Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Feel your spine melting into the mat, and draw your right knee in toward your armpit with your left leg long on the floor. Take a sip of air, and then twist your right leg over to the left wall. Supine twist.”

More than the heavenly release of his fatigued muscles, Ed felt comforted by Stede’s voice leading his class through their cooldown. The room was sweltering and Ed still poured sweat from the exertion.

“I’ll come around the room with a cool lavender citrus cloth for your foreheads. If you would like me to respect your space and pass you by, just give me a tall wave now.”

Ed let his eyes close, and he smiled.

Stede made his way through the room to each student with a cloth and whispered encouragements. His words were unintelligible to everyone but the intended recipient, but Ed could glean the softest, sweetest sincerity for every individual.

Life was certainly not perfect, but in this moment, two weeks after Stede’s return to the studio, surrounded by heat and music and energy, anticipating the remainder of the night, Ed felt overwhelmed with happiness.

Stede cued the class to switch legs for the stretch and twist, and Ed audibly moaned at the release in his hip and down his thigh. A couple people chuckled, and he smiled to himself good naturedly, letting the meditation of the moment take him away. The coolness and scent of the cloth permeated his dreamy state at the same time Stede’s voice did.

“Darling, you were magnificent,” he exhaled. “The loveliest squats I’ve ever seen.”

“You were looking?” Ed whispered back.

“How could I not? Any knee pain?”

“None.”

“Perfect.” Stede squeezed his shoulders in the briefest massage and moved on.

Stede finished his rounds, cued them into a final savasana, and let the quiet and darkness settle. Ed felt like he was floating.

A few minutes later, Stede brought them back:

“If you’d like to stay in your rest, please do. If you feel ready to continue your evening, begin to bring small movements to fingers and toes… then your ankles and wrists… give yourself a big stretch with arms overhead, and when you’re ready, turn to lay on your favorite side.”

Ed felt safe, cozy, almost ready for a nap there on his side. It was blissful.

“On your next inhale, push yourself up and join me in a comfortable seat.”

Ed peeked at Stede now as he sat up and waited for the rest of the class. Stede didn’t meet his eye now, and he made no effort to hide his teary eyes nor trembling chin. Was he okay?

“Place one hand on your heart and the other over it,” Stede requested of his students. Ed did so and kept a watchful eye. “I—” Stede’s voice broke, and he visibly gathered his nerves. “I appreciate you all more than you know. I appreciate your smiles and hearts and all the energy you shared with me tonight.” He managed to look at Ed, whose own eyes now swam with joy. “The light, love, and teacher in me honors the light, love, and teacher in you.”

With that, Stede concluded his class and left the room while everyone packed up. Ed leapt into action, refreshed and loose from class but ready for what was coming next. He put away his weights, rolled his mat, rushed out of the studio to deposit the mat in his office, and retrieved his duffel bag.

Maybe someone spoke to him or attempted to flag him down, but he strode into the locker room with only one priority: getting ready for his first date with Stede. A moment later, he was lost in a cool shower and covered in his favorite luxurious scents. All he knew was that Stede intended to spoil him, and he was encouraged to dress as fancy as he liked. Ed intended to look very fucking swanky.

He heard Stede enter the locker room among all the chatter of other students, but he didn’t call out to Ed.

The rest of the shower passed in a rush. Ed had every intention of rocking Stede’s world, and there was so much to do yet. He dried off quickly, slid into his favorite fuchsia linen pants, and he set to work on his hair, bent fully at the waist to blowdry and diffuse before Stede would finish his own shower.

When the water stopped, Ed gathered his possessions quickly and raced out of the locker room to his office.

A couple days ago, Stede had approached him in the middle of the day. Ed had been poring over the roster of students enrolled in getting their own teaching certifications. Truthfully, he’d already been in a delighted mood at seeing the full list with many familiar names, and the significant influx of funds meant new yoga props on hand and a much-deserved raise for Fang.

So when Stede had knocked on his open door, bearing a hopeful smile and bouquet of rainbow-dyed roses, Ed’s heart fully skipped a beat.

Like so many core moments with Stede, his next words burst out of him like he couldn’t keep it in anymore, like he was literally bubbling with excitement: “Would you do me the honor of coming on a date with me on Tuesday evening after my class?”

It had been so formal and still vulnerable, Stede clutching the bouquet to his own chest and looking at Ed with such hope and fondness. They’d been getting along so easily every day since Stede’s return, sharing tentative kindness and then flirtatious comments and lingering touches. A defining moment came when Stede had indeed spent a discouraging day withdrawn and in bed, isolated and listening to sleeting rain. But then Stede had texted Ed that it hadn’t been a good day, and then Ed found out Stede had even been so brave and vulnerable as to ask Lucius to come by for a cup of tea and to watch HGTV together. The man was surprising him more and more with all he was doing to heal.

So what else was Ed to reply with other than a whispered, “Of course I will.”

Now, Ed’s curls were showing the fuck up. The glossy definition and volume drew attention to his radiant face, bright with the exertion of class and his own bubbling excitement. He stripped the pants off, folding them delicately and fantasizing about Stede walking in on him like this, and then put on each piece of the outfit he’d agonized over.

The leather pants, once an ass-highlighting staple of his wardrobe, had been relegated to the back of his closet for far too long in favor of yoga clothes or sweats day in and day out. What better time than now? And yes , he wickedly confirmed they still fit just so and would definitely knock Stede out. Ed chuckled to himself. That’ll teach the man to wait months before taking Edward ‘Blackbeard’ Teach out.

And okay, it was all but winter now, and yes, it would be chilly, but the slate grey suit jacket was so fine, custom tailored, and very fucking expensive, so it would do perfectly without a shirt underneath. The visible deep slice of his chest and stomach was a collage of tattoos. Ed aimed for Stede to be tempted by every inch.

The new heeled boots, the fine silver jewelry, the mascara and eyeliner, and the sweep of his hair over one shoulder completed the look.

And okay, after Ed had accepted Stede’s request for a date the other day, Stede had lost control of his desires, rushing forward to place the bouquet on Ed’s desk and drawing Ed to his feet for a desperate, long kiss. It had instantly flooded Ed down to his toes with warmth, and he opened so willingly for a taste of Stede’s mouth again.

It had been such a long time since Ed had felt him in that way that he half-thought he’d forgotten what it was like, but no, the feel of Stede’s lips and tongue felt like the return of the most indulgent comfort he could imagine. They’d kissed carefully, lustfully, playfully for minutes on end until Stede drew back and had simply gazed at him.

Despite spending many hours together each day since, Stede had not kissed him again.

Before emerging from his office, Ed swiped on the tiniest bit of lip gloss. Stede would think he was in heaven, Ed would make sure of it, and if their first kiss of the night tasted like raspberries, then it would be their little secret.

Ed practiced just the right posture and gait in the mirror on the inside of the door. He pouted his lips slightly and feigned demureness with a shy look over one shoulder.

Yeah, Stede was a goner.

The strut was perfect when he walked out and around the corner to the lobby. He kept his eyes on the ground (of course he was totally casual—didn’t even know Stede would be there ). He fluttered out his jacket, showing off every inch of his torso before drawing it closed and buttoning it. He then fussed with the cuffs before looking up through thick, curled eyelashes. He just knew the look to expect—

Fuck. Stede was in the middle of a shared joke with Fang at the front desk. He looked so soft, so happy, his nose crinkling in delight, and when he caught sight of Ed, Ed’s mind went vacant of any thoughts beyond the man in front of him.

The absolute fucking lunatic in his blue suit. Not just a blue suit—Ed has seen him in blue suits before, but not this sapphire-blue matching jumpsuit and jacket set. His chest and shoulders looked so broad in this impeccably cut jacket, so much that Ed had a flash of the night Stede carried him to his own bedroom. And not only did a flirtatiously cut sweetheart neckline highlight the swell of his chest, but a tantalizing keyhole cutout under his sternum teased golden skin. Ed desperately needed to know if those inches of skin tasted the same as he remembered.

And how had he not noticed Stede’s fresh haircut and manicure earlier? The slight undercut made the ends curl gently, and now his fingertips shimmered gold as though he were capable of casting actual magic.

Ed simply gaped. He was so fucking beautiful.

“Oh, Edward…” Stede exhaled, drawing closer.

Ed couldn’t blink. He couldn’t miss a single moment. His heart pounded in his ears, louder than even the toughest parts of Stede’s class barely an hour ago.

Ed couldn’t be sure if Stede’s skin really did shimmer or if Ed himself was literally dazzled. This date was already surpassing his dreams.

Stede broke the spell by fingering Ed’s lapel. Ed could feel the sensations of Stede’s fingers on his chest through the jacket.

“Look at that,” Stede whispered, looking at the fabric a moment more before gazing into Ed’s wide eyes. “You wear fine things well.”

Someone was talking nearby, but Ed didn’t care. He could so easily kiss Stede again now. He was so close. He could kiss him and haul him back to his office and beg to be laid out over the desk and taken apart. He could forget the date part entirely.

“Is all this for me?” Stede asked. “For us—our date?”

Ed’s cheeks felt hot, and as though he knew, Stede caressed his face. Ed nodded silently.

“Oh wow.” Stede was reverent in Ed’s presence, his delight so palpable that Ed knew Stede had been just as struck by Ed’s outfit and appearance.

Someone spoke again.

“Mmhmm,” Stede acknowledged them while staring at Ed’s lips. Ed could have sworn Stede’s thumb started moving to touch his glistening lower lip. So close…

The moment it happened, Ed thought he should have expected to be interrupted.

“Namaste, Edward, I’m glad you’re here!”

Motherfucker.

Stede and Ed broke apart at the sound of Ben’s voice. Ed steadied himself with and deep breath, eyes on the floor, before looking at his old boss.

Ben had walked in, well, like he still owned the place. And the whole world really had disappeared the moment prior because now Izzy, Lucius, and Pete all stood with Fang at the desk before his class. Ed felt everyone’s eyes on him, and then he realized with a little thrill that Stede still stood quite close beside him.

“I’m afraid I need a few moments of your time,” Ben said. He bowed his head as if insisting they talk in the back in private.

“‘Fraid I can’t,” Ed responded, and the tone felt foreign in his mouth. He looked at Stede. “Reservations, right?” It was a wild guess.

“Right,” Stede confirmed, and then he slid a steadying arm around Ed’s waist.

“Well,” Ben went on, “I noticed I haven’t been on the schedule for a few weeks and I am leaving the country again soon, so I wanted to check if you needed help before I left.”

Ed found himself smiling without even meaning to. “No, I don’t think so.”

“Come now, Edward. It’s me,” Ben said, lowering his voice as if they didn’t have an audience. “We don’t have to be prideful with each other. I don’t want you to struggle just because you want to do it all on your own.”

“Struggle?” Ed repeated.

“He’s not on his own,” Izzy cut in. Ben pointedly ignored him.

“I can’t leave you in debt in good faith.”

Ed continued to smile pleasantly. “Not an issue, mate.”

“And I can’t leave you without enough teachers to cover the advanced classes.”

“Got a list on my desk of a dozen people who want to get their certifications and come work here,” Ed volleyed. He gestured to Lucius in particular, who fluttered his fingers in a wave that was all cheek and no sincerity.

Ben narrowed his eyes almost imperceptibly, but Ed caught it.

“Well! Well done, then! I’ll just pick up my office decor and get out of your hair.”

“Your what, mate?”

“My belongings, Edward.” The smallest hint of tension affected his voice now.

“There’s nothing here of yours,” Stede piped up.

“The things I told you were here weeks ago if you still wanted them?” Ed clarified. He felt Stede squeeze his hip affectionately.

“My kifwebes?”

Ed didn’t hold back his judgmental expression now. This man had kept Ed under his thumb for years and was now showing his whole ass.

“Where’d you learn that word?” Ed drawled.

“Those are mine. They’re priceless cultural artifacts. Memories from my journeys. They’re who I am.” Ben was flailing. Ed had never seen him like this and found he didn’t feel the least bit guilty.

“They are priceless,” Stede agreed. Ben’s eyes flashed in Stede’s direction, relieved that he had a friend in the room. “I thought it was a pity they’d been abandoned here. So I had them shipped back to their homes.”

Ben’s jaw dropped.

“Took a few extra couriers and a lot of extra research, but I suddenly have a lot of free time,” Stede went on. “And Edward’s perfect memory of all your vacations was immeasurably helpful to get pieces safely back to South Korea, Morocco, Bangladesh, Thailand, Jamaica, Hawai’i.” He counted countries on his free hand casually. “And yes, the one kifwebe is back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I’m glad you were as concerned about it as I was. Oh, and there was one more, wasn’t there, darling?”

The curves of Ed’s lips curled, but he didn’t respond; Stede was only asking for dramatic effect, the absolute bitch.

“Oh yes, Aotearoa.”

Ed put his arm around Stede’s waist now, too, but he schooled his features back to the calm Ben would be familiar with.

Ben, remarkably, did the same. “Understood,” he said. “I’m glad you’re doing well, Edward.” Ben couldn’t fully disguise the venom in saying Ed’s name, and Ed felt Stede’s fingers flex on him in response. The pair of them remained tethered and steady, however.

“You know I’ll always be here to support you,” Ben added. “Please don’t ever hesitate. I know too well the stumbling blocks when running a business, especially those at the beginning. It’s not necessarily intuitive to know not to fuck a subordinate.”

That was it. Ed’s vision flashed red, but even as he was possessed to lunge at the creep before him, Stede held him tighter.

“Oh… oh dear,” Stede whispered. Ed looked at him, instantly more concerned than anything else. Stede looked downcast. Ed opened his mouth to speak, but Stede shook his head. “Oh, Edward, I think we should consider that he might be right.”

Ed’s lips parted, still wet with the gloss he so desperately wanted Stede to kiss away. He felt a tiny crack in his heart.

“If anyone knows business, it’s Ben.” Stede glanced up at Ed, and Ed was further confused to see a glint in Stede’s eye. “In fact, if anyone knows business mistakes, it’s Ben. Anyone who lost that much money and had to borrow against the business to offset the losses for a weight-loss wellness shake pyramid scheme certainly is qualified to tell you how to operate.”

And… silence. Stede’s revelation had struck everyone speechless. He held himself tall again and wore a placid smile. Ed gathered his thoughts first, and once again, it was as though no one was in the room except him and Stede.

“Is that true?”

“Was that not common knowledge? Or was I not supposed to share?” Stede didn’t look at all sorry. “The coverup in the financial records was so sloppily done, I figured we all knew.”

Ed’s heart skipped a beat and his face hurt from trying not to grin. He forced his brain to come back to the moment and looked at Ben, whose face was flushed beet-red.

“There’ll always be room for you in one of my classes,” Ed told Ben simply. Passive aggression felt unfamiliar, but if there was ever a time.

Ben’s mask had fallen, and he swept out of the studio dramatically, his Gucci bag bobbing on his back.

Stede wrapped both arms around Ed and held their hips flush.

“You were brilliant, Edward.”

Ed held Stede’s face in his hands.

“That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks,” Stede said with a modest chuckle, and Ed’s traitor of a brain considered: Bonnet-Teach or Teach-Bonnet?

“I want to take you home with me right fucking now,” Ed whispered.

“Absolutely not,” Stede shut him down. The firm tone did nothing to suppress the thrill simmering in Ed’s belly for how Stede had stood beside him and burned Ben to ashes. “You’ve given me hours for a date to properly woo you, and I’m not letting you take that back.”

Ed stared hard into those sparkling hazel eyes. Of course he wouldn’t deny Stede, but he begged him for a kiss, please please now please.

Stede glanced over Ed’s shoulder at their audience, and Ed startled to realize once again they weren't alone. Fang, Izzy, Lucius, and Pete all stared like an assortment of emojis. Fang, at least, practically had hearts in his wet eyes. It took Ed a moment to realize that Izzy wasn’t watching him but instead looked Stede up and down, met his stare, and nodded once before retreating to the locker room. Lucius managed to look both proud and disgusted, but Pete took one of his hands and kissed it, and Fang took the other.

“Make them leave, babe,” Lucius begged Fang. “How am I supposed to restore myself when they’re out here mooning over each other?”

“Got it,” Stede chuckled, retrieving his peacoat from a hook just inside the door. He pulled it on, wrapped a scarf around his neck, and held out his arm for Ed, who practically giggled with it.

They hastily made an exit together in the direction of Stede’s car, and the chill hit Ed immediately. He fought the shivers, but the damn short breaths hissed past his teeth. When he thought Stede was going to open the car door for him, he instead embraced Ed again, pressing him against the side.

Kiss me.

“You’re chilly,” Stede observed. “Why no jacket?”

Ed pouted. “I wanted to impress you.”

Stede blushed and began pulling his own scarf off again. “Trust me when I say the sight of you rounding the corner is going to be my first thought upon waking up every morning for the foreseeable future. Now,” he put the scarf around Ed’s neck gently. “I want my date to be comfortable.”

Stede placed a warm hand in the center of Ed’s chest, caressed the apple of his cheek with the scarf, and…

Kissed him… so, so tender and focused and lingering.

All the gestures warmed Ed right down to his toes. He felt dreamy with the soft sensations, and time slowed—it must have. The touch of cashmere to his cheek was so flirtatious and released fluttering butterflies in his belly, and the fingertips settling over his heart set something much more dangerous simmering much lower. Ed could feel every beat of his own heart and every miniscule movement of lips in their kiss, their shared breaths soothing his mind to quiet.

Stede drew back only for an inhale, but his mouth betrayed the smallest of smiles as he licked his own lips.

He kissed Ed again, tongue swiping purposefully now to taste more. Ed opened for him, following the embrace like second nature. Down to his very core, he wanted nothing more in the moment than to be in perfect tune with the man before him. A small, contented hum escaped his throat.

“Ed,” Stede said against his lips. Another beat of a butterfly wing hit Ed at Stede’s first response being his name. “You make me happy.” He pressed their foreheads together.

“Me too,” Ed said simply. He let his eyes close, memorizing the sensations running through him.

“That felt different.”

“Raspberry,” Ed explained.

Stede giggled and settled the scarf more securely around Ed now. “I meant it felt different,” he said. He placed his hand over his own heart now to emphasize his point.

Ed smiled, but he was selfish. He took Stede’s hand back to place on his own bare chest, and Ed couldn’t be sure who moved first, but as soon as Stede slid his hand up and around the back of Ed’s neck, Ed had his arms around Stede’s shoulders for another mesmerizing kiss. Stede massaged the back of his neck through it, pressing him bodily against the car. Ed pulled and pulled, sure that somehow they could still feel closer.

“You’re a menace,” Stede teased, and the next kiss was more smiles than heat. “You’re not going to convince me to do anything except take you out now.”

“Touché, Bonnet.”

***

It turned out the restaurant reservation was for a semi-private space, a small and candlelit table for two, tufted velvet chairs, and the handsomest date, uninhibited in affections and enthusiasm.

He pulled Ed’s chair out for him, for heaven’s sake.

When Stede settled himself beside Ed (across from him was certainly too far), he took Ed’s hand and steadied his breath, apparently preparing for some declaration before their server came for a drink order.

Ed waited patiently. He already knew it was worth every moment.

“Edward, I promise I know things aren’t perfect. Getting out of bed still isn’t easy, and I even deeply doubted myself in class tonight. And sitting here with you is nerve-wracking, but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He kissed Ed’s hand and then looked back into his eyes. “And you’re just so… lovely. Sitting here in the dim and still just sparkling away, like all the light I’m seeing is coming from you.”

Ed felt spellbound, but he’d been here before, wonderfully overwhelmed by Stede’s words, and this time he managed a smile.

“I know it’s not perfect,” Stede insisted, “but it really feels perfect.”

Ed’s face burst into a smile, and he dropped Stede’s hand in favor of pulling his lapel to draw him in. What else was Ed to do but kiss him about it?

“You make me happy,” he echoed Stede’s words back to him, and Stede was positively radiant. “Now, love, tell me…” Ed paused for dramatic effect, and Stede sat nearly on the edge of his seat. “What are you feeding me tonight?”

Their server was already approaching.

“I thought maybe champagne for the occasion?” Stede suggested.

“Can’t remember the last time I had it,” Ed half-accepted. “Why not?”

Their server recommended a signature suite of tapas, explaining they could try as many as they liked as many times as they liked and that they could share.

“I’ll share anything except chocolate with you, mate,” Ed promised with a nudge, and Stede winked.

Stede excitedly rattled off every dish that had caught his eye, and Ed could only stammer an approval with the ingredients and flavors and Stede said he loved caracoles and jamón serrano.

But then the champagne came out and Ed remembered why he never drank the stuff. He tried to play the whole thing off. It was their first date, after all, and Stede had just said he felt perfect. Even so, Ed’s better judgment showed on his face: he couldn’t hide his thoughts because, deep down, he didn’t want to when it came to Stede.

“What’s wrong, really?”

Ed only hesitated again for a short moment. “S’like wet, stale Poprocks, man. Like a dull, sour fizz…”

Stede looked down into his own flute and considered. He’d looked quite satisfied with his sips, and now disappointed concern worried his brow. “What would you like?” he asked, unable to hide the uncertainty from his voice.

“There was a, uh, a really nice red blend…”

With profuse apologies to the server, the two requested a pair of glasses of Ed’s choice of red wine, and with the briefest taste, Stede remarked that it was indeed “delish.”

Ed began to really worry when the snails and melon came out. Stede had been so excited upon suggesting them, and the sparkle in his eyes had been more important than the details, but now as Ed stared down foods he decidedly did not like…

He made a good faith effort to try bites, and they did not go down easy.

“What’s wrong?” Stede repeated, no less earnest than the first time but much smaller.

“I didn’t realize what was coming, and I don’t like these things.”

Stede visibly steeled himself and took Ed’s hand. Eyes a bit wet and voice shaky, he offered, “There was the, uh, manchego with orange preserve and pimientos de padrón…”

Stede tentatively nibbled while Ed waited for something more appealing to come out, but the awkwardness remained. Stede attempted to engage Ed to prevent lulls, and the result felt like an interview: he asked about Ed’s favorite color, favorite movie, favorite band. Of course Stede was genuinely interested and could share his own in turn, but nothing about this felt organic.

When they flowed together in the yoga studio, when they moved together in bed, when they shared their hopes and happiness and fears and insecurities, the dynamic came so naturally. Right now, Ed had fleeting thoughts that dinner was a mistake. At least as the minutes dragged, Stede stopped trying to pretend like everything was okay, and the tension on his face melted into apologetic defeat. He took a deep breath.

“Ed, I’m—”

“Thank you for your patience!” the server announced themself, two platters in hand. “Chef was thrilled they were ordered together. I think you’re really going to like these!”

Ed and Stede gave their thanks, commenting on how beautifully the food was plated and the divine aromas. When the server walked away again, though, Ed’s ears almost rang with the silence between them.

“Please—” Stede cleared his throat, “um, please, go ahead.”

No pressure, then. Ed couldn’t possibly feel more under a microscope. He helped himself to a pepper, and the burst of flavor was visceral relief. 

“Oh Stede! You gotta! You gotta! Oh fuck…” He helped himself to another, fuck the etiquette or manners. “The citrus is so bright—I fuckin’ love citrus, and they’re a bit sweet. Do you like spice? They’re a bit spicy, but not too much. Maybe the manchego after if it’s too much for you? Mate, I promise you gotta before I change my mind about sharing with you—”

Ed gasped. Stede’s delight at Ed’s ramble, his nose crinkling, his lip bitten, his head tipped to the side, paused Ed mid-sentence.

“Try it now,” Ed ordered.

And Stede did. He raved about the subtle smokey flavor, and yes, it would be a dream with how fresh and creamy their manchego would be. Then Stede insisted he could make up for the “melon” incident ( his words ) by instead ordering sherry clams with serrano ham—and say no more, mate, all seafood all the time. Then they tried bites from that platter at the same time, moaning at the same time, both exclaiming how rich the flavors were, and both giggling together and pretending to tug the plate away from the other.

Stede solemnly agreed to separate desserts: Ed’s churros and Stede’s vanilla bean creme brûlée. Ed had to test the limits, though, as they both took in the beauty of their respective plates.

“Could I… like, crack it though?” Ed asked, fingers creeping to Stede’s spoon.

“Absolutely not, darling!”

“But we’re on a date, love.”

Stede side-eyed him, picked up his spoon, and cracked the top of his dessert with dramatic flair. He dipped the spoon in and relished the first bite with a pleased “mmm!”

Two could play at this game. 

“I’m glad we’re here,” Ed murmured sweetly, looking at his date. Stede smiled. “I know it took a minute…” Ed ran a finger along a golden churro and held steady eye contact with Stede. “But seeing you like this feels like such a reward…” He delicately picked one up, turning it over. “And you chose the best place…” He drew the pad of his sugar sticky thumb in tiny circles over the end. “I do feel spoiled, you know…” He dipped the churro slowly into the chocolate sauce and swirled it in a circle. “This is such a treat…” Ed drew the coated end from the sauce. “Thank you, Stede.”

Sparkling brown eyes gazed into pools of hazel as Ed drew the dripping churro to his mouth. He tilted his head and poked out his tongue to catch the dribbling chocolate before putting the dessert in his mouth.

“Oh… ” he moaned. “Oh, Stede, it’s so good.”

Stede gaped, lips parted, eyes wide, spoon dripping crème brûlée, breath coming shorter.

“Do you want a taste?” Ed asked.

Stede gave the tiniest nod, still frozen in place.

Ed selected a small piece and dipped it carelessly, accidentally making a mess of his own fingertips.

“Ah, shit,” Ed lamented gravely. He wagged the treat a bit to shake off the extra chocolate and leaned forward. “Well, open up, love.” Stede mirrored him and parted his lips a bit more.

Ed pursed his own lips before slowly swiping his tongue over the fullest part. He inched the churro toward Stede’s waiting mouth, and Stede’s eyes turned pleading—

Until Ed abruptly took it back and popped it in his own mouth with a teasing wink. Stede’s face fell, and he whined in protest.

“Sorry,” Ed chuckled, mouth full. “I told you I wouldn’t share.”

Stede had never looked so pouty and doe-eyed, and Ed shimmied his shoulders. Stede pushed his lip out further, and Ed grinned. He pressed two chocolate covered fingertips to Stede’s mouth. “Oh, put that lip away, butterfly.”

Stede gratefully licked Ed’s fingers clean, and Ed felt his own heart racing again. He recalled with perfect clarity the talents of that pink tongue. “You’re a fuckin’ lunatic and I like it,” he murmured.

“Thank you,” Stede whispered. He left a pillowy kiss on each fingertip. “For sharing with me,” he added.

Stede broke the tension first with a dazzling smile that burst into a musical laugh. Ed’s whole chest felt warm with it, and he leaned his entire body into Stede’s with delighted giggles. Stede took the opportunity to hold him close for a moment and kissed the top of his head.

“You’re right,” Ed finally said. He took Stede’s hand with his clean one and laced their fingers together. “This feels perfect.”

“Quite a first date,” Stede admitted.

“Don’t tell me when it’s over, okay? It can just keep going.”

Stede let Ed’s hand go in order to tip his chin up. “Okay,” he agreed.

“Okay.”

Stede kissed him.

***

Ed categorically refused to let Stede’s hand go as they walked into Stede’s condo for the first time together. Stede had fussed with his keys one-handed, but Ed needed to kiss the inside of Stede’s wrist and that absolutely took precedence. It was the only way he could keep walking and keep from kissing Stede silly, pushing him against a wall, pushing a thigh between Stede’s legs…

Ed shook his head to bring his mind back to everything around him and not just how soft Stede’s skin was…

Stede tossed his keys and flicked on a light, and then Ed whirled him back in so they embraced chest to chest.

Stede pulled on the lent cashmere scarf, and Ed shivered with the sensation of it slipping over his skin. Stede hung the item on a hook and pressed his palms to Ed’s lapels.

“I’d ask you if I could take your coat, but…” he teased, indicating Ed’s chest.

Ed moved his face the tiniest bit closer. Ask me, he mouthed.

“May I take your coat, moonbeam?”

“Yes, please.”

Stede moved behind Ed, hands slipping around his chest and shoulders in aimless, teasing swirls. He pushed silvery tresses over Ed’s right shoulder and placed a single kiss on his left earlobe. Two arms snaked around Ed’s waist and unbuttoned the suit jacket. Stede drew it open and off Ed’s shoulders and arms oh-so-slowly, and Ed shivered.

“Oh, you poor dear…” Stede whispered, placing warm kisses in a perfect, precise line from the tip of his shoulder to the hinge of his jaw. Ed peeked at him, lip bitten in anticipation. Stede hung the jacket on a hanger with care and was back in front of Ed within moments. He took Ed’s hands in both of his and looked him up and down, savoring every inch of his body poured into those showstopping leather pants, and Ed couldn’t tell what had him trembling so much. It just felt different now. Stede drew him in and kissed each of Ed’s tattooed knuckles with worshipful softness.

“I haven’t even asked if I can offer you a drink or give you a tour.”

“Give me a tour in the morning.”

Stede’s mouth was on Ed’s a heartbeat later, enveloping Ed in his arms and rocking with it in the subtlest dance. Stede made sure every exposed inch of him was warmed by touch even as their lips brushed, pressed, parted. The taste of Stede was so familiar now, but Ed kissed as though there was always one more secret in Stede to be discovered. He let his eyes flutter closed. Ed unbuttoned and pulled off Stede’s own jacket, but his eyes flashed open and he drew back suddenly upon feeling lace under his fingertips.

The jacket was pushed off Stede’s shoulders, hanging off his forearms now, but Ed gasped at the straps to the jewel tone jumpsuit, the softest, finest ruched lace that had simultaneously dressed broad, strong shoulders and also had hid his under the formal, structured jacket. It was all so very Stede. Ed had to kiss it. The heat of Stede beneath the strip of lace was the most important sensation he could ever want… until he nudged the lace just off Stede’s shoulders because he needed to know how the skin under the straps might taste different.

When Ed stood back at his full height, Stede’s face bore the dreamiest, almost far away expression.

“Where are you, mate?” Ed prompted. He caressed the hint of skin on Stede’s belly through the window in the fabric, and he slid fingers forward and back to urge the lace back up onto Stede’s pretty shoulders.

“Here,” Stede exhaled shakily. “Oh, Edward, right here .” He kissed Ed again, licking into his mouth for another deep, desperately needed taste.

Ed went so willingly and so easily as Stede drew him back to his bedroom, neither allowing more than seconds between kisses. When they passed the threshold, Stede flipped a switch and a dim light allowed Ed to see his face again, but the source was unexpected. His attention was captured by twinkle lights hung around every edge of the ceiling, and Stede kissed his neck as he looked up and around.

“Is this for me?” he asked.

Stede chuckled and responded after a couple more kisses. “I know I should say they are, but they’re just… pretty… and sometimes it’s easier to turn them on than the overheads or opening the shades… and… it-it’s a bit silly, but um… the room doesn’t feel too bright or too… dark…” Stede’s ramble petered out, all nerves and a realization that he maybe should have practiced an explanation.

Ed felt an impossible surge of affection. “They’re so pretty,” he agreed, though he was now staring straight into Stede’s eyes, blown dark and reflecting something like a sparkling night sky.

Stede visibly relaxed with that and urged Ed to sit down while he stepped into what looked like a huge closet, mumbling that he had to hang his jacket now or things would begin to pile up like they had before.

“I don’t know what I would have done if Jim hadn’t helped me get this place under control,” he called from the closet. He re-emerged and stood in the doorway. “It got out of control so fast before,” Stede explained, concern all over his face. “I’m really nervous it will happen again.”

Ed’s heart both ached and leapt for Stede. Thank whatever deity that Stede had people looking after him, too. He nodded understandingly, offering a smile and beckoning finger. Stede came, but gasped when Ed turned him to face away.

Ed took a moment to run his hands over Stede’s fabric-covered ass, a rich slide of brocade over skin. Once he took his fill, he reached higher to push the lace off Stede’s shoulders again and then began unzipping the back, giving the rasp of each delicate millimeter its own moment. Ed thrilled at seeing Stede tremble for him now, but he refused to rush this bit. The outfit was divine, Stede wore it like a dream, and the process of undressing him had to be savored.

“How did you zip this on your own?” Ed asked.

Stede looked over his shoulder. “My yoga teacher has me working on my flexibility.”

“He sounds hot.” Ed danced his fingers on the skin so far exposed.

“Mmm, he’s the loveliest man I’ve ever known.”

“Do you think he likes you back?” Ed nudged the zipper open more and rubbed his thumb over a particularly enticing ripple of muscle now exposed on Stede’s back. 

“I h-hope so…”

“I know so.”

He pushed the jumpsuit down off Stede’s torso and stopped at the swell of his ass. Ed perched his chin on the bunched fabric and gazed up at the rolling plains of Stede’s back. Every shift and shiver of his body was evident from this point of view. Every inch of him was precious and needed to be kissed.

“Yeah,” Ed breathed on his skin definitively. “I really know so.” He kissed Stede’s oblique to sate the need a bit.

“Thank you,” Stede whispered.

“Mmm, my pleasure… Wow—”

Ed pulled the jumpsuit down Stede's legs and gasped at the sight. Ed had known from day one what a perky, muscular ass Stede had, and he found out fast what Stede could do with it. But here, now, with that ass inches away and covered in more lace? The hiphuggers emphasized the softness and strength of him all at once, in a pale powder blue that coordinated perfectly with the deeper blue of the jumpsuit. A clawing, unhinged urge slammed into Ed’s chest as he resisted biting a cheek. 

Ed held Stede steady as he stepped out of the outfit, socks, and boots, and then he urged Stede to turn again to face him.

“Fuck, love,” he forced out, and Stede’s blush crept right down his gilded chest. Ed held his hips right at eye level, admiring Stede’s rapidly hardening cock under the lace. Ed rubbed his thumbs over the v of Stede’s pelvis. “Sexy underthings not for me either?”

“Well…” Stede smirked a bit and it was positively radiant. “I would never be so presumptuous to assume you’d see them, but they made me feel confident enough to hope.”

“Incredible.”

Stede sank to his knees before Ed, seated on the bed, and leaned in for a kiss. The sensual moment was all too brief, though, as Stede focused on undressing Ed with care. He unzipped his boots, removed them carefully, and slipped off his socks, but it was the minutes he spent rubbing Ed’s ankles and heels that took his breath away.

The boots looked cool as fuck and had the intended effect of impressing a clothes horse like Stede, but Ed was so used to sneakers and sandals now that he’d lost his tolerance for heels. An unmistakable ache affected him now, and somehow Stede just knew, and soothed him with such nonchalance, clad only in small pieces of lace.

Stede leaned further and rested his head on Ed’s left thigh while continuing to ease the ache in the arch of his right foot. Ed fingered a lock of Stede’s hair, soft like silk. It was so tender, yet Ed felt himself growing hard at the unrestrained physical care. 

Two could play at that game. He could care for Stede just as well.

“Lie down, butterfly.”

“But—”

“Please.”

Stede complied, crawling back to a pile of pillows on the bed while Ed stood and helped himself to Stede’s discarded clothes. He padded without a word into what he assumed was Stede’s closet, and he placed the boots in a designated cubby, discarded the socks in a labeled hamper, and hung the jumpsuit with the jacket, probably for dry cleaning later. Everything was clean and in its place, and Stede wouldn’t have to spare a single thought for a new depression mess that might pile up.

He strolled back out, and the overwhelming affection on Stede’s face gave him exactly what he was looking for. The next bit would be just for Ed’s own satisfaction, however.

Ed knew exactly how to pose, how to angle himself perfectly to strip out of the leather pants that would make Stede desperate for him. He gave a languid stretch and luxurious moan first, arching his back and reaching his arms over his head.

As casually as though he were alone, he popped and unzipped his pants, deliberately not watching Stede’s face. A touch of exhibitionism took over when he turned himself away a bit and hooked his thumbs into the waist, drawing them down slowly so Stede wouldn’t mistake there was no lace, no silk to be found. He planted one foot slightly in front of the other to bend in half at the waist and give Stede and eyeful of tattooed skin.

He even managed to step out of the pants without stumbling. Fucking nailed it. And, pants tossed aside, he knelt his good knee on the bed, bare and achingly aroused. Stede held himself back as though waiting for permission, but his chest rose and fell deeply and he licked his lower lip hungrily.

Ed cocked a hip and tossed his hair.

“Ed please!” Stede exploded, desperate now. Ed smiled and gave in easily, crawling like a cat up to Stede and wrapping himself around Stede’s solid form. He ground his cock against Stede’s hip slowly. Neither could stop gazing into the other’s eyes, and Ed only began to move in for a heated kiss when Stede’s eyes welled and he spoke. 

“Oh Edward, I’m so sorry.”

He turned to properly embrace Ed around the middle, hips aligned, cocks pressed together with only the lace between them, legs tangling together. The whiplash from heated need to sadness made his stomach drop.

“Hey,” Ed caressed his face. “What’s wrong? For what?”

“For leaving.”

“Oh,” Ed huffed a laugh gentle enough not to make Stede self-conscious. “Are you talking about weeks ago or have you done more leaving I didn’t know about?”

Stede, the ridiculous man that he was, managed a chuckle through his sudden heartache. “I mean it,” he insisted sincerely. “All I wanted was this.” He ran his fingertips up and down Ed’s side, and fuck, maybe the gold lacquer on his nails really was telling of the magic he possessed. “I just want to earn your forgiveness and deserve this.”

Ed caught a tear on Stede’s cheek before it could fall. “Honesty, right?” he ventured.

Stede steeled himself and nodded.

“I’m still upset sometimes. I’ll be tired after a long day and feel angry, or I’ll wake up too early and feel kind of sad.” He carded fingers through Stede’s hair. He cast eyes all over Stede’s handsome face. “But I know what happened and why. I’m glad you’re doing better and that we’re here. I'm doing better too. I might still be upset, but I do forgive you.”

Stede somehow held him tighter.

“Make sense?”

Stede kissed him for a slow, dreamy minute and then another and another. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Ed traced the shells of Stede’s ears down along his jaw down to his shoulders.

“Okay.” Stede lowered and then tightened his hold on Ed to his waist, as though Ed could even want to pull away from this heavenly spot. The bed was so comfortable, everything smelled so fresh and sheets felt so crisp.

Even as they kissed softly, even as Stede earnestly kissed down his neck, even as he mumbled praise and endearments, even as Stede allowed his own hands to wander, Ed considered the safety and intimacy of this moment in contrast with what he knew of Stede’s time away. They were in the same spot where Stede had withdrawn behind shades and under blankets, but this room looked so tidy and cheerful now, downright fantastical with the twinkle lights hung.

Stede sucked gently on the skin below Ed’s ear.

“Stede?”

“Mmhmm?”

“I’ve got you.”

Stede drew back again and smiled a bit, though he waited for Ed to say more.

“I’ve got you. You’re not by yourself—never were, really. But here,” he looked around them to indicate the bed, “Hope it’s okay that we’re here in this room, in this bed. I know this is where you were stuck.”

If Ed thought he had witnessed affection pass across Stede’s face before, it paled in comparison to his glow now. Stede kissed him urgently as though nothing could be more important. Ed welcomed it, relishing the taste of Stede’s insistent tongue on his own, but he still had to be sure Stede knew. He forced himself to leave one more fleeting kiss on Stede’s lower lip and then hold him at bay.

“Stede, my butterfly, is being here really okay?”

“Yours?” Stede was dazzling when he smiled like this, but Ed couldn’t get distracted this time.

“Stede.”

“More than okay,” Stede promised. “It doesn’t feel the same. And not just because of the lights or that Lucius suggested I spring for new bedclothes and curtains.” He kissed the tip of Ed’s nose and his own crinkled in delight. “Maybe a lot of it is because you’re here. Probably most of it is because, even on a bad day, I believe that I’m not by myself.” He kissed away the worry lines on Ed’s temples and forehead.

Ed felt his heart beating faster again with these intimate check-ins. Their hands still wandered over bare skin, but the shared whispers brought new sensations to familiar touches. The electricity of it built with every minute, and Ed almost unconsciously found himself grinding his hips against Stede’s again, moaning lightly with the relief it brought his once again hard cock.

“I need to touch you,” Stede panted.

“I need you to touch me,” Ed responded, and he hissed with the bliss of Stede’s fingers around his cock. He thrust into it, still so slowly to feel every inch.

“You’re perfect,” Stede praised, soft and sweet, and Ed groaned more loudly. He wrapped his arms around Stede’s neck and buried his face there, willing himself to stay in the moment and not chase release too quickly.

“Will you—can you—fuck—can you tell me what you want?” Ed gasped. He hoped Stede would be willing to ask for things, accept praise, escape from any self-consciousness or shyness. He gritted his teeth to control the long moan that escaped his throat when Stede gripped his ass, hard.

Stede nibbled his earlobe, stroked his cock, kneaded his ass, and it was all Ed could do to cling to him as he whispered. “I need to be touching every inch of you, Edward.” He licked a stripe up Ed’s throat. “I want you to ride me and come on my cock. Would you like that, too?”

Stede’s request punched the air out of his lungs and drained the blood from his brain, but Stede also gripped the base of his cock suddenly, the only thing that kept him from coming on the spot.

“Yes—yes. I need it,” Ed managed.

“Will you let me open you up?”

“Please .”

“Lie down, darling.”

Ed turned onto his belly, and Stede ensured his head and hips were supported by pillows. Stede stroked his hair and even rubbed his shoulders for a moment, and Ed felt… spoiled, cared for, safe.

“Thank you,” Stede whispered oh-so close to his ear before moving away, opening a drawer and retrieving what he needed.

Ed let his eyes fall closed to allow his other senses to take him away. The shifting of the bed under Stede’s solid form brought him so much comfort and relaxed him more than any words could have.

“Leg up... Ahh, there you are…”

Nevermind, Ed thought blissfully. Those words did it.

He felt the sensation of Stede’s hands ghosting over his body, heard lube opening and closing, and breathed in the gentle scent of Stede on the pillow. He let out a contented hum.

“Oh, that’s right, those delectable sounds you make are only going to spur me on.”

And fuck yes, Stede’s fingers were absolutely magic as they indulgently circled his entrance. He gave Ed just a slick fingertip, and Ed shoved his face into the pillow to muffle the moan the touch tore from his throat.

“Oh no, Edward,” Stede said, his voice dripping with concern but his finger moving past the ring of muscle and inching into Ed. “Please let me hear you? I want to make you feel so good.” He stroked inside so slowly.

Ed gathered all his willpower to breathe in and relax again, and as Stede fingered him in earnest, Ed was overwhelmed with the scent of his own hair and Stede’s pillows. Every second he thought he couldn’t feel happier, he was proven wrong. He turned his face to the side again and opened his eyes.

There was Stede, leaning over slightly to meet his eye and still sliding one perfect, dripping finger further into him with each thrust.

“More,” Ed requested, and Stede’s face blossomed into another smile.

Stede gave him all he wanted when he wanted it, moving his finger faster, adding another, finding and stroking his prostate at the exact moment Ed pleaded for it and answering with an attendant, of course, anything for you. And when Ed insisted on more still, Stede added a third finger and used his free hand to massage Ed’s lower back. Ed wished that he could simultaneously stay in the moment forever and come with the scream he felt brewing in his chest.

“You’re doing so well,” Stede praised. “More beautifully than I dreamt.” He leaned in to Ed’s back as close as he could, fingers still lighting him up deep inside. When he spoke again, he was mere inches from Ed’s ear. “And I’ve dreamt of this so much, moonbeam.”

Ed shivered, and Stede placed a kiss on his shoulder blade.

“Me too,” Ed exhaled.

“Would you like me to keep playing with you? Do you want to come like this?” He pressed in somehow deeper still.

Ed’s eyes went wide with the offer, but he fought to find the words. “No,” he whispered. “No—fuck!” Stede brushed that perfect spot inside him again and Ed felt himself beginning to come apart. “Stede—I need all of you— ”

Stede’s fingers stopped moving, and Ed caught his breath.

“I want to ride you and come on your cock,” he threw Stede’s words back at him.

Stede removed his fingers as slowly as he’d entered. “I could do this forever, you know. Just feel how perfect you are and worship you for hours. Maybe next time…”

“Yes, yes, please. Next time,” Ed gasped when Stede withdrew.

Ed attempted to push himself up, but a solid hand kept him down for another moment. Stede kneaded his thumbs into Ed’s lower back, a final release for the muscles Ed had exercised so thoroughly in his class a few hours earlier. It was only when Ed was entirely relaxed and pliant that Stede relented. He crawled up Ed’s back, nudging his cock, straining hard against lace, to the cleft of Ed’s ass.

“So good to me, so good for me,” he smiled as he nuzzled Ed’s cheek with his nose.

Stede helped Ed up so they could shift positions, but before he allowed himself to lean back against the pillows, he brushed his lips over Ed’s. Ed wouldn’t let him pull away, however, throwing his arms around Stede’s neck and shoving his tongue in his mouth. 

“Now,” he insisted, biting Stede’s lower lip. “Now.”

He released Stede suddenly so he’d fall back with a sweet oof, and Ed towered over him. He palmed Stede’s cock, threatening, “If I don’t get these off you now, I’m going to bite them off.”

Stede wiggled his hips playfully, and Ed dragged the lace underwear down and off. As fine as they were, Stede’s cock springing free made his mouth water. 

He turned to retrieve the lube with the same motion, but paused when he saw a condom beside it. His traitorous mind considered at record speed that Stede had found comfort in someone else. Maybe Stede had just needed anyone but Ed. They hadn’t been dating, it wasn’t a relationship, no matter how real Ed’s feelings were. What mattered is that they were here now.

He picked up both and turned back.

“Edward, it’s okay…” Stede started immediately. “I understand I was gone a long time, and I don’t mind what you might have done. You didn’t owe me anything. Your past is your business, and we’re here now.”

“Yeah, I know, mate.” Ed swung a leg enticingly over Stede’s hips and straddled his parted thighs. He tore open the condom package carefully and slipped it out. He understood. Stede hadn’t been with anyone else; he wanted to ensure Ed would feel comfortable if he had. “I'm going to put this on that gorgeous cock of yours,” Ed went on, “and I’m going to take everything you’ve got and we’re not going to ruin these beautiful new sheets of yours.”

Stede chuckled at that, and Ed rolled the condom on him, fondling his balls and then generously adding lube. Stede stared at Ed’s hand on him, holding his cock steady as he lined himself up.

“And Stede?”

Stede’s eyes flicked to Ed’s again.

“There was no one else. I could never want anyone else.”

Nothing could have prepared Ed. The way Stede’s cock felt pressing at his entrance and then the way Ed shook at trying to maintain control and take his time the second Stede was inside him. The way Stede grasped his hips as if terrified they could ever be parted. The way Stede’s mouth fell open in bliss at the exact moment an involuntary groan came from Ed. He sank down further, losing himself in the stretch of his body taking Stede. It was so perfect, he was so perfect, they were so perfect. He braced a hand on Stede’s chest.

“Please Stede… talk to me…”

“Ed—Edward…” Stede helped hold him so he’d take his time sinking down. He breathed heavily and stammered, “You’re a work of art… every-everything I dreamt about and yet… oh, don’t stop… god, I’ve wanted you every day and never imagined— ahh!!”

Ed was sure he cried out, too, but his senses were only Stede, Stede, Stede the moment he took him to the hilt. Every inch of him felt alight and alive, and the smile that persisted on Stede’s face flooded Ed with even more pleasure. All the years of winning championships or success or setting personal bests or sex or meditating to calm had never felt like this.

They both caught their breath, frozen in the moment at being joined completely, but then Ed shifted his hand on Stede’s pec and fingered his nipple to a delicious pink peak. Stede arched under the ministrations, still holding Ed’s hips fast and instinctively thrusting even deeper inside.

“Stede!!”

“Oh, my sweet, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“Please, it’s good, ‘s good… please, again— more—Stede!!”

Stede rolled his hips into shallow thrusts with perfect rhythm, hitting the perfect spot inside Ed. Ed stared into those hazel eyes that glinted like gemstones to keep himself from beginning to fall apart again.

“Can’t… not yet,” Ed forced out. “Need it to last. Need you longer.”

“Come here, come here, c’mere…” Stede babbled urgently, clinging to Ed and managing to sit up with that mind-boggling core strength. He kept Ed seated firmly on his cock, refusing to yield an inch. “Legs ‘round my waist,” he added, a desperate edge of his voice. Ed complied, trembling with the way he felt every movement deep inside him. “Hold on to me.”

“Always,” Ed vowed. He wound arms around Stede’s shoulders, reveling in the strength of him and the silkiness of the locks of golden hair he could touch.

Stede’s lap was the most unbearably perfect seat he’d ever taken, and he bounced slowly with the leverage he could use from the beautiful man’s powerful frame. The slick slide of Stede’s cock was rapturous.

“Lotus, you absolute menace,” Ed teased through his own smile.

“Mmph! This is nothing like lotus pose…”

“Lotus position, love,” Ed chuckled, and oh, the joy in having fun and laughing while so vulnerable with someone he wanted so badly. Even deep as Stede was, thrusting as best as he could with Ed in his lap, moaning and giggling and smiling, Ed still wanted him. Stede was right there, and Ed still couldn’t get enough.

“You’re beautiful,” Ed whispered.

“Oh, Ed…”

And Stede looked more than ever as though he believed all of it.

“Don’t stop, okay?” Ed said, pressing their foreheads together.

Stede groaned in reply. He braced an arm behind himself, thrusting hard with the new leverage, and curled fingers around Ed’s leaking cock with his other hand. He brushed a perfect thumb over the come beading from Ed’s slit. Stede thrust hard again and Ed distantly heard his own shouts of ecstasy, but all he saw was stars.

“That’s it,” Stede praised, stroking Ed firmly, playing his thumb under the ridge of Ed’s cock and then finding a fast, heated rhythm again.

“Oh fuck, Stede— ahh!—more! Fuck! STEDE!!”

Stede thrust hard again, and Ed thought he might launch into orbit with the sensations.

“Ed—oh, Ed, please—”

“Yes!”

His orgasm built like a bonfire, and it was crackling wildly already. Stede’s cock hit his prostate over and over, and he felt himself tipping, soaring, falling—

“Stay with me.”

Stede’s hand still flew over his cock, but instead of bracing himself against the bed, he wrapped an arm around Ed’s waist, keeping him from arching away too far. Ed lurched back to the present, desperate now, feeling his cock twitch as shivers raced down his spine. He gasped and held onto Stede tight. He needed the release, but he’d promise Stede anything.

“I’m here,” he sobbed.

“We’re so close.”

“Yes.”

Stede bit into his shoulder and Ed pulled his hair and Stede gave his cock indulgent pulls and Ed ground himself down hard, and they flew over the edge together with broken shouts of the other’s name. Ed felt Stede twitching inside him as his own come burst onto their chests in white ribbons.

Ed pulled Stede in for a messy, frenzied kiss, all tongues and the need to simply become one being. They crashed together until both shook violently with the overstimulation and exhaustion.

And Ed kissed him again, but now it was the gentlest brush of lips, over and over, until Stede’s smile was too broad to kiss… so Ed did it once more… and again.

“You,” Stede said simply, and Ed knew what he meant.

“And you,” Ed responded, casting eyes over Stede’s worshipful, flushed, glowing face. Stede hiccuped a laugh and then simply held Ed, arms wrapped around him and face buried in his mussed hair. He nuzzled closer and breathed in, and Ed found himself sharing the same deep breath.

Ed kissed Stede to his heart’s content across his lips, cheeks, ears, neck, and anywhere he could reach as Stede tended to him. Impossibly, Stede helped him up and off so gently, even as Ed hissed and whined at the loss of him inside. He delicately slipped off the condom and tied it off, dropping it in the nearby trash. Ed attempted to hold himself up sitting, but he went so easily when Stede laid him out over pillows and blankets, promising he’d be right back.

Ed shook his head and scrambled to pull Stede close again. “Here, please,” he requested, pouting his lip and hoping Stede might simply slide into the sheets beside him.

“I’m going to do this right, moonbeam. I will be right back, okay?”

“No.”

Stede’s smile softened and he gingerly laid across Ed’s side so as not to make more of the mess. Ed gazed at him and swallowed hard; he felt too vulnerable to move again and initiate what he needed. Tonight felt different for them, and he felt fragile and cracked open and—

Stede kissed his cheek, humming contentedly. With his clean hand, he tidied the messy locks of Ed’s hair back to the flirty curls he’d placed so carefully for the start of their date. Then he cupped Ed’s cheek, brushing his thumb softly over the spot where his heated skin met his soft beard. Ed thought Stede might offer more words, but once again, the man surprised him and brought peace to his racing thoughts…

Sky cleared up, day turned to bright

Stede’s voice was still a whisper, barely loud enough to carry a tune, but he sang softly and punctuated each line with delicate kisses to Ed’s neck.

Closing both eyes now the head filled with light

Hard to remember what a state I was in

Instant amnesia

Yang to the Yin

Ed’s mouth fell open. In the moment he came, he had never felt so satisfied and seen, but moments later, even more warmth was now flooding his limbs. Stede’s yoga classes were high-energy with exciting, up-tempo music, the kind of accessible, peppy tunes that could make a student forget the agony of doing malasana squats for four minutes. In contrast, Ed built playlists he wanted to listen to, eclectic and sometimes odd and always unapologetic with his choices. And here Stede was now, warm and attendant and singing one of Ed’s favorite songs for the sun salutations period of his classes.

Ed’s eyes fluttered closed, no longer afraid to miss a moment with Stede. He wasn’t going anywhere.

All I got to do is to love you

All I got to be is, be happy

All it's got to take is some warmth to make it

Blow away, blow away, blow away…

Ed tilted his head because he knew what would come next, and the luscious feel of Stede’s lips on his was as perfect as it had been the very first time.

“Thank you, love,” Ed muttered against Stede’s lips before kissing him again. Stede made a small, delighted sound, and leaned in to extend the kiss before Ed could pull back.

“Thank you,” Stede echoed. He considered Ed’s face for a moment and then kissed a spot just below his lips and a little to the left, as though he realized it was one neglected inch of Ed he hadn’t yet tended to.

“You’ll come right back,” Ed said.

“Only a minute, I promise. And my linens are soft, it’ll be worth it.”

Ed nodded his agreement and let Stede go. He let himself drift for that moment Stede puttered around the en suite bathroom and linen closet. The soft sounds of cupboards and drawers and water running was wonderfully domestic.

The bed dipped under Stede when he returned, so Ed wasn’t surprised with the warm, soft cloth Stede used to clean him up. And as though it were the natural final step, Stede kissed Ed’s clean chest and tummy softly before disposing of the washcloth in the hamper in the closet. Once he was satisfied, he dimmed the twinkle lights to the faintest glimmer and crawled back into bed with Ed.

He fussed over pillows and blankets, ensuring his partner was cozy, and Ed registered, half dreamy already, more kisses, a tangle of bare legs, and muscular arms encircling him, warm and secure.

***

Ed awoke with a deep inhale through his nose and the scents of lavender and citrus (Stede) and the now-familiar feeling of arms wrapping around his pliant, warm, bare body (Stede).

He found himself cuddled close and facing Stede as he blinked his eyes open. Stede’s were falling closed again.

“Well hello,” Stede murmured fondly.

“Hey, mate.”

“Your much-too-sweet tea is on your nightstand,” Stede said, eyes closed now. He held Ed tighter as if daring him to even attempt to move for the beverage.

“Still spoiling me?” Ed smiled into Stede’s neck.

“The date’s not over.”

Ed shivered, though he couldn’t say why. Stede pulled the blanket up to their shoulders and held him tighter still.

🔥🔥🔥