There’s nothing Stede wants more in that moment than to hold Ed until his tears run dry. He almost does reach for him before he remembers himself, his hands raised before he once again pulls them back.

There is one small consolation in all of it at least: Ed hadn’t corrected him. Stede had asked what Ed thought, and he hadn’t countered with Blackbeard.

“And you don’t have to. You’re a Dominant here, aren’t you?” He doesn’t really have to ask. Ed lacks the telltale mark of a Submissive that Stede bears, so it’s the only other option. “That means you’ll be provided for. You can take the time you need to figure it out. I know this place is overwhelming, but you’ll be alright. And we’re both here now.”

He had no idea he could feel even more shame, but it’s proven he can when he feels a small burst of happiness at the thought of having Ed on the same plane of existence once again.

“We don’t have to figure it all out now. There’s time.”