#rhys and taika are so comfortable with each other it makes this come through so obviously

[piratecaptainscaptainpirates]

I actually do love that Ed and Stede refer to each other as "friends" even in s2.

Part of my enjoyment of that is down to two obvious things: one, this isn't queerbaiting, so I know the writers aren't fucking with us, which is just nice. And, also, the two times they do that are when they're in public, so it's just them being really careful with how they refer to each other in a way that feels very realistic.

But, more than that, I can't help but think that if you asked them to describe their feelings about each other, "he's my best friend" would be the first thing out of their mouths. We all love their romance but Ed and Stede aren't just in love, they obviously like each other, too. They love spending time with each other, laughing with each other, just passing the time together.

When Ed is talking to the bunny about how it's his "new best friend," he has tears in his eyes when he says how rare it is to find someone who understands you. He didn't just miss Stede as a lover, he missed him as a best friend, as someone who gets him. They love playing together, giving each other advice and doing little goofy bits with each other.

They're best friends. We know they're in love but it stands out so much how much they love being friends with each other. It's a new thing, for both of them - Stede probably didn't have friends growing up and Ed lived in a culture of pirates famously not having friends. They're always looking to see the other's reaction to things, sharing glances, checking in with each other - when they're in a scene together they're so drawn in to each other. They both love having someone who gets them so well.