Ed knows what it's like to be haunted and pursued by nightmares. And even though he knew Stede struggled with that, hearing him say so is incredibly sad. Stede deserves better.

"I can," (get by on no sleep) he insists, but he comes dutifully when tugged, laying down over the blanket, shoes still on and all. Something cold and metal pokes him in the thigh and Ed fumbles down between them to fish up the butter knife with a look of annoyance at the thing. Once it's tucked under Stede's pillow for safe keeping, however much use it'll be, he allows himself to rest his head down next to Stede's on the edge of the pillow.