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“Look mate, not that I don’t appreciate you watching my back, you have to stop leaping in front of blades like that.”
Stede merely rolled his eyes as he sat on the edge of the captain’s bed he shared with Ed. His co-captain currently sat on a tall stool pulled close, wrapping a bandage around a freshly stitched cut sliced into a freckled bicep. His fingers worked gently, doing their best to avoid the wound and tie off the bandage. The sun sets just outside the windows of the Revenge , the crew winding down from a rather exciting raid of a merchant ship. The Spanish certainly put up a fight when they realized who was boarding their vessel, but it didn’t take long for them to be overpowered.
The fight wasn’t long but with such a rowdy group, the fighting took longer than expected. Stede huffed while he unbuttoned his soiled shirt; he will make sure it gets shredded to be used for other ship use. “Do you really think I’m going to let anyone try and swipe your head off your lovely shoulders, Darling? I think not!”
Ed chuckled, standing to return the stool and then strip out of his leather jacket. It was strange, having someone be so protective over him. Ever since Stede returned - followed by a few months of reconciliation with copious amounts crying, yelling, and spitting - the man promised that no matter what, nothing or no one would ever hurt Edward Teach again. So far, he’s kept his word. His return to the Revenge had been quite the dramatic entrance. Ed was sure he had broken Izzy’s nose and a few ribs when his First Mate tried to intervene between him and Ed. Ed was quite impressed by the near murderous glint in his eye as he slammed his fist into Izzy’s face and chest, stepping over his writhing body so they could face off with their feelings. Ever since then, anyone that looked at Blackbeard wrong would find themselves on the end of a knife, fist, or a catty response. Stede certainly gained some strange power of protectiveness since the last time he’d seen him and a part of him secretly enjoyed it.
That still didn’t stop Ed from having to save Stede time and again from his own dangerous encounters. Those were slowly becoming few and far between and for the first time in a long time, Ed had someone he could fight with together, back to back; someone he could trust.
Even if Stede had a tendency to act before thinking.
“I don’t want to curb your enthusiasm, Love,” Ed said, pouring Stede a glass of brandy and handing it over, “but I had everything under control. They wouldn’t have hurt me.”
“You don’t know that,” Stede took the glass and frowned, “I cannot afford to hesitate. I promised you. I will never break my promise again,” he said, voice strained as he stared into the amber liquid with a frown before knocking it back, making a face.
Ed sighed and stood in front of the man who he loved more than the sea itself until the other man slowly raised his head so they met eye to eye. Ed leaned down and bumped their foreheads together, a leather clad hand cupping the back of his neck. “Stede, you don’t have to prove yourself to me,” he whispered, “I forgave you months ago.”
“I’m still working on forgiving myself,” Stede confessed and closed his eyes, pressing into the comforting warmth on his skin.
Ed’s hand slid down to cup a sun kissed cheek and swiped his thumb across the soft skin. “All I ask is you don’t get yourself killed yet,” he hummed and placed a kiss on Stede’s pouting lips, “we are supposed to retire together .”
Stede smiled meekly and returned the kiss before Ed stood and turned to pour himself a glass of brandy, refill Stede’s, and then disappear into the auxiliary closet. He still could not believe that the other took him back but then again, he also forgave Edward for marooning his crew and nearly killing Lucius. Coming back and seeing how distraught Edward had become, knowing he was the cause of it, sliced his heart in twain and his stomach to churn. Now, Ed looked like himself again, yet also different. His skin returned to its beautiful toffee, sun touched glow, his hair now full and shiny from proper care, and he brown eyes were alight with a new renewed passion for life.. He forwent the beard, keeping his face with the barest of stubble but washed clean from the black kohl he’d caked on his skin. The leather made an appearance during raids and when he needed to be the intimidating Blackbeard, but otherwise, he began to accumulate a new wardrobe he felt more comfortable in.
More like Ed in.
Checking the bandage around his arm, Stede stood and looked down at the dirty state of his attire and frowned. Thank goodness he went with the harsh fabric trousers instead of his usual silk breeches. Wanting a change of clothing himself, he finished off his drink and set the glass in its assigned place before pulling on the nub for the auxiliary closet to step inside. Ed came around the corner, already changed and adjusting the black cravat carefully around his neck. He was barefoot, legs encased in a soft black fabric that clung to his thighs and backside just right, and he wore the deep purple shirt Stede snagged from a previous raid. It was similar in color to his tighter tee he wore under the leather, only this one had billowed sleeves, a deep neckline and just enough frill to fall over his hands. He looked so dashing and Stede couldn’t help but walk over and get right into Ed’s space, arms around his waist and face pressed into his neck. Ed blinked and smirked, fingers dancing over Stede’s naked torso.
“What’s that for?” he asked and Stede shrugged.
“Just thinking how good you look in purple,” Stede replied, kissing the skin just above the cravat and then pulling away. Ed’s smile was soft, brown eyes glinting with the ever present mischief that drove his co-captain crazy.
A noise pulled both their attention towards the secret door and Stede chuckled. He heard the distinct sound of Frenchie’s lute begin to play, followed by a raucous cheer from the crew and then the tell tale sign of drums, a penny whistle and… was that a fiddle?
“Sounds like the crew have started the post raid celebrations without us,” Ed commented, giving Stede’s middle a final squeeze before letting him go.
“Well, considering what happened last time they tried to retrieve us,” Stede snickered and ran his fingers across the clothing before picking a soft pink pair of breeches and a white shirt similar to Ed’s, “I’m sure none of them are eager to make that mistake again.”
“Hey, I wasn’t the one that jumped my bones before a sock could be placed on the door,” Ed huffed and sat on a bench to fix his boots.
“Well i’m sorry, you were just too tempting to ignore,” Stede replied and pulled the shirt over his head and then shimmied out of his dirty trousers. The music grew in volume and Stede hummed softly to the tune, unable to stop his toes from tapping against the wood of the floor. “Do you think I should forgo the tights tonight?”
“No,” Ed playfully swiped at Stede’s leg as he walked by, causing the blonde to gasp and smack at his hand. “Don’t be a harlot with your calves all out.”
“You don’t want me to go out looking like this?” Stede teased, stepping back with his arms out dramatically, posing with one leg bent at the knee, foot daintily pointed. Ed smirked and cocked a brow, eyes sharpening in a way that caused Stede to stammer.
“That is reserved only for me,” he said, voice low and gruff and Stede swallowed. Gods, what that man could do to him…
“I’ll just… get dressed then,” Stede said with a small cough and shivered when Ed ran the tips of his fingers across his leg. “You just have to stop distracting me!”
Ed sniggered and leaned back against the wall, behaving… for now. Stede nodded in approval and went about finishing his ensemble, letting the music wafting into the closet carry him from spot to spot. He really couldn’t help himself. Being out on sea didn’t allow for much dancing, and definitely not the traditional ballroom dancing he used to partake in, but occasionally, when in a particularly good mood, or a refreshing new song hit his ears, he would move his feet and then blush when caught by Ed.
Ed didn’t mind. He quite enjoyed watching Stede’s little dances of happiness. His lover was quite graceful on his feet… most of the time.
Once the tights were tied and secure, Stede slipped into his heeled shoes and then did a twirl, facing Ed. “Done!”
“Good, I want to get some food,” Ed braced his hands on his knees and stood with a groan, reaching over and grabbing Stede by waist with a small shriek and laugh.
“I like when you get so happy you dance,” he murmured, reveling in the pretty little pink flush across Stede’s face.
“It’s silly,” Stede mumbled and tangled his hand into Ed’s shirt slightly, faces barely centimeters apart.
“Not silly,” Ed whispered and tugged him closer, lips brushing together, “just… very Stede.”
Stede swallowed and sighed, eyes fluttering shut. “Ed…”
“CAPTAINS!”
Both men groaned and leaned into each other at Lucius’s high pitched scream, and shouted together, “What?!”
“We really can’t start this party without you, so finish your little sex fest and get out here!”
Stede sputtered and Ed rolled his eyes, giving Stede’s waist a squeeze.
“Come on,” he nudged his co-captain to the door. “We better go before havoc ensues.”
“It’ll ensue even if we are there,” Stede replied and they walked out of the captains’ quarters hand in hand.
Of all the years he’s been on the sea, Ed couldn’t remember ever seeing such a happy group of pirates. True, his old crew would celebrate a raid well done, but it was always accompanied by someone getting stabbed, or drunken fights and lots and lots of vomit. He lost count of the times he had to break up tussles, or sometimes join them to try and regain control of the situation. Those types of celebrations took a lot out of him, and he’d return to his captain’s quarters tired, sore, and way more drunk than intended.
This, however, felt like a true celebration. The Revenge was anchored just off the shores of an uninhabited island, which the crew was anxious to take advantage of tomorrow - enjoy a “vacation,” as Stede insisted they take once every couple months. Lanterns were lit and placed strategically across the deck, creating a soft and warm glow. A few barrels were rolled near the mast to create a bar for drinks and glasses, food made ahead of time by Roach resting near the right stairs leading up to the helm. Tucked to the left stairs were Frenchie on his lute, Oluwande playing the drums, and surprisingly Buttons with the penny whistle and Wee John with a fiddle. The crew were in various states of standing and sitting; Lucius - thank whatever deity existed the boy had survived his momentary lapse in judgment - sat nestled contently in a dinghy with Pete and Fang, the throuple sharing a bottle of liquor between them while Ivan, Roach, and the Swede stood clapping and singing, Jim standing to the side quietly tapping their foot to the beat. Everyone was happy, content to actually relax and enjoy each other's company.
As they played an old sea shanty Edward was rather fond of, he sat on the edge of a blanket covered cannon and took a sip from his clay mug full of rum. The sun finally set over the horizon, the skies clear and calm and all in all, it was a perfect night. He glanced up at the helm where Izzy Hands stood, hands resting across the wheel and pretending not to care about the festivities going on, but he could make out his First Mate quietly singing along with the tune. Too bad Izzy still tried to pretend he didn’t belong with their crew; he had quite the singing voice. He shook his head and turned back to the group, eyes scanning for one other person.
Ah. There he was.
Stede bustled between the groups, a glass of wine in hand as he smiled and sang along. It was amazing watching Bonnet truly come into himself. Sure, when they first met, Edward called him a lunatic and meant it, but something always seemed to be brewing just under the surface. As if a chain was latched to his ankle and forbidding him to truly be set free and embrace that lunacy that gained him his own, well deserved reputation. Now, he was freer than ever before, more confident and still completely and unapologetically mental. The “incident” - as they called it - had been devastating for both of them but perhaps it’s what was needed for them to become closer and allow themselves to just be that.
Themselves.
Stede glanced over in his direction and smiled, Ed’s heart giving a flutter and he returned it with a wink. The music came to a gradual conclusion and the crew clapped and cheered the musicians, their captain being one of the loudest.
“Bravo, everyone!” Stede exclaimed and raised his wine glass, “It’s truly an honor to hear such wonderful songs from such a talented group of people!”
“Aw, now you’re just being nice,” Wee John preened and Frenchie patted him on the back.
“I agree with Stede,” Ed chimed in and stood, offering his own toast. “Can’t remember the last time I’ve heard such a good diddy!”
“Truly makes it feel like we’re at a high society party!” Stede gushed and giggled, “although I’d say the music is much more lively. Not enough dancing though.”
“Dancing?” Jim tipped their hat up to get a better look at their captain. “Is that something richies do at parties?”
“Why yes, it’s actually quite fun,” Stede replied with a small bounce. “You remember, Ed? The minuet, an allemande, a waltz, or just a simple spin across the dancefloor,” he sighed and placed his hand on his chest, “there was something magical from floating over the floor with your partner.”
“What the fuck is a Alle-alle-alamadre?” Pete snorted.
“A minuet?” Buttons looked down his nose, “Sounds like a spell.”
“Yes, I suppose it does,” Stede chuckled and shrugged, “but there are other simple dances out there. A simple two step line up, or just letting your feet take you with the music.”
“Not heard of many pirates dancing,” Black Pete muttered and Lucius smacked his arm with a hiss.
“Perhaps not,” Stede waved his hand and set his glass down on the first available surface. “Dancing isn’t just for the elite or wealthy,” he said, “dancing comes from within! To be perfectly honest,” his face took on a rather distant, sad look, “it was an activity I enjoyed… even if I was not the first choice for a dance partner.”
A coldness glazed over Captain Bonnet’s features and Ed frowned. Ah, he recognizes that look. It’s the look Stede gets when he wants to share something but fears it will be met with ridicule or even sneers. It was a habit Ed was trying to break his lover out of but knew learned behaviors were hard to break.
Without much thought, Ed worried the mug between his hands. “Teach us then,” he blurted, and Stede blinked in surprise, along with the rest of the crew from his sudden outburst. He gave them all a hard stare, much like the first time they switched clothes and wanted them to shake Stede’s hand. “Teach us how to dance, Stede.”
“Oh I don’t want to make you all do something you might not even enjoy,” Stede said, hands pressed into his thighs with his fingers curling into the silk breeches. “It’s a silly idea.”
“Well, wait, hang on,” Roach raised his hand, “I’ve never danced before. You said there were simple dance steps?”
“Don’t you need ladies to dance?” Wee John asked.
“It does look very pretty,” the Swede said softly, smiling and inching closer to his captain. “I would like to try.”
“I might need more rum before I even attempt something like that,” Lucius said, raising the bottle. “Knock yourselves out!”
A collective murmur of excitement rippled through the crew and Stede stood, a stunned but pleased smile on his face. “Oh… well, if you’re all sure,” he stammered and then clapped his hands. “Alright! Those who wish to have a quick dance lesson, come on up!”
The steps were easy enough. Bounce on one foot, shift to the other, a small kick, and then a twirl with a partner before doing it again with another person. As Frenchie began strumming an upbeat tempo on his lute, Stede’s crew began to catch on. It started with Stede, Roach, and the Swede, the three of them moving in tandem and soon the other’s began to join; first Oluwande with a big grin, followed by Wee John. The song ended but Frenchie melted into another with ease and soon Lucius, Black Pete, even Fang and Ivan were all laughing and dancing across the deck At one point, Oluwande even got Jim to a few steps on the sidelines. After a while the steps were forgotten and everyone just danced however felt right to them.
As the skies darkened, the crew drank, smoked, played games, and danced well into the night. As the party wound down, the rag tag pirates were strewn across the deck like a pile of puppies, curled up or talking quietly amongst themselves. Frenchie continued to strum his lute, the sound low and soft like a comforting lullaby. Stede finished his quiet conversation with Oluwande and Jim and turned his attention to Ed sitting on his cannon seat, arms crossed with a fond smile on his face. He weaved through the bodies, standing in front of the dreaded Blackbeard and offered his hand with a regal bow.
“May I have this dance?” he asked, and Ed smirked, cheeks slightly pink as he took Stede’s hand.
“You gonna twirl me around like a pretty lady?” Ed teased.
“I would just like to dance with the man I love,” Stede replied, hand warm as he led Ed to the center of the deck. Ed cleared his throat as the blush on his face deepened, stumbling over his own two feet before he righted himself.
“Not sure we can do your dosey doe to this music,” Ed muttered and tugged on the frill of his shirt.
“We don’t have to do that,” Stede replied, slowly wrapping his arm around Ed’s middle and pulling him close; Ed’s own arm followed suit and he pressed his hand into the small of Stede’s back, “I never got to dance with you at the party… So will you indulge me?”
Ed nodded and swallowed the knot in his throat. Such a simple request yet it was the soft pleading in Stede’s eyes that kicked his feet into action. They swayed from side to side, chest to chest, hip to hip, their feet barely a whisper across the wooden floor. Stede’s hand ran up his spine, settling in between his shoulder blades as they let the music dictate their movements. Edward closed his eyes and pressed their temples together, swaying and dancing in small circles with the soft twang of lute strings fading into the background. The crew was no longer there, the ship was gone. Everything was fading; everything but Stede. Stede was solid against him, warm and here , in his arms.
Eyes still closed, Ed reached up and cupped Stede’s cheek with his free hand, just resting there as they danced. Stede’s hand covered his own and slowly brought it down to press against his chest, over his heart. Ed’s fingers curled against the warm flesh, and when he opened his eyes, Stede was watching him, hazel eyes soft, open, and glassy with the same emotions reflected in his own gaze.
Acceptance. Understanding. Trust.
And love.
They danced well after Frenchie stopped playing, ignored as Ivan extinguished some of the lanterns, and Buttons went to take the nightwatch from Izzy and the others. As the deck went silent, they stood together, hand in hand, chest to chest, forehead to forehead.
“You know,” Edward whispered in the darkness and Stede lifted his head, “I think I like dancing with you. I’ll have to make sure we do this more often.”
Stede smiled and kissed Ed gently. “I’m always happy to be your dancing partner.”
“Good,” Edward returned the kiss and then wrapped both arms around Stede’s waist, sliding them down to cup his backside in his silk breeches. “How’s ‘bout we make our way to our quarters and try out another form of dancing called the horizontal tango?”
Stede barked out a laugh and quickly covered his mouth with his hand, wincing when he heard a grunt somewhere on deck. “Now that, Captain Teach, is something I will gladly join you in.”
Ed grinned and grabbed Stede’s hand, dragging him towards the bright yellow door and kicking it shut behind them to have their very own dance party.
END.