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In the end, it wasn’t some earth-shattering revelation that made Charles Rowland realize he was in love with Edwin Payne. Instead, it was a feeling that had been slowly growing inside his heart for thirty-odd years and finally reached a tipping point and spilled over.
Charles and Edwin were on the floor of the Dead Boy Detectives Agency office, an enthusiastic game of Cluedo taking place between them. Edwin sat cross-legged, free of his bowtie and jacket with shirt sleeves rolled up, while Charles sprawled on his stomach in his white vest, gold chain dangling.
“As much as I love having Crystal and Niko around, it is nice to have a game night to ourselves once in a while, innit?” Charles said, head propped in his hands.
Edwin smiled at him before moving his game piece. “Yes, agreed.” They loved the girls, and appreciated the expanding group of unique and colorful acquaintances they’d acquired since Port Townsend. But they had also been missing these quiet moments together since their Agency-of-two got a lot more crowded.
And as Charles looked at his best mate who was so good and kind and smart, he discovered with sudden clarity that he really, really loved him. The realization washed over him with warmth and longing, and before he knew what he was doing, he crawled over to Edwin and sat on his knees right on top of the Cluedo board.
“Charles,” Edwin huffed. “You are sitting on our game.”
“I know, it’s just –,” Charles took Edwin’s hands in his own and looked into those deep green eyes. “I’ve just realized I’m in love with you.”
Edwin’s lips parted in surprise and shook his head slowly. He was sure he didn’t understand anything at all.
“I love you so much, Edwin.” Charles’ expression was fond, dark eyes soft and small smile playing across his face.
Edwin’s brain seemed to pop back online and his heart swelled as he felt the sincerity of what Charles was saying. “I love you too, Charles,” he said as he gave Charles’ hands a squeeze.
Charles’ grin grew wider as he tipped his chin down to look at Edwin through dark eyelashes. “Can I kiss you now?” he asked almost bashfully.
Edwin was happily surprised for the second time in as many moments. “I would like that, very much. Yes.”
Charles and Edwin met halfway, lips brushing together in a tentative press. Edwin let out a soft sound of contentment as the kiss deepened. And oh, what a revelation, like gravity pulling together cosmic dust until a new star was born in a flash of golden light. They felt warmth and love as their mouths slotted together, and then Edwin parted his lips in invitation and Charles curled his tongue to tangle with Edwin’s. Charles climbed onto Edwin’s lap and cradled his face in his hands, tipping his head to find the perfect angle, while Edwin brought his hands up to pull him close and run his fingers through his curls.
Nothing was bad, and everything was good. Their kiss was something new and absolutely wonderful, and at the same time what was true now had been true for over thirty years – Charles Rowland loved Edwin Payne and Edwin Payne loved Charles Rowland.
And since they are two dead boys, perhaps it could be said this way –
And they loved happily ever after.