The way Ed looks at him when Stede offers him his hand, though. He said no to Stede’s passion, he asked for space and time, he heeded his own discomfort, and Stede didn’t punish him for it, he treasured that honesty! He met Ed where he was! He was tender to him. Ed was brave and he was met with kindness. He is loved and he’s got time to learn to trust it.













