"The Gentleman Pirate, I presume?" Ed rasped, and Stede's gaze snapped to him.
"Ed!" He gasped. "Thank God, you're awake."
Ed grinned weakly. "We really have to stop meeting like this, huh?"
Stede laughed, and then he sobbed, burying his face in Ed's chest.
"Stede?" Ed asked, alarmed. "Fuck, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"
"No," Stede sniffed. "No, it's—I'm fine, it's just... Ed, I almost lost you. Again."
Ed's face softened, and he pulled Stede closer. "Hey, babe, look at me. It's okay, I'm okay."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, love," Ed promised and kissed Stede's forehead. "We're okay."