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Stede lay on his back as he has many nights, his thoughts refusing to quiet enough for sleep. This time however, his thoughts were running rampant for a different reason than the usual anxiety or fear of more awful nightmares, no.
Tonight he shared his bed with Edward Teach.
Well- not quite like that, they were good friends that’s all, Stede tried desperately to tell himself. Although the thought had him flushing much deeper than he already was. His hands fidgeting where they lay restless on his stomach.
Ed was fast asleep beside him, snoring a bit and taking up more space than necessary. Not that Stede particularly minded the contact, in fact, he couldn’t help but crave more of it. The few points of contact felt like his skin was lit ablaze in the best of ways, wanting nothing more than to curl himself into the warm body beside him and drift off as well.
But he couldn’t do that, surely not. Ed wouldn’t want that, would he?
Would he?
Stede’s mind quickly provides him with the many times Edward used touch to convey excitement and more often than not, fondness.
Ed touched him all the time casually, simply because he wanted to. He enjoyed touching him, and he knew Stede enjoyed it because he happily leaned into the affection every time.
Would it be so bad if he wanted to give some of that back?
Maybe he could-
But he’d rather be a gentleman about this...
He held his breath for a moment as he tried to think up the best course of action. Ultimately deciding that would be shifting onto his side and gently tapping Ed on the shoulder.
“Ed?” He said, a bit too quietly to rouse the man, so he tapped a bit more incessantly.
“Edward-“
He woke up with a bit of a start, looking around and realizing it was just Stede
“Jesus don’t scare me like that-“
“Sorry..” Stede said a bit meekly.
Now that he was faced with asking for what he wanted he wasn’t entirely sure he could muster the words.
“’s alright mate… you okay?” Ed asked as he rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, stretching out a bit before turning to wait for his now furiously blushing co-captain to explain why he woke him.
Stede’s face felt like it was on fire- His mouth opening and closing a few times as he attempted to figure out how to word this when-
“Would you mind- if,”
he paused, still struggling a bit. Ed raised an eyebrow at him and waited patiently.
“Maybe I held onto you? The- the waves are picking up and- I’m worried you’ll fall out of bed-“ he lies, absolutely terribly.
An amused smile grew on Ed’s lips As he pointedly glances out the window (he doesn’t need to- the boats steady) to find calm waters and a clear night sky.
“Mmhm.. sure, but you know, if you wanted a cuddle you could have just asked-“ he said, a slight chuckle breaking up his words as a delighted look dawned on his face. He twisted in the soft sheets onto his side to toss an arm around Stede’s waist and pull him closer.
Poor Stede whined with utter embarrassment at how easily Ed had seen through his admittedly pathetic excuse- He couldn’t get anymore flustered as he stuttered through an apology and a thanks. Eventually tucking his head between Edward's shoulder and neck, subconsciously nuzzling into the warmth of him. Finally having the opportunity, he found himself wrapping his arms tightly around his dear friend like he was the most precious thing he’s ever held.
“Is this okay?”
Stede muttered as he pulled away a bit to gauge Ed’s reaction. He found the man staring down at him with pure adoration, like he couldn’t quite believe he was being held like he was worth something. His hand came up from Stede’s waist to let himself trace the man’s cheek to his jaw, leaning in slightly before stopping himself and responding-
“Yes- I-..”
he swallowed nervously, a deep blush, hardly visible if not for the moonlight, creeping up from his beard.
He looks like he wants to do or say something. Stede can guess what it is but refuses to let his mind get away from him until he heard the words.
Ed, however- has never really been good with his words, the touch to the blonde’s jaw growing into a caress as he found himself leaning in until their lips brushed ever so slightly, managing
“Is this-?”
Before Stede decided that was more than enough for him to close the gap between them, in the softest kiss Ed’s ever shared with- anyone if he’s honest. Melting into the gentleness of it all for a few moments before pulling away seemingly to gauge if Stede was alright, only to find him staring at him like he put the stars in the sky.
“Yes that’s quite alright” The Gentleman Pirate stated quite fondly.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah”
Both of them felt like they could melt with affection for the other, that syrupy sweet kind that neither had felt before but both quickly grew addicted to as they shared kisses and slowly fell asleep in each others arms.