Ed slowly awoke surrounded by warmth. He felt at peace, relaxed and best of all - no memory of a debilitating nightmare.

His eyes slowly blinked open and he was met with one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. A sleeping, restful, Stede Bonnet.

They hadn't moved much in their sleep - there wasn't much room to move. The bed barely fit one person let alone two. Stede slept on his back and Ed tucked himself in between Stede's body and the wall.

Stede had asked repeatedly if he wanted him to take the floor instead but Ed knew that once he let himself be in Stede's arms he was not going to let go.

He was right. One night sleeping beside Stede, curled up against him, his arm and leg thrown over his body, he knew he never wanted to wake up in another location ever again. How could he when he felt this good?

And the view, well one could hardly fault him for not wanting to give that up. Stede's luscious golden hair, slightly mussed and falling over his forehead, the soft light pooling in and lighting his skin, the exposed skin on his neck, the way he held onto Ed's hand like it was the most treasured thing in the world, just above his heart.

Ed couldn't help but smile as he leaned his chin slightly against Stede's shoulder and just stared at him.

He was convinced he would wake up and it would have all been a dream. The last few days, their reconciliation and confession of love, the sweet tender, passionate kisses they shared, all of it would be gone as he woke to another day of loneliness and despair.

But it wasn't…it was real. Stede was real and sleeping soundly beside him, their bodies so close he could feel the other man breathing.

Stede's lips twitched, a soft little noise escaping his throat and Ed waited patiently for him to wake up. Stede turned his head and his nose bumped into Ed's forehead and his brow twitched.

Slowly he opened his eyes, blinking against the sunlight filling the room and his gaze fell upon Ed's glorious, smiling face as he stared back at him.

A tired smile crossed his lips and his hand squeezed Ed's. "Good morning."

"Morning." Ed's voice was still a little gruff with sleep and he lifted his head, leaning more into Stede to look at him properly. "Did you sleep well?"

Stede sighed, a soft, content little sound. "I haven't slept that well in ages."

"Me neither." Ed smiled and pressed his nose into Stede's neck, closing his eyes as he stretched across him.

"I'm so glad you stayed." Stede whispered against his hair, his hand resting on his back.

Ed inhaled slowly, taking in the scent of him. There were a few times he'd been close enough to Stede to smell him but never was there a moment where he could truly just enjoy it.

"Me too." He whispered and pressed a soft kiss to the skin of his neck and Stede's grip tightened on him and he returned the gesture with a kiss to the top of his head.

"I hope you know..." Ed said as he propped himself up, once again greeted by Stede's sleepy smile. "I am never sleeping anywhere else."

"So I'm not a terrible bedmate then?" Stede asking, teasing and the light in his eyes made Ed giddy.

"Not even a little bit." He assured him, smiling softly as he leaned down to kiss him gently. Stede let out a soft little sigh, his hand moving to Ed's hair and returning the kiss with pleasure.

Ed moved his lips, pressing feather light kisses against his cheek and jaw as Stede tangled his fingers in his hair in response.

Ed had fantasized more times than he cared to admit about how it would feel to be so close to Stede to feel the skin of his face. That had been before, when Stede was clean shaven. Now their beards were almost the same length, just barely longer than a scruff, and his face scratching lightly against Stede's caused the most delightful friction.

He worked his way back to Stede's mouth, kissing him again and then pulling up to look down at him.

He was a little more than pleased to see the dreamy look on Stede's face. Stede's eyes cracked open to look at him and Ed smiled down at him.

"Your beard looks bloody fantastic mate."

"Yeah?" Stede's face lit up. "You like it?"

"Mm. I do. I think it suits you."

"Thank you, Ed. I wasn't certain about it but I didn't have my usual shaving tools so I just let it grow, figured I'd deal with it sooner or later if it got too untidy."

"Looks good." Ed said again and he lifted his hand to his cheek, his thumb gently running a soft line across his jaw and Stede's breath caught in his chest.

"Feels good." Ed's voice deepened and Stede kept a steady eye on him and a gasp caught in his throat as Ed's hand slowly made its way into Stede's hair, his fingers gently curling around the soft locks and then leaned his head in until his mouth was upon Stede's skin where the line of his facial hair met his cheek.

He was feeling bold because he had been holding back for far too long and he wanted to kiss Stede to make up for all the time they had lost.

"I've been waiting to do this." Ed whispered as he continued to trail kisses along his jaw, taking extra tender care on the still healing bruise on Stede's skin.

A small noise escaped Stede's mouth and he could feel Stede's heart pounding underneath his other hand, his body going still beneath him.

He paused and panic seized his chest. He thought he and Stede were on the same page but maybe he had moved too fast, dove too deep. He lifted his head, his brow furrowing as he stared down at Stede.

Stede gazed back up at him, eyes wide and cheeks colored pink.

"This alright?"

"Yeah." Stede squawked and nodded his head quickly. "Mmhmm, yeah."

Ed frowned and lifted himself a little bit more. Stede's eyes followed him, his brow twitching and then his lips formed a small "o" and his hand shot up to Ed's face.

"It's wonderful, Ed." He sucked on his lower lip for a moment and then lifted his head to press a small, chaste kiss to his lips. "It's perfect." He whispered. "Sorry, I…I'm not used to this sort of affection."

Ed relaxed in relief and understanding and lowered himself back down, propping himself gently on Stede's chest. He lightly reached up and played with a small tendril of hair that fell across his forehead.

Stede smiled at him, love filling his eyes as he lifted his hand to do the same, his fingers tracing every curl in Ed's hair, marveling at the touch.

"We can go slow, if you want."

Stede met his eyes and his smile widened and he shook his head. "I am not sure what I'm doing." He confessed. "Of course I've been married but Mary and I didn't love each other, not in that way and any acts of intimacy between us was for duty of marriage and procreation."

Ed lifted his brow and snorted. "How romantic."

"Well that's the point, it wasn't romantic. There was no romance. I don't know how to do romance."

Ed smirked and his hand slid up Stede's arm, filling it as it was tangled in his hair and leaned into it. "I assure you…you do."

Stede's eyes widened slightly. "I do?"

He budged Stede's arm so it wrapped around his neck and leaned in closer to him, smiling as he met his eyes. "All you've done since we met is be romantic as fuck, Stede."

"Really? Well I wasn't aware of that." He laughed quietly and Ed gave him a little grin.

"That night after that stupid party, you told me I wear fine things well. Swear to God I was gonna kiss you then."

Stede's eyes widened and his heart flipped. "Oh. You…that long? You…Why didn't you?"

"Would you have let me?"

Stede's cheeks flushed pink again. "Yes…I would have. Probably would have been even more gob smacked than the first time you did really kiss but yes…I suppose I didn't know what it was then, something barely beginning, but definitely there."

Stede's hand once again tangled in his hair and he smiled lovingly. "And you do wear fine things well, Ed. You wear everything well."

Ed returned an easy smile and lowered his head down to kiss him again and Stede sighed softly into his mouth.

"I love you."

Stede's lips blossomed into a wide smile and he pressed another kiss to his lips. "I love you, too."

"Told you I'd tell you every day." Ed said smirking down at him and Stede brought a hand to his face.

"You're so wonderful."

"I'm pretty fucking shit sometimes. I suppose that's part of the reason why I couldn't stay mad at you. I've hurt you too, hurt people who treated me well…. None of us are perfect, Stede and to be honest, I can't stay away from you."

"No objections here." Stede answered softly and Ed chuckled in response.

"I know I have to earn your trust back." Stede continued, his thumb gently caressing his cheek. "But I promise I will."

"I look forward to it."

Stede sealed his promise with a sweet, tender kiss which Ed happily returned. Here in this moment, Ed felt like he'd forgive Stede for anything he could ever do just to kiss him for the rest of his life.

"Could you…" Stede began, his breath brushing across Ed's lips. "I mean would you…" Stede pressed his lips together and grunted in frustration and Ed lifted his head to gaze down at him, giving him full attention.

Stede took a breath and then confidently looked him in the eyes. "I very much enjoyed what you were doing before and I'd like it very much if you'd do it again." He paused and then added with a small smile. "Please?"

A smirk slowly spread across Ed's lips. "Oh?"

He slowly leaned his head down and watched in glee as Stede's eyes widened in anticipation.

Ed started with a soft, feather light brush of his lips against Stede's neck and Stede gasped, his hands flying to Ed's back, gripping onto his nightshirt.

"Like this?" Ed murmured against his skin, trailing kisses up his neck to his jaw.

"Yes." Stede breathed, his eyes fluttering closed. "Yes."

Ed grinned against his skin and slowly, languidly, peppered kisses all along his jawline, his lips tingling with every brush against his bearded skin.

His mouth dipped just below his jaw to suckle softly at the bare skin just below his ear and Stede gasped sharply.

"Edward!" He shrieked, followed quickly by a giggle that shook his body.

Ed chuckled, his chest rumbling. "Oh my full name…that must have been good."

Stede answered with an unintelligible noise, his breath quickening, his fingers now grabbing fistfuls of Ed's shirt.

Ed repeated the same action, craving the same reaction and Stede delivered an even better one.

A low pleasured moan escaped his throat and his hand flew up to Ed's hair, fisting it gently.

Ed cursed under his breath and continued his trail of kisses until Stede's other hand moved to his face and lifted his head to him.

Ed raises his eyebrows and there was a fire in Stede's eyes that set his body aflame.

Then without a word, Stede brought his head up to meet his lips in a fierce kiss full of desire.

"Well, someone is sure of himself." Ed preened with a satisfied grin once they pulled away.

Stede's face was flushed and he was beaming. "I told you before…I know what I want now and that's you."

Ed grunted and captured his lips again, again and again.

"Now that, Stede Bonnet, was fucking romantic."

Stede grinned up at him and they fell into another kiss.

They hadn't done more than kiss, but nothing else was needed.

A bit later, content and full of joy and love, Ed lay on top of Stede, head against his chest and listened to the sound of his heart.

Steady and strong and his. The smile could not be wiped from his face if he tried. He couldn't imagine his life any other way, despite the fact that it was just a few days ago he thought Stede was dead and he was prepared to live the rest of his life miserably alone.

Stede had never felt so more right in a bed, lying beside another person. Ed was warm, solid, and soft in all the right ways. He never imagined he could feel so secure in the arms of another person.

His fingers trailed lightly across Ed's shoulder, a thrill pulsing through him with every touch. As his hand trailed toward his face, Ed let out a delightful hum and pressed further into him and Stede's heart leapt.

The tips of his fingers trailed against the sharp scruff of his beard and Ed's eyes fluttered closed.

"Do you miss it?"

"Miss what?" Ed murmured against his chest.

"Your beard."

Ed hummed thoughtfully. "Hm, sometimes." He nuzzled his cheek against Stede's chest and Stede rewarded him with a little wiggle.

"Those first few days without anything were the worst. I felt naked, bared, completely vulnerable…" his hand slid over Stede's abdomen, needing to feel him beneath him. "After I gave in to the Kraken I covered my face. But I like it like this: short, manageable."

He lifted his head and looked down at Stede. "What do you think?"

Stede smiled up at him and petted his scruff. "All that matters to me is that you are happy with it. I like you with a full beard, I like you without it, and I like it like this."

Ed smirked. "What if I only had a mustache?"

Stede lifted a brow. "Do you want only a mustache?"

"Maybe. Try something new. Been a long time since I've just been Ed. Maybe Ed wants a mustache."

Stede smiled fondly at him and ran his thumb gently over Ed's top lip. "I think you'd look lovely with just a mustache."

Ed narrowed his eyes playfully at him. "I'm starting to think you'd always say that."

Stede grinned. "Well it'd always be true."

"What if…" A mischievous smirk formed on his lips as he moved more up Stede's body and Stede groaned against the movement but smiled, his eyes flashing. Ed rested both his elbows lightly on Stede's chest, peering over his forearms at him. "What if I cut off all of my hair? What would you think then?"

Stede's smile fell and his eyes widened and shot quickly to the delicious curls that fell messily over Ed's shoulders. A brief look of horror crossed his eyes and then he cleared his throat and looked back at Ed. "I remain my position. I would absolutely still be attracted to you but," his lips twitched in a smirk, his brow quirking up, "I don't think you'd dare."

"Oh a dare?" A wicked smile crossed his lips. "Don't tempt me, Bonnet. I just might do it."

"I really don't think you would."

"I'll take a blade…"

"Would you?"

"...chop it all off."

"I don't believe it."

"Gone."

Stede's arm slipped around his lower back, gripped tight and then with help from a small push of his thigh, flipped them over and pressed Ed's back into the bed.

Ed lost his breath, blinking as he stared wide eyed up at the man now hovering over him with a knowing grin.

He didn't know how but Stede constantly was able to surprise him but if more of this was what he was in for, he looked forward to it.

Stede propped himself up with one hand beside Ed's head and the other reached to run through Ed's hair from the top of his head down to where it stopped past his shoulder.

Ed watched his every move and slowly remembered how to breathe. Warmth exploded in his chest, radiating down his body.

"Edward Teach, if you cut off your hair…"

Ed took a moment to catch his breath and then looked up to meet his eyes.

"You'll what?" Ed dared him.

Stede scrunched his nose and pressed his lips in thought.

Then his eyes flashed, a dangerous look that Ed found incredibly attractive. "So will I."

"Bullshit." Ed called his bluff but Stede only smirked, raising an eyebrow as if to say: try me.

"You love your hair."

"So do you."

"Bastard." Ed hissed and Stede grinned.

Stede leaned down, pressing their chests together and Ed suddenly cursed the clothing they both were wearing. He could feel Stede's body heat through the layers and wanted nothing more than to feel his skin bare against his.

His lips parted as Stede lowered his mouth to his and brushed the barest of gentle kisses there.

"Stede." His name came out of his throat in a desperate growl and Stede grinned.

"If you cut your hair…" Stede whispered and Ed shuddered against his warm breath on his mouth. Stede's hand once again tangled in his hair, his fingertips brushing against his head.

Ed closed his eyes and focused only on the feeling of Stede.

"You would miss this."

"It'll grow back." Ed protested weakly, breathless.

"Yes." Stede agreed. "But not fast enough. All of that time…weeks, months…"

Ed's eyes snapped open and he met Stede's. Soft and warm and loving and so genuine he couldn't possibly believe Stede meant anything but the truth.

His jaw clenched and he took a sharp breath and guided his hand to Stede's cheek and drew him in for another kiss.

Weeks. Months. He meant it.

"You win." He muttered against his mouth and Stede grinned and his hand slid further into Ed's hair, cradling the back of his head and deepening the kiss.

After, Stede relaxed and lowered his head onto Ed's chest. This time, Ed ran his fingers through Stede's hair.

He'd be just as heartbroken if Stede decided to cut his hair. He couldn't imagine not being able to run his fingers through the silly soft strands. He couldn't imagine not having him around at all anymore.

His chest tightened and he knew.

"Stede?"

Stede hummed against his chest and it radiated through him like a delightful buzz.

"I forgive you."

Stede tensed and was silent for a few seconds and then slowly lifted his head. "What?"

Ed's lips twitched and he grazed Stede's cheek with his knuckles softly. "I don't think I have told you yet. I forgive you…for everything."

"Ed," Stede whispered, his eyes wide, "I don't expect that from you yet...I did a terrible thing…"

"You did." Ed acknowledged. "It was really fucking shitty but you apologized, you came back, you made up for it, you're here…that's all I need."

Stede's lips quivered before stilling into a soft smile, his eyes filling with emotion. "Thank you."

"I don't want it to hang over us." Ed explained. "It's in the past now. We've both learned from it, we can grow from it, and now we can look ahead. Just ahead." He finished quietly.

"Just ahead." Stede echoed just as quietly.

"You and me."

Stede's hand slithered out from where it had been trapped between them and reached for Ed's hand, entwining their fingers. "Co-captains."

He opened his mouth to respond when there was a sudden knock on the door.

"Captain Bonnet?" It sounded like Roach.

Ed groaned with a scowl. "Go away!"

"Ed." Stede chastised with a small smile and Ed rolled his eyes.

"...Blackbeard?"

"Fuck off." Ed grumbled and pulled Stede down on top of him and then buried his face in his neck.

"We'll be right out…." Stede called back, laughter in his voice as he glanced down at Ed.

"I suppose we should get up. Address the day."

Ed's nose scrunched and he grunted in displeasure. Stede let out a low laugh and dropped a gentle kiss to the space between his nose and his upper lip.

Ed grabbed a gentle hold of the back of his neck and captured his full lips.

"Ed…" Stede laughed again against Ed's lips, every attempt to pull away thwarted by Ed's persistent mouth. "As co-captains we have a duty."

"Fuck duty." Ed murmured against his mouth and kissed him again, hard and long.

Finally with just a bit of reluctance, Stede pushed off of Ed and slid into a seated position beside him.

Ed glowered at him, close to a pout, and Stede simply patted his hands. "Come on then. Help me dress."

He rose to his feet swiftly and strode towards the auxiliary wardrobe. Ed gaped after him and then a smirk pulled at his lips as he shot off the bed and followed Stede into the wardrobe.

After a little rifling through the clothes, and another short but passionate kissing session against the wall, they picked out their outfits for the day.

Soft, tender, inquisitive touches were exchanged, exploring each other more than they had ever before when they changed in front of one another.

They caught one another staring, adoration, love and heat in their eyes.

Ed was the first to finish, dressed in his usual black leather, and then approached Stede as he began to button up his colorful vest.

Stede looked up and smiled as he saw Ed approaching and then lifted his brow as Ed reached for him.

He started Stede's hands away and gave him a look as he began to fasten the buttons himself.

Stede beamed up at him, his hands relaxing at his sides, watching delightfully as Ed buttoned him up.

"We should gather the crews and inform them of the plan." Stede said as Ed worked the last of the buttons.

"What plan is that?" Ed wondered, keeping his eyes focused on his hands and Stede's chest.

Stede's brow twitched, panic flashing across his eyes. He lifted his hands to Ed's just as he finished and drew Ed's eyes up to his.

"You are staying, aren't you?"

"Of course I am, yeah but that's not really a plan is it? Just sort of a decision."

Stede's features softened in relief. "That is true. Alright so…what is the plan?" Stede thought aloud. His face scrunched in thought and he reached out and smoothed out a little wrinkle in Ed's collar.

"The decision is that you and I will continue to co-captain the Revenge but we have two ships and two crews." He continued. "We should inform them of this and let them decide what they want to do and where they want to go. If they want to stay, that's wonderful and if they don't…" he bit down on his lip.

"I think perhaps I may offer the Voyage to anyone who doesn't want to stay. If that's alright with you."

"Alright with me? Mate, it's your ship."

"No, it's not. It's yours."

Ed frowned, his brow furrowing and Stede gave him a gentle smile.

"You gave me back the revenge and before we made up, I offered you the voyage. I was prepared to let you take the ship whether you stayed or not. That was my offer and it still is. The fate of the voyage is yours."

Ed blinked at him. Co-captains on the Revenge, truthfully since he had made the decision to take Stede back there had been no other option. The voyage was a good ship but there was never truly an option where he went anywhere without Stede so the Voyage always felt borrowed.

"Yes, alright I agree to that. Seems only fair." He nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. "What if they all want to stay? I don't see that happening to be honest but we need to be prepared for anything."

"Yes, right." Stede nodded. "I expect most of my crew will want to remain." Stede said. "Though I don't know about yours. Especially Izzy…"

"Izzy." Ed sighed heavily and ran his hand over his chin. "Yeah, don't know what that bastard's gonna do."

"He's been giving me death glares the last few days and if I'm honest I don't much like the idea of sailing with him. But he is your friend."

"Friend?" Ed scoffed. "He's my first mate."

Stede stared at him. "I know you're angry with him but you were angry with me too and you've forgiven me."

"Yeah well I love you."

Stede's eyes lit up with a smile at the casual utterance of the words.

"I think you love him too."

Ed scoffed and sneered, "Fuck no."

"Not in the romantic sense but in the friend sense. As you said he is your first mate, you've worked together for years and it's quite obvious he cares about you."

Ed's lips twitched. "What's obvious is he idolizes Blackbeard. He doesn't give a shit about me."

His chest clenched as Izzy's words once again sliced through him like a knife. Vulnerable already from Stede's departure, his first mate saw his weakness and exploited it, dug into it and insulted both him and Stede in the process.

"And he certainly doesn't give a shit about you."

"Oh, I'm well aware of that." Stede said and Ed narrowed his eyes.

"Why are you sticking up for him? He sold you out, mate."

"I don't like him at all but despite what you say I think you do and I love you so I will protect him."

Ed was struck. "Fuck, really?"

Stede nodded with a small, sincere smile. "Yes, really Ed."

Ed grumbled. "You're too kind for your own good sometimes."

"Don't get me wrong, one more act of betrayal from him against me, you, or the crew and he will no longer be welcome on my ship. However, if he is willing, then I am willing to give him a second chance."

Ed stared at Stede and knew the man was always going to surprise him. Sure, he kept Izzy around but not out of any matter of forgiveness or second chances.

"Well, maybe I'll offer the Voyage to Izzy then. Fucker tried to take over the Revenge while we were both gone. Found your crew trying to mutiny him when I got back."

"They told me about that. They said he was awful. If he does take it, my crew will definitely stay with us then."

Us.

Ed nodded. "And mine will probably go with him, I think. I don't know actually," he shrugged with a heavy sigh, "they're loyal to Blackbeard but to be honest Izzy was doing most of the ordering around. When it comes down to it, and seeing they have a free choice, maybe they will go with him."

Stede nodded quietly as he strode over to the desk where he had carefully laid out his coat. He took it and gently shrugged it on as he walked back over towards Ed.

"So we tell them our decision, lay down the rules.."

Ed squinted his eyes. "Rules?"

"Well one rule - you and I are equal co captains and will be treated with equal respect."

Ed nodded. "Agreed."

"Good." Stede offered a small and confident smile. "So explain the rule and then offer up the voyage. That is the plan."

"Sounds good, mate."

Stede smoothed out a few wrinkles in his coat and flashed Ed another smile before turning towards the door.

Ed made to follow him when Stede suddenly stopped and whirled around, stopping him in his tracks.

"Oh! One more thing! What would you like to be called?"

"Hm?"

"I am assuming you don't want to go by Blackbeard anymore? Or do you?"

Ed frowned in thought. "I'm not sure." He admitted after a moment. "Blackbeard has always been a part of me but I also don't want to be tied to that part of me, you know? Not when starting this, it's like a brand new adventure. I think, for now, until I figure my shit out…I'll just go by Ed. Captain Ed."

A smile lit Stede's face. "Captain Ed. Lovely."

Stede then frowned, pursing his lips. "Oh.."

"What?"

A small little laugh escaped his lips and he looked up at Ed in amusement. "Well, I was enjoying it so much I thought perhaps I would continue to use Captain Edwards ...I very well can't use my real name anymore. At least to others."

"So?"

"Captain Ed and Captain Edwards?"

"Ah.."

"Not to worry." Stede waved his hand with a smile. "I'll find a new name. I'm sure I can come up with something more creative anyway."

For a moment Ed's chest tightened. He was suddenly reminded of when he asked Stede to make names for them when they were going to run off the first time.

He let his heart ache for a few seconds and then tried to remind himself that it was different now. That Stede was here, loved him, wanted to sail with him. Not to China, and not to run away, but simply to be together.

He forced a small smile to his lips and nodded. He had forgiven him but it couldn't easily be forgotten and it'd always hurt but at least now he could focus on the future instead.

"You alright?" Stede asked, seeming to notice the change on his face.

"Yeah, mate. I'm good." He assured him and though Stede looked doubtful, he closed the distance between them and straightened his cravat, which then brought the smile back to his face.

"What about the Gentleman Pirate? Will you still call yourself that? It really does suit you, you know."

The corners of Stede's mouth turned up in a swell of pride at the compliment.

He still wrestled heavily with his own self doubt but hearing Edward give him such praise he felt like maybe he had earned it.

"It would be rather a shame to give it up, wouldn't it?" He let out a rather dramatic sigh that put an amused smile on Ed's face.

"It has been something I've been considering but with Stede Bonnet being dead, how could I?"

"I wouldn't worry about that mate. Look, the Gentleman Pirate and Stede Bonnet were hardly linked yet. I doubt anyone would even care to remember if they had heard it and I mean that in the best way." He saw the sudden hurt in Stede's eyes and reached out to grasp his shoulder. "The Gentleman Pirate is making a name for himself, hell you got my attention, but Stede Bonnet? Just some poor sod who died by a fucking cat and…what was it?"

The smile returned to Stede's face and he laughed quietly, "A piano and a carriage."

"Mental." Ed laughed, shaking his head and swooped in to drop an affectionate kiss to his forehead, leaving Stede beaming up at him.

"If you want the title, own it, Stede. It's yours."

Stede's smile widened until his eyes crinkled in mirth. "I think I will. Thank you, Ed."

Ed winked at him. "No problem, love. What are co-captains for?"

Stede let out a small, sharp little breath, his eyes widening slightly.

"What?" Ed asked in alarm, his brow furrowing but Stede only grinned at him, his cheeks flushing.

"Nothing. You just…you called me love."

"That alright?"

Stede nodded vigorously. "Very. I love it."

"Good."

Stede beamed at him as Ed smiled back. Then Stede cleared his throat and took a step back from Ed.

"Let's go talk to our crew, co-captain."