Edwin had swayed forward reflexively into that kiss, returning it after a moment, because of course Charles was already a step ahead of him and it would take him a beat or two to catch up.

It was also why he just rested his brow against Charles' when he broke the kiss to speak, humming an acknowledgement before lifting his head, cradling Charles' face, thumb tracing the arch of his cheekbone, tone gone fully serious as he replied, "Charles. I've no intention of stopping at just kissing. And then, to make sure he was actually being clear, he added, "That's merely a starting point. We've still got time."