This is wonderful. I love this kind of love. <3 I love Charlie's characterisation, the way he thinks he was supposed to feel, and they way he actually feels, the way you described it.

There is a powerful desire to hold Theo’s hand, and to kiss his smirking mouth until he starts smiling for real, and there’s a desperate longing for his company on cold winter nights. And that, Charlie supposes, is as close as he’s ever going to get.

And that was wonderful. And more so that they both feel that way, and found happiness in each other. Lovely. Thank you, mystery author! <3