Edwin had only half-realized that he was already getting swept away by research-mode when he heard Charles' addressing him to get his attention, turning back to his partner only to be caught off-guard by the kiss.

Surprise wasn't going to keep him from returning it, however, now that he could do so without his breath catching painfully in his chest, could actually catch hold of Charles' shirt to tug him closer without his fingers and really the rest of his arm protesting the movement.

He did finally have to break away from the kiss to catch his breath, speaking in a rush as he did, "This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I said I'd find a way for us to be intimate while still, you know, as we are." An actual smile followed, the hand not still curled in Charles' shirt like a lifeline snaking up against the back of the other boy's neck, head tilting forward to rest his brow against Charles', "But I'm not complaining."