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Fun facts about the number 47. It is the atomic number for silver, the atomic weight for titanium, it's a prime number and it's also the number of candles squashed, some quite precariously, on top of Stede's birthday cake this year. Mary laughs in delight at the shocked expression on Stede's face as the waiter places the cake on the table in front of him. A chorus of happy birthday rings out through the crowded restaurant as Stede wonders how they managed to get so many candles onto the small sponge. He's also surprised the restaurant is going along with this. Surely, they're breaking some kind of health and safety law? All those lit flames, no matter how small, in such an enclosed space. He keeps expecting the sprinklers to go off at any second accompanied by the shrill screech of the fire alarm.
For some unfathomable reason, Lucius also keeps insisting that Stede makes a wish…
“Come on Stede, put some effort into it! Close your eyes for God's sake, everyone knows the wish won't stick if you don't.”
Stede stops mid blow, his cheeks all puffed out so he looks like a perplexed hamster storing food. By his rough calculation, there are at least 30 candles that he hasn't yet managed to extinguish. He breathes out before replying to his friend. “I'd rather keep them open if you don't mind Lucius. Strange concept, but I actually like having two eyebrows.”
Alma and Louis giggle at Stede from across the table. He smiles back, wiggles his eyebrows and gives them a wink.
“Don’t suppose you two fancy giving your old dad a hand? I'm not sure I can do this on my own.”
The children nod enthusiastically as they both lean forward in their chairs and start to blow out the remaining candles. It's definitely a lot easier with three people. The table erupts into cheers and a round of applause as Stede laughs and looks around at the faces of his loved ones.
“Did you make a wish?”
“Yes Lucius, I made a wish.”
47.. how can it be that Stede has been alive for 47 human years? How has so much time passed? It only seems five minutes since he was a child, begging the nanny not to leave him at school because the Badminton twins were there. Or having a panic attack on his eighteenth because he didn't want to be the type of man his father expected him to be. His 20s were a blur of anxiety and depression and he doesn't like to dwell on them too much. It always surprises him that he actually survived and reached 30, the number of times he had almost given up. Stede spent most of the next decade being squashed into molds other people made, and he didn't necessarily fit. He was too tired to resist, both physically and mentally. It was only when he became a father that he felt the spark of life start to ignite inside him once more. His 40s were something of a revelation and he was finally starting to live life on his terms. They were just going way too fast.
50 was now on the horizon and then 60.. 70… 80… if he was lucky. Every single candle on the cake was a reminder that Stede was getting old. Poppycock! You're only as old as you feel.. that's how the saying goes right? Admittedly, his knees now made a squelching noise when he walked up the stairs, but Stede was still young. He still had plenty of time left, he hadn't left things too late…
At least he doesn't think he's left it too late. So much has happened in the last couple of years, it can sometimes be hard for Stede to take stock. He's been so busy reacting to everything, the divorce and having to find somewhere to live, he hasn't really had the opportunity to think OK.. so what next? Maybe now is finally the time? Despite a rocky start, things have improved vastly between Stede and Mary since they separated. They have even managed to salvage a friendship out of the wreckage of their marriage when it didn't seem possible. This in turn helped the children to finally adjust to the new living arrangements and life has been easier since then.
Mary has even started dating again, a local artist named Doug. It's early days, but Mary seems happy. She's even told Stede he should get himself out there and start dipping his toes into the old dating pool. It's a good idea, but he still has a lot he needs to figure out. Notably, what pool he should be dipping into. One thing is for certain though, Stede is definitely not as straight as he once thought he was.
The prospect of starting over with someone new is both exciting and terrifying. Where does one even begin? His match with Mary had been engineered by both their families and neither of them had much of a say in matters. Stede had always thought he would marry for love, how heartbreaking it was to have that choice taken away from him. Now here he was with a second chance. It feels as if he's at the start of a winding path, there are no signs, no indication of where or who it might lead to. It could lead to nowhere and no-one of course, but he’s willing to take that chance. There is so much he has missed out on, so much he hasn't experienced yet. He wants to know what it feels like to be in love. He had grown to love Mary over the years, but it was more a fondness and not how he thought he would feel about his spouse. There was no desire, no passion. Their sex life had been functional, polite and most of the time.. awkward. It was also none existent once the children had been born. Maybe that's just what real life was like though, and Stede had read too many books, watched too many films. Maybe he needs to dampen down his expectations, so he isn't disappointed when his world isn't rocked by his next partner.
His next partner… who and where are they? Do they even exist? Stede sighs as he stands at the patio doors at the back of the house and looks up at the full moon. He's been home for half an hour and is already lonely after the buzz of the restaurant. The children were with Mary this weekend and the house was so quiet now. Deciding he needs some air, Stede unlocks the doors and steps out into the large garden. Its size and the fact it backed onto a field, had been the main selling points when Stede was looking for somewhere new to live. It meant the children had plenty of room to play and they were only really overlooked by the occasional cow or horse. Stede stops walking once he reaches the bottom of the garden and looks back up at the moon.
Is he being ungrateful by wanting more? He has a house, two lovely children, a job, friends who care for him and his health is relatively good. Shouldn't that be enough? Of course it's enough, he just thinks it would be nice to have someone to share his life with. It wouldn't be the end of the world if he doesn't meet anyone either. He's happy… mainly and contended with his lot. Moping around isn't going to do him any good. If he wants to meet someone, he needs to do something about it. Lucius was right, the perfect person isn't going to just show up at his door. Stede will send a text when he goes back inside telling Lucius to go ahead and set him up on the dating apps. He's ready to take action this day, and he doesn't mean just making wishes whilst blowing out candles on a cake. Well at least he thinks he's ready anyway. No, he is, Stede is definitely ready.
Turning 47 was going to be a fresh start for Stede Bonnet. Watch out world, he was on his way… possibly…no definitely… definitely maybe.. he'd park it for now and see how he felt in the morning…
“Happy Birthday to me I guess,” he mutters out loud, feeling quite despondent.
“Is it your birthday?”
Stede had thought he was alone so the voice suddenly coming out of nowhere makes him squeal in fright.
“Sorry mate, didn't mean to scare you.”
Still battling with his internal flight or fight instincts, Stede finally recognises the gruff voice as belonging to his next door neighbour.
“For goodness sake, Edward! Give a man a warning next time! I could have had a heart attack.”
“I said I was sorry, Stede. Plus, I didn't know you were there either. Not until I heard you speak, and then the words just kinda slipped out.”
Stede still can't tell where the rather sulky voice is coming from. He can only see part of the other garden in the dark, and it looks to be empty.
“OK.. well apology accepted,” he says as his neighbour stands up, finally coming into view over the waist high fence that separates the two properties. The sight of him makes Stede's heart skip a beat, but not with fright this time.
Edward Teach had moved into the house next door a few months ago. Stede had watched from behind the bedroom curtains as different pieces of furniture, some looked antique, were unloaded off the removal van and into the house attached to the side of Stede's. Overseeing it all, was a tall, graceful stranger, around Stede's age, with long salt and pepper hair and a trim beard. He was dressed casually in ripped blue jeans and a black t-shirt. Even from the window, Stede could see that the other man had quite a few tattoos on his arms and hands. He just couldn't quite make out what they were. Stepping out from his hiding place, Stede had leaned closer to the pane of glass to try and get a better look. And that’s when it had happened, Edward had stopped talking to one of the movers and had looked up at the window, straight at Stede. Time seemed to have stopped as their eyes locked, only restarting when Stede let out a small gasp as he quickly stepped back from the window. What had just happened?
The bolt of electricity that had passed between them on that very first day had left Stede feeling quite unnerved. He had only been able to exchange quick pleasantries with his new neighbour since then, before having to rush away. He would find himself feeling flustered if he felt those large brown eyes on him for too long, or if he was on the receiving end of that smile. He was still trying to figure out his own sexuality, never mind what Edward's was as well.
This had meant that he hadn't really gotten to know much about the man next door. He didn't know what Edward did for work but knew he kept strange hours and would often come home in the early hours of the morning. Stede wasn't a very good sleeper, especially during the summer months with the humidity at night, and had grown to recognise the sound of Edward's car engine through the open windows. He'd even found that he could only really settle once he had heard it…
“I'm sorry if I gave you a fright as well Edward or disturbed whatever it was you were doing down there. I obviously didn't know you were out here either.”
“It's OK, you didn't disturb me, I was just basking in the moon glow. My friends call me Ed, by the way.”
Stede remembers that during their first proper meeting, his neighbour had introduced himself as Edward. He also wants to ask if he and… Ed… are actually friends but doesn't want to come across as pedantic. Not when the other man was being so gracious. Instead, he asks: “What was it you said you were doing down there?”
“I was basking in the moon glow. Or trying too anyway. Guy at work, Buttons, swears by it every full moon. Said it makes him feel better. Thought I'd give it a go, see if it helps me to relax.”
“And did it work?”
“Fuck no. Buttons does it naked though so maybe that's why.”
The thought of Ed naked makes Stede's cheeks start to feel rather warm. He really hopes his blush isn't too visible beneath the moonlight.
He needn't have worried as Ed is looking up at the sky, rather than at Stede. “It's amazing though isn't it,” he says thoughtfully. “The moon, the stars.. space. Makes you feel as if we're insignificant. We're as small as ants when you think about it. Scrabbling around, fucking things up, worrying about shit that doesn't really matter.”
Stede blinks in surprise, he often thought the same when he looked up at the night sky.
“It puts things into perspective somewhat, doesn't it?”
Ed looks back at him and if Stede trembles, it's because of a sudden breeze, and not the feel of their eyes meeting or the soft way Ed smiles at him. “Did you have a good birthday?”
“I did thank you, yes. I spent some time with my children after school, and then we went out for a meal with friends.”
“Where did you go?”
“To the Beachcomber, not sure if you know it?”
Ed shakes his head. “Nah, haven't been there yet.”
“You should definitely go if you get the chance. I really wanted to go to that new place, Blackbeard's Bar and Grill, but it's always fully booked.”
“You should have spoken to me; I would have got you in as long as you promised not to be a dick or leave a bad review.”
“That's very kind Ed, but unless you're the owner or have a way in with them, I think you have to sell your soul to get a table or something.”
“I am the owner.”
Ed says it so quickly that Stede's not entirely sure he heard him correctly at first. He stands looking puzzled as Ed goes back to studying the moon. The glance he eventually gives Stede is all the confirmation he needs.
Stede can feel his jaw literally drop. “You're Blackbeard?”
Ed huffs out his cheeks and gives a little chuckle. “I hadn't thought about it that way, but I guess I am yeah. I'm Blackbeard.”
“Well, if that's the case, I definitely won't be leaving any bad reviews… you know where I live.”
Throwing back his head, Ed laughs and the sound is like music to Stede's ears. He breaks out into a grin that he can hear reflected in his own voice.
“I have actually looked at your reviews and they're all glowing. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Quite the opposite in fact.”
“Maybe. We did get a weird one today though. They said the meal was nice, but then they started complaining that there wasn't a gift shop… in a restaurant. It isn't a fucking theme park!”
It's Stede's turn to laugh. “Hang on Ed, they might be onto something. I know a guy who would love to buy souvenirs after his meal. Bet you can't guess who he is?”
“Haven't a clue mate.”
Managing to keep a straight face, Stede prods his chest with a thumb. “Me.”
“You're definitely getting a table then!”
This time they laugh in unison, and it just feels so good, so right. Stede wishes he hadn't kept his distance and had spoken properly to Ed sooner. Not having realised he was missing out on something like this.
“Thank you, Ed, I was starting to feel a little melancholy there, and you've cheered me up no end.”
“Anytime mate, can't have you down in the dumps on your birthday.”
“Actually.. I think I was feeling down because it is my birthday.”
Ed raises an eyebrow and looks at him quizzingly. “And whys that?”
“I guess I was taking stock and starting to feel as if I've left things too late. It was ungrateful of me really and a little silly,” Stede looks down embarrassed and kicks at a ball the children had been playing with earlier. He can't quite believe he's saying all of this to Ed. He's finding it so easy to talk to him though.
“That isn't silly at all,” Stede looks back up, and Ed's eyes are as gentle as his voice.
“The wish I made when I blew out the candles on my cake was really silly... I mean, who wishes to meet their true love at 47?”
“Well, I'm 45 and I'm still wishing for that too. You're not old Stede, and who knows, we spend so much time scrabbling around… what we're looking for could be right under our noses.. we just haven't realised it's been there all along. Right in front of us.”
Time stops like it did on the day Ed moved in next door. They stand looking at each other in an awed silence until the earth moves or Stede's knees start to wobble. He's not entirely sure, but it’s one of the two... why does this keep happening? They both look away at the same time, but in different directions, laughing shyly when their eyes meet again.
Electricity sparks in the air between them. It's as if they're being drawn together by an invisible force. Ed leans forward and rests his hands on the fence panel. Stede takes a couple of steps towards him before losing his nerve completely. “I guess I'd best leave you to your moon basking,” he stammers, making Ed also step back.
“Right… yeah… moon basking..”
Stede turns to go, still not sure what is going on when Ed's voice stops him.
“Are you doing anything tomorrow?”
It's the first time Stede has seen him looking nervous. “I'm not doing anything, no. I'm as free as a bird all weekend in fact.”
Ed lets out a relieved laugh; his smile starts to stir butterflies in Stede's stomach: “Great. Do you fancy grabbing a coffee or lunch or something? We could even do both, make a day of it. My treat as a late birthday present. Fuck, I'll even cook you dinner if it means I get a decent review.”
“I'd love that, thank you Ed.”
“You're welcome. Will pick you up in the morning then. Should we say 10?”
“10 will be ideal. I look forward to it.”
“Me too. I'd best let you go in and get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy one.”
“Of course.. yes.. goodnight Ed.”
“Night.”
Stede pauses once he reaches the halfway point of the garden and turns around. He can still see Ed, standing near the fence watching after him, his long hair shimmering in the moonlight. Stede slowly raises a hand and tentatively waves. He feels a bubble of hope rising inside him when Ed waves back. Stede takes a moment to compose himself before he continues walking to the house. He's starting to think he might not need Lucius to help set him up on those dating apps after all..
Six months later
Stede is sitting up in bed. His attention caught between the book in front of him and the clock on the nightstand. Ed's due home from work soon. He smiles a few moments later when he hears the familiar sound of a car engine pulling up on the drive outside.
It's late, and he can tell that Ed is trying to be as quiet as possible as he turns the key, and lets himself into the house. He tracks the sounds of Ed's progress as he goes through the lounge and into the kitchen. He can hear the click of the fridge door opening and closing as Ed gets a drink. They split their time between the two houses at the moment until Ed's is sold. Tonight, they're at what was Stede's house, but is now where they will build their first home together.
Putting a bookmark between the pages so not to lose his place, Stede closes the book and listens to Ed climb the stairs. He's taking them two at a time by the sounds of it. Still trying his best to be quiet and not disturb Stede. He stops in surprise once he reaches the doorway to their bedroom.
"You're still awake.”
Stede takes off his glasses and puts them down with the book on the nightstand. He pinches the bridge of his nose with a thumb and finger, stifling a yawn.
"Barely. How did tonight go? Was Izzy full of his usual festive cheer?”
"Don't ask," Ed huffs as he drops dramatically onto the armchair at the foot of the bed. "Same day, different shit. At least I'm home now.”
"Almost," Stede says softly as he reaches a hand out to Ed. "Come here."
Ed smiles as he stands and moves towards the bed, he takes hold of Stede's hand and lies down beside him. Sighing happily as Stede pulls him in close.
They kiss before Ed rests his head on Stede's chest.
"I've been looking forward to this all day," Ed murmurs, closing his eyes. Stede can feel his body start to relax in his arms.
"Me too my darling, me too.”
It's the truth, Stede looks forward to every single second he spends with his love. The person he now gets to share his life with, the good times and the bad. The one who rocks his world as well as his bed. He just hopes they remember to keep the noise down when they eventually get new neighbours. They might not be as amenable to it as his current neighbour. He really doesn't seem to mind at all .. encourages it even..
It still amazes Stede that when he made a wish on his 47th birthday, he had no real idea that it would lead to all of this… to his one true love.
“Still awake, mate? You've gone quiet.”
Stede strokes Ed's hair, kissing him gently on the top of his head. “I’m still awake, yep, I was just thinking about us, about how happy you make me.”
Ed sits up so that he can look at Stede properly. Even after six months, his smile still causes butterflies.
“You make me happy too.”
As their kisses become more heated, Stede is relieved, not for the first time, that passion isn't just something he gets to read about in books. It's something he experiences on a regular basis now too.
He also congratulates himself again on the wish he made on his birthday. Because sometimes.. when you least expect it.. wishes really do come true.