This was all so fast, and every emotion is heightened and raw. It's overwhelming, and all Edward can think of to do is cry. This just wasn't the sort of reunion he had hoped for.

And then Stede offers to run them a bath, running fingers through his hair. A gesture so soft that Edward can't help but feel his heart throb over, and it scares him all the same. He's so terribly in love with Stede that he knows how bad this would hurt if it all went sour again. It would almost be easier to say no, but despite Edward's best efforts to self-sabotage he can't help but be drawn into Stede's orbit.

So instead, he nods, his big wet eyes glistening.