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In Ed’s opinion, Stede’s flush was one of the prettiest things to inspire. Whether it be pretty pink or cherry red, he couldn’t get enough, and Ed set out to find every possible way to bring it about.
One of Ed’s very favorites, though, had to be laughter. The way the breathlessness and joy would send him flushing was absolutely radiant. The bright golden smile surrounded by all that rosy color, Ed was certain he could survive on that image alone. And he had a foolproof method of bringing that blush about.
Because Stede, as it turned out, was deliciously ticklish. Whether it be claw-pinches to his thighs or a quick scribble against his neck, it never failed to earn Ed a smile, if not an outright cackle, and one of those gorgeous blushes he loved so much. Sure, some of it was likely from embarrassment, but wasn’t that just part of the fun?
In fact, Ed often went out of his way to do just that. Sly smiles, teasing words, threats and promises of what was to come. It always brought a tinge of bashfulness to Stede’s laughter, the brightest flushes yet, and it never failed to send Ed absolutely swooning. On the inside. He had a reputation to maintain, after all, and Blackbeard certainly didn’t swoon .
Edward, though? Edward swooned.
And if that made Stede blush more? All the better.