As Edwin reached for him, Charles went to him. He put his arms around him, and pressed close, holding him tightly. As tightly as he could, now that he was allowed; enjoying the way Edwin had weight and mass in his arms. He kissed his cheeks and neck, his ear, and wherever he could reach him without needing to let go of his hold.

"Love you, yeah?" Charles whispered into his ear before kissing his earlobe. "So much, Edwin." God, he didn't come but he felt the overwhelming sensation of it being so much and not enough, and the need to be close to Edwin. They were together for thirty years now, and got closer, and Charles still felt so giddy every time he could hold Edwin. As if it was the first time. He loved him so dearly, in death, and in life... "So much," he repeated.