He has no right to feel it, but anger still sends a prickling heat over Stede’s face, the hurt reflected in his eyes. He’s heard Ed belittle people before, but not him. Not like that. But the most infuriating thing is that the same holds true now as before: Ed is right. So how is he supposed to argue?

“I’m done running. My word might not mean much to you anymore, but it’s all I have.” Quite literally. He’s still uncontracted, and so all he has is the petrified orange he’d shown up with and clothing the generosity of strangers has bestowed on him. It’s all worth next to nothing, but he’d put it on the line if asked.

“And yes. To earn your trust, your… friendship, if nothing else. Because I do care about you and what you want. And if you tell me what you want is for me to stay away from you long as you’re here, then that’s what I’ll do. It’s all in your hands now.”