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“Ed, this isn’t you,” Stede said.
"There is no Ed anymore,” he said roughly. He lifted his sword and pressed the blade to Stede’s chest. “Only Blackbeard.”
Stede shook his head, unwavering. “That’s not true.”
“Try me,” Ed said, raising an eyebrow.
Stede saw right through the tough act and the crazy makeup. Blackbeard was only a name, only a way for Edward to protect himself. With two fingers, he pushed the blade out of the way and stepped forward, taking Ed’s face in his hands and kissing him hard on the lips. He softened almost instantly and the sword clattered to the floor. Ed reached for Stede desperately, wrapped his arms around his waist. They melted into each other.
“I love you,” Stede said when he finally pulled away, nearly a whisper. A tear rolled down Ed's cheek, leaving a streak of black paint in its wake. His eyes were uncertain in a way Stede had never seen them, yet still carried the same warmth they had after their first kiss on the beach.
“How can I trust you again?” he said earnestly, voice shaking.
“I’ll prove that you can,” Stede said, still cradling Ed's face in his hands. “I promise.”
Ed let out a soft sob, nodding. Stede pulled him into a hug.