Oh. That’s what Stede wants to hear more than anything, which makes it the most painful thing Ed could have said. Watching the other man cry, he can’t help but finally reach out, gently grasping his upper arms. He rubs his thumb over Ed’s bare skin in way he hopes is soothing.

“And I don’t want to either.” He whispers it back, a shared secret between them. Because as angry as he is with Ed still, he loves him. He knows that down to his bones.

“But I’m going to tell you what I should have told you before: I ruin everything I touch, Ed. My family, my crew…” He looks down at his hands on Ed’s arms, swallowing back another tide of emotion. One hand moves to Ed’s face, cupping his cheek carefully in his palm like something precious.

“… and you. ‘Brought history’s greatest pirate to ruin.’ Badminton was an ass, just like his brother, but he told me that right before he died. And he wasn’t wrong.” The softness eases from his expression, leaving a sad determination in its wake.

“That’s why you need to say it. Take this chance to start over. On your own terms.”