FELLAS IS IT GAY TO SIT AROUND A LANTERN WITH ANOTHER BOY AS HE DIES (AND YOU'RE ALSO A GHOST) ??????????? FELLAS IS IT GAY TO SEE ANOTHER BOY (WHO IS A GHOST) JUST AS HE'S ESCAPED FROM HELL AND FIND COMFORT IN HIM AS YOU'RE DYING FROM HYPOTHERMIA AND INTERNAL BLEEDING ??????????? IS IT GAY TO DECIDE TO STAY AS A GHOST AFTER YOU INEVITABLY DIE BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOUR NEW "FRIEND" ?????????????
It's so obvious that Edwin doesn't like physical touch all that much sometimes.
And here's Charles who's constantly touching him, grounding him with his touch when necessary (their stairway from hell), just touching him casually (hand on his shoulder, tapping his arm to get his attention) and it's never unwanted.
Charles would never do something that Edwin wouldn't like. They are so physical with each other. It's all so sweet. And a little bit sad. But extremely lovely
If you, too, are looking for hope that Painland could be a thing:
Charles looked hurt when Edwin was talking to Monty, and he was clearly jealous when Edwin read Monty's book instead of talking to him.
Charles and Crystal don't seem to have a very meaningful romantic relationship. They're clearly into each other, and great friends besides, but it feels like they kiss because they want a distraction, not because of a deep desire.
In Episode 5, Charles is clearly projecting his relationship with Edwin onto the jocks. He's quick to say that "they're just mates" after Ritchie is gross and homophobic. What the jocks are or aren't doesn't matter. The important thing is that Charles immediately felt the need to shut down any conversation about whether or not two dead mates could be gay.
After Edwin and Charles hug later in Episode 5, Edwin realizes his feelings for his friend and puts his hand to his chest. Then, in Episode 8, Charles touches his chest after they hug coincidence? I think not.
Also in the finale, Charles says that he has a pretty convincing smile and leans in close to Edwin. It seems rather odd to do that after your friend confessed they liked you. Maybe I'm alone in this, but it seemed like really playful flirting?
Niko points out a blue and a red starfish and says that "they're in love". Blue is Edwin's colour and red is for Charles. This feels like subtle foreshadowing.
And Charles choose to run away with Edwin? Instead of going to heaven or something? After only knowing him for a few hours?
I've seen and read some cast interviews, and I've read what the show runners have said about the pairing. I think that what we're hearing is somewhat conflicted, so I'm not reading too much into it for any interpretation.
There are many interpretations of their relationship, of course, and all are valid. My view (maybe fueled by delusion and little else) is that Charles may have feelings for Edwin, but he's unaware of them or unwilling to acknowledge them for some reason.
Also, even if Painland never happens, I don't want Charles and Crystal to stay together romantically. I don't think that their relationship is very healthy in that regard.