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It had been two days of nonstop bad weather. The entire crew had to take turns fighting the rigging and minding the sails. By dusk on the second day the storm finally seemed to lose steam. As the Revenge slowly sailed out under a clear purple and pink sky, the overwhelming relief of the crew was palpable. It was like the entire ship had been holding its breath and finally got to let it go. They each had taken what little sleep they could during shifts to try to keep everyone at least somewhat sane, but that didn't make the call about who to send to the helm first after such a long day any easier.
Before Ed could even consider anything, Stede volunteered. He looked just as worn out as the rest, his hair hanging flat against his head, sopping wet, his clothes soaked through to the bone. But his smile was as radiant as ever.
"I'll take first watch, lads. Everyone please go eat and rest up." he clapped his hands soundly in a closing fashion. "Go on then, chaps! Rest well now."
You didn't have to push the crew any further on that front, they all took an exhausted shuffle down below decks to change clothes, eat and finally not have to be on the main deck. Ed watched as Stede took his position and pulled out his compass to make sure they were staying on course. He felt guilty but he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to a bit of a break himself. His leathers were soaked through and he felt as if his boots contained at least a pint of water.
"Boss?" Izzy's light, husky rumble snapped Ed out of his waterlogged thoughts.
"Mhm?"
"Orders?"
"Fang had a break a few hours ago?"
"Give or take, yeah."
"He'll take second watch at..." Ed studied the position of the low sun and calculated. "At 9. Buttons should take afterwards at midnight. Should give him some moonglow time. After that we should be near a cove close to the Canary Isles... We can anchor there for everyone to get their strength back up."
"Repairs?"
"I'll do a glance about to see the state of things first though so we have an idea of what we are working with. If it’s nothing major we’ll start repairs after breakfast tomorrow. We've been fighting like hell to keep her afloat, don’t want more damage bein’ done cause we’re too fucked to work properly.”
"You want-"
"No, Iz," Ed reached out to pat Izzy's shoulder. "You've earned a rest. Go eat. Drink. Sleep. I don't want you thinking about work until tomorrow morning, got it?"
There was a long pause. Ed knew that Izzy was probably the most high strung pirate on the seven seas, so taking it easy was not in his normal wheelhouse.
"That's an order, Iz."
Begrudgingly but with the slightest smile, Izzy nodded. "Yes, Captain."
Ed wandered the deck, observing the rigging, sales, and canons. All was in pretty good order, the crew had really stepped up their game as of late. From what he could tell in the fading glow of the sun was that very little work would need to be done in regards to repairs, mostly just clean up. Luckily no one was injured and very little was damaged.He groaned as he squatted low to push back some excess rope that had been left in a coil in case they needed to throw out a line to rescue someone thrown overboard.
"Edward!" Stede called from the helm. "You should really go rest!"
"Just making sure everything is in order, Captain Bonnet," Ed turned his head with a grin. "I'll turn in soon."
"Very well, Captain Teach... Please take it easy," Stede raised his hand in a pleasant wave which Ed mirrored.
Ed trudged into the captains' quarters and plopped down with a wet squeak upon the couch. He gave an exasperated sigh and began the laborious task of getting out of his leathers. First to go where the boots which, after a fight to remove, were tossed to the side. As he began to work at his pants, with his incredibly stiff and tired fingers, he wondered if he should move forward with a less buckle-heavy outfit. He was finally able to painstakingly slide the sopping wet clothes off himself. He flung them across the edge of the tub to drip dry and then wrapped himself up in a towel.
He was too tired to bathe even though he knew he probably should. The scent of many floral soaps in the bathroom made him even sleepier. He wandered out of the bathroom, picked up the red floral robe, pulled it on and fell face first into bed with a fwump. Sighing deeply into a lavender scented pillow, he was asleep within minutes.
The next morning, his waking thoughts were confused. How the hell was it so bright? After two days of storm clouds, sunlight was a foreign concept. He groaned, having slept the entire night without moving an inch. His body was so stiff as he pushed over to roll onto his side. He rubbed his bleary eyes as he yawned widely. He was surprised he hadn't been woken up by Izzy yet for either breakfast or starting work. That was troublesome, but then again, maybe hell froze over and that meant Izzy himself was still asleep. That'd be a first.
Ed snorted at the thought and pushed up to swing his legs over the side of the bed. His knees both popped loudly as he stood, stretching his arms over his head. Damn he needed that. And probably about half a day's more rest if he was honest.
He went to take a step forward and stopped in his tracks. Stede was on the settee, passed out in a dead sleep. His blonde hair laid in waves across the pillow, his left arm and leg hanging off the side, and his right arm rested across his stomach. His chest rose and fell rhythmically, and his breathing was soft. He had changed into a long nightshirt and the yellow robe Ed thought made him look the most handsome.
Ed smiled as he quietly approached. He gently took Stede's left wrist and guided his arm to be at his side. He then lifted under his left knee to carefully position Stede on his side, draping the robe over his legs and feet. He brushed away a stray hair across his forehead and fought the urge to stroke down his cheek. He also deserved the rest.
Edd quietly went about getting dressed, knowing full well the leathers were still wet and that he'd rather wear something more comfortable for the repair job. He settled for a simple pair of brown trousers with his usual dark colored cotton shirt from the auxiliary closet.
As he opened the door he nearly hollered out in shock, having almost walked straight into Roach. The latter also had to stifle a cry, staggering backwards with a tray of tea and breakfast on it.
"Roach!" Ed stated hoarsely after grounding himself.
"Sorry, Captain... Just hadn't seen either you or Captain Bonnet so-"
Ed's stomach growled loud enough that the cook paused.
"So... well, that." he said with a grin.
"Appreciate it, man. Leave that in there for Stede. He's still sleepin’. I'll go eat below. The crew down there too?"
"Yeah. Pete is at the helm, he has eaten already and the rest of the crew are having breakfast."
"Good. I'll meet you there."
Ed moved out of Roach's way and trudged below deck. The rest of the crew sat at the long table, eating silently. All looking rested but still worn. To his shock, Izzy was perched by himself in a corner, drinking from a mug with a bread roll balanced on his knee. He raised his drink to Ed when he came in.
"Boss..." Izzy's voice was always the most gravely fresh after waking up. Ed took that as a good sign that he had taken the order to rest to heart.
He nodded before sitting down heavily and grabbing an apple. "Finish up, we need to check the ship for damage before moving on. This is a good place to anchor but it's not safe to be this close to land for long."
There were murmurs of agreement down the table but no one moved to eat any faster. Ed didn't want to push it either, sloppy work wasn't what he was looking to get out of them. Roach returned and began to finish up his meal and they all continued in silence.
Once Ed finished his last bite that seemed to clue everyone in that it was time to get to it. They all shuffled up to the deck to begin work. "Bloody optimal, all of you. We lost very little and damage was low. You handled yourselves well during the worst of it and you kept each other alive, fucking outstanding."
Meager smiles greeted him from the faces of the crew and even Izzy was nodding in agreement. Wee John and Ivan were working on getting the canons in formation, Jim and Olu were up getting the masts in order, Swede and Fang were double checking the rigging. Izzy and Frenchie were rolling the barrels of rainwater and gunpowder back to the storage unit as Lucius conferred with Roach about the status of their food supplies. All hands were on deck and all were working well together despite the clear need for some more sleep and food.
Shortly after Stede jogged up the stairs, looking a bit flustered. "Starting without me?" he asked gently to Ed.
"Wasn't sure when abouts you got in bed, mate. Wanted you sharp. Buttons needs help with doing a check of the ship."
"I'll get to it then," Stede smiled and went to catch up with his first-mate at the bow of the ship.
- Some time later -
Thanks to the crew's preparation efforts and newfound skills, the clean up and damage repair had been minimal. Ed had ordered everyone to take it easy as they sailed a calm sea, no point in overdoing it three days in a row he figured.
Dinner had been wonderful and more energized than breakfast. Regaling each other with feats of strength and bravery during the storm’s hardest moments and plenty of wise cracks about who nearly was thrown overboard. It felt so warm and wholesome in the small galley. But after everyone had finished it was clear that each one of them just wanted to return to sleep.
Ed had to leave his pipe out on the deck near the helm to dry out after it had been thoroughly drenched. After all the work had been done it was finally dry enough to use. As he smoked he shot the shit with Frenchie who was helming the ship after dinner. A sparkling conversationalist, Ed enjoyed the chat as well as the evening air.
After finishing up he stood up to stretch with another large yawn. "I'm turning in, mate. Got a bottle of brandy down there with my name on it."
"Rest up, boss. You've earned it."
"You too. If The Swede isn't on time to relieve you I'll kick his ass."
"Aw, thanks Cap'n. I'll keep that in mind."
Ed chuckled to himself as he trudged down into the captains' quarters. His knees popped on the steps but he was pleased his legs didn’t give out on him. He wasn’t as young as he used to be, but at least he was still standing. He pushed open the door to the captain's quarters, not sure if Stede was still dining with the crew or if he had retired for the night. But he got his answer fast enough. Ed came to a dead halt.
Stede stood with his back to the windows that framed the back of the room, he leaned over the desk, washing his hair in a porcelain wash basin. The setting sun behind him made his hair look like spun gold, glittering mesmerizingly between his fingers as he poured water carefully from the pitcher to the back of his head. Any other person doing this would look awkward, but Stede did this with such an unusual amount of grace that it looked otherworldly. Water trickled from his strong brow into droplets that fell delicately into the basin beneath his head. Towards the ends, the hair almost seemed silvery white- ethereal. Like how the sun would peer out over the sail of a ship at dawn.
As he combed through his locks with his strong hands he poured the last bit of water from the pitcher. His eyes were closed, framing the top of his cheekbones with his long lashes. He carefully set the pitcher down on the desk and began to wring his hair out over the basin. The droplets dripped down with soft trinkles into the bowl below, leaving the desk remarkably dry and clean. Only a true gentleman could groom in such a tidy fashion.
Stede collected a towel from the chair beside the desk, draping it over his shoulders so he could gather up the fabric to dry up his neck and up to his hair. He sighed wearily, bending his knees slowly so he could sink into the chair with a groan. The blonde’s knees also popped on the descent and Ed smirked silently, good to know he isn’t the only one. As Stede massaged the towel in slow circles at his temples he finally opened his eyes. He met Ed’s deep brown eyes in an instant and jumped in shock.
“Edward! Heavens, man, how long have you been standing there!”
“Long enough…” Ed smirked and attempted a casual walk towards his co-captain. However, he couldn’t help but notice how Stede’s eyes studied his gate as he got closer. If Edward Teach knew anything, it was what got Stede Bonnet’s attention. Thank fuck for that.
He sauntered forward until he was in Stede’s space, leaning over slightly to reach forward to pull at the corner of the towel. He watched how it glided over Stede’s shoulders and down his arm. He slowly circled around the chair, trailing his fingertips over his boyfriend’s arm, purposefully avoiding the latter’s attempt to catch his hand.
“Still damp…” he purred as he began to gently tossle Stede’s locks in the towel. He massaged in slow steady circles, seeing how The Gentleman Pirate began to relax into it. He hummed to himself deeply as he focused on his work. After a short while, he threw the towel over his shoulder so that he could sweetly comb through those golden locks. They were so fucking soft! How were they so soft?! Softer than cashmere even. Softer than the morning breeze over the bow of a ship. Softer than the fattest feather mattress. Softer than any floral robe in the whole world.
Stede had said something and it had taken quite a while for it to register in Ed’s brain. He fumbled his hands awkwardly against Stede’s scalp. “Um. Y’say something, mate?”
“Would you like a turn?” Stede leaned his head back to peer up at Ed, his hazel eyes looking near to liquid amber in the light of the setting sun. Suddenly it was very hard to breathe for some reason.
“A. A turn?”
“Would you like me to wash your hair? Pamper you a bit?” Stede’s voice was so gentle, almost hesitant. “I would be happy to… You deserve it.”
“I. Uh. Are. Are ya sure? You look so relaxed…” Ed tried to deflect from the offer, he did want to be spoiled of course - spoiled by Stede that is. Having Stede fucking Bonnet running fingers through his hair, washing his locks like he was some sort of elite? He must have been day dreaming again because he was brought back to earth with a gasp as Stede’s hand softly caressed his cheek. The blonde had stood up and moved to him so quietly that he was quite stunned to be eye to eye with him.
“Stay right here, I’ll refresh the water. I brought some up earlier just in case this opportunity presented itself!” Stede collected up the pitcher and water basin from the desk, and winked. The fucker actually winked at him. Ed nearly scoffed at first at how ludacris this situation was, but instead grinned in spite of himself. He was head over heels in love with this maniac, there was no denying it. Stede scurried over to the bathroom and Ed just tried to settle the butterflies in his stomach.
Stede returned a short while later with his fresh supplies and a large smile on his face. “Alright then, my dear…” he paused as he contemplated. “Now then… You are taller than me, and your hair much longer,” he glanced up and down Ed’s body so studiously that Ed felt the urge to squirm. “So standing up would be easier, but your poor knee! You’ve been on your feet all day, love…” he pondered and looked around the room as if trying to navigate a solution to the predicament.
Ed was just about to open his mouth to say that standing a little while longer wouldn’t be the death of him, but Stede’s eyes suddenly went alight and he bounced on the balls of his feet. “Aha!”
Stede set the pitcher of water and the empty bowl down on the table beside Ed before smiling at him with such sweetness and sincerity that it nearly took his breath away. Not to be dramatic or anything. Before Ed could even comprehend what was happening, he found himself being led by the hand to the settee across the room. He was guided to sit down gently as Stede draped the towel over his shoulder.
“I figure you lying down with your head over the armrest would be gentler than you standing and leaning,” Stede said gently but with some minor hesitation. “I… I know how it can be uncomfortable after bad weather and… well, you’ve been on your feet for so long I-”
“Fucking, thoughtful that. Thanks, mate…” Ed smirked and nodded. Who the hell would think to offer someone a hairwash by having them lie on a fucking satin settee? Stede Fucking Bonnet that’s who. “Hell yeah, mate,” he swiftly got out of his shoes and swung his legs up onto the settee to get comfortable. “This is how all hairwashings should be. All baths too.”
“Mhmm. I’ve heard of some bathhouses being quite elaborate in their design, but never of a couch being included,” Stede mused as he went to retrieve the bowl and pitcher. “Perhaps that’s an idea for a patent.”
Edd snorted and began to work his hair out of the disheveled bun on the top of his head. Stede crossed back to collect up the harpsichord’s bench and brought it to the side of the settee. The butterflies in his stomach intensified. Stede scooted forward with the bowl resting on his lap before reaching out his hands in offering.
Ed licked his lips. His mouth was suddenly so dry. He nodded and turned fully to slowly lay against the settee, head hanging off the armrest. Stede’s hands were large, strong and still so incredibly soft. He held Edd’s head with such tender care that he felt like he was somehow floating. Supporting his head with one hand, and combing through his pewter locks with steady fingers.
After taking the time to get the kinks and knots out, Stede shifted so he could reach down to collect the pitcher. Edd felt Stede lean in closer, supporting his head still with his stronger right arm, and he felt the coolness of the metal pitcher near his temple. Cool water began to trickle over the left side of his temple, gradually moving right towards his forehead. Stede was pouring the pitcher close and very slow, doing his best to keep the water from sliding down Ed’s forehead. His arm was unwavering, showing both skill, finesse and newly acquired muscle tone that Ed had most certainly been observing.
Once his hair was thoroughly wetted, Stede began to comb through the locks again. Ed listened to the soft drip drip drip of the water falling from his hair to the bowl balanced in Stede’s lap. It was strangely soothing, though you’d think he’d have heard enough water noises to last a lifetime. Maybe it was the care Stede was taking, the warmth of his hands, or the fact that Ed had never had his hair washed by someone else before. He kept his eyes closed, just focusing in on the moment, literally not caring that he had his throat bared up to the ceiling. He’d never imagined being able to be so vulnerable before… not until some fancy lunatic with a fancy ship caught his interest.
After a moment he smelled something floral. Stede had unscrewed the lid of one of the bottles and carefully spilled it over Ed’s crown.
“Rose scented hair oil… I hope it’s alright. I finished up the lavender myself, my apologies. However, they do compliment each other quite well.”
Matching hair oils? Ed’s face cracked into a wide, goofy smile, his eyes crinkling from the size of it. “You’re already spoiling me man, no need to apologize about bloody lavender oil.”
“Well, I just know how you enjoy the scent so I lament that I didn’t think to save some for you.”
“I’ll just have to keep you close so I can enjoy the smell,” Ed opened his eyes and leaned his head back to offer a flirty upside down wink.
Stede nearly sputtered but instead just smiled, though he was not able to stall the blush that crept over his face. Again, Ed felt struck by the sudden realization that he had never had anyone look at him the way Stede does. With adoration. Kindness. Love. The butterflies in his stomach were having a fucking brawl all of a sudden and he fought the urge to roll off the settee.
Luckily, Stede seemed oblivious to this. He leaned forward to gently kiss Ed’s lips, soft, sweet and chaste. However, the tenderness of it made Ed both want to simultaneously melt into the upholstery and climb Stede like a tree. Stede simply returned his hands to comb fingers through Ed’s hair, massaging the oil into his scalp. Ed rumbled out a groan, relaxing into the touch. Stede chuckled and slowly circled his fingers, rubbing his thumbs against Ed’s temple. Eager to please as always, Ed felt Stede’s hands following his noises, taking time to massage areas of soreness and taking his time to make sure each area of stress was addressed.
After what felt like ages, days of stress finally being pressed out of his body through his skull, Stede began to wring out Ed’s locks carefully. Drip drip drip. And again, the pitcher was brought up to his head. Water cascaded down the midsection of his hair as Stede carefully tended to the curls, making sure all the oil was washed away before moving onto the crown of Ed’s head. He was so meticulous and careful, pouring the water out so it didn’t splash too much, running his fingers through the curls, finding where they were weighed down with oil and cleansing it away. It was a dutiful process and Ed again felt the urge to drift asleep, but he had to fight it off. He didn’t want to miss a moment of this sensation.
“Sorry, darling… I need to refresh the water. Can you-”
Ed raised his hands up in answer to cradle the back of his head, grunting contently. Stede snorted and rapped his fingers over the bowl smartly.
“Very well then. I was just going to say sit up, but if you wish to look as cool and handsome as possible, who am I to deny you?” he stood carefully and disappeared back into the bedroom.
He thinks I’m cool and handsome? Ed could have fallen off the couch but he steeled himself to stay perfectly still, his neck muscles tensed up and he activated his core to not wobble.
Stede returned and Ed heard the faintest, ‘Hmfpph,’ of amusement before finally feeling the latter’s strong hand going to support his head once more. He poured more water over his hair, combed through gently, and repeated. He continued the work until the pitcher was empty and all the oil was washed away. A soft towel suddenly enveloped the back of Ed’s head, and a gentle hand was at the base of his neck.
“Sit up, love…” Stede said softly.
Ed did so and felt Stede cross behind him so that he could bundle his hair up in the towel, massaging it slowly. Ed released another content groan and allowed his shoulders to sink as Stede worked. He felt so light and calm, so that was fucking new. Even though he hadn’t had a proper bath yet, he felt so refreshed. Stede passed the bundle of towel back and forth between his hands, tossling it dry with a steady and gentle hand.
After a bit he let it drop down from the towel, laying damply against Ed’s shoulders and upper back. He began to slowly comb his fingers through once more, and Ed nearly fucking purred. He swallowed and fought the urge to clench his fists. He didn’t need to puff up here, not around Stede. He was allowed to be soft. He was allowed to take a rest. These were the things he had to learn recently, and new lessons could sometimes be the hardest to learn. He sighed slowly, nearly missing the gentle tug to his hair that brought his head back. Again, two large hands carefully cradled his crown, and soft lips met his.
Ed made a low noise of contentment against Stede’s kiss and raised his hands to rest atop the blonde’s. Kissing Stede was like everything else with him: easy and instinctual. Ed sometimes wondered how on earth he managed to not kiss him when he was showing off the auxiliary closet. Or the moment Stede woke up after nearly being hung by the Spanish. Fuck, how he managed to not kiss him the day they first met in general. Ed often was amazed at how truly and deeply he had fallen for the Bajan.
Stede pulled away first, but very slowly, gently stroking his fingertips up Ed’s face as he withdrew. “You’ll get a headache holding your head like that, darling.”
“Come over here and hold me properly then,” Ed replied as smarmy as he could.
Stede chuckled and nodded, walking around the settee and going to sit down. However, Ed swung his legs up and onto the settee as he caught Stede’s wrist and pulled his co-captain atop him. Stede gasped but stilled once Ed had him astride his hips, supporting him gently with one hand on his thigh and the other cupping his cheek. “Hello…” He rumbled.
“Hello…” Stede parroted with a smile. “Feeling better?”
“Feel fuckin’ incredible, mate. Thanks to you,” he smirked as he shifted his hand up to slowly wind one of Stede’s golden curls around a finger. It was still cool to the touch, partially dry, and so damn soft
He made a thoughtful noise as he idly stroked the lock of hair between his index and middle finger. Stede smiled and leaned into that hand, kissing Ed’s palm sweetly. Ed’s heart fluttered and his stomach flipped. “C’mere you…”
He cupped Stede’s face and pulled him down gently to meet their lips. Stede smiled into the kiss, resting his arms on either side of Ed’s torso as he slowly lowered himself down, carefully blanketing himself atop Ed. Ed embraced Stede tightly, holding him close as he deepened the kiss. Stede hummed into the kiss and Ed could feel his heart rate pick up. He stroked a strong hand through Stede’s hair tenderly, cupping the back of his neck. Stede stroked a hand up Ed’s face, cupping his cheek with the palm of his hand.
Ed smiled back and turned his head so that he could caress that palm. Stede gave a soft chuckle and returned the favor, trailing smooches across Ed’s cheek. The settee creaked under them as Stede carefully slotted a leg between Ed’s. Ed canted his hips up slightly as he bent his knees upward in an attempt to wrap a leg around Stede-
“Fuuuuuck….” Ed hissed in pain. At very it just felt like a twinge of muscle strain that evolved into a sharp pain that shot from his knee down to his calf.
“Darling, are you alright?” Stede pushed up and off him swiftly with worry. “Your leg, are you cramping?”
“Mhmmm. Fuck…” Ed groaned. He felt his leg muscles spasming. The constriction around his knee made his mind go blank.
Before he could comprehend anything he felt Stede rush off of him with astonishing swiftness. He came back a moment later with a glass of brandy, a pillow and a cool cloth. “Take this, love…” he put the drink in Ed’s hand carefully. “Slow sips, now.”
Ed nodded, not having the energy to argue. He swallowed and inhaled deeply, trying to get his body to relax. He took a slow drink of brandy. Stede carefully draped the cool cloth over his forehead and smiled timidly at him. “It’s alright… It’s going to be alright. Now… Take a big breath for me… We should elevate that leg.”
Ed weakly nodded and took a shuddering deep inhale. Stede carefully lifted his leg up by the ankle, and pushed the pillow to rest under his knee so that his foot could rest on the arm rest of the settee. He smiled and began the work of removing Ed’s shoes. “Honestly forgot you were still wearing these, love…”
“You distracted me, mate… S’your fault,” he smirked playfully.
“Well, I take full responsibility for that. I shall take accountability by helping you relax, how does that sound?” Stede carefully set the two boots aside and straightened back up. “Shall I read something to you?”
Ed’s heart fluttered with fondness and he smiled warmly. “I’d like that… Though. I’m sorry this all broke the mood.”
“Pish posh, darling. Any time spent with you is a treasure, no matter what we are doing.”
Ed snorted. Add “pish posh” to the growing list of things only Stede fucking Bonnet says. “Whatcha gonna read me, Cap’n Bonnet?”
“I figured just some classic sonnets by good ol’ William Shakespeare will do… Not sure I have the energy to do intense story-telling voice tonight if I am honest,” Stede gave a guilty smile.
“Nah, mate… that’s good… Cheers to taking it easy,” he tipped his glass to stead who smiled and nodded.
“Are you comfortable, my love?”
“As a clam.”
“Are clams all that comfy?” Stede asked playfully as he settled himself in the armchair.
“I’ve never heard one complain before,” Ed shrugged.
“Touché,” Stede chuckled. “Ready?”
“Mhm…”
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May…”
Ed smiled and let his eyes drift closed, exhaling with a warm sigh. Stede’s voice warmed him just as well as the brandy did. He felt his muscles slowly relaxing, as if he was melting into the couch. Stede’s voice painted images in his mind, images of warmth, flowers and the most glorious spring. For the first time in what felt like ages, Edward Teach felt warm.