[he doesn't expect to be hugged back either. The pats are a little jarring and make things a bit awkward. But then, oh, that is nice. It's lovely and warm and soft and he can feel the strength there, too-- even as he desperately tries to bottle up that queer sensation that tries to bob to the surface.

Not here, not now, don't ruin it. Don't go too far or do too much. But Ed's chin is on his shoulder and it's such a gesture of trust that Stede feels a little overwhelmed. The only chins he's ever had on his shoulder were the children's when they were smaller-- but never Mary and never like this and even if she had, he'd never have felt like this either, he thinks with a small burst of shame.

He is a lousy husband and a lousy father and somewhat of a lousy pirate-- but somehow combine them all together and he's not a bad Stede. At least one good enough to hug. And the worst part is a part of him wants to stay here like this while another part is more alarmed wondering just who this is right now. Fortunately he's too fuzzy headed to think of anything much.

He's both disappointed and relieved when Ed pulls away.]

Right. Good idea.

It's not much of a cabin though, is it? Entirely too small. And my so called 'roomie' is a creeper. [though now he will have to walk and if Ed gives him a moment he'll figure out how to coordinate his limbs]

I should complain to the management.