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Edward Teach used to wake up to hangovers, questionable choices and the abrasive snarl of traffic outside of his downtown apartment.
Now he wakes up music. Not a radio or birdsong, something better. Sweeter. Because he wakes up to Stede Bonnet singing while getting out of the shower.
It doesn't matter that they've been together for twenty-eight years, it still makes Ed smile as he burrows his head into his pillow. Stede always tries to be quiet when he wakes up before dawn, but it never lasts past his shower. Once the maniac fully wakes up the songs begin.
"You're like a fuckin' robin," Ed had teased a few times. "The moment you're awake you're chirping away."
"Well, you can't blame me for wanting to start the day properly, Edward," Stede had huffed before swooping in to kiss his cheek. "I promise only to sing the songs you like, though."
Jokes on him, Ed loves every fucking song because Stede's the one singing them. This morning it's musicals since he's chirping out Defying Gravity in that sweet voice of his. Shameless, happy, perfect. Ed listens drowsily, bunching up his pillow, knowing he won't fall back to sleep.
Instead, Ed just luxuriates in another sun-drenched morning with the love of his life. It doesn't matter he's had nearly three decades of them, he can always do with just one more morning started just like this. Stede singing, the sun rising, a whole day spread out in front of them together.
Ed keeps his body relaxed when he hears the bathroom door open and Stede's lusty singing turns into soft humming. He hides a smile into his pillow as he hears his partner padding across the bedroom. Goes limp, plays like he's asleep.
It doesn't fool Stede.
Never does, and that's part of the fun.
"I can see you're awake, Edward," Stede says fondly before sitting on Ed's side of the bed.
"M'not, m'still asleep," he lies hopefully and can almost HEAR Stede roll his eyes.
"Then I'd better wake you up, sleeping beauty," Stede whispers and leans over him, one hand smoothing down the blankets.
He smells like citrus bodywash and the lavender conditioner as he leans over Ed's sprawled body. Ed loves him like this, just in a towel, all damp from the shower and nuzzling down to find Ed's lips with a soft kiss. Ed lets out a happy little hum, tipping his chin up eagerly to meet Stede.
Ed makes a show of fluttering open his eyes which makes Stede laugh into their kiss, pulling back with his damp hair falling in his eyes. His cheeks are still flushed from the shower, freckles everywhere the eye can see. Ed's kissed all of them over the years.
"Hey," he rasps sleepily, propping up on one elbow in time to steal a softer, longer kiss.
How fucking lucky is Ed? What whimsical god had looked down and decided Edward Teach got this beautiful man to kiss him awake? Who needs a sunrise when there's Stede's sweet smile?
"Hello, darling," Stede whispers and gives his cheek a gentle stroke. "C'mon, time to get ready for the day."
"Could just have a lie in," Ed coaxes, rolling over and scratching his belly lazily.
"Not today," Stede breathes, his eyes brilliant with hope and excitement.
Oh? Oh! TODAY.
Ed sneaks another kiss as he sits up with a stretch, tamping down the all too familiar feeling of resignation mixed with cautious hope that's built over the last few weeks. Yeah, he's been watching and following along with the Obergefell case. Hell, the whole damn country has, haven't they?
But no one's watched it like Stede has. It feels dangerous to hope. Before Stede, Ed hadn’t much experience with hope that led to anything but disappointment. After Stede, well, Ed’s willing to believe that good things CAN happen, but he’s always done his best to take them with a grain of salt.
He watches Stede sweep across the room to the massive closet with a tightness in his chest. It’s familiar and fragile, filled with so much love it aches.
See, the thing about Stede is that he's stubborn. Ed loves that. Has fucking benefited from that stubbornness more times than he can count.
Ed pointed out for years they could go to another state to get married, but Stede's sense of justice and his own stubborn streak meant the suggestion was shot down. Not out of nerves, not out of lack of love.
"I want us married HERE, I want to be recognized, not have to elope," he'd said firmly.
Ed could get that. Believed it, but it made it hard sometimes, especially as the years marching on. He’d seen the world changing, but sometimes it felt like it was changing too slowly for two old men to live to see it really happen.
And they had tried to hurry that change along, really they did.
Stede had left his law firm to begin and work the Lighthouse Coalition with Ed. They'd marched in every fucking parade, signed and spearheaded attempts to get bills on the docket. They'd held signs, they'd fought so fucking hard for their state to recognize their love. It had never happened.
They’ve covered their legal bases. Forms and wills and power of attorneys that cobble together some of the same rights marriage gives. Not another state, not another country. HERE. He wants it here. It feels unfair, has for years, fueling Stede's stubbornness.
And Ed's, if he's being honest.
Every Valentine's day they go to the courthouse and ask for a marriage certificate. Each time they're denied. It's a statement. A reminder that they still exist. That they aren't going anywhere. But each time, Ed's heart broke a tiny bit more on the rocks.
Now, it might just happen.
Not because of a petition. No. Because their own fucking state had refused to put a man’s name on his husband’s death certificate. But it was moving forward, it was possible. Love was fighting a battle. And, fuck, he hoped it won.
"Could be Monday, love," Ed cautions.
"Then we'll get ready Monday as well," Stede announces while Ed gets out of bed with far too many grunts. Fuck, why were mornings so rough? "Will you wear your purple suit?"
"Anythin' for you, sweetheart," Ed promises easily. As if he hadn't already pulled it out to make sure it was ready.
Getting up and moving takes a lot more time than it used to, but neither one of them are young anymore. There are new aches and pains that only come with time. The black in his hair is little more than a memory, after all, and Stede's gold has long since been lost to time.
Stede is still a boxy fucking fridge of a man, but he's softer with less muscles. Which, yeah, Ed loves seeing those changes. The soft edges that he can pillow his head on and trace every smile line on the corners of Stede's cheeks. He's learned that love ages like wine, deepening the flavor.
"Stop ogling, darling, and get ready," Stede chides as Ed spends a perfectly normal amount of time watching him take the towel off.
"S'fuckin' rude of you gettin' dressed," Ed grumbles playfully, but doesn't push for a distraction. He can see Stede vibrating with excitement.
Ed doesn't give voice to his own doubts. He's been here before. People have repeatedly tried to get marriage legalized, they've come close and it never fucking happens. Each time he's seen Stede's heartbreak and frustration.
Each time he's seen Stede rally with a soft, "Next time."
This time it’s the Supreme Fucking Court. It feels momentous. Like this is the big do or die moment. If it’s struck down, is that it? He hopes not. He doesn’t want to see the heartbreak on Stede’s lovely face. But Ed’s a realist.
Always has been.
Ed takes his time showering with unhurried care. He washes and conditions his hair, oils his beard with the fancy stuff Stede had gotten him. He even trims it back a little to clean a beard that's nearly as long as when they'd first met. He moisturizes and uses the cologne he knows Stede loves best.
By the time he's clean, dry and ready to get dressed he goes into the bedroom to find Stede already getting himself done up. And, fuck, it makes his heart ache with so much love he has to take a second to just drink it in. Doesn't matter it's been over a quarter of a century, his love still feels new.
The salmon colored suit’s been tailored to Stede's frame, accentuating shoulders that are still broad, though less strong than they had once had been. But, like always, Stede loves color and now he wears it proudly in the form of a rainbow vest normally only reserved for Pride.
Mary had made the first vest when Stede had gone to his first Pride, and every few years she makes another. Her little way of showing support and love, and now Stede wears it in the hopes of good luck. A symbol of faith. It makes Ed’s throat a little tight.
"S'good choice, sweetheart," Ed murmurs while Stede's hands smooth down the rainbow striped vest, fingering the little gold buttons featuring embossed unicorn heads.
"I think so too," Stede gives a nervous smile. "I know it's just the license, but it deserves--"
"Pagentry." Ed finishes fondly.
It's a morning filled with habits built up over years as they move around each other. Stede's eagerness is still like a golden retriever, complete with occasional shoulder shimmy wiggles. He chatters hopefully, eagerly, planning the best route from the Lighthouse to the court.
Ed remembers being younger, when he would have backed Stede against the wall to kiss him hot and heavy. It's funny how heat can settle into a golden soul deep warmth. Not that he doesn't haveideas, but he knows they have time.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow as Shakespeare says.
Because even though their passionate life is still alive and simmering, he's learned to treasure these moments. The little ones like moving around each other while getting ready. Or the gentle feeling of Stede tying the dark purple cravat around his throat to drape down his chest.
Ed tips his head up high as Stede gently arranges the silk, smoothing it down his chest with a smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes.
“You still wear fine things well, darling,” he whispers and leans up to press a kiss to Ed’s lips.
Ed thinks Stede will wear his wedding band well.
Stede finishes his outfit with a bowtie with stripes of pink and blue of the trans flag to match his vest. The one he’d gotten the da after their grandson had nervously come out to them. Just the sight of it brings back memories of a teenager trying to act embarrassed through tears. Of acceptance.
Ed leans in to steal a soft kiss. A sip of sunshine as he Stede sways in closer. He remembers their first kiss. All fizzling want and nervous fear. He can taste the ghost of it on his tongue when he draws back.
"I know you think this is silly," Stede whispers into the quiet. "Waiting..."
"Never," Ed answers honestly. "Just, sometimes it's a little hard-"
"To hope?" Stede ventures for him and reaches out to lace their fingers together.
Age spots and knobby knuckles, but they still slot together perfectly.
"Yeah." Ed admits softly.
"If it doesn't pass we'll go to another state."
"The fuck we will," Ed rumbles the soft denial. "We'll get married HERE, like we deserve and always said we would."
Stede still smiles as sweetly as the sunrise and his kiss gives Ed a ghost of all those early fizzy feelings that make him linger long enough for the kisses to make them late.
There's only one place to go to wait to see if the Supreme Court releases their ruling today and that's the Lighthouse. The community center that they'd created together from Stede's old law office and Ed's old bar. A bar that's now a coffee shop, inclusive and welcoming.
It's still familiar, even if it's been nearly ten years since they'd retired from running the day to day. The bones of the old bar are still present in the giant mirror behind the counter and the scarred floors that could tell a thousand stories.
And at 8:30am it’s packed.
It's been a safe queer space for over twenty years, so Ed supposes it makes sense, but it's still a little insane to have to squeeze into the main cafe off the community center.
Yeah, there's the normal morning crowd getting coffee, but most are watching the news. Waiting. Fixated.
Some of them are pensive, some are excited, some look resigned and scared to hope. It's the sense of community that Stede had once waxed eloquent about when he came up with the idea. A space for any age to be safe and seen, to find each other. Granted, Ed could have done with a bit more space.
"S'like half the fuckin' city," Ed mutters, nodding his head to a few people he recognizes.
"Isn't it just?" Stede beams proudly as he looks around. It's a little wistful and Ed wonders if he misses running the place. Though, towards the end the early mornings had taken its toll.
Stede hooks his arm firmly, taking his left side with a protective air that Ed huffs at. They'd had a brief spat over Ed's insistence he didn't need his cane, which meant he had to deal with Stede babying his knee from any possible aggravation.
"C'mon," Stede urges him with a nod to the bar.
The counter is crowded as well, but they only make it partway up before one of the baristas spots them and grins with recognition. He gives a wide smile before tipping his head back.
"Al! Your dads are here and they're adorable!"
"Fuck's sake," Ed grumbles. "I used to be hot, not adorable."
"You're still hot, darling, I promise," Stede soothes with a grin that crinkles his nose and rubs a hand down Ed’s arm lightly. “Don’t bother Alma, we’re just stopping in.”
"Yeah, we're uh--" He nods towards the TV and the barista's face softens. "Waiting."
"Yeah, we all are." Instant solidarity.
Alma pokes her head out looking harried and a bit anxious, but she still sweeps out with a grin and hug for both of them.
"Jamie is sick and I nearly had to tie them down to keep them at home," Alma grumbles about her partner softly. "Thankfully, helps on the way. I didn't know it'd be so busy!"
Well, no daughter of Ed’s is gonna be harried and running around his former bar short staffed if he can help it. He gives a glance around to gauge the size of the line and the way the two baristas are struggling to manage it. Amateurs. Really, best thing for it that Ed steps in for just a bit.
"Wouldn't know anything about a stubborn partner trying to work sick," Stede comments with a sigh, as Ed ducks behind the bar. "Edward!"
"Pops! You don't have--" Alma protests.
"Hey, s'my cafe, I can help out. You can keep your Dad out of trouble," Ed winks brightly and tosses on a teal apron.
Mixing fancy ass cocktails or slinging coffee, it's much the same to Ed as throws himself into the work rather than staring at the news. Stede rolls his eyes and ends up manning the register while Alma tries to protest, they both ignore her.
She knows it's a losing battle when she sees it.
For the span of an hour, it's like being back in the old days where Ed's mixing and pouring, chatting and laughing with people half his fucking age or more. Stede's chirping out orders, brightly greeting newcomers.
Sure, maybe they're a bit slower than they had been, but no one seems to care.
Memories seem to breathe through the walls around them. The evening he'd met Stede Bonnet hunched miserably on the stool in his bar wearing a jean jacket dripping with New Kids On The Block buttons. His ill advised attempt to bond with a gothy daughter he didn't really know or understand.
The same night that Ed had watched his business partner storm out for the last time. When he'd been left with a husk of a life he didn't want.
Two men drowning, struggling in lives they didn't want or understand.
Two men that just needed a fucking friend.
Ed hides a smile beneath his bushy beard while he works, careful of his outfit. The walls could tell the story. And DID tell it. Framed pictures hung all over the walls everywhere he looked. A journey that travelled from a night of two lonely souls finding solace in shared drinks to this morning.
Pictures of picnics and their crew of found family. Of Stede's first pride in his flamboyant outfits with Ed dripping in leather. Pictures of birthday parties in the new Lighthouse center, with Ed carrying Louis on his shoulders. Visible evidence of a fucking journey, meandering and beautiful.
Stede had saved him. Ed had saved Stede. Those early days when Stede had been just a friend, an ally to his friends. The long nights of talking, drinking and wishing for a different world.
The night it all changed. Stede had drunkenly kissed him, wild, reckless and tasting of oranges and brandy.
The next day when Stede had fucking disappeared, breaking Ed's heart. He still couldn't look at that month of silence without grief, but Stede had returned. Shown up with a bouquet of flowers in shaking hands and heart on his sleeve in the bar.
An apology. A confession. A sober kiss.
Stede had run, not away from Ed, but towards himself and the dawning realization about WHO he was. And what he'd found was the courage to whisper a soft secret into the shell of Ed's ear, words trembling and raw.
"I love you, Edward."
That confession was still here in the heart of their story.
Ed glances up and his eyes find Stede's as sure as a compass finding north. A silent exchange of memories in one look. Stede’s eyes crinkle up with a smile that makes Ed’s heart pound against his ribs as he returns it. Memories settle around them like a warm, drowsy cat. Love was found here.
"Okay, seriously, both of you stop! Help’s arrived!" Alma announces a little over an hour later. "Dad, will you PLEASE let someone else--oh my god, Lucius! Some help!?”
"Sorry, babe, I'm retired, they’re your problem now!" Lucius yells back as Stede gleefully ignores their daughter.
"Pop?" Alma turns pleading hazel eyes on Ed.
And fuck if Ed isn't a sucker for a pair of Bonnet eyes. Has been since the day he'd met her as her Dad's best friend and the weakness only increased the day he'd been introduced as more.
"I got it, Al," He huffs out and corners his partner neatly while Stede tries to sell the last of the muffins.
"C'mon, love, the morning help’s arrived," he nods his head to the rainbow colored hair of their oldest grandson. "Adrian! You wanna take over?"
"Got it, go on you two, Mom's gonna blow a gasket." Adrian grins wide and his smile reminds him so much of Stede, complete with dimples.
The morning is lovely after that. Jim wanders in with their polycule, Wee John and Frenchie end up cramming in at the counter. It feels a little like old times. Familiar faces, some new, some old.
And then there's Stede.
"Full cupboard," he whispers softly into Ed's ear.
Ed kisses his forehead and hides his smile at the familiar reference. A full cupboard sort of feeling. Like, when the weather turns dark and foul, howling and screeching, but you open up your cupboards and find all your favorite snacks and drinks. Full to the brim, and no reason to leave. Complete.
They drink coffee and chat, tucked away and enjoying what Alma had made of the place. Louis might have followed Stede's footsteps into law and being a judge, but Alma had grown up here. It was her first real job, she'd met Jamie working the counter, and she had made this place a home.
It’s in the midst of meandering conversations and shared jokes that silence fell with the dramatic sound of breaking news coming from the TV. Ed's heart sinks and lifts in equal measure as Stede's hand clutches at his own.
Time slows. Every breath feels tight until Ed's almost positive he's experiencing a cardiac arrest. Stede’s fingers hold on with bruising force.
"A historic day here at the Supreme Court, you can probably hear gay rights advocates cheering behind me as the Supreme Court has ruled that same sex couples have the fundamental right to marry..."
Time stops.
Ed's breath catches.
The world explodes.
The cheers are everywhere. Screams and yells that match any fucking sporting event in history as bodies are flung together. People are hugging, sobbing, jumping and it just--it fucking SPREADS. It's not just the cafe, because he hears horns honking in the streets.
"Ed--" Stede croaks beside him.
Someone slaps Ed's back, Alma is yelling from behind the bar and hugging Adrian. Stede is still gripping Ed's hand. He's still staring at a TV alive with celebration, people screaming and holding signs, cheeks wet with tears. Yells, so many fucking yells, a chant rising up.
LOVE WINS.
"Edward!"
Time restarts as Ed sucks in a breath, blinking rapidly as he swings his eyes away from the absolutely fucking INSANE headline "SAME SEX MARRIAGE LEGALIZED."
And his eyes find Stede's, tear-filled behind his glasses, lips parted and trembling.
"It... it happened," Ed rasps hoarsely.
Stede crashes into him. The big bang. The collide of the cosmos as the sounds of celebration fade away, leaving them in their own private world. Stede's kiss tastes of happy-salt tears, quick and fierce.
"I love you. I LOVE you!" Ed gasps out between kisses.
"I know, I know that," Stede whispers back raggedly.
For a while, it's just that, breathing the same air with Stede and the whole wide world as the celebration and cacophony surrounds them. It's all chaos, but it's such glorious fucking chaos, here in a place he'd seen everything change.
Because Ed remembers the 60s, the 70s, the 80s. He remembers standing like a snarling dog with a ball bat when some fuckers with a grudge against queers showed up to make trouble. He's patched people up, repaired broken windows and erased slurs in spray paint, been numb to disdain and hatred.
It feels insane that once upon a time he'd poured drinks for people who'd lost their jobs for being queer and now he's in the same space surrounded by so much fucking love it makes his chest ache. He wants to roll in it. A cat with catnip, drugging himself with laughter, smiles and tears.
It’s right there in god damn full color, a future that his younger self could have never dreamed of. Love fucking wins, and it wins with his hand grasping the hand of the love of his life while tears roll down his face.
"Lou just called," Alma says breathlessly, throwing herself into the booth to hug them, all wild affection like when she was young.
"Yes? And?" Stede's eyes go bright.
"They already have the forms printed, bride and groom are gone, just applicants," She grins fiercely. "They're all ready to go."
"So we can just...I mean, we just go down there now?" Ed rasps, clutching Alma like she was still a child.
"Yes, you absolute drama queens, get your asses down there now before I drag you!" Lucius yells from on top of a table, startling a laugh from Ed.
"Yeah, you can." Alma whispers gently.
"I have everything we need," Stede says softly, reaching his hand across the table for Ed's. "What do you think? Are you ready?"
"Been ready since the day I met you, sweetheart," Ed answers honestly and takes Stede's hand gently in his own.
Stede's smile softens before he lifts Ed's hand up slowly. He's every inch the gentleman as he presses his lips to Ed's knuckles. It's a chaste kiss, but it echoes the first time, their first real date. It echoes every time since.
And Ed still blushes, even after all these years.
The walk to the courthouse makes Ed feel buzzed and crackling. He keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. For a news alert to say they misreported or the Supreme Court to go "Our bad! We miscounted!"
It doesn't happen. There's no takebacks, just the shock of a crowded courthouse.
It's barely an hour and a half since the announcement and there's already a line forming and more arriving. It's chaos, but it's the same sort of chaos that Ed's seen at pride. Little rainbow flags and shirts, couples crowding in while harried people try to organize the growing chaos.
Stede is all smiles. That big fucking smile that shows off all his teeth and his dimple, looking around like he had at his very first Pride as an out gay man. Ed realizes he's grinning too, can't fucking wipe it off his face as they hear the sounds of people outside the court house.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Stede says softly. He's not looking at the architecture and neo-classic columns. His eyes are for the rest of the people in line.
"Yeah. Beautiful." Ed only has eyes for Stede. Best fucking line he's ever waited in.
More people show up, the crowd grows, the line moves on. Ed's knee grows stiff, and he ignores it. Stede notices and makes him sit down on the closest bench, fussing like always. The ache in his knee doesn't matter, Ed feels like he's vibrating. Feels the crowd outside, the people around them.
There are people as old as them in line. There are two women who might even be older. There are youngsters, barely mid-twenties. Every shade, every gender, every generation, united with one goal. Ed feels the largeness of it, but Stede is drunk on it.
Stede's full of smiles, chatting and peering around, pointing people out to Ed and making sure he notices the line. Someone's managed to bring little pride flags, someone else is handing out hastily made bouquets of flowers.
Stede gets one for Ed with a grin.
Every step forward, every new couple that comes out clutching a piece of paper with tears in their eyes, brings Ed closer to the reality of the moment. This is happening. It's HAPPENING.
It truly becomes reality when a girl gives them a clipboard with a form attached. And there it is...
No 'Bride and Groom' Just Applicant One and Applicant Two. Ed grins as he stares down at it before he realizes that Stede’s taken off his glasses. He pulls out his little handkerchief to clean the lenses, but fumbles. His hands are trembling.
“Sweetheart?” Ed murmurs worriedly as he sees the tears shimmering in hazel eyes.
“Sorry, I’m just… this is real.” Stede gasps as he tries to clean the glasses clumsily and Ed tenderly takes them from him. "It's right there Ed." He gestures at the clipboard and paper with a shaking hand.
Acts of service. Acts of love. Ed slowly, tenderly cleans the smudged lenses with the kerchief. He must have had his own doubts, hidden behind his brilliant smile and bravado. And now it's all here and real. Ed gently slips the glasses onto Stede's nose to make sure he doesn't miss a thing.
“This is happening, love,” Ed assures him softly and cups Stede’s cheek in his palm. “You. Me. Together.”
“Together.” Stede echoes and reaches up to hold Ed’s hand against his cheek. “Co-captains.”
“Co-captains.” Ed smiles as Stede turns to kiss his palm tenderly.
Nearly forty-five minutes later they find themselves at a little cubicle in front of a clerk, sitting in stiff backed chairs and forms filled out while Stede touches their paperwork like a worrystone.
Ed vibrates, half expects it all to stop, but it never comes.
They're here. They're together.
Ed thinks it should be harder maybe? He isn't sure why, just there should be MORE to it, but in the end it's easy. It feels surreal as documents are checked, he raises his right hand, signs where he's told. He jiggles his leg until Stede's hand gently rests on his knee with a reassuring squeeze.
It's easy. After years, fucking DECADES of waiting, it's almost laughably easy as the clerk stamps and taps on her computer.
And there it is. Ivory paper, a gold seal, their names and the date written boldly on the front.
A marriage license.
THEIR marriage license.
All that gorgeous fucking text and pomp that tells him that he has a husband. And then he pauses. Frowns.
Because there are blank spots on the form. Missing pieces. Stede's shaking the clerks hand before Ed glances up.
"S'not all filled out," he points out and Stede glances over.
"For the officiant, you’ll have sixty days to have the ceremony of your choice," She chirps as Stede stands up, but Ed freezes.
"What?"
"You’ll need a judge or someone ordained to officiate for your marriage.”
"But... wait, this isn't real?" Ed asks and his voice is small.
And, okay, maybe it's on him. He just sort of assumed once you grabbed your license that was it, you were married. Bam! Magic fucking government wand, then you get the big event. He feels unmoored and unsettled as Stede's hand drops to his shoulder to gently squeeze with understanding.
"It's the license, darling, we still need to have it officiated," Stede murmurs with such understanding that Ed flushes. "A ceremony."
"Oh, yeah, yeah, 'course," Ed mutters as he stands up, feeling his heart drop. They're not married. Of course not, they need a wedding, right? Ed's cool. It's fine.
Stede gets it immediately. Stede always gets it, gets past Ed's prickly exterior to the meat of the matter. Ed had just kinda assumed they'd be married TODAY. 28 years was enough waiting.
"Are they doing ceremonies today?" Stede asks the clerk softly.
"Mate, you don't gotta--" Ed protests.
"I'm afraid we're booked up until next month," The clerk gives a grimace. "I'd sign up quickly, though."
"No, no that's alright," Stede says softly with an uneasy frown as they're waved away.
"S'alright, sweetheart, we'll have a dream wedding, yeah?" He promises, drawing Stede to one side.
Because, yeah, once Ed's not in his own head having a tiny panicky unhappy moment, he sees the rightness of it. Stede deserves to have flowers and a red carpet and music and just, everything. He deserves to finally have the perfect wedding on a perfect fucking day.
And so does Ed. Oh that new voice, the voice Stede had given him. Soft and fragile, that Ed deserves to be happy too. It's the greatest gift he could have gotten from the love of his life. The knowledge that he's a good person, deserving of fine things.
And Stede is the finest of all.
They leave the little office, hand in hand, past a growing line of people and he can't stop smiling to himself. Stede looks a little pensive, but Ed lifts his hand to kiss his knuckles.
"We're getting married," he whispers like it's a secret and that wins him a smile.
"We are." Stede breathes.
They step back out into an all new day, the sun shining overhead and the sound of music blasting from the park across the street. It's like Pride all over again, reckless and wild, celebrating with one shared beating heart. Ed grins wide and slings his arm around his soon to be husband's waist.
"About damn time," Lucius' familiar drawl startles them both as he hooks an arm through Stede's.
"Lucius? What're you doing here? You're already married!" Stede sputters.
"Ugh, I know right? So pissed off I didn't wait," He rolls his eyes and nudges Stede's hip. "C'mon you two, we're all set."
"All set?" Ed blinks rapidly before another arm loops through his and he finds Mary holding his arm with a wink.
"Obviously, we've been prepping all week. Everyone's here finally," She grins and nods her head to the park across the courthouse.
The Lighthouse Pride banner peeks through the crowd.
More than just their banner, their crew. Their FAMILY. Jim and Olu. Archie and Zheng. Roach and... oh fucking hell, Izzy! Pete and Fang. Ivan lingering near the back. Wee John and Frenchie and... there was Alma, and Adrian. Erik, Lou's partner and their toddler Markie. And on and on.
All of them.
"What's... what's going on?" Stede rasps, and clutches Ed closer as Lucius and Mary lead them towards the park.
Everyone is dressed up, grinning like absolute fucking idiots. Even Alma is in a suit, arm draped over her daughter and tips her head back to nod behind her.
To the waiting altar.
The spill of red rose petals winds its way to a small elevated platform surrounded with wild sprays of flowers. Lilies and roses, hyacinths and brilliant colored flowers in a rainbow of colors.
And there, at the altar, is Louis grinning ear to ear in a suit.
Their officiant.
"Surprise, bitches," Lucius says with a suspiciously watery voice. "Happy wedding day."
"You.. I... th-this is for us?" Stede asks while Ed swallows a lump in his throat.
"Of course it is, Stede," Mary's fond exasperation. "You've waited long enough, time for Ed to make an honest man of you."
It shocks a laugh out of Ed, soft and delighted as they reach the park, the spill of flowers. Their friends. Their fucking family, just there and waiting. PLANNING this in the hopes that this would all happen.
A dream built on faith and love and hope, now a reality.
Ed draws in a shaking breath.
Mary and Lucius escort them all the way to the start of the rose petals before slipping away to join their waiting friends and family.
Ed only has eyes for Stede. An impossible man that blinks away tears and meets his eyes with all the love in the world.
Ed lifts his arm upwards, just like he's seen a thousand times in weddings he's seen on TV. Stede's arm slips through it with a gentle squeeze. Ed knows what to say. He'd said it once, decades ago, and now it echoes through the years into this impossible reality.
Full circle.
"What d'ya say, love?" Ed whispers softly and tips his head towards the altar. "Wanna do something weird?"
Stede's face alights and Ed sees the years lighten. There was the madman from the bar. His co-conspirator, defender, lover, partner. His future husband.
"Yes, yes I do."
Five hours after their love became legal, Edward Teach escorted Stede Bonnet down an aisle made of soft green grass and red rose petals while their found family surrounded them.
Love had won.
Love would always win.
Today. Tomorrow. Forever.