Chapter Text
There’s no room for hollowness, as the Revenge sails away, leaving Stede and Ed on the porch of what will be their inn.
“Hey.” Ed says, turning to him.
Stede’s smile is blinding. “Hey.”
“In it together, now.” Ed says, smiling back.
“All in.” Stede agrees.
They link hands before going in.
Stede will tell Ed about Chauncy, someday, about the hollowness that consumes him at times.
Ed will tell Stede about his own struggles.
Maybe the hollowness won’t come back.
Maybe it will.
But Stede’s not alone in the struggle with it anymore. And that matters more than anything.