Work Text:
The older man raises an eyebrow as he stares at his younger mate. He watches as Edward peels off his hat, his gloves, his boots, and both pairs of his thick, fuzzy socks before he starts pulling off his jacket. The younger man is shivering horribly before he even starts on the sweater underneath. Steapa rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Honey, you don’t have to do this.”
Edward glares up at the larger man and huffs out. “You don’t think I can!” He snaps.
Steapa holds up his hands and takes a step back. “I didn’t say that.”
Edward narrows his eyes as he pulls off his sweater and starts tugging his under shirt off. He stands shirtless for a moment and his eyes widen as a gust of icy wind hits him. He sucks in a sharp breath and wraps his arms around himself. “Fuck… it’s cold!” He mumbles, his teeth chattering a little.
Steapa nods as he starts shedding his layers. He doesn’t stop until he gets down to his swim trunks and he suppresses a shiver as he drops everything in the pile. Then he stretches his arms over his head and turns to glance over his shoulder. “That’s the point, sweetheart. But you can get dressed and wait for me. It’s okay.”
Edward huffs out and shakes his head. He quickly pulls off his pants and kicks them out of his way. “I can do it!” He hisses as he stomps closer to Steapa, in just his trunks as well. He stares up at the older man stubbornly. “Come on!” He says, turning towards the ocean.
Steapa steps closer and holds out his hand. Edward still glares at him but he takes Steapa’s hand and the two join the line of others gathered to step into the freezing waves. They stop at the edge and Steapa can feel the shiver in the younger man beside him. But he bites his tongue against telling Edward he doesn’t have to again. He doesn’t want to anger him and instead, just grips his hand tighter and tugs on him. “Deep breath. It’s a quick dip and then we can dry off.”
Edward sucks in a sharp breath and nods his head. “Okay.” He said as they run, hand in hand, towards the freezing water. Edward got as far as his ankles before he squealed and pulled out of Steapa’s grip. He shakes his head and darts back to the edge of the waves. “Nope. Can’t. Too cold!”
Steapa smirks as he continues. He wades out into the water and keeps going until it’s up to his shoulders. It’s cold but invigorating and he dips down, dunking his head in the water. But he can sense Edward’s distress and worry and he pops back up. He shakes his head and runs his hands over his face, wiping off as much of the water as he can. Then he turns and quickly makes his way back to Edward. The young man squeals again, grabs his hand, and tugs him back towards their clothes and towels. Steapa chuckles as he grabs a towel and wraps it around Edward’s shoulders. “I’m proud of you.” He says, leaning down to press a quick kiss to the younger man’s lips and Edward just blushes.