Edward Teach Died on a Beach (OFMD)

Chapter 20

Tw: slight mention of s*x. Not like graphic or anything just a bit of talking about the act itself

Edward had always jokingly referenced "landlegs", but it didn't really feel like a joke anymore. He'd had a fitful night of sleep that was only partly helped by Stede's arms around him.

It was disorienting. He'd spent most of his life sleeping on the sea. The dead silence and stillness made him anxious. He was able to fall asleep a few times, but he was woken up for seemingly no reason. Stede's arm was hooked over his side and his hand locked under his stomach.

He watched the sun rise through the window, feeling both nervous and content at the same time. Stede being next to him helped greatly, since Stede was warm. His even, soft breaths were comforting. He was grounding.

Stede let out a deep breath, squeezing his arm around Ed. Ed felt a bittersweet ache in his heart. He wondered if he was keeping Stede from his family. Stede had come back to the Revenge for him.

After a while, Stede stirred slightly, moving closer to Ed. Ed held his breath for a moment as he felt Stede's hips press against him. He felt his cheeks grow slightly warmer.

They were only wearing their drawers, so Ed could feel Stede's chest against his back.

He'd had a decent amount of romantic flings within his time, but nobody could get him like Stede could. His theory was that it was because Stede was so soft and gentle with anything he did.

Ed wasn't used to someone being willing to be so close to him. He wasn't used to somebody wanting to touch him for anything more than violence or just sex. Most of his past... partners... would've laughed in his face if he'd asked them to hold him. The idea of love would've made them shiv him in his sleep.

Meanwhile, Stede's romantic life before Ed had been mostly out of necessity and convenience. He was used to sex being something he dreaded, something he was ashamed of.

While Stede's life had lacked the act itself, Ed's had lacked intimacy. As a matter of fact, that was one of the reasons he was so drawn to Stede. Stede was romantic. He knew what love was.

Ed had forgotten.

Stede murmured something under his breath. Ed paused to listen, but Stede didn't speak again. Ed closed his eyes and tried to sleep again.

He woke up when Stede's hand went to his hip. He wanted to roll over and climb right on top of him. Stede yawned quietly. Ed pulled away slightly and rolled over to face him.

Stede smiled sleepily. He reached up and smoothed down Ed's hair. Ed tried not to blush. He rolled onto his back and looked at the ceiling.

"Good morning," Stede said cheerfully.

Ed's eyes flicked up and down Stede, catching a little bit on Stede's lower body. "Morning woo-would you... like to... I don't know."

Stede blushed as and laughed a little, putting an arm over his face. "Shall we get dressed?"

Ed chuckled softly. "Sure."

Ed sat up, but Stede didn't move. He glanced at Stede once before going to a small table that held the clothes he and Stede had worn the previous day. As he began to get dressed, he turned slightly to look at Stede. Stede was watching him with a smile.

"What?" Ed asked, smiling slightly.

"You're beautiful," Stede replied.

Ed felt himself starting to blush. He grunted. "So are you."

Stede got up and joined him by the table. "How'd you sleep?"

Ed frowned slightly. "Not well."

Ed glanced over, watching Stede's back arch as he pulled on his breeches. Stede hummed a little in response, signaling him to elaborate.