Work Text:
Ed wasn't sure what he was doing. Or what was currently happening.
Stede had called him a bit earlier saying that he was caught up in a meeting and that he needed to get his kids from school. It was his weekend as Mary and Doug were away. Stede pleaded, rambling about how he would be as quick as possible. Ed couldn't say no to him, can't really.
That's how he found himself waiting in front of a primary school. In leather of all things. What if they didn't let him go with the kids? Sure, he met them a couple of times, but they never spent time without Stede present.
The first meeting had been something, and all the other times too. Louis, only 5 years old, was always beside his sister or father as if he was afraid of him. Well, Ed could understand his fear. His dad presents him to a man with long hair and a big beard, whose wearing black. Pretty sure he would have been afraid too. Alma, 10 years old, was always staring at him like she could pierce his head. He didn't know where she got that from, as Stede is sweet as sugar and Mary is kind of nice to him.
Stede always made sure everything is fine with the children and that they liked him. It wasn't the feeling he got. Maybe he needed to appear softer? Should he cut his hair and beard? The beard would be okay, but his boyfriend would make a riot if he cut his ''lovely'' hair.
Those thought were shoved back as he heard the bell and tried to find the kids. Were there always so many kids? How can he find them? What if he lost them and Stede never forgives him for it? He was starting to panic as he felt a thug on his sleeve.
''Ed?''
He looked down and saw Alma. Her brother was next to her holding a bag that looked so heavy it would knock him off the floor.
'' Dad called the school to tell us you were the one picking us up.'' She informed him.
So, it wasn't a surprise. Good, he didn't think he could handle a meltdown. Maybe he was the one having a meltdown.
Ed took a deep breath. He could do it. Stede believed in him.
''That's good, y'all got everything?''
They both nodded, showing their backpacks. Even Alma's looked fill up to the brim.
''I will take your bags, kids.'' He took them. ''Shit, do you put bricks in them?'' The swear word just came out. Oh God, he could feel some parents glaring at him.
Those were nothing because of what he was hearing.
Laughter.
Laughter from Alma and Louis.
'' No Ed! It just books!'' He heard Louis say.
Oh... Ed guessed he just needed to be himself with them. Maybe they were awkward before because he also was.
'' Oh well, I will carry your bag of brick-books then.''
He heard more laughter as they walked to the car. Ed had gone to Stede's house before to change his bike for the SUV as it had the booster seat for Louis. Also, he couldn't take both kids on the bike. Maybe he should buy a sidecar. Ha, that's a thought. Izzy would laugh at him, saying he has become a dad.
Ed made sure Louis was buckled up. He almost asked if Alma needed help, but she was already waiting for the car to start.
He hoped it wouldn’t be a long ride.
Of course, there was traffic. Fucking traffic.
'' There is always more car on Friday.'' Alma told him as he looked around. '' That's okay.''
Ed sighed nodding. He can do this, it's just a car ride.
'' Why did you come get us? Where is dad? '' Louis asked.
'' Hum, he had a meeting he needed to be, so I came because he asked'' Ed explained.
'' Why?''
Ed was stunned. Wasn't the answer good?
'' Well, he must work.''
'' Why?''
Alma slapped her hand on her face, mumbling, ''not again''.
What's happening?
'' Eh... He must work to earn money so he can pay for stuff.''
''Why?''
'' Why what?''
'' Why does he have to pay for stuff?''
'' Because that's how life work.''
''Why?''
'' Because capitalism is a bitch.''
He heard some giggled from the back. No more question came. He did good. Man, Stede will be proud of him. Not about the swear word, but he did answer all Louis' question. A couple of minutes passed. Alma sang a little, following the song from the radio, but nothing happened.
''Ed?''
'' Yes Louis?''
'' Why did you take Dad's car?''
'' Because I only have a bike and I can't take you both on it.''
'' Why?''
Jesus, that kid has so many questions.
'' Well, I never had to take more than one person with me.''
'' Why?''
Is this a test? Ed had so many questions about the situation but no answer for Louis. He had to say something, anything!
'' All my friends have their own bike so we can go to ride together.''
'' Like when my friends and I use our bicycle?'' Alma asked, getting into the conversation.
'' Exactly! We go some places and have fun. I recon we used to go to an ice cream place before.'' The ice cream place is a bar, but he's not going to tell children about drunk stories.
'' Why don't you go anymore?'' Louis pitched in.
'' We still sometimes go, just less than before.'' They had all their life to do. Fang, whose real name is Kevin, is a zookeeper. Ivan is working in informatics, something about cybersecurity. Izzy is working with number. And Ed? He did so many things, but he's a mechanic. That's where he met Stede. His car wasn't working properly, check engine light flashing. He was so charming; Ed was head over heels in a second. Stede found a silly reason to come back just to see him. The rest is history.
Everything was well.
''Why?''
'' Oh my God, Louis! Stop !'' Alma yelled at her brother.
'' But I want to know!'' Louis replied to her almost as loud.
'' We don't want Ed to think we're annoying! He's cool!''
''Sorry!!'' Louis began to cry.
Ed was starting to panic. Not tears, anything but that.
'' It's alright, I can answer your questions, but I don't know everything.''
'' I thought adults knew all the things.''
'' That's why we go to school, Loulou.'' Alma answered him.
‘’ Okay then, I’m sorry, Ed.’’ Louis almost whispered his apology.
‘’ Don’t worry about it, kid, you haven’t done anything wrong.’’ Ed smiled softly after that. He would have loved if his father had answered his questions when he was younger.
Wait, did he think of himself as their father? Wasn’t he their stepfather now?
‘’ Alma, you think I’m cool?’’ The man finally questioned the young girl.
‘’ Way more than dad! You have a bike, tattoos, long hair and a beard!’’ She exclaimed, ‘’ I admit I was a little scared to meet you at first. Then I thought you wouldn’t want to spend time with us because we’re kids.’’ She was letting her heart out with these words. Louis nodded, looking so much like Stede. Both did at this moment.
Almost the same word, Stede was just as nervous as his children about how they looked to Ed. When Stede had asked on their first date, how could someone so cool find him interesting. Their father had gotten shy just like them as they shared their insecurities.
‘’ I think you’re kind and not like anyone I’ve met before.’’ Ed said to them, just like he had answered Stede.
Looking into the mirror, he saw how their small faces lighten up. It was the best answer.
‘’ Look like we’re home.’’ Ed parked the car next to Stede’s just realizing the man was waiting on his front porch.
Ed helped Louis get out of the car before taking their bags. Alma was already hugging her father, telling him about school and the ride.
Louis did the same, then they both went inside. Stede walked to him and gave him a kiss.
‘’ Thank you so much for this. I believe it helped, right?’’
‘’ What? You planned this, you lunatic?’’
Stede could only laugh, kissing his cheek. ‘’ A good fuckery just for you, love’’
Ed couldn’t be mad at him. This guy was amazing. Time with them couldn’t get better.
‘’ Louis asked so many questions.’’ Ed told him.
Stede gasped. ‘’ Oh no, you got his ‘why’ phase. Sorry darling.’’
Patting his back and walking with him inside the house, he could only feel love blooming for this little family.
He was ready to become a stepdad.