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Stede slid an embellished letter opener along the envelope to slice off the seal. It gave way nicely. He unfolded and flattened the letter with a press of his hand against the wooden desk. It was far longer than most correspondence with Mary. In general it was Alma with long discussions on books and school, pirate lore and questions about their adventures. If Mary wrote, it was quite short or even simply a note added to Alma’s letters. To get one like this just from her made Stede nervous. What did she need to write at such length about?
He was apparently right to be worried. He sat up straighter in his chair as he read, rushing to read on. “Edward,” he called without looking away.
Ed’s boots thumped along the floor as he stepped over to him. “What is it?”
“The English came to Mary’s house asking about me.”
“Shit.”
“They’d seen the reports of my being dead. They wanted her official declaration and signature on it.” He shook his head at the page, skipping further down. “They ended up taking her word for it, although one Admiral in particular was adamant there was no proof of my demise and became irate.” He looked up at Ed. “Would they really call off looking for me just on her word?”
“She signed a thing? Then maybe. They love their signed paperwork and forms and shit. You’ll officially be dead until they decide to write down otherwise.”
Stede released a breath and looked back at the letter. “She’s concerned about the one Admiral who didn’t buy the whole affair. He kept going on about his dead brother and not letting me get away with all of this.” He paused for a moment, then a piece of long forgotten information clicked into place. “Chauncey! I forgot Nigel had a twin brother. It must be Chauncey leading the charge to find me.”
“A twin?” Ed raised an eyebrow. “Well, family or not, if the Crown thinks you dead, I don’t think he can do much about it. Admirals get orders. He’ll be shipped off somewhere else.”
“I suppose. It bothers me that they came calling to Mary, but I guess after their attempt to lure us into a trap didn’t work, they had to explore other options to mark the job complete.” It sat poorly with him that Chauncey was the one after him. From the sound of the letter, it did not seem like he was ready to accept any of this, but as Ed said, what choice did he have? England would send him elsewhere with the job considered finished and he’d have to comply.
Ed wrapped arms around Stede from behind, leaning forward to press a kiss to the top of his head. “It’s a good thing, babe. They left her alone after she signed some papers. They officially think you’re dead. It’s all win-win.”
Stede nodded and leaned back against Ed. “I suppose you’re right. There’s no use in worrying over it all, and regardless the fleet won’t be looking for us any longer.”
“Exactly.” Ed leaned further forward to kiss his cheek and neck, his beard brushing lightly at skin.
Stede released a breath at the soothing touches and let the worry dissipate. He set the letter aside and turned on the chair to meet Ed’s lips in a kiss. It deepened into something more for a moment but then Lucius’ voice interrupted them.
“If you two are planning to jump each other, I’ll just go get a pint with Pete.”
They broke apart to see him waiting at the door with his head cocked to one side, waiting on a reply. Stede tossed a long look to Ed. He could quite literally never leave this cabin if allowed to simply tackle Ed endlessly. But they had plans and there would be time later today to have their way with one another. He looked back to Lucius, “No, we’re here, we might as well get what we need done.”
“Such self-control,” Lucius teased.
Ed cocked a grin and squeezed Stede’s shoulder before leaning upright. “You two have fun. Don’t get into any trouble.”
“You either,” Stede stated firmly as he stood. “I’m still not comfortable with you going off with Jim.”
“They have a score to settle and any more of us would get us noticed."
Stede released a breath. He was going to worry until both were back on the boat again.
Ed stepped close and whispered, “I’ll be fine, babe. Promise.”
“We’ve planned quite a few more days of wearing nothing together so you’d better be fine.”
Ed chuckled. “Fuck yes.” He kissed him, deepening it a moment, before stepping away. He pointed a finger at Lucius as he headed toward the door. “You keep him safe too.”
“We’re going shopping, not whatever it is Jim has conned you into doing.”
“Shopping at the Republic of Pirates,” Ed countered.
“Okay, fair, but we’ll be fine.”
“I promise not to spend all of our gold,” Stede teased.
Ed laughed on his way out.
Stede took a breath and fetched what doubloons he did wish to perhaps spend, handing the pouch to Lucius as he joined him.
“Oh, I get to be the one pickpocketed, cheers.”
“You’ll keep me from spending it all immediately.”
“Not at all a thing I could ever achieve.”
Stede twisted a grin at him and they started out of the cabin as well. Ed and Jim were already gone from the ship as they came out onto the deck, most everyone off enjoying shoreleave. Stede stepped onto land in a deep blue suit he’d looted from a party boat earlier in the week. It fit rather remarkably for not being tailored to him.
He took in the port for a moment. They’d visited twice over the recent weeks and there had been no trouble. They'd been avoiding the port for a time thanks to hearing of Izzy’s involvement with the English trying to ambush them. They had played it very cautious and it seemed to have paid off. If they could just truly be done with it all, life would be so much better for it.
Lucius pointed them toward the so-called higher end shops at the Republic of Pirates. They were of course not terribly fine wares, but they were interesting enough to peruse. The more unique items were clearly looted off of leisure boats. If nothing else, he enjoyed chatting over various items with Lucius as they strolled through shops.
He walked his way beside a long table set with glass cases filled with various jewelry. He paused at the men’s selection. Pocket watches, necklaces, buckles, earrings. All of various types and materials but displayed nicely, grouped together with matching styles.
A collection of rings caught his attention. They seemed less pilfered and more crafted. They were just as much a mishmash of metals, finishes, and jewels but they all held the same sort of motif. A pair of swords or daggers were emblazoned on every one. Some of the blades were etched in place upright side by side, some crossed over one another. On a handful a skull was added as well.
Lucius looked over his shoulder, then dismissed, “I don’t think you’re quite interested in those.”
Stede turned back to Lucius. “Why not? They’re clearly from some craftsman here but-”
“Oh, it has nothing to do with the quality.” He pointed at the set of rings. “Those are for matelotage unions. You could wear one but I think Ed would have a question or two.” He paused. “Or you’d need to ask him a question or two.” He chuckled to himself.
Stede didn’t follow whatsoever. “Matelotage?”
Lucius released a breath, struggling a moment with how to answer. “It’s kinda complicated, kinda not. It means different things to different people. It’s an… oath between two pirates. You swear to defend one another, if you die the other gets your stuff, things like that. It’s not always like a marriage but it can be.”
Stede’s eyes widened. He looked back at the rings again and gasped, “These are wedding rings?”
“Matelotage rings,” Lucius pushed back on the descriptor. “Like I said, it’s not exactly the same, certainly not to everyone. There’s plenty of young boys who glue themselves to an older pirate for security rather than love, and a few pirates forced into it through blackmail. It doesn’t have to be romantic. It can simply be a contract.”
“Even that’s not too far off from marriage,” Stede countered. “People do marry for money and security and all the rest.”
“Still, there’s only this ring and your words and hoping everyone abides by them, and no one who’s not a pirate will understand or accept what it means.”
Stede continued to be astonished. He’d never heard of such a practice. Was it widely practiced? Certainly it must be if they had over a dozen rings stocked for it alone, rings handcrafted in the Republic only for it. His heart raced as he continued to take them in. Would Ed want one? Would he wish to pledge himself to Stede? He’d never mentioned the practice but to be fair when would he have? He’d always wanted to marry for love but he never thought it possible. The longer he took in the rings the more he wanted it. They’d been promising each other forever for weeks and weeks now, since the day after their first kiss, and the thought of wearing a ring pledging himself to Ed made his heart wonderfully skip.
“Shopkeep!” he called out, turning to look for the slender woman running the store. “I would like to see this case of rings here.”
Lucius gaped a bit at him and rushed to dissuade, “I don’t know if this is the best idea just yet.”
“Why not?”
“Well for starters you hadn’t heard of matelotage at all until about two minutes ago and now you’re going to buy him a ring?”
“Yes,” Stede stated bluntly as if the question was ridiculous.
Lucius sighed in exasperation.
The woman joined them and opened the case. She stepped away down the counter some, but did not let them out of her sight. Stede carefully inspected each ring. There was clearly more than one craftsman and some did a far better job than others.
“Do you even know which size to get?”
“Of course. We’ve traded rings before.”
“As you do,” Lucius shook his head.
“His fingers are slightly leaner than mine but most rings fit the same on each of us.” He tried on the few that seemed the most well made, holding his hand out at various angles to appreciate the designs. “Should they be matching?”
“See, probably not a question you should be asking while picking them out.”
“Not helpful.” He set that ring aside as a possibility and reached for another. “Should they be the same colors as well? None of these are true matches…”
“I’m not an expert!”
“I suppose I should tailor them to each of us. He’d adore this one with the additional amethyst, but if that’s the case, I should think I’ll need one with upright swords as well…” He leaned closer to pull out those that matched at least with sigil.
Lucius scrubbed at his face with a hand. “You’re really doing this, aren’t you?”
Stede ignored his comment. “Do you think there’s another shop with these? Should we look around?”
The shopkeeper spoke up, “I’m the only one who stocks rings with added gemstones.”
Stede brightened at the helpful answer. “Thank you, madam. Fantastic. Then these will be the ones.”
Lucius released a long sigh, taking in Stede fussing over picking one for himself, before pointing at one of them. “How about that one? It would pair well with the purple.”
Stede held up the one with small emeralds embedded to either side of the thick band just below the sigil. They were a lovely deep green tinting a bit toward blue. He smiled. “Yes, you’re quite right.”
He tried it on and it fit well. He inspected it this way and that on his hand before sliding it off to inspect the craftsmanship up close. It was as well done as Ed’s. He nodded to himself and turned to the shopkeeper. “I’ll need a proper box for these.”
She looked quite pleased at him wishing to actually purchase. She closed up the case and set to polishing and then placing both in the same nicely crafted wooden box slotted side by side between silk covered padding. He attempted to haggle over the price, but he was rather tied to whatever she wished to demand now that his heart was set on these two rings in particular. In the end she got most of the doubloons Stede had brought with them for the entire outing.
His heart raced as he pocketed the little box and the two of them departed.
“Fantastic. So then,” Lucius started as they walked along the street. “Have you any idea what to do with these now?”
“I don’t know. I’ll think of a way to ask him.” He took a steadying breath. “It needs to be perfect.”
Lucius gave him a genuine smile, “Stede, you could roll over in bed and ask him and he’d say yes.”
Stede happily looked down at his feet but then shook his head. “It has to be perfect.” He looked to Lucius. “We still quote the poem you helped him write down weeks and weeks ago. I have to manage something half as good.”
Lucius smiled all the more at him. “So then you’re going to stand in the middle of the cabin and offer him the box?”
“That’s not what I mean,” Stede huffed. Yes that’s how Ed had presented the poem, but the thought and care from Ed had been extraordinary. “It must be special. Somewhere different. Somehow different. Unique. For him.”
Lucius squeezed his arm. “You’ll figure something out. You don’t have to ask him today, think about it a little.” He cocked a look at Stede. “You did only decide to propose to someone like twenty minutes ago.”
Stede released a breath but he nodded. He was right. He had to think on it. It was such a new idea, something he never envisioned ever doing at all, so he needed to take stock and plan. Only the smallest part of him worried about Ed saying no, the largest part worried about it being perfect. He had to think of just the right thing.
They returned straight back to the boat and Stede released Lucius to go find Pete.
Stede headed into their cabin and spent some time worrying about where to hide the ring box. It was small enough to tuck nearly anywhere but he didn’t want Ed stumbling upon it. Since Lucius had immediately understood they were matelotage rings on sight alone he didn’t want Ed instantly figuring him out simply by looking inside. He poked here and there for a hiding spot. In the end he decided on a small compartment within his desk, one that normally only held spare inkwells. Ed would have no reason to snoop in there. He shuffled everything out and slid the box into the far back before hiding it further with the tiny bottles.
He released a breath at it safely hidden, staring at the compartment as his mind raced. He had to make this as meaningful as possible. Where would Ed like to be proposed to? He supposed the act itself would mean much but there had to be a way more meaningful than others.
They certainly should go somewhere. He wanted a location other than the boat itself. The crew could play it up as some sort of expedition and leave Ed none the wiser. Where would they go? It would have to be somewhere hidden away. They needed no interruptions. He thought about getting the crew to decorate a location. Could they manage that? It would have to be a place certain to be secluded, a location they knew no one would occupy, somewhere romantic where they might spend time before or after the proposal.
He thought a long while about how they could find a field or meadow or something but he’d want to scout it and doing so without Ed along would be difficult and covering up why they were there all the more difficult. So then did he already know of a place? His brow furrowed. Various ports and cities came to mind but they couldn’t realistically stay unrecognized at any of them, and certainly nowhere at any pirate ports appealed.
He sat up straighter in his chair at a thought and reached immediately for a pen and paper. He, or well now Mary, owned a small cabin on a tiny island near Barbados. It was meant to be a retreat for upscale fishing and hunting expeditions. The cabin was tucked away from the coast within the forest. He’d gone a few times when he was younger and perhaps twice with Mary but he doubted if she even recalled it. He wrote quickly as ideas continued to rush through him. A caretaker would have to be dismissed for the week perhaps, but otherwise not a soul would be there. He did his best to describe which cabin he meant without being too obvious of its location in the letter in case of it not ending up in her hands.
Stede folded and sealed the letter with a wax stamp before standing to find his way to the post there at the Republic. They had their means of getting letters to and from the proper postal system. He handed off the letter to a gruff man with payment for it to get there safely. As he walked back, he hoped it truly got to Mary. Nerves wouldn’t leave him until he heard back from her.
He was nearly back to the boat when he crossed paths with Ed and Jim, too lost in his thoughts to spot them soon enough to avoid them. Ed swiftly came to his side, “Babe, what are you doing wandering around this part of the port?” It wasn't accusation but concern in his voice.
“Oh, I um,” he struggled to come up with a reason, so he went with the truth, “I needed to post a letter.”
Ed tilted his head. “One to Mary?” His voice softened, “Stede, I promise, everything’s fine now.”
Stede melted at his reassurances. “I know. I simply couldn't help myself.” He took in Ed and Jim. They seemed as sound as before they’d disappeared together. “I take it that things went well?”
Jim nodded. “Yes. Thank you for letting me borrow him.” They cocked a little grin at Stede.
“He only loans me out for special occasions,” Ed teased as they started toward the ship together.
They were indeed rather tied at the hip. Soon to be hopefully tied at the finger. Stede smiled dreamily.
Stede was pulled out of his thoughts as Ed wondered, “How was shopping?”
“Oh, not that great. We, um-” He paused for a moment. If he said they hadn’t found anything to buy, Ed might notice the missing doubloons. If he said they had spent the money, he would have nothing to show. He continued in a rush, “-we were pickpocketed.”
Jim instantly stood up straighter. “Where? Over by the fancy stuff? I should go look around.”
Stede suddenly envisioned the entire high-end shopping section upended by Jim trying to find their fictionally stolen coins. “Oh no, it was hours ago,” he attempted to dissuade them. “They’d be long gone. Lucius and I didn’t even notice until nearly on our way back after finding nothing interesting.”
Ed grumbled, “Pete’s going with you two next time.”
“We’re fine. Just a few coins poorer.”
“I hope you had fun at least?”
“Yes. All sorts of odds and ends. Nothing worth buying but always interesting to browse.”
Ed chuckled while Jim made a face at the idea.
They arrived back to the ship just as Lucius was returning with Pete. Ed called out, “Hey, you were supposed to watch his back.”
Lucius turned around on the deck, surprised at the words. Stede tossed him a look and Lucius stuttered, “I uh I’m sorry.” Having no idea what he was apologizing for.
“Thank fuck it was just a pickpocket,” Ed muttered. He looked at Pete. “If I’m busy again, you’re going shopping with them.”
“I don’t see how Pete’s stopping a pickpocket,” Lucius countered a bit pointedly. “And Stede was holding the coins.” Apparently he was not going to be tossed under the carriage.
“Yes and neither of us noticed whoever nabbed it.”
“Which is why Pete being there wouldn’t have mattered.”
Pete spoke up, “I’d go if you wanted me to, babe.”
“I know you’d find it boring, babe. It’s fine.”
“Do you remember where you noticed it was missing?” Jim butted in as they walked over to Lucius. They were evidently still keen to try and hunt it down.
Lucius cast Stede a look and then nudged his head toward the Captains’ Quarters. Stede gave a tiny nod and slid an arm around Ed. “I do believe you promised me a ravishing after we both returned to the ship.”
Ed’s attention was quickly distracted as he was pulled away. Stede could just hear Lucius begin to whisper about their actual day to explain where the money truly went. He was grateful that it would put an end to Jim’s wanting to rip apart the shopping district.
The rest of the day and the next was spent mostly in their cabin wearing nothing at all while the crew enjoyed their shoreleave. Only the day after did they truly venture out for a few pints and dinner off ship. On the way back Stede walked them past the post and went inside. His heart raced at there being a letter in return from Mary.
Ed could see his nerves about the letter but he misunderstood why, thankfully. “I’m sure she’s only got good news this time.”
Stede flashed a genuinely adoring smile at him. He was absolutely wonderful. He kissed his cheek as they walked back to the ship. “Thank you, darling.”
Ed brightened so cutely at the genuine thanks.
Stede sat immediately at the desk and slid open the letter. Everything seemed sound about the seal and all the rest. Ed stood close by the desk in case it was indeed bad news but noticeably relaxed as Stede couldn’t keep the smile off of his face.
Mary understood which cabin he meant, vaguely confirming it with information on the last time they’d visited, and promised she had already sent word for the caretaker to be gone for the next fortnight, concocting an excuse for him to leave. His heart raced. The cabin would be theirs. He was going to ask Ed to marry him. Soon. Tomorrow perhaps even. He smiled wider still, only remembering where he was when Ed spoke up.
“So it’s good news?”
Stede blushed as he looked up to see Ed grinning at him with a tilt to his head. He’d reacted far too much. How was he going to explain his ridiculous happiness? He rushed to come up with something. “Alma’s won an award at school for spelling.”
Ed blinked at the surprising reason for Stede’s excitement but then shook his head and teased, “You’re the cutest dad, you know that?”
“Shush.” He set the letter face down even if Ed couldn’t read it and stood to steal kisses from him. “Also, everything is fine, and you were right that I shouldn’t worry.”
“You’re cautious and that’s not a bad thing for a pirate.”
“I learned from the best.” He then attempted to sound as casual as possible, “I think we’re out of the good brandy. I could let Buttons know we can depart tonight once everyone is aboard for the evening while you get a fresh bottle from the stores.”
“We’re celebrating Alma’s award?” Ed teased but he looked genuinely happy. “I can do that, babe.”
They stepped out and parted ways on the deck. Stede climbed the steps quickly and tossed a look back at Ed disappearing below deck. He came up to Buttons and kept his voice low regardless of Ed far out of sight. “I’m planning a little something for Edward. He must not know precisely where we are headed so I’d appreciate making our way there overnight.”
Buttons raised his chin. “I hear yer lookin’ to be tied together. You need not fuss over how to ask him, Cap’n.”
Of course they all knew at this point. Stede shook his head. “I mean to make it special. There’s a small island to the southwest of Barbados.” He set about doing his best on describing where it was but after a few landmarks Buttons decided he could find it well enough. “Thank you for getting us there overnight.”
Buttons nodded. “Of course, Cap’n.” Karl hopped from a further railing to right beside Buttons. “Karl and I will get us there swiftly.”
Stede gave a nod to each of them. “Thank you both.”
He turned and quickly headed below deck as well but went straight for Oluwande and Jim’s room. He rushed in without knocking and hastily shut the door behind himself. The pair leaped to their feet from whatever they’d been doing on the bed but Stede paid it no mind. He had no time for pleasantries and they were dressed so it did not matter.
“Captain-” Olu started but Stede cut him off.
“I have a cabin waiting for Ed and I near Barbados,” he said in a hushed voice, assuming they both were well aware of his plans to propose as well. “Buttons is getting us there overnight. I need some excuse for a few people to go scout the cabin itself to be certain it’s empty and then do some setting up for me.”
Jim gave a little smile. “You know he’s saying yes, right?”
“It has to be perfect,” he countered firmly.
“Well, if he’ll have no idea where exactly we are, we could say it’s somethin’ Jim needs to do. They’re always doing mysterious things.” Olu tossed them a teasing look.
Jim rolled their eyes but then nodded. “I’ll make something up. I could say it’s something I need to do only with Olu if Ed asks to help.”
“What all do you want set up?” Oluwande wondered. Stede gave a quick list of items, nothing much he thought, though they would have to go and talk to Roach about preparing something to take with them. Olu chewed on his lower lip at the final list of instructions. “He’s going to wonder what we’re up to bringing all of this.”
Jim teased Stede, “You should just keep him occupied all morning and we’ll be gone before you two even get out of bed.”
Stede raised an eyebrow. “That’s not a bad idea…” Jim chuckled lightly, but Stede nodded. “No, that’s definitely the plan. I’ll keep him in bed, you two get what you need off the ship out of sight, then he can’t question what’s going on.”
“What time are you taking him there?” Olu wondered.
“Early evening if I can manage.”
“Then we’ll come back just before to let you know it’s set and safe.”
Stede swiftly gave them a rough location of the cabin and how to find it on the island. As he finished, Jim asked, “It’ll be easy to excuse however long we’re gone with a story, but how are you getting him to head out there after?”
Stede’s brow furrowed. “I’m not sure, but I’ll think of something.” He shook his head. He had people to go and see to the cabin. That’s all that mattered at the moment. “He’s getting brandy, I need to rush back.”
“Go, we’ll set out as early as we can tomorrow,” Oluwande reassured.
Stede paused just long enough to take in the pair. “Thank you,” he said sincerely, then turned to rush out of the room and above deck. He marched his way across to their cabin, heart racing.
He found Ed pouring brandy into glasses. He looked up with a grin. “Where did you disappear to?”
Stede attempted to still his heart. He quickly put together a reply. “Buttons asked me to talk with Jim. They’ve evidently got some business to attend to with Olu. It seems fine. We’re headed there tonight.”
“Business?”
Stede shrugged. “You know how they are.”
Ed grunted with a nod. He walked over to offer Stede his glass. “Well we’ve got nothing planned and plenty of supplies so we might as well.”
“Exactly.” He took the glass and stole a kiss.
They moved to the sofa to talk and enjoy the freshly opened bottle. Stede ended up with Ed’s legs over his lap, Stede gently rubbing along them and over his bad knee. The evening was soft and warm, content with one another, and finishing with reading aloud their current book until Ed fell asleep.
Stede woke up first in the morning, doing his best to steady his excited, nervous heart as he lay in bed beside a sleeping Ed. Keeping him in bed all morning would be easy enough, but how was he going to explain the two of them leaving after Jim and Olu returned?
He could give no reason whatsoever and simply tell Ed that he wanted to show him something. It would start Ed wondering what was going on but he’d still be surprised in the end. Stede would rather completely surprise him, though.
Would it be fine to pretend the two needed help? Head back onto the island all four of them? But then why would they only need help from Ed and Stede? He supposed they didn’t need to give an explanation. Ed was used to Jim keeping things vague when they didn’t want to go into details. Jim could simply request their help and only their help and start them back onto the island.
Could he manage to impart that narrative quickly to Jim and Olu? The two were going to be on their toes to go along with whatever Stede had concocted when they returned but it might not go smoothly. He was tempted to slip from bed and see if they were still aboard to tell them but he couldn’t risk waking Ed and him finding them departing with far too many things packed onto the dinghy.
He would just have to see how it played out. If nothing else, he would go ahead with merely requesting to show Ed something.
His mind circled around and around what he would do once he finally got Ed there. Breakfast did not arrive thanks to Olu and Jim passing the message along to skip waking them with it. Ed continued to sleep soundly beside him. Stede did his best not to thrum too much with excitement and nerves about the day.
It was quite a bit later than usual when Ed woke. He didn’t get more than a good morning out before Stede immediately distracted him with kisses and more. It was nearly noon by the time they finally got dressed enough to see where their meals were. Roach apologized for having burned their breakfast but lunch was nearly ready.
Stede was distracted throughout the afternoon, but thankfully Ed didn’t seem to notice. They ate and talked within the cabin before Stede truly dressed. He went with a green tinted suit that paired nicely with the rings, the box of which was already hidden in one of its pockets. They enjoyed some time out on the deck in the sun. Stede did his best not to constantly be looking toward the island as they chatted with various members of the crew. Ed prodded, wondering if anyone knew why Jim asked to come here, but everyone merely shrugged it off as Jim being Jim.
Stede’s heart leaped when he finally spotted them returning. This was it. Oh please let this go well.
“You two manage alright?” Ed wondered as Jim and Olu rejoined them on the ship.
Both cast a quick look at Stede for direction even as Jim answered, “Well, kinda.”
“Did something go wrong?” Stede wondered, giving them both a pointed look. “You were gone all that time.”
“Yes, well,” Olu answered. “We might have run into a few snags.”
“Snags?” Ed asked.
“Would you like some help?” Stede said, emphasizing the word.
Jim stood up straighter and stepped close to them, playing into things well as they dropped their voice, “I think we found something.”
Ed quieted his own voice, “Found what?”
Jim cast a look over the deck and the few others on it before turning back to them. “I can’t say.”
Stede whispered, “Could we assist? We could come with. Just us.”
Jim continued to lean into their role. “I don’t know…” They looked dramatically over the deck again. “We’d have to be quick.”
“The sun is setting soon,” Olu added.
Ed’s curiosity was definitely piqued. He looked conspiratorially between them. “Then let's go. Now.” He had no further questions on what exactly was going on.
“Right,” Stede nodded. “Do we need anything?”
Oluwande shook his head. “No, just come on.”
Knowing better than to interfere, none of the crew on the deck made any notice of the four quickly climbing down onto the dinghy. They rowed back to shore and dragged the dinghy onto the beach some before Jim rushed them off into the trees. Jim kept the pace fast, everyone working to keep up with them, so Ed couldn’t find the time to ask questions.
It took a bit but they eventually came to a dirt road. Stede could see the cabin further up the lane. His heart was going to explode, it was beating so fast.
He watched Ed taking in the cabin as they came to it, clearly surprised to see it there. It was made of wood, still bigger than the size of a simple house. A large porch and double doors with stained glass windows greeted them but everything looked normal enough.
Jim slowed to a stop with Olu still a ways from the cabin. Ed frowned at the pair of them. Olu just prodded gently. “Check inside.”
“Inside the cabin?”
“Let’s see, darling.” Stede did his best to speak as evenly as he could manage. He walked toward the doors and Ed thankfully followed after. He spotted Ed resting a hand against his dagger’s hilt. Stede paused at the door, and as guessed, Ed took the opportunity to open the door first, putting himself in front of any danger. His other half was rather remarkable.
The door opened and Ed stepped inside. Stede followed quickly to shut the door after them, only then taking in the work Olu and Jim had done. The main living space was covered in candles. Every available table and counter space was littered with dozens upon dozens of candles. They trailed along the far wall’s furnishings and back toward the adjoining dining area. The table was circled in yet more candles. Sitting at the center of the table atop a familiar stand was a cake.
“What…” Ed slowly walked his way forward through the space, his eyes wonderfully wide as he took it all in. He cast a look at Stede. Stede couldn’t keep the beaming smile off his face even if he’d tried. Ed came to stand in front of the table, looking back around them. His voice was disbelieving, “Is this all for us?”
“For you.” Stede took in his further disbelief, his whole body thrumming with energy.
Ed looked down at the table again. His voice was wonderfully soft and surprised all at once, “Is that the orange cake?”
“It is.” Another orange glaze cake sat there as hopefully a brilliant reminder of their first evening. It completely captured Ed’s gaze. Stede said in a warm murmur to him, “I thought perhaps tonight it would be fitting to have it again.”
Ed’s eyes finally met his own. They shimmered in the candlelight with astonishment. “Fitting?”
“Yes.” Stede took a steadying breath as he stepped to right beside Ed. “Yes, because I mean to ask you something, Edward.” Ed’s eyes only seemed to grow bigger with each word. “And I do hope I know the answer.”
He fished the ring box out from his pocket with unsteady hands.
“There are no proper words I could manage, Ed. None that would do justice to how I feel or why I ask. You change me, you hold me, you accept me. I would tie myself to no one else. I would fight by no one else’s side. I would die for no one else. Only you, Edward. Only ever you.”
He went down onto one knee as he opened the box, both of their rings sitting within it glinting in the candlelight. He met Ed’s astounded gaze as he said sincerely, “Would you bind your life to mine?”
Stede’s heart hammered in his chest as Ed continued to take him in with the widest of eyes. He could see held back tears, and for a moment Stede’s worry overwhelmed him as the silence lingered, but then Ed said breathlessly, “You want to marry me?”
Stede nodded firmly up at him. “Desperately.”
Ed sucked in two quick breaths before he gasped, “Yes.” Then tears well and truly fell.
Stede rushed to his feet, setting the ring box on the table, and cupped the man’s face, kissing him. Ed’s arms immediately wrapped around him, clinging to the back of his jacket. They kissed on for a moment before Stede broke it to kiss away Ed’s tears.
“You really want to… I didn’t think you’d want to marry again.”
So that’s why he’d never brought up the idea. He pressed his forehead to Ed’s, keeping his gaze locked with his own. “I’ve never married for love, Edward. I will only ever do that once. With you.”
“Stede,” he gasped. “I would have asked you about matelotage a long time ago. I just… I didn’t think you’d…” He smiled through his tears. “I can’t believe you planned all of this for me, babe.”
“You deserve all the care and thought, darling.” He brushed their noses together. “I had to somehow match that poetry.”
Ed chuckled and shook his head, gasping adoringly, “This is way more amazing.”
“Not even close,” Stede countered. That day would forever be one of the best in his life. He wiped at Ed’s face again with his thumbs, taking in those stunning deep eyes. “I love you, Edward.”
“I love you, Stede. I don’t deserve you.”
“I don’t deserve you either, yet here we are, forever.”
“Forever.” He tightened his arms around him. He took a few steadying breaths, emotions slowly settling in his eyes. Then he teased lightly, “I hope you knew the answer to this. I did tell Alma you were the only soul I trusted by my side, and I have been promising you forever for ages.”
Stede chuckled lightly. “I was betting on you saying yes, though the entire crew was one hundred percent certain of this yes.”
“The crew?”
“You don’t think Jim and Olu and Roach and-”
Ed interrupted with a laugh. “Was everyone in on this?”
Stede smiled broadly. “Yes.” He released his hold on Ed’s face and instead brushed back his hair behind his ears. “I wanted something off ship. I knew of this cabin, but I had to enlist some help to get it ready.”
Ed shook his head at him, such love on his features. “I still can’t believe you did all of this for me.”
“I would do anything for you.”
“Stede…” He was both disbelieving and adoring all at once. “I would do anything for you too.”
“I know it.” His gaze turned serious. “I would only ever die at your side, Edward. I know matelotage means various things, but to me you would have my heart, my fists, my soul, my all. I would be your husband and then some. I am already utterly yours but I ache to wear that ring.”
Words failed Ed a moment before he managed, “I would be your husband and then some too, Stede. I… I have been yours for so long, and I never thought anyone would want me to be theirs in return, much less you.”
“And who am I to earn the love of Blackbeard himself?” Stede teased.
He chuckled lightly and shook his head. “No one wants Ed.”
“I want Ed.” He wrapped arms around the other man in return. “Everyone else missed out on the most extraordinary of souls.”
The soft, shy look on Ed’s features was beautiful. “Not true. I found the most extraordinary of souls, babe.”
Stede smiled as he shook his head. How was he so fantastically, utterly lucky? How had he ever ended up here? After all these years never truly knowing what his life was missing? Not knowing himself?
He kissed him and it lingered on and on slowly building into more. Ed slid his hands around to grip the front of his suit jacket. The tease of Ed’s tongue against his own would forever be one of the most fantastic of sensations no matter how many times they kissed.
He reached for Ed’s hands, threading fingers as he released his jacket. Stede hummed as the kiss broke, meeting those lovely deep eyes taking him in. He walked backwards as he pulled them to one of the few other rooms in the cabin.
The bedroom was filled with just as many candles. They came to the bed and Stede pulled them to sit on the edge but Ed remained standing, taking him in with the gentlest of looks, before beginning to undress Stede. Stede sat, helping as he could, as Ed took his time and care with each piece of clothing. Cravat, jacket, waistcoat, shirt all lovingly removed, hands running over him in gentle caresses. Stede glowed at the attention, content silence between them.
He stood at a gentle nudge so Ed could get his bottoms off as well. He shivered at the slow care Ed took with his stockings, fingertips rubbing over skin. Stede reached to begin on Ed but he shook his head, gently saying, “I’ve got this. Lie down.”
Stede’s heart skipped at Ed continuing to take the lead. He climbed onto the bed and shifted back against the furthest pillows. He quite happily watched as Ed undressed himself.
He pulled off his gloves and then his jacket as he teased warmly, “You know I’m just going to have to try and surprise you with an even more romantic getaway after all this.”
Stede chuckled. “I look forward to your attempt.”
“You don’t think I can top it?”
“You already did, weeks ago.”
Ed shook his head as he bent to get his brace and leather pants off. “Nope. All of this beats a poem, babe.” He tugged his feet out of his boots and the last of his clothes. “I am going to pull off the biggest fuckery just for you.”
“Well now you’ve got me looking out for any tricks.”
“Oh, it won’t be any time soon. I’ve got to lull you into figuring I’ve given up. Then I’ll strike.”
Stede chuckled again. God, he loved this man. “Again, I look forward to your attempt.”
“Smug bastard,” Ed teased. He climbed onto the bed to join him. He immediately came to sit upright beside him, hand cupping Stede’s face as he took him in. “You’re right, though. I’ll never do better than this.”
“Nonsense.” Stede kissed the inside of his wrist. “You will turn me into a puddle of happiness.”
“Just your kisses turn me into a puddle of happiness, Stede,” Ed sighed dreamily back to him. Stede smiled so adoringly at the other man. Ed kissed him and it quickly deepened and grew into more. He shifted them to lying down on the bed on their sides.
Stede's hands roamed Ed, sliding down his side and chest, before wrapping fingers around his firming cock. He was getting better at stroking someone not himself after weeks of practice. Ed hummed into the kisses, rolling his hips forward. Ed’s hands brushed fingertips down Stede’s back and over his ass, teasing fingers between his cheeks before he pulled Stede’s leg to wrap forward over his thigh.
Stede happily slotted himself tighter against Ed. He shifted his hold on Ed and pinned their cocks together, stroking them both at the same time. Ed gave the happiest little moan into the kiss as his hand continued to brush up and down Stede’s thigh and ass. He could stay just like this all evening.
His grip on their cocks tightened as Ed’s touch lingered on his ass before dipping fingers to circle and tease against his asshole. Stede whined into the kiss as Ed rubbed around and around puckered skin. A gentle push with those fingers and Stede was the one to break the kiss with a gasped, “Yes.”
Ed hummed low in his chest and looked over Stede’s shoulder, then twisted to look behind himself. He spotted the bottle of oil and leaned back to grab it off the nightstand. Stede released their cocks, watching as Ed slicked down fingers, then returned those fingers to their teasing at his ass.
“Ed,” he sighed, shifting his leg further up around Ed’s hip. He kissed him as one finger carefully pushed into him. Ed knew exactly where to brush and rub to send his limbs trembling. Stede’s hands slid up to twist in Ed’s hair, the kiss growing sloppy. He whined as Ed started to thrust with that finger. The sensations this touch always did to him were forever astounding. A second finger was added and Stede rocked back against them. Ed rutted his hips against Stede pressed to him.
Stede gasped against parted lips, “More of you, love. Please.”
Ed groaned at the request. He slid his fingers free and shifted back enough to slick down his cock. He moved his hips further down to guide himself into Stede just like this. Stede gasped and lifted his leg higher up Ed’s torso as Ed pushed up into him. The deliciously thick, firm rub along that spot inside himself as Ed filled him was forever incredible.
“Yes,” he whined, hands twisting tighter in Ed’s hair.
“Oh Stede...” Ed ground his hips against Stede’s ass while he gripped Stede’s side to hold him steady, the other arm wrapped around underneath Stede to grip at his upper back. “I love you wrapped around me so completely.” He pulled his hips back enough to start short, steady thrusts.
“Edward.” His eyes fell closed as Ed very easily hit that fantastic point again and again with this position. His whole body thrummed as the intensity built upon itself.
Ed whispered in lovely little dreamy gasps against his lips, “I can’t believe this is mine. I can’t believe you’re mine.”
“Only yours.” Stede rolled his hips to meet Ed’s thrusts. “Forever yours.”
“Forever. Somehow.” He thrust more firmly, tightening his grip on Stede. “Always mine, please.”
“Always yours,” Stede immediately reassured. He only just opened his eyes enough to take in Ed’s beautifully flushed features pressed so wonderfully close. “I’ll always need you.”
Ed’s stunning eyes flashed with so much emotion at the promise before he kissed him. Stede kept one hand twisted in Ed’s hair but the other slid down to cup his face as they kissed on and on. They slowly built toward a climax together. They rocked hips but kept the pace, too happy just as they were to rush. It was a beautiful climb to the edge, kisses eventually breaking away for gasping panting against each other’s lips.
This man took so much care with him, just as Stede took so much care in return. With his body, with his heart, with his everything.
His whole body thrummed with pleasure, tingling through his limbs. “Ed,” he moaned low against Ed’s lips as his climax finally washed over him, his cock pinned between them making a mess of both their stomachs.
Ed groaned deep in his chest and gave in to a few quick, firm thrusts against Stede’s squeezing around his cock before he climaxed with him. He would never get over the sensation of feeling Ed shuddering all over, hips bucking. He did this to him.
He kissed him deeply a moment before they broke apart to continue to catch their breaths. Stede slid his leg down Ed’s torso and then grunted as Ed slid free of him. Ed brushed fingertips up and down his back, sending more shivers through him, his body still tingling with sensations.
“Oh, darling…”
Ed brushed their noses together. “Always perfect.”
“Yes indeed you are.”
Ed chuckled and nipped at his chin before kissing him. It lingered on this time. He never wanted to move from this bed. It was many minutes later before they pulled away again, bright eyes shining at one another.
Stede brushed back Ed’s hair behind an ear. “We should bring the cake in here.”
Ed twisted a grin at him. “Is that code for ‘Go get the cake’?”
“Maybe.”
He laughed and slowly untangled them to get onto his feet. “Right away, sir.”
Stede gave a giddy giggle from the bed, body still happily mush. He enjoyed the view of Ed going and coming back. He brought the whole cake stand with him, setting it on the nightstand. Then disappeared again for a bottle of wine. He set it down before rejoining Stede in bed.
The sight of the ring box in Ed’s hand sent his heart skipping. He shifted to sit upright against the headboard with him. “I hope you like them.”
Ed opened the box and took them truly in for the first time. Stede watched as the most lovely smile unfolded on his features. He took the ring with the purple gems out of the box and held it up in the candle light. His voice was a warm sigh, “Babe, they’re perfect.”
“I knew you’d adore the amethyst.” He reached to pluck out his own ring. “Should we do a formal ceremony? I’ll admit I haven’t asked enough questions past proposing.”
“How did you even know about this at all?” Ed chuckled, then answered, “We could do a ceremony. I… I’d like to. If you’d want.”
“I’d love to. I would declare my love for you anywhere.”
Ed cocked a grin at him.
“We’ll come up with something special.” He set his ring back into the box. “And well, do you recall the pickpocketing the other day?”
Ed nodded, then his eyebrows raised. “You spent that money on these?”
“‘Fraid so. I’m glad we stopped Jim from tearing apart the shopping district. I saw the rings and Lucius explained the tradition.” He met Ed’s gaze warmly. “I instantly knew I was asking you.”
“Babe…” Ed kissed him and he happily returned it. They were two mushy idiots in love and he’d have it no other way.
Ed’s ring was returned to the box and set aside. They focused on devouring the cake and wine, dreamily discussing what sort of ceremony they might want to put together. Once full they slid down to completely lie on the bed and continue to chat while drifting off together. Time together was just so easy to pass.
Stede woke some time later. The room was dim but for candles. His bladder and body nudged him to get up. He sighed at the idea of moving but he couldn’t ignore it. Carefully he slid away from Ed. The man mumbled sleepily but Stede shushed, “I’ll be right back.”
The cabin was quite simple so there was only an outhouse. Stede paused just long enough to pull on a nightgown before stepping barefoot through the grass just outside. The moon was out and it was easy enough to find his way.
He did not hear the footsteps behind himself, but as he paused to open the outhouse door, he did feel the barrel of the gun pressed to the back of his neck. He froze. Fuck. He was unarmed. Alone. Ed was asleep inside. They were far from anything. He didn’t expect anyone, but he should have thought more clearly.
“Stede Bonnet.”
The voice sent his stomach dropping. Oh yes, he most certainly should have thought more clearly. He’d been so sure he’d been careful. He’d taken hold of Ed’s reassurances that things were fine. He’d done everything to be vague about this place with Mary. Yet, it was still a place connected to him, still a place someone could find, still a place far from help.
“Chauncey? Chauncey Badminton?” He did his best to sound surprised, turning his head slightly toward him, gun still to his head. “What are you doing here? What’s going on?”
“Oh don’t play dumb with me, Bonnet. You may think you’re clever but you’re far from it.” His voice was a low gravelly tone, smoothed over by plenty of drink from the sound of it. “Turn around.”
Stede slowly did as asked, hands held up some as he faced the other man. Chauncey took a number of paces back on unsteady feet, a bit wildly brandishing his gun. He was a mess. Uniform dirty. Smelling of liquor. Covered in sweat.
“I’ve been informed you’re dead many times over. Even the wife you abandoned to play pirates signed paperwork over it. How you’ve somehow conned so many people into covering for you, I’ll never know, but I will have justice for my dear brother.”
Stede continued to act surprised, swallowing hard. “Your brother? Is he unwell?”
Chauncey snarled at him. “Decidedly unwell, but I think you know that. I think you know that quite clearly. You were very concerned when Mary wrote to you, though not so concerned as to worry about this little holiday.”
Stede gaped, “Mary’s letters?”
“It’s easy enough to reattach a seal if one knows how.”
Stede’s face fell further.
“Easier still to see where she sent word to dismiss a caretaker for some mysterious correspondent.”
Stede discarded all attempts to play dumb. “But shouldn’t you be shipped off somewhere?”
“I took an immediate leave of absence. I had family business to attend to.” He cocked his gun.
“Chauncey, think this through!”
“Shut up!” He stalked his way in a wide circle around Stede. “All I’ve been doing is thinking. And drinking. Drinking and thinking. All these days I’ve been wondering how God’s perfect little rich boy continues to manage to get away with everything. Abandoning his family, yet still earning friendly terms. Dodging any consequences for my dear brother’s death. Seducing history’s greatest pirate into doing whatever he’s asked. How could you stumble into all of this? What right have you to all this unearned fortune? While my brother is dead and unavenged?”
Warring emotions washed over Stede. He had done this to Chauncey. He was right that he’d been extraordinarily fortunate as of late. After so much of his life was lost and aimless, he’d truly found himself over the last few months. Yet, he had killed Nigel, and he was somehow managing to get away with it all. How was he deserving of all of this? What right did he have to such happiness at everyone’s expense? Chauncey wasn’t wrong. Stede’s breathing hitched. “You’re right. I don’t know how I’ve managed any of this. I don’t know how I deserve it. I don’t-”
“Shut up!” he shouted again. “You deserve none of it!” Stede backpedaled but Chauncey stepped forward to follow him. “Stede Bonnet’s good fortune ends tonight-” Chauncey’s footing faltered and he stumbled. He fell forward and the gun went off.
Stede screamed in shock. He stared down at the now second Badminton to lie dead at his feet. He covered a hand over his mouth and shook. He’d done this. He’d caused this. He’d killed two brothers. Murderer. Undeserving. Overly somehow fortunate and lucky in the worst of ways. His mind clouded over and his legs gave out. He dropped to his knees beside the body.
He didn’t hear the shout of his name or Ed’s footsteps, only coming back to himself at the touch to his shoulder. He gave a short cry as he jumped, but Ed quickly reassured, “It’s me, it’s me.” Ed dropped to his own knees, fully naked beside him. “Stede, are you okay? Are you fine?” He set aside his knife on the grass to run hands all over Stede to make sure he hadn’t been shot as well.
“I-” His voice caught in his throat. He suddenly couldn’t breathe. His limbs began to shake. “I did-”
“It’s okay, you’re okay.”
Stede gave a sob.
Ed wrapped arms around Stede and pulled him back along the grass away from the body before sitting. He put their backs to Chauncey and guided Stede onto his lap. “Breathe, babe.”
Stede’s brain didn’t want to cooperate with him. He struggled to follow along with Ed’s instructions, mind lost in a repeat of the gunshot and Chauncey’s words. Panic and shock swirled around one another. He clung to Ed, mind utterly lost in the worst of loops.
It took some time before the light brushing of Ed’s touches to his back and shoulders sunk in and finally relaxed his muscles. His breathing slowed and he shifted to press his face against Ed’s neck and beard. His voice was small, “I murdered him.”
“No you didn’t, Stede.”
“I drove him to madness and I murdered him.”
“He was trying to kill you.”
“I don’t deserve any of this. I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve-”
“Stede,” Ed stopped him firmly. “You let go of whatever he told you. You deserve happiness. You deserve me. You deserve whatever he was saying you don’t.”
“I don’t-”
He cupped Stede’s face with both hands, moving him back enough to meet his gaze, “You do. Forget him.” His gaze shimmered in the moonlight, “And I get to decide who deserves me, babe.”
Stede melted to one side against Ed’s right hand even as he gave another sob. “I don’t know how…”
Ed’s voice was gentle, “I don’t know how I have you either, but here we are, you and me. Forever, you and me.”
He gave another sob, tears falling down his face. “You’re truly certain?”
“Stede, I’ve never wanted something more in my life but to be yours.”
More tears fell, but he smiled oh so adoringly at Ed, his heart clinging to those words. It was okay. It was alright. Ed truly wanted him. He… deserved him. He took an unsteady breath, his voice strained, “I love you.”
Ed kissed his tear streaked cheeks as he murmured back, “I love you.”
Stede took a number of deep, steadying breaths as Ed continued to hold and kiss him. He was his. He was forever his. It had to be okay. It would be okay.
Only as his tears stopped and his breathing evened out did Ed wonder, “Think you can get back into the cabin with me, babe?”
He took another deep breath. “I think so.” He shifted off of Ed’s lap and he finally realized that Ed was naked. “You ran straight out here.”
“Of fucking course.” He offered Stede help getting onto his feet, sliding an arm around him as he walked them back inside, making sure Stede never turned back toward the body. “My husband-to-be screamed at a gunshot.”
Stede’s heart ached in the best of ways. Being called his husband-to-be. Knowing that Ed heard things and immediately rushed to his side. Prepared to fight in any way on his behalf. “My soon-to-be matelotage indeed.”
“Already that, babe. Even without the rings.”
They walked into the cabin and Ed took them straight to the bedroom. He sat Stede on the edge of the bed and stole a deep, reassuring kiss before he moved to dress. Stede simply sat there watching, still in a state of shock but calmed thanks to Ed.
“We need to get rid of that body,” he stated plainly. “This is a place you arranged, right?”
Stede swallowed. “Yes. It’s uh Mary’s now.”
Ed grunted. “Definitely need to get rid of the body then. Last thing she fucking needs.” He shoved his feet quickly into his boots and righted himself. He moved to tug up Stede’s nightgown. “Let's get you dressed and back onto the ship.”
He stood so the gown could be pulled off. “I should help. It’s my doing…”
“No.” Ed reached for Stede’s clothes, helping him to step into his breeches. “It wasn’t your doing and you don’t need to see him again.” He righted himself to help Stede with getting on his flowing shirt at the least. “I’ll come back with help to deal with him.”
Stede shook his head, wishing he could demand otherwise, but he knew he couldn’t face Chauncey’s corpse let alone touch it without falling apart again. As Ed finished buttoning his shirt, Stede took his hands in his own and brought them up, kissing them. “Thank you.”
There was so much warmth and care in Ed’s eyes. “Anything for you, Stede.” He squeezed their hands. “It’ll be okay.”
Stede sat again to get his stockings on, then his shoes. They made certain to grab the ring box but otherwise left the cabin with nothing else. Just outside the door, Ed paused them. “Stay here.” He disappeared around a corner to the outhouse. Stede swallowed hard, heart beginning to race at being left alone, but Ed wasn’t gone very long at all. He put his knife into his holster as he walked back. “Took this with me out there, might need it more than him.”
Stede nodded with a little smile. He had indeed been prepared to fight anyone, but of course he’d been. It was dim but the moon was high and helped guide them toward the beach. They’d walked so quickly with Jim, but Stede mostly knew the way. He did his best to focus on just getting back to the ship, pushing away over and over again intrusive thoughts about the body lying still beside the cabin, the body he’d put there.
They found the dinghy Jim and Olu had left them and Ed rushed to push them out into the water. Stede climbed onto the Revenge first. It was late and most of the crew were asleep here and there on the deck. As Ed joined him, Stede spotted Lucius looking up from his spot with Pete. He raised eyebrows but Ed shushed him with a finger, then after a moment’s hesitation, he waved for Lucius to join them.
Lucius carefully extricated himself from Pete and got to his feet, following them as Ed led them into the Captains’ Quarters. They shut the door before Lucius spoke, “What’s wrong?” He took them both in, looking anything but how he’d obviously expected them to look.
“Someone found us,” Ed answered. “Tracked us down.”
Stede gave a strangled gasp, “And I killed him.”
“What? Killed who? Who could have even possibly known you were there?”
“He was tracking my correspondence with Mary. I… He…”
Ed wrapped an arm around Stede and ushered him toward the sofa. “Babe, sit down, breathe. It wasn’t your fault, and regardless, he fucking deserved to die.”
Stede shook his head but he sat all the same.
“It was that English Captain’s brother,” Ed said to Lucius. Lucius grimaced but Ed continued, “I need to go back and get rid of the body. Mary doesn’t need shit for an Admiral suddenly dead on her land.” He looked to Stede, then back to Lucius. “Stay here. Please. While I’m gone.”
Lucius nodded with a little smile. “Of course.”
“Thanks,” he said simply before turning back to Stede. He crouched down in front of him on the sofa. “Baby. I’ll be back as soon as I can, okay? You have a drink, relax, sleep if you want. I’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.”
Stede took him in for a long moment before he leaned forward and kissed him. He did not deserve this man but he would cherish him if he was to be his. He brushed their noses as the kiss broke, meeting Ed’s gaze. “Thank you.”
“Always.” Ed kissed him again before getting up. He gave Lucius a pat to the shoulder as he walked past and disappeared.
“Well.” Lucius walked around to get the brandy. “A drink is definitely called for.” He poured two glasses and came to hand Stede his own as he joined him on the sofa. He waited for Stede to take a drink before asking gently, “It did go well otherwise, though, right?”
Stede’s smile answered him before he managed, “Yes. It was perfect. They did a fantastic job with the cabin. He was surprised and happy and…” He looked down at his lap, turning to pull his legs in and curl up against the back corner of the sofa. “...and now I’ve ruined it.”
“Nonsense.” Lucius rubbed gently at his knee, teasing and soothing at once, “You two are just immediately putting those promises into action.”
Stede shook his head.
Lucius turned more serious. “He’s happily looking after you, Stede. I know you’ve ruined nothing. He’s only glad you’re safe.” At another shake of Stede’s head, he pushed, “What if someone had caught Ed unawares? Somehow followed some clues to him? Would you be mad at Ed or them? Would you be upset it happened at all or grateful Ed was fine?”
Stede swallowed hard. He knew what Lucius was trying to do and he wanted to push back that it wasn’t the same, but his words did help. None of his worry or anger would be pointed at Ed if things were reversed. He’d be ever so grateful he was safe. Stede released a long breath and nursed at his brandy. Lucius did his best to distract him but he wasn’t much for conversation. He finished his drink and declined another.
The entire exhausting, emotional day dragged at him. He stayed curled at his end of the sofa and pulled out the ring box from his pocket. He cracked it open, took in the glinting bands, and closed it again. They were still going to put these on, weren’t they? They would still… He would still… Stede set the box down behind the sofa. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, but there was no rest for him. His thoughts raced. Who was to say Chauncey was alone? Or that no one heard the gunshot? Or would find them moving the body? What was he going to even do with the body? Did he really not think he’d ruined the whole thing? Was he not upset? Second guessing? His mind spun round and round all night long. It was draining and endless. He just wanted Ed.
The sky was brightening toward sunrise by the time Ed returned. Stede couldn’t keep the loving look off his face as the door finally opened to reveal Ed. Ed’s own exhausted but warm face in return made his heart skip.
Lucius jerked awake on one of the plush chairs at the door opening. He rubbed his face and yawned, “Did you get it done?”
Ed nodded as he made his way over to Stede. “Jim can tell you all about it. Quite the fucking night.” He paused to look at Lucius. “Thank you.”
“Any time.” Lucius pulled himself onto his feet. “I’m sleeping the rest of the day, just so you know.”
“All of us will be,” Ed replied. Lucius disappeared out the door, shutting it behind himself. Ed bent down and scooped Stede up in his arms. “You should be in bed, babe.”
“I was waiting for you.” He wrapped arms around behind Ed’s neck as he was carried the few paces to the bed. “You’re alright? I missed you. I’m sorry about... I'm sorry I didn’t help…”
Ed turned and kissed his forehead. “I had plenty of help.” He set Stede down lengthwise on the mattress. He sighed deeply, clearly exhausted himself. “I missed you too.” He bent to get his boots off but lost his balance and faltered to one side.
Stede reached to steady him before he could tip over. “Forget them, lie down with me.”
“They’re dirty-”
“Don’t care.” He shifted back on the bed to make room, tugging at Ed’s hand to join him.
Ed huffed a breath. He pulled out his knife and gun, setting them on a shelf, before giving in to the invitation. He sunk down onto the bed with him, melting in exhaustion against Stede.
Stede wrapped arms around him, brushing fingers through his hair. “Thank you.”
“Always,” Ed murmured against his shoulder, arm going around Stede’s chest. “My fiance is worth anything.”
Stede smiled up at the ceiling regardless of his own exhaustion. “You still want to marry me after tonight?”
Ed hooked a leather clad leg over one of Stede’s. “It’s true love if you let me in bed with all this still covered in dirt.”
Stede chuckled and closed his eyes. “Most certainly true love.”