Archive of Our Own

Summary:

“You know, your gaze feels like an embrace. Has anyone ever told you that?” The sweet admission comes out slurred. “Like a little hug.”

Ed’s shocked by the whole of it all, though he has to stifle back a laugh at just how sincere Stede looks about it. “You’re drunk, Stede.” Ed says, trying not to giggle as Stede sits up to look him in the eyes.

“Would you like a little Ed, hugward?”

“I think I’d like for the both of us to get some sleep.” Ed says and crosses his arms, but he’s still smiling.

And then Stede laughs, and he laughs, and Ed finds himself thinking That’s cute.

And then he finds himself thinking, Oh no.

**

Or, Four times Ed kept his thoughts to himself, and once he spoke aloud.