Title: I Put This Question To You Cause I Want You To Be With Me (Trust)
Pairing: Blackstede (Blackbeard|Edward Teach/Stede Bonnet)
Rating: tbd
Summary: Trust is a two way street, and both Edward and Stede find out it’s a little more difficult than they thought it might be.
Notes: This entire fic exists because I wanted Ed and Stede to have their version of that Willow & Tara moment of “Can we just… skip it? Can you just be kissing me now?” Stede’s outfit link in end notes as well https://i.imgur.com/zMcdxCQ.jpg
Jean Dubert was actually a surgeon that Blackbeard kidnapped/impressed/pressganged to work on board the Queen Anne’s Revenge, but the fact that he adopted piracy is my own spin on things.
(full scene in end notes)
Tara: Things fall apart, they fall apart so hard.
Willow: Tara?
Tara: You can't ever... put 'em back the way they were...
Willow: Are you okay?
Tara: I'm sorry, it's just... [sigh] you know it takes time. You can't just... have coffee and expect-
Willow: I know.
Tara: There's just so much to work through. Trust has to be built again, on both sides... You have to learn if... if we're even the same people we were, if you can fit in each other's lives. It's a long... important process, and... can we just skip it? Can... can you just be kissing me now?

It had taken months to regain what they’d lost. The easy intimacy was there, but awkward; the casual brushes, and of course, trust. Trust was the hardest, and they were still working on it; in fact, Stede suspected they’d be working on it for quite some time.

But Edward had made an important gesture two months ago; he’d exiled Izzy back to the Queen Anne’s Revenge and forbidden his return. Ivan had gone with Izzy, but Edward had kept Fang with him. It felt rather like ending a marriage, in Stede’s opinion, which he did realize was not of paramount importance.

Izzy’s absence was keenly felt, especially by Edward. He spoke very little about it; outwardly, he seemed almost indifferent. Away from the weight of the crew’s expectations, though, Stede stood helplessly by and watched Ed mourn.

Please, Ed, talk to me about it, let me help you was met with variations of I don’t need any help, thanks ,mate.

One evening, after Izzy had been gone for months, Stede carried in two dinner plates, two pairs of silverware wrapped in a napkin, and a bottle of wine tucked under his elbow. He had watched Edward brood most of the day, and had decided to do something about it. “Ed, I brought dinner.”

Edward looked up at the plate before him. “Uh, thanks, man, not hungry right now.”

Stede sat to the right of Ed’s space at the head of the table. “I don’t care. You haven’t eaten anything but hardtack biscuits for the last week. You need real food, Ed, and you’re going to eat it, every bite.” Calmly, he unrolled his utensils, draped the napkin over his lap, and started to pour the wine.

Ed snatched the bottle out of Stede’s hand and threw it against the bulkhead. The bottle exploded into a shower of glass and wine as Edward turned back. “I told you, I’m not fucking hungry!” he shouted.

After swallowing the bite he’d taken, Stede calmly laid his fork and knife beside his plate. He didn’t dare to show any outward fear at Ed’s anger; instead he patted his lips with the napkin quite deliberately, only looking up at Edward when his voice was steady. “And I told you, I don’t care.” He carefully regulated his tone. “There’s water if you don’t want wine, but we’re out of milk until Wee John gets a spare minute with the sheep. Or if you’d prefer, I can make tea.”

“I don’t want anything,” Ed answered petulantly. It had felt good to yell, but Stede’s quiet, unruffled attitude made him feel a little ashamed and a lot ridiculous. “Who do you think you are, Stede Bonnet, that you can tell me what I am going to do?” The words were meant to hurt.

And they did. “No one, really. Just a friend, just someone who gives a damn about you.” Stede was cutting his food into smaller and smaller pieces, but he wasn’t even trying to eat them any longer because a rock had lodged itself in his throat.

Edward’s next words slipped out before he could stop them, and wished he could take them back as soon as he heard them. “Pretty fucking convenient caring you have there, Stede. How long’s it going to last this time?”

Stede’s hands trembled as he dropped his silverware, the clattering landing the only sound in the room besides breathing. He reached for his wine glass before remembering it was empty, and put it back down again. “I deserve that,” he said, more to himself than for Edward’s ears. “And the only answer I have is, for as long as I live. I’m sorry, Ed. For everything.” He’d lost count of the apologies, both offered and received. A sad thought came to him, and he voiced it. “I suppose that after awhile, those words really do lose their meaning. They’re just two more words in the flood.”

Edward wanted to offer some kind of reassuring answer, but found only more rage. How dare Stede be acting so quietly wounded when Edward felt as if he’d been stabbed? How could Stede be so fucking calm while Edward himself was a boiling churning cauldron of fury ready to tip over? It only made him more furious as the malice washed over him. “How can you talk so much and say nothing of value?”

Even though Edward didn’t say the words aloud, Stede heard them as clearly as if he had. Izzy was right about you. “A lifetime of practice, I suppose.”

The deflection tipped Edward over, and he looked down at Stede’s practically untouched plate. “Better finish that before it gets cold.”

That struck Stede hard, and he recoiled as if he’d been slapped. It was no longer Edward’s voice, but his father’s, that echoed in his ears: Better eat that goose while it’s hot, boy, you won’t be getting anything else.

But I don’t want to eat Arthur!

Stupid little soft-hearted boy, I told you not to get attached.

Then it morphed into Edward’s voice, a gravelly volcano flowing from his father’s throat. The love of a pet makes a man weak. Izzy was right about you, mate.

Stede’s chair hit the floor as he jolted to his feet and away from the table. His eyes were unfocused, lost in the past as he groped blindly around the room, seeking escape.

At first, Stede’s silence sent a thrill of victory skittering along his spine, and he smiled at finally shutting the man up. But as it stretched on, as he watched Stede’s eyes lose focus, Edward realized something was wrong. That feeling of victory turned sour and cold in the back of his throat, and when Stede knocked his chair over, Ed got to his feet too. “Stede, man, take it easy,” he said, but knew instantly that he didn’t hear.

He knew this state; he had only had an episode like this once before, and he had ended up hiding in Stede’s bathtub under a robe. Fuck, he was furious still, but it turned quickly inward as he lashed himself for treating Stede so badly that it caused this. As he watched helplessly, Stede stumbled until he reached the figurine that opened the secret closet and it slammed shut with finality.

After a few minutes, Edward approached the closet. The counterweight swung the door open again, but he didn’t fully enter. “Stede?” And when there was no answer, he asked again. “Stede? You okay, man?”

“Splendid, thank you. Out in a moment.” A quiet cough, and while Stede’s voice was steady, it was not nearly so steady as it had been. “Could you ask Roach for another bottle of red, please?”

“Uh, no. Fuck that.” Edward entered after that. It was still full of Stede’s wardrobe, and Edward had shoved many of Stede’s other possessions haphazardly in the closet, out of sight and out of mind. He found Stede near the back of the small room, tucked into a corner created by hanging frock coats and several stacked crates. Behind the crates, Stede sat on the floor, knees raised to cradle his head. His collar was pulled open and his skin was pale as cream, save for two hectic red splotches on his cheeks. “Stede?”

“Edward?” He rested his chin on his upraised knee. “Sorry about that. Made an ass of myself.”

Favoring his knee a bit, Edward lowered himself to the floor across from Stede. “Nah, you didn’t,” he reassured.

“I did, but it’s kind of you to say.” Stede coughed again to clear his throat. “Seeing as how I disrupted dinner, I’ll go and see if I can’t get something fresh from the galley.”

Edward stuck his leg out, blocking Stede from leaving. “Forget dinner, I don’t care. What’s going on with you, Stede?”

“Ah, nothing. Just needed a minute to myself, is all.”

There was the anger again. “Fuck you, man, I don’t know why I bother.” Ed let his leg fall with a loud thud. “You talk a good game, fuck. I bought it. All that about talk it through as a crew bullshit, I thought, hey, here’s a guy I can talk to about, about whatever, you know? But it’s all a fucking lie--you’re just like Izzy, man, it’s like pulling teeth with you. When it’s your turn to talk, you either babble out bullshit or change the fuckin’ subject! You wanna talk about trust? You don’t trust me, Stede, how the fuck do I trust you?” Possibly that was more than Ed had said to Stede in the last week.

Stede remained seated in his corner even when Edward moved his legs. He didn’t open his mouth to speak the entire time, though it was difficult to swallow his disgusted scoff at being compared to Izzy Hands. I’ll have you know I’m nothing like that little psychopath danced on the tip of his tongue, but Ed’s anger washed it back down his throat. “You’re wrong, Ed. I do trust you, more than anyone I’ve ever met. Don’t really know when I realized it, but I do.”

“Fuckin’ talk to me then!” Ed deliberately lowered his voice, tucking his hair back behind his ear. “You already know the worst about me, man, and you weren’t afraid of me then. Why are you afraid now?”

Stede lifted his eyes and met Edward’s gaze forthrightly. “Because everything is different now. Who you are, who I am. What we’ve done, to others and to each other. I’m still looking for my footing, every moment.”

Ed met eye contact with eye contact. “And you think you’re the only one who’s fuckin’ lost?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then give over, all right? Just… let me help you. Even if it’s just, just listening.” As a conciliatory gesture, Ed moved his foot so that his boot bumped Stede’s ankle.

Stede brought his foot up and rested his ankle over Edward’s, so they were touching. “Would you be surprised to know I hated my father?” When Edward shook his head, Stede nodded. “Thought you might understand. My father enjoyed hunting, and he would sometimes raise the animals as well. Geese were his particular favorite, and we had laying mothers and goslings often when I was a child. One in particular laid an egg smaller than the rest. But it hatched along with the others, and we took a liking to each other. He’d eat for me when he wouldn’t eat for anyone else, so I took him on as my responsibility. Father said I wasn’t to get attached, but I named him Arthur, after King Arthur in my books.”

So far, Edward had not interrupted, but he could feel a change in the atmosphere, just like an oncoming storm. He levered himself around in silence until they were sitting shoulder to shoulder.

Stede leaned over immediately, fortifying himself with Edward’s strength. “My father sold most of Arthur’s flock for Christmas fattening, but he kept Arthur. Foolishly, I thought it was for me. The adult geese scared me, with their long necks and pecking beaks, but not Arthur. Days before Easter--”

“Ah, fuck,” Ed swore quietly, suddenly intuiting where this story was headed.

“Yes, quite,” Stede agreed. “My father had me bring Arthur to him, and before I could do anything, he’d brought the cleaver down and chopped Arthur’s head off. The blood was… was everywhere, Arthur’s head still on the block looking at me. It was right after that, while the servants were still plucking my goose, that my father told me I would never be anything but--and here I am quoting him--a soft-hearted, lily livered, little rich boy who didn’t deserve anything he’d gotten in his life.”

“Fuck fathers, right?” Ed said, thinking of his own father’s abuse.

“Doug will be a better father to the children than I could ever be,” he agreed. “Just like my father, I traumatized my own children. Of course, I didn’t serve their pet up for holiday dinner, I just abandoned them and their mother. But that all worked out for the best.”

Edward shook his head; he hadn’t meant to make any implications about Stede, but Stede had included himself. However… “Holiday dinner?”

“Mmm. Arthur was served as the main course at our Easter dinner, roasted to perfection by the cook and carved by my father. When I refused, he said to me, Better eat that goose before it gets cold, because you won’t be getting anything else. And then he laughed. I choked it down, of course, but I’ve never cared for goose since.”

“That’s fuckin’ twisted.” It didn’t take Edward long to piece the rest together; Stede was, like himself, already upset and vulnerable, and Edward’s words had been meant to wound. And they had done precisely that--and more. “Shit, Stede, I’m--”

“No,” Stede interrupted quickly. “You didn’t know--how could you? I’ve never told anyone that, not even Mary. So you’ve nothing to apologize for.”

Edward wasn’t sure he was comfortable with being let off the hook, but Stede was right--even though he’d meant to wound, he’d never meant this. “I was trying to piss you off, though.”

“Yeah, I know. And you were succeeding,” Stede admitted. “For a moment there, I nearly lost my temper. Instead, I lost my mind.” He cautiously rested a hand on Ed’s outstretched knee. “Can I ask you something?”

“Can I say no if I don’t like it?” Ed asked in return, unsure if they were able to be that honest with each other yet.

“Of course you can!”

Edward hid a smile at the offended note in Stede’s voice. “Then sure, ask.”

Stede’s fingers traced idly over Edward’s leather pants, creased at the knee. “Let’s not apologize anymore, all right? I’ve said it until they just feel like useless words in my mouth, and frankly, I don’t need to hear it from you. You are the one I failed, after all. What do you need to apologize for?”

“No,” Edward answered quickly. “Fuck, you’re doing it again, Stede! You’re trying to tell me what to do and bottle it up yourself! So no, I refuse. You can’t tell me what I can say or feel,” he added. “Besides, you might not be the only one who needs to hear it. Like you said before, there’s a lot of people on this ship who deserve to hear it from both of us.”

Stede looked crushed at first, but by the time Edward had finished, he was nodding thoughtfully. “Yes, of course you’re right.”

“I know.” He put his hand on top of Stede’s to still the restless stroking. “Let’s forget about dinner and get pissed in the crow’s nest, yeah?”

That won a small, but genuine smile. “Want to do something weird?”

Stede held his hand down, and Edward passed the wicker basket upwards and pulled himself up the ladder.

They were both ridiculously overdressed; Edward had borrowed one of Stede’s powdered wigs to go along with the royal purple ensemble and his own boots. Stede was equally absurd in a white wig, face powder, and wearing an extravagantly cut bright teal ensemble trimmed in gold braid and epaulets, matching silk trousers, stockings, heeled shoes that brought him up to Edward’s height, and a black “gentleman’s corset” to hold in the billowing lacy shirt.

Every eye on the ship followed them up the ladder, and by the time Stede was pouring the brandy, Edward was laughing. “Wipe that shit off your face, it’s too fuckin’ much!”

Stede passed the drink to Edward, but he was serious for the moment. “Edward…”

Ed paused mid-sip and looked over. “Yeah?”

Seeing Edward’s profile bathed in full moonlight was breathtaking, and Stede nearly forgot everything between them. “I want to tell you something, and it’s something you already know. But here, now… I want to tell you again. In every imperfect way I know how to, with every imperfect part of me there is… I love you.”

“I do know that, yeah.” Putting his drink down, Edward reached out and stroked Stede’s face, smearing the powder onto his fingertips.

This time it was Stede who leaned in, pressing his mouth against Edward’s. Many seconds passed with awkward angles, breathy grunts, crushed noses, bitten lips. Suddenly something shifted; Edward’s body fit against Stede’s like a glove and their mouths shifted every so slightly. Both seemed startled; the kiss broke almost instantly. Their foreheads rested against each other and Edward licked his lips, chasing the taste of Stede that still lingered.

“My turn for a favor,” Ed said, almost panting. “Can we just have this? Leave it all until tomorrow or whatever and just… can we have this, us, tonight?”

“Yeah,” Stede nodded, stretching just enough so that he spoke his words into Edward’s mouth. “Yeah, we can.” After whispering the words, he kissed Edward again.

Sunrise spilled brightly over the Revenge. At some point in the evening, the powdered wigs had been crumpled into pillows. Edward’s face was half-smeared with Stede’s ludicrous powder, and they were still facing one another, snuggled under Ed’s jacket. Stede’s corset had been discarded, and his shirt billowed in the cool sea breeze.

The squawking of seagulls woke Edward first. Stede was still asleep against his chest, and Edward thumped the back of his head against the mast.

“You’re going to hurt yourself doing that,” came muffled from somewhere in the vicinity of Ed’s shoulder.

“Hair took most of it.” Ed looked down to watch Stede wake up. “What’s left for breakfast?”

Yawning once, Stede rubbed his face against Edward’s shirt before sitting up to reach the basket. “Brandy’s gone, but there’s half a cheese left, a couple of apples, cold biscuit, and…” he flourished a jar for Edward to see.

“Marmalade,” he said with a smile.

“Mmhm.” Stede broke the biscuit in half, dipped out a thick layer of marmalade, and offered it to Ed, his other hand cupped beneath to catch drips.

Instead of taking it, Edward dipped his head to eat the biscuit half out of Stede’s hand. Once he’d finished, he took the other half, fixed it the same, and offered it to Stede. Stede devoured it the same way, taking the treat and allowing Edward to feed it to him.

The apples were consumed in silence. Ed peeled the fruit in long, coiling strips, quartering the apples and eating them off the tip of the knife. Alternating between eating one quarter himself and feeding one quarter to Stede, the first apple disappeared. Peeling the second, a small rivulet of juice trickled across Ed’s knuckles, and Stede leaned over to kiss them clean.

When the apples were gone, Edward stabbed the knife into the railing around the nest. “We ever going to get past this?”

After last night, Stede knew the answer to that. “Yes. We will.”

“Glad one of us knows,” Ed grumbled, but he caught Stede’s hand in his own. “I don’t really want you to be afraid of me. That’s the thing I first liked about you; you weren’t afraid of me even when I told you I was Blackbeard. Even when I’m angry with you--and I am--I don’t want you fearing me.”

“I’m afraid of losing you,” Stede answered frankly. “But I’m not afraid of you.” He took a deep breath. “And if that… state should ever happen again, it is not you I am afraid of. Only my past. You’d never hurt me, Ed. Not deliberately. You’re Blackbeard, for God’s sake, you’re supposed to be fearsome!”

“Let’s try this thing again, then,” Edward offered. “You offered to pretend one time; I’m offering it now. Let’s pretend this whole escape-to-China thing never happened.”

Stede rubbed his thumb along Edward’s cheekbone. “I should think Izzy’s toe might have something to say about that, as would Lucius, Jim, and Frenchie.”

“No, just for us. All the baggage, gone. It’d be just for you and me. Cause honestly, man, I can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep hating you and loving you at the same time, it’s driving me mad. And I know which one I want, okay?”

“All right. If you can forget it, I would love that very much.” Stede kept his hand on Ed’s face so that neither of them could turn away. “But if we forget to forget, that has to be all right, too.”

Edward did want to turn away at that, but he knew Stede had made a fair point. “Yes, deal.”

They had just leaned forward into each other when, “Hey, lovebirds, I hate to interrupt but could one of you co-captains actually come down and captain for a bit?” A pause. “Preferably Blackbeard?”

“What is it, Lucius?” Stede called down.

“Buttons saw a ship last night and he changed course, but. Well. Look for yourself.” A telescope came flying at Stede’s face and Edward caught it before it impacted.

“Where am I looking?” Ed shouted.

“Left side, just about the--”

“Fucking hell.”

“Found it, did you?” The query was absolutely dripping sarcasm.

Stede caught the spyglass as Edward tossed it in disgust. “What, is it the English?”

“Worse,” Ed replied, shimmying down the latter. “I’m going to kill that bastard.”

Hastily scanning the ship, Stede caught sight of the--”Is that--no, it couldn’t be.” Peering again, Stede focused on the two flags flying on the mainmast. One was a standard, ordinary white flag; the other, a black flag, with a dancing skeleton piercing a bleeding heart. “But--but that’s your flag!”

At Blackbeard’s instruction, the Revenge dropped anchor where they were. A green flag was raised, signaling Queen Anne to come alongside. In the hour it took to close the distance, both Edward and Stede had time to clean themselves up and dress normally.

As the other ship drew near, Stede realized the white flag had been replaced by a blue pennant. The crew caught the grapple lines thrown from Anne to pull them hull to hull.

Ivan was standing at the deck railing and shouted over to Blackbeard. “Need some help, Cap’n! Izzy’s been shot, he’s in a bad way. Won’t let any of us in, I think he’s dying!”

“Stubborn fucker!” Ed swore. “Tell him I’m coming over and he’s going to see the surgeon or I’m feeding him his dick!”

As soon as Stede heard “shot,” he turned to Lucius. “Hurry, look in that journal, remind me the name of that doctor friend of Doug’s.”

“Right.” Lucius started flipping pages. “Ah, uh, here. Harry. Harry Austin.”

“Right, Austin. How far out are we?”

“About…” Lucius shrugged. “Three days? I don’t know.”

“Well, go on! Hurry and find out,” Stede urged, and by the time Ed had finished shouting with Ivan, Stede was waiting. “There’s a doctor in Barbados, he’s a friend of Doug and Mary’s. Lucius is checking--”

“Two days if the wind is with us,” Ed answered distractedly. “I’m heading over to see what’s going on--ask if Roach is willing to come over.”

“I’m sure he will be, but I’ll check. Ed, do you want me to come with you?”

That was easy; yes, of course he did. He didn’t want Stede out of arm’s reach just now, but until he was certain Izzy wasn’t plotting something suicidally stupid… “Course I do. But the captain can’t just fuck off whenever he likes,” Edward pointed out. “Take the flags down; if anyone spots us, we’re just a leisure boat, all right?”

“Be careful, Ed.” Stede was worried, tried not to show it, and failed utterly.

“It’s just Iz, man. It’ll be okay.” Ed tried to sound confident, and succeeded.

Lucius reappeared in that moment with Roach in tow, carrying a crate. “Buttons said two and a half days, and we should keep the wind for at least another day.”

“Anne’s the quicker ship,” Ed said. “We’ll head out and you meet us there, soon as you can. I have to go--”

“Of course you have to go. He’s your friend. Go on. Doctor’s name is Harry Austin, he lives outside of town but he’s got an office in town.” Stede put a hand on Edward’s arm. “Walk lightly; they’re probably still looking for us.”

“I’ll be all right,” Ed reassured. Quickly he touched his forehead to Stede’s. “Don’t forget about me.” The slam of the gangplank being lowered told him it was time to leave. “Look after yourself.”

Stede’s hands came up and pulled Edward in close. “Right. Same goes for you, now. Look after yourself, and Izzy.” As much as he wanted more, Stede only gave Edward a quick kiss before stepping away and letting him go.

Edward and Roach quickly crossed the plank, and while Oluwande and Jim were pulling it back, Stede was already dishing out orders. “Mr. Buttons, follow that ship and don’t let her out of your sight. She’s faster than us, so keep a weather eye on her.” He watched the Swede lowering their colors and saw Edward’s flags being lowered on the Queen Anne’s Revenge. “John, go down the magazine and bring up gunpowder. Frenchie, check the fuses on the cannon and help John pack the charges. Pete, you and Fang will fetch up the cannon balls and Lucius, chain shot. I’ll pack the grapeshot. Olu, eyes on the telescope. Jim, crow’s nest. If any ship approaches, I want us to be ready to defend Queen Anne’s Revenge and if necessary, take the hit for them while they sail to Barbados.”

For once, no one on board argued as they hurried to follow orders. Nobody on the ship cared much for Izzy Hands, but they did care for Edward, and everyone understood the gravity of the situation.

The feeling of being back aboard his own ship was much different than being on Stede’s, but Edward didn’t take the time to enjoy it. As soon as his boots hit the deck, Edward was on the move. “Get those flags down and open every sail we’ve got. We have the wind and I want to make use of it,” he barked as he moved. “We’re heading back to Barbados, so follow the Revenge. We’re faster, so we’ll pass her, but make sure she doesn’t fall too far behind.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” agreed Ivan, and he started bellowing out his captain’s orders to the rest of the crew.

Izzy’s cabin was not far from Edward’s own, and he didn’t even bother knocking. He just kicked the door open and hissed softly. “Fuckin’ hell, Iz!”

Izzy’s cabin was mostly dark, save for a single window and several unlit lanterns. The window was closed, and the air was stale and heavy with the dueling scents of a full piss bucket and unwashed body. Edward threw the window open, and nudged the bucket with his boot. “Get that out of here,” he said to whomever had followed him.

At the waft of fresh, cool air, Izzy stirred on his bed. “I said--”

“I don’t care,” Edward cut off. “Ivan came and got me; Izzy, what the fuck?” Drawing close, he got his first good look at the man. His skin was pale, almost grey. One of his eyes was swollen shut, and there were cuts and bruises on his neck and arms.

Yanking the rough blanket all the way down, Edward growled softly. Open and still-oozing lash marks covered Izzy’s chest, and the hand usually covered by a black glove had five broken digits awkwardly splinted. The gunshot to his shoulder seemed to be the least of his problems, and to Edward’s shock, he realized Izzy was missing three toes instead of just the one. “Izzy, mate… what happened?”

“Fuck off, Edward,” Izzy croaked in response.

“Excuse me?” Wounded or not, Edward was not about to put up with Izzy’s bitch fit. His hand went around Izzy’s throat and squeezed carefully. “What did you say to me?”

Before Izzy could choke out an answer, Roach and the ship’s surgeon, Jean Dubert, joined them. Dubert carried a rather large medicine chest, while Roach still carried his crate. Unlike other kidnapped Navy surgeons, Dubert had wholeheartedly embraced the pirate life and was known simply as “Doc” aboard ship. “Captain.”

Edward had locked eyes with Izzy and did not look away. “Come in, Doc. You have a very cooperative and willing patient waiting to see you. Roach, this is Doctor Dubert. Doc, this is Roach, a fellow practitioner of the medical arts.”

“Quite charmed. Captain, if you’d please stop trying to kill the man I’m trying to save, I’d like to get to work,” Doc said dryly.

Edward stifled the snort. “Oh, right.” He released Izzy with a scowl but didn’t break eye contact with Izzy. “What happened, Izzy,” he demanded again.

The doctor took Blackbeard’s place by Izzy’s bedside and made a quick inventory of injuries. “Lashings--probably on the back, too. Beatings, broken digits, amputations done fairly cleanly… looks like--”

“Torture,” Roach broke in. “That’s an English crop. Whip would be narrower.”

“Quite right,” Doc agreed after examining one of the lashes. “The edges are clean, so the crop was obviously well-maintained. Good eye, Mr. Roach.”

“I know whips,” was all he said. “You’re going to need a lot of maggots for the lashes.”

“And the toes, too--they’re not badly gone yet, and they’ll help him keep the foot. I’m running low; I’ve got enough for one…”

“I’ve got enough for the other.” Roach pulled out a jar full of squirming larvae. “Didn’t know if you’d have any on hand--fancy doctors don’t like them sometimes. Take the jar, I have more on the ship.”

“Thank you kindly, Mr. Roach. I think we can get to work now…”

Edward stood mutely in the corner as Doc and Roach began tending to Izzy’s wounds. He was rather surprised that Roach seemed to be a capable doctor--he’d assumed it was more a joke than actual truth. But mostly he was piecing together what had happened with Izzy. Obviously the English had gotten their hands on Izzy and… what? Tried to beat information out of him? The only-- “Fuck!” he swore softly.

“What is it, Captain?” Doc paused in applying the maggots on Izzy’s chest.

Roach didn’t bother to stop. “He just figured out Izzy didn’t sell him out,” came the answer. “Guy’s an asshole, but being an asshole doesn’t get you beat like this. This was for information, and what information does he have?”

“Me,” Edward answered. “He knows where Blackbeard is. And he didn’t tell them. Excuse me.” He left Izzy to the care of the doctors, bellowing for Ivan as loudly as he could. He found Ivan personally manning the wheel and strode across the deck. “Someone had better tell me what’s going on before I start tying people to heavy objects,” he threatened.

“Griff, take the wheel, keep us on course,” Ivan ordered, then led his captain to the far railing. “We come up on this little sloop parked at this little island. Wasn’t showing any colors so we thought they might be rum runners. We was running short a crate or two, so Izzy figured we could trade somethin’ or maybe just pay for it. Me an’ him went to check it out and we saw they were redcoats. The three of ‘em chased Izzy, but he killed one man outright and stabbed the second one before the third one shot ‘im. The guy who shot Izzy recognized him and tried beatin’ your location out of him, but he never said nothin’. The second one died, and while the last one was gravediggin’, me an’ Griff snuck in and grabbed Izzy. Got him back on the ship and sunk the sloop before we left so we couldn’t be chased. Then we came huntin’ for you soon as we’d got back on board, and Izzy wouldn’t let nobody in to help him. Me an’ Griff got his fingers splinted up while he was out, but then he woke up and told us to fuck off.”

Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. "Next time, just knock the stubborn son of a bitch out with a rock." When Ivan didn't say anything, Ed looked over to find Ivan staring at him like he'd grown a second head. "What?"

"It's just… it's Izzy, Cap'n. The first mate. That's like mutiny."

"Ivan. You have actually participated in a mutiny against Izzy," Edward reminded, as if reminding a small child they'd been caught stealing cookies.

"Well, yeah, but not here," Ivan explained. "He didn't belong in charge on Cap'n Bonnet's ship, but this is his home. You can't disgrace a man like that in his own home."

This wasn't an argument Edward was even going to have, much less win. "Okay, just… next time, if there is one, you can do whatever you need to and when he wakes up, tell him Blackbeard ordered you to keep him safe and healthy. Which I am officially ordering you to do, by the way."

"Yes, sir, Cap'n." Ivan looked over at the wheel, then at the Revenge several knots behind. "Izzy going to be all right?"

Edward heaved a deep sigh. "Hope so." He, too, turned to look at the ship trailing them. He had gotten used to having Stede around, and somehow, the Queen Anne's Revenge didn't seem quite like home any more. "Tell me, Ivan. Do you like it better here, or on Stede's ship?"

Ivan studied the ship first then Edward before he answered. "Truth be told, I like Cap'n Bonnet's ship all right. But it ain't a proper pirate ship, and that's good, but it ain't for everybody. But you're the captain, so we go where you say go. And beggin' your pardon, but you seem happier on Bonnet's ship, so maybe that's where you need to be."

"You know, Stede's never been on my ship," Edward mused. "Maybe after all this with Izzy is setted, I can show him around. See what he thinks of my old girl."

Ivan kept he rest of his thoughts to himself. "When we get there, me an' Griff will go fetch the doctor."

"See if you can find Mary Bonnet. I think I'd like to meet her. But get the doctor first."

"Aye, sir."

Edward returned to Izzy's cabin after the doctor had left. Roach was packing up the last of his crate and squeezed past Edward in the doorway. "Doc gave him a little laudanum to help him rest. He's not sleeping yet, but soon. No more choking, no matter how much of a dick he's being."

After Edward nodded his acceptance of Roach's instructions, he was left alone with his first mate. "Refuse treatment again, and you'll be swallowing your balls instead of your toes, do you understand me?"

Izzy's voice was weak. "Fuck you, boss. You threw me off the ship; you don't get to give me orders any more. I don't work for Edward."

That rankled Edward terribly. Heavy thudding footfalls brought Edward to Izzy's bedside. "Don't test me, Iz. You won't like it."

"I already don't like it," Izzy countered. Bound ribs and maggots kept him from sitting up though he still lifted his head to glare at Edward. "The fuck are you doing here anyway? Thought you and Bonnet were still joined at the dick."

"Don't talk about him like that," Ed warned softly. He spoke very deliberately and quietly. "I will take you apart and let the doctor stitch together what's left."

"You didn't answer the question; what are you doing here?"

"Ivan found me and said you'd been shot and were refusing treatment. So I came as soon as I heard." Christ, it never used to be this hard with Izzy.

"Fucker, I told him not to do that." Izzy's head fell back onto the pillow. "I don't want your pity or your gratitude, so why don't you just shove off?"

"I don't pity you, and you make it really hard to be grateful." Edward sighed. "Why didn't you turn me over, save yourself the trouble?"

"I'm already regretting it," Izzy reassured. The medication was starting to work, and he yawned. "To be honest, if they'd asked for Bonnet I'd give you both over. But they only wanted Blackbeard, and you're not him any more. I don't know who you are, but you're not Blackbeard. I don't know where Blackbeard went and that's exactly what I told them."

That twisted loyalty. Edward was almost impressed, except for the dig at Stede. "I'm still here, Iz. There's room for Edward and Blackbeard."

"No, there isn't," Izzy countered. "Blackbeard doesn't prance about looking for buried fucking treasure. Blackbeard doesn't get scared by a bunch of flour sacks and ropes, and he doesn't sip tea out of fancy little cups! He knows how to be a man, not some poncy twat fucking around in borrowed clothes!"

Edward drew in a deep breath after Izzy's tirade. In his head, he could hear Stede's voice telling him to stay calm, not get riled up, but it really wasn't working. "I'm trying to keep you alive, you stupid fucker!"

"Go ahead and kill me, then, because I'd rather be dead that watch what you've become!" Izzy shouted in return, then cradled his ribs as pain shot through his chest.

There was nothing breakable in the cabin--except Izzy. Ed's knife was in his hand and he drove it into the wall beside Izzy's head. "That could be arranged," he breathed out, fingers flexing on the hilt.

"Fucking do it," Izzy begged, his eyes lighting up. These flashes of fury, these outbursts of threats, they were the only moments he saw his captain any longer.

Edward released his grip on he knife, leaving it plunged in the wall. "How'd we get here, Iz?" He got up from his place by the bed. "We're taking you to see a doctor in Barbados. After that…" he shrugged. "We're done, you and me. Don't make me have to put you down." Closing the door behind him, Edward retired to his own room, brooding over Izzy.

Stede stood at the wheel, relieving Buttons so he could eat and snatch some sleep. Queen Anne's Revenge had outpaced them as expected, and they were nearly half a day behind. Between Oluwande and Jim, they kept Edward's ship in sight and Stede made minor adjustments to keep the same course.

It felt odd, returning to the place he'd "died." He'd already written Mary a brief note explaining everything, and he'd entrusted Lucius with delivery. I know you dislike the ocean, Stede had written. But I would like for you to see my home and meet my new family. He dearly hoped Ed would return in time; he was especially eager to show him off.

Oluwande approached the wheel. "We're about a half day behind Blackbeard, and there's not another ship in sight. We might get out of this without a fight."

"Keep watching towards the island; those English bastards like to circle the waters if they're in the area," Stede warned. A brief pause, then, "Have you seen any flags go up on Ed's ship?"

"No, Captain, no flags."

"Damn. I hope that's good news; if anything was really wrong, they'd let us know, wouldn't they?"

Olu blinked. "You're not… you're not worried about Blackbeard, are you?"

"What? No," Stede scoffed. "Ed's quite fine and capable of taking care of himself. No, Izzy is who I'm concerned about."

"Izzy," Olu repeated incredulously. "No offence, but why do you give a damn about Izzy Hands? That man wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire!"

Stede made a disgusted face. "Eugh, I would hope not. That's disgusting, and altogether unsanitary. But we are better people than that. Izzy is Ed's friend, so he is worth my concern."

"He has actively tried to kill you!"

"Not like he was the only one," Stede pointed out sensibly. "Besides, where would we all be if I held a grudge. You all tried to mutiny on me, and now, we're all best of pals!"

There was so much wrong with that sentence that Olu didn't know what to address first. He settled for, "Captain, look. We all like you pretty well, yeah. But Izzy's not like that. He's just--"

"An asshole, yes. I am aware. But he is also important to Edward, so it behooves me to at least find a bit of compassion for the man. If it were Jim, for example, who was injured, wouldn't you expect your friends to feel compassion for them?"

"Actually, I'd expect my friends to be terrified of Jim. But that's not the point. The point is, you try and shake Izzy's hand, and he's going to stab you in the face." He resolutely refused to be distracted by Jim-adjacent thoughts. "You can respect him all you want, but he's never going to respect you."

"He doesn't have to," is all Stede answered.

The Revenge dropped anchor beside Queen Anne’s Revenge eight hours later. Dinghies were deployed almost instantly, with Pete rowing Lucius to the mainland while Stede rowed straight for Edward’s ship.

Edward was waiting at the railing, ready to give Stede a helping hand up the too-steep ladder. “Welcome to Queen Anne’s Revenge,” Ed said smoothly as he welcomed Stede onto his ship.

The very first thing Stede did, as soon as his boots hit the deck, was let go of Edward’s hand. It was difficult to do, but he was unsure exactly how Edward wanted to present himself and Stede on his own ship. “She’s beautiful, Ed.”

For his part, Ed did not give a solitary fuck. On this ship, he was God and could do as he pleased. And what pleased him at that moment was to chase Stede’s hand, hold it tightly, and use it to haul him forward. They crashed together in a hard, hungry kiss that precisely nobody bothered to notice.

Stede broke the kiss and rubbed his thumb over Edward’s lower lip. “I missed you, too.”

Edward smiled privately at Stede. “Fancy a tour?”

“Love one, but.” He put his hand on Ed’s chest to slow him down. “How is he?”

A black scowl immediately replaced the smile. “He’ll live, if he doesn’t piss me off again,” is all Edward would say.

Stede remained expectantly silent.

“Fucking hell, Stede, can’t I just be glad you’re here?” Ed demanded petulantly. “I’ve had it up to here with Izzy,” he added, motioning about six inches over his head. “I just want to be glad to see you!”

Stede quickly realized there was more going on. “I haven’t seen your cabin yet, have I? How about we fix that, then?’ Because he could wheedle Ed more successfully in private.

Edward knew exactly why Stede was suddenly so very interested in privacy, but he was also fairly certain that he could provide adequate distraction. “The doctor and Ivan went ashore to find that Austin fucker,” he explained as he led the way.

“I sent Lucius ashore as well, with a message for Mary.” He stepped a little closer to Ed, just because he could. “I’d like for you to meet her.”

Edward laughed, and let his arm drape around Stede’s waist. “I have a crewman of my very own out to invite her out because I wanted to meet her!” He opened the door and let Stede enter first. “This… is my home.”

The room was roughly the size of Stede’s, but without the library space. The walls displayed weapons and other booty, but most of it was cast in shadows and candle smoke. Despite the windows, darkness was prevalent. Stale pipe tobacco and the dusky scent of sweat, leather, and an undertone of copper filled Stede’s nose.

Obviously this was Blackbeard’s room, but he noticed touches of Ed everywhere. A swatch of red satin hung like a scarf from the neck of a bronze mermaid, the bed linens were of finest cotton, and splashes of bright colors dotted the room. Stede was utterly charmed. “It’s perfectly you, Ed. I think it’s absolutely lovely, and so much more practical than mine.”

Ed let out a breath he hadn’t meant to hold. He relaxed when Stede’s fingers trailed idly over some of the treasures on display. “Needs a little more light, I think.”

“And possibly something green. A cactus, perhaps, or jasmine. Bridgetown has a decent cultivation of crepe jasmine, and it’d be no trouble to root a cutting. But they can be a bit tricky to manage, they can grow quite tall--”

“Don’t care about plants right now.” Edward sat on the edge of the bed and tugged Stede’s arm until he was standing between Ed’s knees. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around Stede’s waist and hugged him tightly. His face was hidden in Stede’s belly, and he gave a huge sigh of relief.

Bringing both hands up, Stede took Edward’s hair out of its bun and started dragging his fingers through it. He paused at knots and snarls, carefully working and smoothing out the tangles until it was soft and smooth. “What’s on your mind, my darling?”

“...that’s the first time you’ve called me that.” Ed realized that a sweet shiver had rippled through him, leaving behind a soothing warmth. “Think I might like that.”

Stede was still stroking Ed’s hair. “I’m glad.” He didn’t say anything else, and didn’t repeat his question. It seemed enough to comfort Ed right now. “Here, stand up.”

Edward obliged, and Stede quickly slipped into the bed behind him. Putting his back against the headboard, Stede stretched out his legs and patted the empty space between. Looking awkward for a moment, Edward gave in and nestled between Stede’s outstretched limbs. Ed’s back rested against Stede’s chest, and both of Stede’s arms coiled tightly around Ed. “Better?”

“Much, yeah.” Ed stretched his leg and massaged his knee. “Wish you’d been here, man.”

“I’m sorry that I couldn’t be,” Stede answered softly, and rested his chin on Ed’s shoulder. “Everyone on the Revenge was concerned for you and Izzy,” he continued. “We even manned up the cannons in case we needed to fight so you could slip out and get Izzy the help he needed.”

Edward’s hands tightened on Stede’s legs. “Can we not talk about Izzy right now?”

“Of course.” Stede pressed a gentle kiss to the side of Edward’s ear. “Can I still have that tour of your ship later? I love what I’ve seen of her so far.”

“Course, I want to show her off. She’s my first ship, you know. Hornigold let me lead the raid, then gave me the ship to command as a reward.” He was proud of his ship, and rightly so. “Maybe not as fancy as yours.”

“But it’s perfect for you,” Stede countered. “It’s a balance of who you are; these are obviously Blackbeard’s treasures, but Ed’s hands are the ones who placed them with such care. Splashes of color, fine textures, beautiful things.”

“Think so?” Edward half-turned in Stede’s lap to observe his room with new eyes. He’d never really thought about it the way Stede had framed it, and the room suddenly didn’t feel quite as oppressive as before. “Yeah, guess it really is.” Closing his eyes, Edward leaned his head back against Stede’s shoulder.

“Would you like to hear a story?” Stede asked softly.

“Mmm. Nah. Just talk to me. Tell me everything about the last few days.” He really didn’t care; he just wanted to hear Stede’s voice and be close to him.

“Well, then. As soon as you left with Roach, I started orders. You’d have been proud, I think…” Stede spoke quietly, keeping his voice calm and cadenced. At first, Ed asked a few questions, but before long, he was sleeping soundly, cradled by Stede’s body. “Sleep well, my darling.”

“All right! Outside time, both of you! Jock is waiting in the stables for your riding lessons!” Jock--Jacques, really--was the old French horseman who had taught Mary to ride, and she had brought him on to teach her children. Knocking on the front door distracted her from chastising the kids. “Hurry on, now!” She’d been expecting Evelyn, and she was smiling when she opened the door. “Good… morning,” trailed off as she saw a completely unfamiliar face.

“Oh my God you are so out of his league!” The strange person at the door shook his head. “OH. Sorry. That was rude. Um. Hello!” he chirped. “I have a letter for you from beyond the grave,” he intoned, complete with spooky finger wiggles. A hand with a wooden finger held out the folded missive.

“Beyond the-” Mary snatched the letter as soon as she recognized Stede’s bold hand on the envelope. “That idiot--I can’t--get in here! Quick, before someone notices you!” She all but yanked the young man into the house. “What the hell is he even thinking?”

“I don’t really think he does, actually. Not really impulsive, but once he’s got an idea--”

“I know!” Mary interrupted. “Full bloody steam ahead!” A deep, cleansing breath. “God, I’m sorry, I don’t even know who you are.”

“Lucius Spriggs, Stede’s personal chronicler and assistant.” He stood with one hip cocked and offered his hand.

“You’re a pirate?” she demanded. “Of course you are. Come on, sit down, let me read this.” But then she looked at Lucius instead. “Did he get back to his Ed?”

Lucius grinned. “Yeah, he did. It was rough there for a bit, but they worked it out.”

“Oh, that’s good. I worry about him, sometimes.” When she wasn’t worrying about herself, Doug, the children, her career…

Lucius patted Mary’s knee as she opened Stede’s letter. “Don’t you worry. We’ll look after the captain for you.”

Mary just nodded distractedly as she read.

Dear Mary
I know you weren’t expecting to hear from me so quickly. But one of Edward’s crew has been injured and he needs attention. I’ve arranged for him to see Dr. Austin.
I know, too, that you dislike the ocean. But I would like to show you my home, and introduce you to my extended family. And I would really love for you to meet Ed. After all, it is thanks to you that I was able to find my happiness, and I am eager for you both to meet.
It pains me greatly to miss seeing the children, but I think it would be easier for them if I didn’t pop back up again.
All my best to Doug.
Your Affectionate Friend,
S.

“Oh, you blessed idiot,” Mary said, her tone a mix of fond amusement and exasperation. “I’ve got the girls coming over this afternoon, and I’ll have to make arrangements for the children. Tell Stede I’ll come tonight, after dinner.”

“Okay, great! We’re anchored a bit offshore, so I’ll have Stede send somebody back to escort you to the dinghy and row you out.”

Mary’s answer was drowned out by knocking. “Oh, that's probably Evelyn. Um, just a moment!” Mary looked out the window by the door. “Oh? More pirates? One of you wasn’t enough?”

Lucius hurried to peer out over Mary’s shoulder. “Oh, that’s just Ivan. He’s fine, he’s part of the crew.”

Mary opened the door. “Did Stede send you, too?”

“No, ma’am. We’re looking for Mary Bonnet.” Ivan stood a little straighter in this woman’s presence.

Lucius popped up. “Oh, come on, Ivan, let’s go. Mrs. Bonnet is already coming to the ship tonight. How about you and I come back together tonight as her escort?”

“Don’t know about that. Captain said he wanted to meet her.”

“And he will,” Lucius pointed out. “Tonight. See you soon, Mary!” Lucius squeezed out the door and looped his arm through Ivan’s. “Come along, and introduce me to your new friend.”

Mary was grateful to Lucius for hurrying the new arrivals away. Which left her only one problem--what exactly does one wear to meet your dead husband’s lover?

Edward awoke to arguing voices. He expected an empty bed; instead Stede was still there, holding Edward like something precious. “What’s going on?”

“Lucius and Ivan are having a bit of disagreement over Mary. You see, I sent Lucius with a letter asking Mary to visit, as I told you before. Ivan showed up at Mary’s door not long after Lucius did, and Lucius kept him from dragging Mary off then and there!”

“Yeah, after they fetched the doctor fella I told Ivan to find Mary so I could meet her. But if she’s already coming, that’s all right.” He yawned, and then belatedly realized, “The doctor is here?”

“Yes; that Griff fellow knocked, but when he saw you were sleeping, he said it could wait.” He didn’t mention that he’d threatened the boy with castration if he’d wakened Ed. “He said you hadn’t been sleeping well.”

Ed winced at the stiffness in his knee as his feet hit the floor. “How long ago?”

“Not long; perhaps half an hour.” He moved to the edge of the bed. “Might be better if Dr. Austin doesn’t see me; I’ll stay here and see Izzy later.”

A grunt was Ed’s main opinion. “He’s being a bastard.”

“Oh, so business as usual then?” The cheeky tone of Stede’s voice made Edward grin, which is what he’d aimed for.

“Let me talk to the doctor and see he’s paid to keep his mouth shut.”

“I shall wait here for the all-clear,” Stede reassured.

Edward opened the door and glared both bickering pirates into silence. “Right. Ivan, get ready. You and Lucius will go get Mrs. Bonnet and take her to Stede’s ship. In the meantime, get over there yourselves and make sure it’s presentable. Boy, check with Stede and see if any special assignments need making, and make them.”

The arguing had stopped as soon as Edward had spoken, and both men jumped to do as they were bidden.

Izzy’s cabin was the next stop, and Dr. Austin was just finishing. “--and if you do as I’ve said, in a couple of weeks, you’ll be back on your feet. Remember what I said about your boots, and if you have any problems, talk to the surgeon on board and he will get word to me.” Sealing his medicine chest carefully, Dr. Austin slung it over his shoulder, leaving several vials of medications and infusions behind. “Captain, may we speak?”

“Uh, yeah. Sure. Come with me and we’ll get your gold.”

The doctor followed. “You must have a highly capable ship’s surgeon. Those maggots saved that man’s life and kept the infection from setting in, even considering the missing toes. Several lashes on his back and chest needed extra stitching to close them up, but your surgeon can easily remove those.”

Walking and talking. “And the gun shot?”

“He’s a lucky son of a bitch. It went through clean and didn’t need that much fixing up. I patched it with some silk, just to help the hole close up, but if you need to check under the bandage, there’s nothing, just a hole and some ointment to help it.”

“Nah, you’re fine.” Edward stopped in front of a wood and iron door, and pounded twice with his fist. The small porthole in the door opened, and it revealed a grubby little man with a tattered scarf around his head. “Oi, need the doctor’s gold. 400 weights.”

Austin blinked at that; he’d quoted two hundred, but the captain had just doubled it. “To keep me quiet?” he guessed.

“Yep.” When the bag of gold had been counted out and weighed, it passed from the banker to Edward, and from Edward to the doctor. “If you ever want a job, let me know. Got six other ships that could use as fine a doctor as you are. Pay’s good.”

“I have a practice on the island, and as of right now, there isn’t anyone to take it over. Should I ever find an apprentice or assistant, however, I will give it serious thought,” Austin promised.

“Fair enough. We’ll see you back to the island safely,” Edward promised in return.

“Call on me if you need help. Before his death, Stede regaled us with tales of your exploits. You gave him a most wonderful experience, and I am happy to help for his sake.”

As soon as Edward disappeared with the doctor, Stede crept down the hallway towards Izzy’s cabin. A sharp rap of his knuckles against the door was answered with a salty-sounding shout of Fuck off!

Grunting softly, Stede heaved the door open and trotted his way into Izzy’s room. “Hello, Izzy.”

“Oh, fuck you, especially,” Izzy groaned. “The fuck are you doing on this ship anyway?”

“Well, first, Edward invited me as soon as we arrived. Second, I was concerned about you,” Stede answered airily. “You mean a great deal to Edward, despite everything. Which means that for his sake, I will be concerned for yours.”

“I don’t want your pity,” Izzy spat out. “I’d rather be dead than owe you anything.”

“You don’t… owe me anything?’ came Stede’s puzzled response.

“You ordered that doctor of yours--”

“Er, no. Roach wasn’t ordered by me or anyone else. Edward asked if he’d come. If you owe anyone, it’s Edward and Roach.” Striding across the bleak room, Stede opened the window. Fresh air streamed in and rustled the blanket edges. “There now.”

Izzy realized that he was seriously injured, and slightly drugged, and he would blame his next question on that. “Are you fucking him yet?”

Instead of playing the question off, Stede chose to reply. “No, I haven’t. Are you?”

A raised middle finger was Izzy’s sole reply.

“We are both reasonable adults,” Stede began, and when Izzy gave a rude snort, he tilted his head in acknowledgement of Izzy’s truth. “Well, we’re both adults, at least. I think it’s time we had this conversation, don’t you?”

“What the fuck are you on about?” was the almost-panicked answer. He watched as Stede stood up and latched the door. “What conversation?”

“The conversation about myself, you, and Edward,” Stede replied calmly. “It’s very overdue, don’t you think?” He returned to the chair at the foot of the bed. “And I’d like to start with you answering my question.”

“Not doing this with you, Bonnet,” Izzy snarled.

“Very well.” From a vest pocket, Stede withdrew a small book. “Shakespeare’s Sonnets, personal edition,” he chirped. Propping his feet on the end of Izzy’s bed, Stede got himself comfortable. “Mind if I read aloud? I enjoy the way he puts words together.” Stede cleared his throat. “From fairest creatures--”

“Dear God, shut the fuck up!” Izzy cradled his ribs as he bellowed, but the agon was worth drowning out Stede’s voice. “Christ, why can’t you just leave me be?”

Edward’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Izzy? Everything all right? Why’s the door locked?” A heavy fist started pounding.

Stede closed his book and got to his feet. “We’re quite fine in here, Ed. Izzy’s not in any danger.”

“Really didn’t think he was. How about you?”

Stede opened the door just a crack. “The man can’t even get out of bed to take a pee by himself,” he pointed out sensibly. “And I’ll have you know I’m quite dangerous when the situation calls for it.”

“Coure you are, I was just concerned about Iz. Didn’t want you flying off the handle at him or anything,” Edward backtracked quickly.

“You’re a darling, but you needn’t worry about either of us. We’re just going to have a little talk.”

Edward tried to shove his shoulder into the cracked door. “Mmm, maybe I should be there.”

“I won’t hurt the boyfriend, boss,” Izzy promised through gritted teeth.

“There now, you see? We’re perfectly safe with one another. I’ll meet you on the Revenge for dinner, and Mary will be arriving shortly after. Perhaps you could ask Roach to prepare a special dessert?”

Edward’s shoulder was joined by his head. “Don’t kill him, Stede, even if he deserves it. Izzy, hurt him and you’re dead.”

“Understood, my darling. Now, let us be, and ignore any raised voices. I’ll see you quite soon.” He kissed Ed’s nose quickly, and then carefully closed the door in his face before latching it once again. “Ah, where were we… oh, yes, Sonnet One.”

“Only the once,” came the growled reply. “And never again.”

Stede settled back in the chair, book instantly forgotten. “So is it jealousy, then?”

“No, I just fuckin’ hate you and everything you’ve done to Edward. I could manage the bullshit before he met you, but you made him so much worse. He’s tryin’ to be someone he isn’t cause of you, and you’re killing him. Just like everything else you touch ends up irrevocably fucked.”

“I see,” Stede said quietly, and he did see. “I can understand why you think that, and you’re certainly not the only one who does,” he continued. “But you should know I don’t intend to stop. I love Edward, and will continue opening as many doors for him as I can. Anything he wants to experience I will undertake to see he gets to.”

“It’s my job to see to Edward’s contentment, Bonnet. Has been for ages now, will always be.” Surely the ache in Izzy’s chest was from the abused ribs.

“You yourself once told me that you didn’t know why, but Edward adored me. You saw it before I did--why is that such a problem, that Edward loves me and I him?”

“Because you’re a fuckin’ idiot, man! I’ve been by his side for years, doing his dirty work and proving to the world he’s still fuckin’ Blackbeard, and he’s never once looked at me the way he watches you, and you couldn’t even see it! Fucking Calico Jack even told you that he fucked Edward because I told him to tell you. Because maybe that would wake you the fuck up and see that Edward wasn’t the man you thought. But he couldn’t even get between you! God, I hate you, I wish you’d just fucking die already!” Izzy was panting hard after the shouting and goddamn, his whole chest was on fire.

Stede just let Izzy rant until he was through. When he seemed to be done, Stede poured a tin cup full of water and carried to Izzy’s bedside. “Here you go.”

Staring evilly, Izzy spat a mouthful of water at Stede before draining the rest of the cup.

Very deliberately Stede picked up Izzy’s black shirt and used it to dry his clothing off. “So how long have you loved him?”

Breath caught in Izzy’s throat, and for a long moment, his voice wouldn’t work. The feeble lie of I don’t know what you’re talking about died before it could be spoken. “I don’t--”

“I haven’t lied to you, Izzy. I would expect the same courtesy,” Stede interrupted quickly.

Izzy’s jaw ticked. He loathed the fact that Stede Bonnet existed; he begrudged every breath the man drew. But Stede did have a point--for Ed’s sake, they would have to find a way to coexist. And that meant continuing this fucking farce of a conversation. “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t,” he admitted reluctantly. “Satisfied?”

“Not particularly. You see, I think Ed loves you too, or he wouldn’t put up with your bullshit. Tell me, was there ever really a problem until you made him choose?”

If Izzy ground his teeth any harder, they were going to break off at the gumline. “The trouble started when I didn’t run you through on that fucking island. Could have saved myself a lot of fucking grief and a couple of toes, too.”

Stede didn’t let himself get distracted. He did owe Izzy an apology for that, but now was not the time. “When did it all go wrong, Izzy?”

“When I didn’t stab you in the heart. I knew killing you in that duel would’ve hurt Edward, so why couldn’t you just yield? You could’ve gone anywhere, done whatever you wanted. Rich twats like you always get what they want though, right? I couldn’t hurt Edward by killing you, and he still let me leave! And then he fuckin’ does it again when you get back! I’m tired of it, Bonnet, fucking both of you just leave me be. And I swear to God, if you breathe one word I’ve said here, I will kill you and enjoy it.”

“I admire your loyalty to Edward. I’ll never be able to inspire that, at least until I met Edward. Did he learn it from you, I wonder, or did you learn from him?” Stede shook his head. “I don’t suppose it matters, in the end. He came for you, Izzy. After everything you’ve done to both of us, his first instinct was to get to you and get you to a real doctor. And he was quite right to do so--the two of you have history that I am not privy to.” He leaned forward then, as if imparting a secret to Izzy. “I’m absolutely jealous of that.”

Izzy’s eyes widened, and his jaw nearly dropped, but he held himself silent and still, not daring to interrupt.

“In fact, Edward and I were… well, on a date, if you like. As soon as he saw the ship, it was done. And when he heard from Ivan… that was it. You were the only thing on his mind. Get to Izzy, make sure Izzy’s okay. I supported that, because I know you are important to him. But oh, yes, I was jealous. Still am, a bit, if we’re still being honest. I chased him down to get him back… but you’re the one he ran after.”

For once, Izzy had nothing at all to say. He suspected that Stede was exaggerating circumstances a bit to make his point, but even if it were true… Stede? Jealous of Izzy? The only thing he could formulate was, “Does Edward know?”

“No, and I would appreciate it if you kept that to yourself,” Stede bargained. “Your words are safe with me, and mine are safe with you. Agreed?” Stede held out his hand hopefully.

“Agreed,” Izzy replied, and shook Stede’s hand once before dropping it. “And I still don’t like you. But for Edward’s sake--”

“We’ll tolerate each other?” Stede finished.

Izzy just growled.

It wasn't quite sunset when Stede climbed onto the Revenge and looked around. The crew had apparently been busy, because the decks were clean, the brightwork was polished, and every other exposed surface gleamed. Buttons--fully dressed, Stede was thankful to see--stood at wheel watch with Karl's mate Olivia on his shoulder, and he waved at man and gull before heading to his room.

The table was already laid out with place settings, a white linen tablecloth, and green napkins with gold rings laid across the plates.

Edward was just coming out of the bathroom when he saw Stede smiling at the table. He hadn't bothered to put on more than trousers yet, so he padded over in bare feet. "Wondering when you'd get back."

Stede turned and took Edward in head to toe, and his chest nearly burst with happiness. "Just now, as it happens." He took the towel from around Ed's shoulders and briskly rubbed the still-dripping ends. "Come and watch the sunset with me."

Edward let Stede take the towel, and put his hands on Stede's waist. "Are you okay? Izzy didn't--"

"We are both fine, as promised." Finished with hair, Stede dropped the towel and brought both of Ed's hands to his mouth and kissed each palm. "I'm nervous about seeing Mary, if I'm honest."

Ed led the way to the main deck, perfect for watching the sun. "If it helps, I'm a bit nervous myself. Never really had to meet anyone like this. What if… you know. What if she's pissed I stole you away, or whatever?"

Stede's laughter was pure joy at the thought. "My darling, Mary is entirely aware that I was the jackass that abandoned her and the children, all on my own. In fact it was she who helped me realize my feelings for you, and I daresay she will be grateful to you for taking me off her hands."

That made Edward relax and he enjoyed the last of the evening sun on his bare shoulders. "What if she doesn't like me? I mean, I am a pirate."

"As am I. Why would Mary dislike you? And if she does, what of it? It won't change how much I love you." Stede slipped his fingers through Ed's.

"It wouldn't… you wouldn't be disappointed in me?" Because that had been weighing on Ed's mind.

"I could never be disappointed in you. I'd be sad, for Mary's sake, because she would miss out on knowing how amazing you are. But never in you, Edward."

Edward squeezed Stede's hand tightly. "What should I wear tonight?"

"Well, nothing would be my choice, but I'm afraid that might scandalize Mary," Stede flirted.

Edward groaned and gently jostled Stede's ribs. "I'm serious!"

Stede looked at Edward's earnest expression and stroked over his knuckles. "Wear what you are comfortable in. I just want Mary to meet my Edward, however he comes."

Their mouths met just as the last rays of the sun slipped below the horizon.

At half past seven, Mary answered the single knock at her front door. After discussing the situation with Evelyn, Mary had decided to wear her usual Gallery Showing clothes: sensible shoes, a split skirt that still shocked half of Bridgetown, and a waistcoat in place of a corset.

On the other side of the door, Lucius' white suit nearly glowed in the moonlight. "Mrs.--"

"Stede picked that out," Mary said and locked the door behind her.

"Oh, yeah. Wouldn't be caught dead in this otherwise. My friend Ivan is waiting at the beach for us." He offered his arm as they walked along.

Mary snorted. "You looked much more comfortable this afternoon," she agreed. "But, Stede… he's happy?"

Lucius thought quickly. "Yeah, I think he is."

"Good." She got a crafty look on her face. "You all use canvas for your sails, right?"

"Er, I think so. Probably." Lucius' brow furrowed.

"Cotton or flax? I prefer cotton stretched over a wooden frame, but Doug suggested flax linen. It's got a terrible texture to it, but he thinks I'm ready for it. I was hoping Stede might have some scraps I could try out."

"I actually have no idea," Lucius confessed. "But Ivan will know. I'm just mostly around for Stede to talk to."

Mary laughed softly and finally reached for Lucius' arm. "I think I like you."

Stede was pacing nervously on the deck. Frenchie was standing by, ready to play as soon as the dinghy docked. The rest of the crew had been given the evening off, and Frenchie would be free to go as soon as Mary came aboard. Edward was waiting at the table and a rock of anxiety bounced around his belly. The shipboard lanterns had been lit, a special dessert was waiting to be served, and tea was waiting to be prepared.

"D'ya want something upbeat, or like a shanty, or just… you know, romance?" Frenchie asked, plucking and tuning his lute strings.

"Frenchie! No! Nothing romantic, just… happy! Happy music! I want Mary to be comfortable," Stede insisted.

"Nothin' wrong with the sound of the ocean herself," Buttons volunteered from the wheel.

"But Mary hates the ocean. So perhaps Frenchie can play something happy," came the answer.

"I can play happy," Frenchie agreed.

"Dinghy approachin', Cap'n, running two lanterns," Buttons reported.

Two lanterns were the signals they'd been waiting for; one to announce themselves, one to say they had Mary aboard. Stede hurried to the rail, standing at attention as he waved with one hand.

Mary squinted as they got close. "Is that… Stede?" she had to ask. The man she had been married to hadn't stood quite so tall, nor had he seemed quite so broad-shouldered. "When he came home before, I didn't really notice it, but he looks so different out here."

"That's just cause he's in love. Edward's been a good influence. Well. Good-ish," Lucius added as he bent a knee. His leg formed a stepstool for Mary so she could more easily get off the boat.

Accepting the help, Mary stepped almost daintily onto the edge of the dinghy and hopped to the ladder. Brightly cheerful music began playing before she was halfway up the ladder, and the hand that clasped hers had the beginnings of rough patches that might one day become callouses.

"Permission for the lady to board?" Lucius called from the dinghy.

"Granted, of course!" Stede helped Mary up the last rung of the ladder and closed the gate behind her. "And welcome aboard the Revenge," he added.

Mary took in the immaculate ship, then paused. "Uh, Stede? Why is there a bird on that man's head?"

"Hm? Oh, that's Mr. Buttons, my first mate, and the bird is Olivia. She's Karl's mate, but since his passing, Olivia has been spending more time with us."

"Huh." While technically it had answered her question, Mary knew much less than when she'd asked the question. So she let it go. "And this is your crew?"

Stede turned, surprised by the question. He'd assumed everyone had made themselves scarce but here they all were, cleaned up and lined along the far railing like excited children. "Oh, yes, this is my family." He was so proud of his crew that his chest felt like bursting. "Gents, this is the Widow Bonnet, my former wife, Mary."

"Charmed," Mary answered, giving each crewman a handshake as Stede introduced them. They were the strangest, oddest bunch of misfits she'd ever met, but it was quite obvious that Stede was fond of every single one.

And it was equally obvious that they were just as fond of Stede, because they all strove to make a good impression and spoke well of Stede and their time on his ship.

For his part, Stede was entirely thankful no one mentioned death. What Stede didn't know was that both Edward and Lucius--separately--had threatened to chuck overboard the first person who mentioned the Badmintons, Izzy Hands, or the name of Blackbeard.

After Mary had met everyone, she turned back to Stede. "Stede, your crew is…"

"Lovely?" he offered.

"Well, yes, but I was thinking utterly mad." She gave a little laugh, covering her mouth to hide it. "They're perfect for you." But then she moved closer. "Do I get to meet your Ed?"

At that, Stede beamed. "Of course, he's waiting with dessert!" He held out his arm to escorts her.

"Oh, dessert sounds lovely." Mary tucked her hand into Stede's elbow as he led her towards the stained-glass door.

He opened the door with a bit of a flourish, and stepped aside to allow her to enter first.

Mary's hand went to her mouth again. The impracticality of the room leapt out at her, and her amazement was tinted with sadness. Stede had built this ship with her and the children in mind, but he had seemed to adapt it quite well.

Belatedly she noticed a large table in the middle of the space. Three place settings, linen napkins, and a silver cloche decorated the table, and a man was already seated at the head. Stede was leaning over, whispering softly in his ear. The whisper warmed Mary that she was about to meet the person she knew only as Stede's Ed.

Their kiss was quick but meaningful, like many of the kisses she shared with Doug, which made her smile fondly at her ex-husband.

Stede's Ed stood up, and let Stede guide him to stand in front of her He held Ed's hand in his own, and held the other out towards Mary. "Mary… I'd like you to meet the love of my life. Edward… this is Mary. Mary, this is my Ed. Edward Teach, Mary Bonnet, soon to be--"

"Teach?" All right, that was a bit shrill, because both men took a couple of steps back. "I'm sorry, but--Edward Teach? Blackbeard?? Your new boyfriend is bloody Blackbeard?" Mary uncorked the wine bottle on the sideboard and downed a quick sip.

Stede watched Mary in shock. "Well, yes, but how…"

"Stede. Your children play pirates daily. Blackbeard is in every bloody book, and his wanted poster is all over town, right next to yours until you died!" she shouted.

Edward frowned darkly, and drew back into himself. The temperature in the room dropped, and Stede looked crushed. "I'm sorry, Ed. Mary. I didn't-- this isn't--"

"I did," Edward answered, still frowning. "Didn't you tell her?"

"No he didn't!" Mary shouted again. "Why would he tell me anything?" This time, she actually poured the wine into the glass before throwing it back.

"You too?" Edward just shook his head. "I swear, it's pulling teeth getting him to talk."

"If you can stop him running away!" Mary added practically, and she held out the bottle to Ed.

"Oh, you don't have to tell me." Edward poured a drink for himself and refilled Mary's glass. "I tried to tell him I wanted a life with him--"

"He ran away to become a bloody pirate when I said the same thing!" Mary lifted her glass and let Edward lead her to the table. "And then showed back up like nothing was wrong!"

"Er, excuse me…"

"Oh, shut up, Stede!" Mary was livid. "You could have warned me!"

"That would have required revealing Edward's identity where it couldn't be controlled," Stede pointed out. "What if the children overheard? Or Doug?"

"You could have said before we came in here!"

"Come on, mate, she's got a point," Ed agreed softly. After this brief shouted exchange, he realized that Mary's reaction was less about him and more about Stede's thoughtlessness. "Stede, man, let me and Mary have a minute, all rigth? Let us meet again and talk."

Stede couldn't very well deny Edward anything. "If you think that's for the best," he said as graciously as he could manage. He bowed to both of them, and left them alone.

"How do you not strangle him?" was Mary's first question.

Edward actually laughed a bit at that. "Sometimes I do want to. My first mate, Izzy, has actually tried to kill him. Stabbed him through."

Mary blanched at that. "He's been hurt?"

Ed frowned again. "Yeah, didn't he--never mind." Of course he hadn't. "Probably didn't want to worry you."

That was probably true, given that she had tried to kill him when he came back. "I tried to kill him, too. Maybe I should meet your Izzy."

"He's on another ship right now, recovering. He's the one who needed the surgeon," he explained. "Otherwise, you could bond over attempted murder. Hell, even I tried to kill him once, but I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Because you love him," Mary said with a soft smile. "And that idiot loves you, except he didn't know what it was until I told him about Doug."

"Thanks for that," Ed said seriously. "I was in a… not-great place after he left, but you helped send him back where he belongs--here, with us, with me, on this ship."

Mary's smile softened even further, and she held out her hand. "Mary Bonnet."

Edward took it uncertainly, then quickly kissed the back of her hand just as he imagined Stede doing. "Pleasure to meet you, Mary Bonnet. I'm Edward Teach."

She giggled at the charming pirate's kiss. "I've just been thinking of you as Stede's Ed," she answered.

"Stede's Ed," he repeated. "I think I might like that."

When Stede knocked half an hour later, Mary’s voice called out to let him in. He opened the door to find his widow and his lover sitting side by side on the couch before the fire.

“And does he just… make plans to do something and just spring it on you?” Mary was asking.

“God, yeah,” Ed answered, thinking of the treasure hunt specifically. “Calls them--”

“Adventures,” Mary chorused along with Ed. Then she looked over her shoulder. “You picked a good one, Stede. I like him. And I’m absolutely happy for you.”

A delighted grin spread over Stede’s face, beaming brightly as the sun. “I was certain you would,” he answered, bouncing lightly on his heels. “It’s important to me that my friends get along.”

“I’m glad we’re finally friends, too,” Mary confessed. “Edward said there’s a special treat waiting?”

Stede hurried to the table and whipped the silver lid off the tray. “Roach called it, Plantains Afire!” Using a lit candle from the table, he touched each dish and it burst into flames.

“Fuck off!” Edward breahed, leaping to his feet and expecting a disaster.

“Stede, what the hell?” Mary demanded as she drew close.

“The sauce is, I believe, sugar molasses, dark rum, and cinnamon mixed with a heavy cream,” Stede explained as the flames died out. “The alcohol in the rum burns off and caramelizes the molasses and cream. You eat it warm, or spread it over crepes or croissants.” HE offered the first bowl to Edward, the second for Mary, and the third he took for himself.

“Roach made this?” Edward asked after the first bite. “Damn good.”

“This really is delicious; do you think he’ll share the recipe? I’ve some pears from Gendary farm--remember them? I’ll give him my recipe for brandied pears in exchange.”

“The orchard’s finally producing well, is it? I’m sure Roach wouldn’t mind sharing; you’ll have to write it down for him and that reminds me. I do need to talk to Lucius about collecting--”

“Oh!” Mary interjected. “Lucius said to ask Ivan for canvas scraps, but Ivan said to ask Edward, because Revenge uses cotton canvas but his ship uses flax linen canvas.”

“Mary’s an outstanding artist,” Stede explained proudly. “Bloody good enough to show, and probably sell. You know, she painted the lighthouse there.”

Mary hadn’t noticed the painting until Stede pointed it out. “I didn’t realize you took it, I just thought it’d been lost!”

“Not lost. I thought it was rather good, so I took it with me. Saved our lives once, gave Edward and I the idea to turn our ship into a lighthouse in the fog to escape the Spanish,” he chattered.

“Wow,” Mary murmured, awe in her voice, and didn’t know what else to say.

Edward saved her. “We keep a lot of scrap for mending,” Edward replied. “Think there might be some still on the roll, too. How much you looking for?”

A moment’s thought. “Oh, maybe three feet? That’ll be enough for two frames at least, and that’s all I need. Doug says I’m ready to try flax canvas and learn to use the texture.”

"Oh, yeah, we got that size. Let me go put the order in and you’ll have it before you’re ready to go.” Edward excused himself and left the Bonnets alone.

“I see why you love him,” Mary said gently. “I think he’s a great man and a fine catch.”

“Oh, thank you for that. He’d never admit it, but he was afraid you wouldn’t like him. I said he shouldn’t worry, and I was right!” He clutched her hand tightly. “Tell me, is Doug going to ask properly for your hand? I would approve, if he asks.”

“He’s said that we should wait a few more months, to observe mourning and propriety, that sort of thing. But yes, he has, and will at the right time.” She didn’t bother telling him that Doug never really thought of Stede at all these days.

“Well, just remember, if he doesn’t do right by you, he’ll have the Gentleman Pirate to answer to!” Stede declared dramatically.

Mary schooled her face so as not to giggle. “I’m sure he’ll be terrified at the thought.” She leaned over the table and covered their clasped hands with her free one. “Are you happy, Stede? Not just with Edward, but really happy, with your life now?”

“Oh, yes,” Stede answered confidently. “More than I’ve ever been.” He gave their linked fingers a squeeze. “I owe you so many apologies for the things I did to you. I was careless, and I was cruel, and while I didn’t mean to be, I know now that I was. So please, can you try and forgive me?”

She got to her feet at that, coming around the table to hug him. “You were miserable, just like I was, and yes, we both did shitty things.” Smiling, she ignored Stede’s gasp at her unladylike language. “Having met your crew and your Edward, I understand things better now. So yeah, I forgive you, and I wish you happiness.”

As he listened carefully, Stede realized something. “This… this is goodbye, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” Mary confirmed a bit sadly. “It’s far too dangerous for you to keep showing up like this, dangerous for you and your Edward both.”

Stede did understand that; he’d made practically the same argument about Edward’s identity and took precautions for that very reason. “May I still write you from time to time? I shall always sign them Thomas James, your brother’s name, so no one knows they are from me. But I don’t want to lose you entirely, because I feel we’ve only just become friends and I find I already treasure that.”

“Oh, Stede,” and the you precious idiot went without saying. “Of course you can write. I’ll write you back, because I don’t want to lose you either, now that we’re finally able to get along. I’ll keep you updated on the children as well, send you new portraits now and then, all right?”

Stede nodded; that was far more than he’d hoped for. “Send the letters to… ah, let’s see. The Great House of the Hermitage! They’re used to holding post for travellers and I’ll send one of the lads to check and fetch them back when we’re in the area.”

When Edward returned, he was carrying a small roll of sailcloth. He also brought both Roach and Lucius. He found Mary and Stede sitting together in a comfortable silence, and he cleared his throat. “Smallest bits we had were six foot, so that’s what you got,” he explained, offering Mary the rolled canvas.

“That’s extremely generous, thank you!” Mary accepted the canvas roll happily, fingers investigating the texture as she started to imagine the pirate ship she was going to sketch on it. She was interrupted by six bells tolling, and she looked at the watch pinned to her blouse. “It’s eleven, bloody hell, I didn’t realize it was so late! I have to go!” She gave Stede one last hug. “Thank you for everything!”

Then she paused, weighing her options. “Fuck it.” Dropping the sailcloth, Mary rose onto her tiptoes and threw both her arms around Edward’s neck. “I’m so happy I got to meet you, Edward. Stede’s worked out a way to write me, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate, all right?” she whispered in his ear.

Overwhelmed, Edward gingerly returned the hug. Stede embraced him, of course, and members of both crews would slap him on the shoulder. But he had not been hugged like this since his mother, and he did not know what to think or feel. “Same to you, yeah? Need us, let us know.”

“I will! You’re lovely, Edward. Goodbye, Stede! Good luck to you both!” Mary scooped up the canvas she’d been gifted, and was already dictating the pear recipe to Lucius as they headed for the dinghy.

“Roach, go with her, please, and tell her how to make the flaming plantains,” Stede asked politely. “She’ll be giving you a recipe for brandied pears in return.”

Roach’s eyes lit up at the mention of “new recipe” and “brandied.” “My pleasure, Cap’n!”

As soon as they were alone, Stede closed the door to the cabin, locked it, and then blocked it with a chair. “Sit down off that knee, I caught that limp coming back in,” Stede ordered.

For once, Edward didn’t argue. He helped himself to a glass of Stede’s finest brandy and dropped onto the couch with a grunt as his knee stretched out.

Stede bustled around the table, loading the empty dishes back on the silver tray and put the cover back on. Tidying done, Stede poured himself a drink to match Edward’s and lowered himself to the couch. He pulled Ed’s feet into his lap and clucked his tongue softly. “You’re going to have to wear your brace more, darling.”

“Didn’t want to mess up your fancy britches,” Ed answered honestly as Stede’s warm hand slid along the aching joint.

“You are far more important to me than clothing which can be repaired or replaced,” Stede scolded as he massaged.

“I like your Mary,” Ed decided. He grunted sharply as something in the joint popped painfully, then relaxed under Stede’s busy fingers. “I think she liked me.”

“She did, and certainly more than she likes me.” And no, he was not pouting, thanks ever so. “Here, get these clothes off and get in bed, and I’ll get your salve.”

Edward started stripping obediently. “Once she got over the initial shock of Blackbeard, we got on great. You could’ve had a worse partner.”

“Yes, well, I found a better partner, thank you,” Stede replied primly. He’d rolled up his sleeves to the elbow, exposing his forearms. “And I’m so much happier with you than I was with Mary.” He’d found the tin of salve in the desk drawer, and he was almost ready to get started.

Positioning himself on the bed was easy, and Ed moved to give Stede the best hold before reclining against the pillows like a naked Adonais.

Stede’s breath caught in his throat as he saw Edward in his full glory. This beautiful, kind, gorgeous, deadly pirate had allowed Stede back into his life. More than that, Stede now knew that he had broken Edward’s heart--but Edward had found the trust and fortitude to make a gift of those pieces to the very person responsible for the breakage and allow him to mend it whole again.

Ed looked over at Stede when he heard a choked-off noise. Stede was frozen in the middle of the cabin, salve tin clutched tightly in his hand, staring at Ed without really seeing him. Concerned, Ed swung his feet down, ready to cross the floor. “Stede? C’mon, Stede, what’s wrong?”

Edward’s voice jolted Stede out of his thoughts, and he shook his head vehemently. “Nothing, I just got distracted by how gorgeous you are, reclined that way like a god.”

Calloused fingertips swept softly over Stede’s cheek when he got to the bed, collecting the silent tears gathered there. He held his damp fingertips out for Stede to see. Stede touched Ed’s fingers, then his own face, and looked back at Ed in surprise. “Want to try again?” Ed asked, voice concerned but neutral.

“Lie back down, I can multitask. I don’t… I don’t promise it will make much sense, or that I can really put it into words. But I’ll try.”

“S’all I ask,” Ed agreed, leaning forward and kissing Stede softly. It was still a little difficult, trusting Stede’s honesty, but he was trying hard. He settled back onto the pillows, and Stede drew in even closer. “It’s okay, Stede. Just say it.”

Stede took a scoop of salve and held it in his hands, warming it gently. “Oh, Ed. Do you have any idea how much I love you?” When he was satisfied with the temperature, Stede put a hand on either side of Edward’s knee and started to massage the aching joint.

Ed hissed softly at the contact, but then sighed gently in relief. “Got an idea, maybe.”

“Then tell me, because I don’t know!” He worked the ointment over Edward’s kneecap, then around to the sides. “You look like a god lying there, strong and beautiful, but the best part of you is hidden! Somewhere in there, your heart is huge enough to welcome me back, to trust me after I hurt you so terribly. To gift me those broken pieces and trust me to heal them and keep you safe. You are completely amazing, and after meeting Mary tonight… I am thoroughly unworthy.” Stede’s hands were warm and they were always moving.

Edward frowned at Stede’s outburst. He was absolutely flattered by Stede’s appreciation of his body, of course, but the more he spoke, the less happy he felt. “Use your words, Stede,” he encouraged softly. “What about meeting Mary tonight has got you here to being unworthy? Which you are not, by the way. You are absolutely worthy.”

Lifting Ed’s leg, Stede propped Ed’s ankle on his shoulder as he started working the underside of Ed’s knee. “I was so concerned that things go well and that you be safe that I was afraid to tell her you were Blackbeard. That almost ruined everything. I almost ruined everything!”

He couldn’t stop the groan of delight. “Your fingers are magic, love. And so are you.”

The salve tin clattered to the floor, and Stede could not spare a thought to be grateful it was closed. “Ed… you called me love.”

One eye cracked open. “Yeah, and? You call me darling.”

“Well… because. You are my darling, Edward,” Stede stammered, sliding his hands down below the knee, where the brace usually chafed skin. “You are the most precious thing I have ever been allowed to touch.”

Ed’s other eye cracked open. “And I’m not allowed to think you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in a long fucking time?”

“No!” Stede shouted bitterly. “Because all I do is wreck beautiful things! I wrecked my marriage, I hurt Mary terribly enough she tried to murder me, I wrecked our relationship, to the point I made you have to agree to ignore everything!”

Ed’s free leg wrapped around Stede’s waist and drew him in close. “Stede Bonnet, shut up.”

But he couldn’t. “Ed, I’m horrible, I was jealous of Izzy for God’s sake!”

“Jealous? Of Iz?” That made Edward curious as fuck, and he prodded Stede’s ribs with his heel. “Jealous of Izzy?”

“Yes!” Stede let his hands drop. “We were having a… a… special moment in the crow’s nest, but as soon as Ivan shouted about Izzy, he was all that mattered to you! And absolutely rightly so! Izzy is your first mate and I think your oldest friend. But nevertheless, I was jealous. How terrible does that make me, Ed? I was small and bitter enough to be jealous that a wounded man took your attention.”

“You don’t have to worry about Izzy,” Ed said firmly. “As soon as he’s healed, we’re done, and I told him so. We’ll drop him off somewhere safe, Port Royal, maybe Republic of Pirates. I just can’t deal with him any more; he keeps pissing me off and fucking dares me to kill him.”

“Because he’d own you forever if you did that. You’d never forgive yourself for taking his life, nor could you live with it. You would be Blackbeard forever,” Stede said reasonably. “But that almost makes it worse. His opinion of me--and of you--matters so much to me, and he is so horrible. He loves you, Ed, and I am jealous. I have no right. But he has your love, and I hate it so much I could choke on it. But I need him to respect me, and I’m just as horrible as he is.” Stede hadn’t meant to spill any of that, especially to Edward, but his own turmoil and Ed’s trust in him had opened the floodgates. “I’m sorry, I had meant to attempt to seduce you to bed, not get teary and confessional. Can we just pretend this didn’t happen?”

Edward wasn’t all that familiar with things like talking shit out or healthy relationships, but he did have a notion that routinely pretending things didn’t happen was a solution to be used rarely, if at all. And, more terrifying, it was actually easier to consider that than to attempt to deal any further with Izzy-related issues. “Can’t keep doing that,” Ed finally pointed out. “Look, I can tell you anything, right? Like…” he sighed. “Like trying to kill you and take your identity. Or about my Dad. And you’re still here--”

“Of course,” Stede interrupted loyally.

“--So, why do I have to forget stuff you say? D’ye think you gotta be something else? You’re a madman, a complete fucking lunatic, and I will never, ever know what you are going to do next! I love that, man. I cannot figure you out at all, but I wanna spend every day I’ve got trying to, all right? Every piece of the Stede Bonnet puzzle, I want them all. You’re jealous? Big fuckin’ deal. I’m greedy as fuck, Stede, I want all of you. The pettiest shit you’ve ever done, why the hell you wear those stupid heels, what possessed you to just, hand over your jewelry to Blackbeard at our first meeting?” He tightened his leg around Stede’s hip. “You want to talk about being a bad man?” Ed dragged Stede’s hand into his lap, curling Stede’s fingers around his hard length. “When you said you were jealous of me giving attention to Izzy, I got hard.”

“...me?” Stede whispered feebly, concentrating on the glide of Ed’s cock in his hand. He stroked experimentally down the shaft, and Edward hissed out a slow breath. “Oh, no, I’m--”

“Don’t you dare apologize. Told you, your fingers are fuckin’ magic.” Ed’s voice was suddenly a raspy shadow of itself. “If we’re being honest n’shit, I’ve been half hard since you touched my knee, and I’m really into your idea of seduction. So look at me, Stede, and tell me that I’m a bad man who’s not worthy of you. Cause I am a bad man, and we both know I’m damn lucky you came back to me.” He rocked his hips as best he could, causing his leaking cock to slide in Stede’s fist, which tightened instinctively.

“You are not a bad man, Edward Teach,” and Stede was shocked to hear the huskiness in his own voice.

“Then if I’m not, after everything I’ve done, how could you possibly be?” Another push of his hips wrung a grunt from his throat. “Fuck, Stede, does it really matter?”

“Yes, because I was the one who defiled you,” Stede whispered. He wanted to let go, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop touching this man he loved. “You gave me something beautiful, and of course I ruined it.”

Edward had had enough. He pulled his torso straight so he was glaring down at Stede. “If you don’t fuck me, pretty much right now, I’m going to fuck a hole through your mattress right after I toss you in the brig for being a cocktease,” he growled lowly.

Stede’s eyes were large as dinner plates as his mouth fell open. “Don’t throw me in the brig but…” He licked his lips and swallowed roughly. “You would let me… have you?”

Luckily Stede was still dressed and had a collar for Ed to grab him by, otherwise, Ed’s hands would’ve wrapped around his dear Stede’s throat. “Stede. I am ordering you, begging you in point of fact, to take your cock and fuck me with it until I cannot sit down tomorrow, at which point, it will be my turn to fuck you until you can’t breathe.” He let go, and smoothed out the wrinkles in Stede’s shirt. “I just. Aren’t you tired of waiting, man? I’m tired of waiting. You brought up the crow’s nest, you remember what you promised?”

“That we could just have this, and sort it tomorrow?”

“Too fucking right.” Ed claimed Stede’s mouth in a deep, hot kiss. Mouths they had mastered; Edward knew exactly where to lick or nibble, teeth raking over Stede’s lower lip, his tongue pressing in to dominate. Stede was still fully dressed, and Edward had no intention of waiting for him to undress. His knife was under the pillows, hidden from Mary, and Ed pulled it out.

Stede jolted at the prick of cold steel at his throat, but his nails dug crescents into Ed’s shoulder as the sharp blade split the fine fabric like butter. The ruined shirt got shoved from Stede’s arms and fell to the floor in a heap.

“Trousers,” Stede breathed, guiding Edward’s knife to press against the front laces of his trousers, stretched painfully taut across his erection.

“Don’t move.” Edward’s knife twitched upwards, splitting the fine rawhide laces. Stede’s erect cock sprung out, and Edward licked his lips. “Fuck, Stede, didn’t realize you were hiding this much from me.”

Stede moaned softly as his cock was freed to the air and stood proudly between their bodies. A few more precise flicks of the blade, and Stede’s trousers and smallclothes joined the ruined shirt on the pile in the floor. “Can I--I want to taste you.”

“Later,” Edward promised, wiggling beneath Stede as his legs spread around Stede’s hips. “So close already, wanna feel your dick inside me when I come.”

Gooseflesh prickled Stede’s skin at the raw need in Edward’s voice and it drove everything else from his thoughts. “Of course, my darling, anything for you.”

Ed groaned. He could barely stand the drag of Stede’s rough voice over his skin, whispering endearments. “Please, love, hurry,” he begged, hands yanking roughly on his balls to keep himself from coming too quickly.

Between their bodies, precome had mingled, and Stede dragged his fingers through the slick puddle and pressed two against Ed’s opening. “Too much to be slow; next time, I promise.”

Moans from both of them filled the room as Stede’s fingers pressed in. Ed’s body shuddered violently; he didn’t have the breath to answer, so instead, he lifted his head to watch Stede’s motions. Too far down for kissing, Ed’s leg wrapped around Stede’s hip and his heel dug in. His hands yanked roughly at his sac again, and he was nearly drooling. “Stede,” is all he could gasp out.

Stede hated the sound of desperation in Ed’s voice. Shifting his body, he supported his weight with one arm as he loomed over Edward. His other hand steadied his cock as he pressed the head against Ed’s hastily stretched opening. A moment of tension lasted an eternity, before the slick head of Stede’s cock slid inside of Ed’s hole.

It wasn’t stretched enough; it was far too much, it wasn’t nearly enough. Edward buried his face in Stede’s chest, dragging his teeth over sweaty tits and pebbled nipples. The deeper Stede’s cock probed, the harder Edward sucked.

“Mark me,” Stede panted, fully sheathed. Edward was vibrating against him like a plucked string, and Stede wanted nothing more than to rock Edward’s body even harder. But he tried to restrain himself with long, slow strokes, meant to prolong Edward’s pleasure. As Ed’s teeth sank into his neck, Stede’s control snapped. The sharp suction on the bite mark shot straight to his cock, making it jerk mid-thrust.

Both men groaned, loudly enough to be heard over the slapping of sweat-slick skin. Edward alternated bites and sucks, determined to leave a bruise no cravat could hide.

Stede pulled Edward’s hips closer, and the shift had Ed seeing stars. He couldn’t have stopped himself if he’d wanted to--and he didn’t. He was on edge and came hard enough to spill onto both himself and Stede.

The borderline-painful contraction of Edward’s hole around his cock hit Stede the same second he felt the warm wetness of Ed’s orgasm between their bodies. Edward’s mouth was still on his neck, and his cock was still trapped in the tight squeeze of Ed’s body.

Edward released the slick skin of Stede’s throat with an obscene little pop. “Come for me, love,” he rasped out, want still heavy in his voice. “Come for me, fill me up, give it all to me, Stede. I’m greedy as fuck, I want all of you.”

The raw honesty of Edward’s throaty pleas hurled Stede over the edge. The periphery of his vision fuzzed out briefly, and his hands laced tightly through Ed’s. His back arched, head falling back to showcase Edward’s mark on his throat.

It dawned on Stede, when his eyes finally opened, that he had no idea how long they’d lain together in post-orgasm lethargy. His cock had softened, slipped out of Ed, and lay wetly against his own thigh. He was staring at the ceiling of the cabin, and Edward was staring at him with a soft smile. “Did I hurt you?” Stede finally asked after several false starts and a cleared throat.

“Mmm, no. M’fine.” His finger was tracing the line of Stede’s pecs, his shoulders, his arms. “When did you get so jacked? You seem like you can’t carry a wine bottle but you could literally bench press me.”

“Hmm?” Stede’s brain was rushing to catch up. “Always been a bit on the solid side.” He touched Edward’s mark on his neck. “When this fades, will you tattoo me, right here? Anything you want to mark, well, your mark on me. So everyone knows I’m taken by you.”

The simplest would be a tiny X, his signature, like he’d given to Izzy all those years ago, but he instantly dismissed it. “Yeah, I’d like that. A lot.”

Stede pressed and probed, weak trembles passing through him. “Maybe a gemstone, or a doubloon!”

Ed liked the idea of a gemstone, but that was for later consideration. “Don’t think I can move,” he whined.

Stede struggled to sit up, but Edward’s leg tangled with his, his own exhaustion, and his own satiety prevented it. At least they seemed to be on the same wavelength. “Too bad we can’t send someone out,” he contemplated. It felt like if he managed to get to his feet, the ground would split open and swallow him up.

“Could do,” Edward pointed out. “Bet you five gold pieces Lucius or Roach are hanging innocently around our cabin door.”

“Are not!” came Lucius’ immediate reply. “I was just waiting to let you know Mrs. Bonnet made it safely home, and that she sent Stede a package.” A thin brown envelope slid under the door and the chair blocking it.

“Oh, do shut up and get in here,” Stede groused, and wrapped himself up in the bedsheet as he swiped the chair out of the way and unlocked the door.

Lucius popped in quickly and grinned at Stede’s outfit. “Oh, don’t bother on my account, I’ve seen everything.”

“You haven’t seen mine, and you won’t,” Stede answered primly.

“Yeah, he sketched me, mate,” Ed volunteered. “Thought it might cheer me up.”

“EDWARD!” Stede sounded utterly scandalized, but his lips were twitching. “I might like to see that.”

“Don’t be so fussy, Stede. I’ve sketched everyone on this ship except you and Dizzy.” He patted his captain on the arm. “Edward, can you reassign Griff to the Revenge? Can’t wait to get my hands on that.”

“He’s not my crew, sorry. You’ll have to ask Iz,” Edward drawled. “Good luck with that.”

“Uch, you’re so mean.” Lucius rolled his eyes. “What can I get for you, Captains?”

“Rum,” answered Ed, at the same moment Stede said “A hot bath.”

“Okay, yeah. I’ll get the rum and see if anyone is in the--”

“Just bring the black cauldron and hang it on the fireplace and I’ll do the rest,” Stede ordered confidently.

Lucius mouthed the word cauldron at Edward. “Right, okay, Well, you better put on some clothes if you’re gonna be hauling water buckets,” he warned. “Need some snacks? My Pete always gets a little munchy--”

“No, nope, no thank you.” Edward was grinning like an idiot at Stede as he refused nibbles. “We’re quite well, thank you. Rum and cauldron only, please.”

“Kay. Pete!!” Lucius yelled. “Need some help, babe!”

“Okay, love!” echoed out from some far corner of the ship.

“Oh, and this is the thing from Mrs. Bonnet,” Lucius added on his way out, tossing the envelope to Stede before closing the door.

Stede caught the packet, and pried open the seal of the envelope. Several folded papers scattered out, and Stede unfolded the one he caught.

My Father was scrawled across the top of the page, and Stede put a hand over his mouth. A teal-coated arm and a black-shoed foot stuck out from under a piano, upon which perched a spotted cat covered in blood. It was signed by his daughter, and she had drawn an orange rock in the corner. “Well, she certainly inherited her mother’s talent!”

Ed looked over Stede’s shoulder. “The fuck did you get a leopard?”

“Mary’s friend, Evelyn. She also provided the body under the piano.” Stede looked at Edward. “I remembered what you said about having a cool death, and while I couldn’t get a mermaid, Ned was more than happy to help out.”

“Wish I could’ve seen that fuckery,” Ed said wistfully.

Stede studied the drawing for a long moment, then offered it to Edward. “It’s just like you were there.”

“You sure, mate?” Ed asked, cradling the precious gift he was being trusted with. “Your daughter--”

“She’s always with me, in here,” he said, touching his chest. “Louis and Alma made room for you to move in, too. I’ve always got you and them, so I am never alone.”

“I’ll put it up on the wall, so we can both enjoy it,” Edward decided.

Stede unfolded the second sheet. “I’m wanted!”

Edward laughed at the wanted poster. “Fifty doubloons, not bad for a beginner!”

“It even says, Gentleman Pirate, right there!” Stede was quite taken with the poster, so Ed picked up the last sheet.

WANTED: BLACKBEARD THE PIRATE, DEAD OR ALIVE. And underneath the bushy-bearded portrait, it read 300 doubloons for proof of death; 500 doubloons for intact dead body or live prisoner.

“Five hundred!?” Stede screeched. “I’m only worth fifty!”

Edward almost couldn’t breathe. Stede was absolutely adorable, pacing around in nothing but a bedsheet and waving the poster in the air. “Been at it awhile, love,” he pointed out between snickering.