[To his credit, Ed manages to keep his hand steady, even as his heart drowns in his stomach. Stede's face is dryer now, and it's a good thing, because steady or not, Ed's hand drops heavily into his lap. He holds Stede's gaze as much as the other man will allow, and does his very best to not just hear this as the simple rejection he instinctively feels it to be.
Instead, he composes himself and takes a deep shuddery breath, ironically enough taking a leaf out of his what would Stede do book. His hand comes back to rest on Stede's knee, and his face is open. Free of judgement.]
no subject
Instead, he composes himself and takes a deep shuddery breath, ironically enough taking a leaf out of his what would Stede do book. His hand comes back to rest on Stede's knee, and his face is open. Free of judgement.]
Alright. Why not?