all."
Charles hesitated, as if waiting for something else, but when Edwin didn't offer anything more, he simply nodded and turned to leave.
"Guess you’re right. I’ll go listen in on the conversation. See you later." He said, his tone unreadable to Edwin.
As the door clicked shut behind Charles, Edwin's facade crumbled, and he sank to the ground, his chest tight with the weight of his unspoken truth. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he buried his face in his hands, the floodgates of his emotions finally opening.
Niko knelt beside him, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of his turmoil. "Edwin," she said softly, "you can't keep hiding this. You need to tell him how you feel."
Edwin shook his head, his voice choked with tears. "I know, Niko, I know. I just... I'm so scared. What if I ruin everything? What if he doesn't feel the same way? I can't bear the thought of losing him."
Niko placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "You won't know until you try, Edwin. And I'll be here to support you every step of the way."
After a moment, Edwin's sobs began to subside, leaving behind a heavy silence. He wiped away his tears, his resolve slowly hardening. "You're right, Niko. I can't keep running from this. I have to tell him. I just... I've never done anything like this before. I have no idea how to confess."
Niko gave him a sympathetic smile. "Well, lucky for you, I have a whole collection of manga with some of the most beautiful confession scenes you've ever seen. You can borrow them if you want some inspiration." She said with a wink.
Edwin couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks, Niko. I might just take you up on that."
Edwin sat cross-legged on Niko’s bed, surrounded by a pile of manga that Niko had lent him. Each cover depicted two men embracing each other, each more intimate than the next. Despite the beauty of the illustrations, Edwin couldn't shake the nagging voice in the back of his mind—the voice of his father, stern and disapproving.
But he pushed those thoughts aside, determined to explore these stories without the weight of his past judgments. With trembling hands, he picked up the first manga and began to flip through the pages, immersing himself in the world of forbidden love and hidden desires.
As he read, Edwin felt a strange mix of emotions wash over him—excitement, confusion, and a hint of guilt. It was as if he was peering into a mirror, seeing his own hidden desires reflected back at him in the pages of these stories.
But with each turn of the page, Edwin felt a sense of liberation, as if he was finally breaking free from the constraints of his past. These stories showed him that love knew no bounds, that it was okay to embrace his feelings and pursue happiness, no matter what others might think.
As he delved deeper into the manga, Edwin found himself drawn to the characters' struggles and triumphs, their journey towards acceptance and self-discovery.
Lost in the captivating world of the manga, Edwin found himself drawn deeper into the stories, his imagination weaving intricate fantasies where he and Charles were the protagonists. With each turn of the page, he projected himself into the characters, feeling their emotions as if they were his own.
But as the scenes grew more intimate and passionate, Edwin's excitement turned to apprehension. As he realized the implications of the images before him, his hands began trembling as he struggled to reconcile the forbidden desires stirring within him.
With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Edwin's gaze fell upon a particularly explicit scene—a moment of raw passion captured in vivid detail. Shock and panic coursed through him like a tidal wave, his mind reeling with fear and uncertainty.
In a blind panic, Edwin threw the manga away from him as if it were tainted, as if by distancing himself from the images, he could escape the overwhelming rush of emotions threatening to consume him. The book landed with a thud on the floor, its pages splayed open to the scene that had triggered his sudden terror.
Gasping for breath, Edwin pressed a hand to his chest. He felt as if he had been plunged into icy waters, his thoughts swirling in a tumultuous whirlwind of confusion and fear.
The sudden sound of footsteps approaching the room startled him. Before he could compose himself, Charles stepped inside, drawn by the commotion.
"Hey, what's going on?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern as he surveyed the scene before him.
Edwin's eyes widened in a mixture of panic and desperation, his hand reaching out instinctively to stop Charles from picking up the discarded manga. "N-no, Charles, don't—" he began, but it was too late. Charles had already picked up the book, his gaze flicking over the open page.
For a fleeting moment, Edwin's heart stopped as he braced himself for Charles' reaction. But to his surprise, instead of recoiling in shock or disgust, Charles chuckled softly, his lips quirking into a lopsided grin.
"I didn't know you were into this kind of stuff, Edwin," Charles remarked, amusement evident in his tone as he flipped through the pages.
Edwin's cheeks would have flushed crimson with embarrassment were he alive, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind. He opened his mouth to explain, to reassure Charles that it was all just a misunderstanding, but the words caught in his throat, his anxiety choking him.
Sensing Edwin's distress, Charles's laughter faded, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now as he set the manga aside and walked over to Edwin's side on the bed.
Edwin struggled to find his voice. "I-I'm fine, Charles. It's just... I-I didn't mean for you to see that. It's not what you think," he stammered, his gaze darting away, unable to meet Charles' concerned eyes.
But Charles didn't press for more details. Instead, he placed a comforting hand on Edwin's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay," he said gently. "We all have our secrets, our private interests. You don't have to explain yourself to me if you're not ready."
After a moment of tense silence, Edwin finally found the courage to speak. "Charles, I... I do like it," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But not for the reasons you might think."
Charles' brows furrowed in confusion, but he remained silent, allowing Edwin to continue.
"I mean, I like men," Edwin clarified. "I've been... coming to terms with it, I guess. That's why I was reading the manga. It wasn't for any other reason. This story just happened to have… intimate… scenes."
There was a brief pause as Charles processed Edwin's words, his expression softening with understanding. "Oh, Edwin," he said gently, his tone filled with empathy. "I'm sorry you felt like you had to keep this to yourself. You know you can always talk to me, right?"
Edwin nodded, relieved by Charles' understanding. "Yeah, I know. It's just... it's been hard, you know? Trying to figure everything out."
"I can imagine," Charles replied, his voice tinged with sympathy. "But you don't have to go through it alone. I'm here for you, whatever you need."
Tears welled up in Edwin's eyes as he felt the weight of Charles' support. "Thank you, Charles. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Charles reached out, enveloping Edwin in a comforting hug. "You don't have to thank me, Edwin. We're friends, remember? And friends stick together through thick and thin."
As they embraced, Edwin felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that at least one part of his secret was out. He pulled back slightly from the hug, his mind still reeling from their conversation.
As Edwin collected his thoughts, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil. Charles had shown understanding and acceptance, proving that his fears of rejection weren't entirely warranted. Maybe, just maybe, confessing his feelings for Charles wouldn't be as daunting as he had once feared.
Lost in his thoughts, Edwin barely noticed the shift in Charles' expression. When Charles finally spoke, his voice was hesitant, almost cautious. "Edwin, can I ask you something?"
Edwin's heart skipped a beat, his stomach churning with nerves. "Of course, Charles. What is it?"
Charles hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Do you... like Monty?"
Edwin's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing as he processed the question. It was unexpected, to say the least, and it caught him off guard.
Edwin's eyes widened in surprise at Charles' question. "Monty? No, I don't... I mean, he's just a friend," he replied, his voice faltering slightly.
Charles' expression remained unreadable as he pressed on, his tone gentle yet probing. "Okay, fair enough. But what about the Cat King? You seem pretty distracted every time he’s around."
Edwin's mind scrambled for a plausible explanation. "The Cat King? No, I-I wasn't... I mean, it is just... uh..."
His words trailed off into awkward silence as Charles studied him with a raised eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his gaze.
"Edwin," Charles began, his voice soft but insistent, "is there something you're not telling me? Do you... like anyone?"
Edwin felt the weight of Charles' gaze bearing down on him, urging him to reveal the truth he had been hiding. His throat felt tight, constricted by the fear of what might happen if he spoke the words aloud.
Unable to meet Charles' eyes, Edwin could only nod slowly, a heavy lump forming in his throat. The admission hung in the air between them, pregnant with unspoken emotions.
Sensing Edwin's struggle, Charles reached out and took his hands in his own. "Edwin," he said softly, "who is it? Who do you like?"
Edwin felt the weight of Charles' hands enveloping his own. With a shaky breath, he finally gave in, the words tumbling from his lips in a rush. "It's you, Charles. I... I like you."
There was a moment of stunned silence as Charles processed Edwin's confession, his eyes widening in surprise. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to stand still, the air charged with uncertainty and anticipation.
Then, without a word, Charles pulled Edwin into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around him with a tenderness that took Edwin's breath away. "Oh, Edwin," Charles murmured, his voice filled with emotion, "I had no idea."
Relief flooded through Edwin as he buried his face in Charles' shoulder, his heart overflowing with a mixture of joy and trepidation. He had finally spoken his truth, and in that moment, he felt lighter than he had in years.
As Edwin nestled into the comforting embrace of Charles, he felt a sense of serenity wash over him, the tension of his confession melting away in the warmth of their connection.
Then, unexpectedly, Charles began to laugh—a soft, melodious sound that echoed through the room, filling the space with a sense of ease. Edwin pulled back slightly, confusion furrowing his brow as he looked up at Charles.
"What's so funny?" Edwin asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
Charles smiled down at him, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's just... Crystal was right," he said, his laughter fading into a fond chuckle.
Confusion clouded Edwin's features as he tried to make sense of Charles' words. "Crystal? What do you mean?" he asked, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle.
With a soft sigh, Charles leaned back, his gaze fixed on Edwin's face with a look of gentle affection. "For the longest time, Crystal has been trying to convince me that I liked you—and that you liked me back."
Edwin's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Charles' revelation. "She... she knew?"
Charles nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah. And I guess she was right all along."
As Edwin processed Charles' revelation, a nagging question tugged at the corners of his mind. He furrowed his brow, a hint of curiosity in his voice as he spoke up.
"But, Charles, if you and Crystal weren't… intimate -” he took a deep breath, and continued. “- during those late-night talks, then what were you doing?" He asked, his gaze searching Charles' face for answers.
Charles hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting away as he gathered his thoughts. Finally, he met Edwin's eyes with a look of honesty, his voice soft but unwavering.
"They were mostly about you," Charles admitted. "And about... my feelings towards you, Edwin." He squeezed his hands tighter.
With a chuckle, he added “can’t believe you thought we were having sex.”
Edwin felt a rush of emotions welling up inside him, a mix of surprise, uncertainty, and hope.
"You... you were talking about me?" Edwin repeated.
Charles nodded, his expression earnest. "Yeah. Crystal helped me sort through everything, helped me understand that what I was feeling for you went beyond friendship."
A small smile tugged at the corners of Edwin's lips. He couldn't believe that Charles had been struggling with his own feelings for him all this time.
"I had no idea," Edwin admitted, his voice tinged with awe.
Edwin's laughter bubbled up from deep within him, a cascade of relief and joy spilling forth like a dam breaking free. It was a laughter tinged with newfound understanding, a release of tension that had gripped him.
Charles watched Edwin, his eyes alight with affection as he drank in the sight of his friend's laughter. He smiled at Edwin. There was something undeniably beautiful about the way the other boy’s eyes sparkled with mirth, the way his smile lit up the room with its infectious warmth.
"You know, Edwin," Charles said, his voice soft and sincere, "you look beautiful when you laugh like that."
Edwin's laughter subsided, replaced by a warmth that spread through his chest like wildfire.
"Thank you, Charles," Edwin replied. "I guess I owe Crystal a thank you too, huh?"
Charles chuckled, the sound like music to Edwin's ears. "Yeah, I suppose you do. She has a way of seeing things that the rest of us miss. Maybe it’s a part of her psychic powers."
Edwin's smile softened as he nodded in agreement. "She really does. I'm grateful for her insight."
As the conversation shifted, Edwin couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for Niko, his other confidante in this journey of self-discovery.
"You know, Charles," Edwin began, his voice hesitant yet earnest, "I have to admit... the secret chat I had with Niko earlier, it was about you too."
Charles raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Really now? Seems like we’ve both been jealous over something dumb."
Edwin laughed, a warmth spreading through him at Charles' admission. "Yeah, I guess we were both hiding something, weren't we?"
Charles nodded, his gaze softening as he met Edwin's eyes. "I suppose we were. But I'm glad we're being honest with each other now."
As their conversation took a tender turn, Edwin and Charles found themselves drawn closer to each other, their foreheads touching gently as they shared a moment of quiet intimacy.
In the hushed atmosphere, Charles's voice was barely a whisper as he spoke, his words filled with a raw vulnerability. "Edwin, can I... kiss you?"
Edwin's heart skipped a beat at the question, his breath catching in his throat as he met Charles's gaze with a mixture of anticipation and longing. "Yes," he replied, his voice barely audible but filled with certainty.
Just as they began to lean in, the door to Niko’s room swung open, startling them both.
“Did you figure anything ou-”
As Niko stepped into the room, her voice trailed off mid-sentence, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in the sight before her. The air seemed to crackle with tension as Edwin and Charles froze, their closeness suddenly feeling more exposed than ever.
Niko's gaze flickered between Edwin and Charles, her expression a mixture of astonishment and understanding.
As she processed the scene before her, a wide grin spread across her face, breaking the tension like a ray of sunlight through storm clouds. "Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "You guys!"
Without missing a beat, Niko dashed out of the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway as she called out to Crystal. "Crystal! Come upstairs quick! You won't believe what just happened!"
Moments later, Niko burst back into the room, followed closely by Crystal.
"Oh my goodness!" Niko exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "You two, this is incredible!"
Crystal's eyes widened as she took in the scene before her, her excitement palpable. "No way! Did you guys finally...?" she began, unable to contain her excitement.
Edwin and Charles exchanged sheepish looks, nodding in confirmation. "Yeah, we did," Charles replied, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Niko squealed with delight, rushing over to envelop Edwin and Charles in a tight hug. "I knew it! I knew there was something special between you two!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious.
Crystal joined in the embrace, her grin widening as she congratulated them both. "I'm so happy for you guys! This is amazing!"
Amidst the whirlwind of excitement and congratulations, Edwin and Charles couldn't help but smile, their hearts full with the warmth of their friends' support.
As the jubilant celebration continued, Jenny walked into the room, a perplexed expression on her face. "What's all this racket about?" she asked, looking around the room.
Niko and Crystal exchanged a quick glance, their smiles faltering for a moment as they struggled to come up with an explanation that wouldn't raise suspicion.
"Oh, Jenny, we were just...talking about a new manga I just got!" Niko blurted out, her voice a little too high-pitched with forced enthusiasm, as she raised up the manga Edwin had just recently been reading.
Crystal nodded vigorously, her grin a touch too wide. She glanced at the open pages of the book Niko was holding. "Yeah, we just thought that. This was the most romantic sex scene ever!” she added, internally cringing at what she had just said.
Jenny's expression remained skeptical. She didn't press the matter further, choosing instead to nod curtly, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Well, just try to keep it down, okay? Some of us are trying to work," she said, adding: “You can enjoy your… Sexy manga or whatever. I’m going back downstairs.”
Once Jenny turned to leave the room, the four of them breathed a collective sigh of relief, their laughter subdued by the close call.
"That was too close," Crystal whispered, her voice tinged with relief.
Niko nodded in agreement, her grin tempered by the realization of their near slip-up. "Yeah, but at least she's gone now. Let's not push our luck any further."
With a shared nod, the group settled back into a quieter mood, their excitement tempered by the reminder to be more discreet in the future. Despite the brief interruption, their bond remained unbroken, the thrill of their revelation still lingering in the air.
As the room settled into a quieter atmosphere, Crystal couldn't resist breaking the silence with a mischievous grin. "So, lovebirds," she teased, her voice light but filled with playful intent, "I hope you're planning to keep your hands to yourselves from now on. At least, when you're working or with me and Niko."
Charles chuckled at Crystal's playful jab, his gaze shifting to Edwin, who hid his face in embarrassment. "Looks like we're going to have to be on our best behavior," Charles remarked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Edwin nodded, letting out a quiet “Yeah”, unable to meet anyone's gaze as he fidgeted with his hands.
Niko giggled at the exchange, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, Edwin. We'll keep you in line," she teased, her tone affectionate yet teasing.
Edwin looked up to see Niko trying to hold back her laughter. "I think it's Charles you should be worried about," he quipped back, turning his gaze back to his friend. Or boyfriend? He wasn’t sure.
Charles raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a grin. "Oh, please. I think we both know who's the troublemaker here," he retorted.
Before Edwin could respond, Charles continued, "I mean, it wasn't me reading explicit manga just a moment ago, now was it?"
Edwin swatted Charles on the arm, the action eliciting laughter from the group. "Okay, okay, let's not go there," he said, his voice laced with mock indignation.
As the laughter subsided, Edwin found himself basking in the warmth of the moment, grateful for the friends who had stood by him through all of this. With a smile, Edwin leaned closer to Charles, their hands intertwining as they shared a quiet moment of connection. In that moment, surrounded by the laughter and love of their friends, Edwin knew that he had found his home—in the warmth of Charles' embrace and the unwavering support of their friends.
And as they sat there, bathed in the gentle glow of the fading sunlight, Edwin felt a sense of contentment wash over him, knowing that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always have each other.