Charles has a reputation.

one that requires him to stay as stoic as possible, tinker with things that nobody else seems to dare touch. what is expected of him, is the ‘norms’.

so he has to keep you, his wonderful boyfriend, a secret. and it pains him to do so. bites at the back of his throat in bile, makes him feel downright terrible and gross.

but he would be ruined, even in this godforsaken manor.