Chapter Text
The luxury of a full tub of warm water was a rarity at the lighthouse so this stop in town at a bathhouse was a welcome change. Steaming water covered Stede almost entirely, leaving only his shoulders and head above water. After scrubbing and rinsing himself, he opted to remain in the tub for a while longer. He sighed, relaxing into the water, in near ecstasy from the sensation of being enveloped in the rose-scented water.
As he rested, his mind wandered.
The new happenings these last months, his surprise roommate. Their time working together, Stede teaching Ed about the lighthouse, it’s maintenance and care.Ed teaching Stede to read the sea and sky, predict the weather and tide.
His thoughts narrowed in on Ed, Blackbeard, the Kraken. The strange man who washed up into his life. The strange man who made him feel ways he had never felt before. The man who had quietly watched and relished in Stede just days before in his quarters. His sharp eyes soft, drinking in Stede as he pleasured himself.
He felt a twinge in his groin.
Stede shook his head, opening his eyes. He looked around the room, the light outside filtering in through the fabric covered window. He sighed deeply and dropped his chin to his chest. His prick had crept to life, semi-rigid, and threatened to poke above the water's surface.
Stede grunted. He would have to deal with that before leaving, or likely be slightly uncomfortable all day. He wouldn’t have a chance to take care of himself until he returned to his home, a journey that would take most of the day.
However, the water was cooling, and he was going to be at least a bit longer. Pulling a towel across the tub to cover his sensitive bits, he rang the small bell next to the tub.
A moment later, he heard the thumping of footsteps and a knock at the door of his room.
“Come in, all is decent.”
A young man pushed the door in with his back, carrying a large tub of steaming water. He gave a small bow with his head, and walked to the tub. Stede folded his legs up as the attendant poured the much hotter water into the tub, bringing the entire bath up by several degrees.
“Thank you, there will be coin for you on the table at my departure,” Stede said, giving the attendant a small smile.
“Thank you sir, I will leave you be,” the man said, exiting the room.
Stede waited a few moments for the other man’s footsteps to recede, stirring the water with his arm to disperse the fresh hot water more evenly in the tub.
Once he was certain the man was far enough away, Stede took an additional wash rag from the table next to the tub and set it on the edge of the basin. Sighing deeply, he ran a tentative stroke down his length. A few strokes later and he was fully rigid, and he rested his head against the edge of the tub. Eyes closed, he relaxed into the water, intent on getting this done, more as a chore than a want.
His mind wandered to the normal places. The few images he had stashed away in his small hut, illustrations of men and women nude, posed against draping backgrounds, with their legs spread to just show a hand placed between, giving the notion of something about to happen.
Some nights he turned to those images, a woman reclined, cupping a soft breast in her hand, with a soft “come hither” look on her face, a promise of a good time.
Stede typically favored the men’s images. He couldn’t pinpoint what exactly, but they tantalized him more than the women’s. The portraits, like the women’s, were soft. So counter to the men he often met in life. There was a seeming open vulnerability that drew him in. An invitation of “let’s join and see what becomes of it.”
The water wrapped him like a blanket, and he found his mind wandering once more to Ed. His leather pants and vest, although unconventional, accentuated some of the man’s… finer points. He again thought back to several nights prior.
Ed had watched Stede, breathless, palming himself over his pants. Stede, flushed red and breathing heavy, making intermittent eye contact with the other man. And then the things Ed had done with his mouth, the hot breaths and moans that echoed on Stede’s cock. Even thinking about it now was almost too much.
Stede hadn’t done anything like that before with someone else. It was strange, unfamiliar, but exciting. It left a burning pit in his stomach that Stede could only interpret as desire for Ed. A concept near foreign to him.
Sure, he’d grown attached to Ed, but is this what happens to people when they feel that way about another? Is this what the teens at his boarding school had whispered about in corners, that led to its own collection of dismissals from the academy?
Stede let out a low groan as he ran his hand rapidly along his length, letting his head loll back and eyes close. It had been a long time since anyone could get to him like this. Stede groaned, trying to quiet himself as the sound caught him off guard. An uncommon, aching need radiated through Stede’s pelvis, intensifying as he rubbed his palm in circles over the head of his prick. His hips involuntarily jutted up, splashing water out of the tub.
Stede opened his eyes, glancing to check if his clothes had been dampened, instead looking up as Ed entered the room. One towel around his waist, another wrapped atop his head. Stede’s breath caught in his throat, rushing to pull a towel over the tub, to cover himself. Had he been loud enough for Ed to hear?
Ed stopped mid stride, seeing the state Stede was in, and inhaled sharply. Saying nothing, he closed the door behind him, and slowly walked to the tub.
“I-I didn’t hear you coming, I wouldn’t-,” Stede stammered, face flushing a beet red.
Ed quietly shushed the man, unwrapped his hair, letting the wet, loosely curling strands fall down his back and across his shoulders.
Stede felt another pang deep in his pelvis.
Ed sat on the edge of tub, and put a gentle hand on Stede’s face, running a thumb across his lower lip.
“I was going to come and ask if you had spare stockings to borrow.”
“Oh, yes, uhm,” Stede could only trip over his own tongue, not able to fully form words.
Ed’s hand moved from Stede’s jaw, down his neck, and came to rest on his chest.
“If my inklings are correct, you may need some help before that mate,” he said, slowly pulling away the towel Stede had set across the tub.
Stede lifted his hands from the fabric, breathing heavily. He looked into Ed’s eyes. Soft, but backed with hunger, one Stede had rarely seen or noticed directed at himself.
He swallowed hard, and gave a halting nod.
“Ed, are you sure? This is a popular establishment and-,”
Ed pressed a finger against the man’s lips to hush him.
“Do you trust me Stede?”
Stede nodded once more.
“Are you ok with doing this here?”
Stede paused, it wasn’t all that busy, and they were in a far suite. Surely worse things had transpired in these rooms. He nodded again.
Ed stood, and walked to the door, hung a small sign on the outside, shut and locked it from the inside.
He turned back to Stede, now lying fully exposed in the large basin, cock erect, flushed red from tip to base.
“Stede, do you want me to fuck you?” Ed asked, eyes now sharp and dark.
The expression on Ed’s face alone sent another twinge through Stede. He gulped and nodded.
“Speak,” Ed commanded.
Stede’s mouth went dry. “Erm, uh- yes.”
“Tell me you want me to fuck you Stede.”
Stede’s chest heaved. He was near panting. How did this man do this to him?
“Ed, I- uh, I want you to fuck me,” he squeaked.
Ed stared at him for a moment.
“Please.”
With that addition, Ed moved back to the tub.
“Move up,” Ed commanded.
Stede scooted forward in the tub as Ed dropped his lower towel, and slid in behind the other man. Stede felt Ed’s warm body press against his, as the other man reclined them both back, so Stede was resting against Ed.
Stede could only think about the man behind him, wishing he could take him up in his arms, and marvel in Ed’s entire being. A privilege he had yet to be granted.
In each of their prior escapades, Ed seemed wholly intent on Stede’s enjoyment alone, and frustratingly insistent on remaining near fully clothed.
“What should I-“ Stede was cut off as Ed lightly hushed him again.
Ed pressed a few kisses into Stede’s neck, as he ran a hand down his torso. The other hand playfully danced across his chest, gently caressing Stede’s nipples. Stede breathed sharply, and whined, catching himself by surprise.
“Shhh, I’ve got you, don’t worry,” Ed breathed.
The second hand made its way down to Stede’s inner thigh, gently caressing the soft, lightly haired skin. The back of Ed’s hand brushed the base of Stede’s cock, sending a shiver through the gentleman.
“Quite excited I see,” Ed teased as he laid gentle nips along Stede’s shoulder.
“Ed, please,” Stede breathed, surprising himself.
Stede heard Ed chuckle over his shoulder.
“It does seem you’ve gotten yourself into a state all on your own, who am I to be unkind.”
Stede saw stars as Ed grasped his prick. His stomach heaved as he breathed heavily, that feeling of want burning hot and heavy inside of him.
“Mmm, calm now. Can’t waste yourself before we’ve even begun,” Ed teased.
He gave Stede a few gentle strokes with the barest of contact.
“You are just perfectly palm sized aren’t you? So beautiful,” Ed marveled.
Stede’s chest heaved again, followed by a small whimper.
Ed exhaled heavily through his nose, almost bemused, as he continued to run his gentle fist up and down Stede’s length.
He continued to press kisses and murmured words into Stede’s neck and shoulder, his rough beard brushing along Stede’s back. The other man couldn’t help but groan and lean his full weight back into Ed, head falling back onto Ed’s shoulder as he revelled in the touch. Even with minimal effort, Stede’s breathing quickened rapidly, and he felt a familiar tension pooling in his groin.
“Ed- Ed stop, please,” Stede panted.
Ed’s efforts stopped immediately, and Stede felt the tension begin to recede.
Ed pushed Stede upright, and leaned around to look at him.
Stede made eye contact, and saw Ed’s brow knitted with worry.
“Is something wrong? Do you want to stop?” Ed asked, beginning to pull himself from the tub.
“Nothing is wrong, and I’d very much like to continue, I just want to see you Ed. I want to hold you, look at you, and be able to return what you’ve given me.”
Ed was quiet for a moment. “You’re certain?”
“Yes, Ed, I’m certain.”
“I haven’t mentioned it yet, but uh, Stede, I have different- equipment than you might be hoping for,” Ed stammered.
“That would explain those encounters,” thought Stede.
“No matter. It’s all you Ed. And you’re what I want.”
Ed’s breath caught in his throat for a moment, and he hesitated.
“Ed?”
Stede heard Ed stand, water running off of his body and hitting the tub as he stepped out. He became suddenly aware of how rapidly the water had once more cooled.
“Scoot back Stede.”
He happily obliged, and watched as Ed climbed back into the tub. Stede traced every line of Ed’s body as he moved. The tattoos down his arms and across his chest, the scar on his left leg. The sinewy muscle of his legs and arms, up to the soft, hair tufted mound between his legs. Stede marvelled at every bit of it.
Ed knelt in the tub, his heels tucked under his butt, staring into the cooling water.
Stede extended a gentle hand, and tilted Ed’s head up to look at him.
Smiling gently he said, “Ed, I meant what I said, I want you. Rather desperately in fact.” He chuckled.
Ed met his gaze, and raised an eyebrow. “Desperately you say?”
Stede nodded, noting the steel that had returned to Ed’s eyes.
Ed moved forward, “Fold your legs up,” he instructed.
Stede complied, and watched as Ed stood again, and sat, this time with his legs in a diamond shape, feet together.
“Now sit,” Ed guided Stede to sit in the space between his legs, hooking his legs behind Ed’s back.
Ed placed a steadying hand on the small of Stede’s back, helping him balance in the strange position. Stede settled, found a comfortable place, then met Ed’s gaze, beaming.
Stede leaned forward, and placed a loving kiss on Ed’s lips. Ed reached a hand up to the back of Stede’s neck, and deepened the kiss. Stede sank into it, and welcomed Ed’s, breathing in the man, full of clean musk and lavender soap. Ed's lips, rough, chapped from wind, pressed into Stede’s soft mouth, Ed’s tongue flicking between Stede’s teeth playfully.
Stede let himself lean into the side of the tub, using it to support both of their weights.
Ed leaned forward, nearly on top of Stede, and ran a hand down Stede’s chest and stomach before giving his prick a few quick strokes.
Stede quietly moaned into the kiss, wrapping a hand around Ed’s back.
“Oh fuck Ed, yes.”
His other hand played at Ed’s chest for a moment, before snaking down towards his thighs, running over a collection of scars on his abdomen.
Stede gently rubbed a thumb at the crease between his hip and thigh, paused their kiss for a moment to make eye contact with Ed. The bearded man’s attention turned to Stede, who simply asked, ”Are you ready?”
Ed swallowed. “Yes Stede. Touch me. But only outside.”
Stede nodded, “Whatever you wish,” and left kiss after kiss on Ed’s jaw and neck.
Stede cupped his hand around the hot flesh between Ed’s thighs, a gentle touch, simply an introduction.
Stede felt Ed flinch for a moment, before relaxing again. Stede gently palmed the other man’s mound for a moment, before slipping one finger, then two between his folds.
Ed exhaled, tensing slightly. After a few gentle strokes, Ed relaxed, and Stede’s hand moved upwards, homing in on the protruding nub at the top.
Stede planted a few tender kisses on Ed’s lips, before he plot his fingers and ran them around the base of Ed’s rapidly stiffening flesh.
Ed groaned with the contact, nearly collapsing onto Stede. “Do you like my cock Stede? Do you want to get me off?” He growled.
Stede’s breath hitched. There was Ed.
“Yes I do Ed, very much so,” he groaned.
Ed relished in Stede’s touch, holding the sides of the tub and grinding himself down onto Stede’s hand. The slickness of him adding to the already wet environment.
Stede continued to caress Ed’s dick, flicking a finger across the tip, which elicited small gasps and words of praise from Ed.
“Just like that Stede. Holy fuck you’re good at this,” he groaned out, as he continued to roll his hips against Stede’s hand.
Stede maintained his pace, steadily building Ed up towards a climax he’d been deserving for weeks. Ed’s pace began to stutter, and his back arched. Stede pulled the man close, and kissed him deeply as he doubled down, rubbing quick circles on Ed’s dick.
Ed's knuckles whitened on the edge of the tub, one hand grabbed onto Stede’s shoulder, rough fingernails biting into Stede’s soft skin. Ed came with a loud groan, collapsed fully onto Stede. His thighs shook as a Stede continued to grind his palm against Ed, easing him through the orgasm, earning Stede a few quiet “oh fucks” as Ed came down.
Ed lay panting on Stede for a few moments, as Stede pressed kiss after kiss into his neck, murmuring “That was amazing Ed, thank you.”
Ed slowly recovered, panting until he caught his breath, and sat up, the ends of his hair wet once more.
Stede smiled at him, and he smiled back.
“Stede I don’t think I’ve ever came that hard before. Holy shit man. Where did you learn to do that?” He said, sitting back into Stede’s now folded legs.
“I uh, read a lot of short fiction as a teenager. Never really had a desire to direct those feelings at a person, so I mostly relied on fiction to get the job done on days I needed to,” Stede admitted sheepishly.
“Well kudos to whoever wrote those stories. Damn.”
The two chuckled for a moment as Ed shifted, brushing against Stede’s still-erect prick. Stede sucked in a breath, and Ed chuckled.
“It really wouldn’t be kind for me to leave you like this now would it?” Ed teased.
Before Stede could answer, Ed had sat up, and was working at Stede’s cock with a steady hand. Stede groaned, embarrassingly loudly, already leaking precum.
“Lean back Stede, as far as you can,” Ed instructed.
Stede reclined in the tub, accidentally taking on a mouthful of bathwater.
Ed fumbled around, and found the drain valve, and let a few inches of water escape the tub.
Stede was able to more comfortably lean back, and Ed clam boarded over top of him.
Stede’s eyes went wide. “Ed, are you sure? I haven’t-“
“Not going that far, I promise you,” Ed reassured.
“Oh ok, I just don’t want you doing anything beyond your comfort on my behalf. Only when you’re ready,” Stede explained, placing a gentle hand on the side of Ed’s face. Ed leaned into the touch for a split second, and closed his eyes.
Sitting back up, Ed’s eyes hardened. “Now Stede, you’ve been very good. Amazing in fact, but this water is getting frigid, so I need you to do something for me,” he lectured,.
Stede’s brow knit with confusion, “Yes of course, what do you need?”
Ed did not respond, but instead settled against Stede’s prick, pressing his warm lips against it. Stede’s hips bucked, not expecting the warm, slick contact.
Ed slowly rocked his hips against Stede, gently encasing his dick in his folds, where the head of Stede’s cock bumped against Ed’s.
Stede gasped, and let out a low, longing groan as he placed his hands on Ed’s hips.
“Oh Fuckling hell Ed,” he cried out, grinding his hips in turn against Ed’s warmth.
“You like that Stede?” Ed taunted.
Stede managed a groan in response.
“Well do you? I don’t know to keep on going if you don’t tell me,” he teased.
“Yes! Very much, fuck Ed holy-“ he gasped out. His breathing hitched, and Stede felt a familiar tightness growing in his belly.
“Good Stede. Now remember how I said I needed something from you?” Ed said.
Stede nodded, biting his lip as he grunted.
“Well I need you to cum for me Stede,” Ed ordered.
Stede felt a swelling in his groin greater than any he’d felt before. Ed began to stroke his own dick as he ground against Stede, increasing his speed, rapidly moving them both towards completion.
Stede grew louder, moaning and swearing interchangeably, digging his fingers into Ed’s hips. Soon all coherent speech dissipated, and Stede was panting, and his movements growing inconsistent.
Ed felt himself rapidly coming to his second orgasm of the night as his thighs began to shake, and he came hard again, continuing to grind against Stede. As Ed was in the throes of his climax, Stede felt thread in his stomach release as he spilled hot cum over both he and Ed’s stomach, groaning loudly, hips jerking erratically.
Stede pulled Ed down, wrapping him in a kiss, breathing heavily, small whimpers interlaced with “thank you” “my god” and a rogue “I love you.” The final caught Ed off guard and he paused, looking down at the funny little man who had somehow captured his soul, and brought him though some of his darkest moments.
He met Stede’s gaze, and whispered “I love you too.”
The pair lay in the tub for several minutes , peppering small kisses across the other, until Stede giggled.
“I think we may need a fresh tub of water to clean up,” he chortled.