Damn right--Ed should probably be a bit more concerned about the fact that Stede has an odd sway over him and could easily lure him to his ruin if so desired. Now, though, the kiss is soft and sweet--and doesn't last too long because they both understand the risks of continuing.

But Ed is the one I asked to the dance. He likes being Ed, not Blackbeard, for Stede--the friend the Gentleman Pirate can ask to a dance, the man he can share the title of captain with, the guy he can act a little sweet on and kiss. No one kisses Blackbeard like that. With Ed, Stede can be physically close without the violence that characterizes the reign of Blackbeard...

Ed's starting to get used to this. That's probably going to bite him in the ass someday.

"Not Mr. Teach--" he says, and it's less harsh than he told Friday once upon a time, but there's something low and warning, a soft growl that resonates with their faces pressed so close. "Just Ed."

Stede's already altered the course of Ed's life, so it's not sure what more a dance could do. Time to find out.