“I’m not saying I’ve forgiven you.” Stede forces his gaze back up, hoping to catch Ed’s eye—only to realize Ed is just as distracted as he is. He swallows hard, intensely aware of Ed’s gaze on his mouth. And his hands on his waist. And literally everything else about him.

“Even if I did cause it all to happen, you were the one who…” He stops, taking a deep breath before continuing. His hand slips from Edward’s face, going for a casual rest against his upper chest… except nothing about this is casual, and also Ed still has no shirt on (or any other real clothing for that matter). He tries very hard not to luxuriate in the feeling of bare, sun-warmed skin beneath his fingers. What has gotten into him?

“… but I can more than stand you,” he finally admits.