[ Edward's request to take things slow comes from a layercake of fear and insecurities. It isn't just that he is afraid of being hurt again, it's that he knows what hurt he's capable of, and he feels incredibly undeserving. It's that he's come to realize that he doesn't know who he is when you strip away the piracy itself. That he's been without Stede long enough that he should have been able to figure it out, but even without him, Edward still let Stede Bonnet dictate his actions. Edward has never learned what parts of him are him and what parts are reactions to those he surrounds himself with. Each of his masks are becoming too worn to wear, these days.

This, he likes. This is easy. Close enough to Stede to feel the warmth radiate from his body, far enough away that he doesn't let himself become consumed by it, as much as he'd very much love to. Hard to find a balance, these days between what he wants and what he thinks he can allow himself.

He's munching on a piece of toast as Stede asks the question, an affirming mm sound in reply as he swallows it back and clears his throat to speak. ]

Just thought I'd take it easy. Can't remember the last time I've just... relaxed. Unless you needed my help with something?