Chapter Text
“Move your arm around, really make sure that you like how it moves before we settle on the placement,” Ed suggested, watching Stede check out various angles in the mirror. He’d completed the ship tattoo in record time, using updates on it as an excuse to text Stede. If this were a normal client, they probably would have been annoyed but Stede seemed delighted by each photo he sent.
When Ed got an opening a week earlier than expected, Stede had jumped at the chance to get his tattoo done. Even if it meant driving in the rain.
Stede laughed as he flexed his bicep, the ship expanding. “I like it. It’s so pretty.”
Ed wasn’t sure that he’d ever had a man call his work “pretty” before, especially not when looking at it on his own skin. He’d gotten “amazing” and “bad ass” but never pretty.
“Let’s get started. Let me know when you need a break. It’s going to hurt, but you can handle it.”
Stede nodded, biting his lip nervously as the buzzing of the machine started.
“That’s actually not that bad,” he said after a few lines.
“We’ll see if you feel that way in twenty minutes, or when we start shading.”
Stede just hummed. He wasn’t the first client he’d had that enjoyed the feeling of being tattooed, but it was still unexpected. He’d pegged Stede for the type of guy that flinched every five minutes.
“How long have you been doing this?”
“Had an apprenticeship at nineteen, but I did my first stick and poke when I was fourteen. It’s one of the X’s on my arm.”
“Did you always want to do tattoos?”
“Yeah, I grew up next to a guy that did traditional tats, used to hear the tapping every day after school.” He smiled, remembering how often he’d pestered the old man. He must have been so obnoxious. “My dad hated the noise… So obviously, I loved it.”
“A traditional tattoo? What’s that like?”
“I dunno if traditional is really the right word for it. Ancient sounds pretentious, but that’s closer to what it is. A lot of people use needles nowadays, but he was passionate about doing it the old way. Except his chisel was made out of metal, more sanitary. Anyway, he’d use a stick to tap the chisel into the skin, that’s what made the sound. It was relaxing, like a heartbeat,” he rambled, trying not to let himself get too distracted. Tattoos were his special interest though, so he couldn’t help but go into a bit more detail about his own experience getting his first tattoo. As he spoke, the rain pattered on the roof.
“If it hurt that much, how did you handle doing it to yourself?”
“Using one needle for a stick and poke is nothing,” Ed laughed. “That’s pretty old too, you know? Some of the oldest tattoos are just lines and dots. They think people did them for pain relief.”
“That’s interesting. Wish I could tell my dad. He hated tattoos, said that my generation was ruining their bodies with them. He was awful.”
“My old man’s not around anymore either. He was also pretty horrible.”
“May they rot in hell together,” Stede sighed. “I’m not a very good father either. I was so afraid of becoming my dad, I distanced myself from them. They probably hate me and I can’t even blame them.”
“You can’t change the past, but you can always make more of an effort now,” Ed suggested. “I know that my mom did her best but she’s human, she made mistakes. We all make mistakes and that’s okay. I still love my mom and your kids will still love you, you just have to make sure that from now on you spend every day proving to them that you’re never going to make those mistakes again.”
“That’s what my therapist tells me. You don’t moonlight as a counselor, do you?”
“Fuck no,” Ed laughed, stopping his machine so he could change needles. “Okay, moment of truth, we’re going to start shading. This is where it gets more intense.”
“Do your worst.”
Stede winced a few times during the shading, but he didn’t ask for a break. Not that Ed judged people needing one, he did whenever he got something that wasn’t just a small doodle. It was always nice though, having a client whose body was being flooded with endorphins.
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m good. Wonderful, really.” Stede sighed, straining his neck to watch Ed work.
“You’re taking it really well,” Ed praised him. They were finishing up faster than he’d expected, which was good. His weather app had predicted a storm and he could hear the rain picking up. If he was lucky, he’d be able to leave the shop before the lightning began.
His employees slowly filtered out as Stede examined his finished tattoo and let Ed wrap it up for him.
“Do you want a ride home? I don’t imagine the motorcycle is comfortable in the rain.”
Ed smiled, “That’s sweet, but I’ll need a ride back tomorrow and-”
“I can do that!” Stede offered immediately. “Tomorrow’s my day off, and I can’t have my favorite customer getting sick.”
Ed laughed but he walked the bike into the shop’s lobby and let Stede drive him, proper gentleman that he was. He was thankful for it when the wind jostled the car. If it was strong enough to affect Stede’s driving, it would have been difficult to stay balanced on two wheels.
“It’s pretty nasty out there. Do you want to wait out the storm inside?” He asked when they arrived at his apartment complex. “I can make tea to warm us up.”
“That would be lovely, Edward. It’ll have to be decaf though. Don’t want to be up all night.”
“That makes one of us.” He teased as a clap of thunder boomed around them. The rain was coming down harder, the heavy droplets pelting the windshield. “Okay, let’s make a run for it.”
“Wait, give me your phone. My bag’s waterproof.”
He handed the device over and they popped out of the car and ran, Ed’s knee twinging after a couple strides and forcing him to slow down. He was going to be soaked regardless, may as well do it without having his leg buckle beneath him.
“I’m sorry, I don’t want to track water in. Are you sure you want me to stay?”
“Hell yeah,” Ed argued, the wind whipping his wet hair into his face as he unlocked the door. “It’s not safe.”
The weather siren began blaring, proving his point about it being dangerous. Stede followed him into the apartment, looking at the carpet warily.
“You can borrow my clothes and I’ll put yours in the dryer.” He was already tearing his boots off, leaning his hip against the wall for balance. “Go ahead and undress, nothing I haven’t seen before.”
“If you insist.” He peeled his shirt off his body, the wet fabric clinging to his pale chest and arms. Stede had an average build, not much different from Ed’s. Maybe a bit thicker but he wouldn’t have trouble fitting into his clothes. “Like what you see?”
“Trying to figure out what’ll fit best but now that you mention it…” he teased, giving Stede an obvious once over. “I do like what I see quite a bit.”
Stede rolled his eyes. “You’re just trying to flatter me.”
“I don’t know how you went your whole life without anyone telling you that you’re gorgeous but it’s the truth, not flattery.”
“That’s sweet of you to say, but I know what I look like. I’ve never been very desirable.”
“I think I’ve already proven I find you very desirable,” he winked, setting down his leg brace and working on his pants. The lights flickered and went out, casting both of them in shadows.
“You had your eyes closed almost the whole time.”
“That had nothing to do with how attractive I think you are,” he admitted. It was easier to be vulnerable in the dark. “Didn’t want to fool myself into thinking you were actually interested in me.”
The siren sounded again, making the man next to him flinch.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You’re too good for me, Stede. You do all these nice things like buying me bath bombs and driving me home.” He balled up his wet clothes and cradled them as he limped to the bathroom.
“You deserve nice things, Ed.” He turned on his phone’s flashlight to follow him through the dark, unfamiliar house.
“I’m not nearly as special as you seem to think I am,” he said, tossing his wet clothes into the tub and getting them both a towel. He wrapped an extra one around his hair, knowing it was going to be a pain to untangle without a hair dryer. “There’s not many reasons for someone like you to be interested in me.”
“Well, there’s plenty of reasons. You don’t make fun of me for liking feminine things, you listen to me when I talk. You know all kinds of fascinating stuff about tattoos. You’re an amazing artist and you’re funny,” he listed as they dried off, the siren eventually cutting him off. “I know we’re safe, but honestly if the world were ending right now there’s no one I’d rather spend these last few minutes with.”
“That’s a lie. You have kids.”
“I was trying to be flirtatious,” Stede told him dryly. “We’re naked, it’s dark and I think thunderstorms are romantic.”
“Trying to bed me before we’ve been on a proper date?” Ed teased, bending to give Stede a good look at his ass as he pulled a compression band up his leg and over his knee. “And here I thought you were a gentleman.”
“Would you rather we waited?” Stede asked, tying the towel around his waist. His dark eyes watched him longingly. “That’s probably the right order of how to do things.”
“Nah. I’m here for a good time, not a long time,” he joked, although it was only partially true. Of course he wanted to date Stede, how could he not? But he also wasn’t going to complain if Stede wanted to explore their chemistry further before that. “We’ve already fooled around in the back of your Telsa. If there’s an order to how we’re might to do things, we’ve already broken it.”
Stede smiled. “Well, it would be a shame if the world ended before I had the chance to seduce a beautiful man.”
“That would be a real shame,” Ed agreed, straightening back up. “I suppose we’ll just have to find you that beautiful man.”
“You know I was talking about you,” Stede scoffed, stepping into his space. He hissed when the cold metal on Ed’s body brushed against him, but moved closer all the same. “You’re cold.” He said, pressing their bodies together in an attempt to warm him up.
“Sorry.” He put his hands on Stede’s waist, dropping them a moment later when he felt him shutter. “Fuck, sorry, didn’t mean to make you colder.”
Stede grabbed his hands and placed them back on his hips. “I’m not cold. Well, I am, but that’s not why I was shivering.” They held each other for a few moments, Stede leaning so that he could lay his head on Ed’s shoulder. “Can I brush your hair for you? The wind seems to have messed it up.”
“Sure. You are the expert after all.”
“Some leave in conditioner will help detangle your hair. I’ll be gentle,” Stede promised, taking a step back so that Ed could collect what he needed. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had brushed his hair for him, although he knew it had to have been his mom. At some point, he’d either gotten too cool or maybe his dad had told her to stop treating him like a girl. He was a dick like that, obsessed with his own definition of masculinity.
Maybe that’s why Stede was so refreshing? He hadn’t let society change him, hadn’t succumbed to the pressure.
He lit a couple candles, setting them on a wooden chair of all things. Ed didn’t have a lot of furniture but Stede didn’t seem to mind.
“Never know how long the power will be out,” he explained, as if he wasn’t obviously doing this to set a mood. Who was he trying to fool?
“Of course,” he played along, sitting down against the headboard only to frown and look behind him.
“Please pretend you didn’t see that,” Ed begged, rushing over so that he could shove a pillow behind him.
The lighting was too warm to tell for certain but he was pretty sure that Stede was blushing. He handed him a brush and the tub of conditioner before taking his own seat in front of him so he didn’t have to see his smug face. Stede’s legs were stronger than he’d expected.
He finger combed the product through his hair, avoiding the roots before taking the brush to it. He started at the ends, gently brushing out the knots as he worked up.
“You’re good at this.”
“I have lots of experience.,” he explained, the room lighting up from a flash of lightning. The boom came barely a second later. The storm was upon them now.
Ed leaned back, seeking the small comfort of skin against skin. He wasn’t afraid of storms but there was something reassuring about the warmth of Stede’s chest that he craved.
“Speaking of experience, I don’t suppose you’re still into that ‘last night on earth’ thing? I think I know at least one experience you haven’t had,” he teased, scooting his butt further into Stede’s lap. It was impossible for him to keep brushing his hair now, but if he played his cards right it would probably just get knotted again anyway. “I’d hate for you to miss out.”
“Will this experience involve the pair of handcuffs attached to your headboard?” Stede whispered into his ear.
“Depends. Do you want it to?” he asked, back arching as Stede kissed his neck. “I’ll give you whatever you want. I’m versatile: top, bottom, both, neither.”
“Neither?”
Ed shrugged. “Not everyone’s into penetration. Lots of different ways to have sex.”
“I think I’d like to try, um, bottoming? If it won’t hurt your knee?”
“Babe, I don’t care about my knee. I could shatter it blowing your back out and I’d thank you.” He tilted his head, giving Stede more room to suck bruises into his throat.
“Let’s not get too carried away,” Stede murmured between kisses, hands finding their way to Ed’s chest and rubbing at his piercings.
Ed cursed quietly when he gave one an experimental tug, his head falling back. In this position, it didn’t matter how much or little experience Stede had. He could touch Ed the same way he touched himself. He obviously knew how to do that.
“Have you ever fingered yourself?”
“Oh, yes! Many times. Don’t worry, I’m prepared for this. I did all of the necessary research,” Stede explained cheerfully, like they were having a normal conversation.
“Right. Good. Smart,” Ed babbled, reaching back to card a hand through Stede’s hair. “I wish Google existed when I was young. Would have saved me a lot of pain.”
“I’ll never let it hurt,” Stede promised, nibbling at the junction where neck met shoulder. “Well, no more than you want it to.”
“Says the guy who enjoyed getting a million puncture wounds in his bicep,” he teased, looking down at the bandage on his arm. If Stede stayed long enough, maybe he’d let Ed take care of it for him.
“That’s fair. We might need to rearrange here.”
“There’s no rush,” he soothed, though he turned so that he could look into his eyes. “We have all night and I want to make sure this was worth the wait.”
There was no denying it at this point. He really liked Stede. It had never been in question, not really. Falling for Stede was like breathing, instinctual and unavoidable.
“You are the expert,” he echoed Ed’s earlier words, smiling.
“I’ll be gentle,” Ed smirked, leaning in so that he could capture Stede’s lips with his own. Stede’s hands landed on both of his shoulders, pulling him closer and who was Ed to deny him? He ran his palms down his sides and gripped his butt, dragging him onto his lap. Stede’s heavy but he adjusted, breaking their kiss so that he could straddle Ed properly.
Stede moaned as their dicks rubbed against each other and if it were anyone else, he probably would have thought something snide about how pathetic that was. Stede was hot as hell though and having such an effect on him, even if Ed knew that it was only due to his inexperience, was a huge ego boost.
“Fuck. Am I going to feel these inside me?” He asked, rubbing his thumb over the metal stud under his head.
“I’d be amazed if you didn’t,” he grinned, leaning over to grab the lube off the nightstand. “The ladders are pretty intense though, especially for your first time, so I’ll take those out.”
“These ones?” He stroked over the vertical bars under the Prince Albert. “I’d rather you kept them.” Stede pouted but it didn’t last long, not with the lubed up finger circling his entrance.
There wasn’t much resistance as he pushed his finger inside. That was good, meant Stede really had been preparing for this. “We’ll see if you can handle it, but if you need to stop, let me know alright?”
Stede let out a breathy whine as he worked him open, first one finger and then two and three. He was painfully hard but Ed forced himself not to pay it any mind. Making sure that Stede was comfortable was his sole focus.
“I think that’s quite enough,” he muttered as Ed slathered more lube over his fingers. “The jewelry isn’t that big.”
“It could tear you up,” he said, pretending not to notice how Stede’s dick twitched at the thought. Well, that or because he was stretching him open again. Ed always tried to be thorough with prep, he wasn’t huge but the piercings really could be uncomfortable.
“Okay,” he decided after what felt like an eternity of Stede panting and whining near his ear. His knee was starting to protest and if he kept this much weight on it, it was going to be hell the next day. “Lay back for me, I want to see your face.”
Stede whined as he pulled his fingers out but did as he was told. He was radiant, the flickering candle light reflecting in his brown eyes and making his skin glow golden. He spread his legs wide for Ed, dick laying heavy on his stomach.
“You’re so handsome,” he whispered and Ed choked back a laugh. He’d been thinking the same thing.
He squeezed a bit of lube onto his palm, gave himself a couple even strokes just to take the edge off before he rustled through the bedside table’s drawers for a condom. “Tell me if it’s too much,” he said, smearing a generous amount of lube over his cock before kneeling between Stede’s thighs. They were so warm under his palms, surprisingly firm. Ed gave one a squeeze before lining himself up and slowly easing in.
“Fuck,” Stede gasped, craning his head forward as if he’d be able to see where they were joined. “Oh, that’s not bad.”
“It’s just the tip,” he kissed his forehead, skin damp from his mussed hair, the scent of citrus and herbs clinging to the wet strands of blond. Ed pressed closer, reaching down to gently guide the metal past the rim, one ball at a time. Stede’s eyes went wide. “You okay?”
“Better than okay,” he said, tossing his legs over Ed’s back and using them to pull him closer until the second set of metal stopped him. “Come on, I want all of you.”
“Impatient,” he teased, but he picked up the place, letting the whole bar go in at once while Stede threw his head back with a low moan. “Good?”
“So good,” he confirmed, a blissed out smile already on his lips.
From there, it was easy. Stede was still tight and hot and perfect. He keened every time the metal dragged inside him, sparks of pleasure running through both of them like the lightning that occasionally illuminated the room.
At some point, the siren stopped. Lights came back on in the other room shortly afterward and Ed wished he’d flicked the switch in this room so that he could see Stede better. The added light from the doorway helped but he wanted more, wanted to study each line of his face until it was burned into the back of his eye lids, a tattoo he’d cherish forever just for him.
The fingers that had been biting little crescent moons into his shoulder blades came up suddenly to tangle in his hair. Even in the low light, Ed could see the adoration on his face. The backlighting must have been reflecting off the shiny, black and grey locks of hair because Stede was looking at it with wonder, as if he were touching the stars themselves.
“You’re gorgeous,” Ed told him, lowering himself so that he could smooch the expression off his face. Stede moaned into his mouth as the angle changed, Ed grinding shallowly against his prostate. “Next time, I’ll take you from behind,” he whispered the promise into the shell of Stede’s ear, his erection leaking between their stomachs, finally getting the friction it needed. “You feel my jewelry now, but imagine how good that’ll feel rubbing your prostate every thrust. Could you even handle it, dear?”
Stede whimpered, arms wrapping around him as if he could pull Ed any closer than he already was. Like they weren’t practically melting into one another.
“You feel so good,” he babbled, “you’re taking me so well. I bet you could handle it, bet you’d fucking love it. You’re so perfect for me, Stede.”
His breath hitched and for a second Ed leaned back, worried he’d been a bit too sappy but then Stede was crying out his name, nails biting into his skin as he clenched tight around his dick. He came all over their chests, spunk shooting at the way up to his neck. Ed watched entranced, unable to do more than fuck him through it until the tension disappeared.
“I’m close, can I-“ he began, attempting to still his hips.
“Keep going.”
Ed watched him sink back into the mattress with a satisfied smile. He gave a couple experimental thrusts, expecting Stede to change his mind. When he didn’t so much as wince, Ed dropped back onto his chest, rocking in and out without hesitation. Stede either had one hell of a pain tolerance, or like with the tattoo, it really did feel good for him.
It didn’t take long, especially once Stede managed to wrestle a hand between them to tweak at one of his nipples. He came with a low wail, hips snapping hard and burying himself deep.
Stede stroked his hair as he came down, murmuring sweet nothings that he couldn’t quite hear over the pelting rain. If he wasn’t so sticky, Ed probably could have fallen asleep there. They fit together really nicely. Would, if he didn’t drag himself out of bed.
With a sigh, he rolled off of Stede’s comfortable chest and got up so that he could quickly clean himself up and get a rag from the bathroom.
“I don’t think the world’s ending after all,” Stede smiled when he returned to wipe down the blond’s stomach. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“It’s fine, you probably don’t want to move too much,” he reassured, hands traveling down to clean more intimate areas. “Trust me, it’s gonna be a bitch. Stay right there.”
“Are you asking to sleep over?” He asked excitedly, the candles making his eyes practically sparkle.
Ed hadn’t actually been asking that, had never actually let someone spend the night in his bed with him, but it was hard to resist Stede. He wanted to let him get close, wanted this to be more than an occasional hook up. “Yeah. That’d be great.”
Stede sat up instantly, wincing as he grabbed Ed’s hand. “Really?”
“Sure. I can help you with your tattoo. It’ll be great.” He said casually, like he wasn’t looking forward to having more excuses to touch him. He leaned in for a quick kiss because he could, and god that was so nice.
“I have to warn you though, I tend to really spread out in my sleep. I might crowd you a bit.”
“Well, you’re in luck because touch is my love language. I’m going to be stuck to you like a barnacle no matter what.”
Stede smiled, a soft little grin. Maybe this was meant to be?
Stede picked the restaurant.
It wasn’t a place that Ed was familiar with, so he wore his only nicest sweater and a pair of pants that wasn’t ripped or covered in ink. The new bandana didn’t really match with the dark maroon knit, but he wore it anyway. The familiar touch of soft fabric was comforting, it helped to ease his nerves as he passed the valet and parked his bike himself.
He realized that he was woefully underdressed when he caught sight of Stede wearing a suit, the top jacket made of navy blue velvet. He greeted Ed with a hug and it was the softest material he’d ever felt.
“Is this place really alright?” He asked quietly as they entered, trying not to look at the line of people wearing designer fashion. He put on a brave face, but knew this was going to be a disaster.
“Quite alright. I’m friends with the chef.” He explained, confidently walking up to the hostess stand. “I have a reservation for Bonnet.”
“Always a pleasure, Mr. Bonnet.” She greeted, hardly sparing Ed a glance as she escorted them to their table. He didn’t belong here and she knew it. As did the fancy waiter who had suggested wine pairings for each of their meals. He wasn’t as cold as the host, but the pitiful smile he gave him when Stede explained, “he’s waiting for you to sample the bottle, dear,” was just as bad.
“I don’t have a lot of experience with dating,” Edward admitted once the man left, fidgeting with the numerous utensils. He had made a massive miscalculation thinking that this thing he was doing with Stede could be something more. “So, if you don’t call me back I won’t be offended.”
Stede was all smiles from across the table, “I bet you have more experience than me. I didn’t even meet Mary until our wedding.”
“Really?” He remembered Stede saying that his marriage had been arranged but shouldn’t they have at least met first?
“It made the ceremony more thrilling. I lifted the veil not knowing who I’d find under there.” He chuckled. “We spent our honeymoon getting to know each other. It was horribly awkward.”
“Sounds like it.” Ed wasn’t sure what else to say. Stede had to be old money or something, part of a world very different from his own. How was he supposed to relate to someone like that?
“What about you? It’s hard for me to imagine you wanting for dates.”
“I went on one date in my twenties that ended so badly I didn’t try again until I was thirty-four.”
“What happened?” Stede asked excitedly, leaning closer across the table.
Edward laughed and looked down, unable to face the cringe he knew was coming, “His wife showed up.”
“No!” He gasped. “What did you do?”
“Put my clothes on and ran.” He took a sip of the wine. It was too dry, tasted like rubbing alcohol, but he managed to swallow without wincing. “The date had been going well up until that point.”
“Very well, from the sounds of it.”
“Don’t suppose I have to worry about Mary walking in on us, assuming we make it out of your car?” Ed said in a hushed tone. It wasn’t the dirtiest thing he’d ever said, but in such an extravagant place it felt downright filthy.
Stede turned a faint red, but he was smiling. “No, you wouldn’t. Can’t make any promises about the car though. Kind of nostalgic, isn’t it? Not that I ever did that when I was young. I was a dork, nobody wanted to smooch me in the back of a car.”
“I would have smooched you.”
“No you wouldn’t.” Stede laughed, “you’d have been way too cool.”
“Well yeah, obviously,” Ed teased, rolling his eyes so that it was obvious he was being sarcastic. “But, honestly, trying to date back then was hard. I was constantly afraid I was going to flirt with the wrong guy and get run out of town.”
“I can imagine. I didn’t have it easy either.” Stede forced himself to smile. Ed reached across the table and Stede took his hand, reminding him that he was still the guy who’d unintentionally seduced him with a hand rub at the mall. This place had been a shock, but maybe he’d been wrong to automatically decide this date was going to be a failure. At the end of the day, Stede was still just Stede. “Well, you probably don’t want to hear all that.”
“I want to know everything,” Ed told him earnestly, squeezing his hand. “I don’t know if you’ve realized it, but I really like you. You make me happy.”
He watched Stede’s face soften, his eyes shining as if he were about to cry. “Really?”
“Well, yeah. I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. Wouldn’t be here , like ever, cause damn,” he joked, looking around at the posh restaurant Stede had brought him to.
“Is it a bit much?” He worried out loud. “The other night I told you that I wanted to give you nice things and well, I’m not used to people just wanting to be around me.”
“Fuck those people.” Ed shrugged, not caring about the dirty look he got from a woman at a nearby table. “Seriously, next date, I’m taking you to the shittiest pizza place in the world and we will have just as much fun there.”
“Oh, can it be the one with the singing animatronics? My parents never let me go to that one.”
“Me neither!” He said excitedly.
They held hands until the waiter arrived with their food and then afterward while finishing off their bottle of wine. It wasn’t good, but Ed had definitely drunk worse things in his life.
“Not a huge fan of dry reds?” Stede asked as Ed let him finish off the last of it.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Haven’t tried many.”
“Well, I have a rather nice collection in my apartment if you’d like to sample them? Find a couple you like,” he suggested, looking down at their joined hands. “I also have brandy, if you’d like something a little stronger?”
“Is that your subtle way of inviting me home?”
“Well, without a storm going on, I don’t have much to work with.”
“You could always just ask.”
“Alright. Come home with me?” He asked, biting his lip a little self-consciously as if still worried about rejection.
“Yes, sir,” Ed batted his eyelashes, smiling at the blush that spread down Stede’s neck at the words. Interesting. He’d have to keep that in mind for later.
They didn’t fall into bed together immediately. Ed had expected the wine testing to be an excuse to get him over, but it turns out Stede was at least half serious about it. The man knew his alcohol apparently, and although it wasn’t really one of his own interests Edward really did enjoy listening to people talk about their passions. Honestly, Stede could talk about anything and Ed would probably think it was the most fascinating thing he’d ever heard.
“I’m sorry, I’ve been talking for so long,” he eventually apologized, looking at his watch. “I must be boring you to death.”
“I could listen to you forever,” Ed told him, leaning closer so that he could rest his head on Stede’s shoulder. Stede’s apartment was nice, it had a lot more furniture than his and was full of knickknacks and decoration. Ed’s place wasn’t barren but he had the typical “bachelor pad” look.
“It’s getting late.”
Ed shrugged. “I don’t have anywhere to be. I’m sober so if you want me to go, I can.”
“Oh no, of course not!” He exclaimed, eyes a bit wide. “I was actually going to see if you wanted to join me in my nighttime routine. I have this whole thing where I make myself an herbal tea and while it cools, I do my skin care.”
“I’d love to,” he smiled, a little giddy. Stede had set him up with some serums and a list of the order in which to use them but to be honest, he was eager to watch him use them. The blond had a bunch of products, most of them not even from his store, and he went through each with a quick explanation as he applied them to both of their faces.
It felt like a level of luxury that Ed shouldn’t be privy to, an indulgence his mother had always warned him not to get used to. A feminine extravagance his father would have never permitted.
“Hey, do you remember that massage bar you wanted to demonstrate for me? Is that still an option?”
“You know, when I offered it was because I wanted an excuse to touch you. Now that I have that privilege, I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop.”
“Then don’t,” Ed winked. “Touch as much as you want.”
It really shouldn’t have been a surprise that they ended up in bed, both of their shirts gone as Stede kneaded his back. The massage bar felt wonderful, but not nearly as good as Stede’s soft hands. As he worked tense muscles loose, Ed couldn’t help but sigh and moan. He’d never had anyone touch him with so much care.
“Turn over, I’ll do your chest.”
Ed did as he was instructed and was rewarded with Stede straddling his hips. He was already hard, probably from the noises Ed had been making. It hadn’t been intentional, but Ed wasn’t complaining about the results. Especially not when Stede gave up the ruse of massaging his chest and leaned down to kiss a line down his chest before returning up to his nipples. He played with the jewelry with his lips, reveling in the unique feel of hard metal against soft, sensitive flesh.
“Fuck me,” Ed sighed, head falling down heavy onto his pillow.
Stede propped his head up on one hand, the nimble fingers of the other taking over for his tongue. “Is that what you’d prefer?”
“Told ya, I’m versatile,” Ed gave him a toothy grin. “Just an expression though, no pressure.”
“No, that sounds fine,” Stede sounded a little bit excited. “I actually, um, went and bought a pair of handcuffs. Is that something?”
Ed snorted. “I dunno, Stede, is it?”
“You had them on your bed!”
“Don’t turn this around on me, you apparently felt compelled to buy them for yourself.”
“I was just curious. Thought it might be hot to be at your mercy. Can I still wear them if you’re th-mph.”
Ed couldn’t resist leaning in for a kiss. Stede was just so precious. “Go get them, darling.”
The key was barely more than a silver pin, thin enough that Ed contemplated sticking it through a pierced lobe for safe keeping. Instead, he folded it into his bandana and tied it so that it wouldn’t get lost. He set it next to the lube and condoms.
“If this gets uncomfortable at any point, just tell me to stop.”
“Likewise,” Stede smiled, giving his wrists a jerk just to see how they felt.
“Stay still.” Ed slung a leg over his chest, straddling for the time being. His knee would eventually flare up but he didn’t really care as he towered above Stede, allowing him only to watch his face as he worked a finger inside himself. He didn’t show himself nearly as much care as he had Stede a week ago, opening himself up with haste he knew he’d regret later.
“You’re so beautiful, Ed,” he whispered, pupils dilated with lust. His bound hands rested on his chest, twitching occasionally as he stopped himself from reaching out.
“Says the prettiest man I’ve ever met,” he teased, wincing as he retracted his fingers. The empty feeling wouldn’t be there for long though, he reminded himself as he rolled the condom on over Stede’s dick. “You can touch me. Just for a bit though.”
His hands were on Ed immediately, though there wasn’t much they could do. A thumb rolled over the Prince Albert while Ed rubbed his own hands to heat up a generous amount of lube. Stede whimpered when he finally slicked it over him. “Is this position okay for your knee?”
“Probably not, but we can switch it up if we need to.” He scooted backwards, lining himself up and sinking onto his cock with a low hiss. “Fuck, you feel so good, babe.”
Stede whimpered beneath him, face scrunching up, and suddenly Ed didn’t care if his leg cramped up. Stede wasn’t huge, but he was bigger than his fingers and the stretch was so good. He was going to be feeling it the next day and honestly, he was looking forward to it.
“You’re all mine, you know that right?” he teased, jerking Stede’s hands up by the short chain.
“All yours,” he nodded, eyes squinting shut. Even though Ed was just playing into a possessive role, it still felt good to hear that Stede belonged to him.
“That’s right. My perfect, handsome man,” he praised, watching the shudder run through him. Ed moved back and forth, savoring the noises his lover made for him. Stede tilted his hips with each stroke, tried to speed things along, but there wasn’t much he could do except surrender to Ed’s whims.
“Edward,” he eventually whined, no longer able to take the slow pace.
“So impatient,” Ed said with mock disappointment, “you could always just ask.”
“Please, love, faster?”
Ed knew that it was just a term of endearment, but the word still gave him pause.
“Sorry,” Stede opened his eyes, “too soon?”
“It’s fine,” he ducked between Stede’s hands, letting them drape over his neck as he leaned in for a kiss. “You can call me whatever you like, love.”
“Oh.” His lovely, brown eyes widened.
“Yeah. Hits different when someone else is saying it, huh?” Ed teased, rolling his hips with ease. “Now, beg for me, love.”
Stede swallowed, “Please?”
“Like you mean it.”
“Fuck, Ed,” he whined, “will you please, please, please just get a fucking move on?”
He chuckled but leaned back to take him deeper, made what was probably a ridiculously humiliating face as Stede hit his prostate. It sent a small shockwave through his body and he choked back a low moan.
“Are you okay?”
Ed nodded, biting his lip as he repeated the motion.
“Oh.”
“Fuck,” he gasped, hips undulating in a broken rhythm. “Need you to touch me.”
One second the wrists were around his neck and the next, his hands were struggling with the lube. Ed didn’t even care that it was still cool once Stede’s palms were around him, giving him a tight grip to thrust into as he rode Stede within an inch of his life.
It was too much and not enough at the same time, and it was over far too quickly. Stede’s orgasm surprised them both, ripping through him like a tidal wave.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, really. Knee’s just starting to hurt.” He assured him, though he could tell that Stede only half believed him. He slipped off his lap and found the key. “I trust you to make it up to me.”
Stede rubbed at his wrists once the cuffs were off, frowning at the red marks they’d left.
“Go clean up.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?” Ed asked, raising a brow as he set about arranging the pillows.
“You haven’t come yet?”
He rolled his eyes, “I’m not that old. It’ll still be here when you get back, unless you’re planning on doing another skin care routine.”
“Oh, we forgot the tea.” Stede pouted as he got up, then seemed to realize he was wasting time. “Sorry. I’ll hurry.”
He came back with the tea, but at least had enough sense to put it on his desk. “Took you long enough.”
“Now who’s the impatient one?” He snarked, kneeling on the bed next to him. “May I?”
“Yeah, fuck yeah,” Ed breathed, watching him through his heavily lidded eyes.
Stede licked his lips as he bent down and Christ, Ed had just expected another hand job but this was so much better. His hot tongue swirled around the tip of his dick, lapping at the small metal balls. The piercing was snug but not so much that it couldn’t be moved, the slight drag inside him left Ed whimpering.
He cursed as Stede moved on to his other piercings, but it wasn’t quite the same. They were only surface level, and while that felt great, it wasn’t nearly as intoxicating.
Finally, Stede wrapped his hand around him, giving him a couple easy strokes before taking the entire tip into his mouth. It was better than expected really, all tongue and no teeth. Fuck, where had Stede learned to do that? Had he been ‘preparing’ to blow Ed, ‘studying’ it like he had sex? The thought of Stede practicing with his own fingers as he thought of Ed lit a fire in his gut, made it hard to hold back and just enjoy the feeling of Stede’s mouth on him.
“You’re so good at that,” he praised quietly, knowing that Stede would preen under the attention. “I’m gonna come.”
Stede hummed encouragingly and the light vibration was enough to tip him over the edge. Stede choked as he came in his mouth, gagging at the taste. Ed grabbed a tissue from the end table for him to spit into, holding back a chuckle at the thankful look Stede gave him.
“Sorry, should have warned you,” he sighed, laying back down while Stede got himself sorted out.
“You did. I just didn’t think it would be that bad.”
“I’ll wear a condom next time,” he promised. “Assuming you want to do this again?”
“Yeah, of course,” the other man settled over him like the world’s best weighted blanket. “I want to do everything with you.”
“Aw. That’s cute,” Ed ruffled his hair affectionately.
Stede kissed his cheek, right above the beard. “You’re cute.”
“You make me really happy,” he admitted, closing his eyes. They’d need to clean up but there’d be time for that later. Right now, he just wanted to be held. “Sorry, I’m a little sappy right afterward.”
“Don’t apologize. You make me happy too.”
“Happy enough that you’ll let me eat all of your lip scrubs? Because I may have already finished off the one you bought for me.”
Stede sighed with fake dissatisfaction. “I suppose as long as it’s not soap, I can forgive it.”
“No promises,” Ed teased back, giving him a tight squeeze. Maybe it was just the afterglow making him sentimental but he wanted to cuddle him forever. He wasn’t going to say the L word yet, but he could feel it. He was falling in love with Stede Bonnet and maybe he was allowed to have that.
It only took a month before it slipped out. He was in Stede's lap, letting him wash his hair while a jasmine bath bomb fizzled around their toes. No partner had ever held him like Stede did, no one had ever touched him with so much devotion. In was in quiet moments like this that he truly felt he understood what intimacy was.
The three words slipped from his lips without him even being conscious of them. No one ever thought about keeping their heart beating or breathing, it just came naturally. So did the words. He exhaled them with the same ease he did air, not even realizing that he'd spoken them until Stede's shampoo covered hands embraced his chest.
"I love you too," he sniffled, warm teardrops landing on Ed's shoulder.
He'd never really given much thought to how he'd tell Stede that he loved him. Ed had just assumed that Stede would be the one to say it first. He had such a flare for the dramatic, he'd probably pull some ridiculous stunt like hiring a pilot to write it in the clouds. He would have loved it, of course, but it felt more fitting that it was just the two of them, enjoying a bath bomb together. Ed wouldn't have had it any other way.