Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ed used to ask Jackie about it, years ago, when he still went into Jackie’z himself and talked to people instead of making Izzy do all that. Why did she stay on land? Why run a bar? He’d seen her handle a room full of rowdy pirates. She could easily be a captain. And Jackie had laughed and told him that information and favours were all the currency she needed, more valuable than gold. And also, the food was better on land and there was no chance of a becalming.

And now he and Stede are the ones on land, the ones running an inn, which has become a new hub for the various pirates in the region, he understands Jackie’s point about information and favours. Because Zheng’s left the Revenge to go back to the remnants of her fleet, while Frenchie and the remaining crew of the Revenge have been going after English merchant ships to try to draw Ricky out. Some pirates avoid the English entirely, while others want to destroy those who destroyed their Republic.

There’re a lot of different people with a lot of different plans, and Ed and Stede are the only ones who know all of it. They’re the first to get updates from pirates coming to their inn for a safe spot to stay in exchange for a share of the loot. They patch wounded pirates back up and know that favour will be repaid. Izzy had been their first patient, and Izzy staying behind to recuperate had been Frenchie’s first order as captain. Ed’s pretty sure that wasn’t the last time Frenchie told Izzy firmly to stay in bed for his own good.

So yeah, running an inn with Stede has been wonderful. There have been busy days and quiet days, and tough days and easy days.

Today is a quiet, easy day. They have no guests at the inn. The last crew left yesterday and paid for their rooms with a crate of expensive fabric stolen from a Spanish merchant. Stede wants to wait for Zheng to return, because she knows the best places to sell fine silk and cashmere, and she’ll be able to get the best deal.

But obviously Ed and Stede can keep some pieces to themselves and enjoy them.

Maybe not in the way the merchant intended them to be enjoyed, though.

“I just think we should establish a backstory first,” Stede says. “I mean, what’s my character’s motivation?”

Ed sighs and reminds himself that he loves this man. He’s just also impatient after having to be quiet for the past several days while they had guests. “Your character thinks my character is hot and wants to fuck him about it.”

“Yes, but how did they meet?” Stede demands. “Have they known each other for a while? Do they get along? Do they secretly hate each other?”

“They just met for the first time,” Ed replies immediately. Stede’s questions send his mind whirring with possibilities and he zeroes in on the answers that’ll get him what he wants from this. If Stede wants a backstory, Ed can work with him. He starts to smile as ideas come to him. “In port. My character was hoping to find yours.”

Stede raises an eyebrow at that. “Why?”

“You’re an experienced admiral,” Ed tells him. “And it’s Jeff’s first time setting sail as a merchant, isn’t it? He’s a little nervous. Heard all about those nasty pirates and figures that the best and brightest of the English navy will have some useful tips for him.” He wants to be at Stede’s mercy, wants Stede to take control and be confident.

“And that’s Admiral Stephenson?” Stede scoffs.

Ed nods, getting into the idea now. “Stephenson certainly thinks so, right?” He wants that. He wants Stede to be an arrogant, stern asshole of an admiral.

Stede laughs. “He does, yes.” He looks at Ed, eyes shining with joy. “What makes him think Admiral Stephenson’s willing to share that kind of information, though?”

Ed grins. He’s got Stede now. He leans closer. “Because Jeff’s willing to do anything to get intel on the dangers out there. Thing is, though, he’s spent his last money on the fabric he’s shipping.”

“Oh dear,” Stede murmurs. When he smiles, it’s a little cold. A little smug. Oh yes, now they’re talking. “Intel comes at a steep prize.”

“Perhaps they can come to an agreement?” Ed suggests. “Privately? Jeff will take Admiral Stephenson to his ship so the admiral can inspect it and make sure everything’s in order.”

“While Jeff’s crew is still in port to enjoy their last hours on land, I presume?”

“Where else?” Ed can picture it perfectly. Himself as a nervous merchant, desperately hoping this stern navy admiral will come round to tell him what he wants to know. Jeff’s desperation. Desire pools low in his stomach at the thought of Admiral Stephenson taking advantage of that.

“Where else?” Stede echoes, nodding slowly. He smiles, and it’s his own, genuine smile. “Yes, excellent. We’ll go with that!” He claps his hands in excitement. “I’ll get changed! You arrange things in here, darling!”

Ed smiles as Stede leaves to find one of their navy uniforms. He knows he won’t need to rush. Stede will want to take his time to wear the uniform properly.

*

Ed has arranged one of the empty guest rooms into what he’s decided Jeff’s quarters on his boat are like. He hasn’t changed much. There’s a table in the corner, a wooden chair he has placed in the centre, and a made bed in the corner. He’s also taken some cashmere from the crate and left the square piece of fabric on the table. Jeff would let Admiral Stephenson sample some of his wares, obviously. Ed has already got changed into the outfit he and Stede agreed on earlier, before Stede wanted to discuss their backstory.

It’s a simple linen shirt, a pair of breeches in an impressively ugly shade of olive that borders on brown, some white stockings that are tied above his knees, and, of course, some leather shoes. They’re not as fancy as the ones Stede used to wear, but nice enough for a merchant who wants to move up in the world.

Ed double checks the supplies he left on the table. There’s a knife for Stede to use, along with some rope. There’s also a pitcher of water and a jar of oil, just in case, because while they don’t plan on using it this afternoon, you never know. They might want to improvise a little. His cock’s half hard in his breeches just thinking about what they’ve discussed earlier, including the backstory. He has to admit, Stede’s point about knowing his character’s motivation definitely helped.

There’s a knock on the door. “Ed!” Stede calls out. “Are you ready?”

Ed looks around the room again, then nods. “Yep. Let’s get started.” They’ve done this often enough that they don’t need to establish the ground rules every time. Ed closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and tells himself he is Jeff, the worried and desperate merchant who will do anything to get the latest information about pirates from Admiral Stephenson. He whirls around when the door opens behind him. “Admiral!” It doesn’t require any acting to sound breathless at the sight of Stede in the navy uniform, and Ed’s glad Stede stands in the doorway for a few seconds before entering. Ed lets his eyes run down Stede’s broad chest and strong thighs, the way those boots hug his calves. Delicious.

“Jeff.” Stede enters the room and closes the door behind him. He has a disapproving frown on his face, then stands tall as he turns to face Ed. “You asked for a meeting. What is it? I have more important things to deal with.”

Fuck, but Ed loves it when Stede gets stern like this. He’s had to drag Stede outside to give him a quick blow job behind their inn a few times after watching him tell some pirates that they had a strict no duelling policy in the inn and to take that nonsense outside if they had to. “Of course, Admiral, I understand.” He hunches his shoulders and ducks his head, making sure to look nervous. Dammit, he should’ve brought a hat to wring nervously in his hands. Merchant Jeff is definitely a hat guy. Oh well. “I was just wondering if there was anything more you could tell me. About pirates. I’d hate for my wares to fall into the wrong hands, you see.” He moves around Stede to pick up the cashmere from the table. “Feel it.”

Stede rubs a corner between his fingers. “Exquisite cashmere indeed, Jeff.”

Ed’s mouth twitches into a smile, and decides to go with it. “Thank you, Admiral!” He beams at Stede. “Only the finest. But you understand why I’m worried about pirates stealing it. So, I was wondering if you could tell me what you know of their whereabouts.”

Stede lets get go of the cashmere and stands taller. “You can’t expect me to share such important information with you. Not freely.”

“Ah.” Ed ducks his head again, fiddling with the cashmere. “I understand. I wasn’t suggesting you give it freely, Admiral. But sadly, I have no money left.” He looks at Stede through his lashes. “But perhaps we can come to an arrangement? I would do anything for that information. Anything for safe passage.”

Stede swallows hard, then narrows his eyes at Ed. “Anything, Jeff?”

Ed nods eagerly. “Yes, Admiral!” He holds up the cashmere. “Name your prize. It’s yours.”

Stede smiles, but it’s that cold smile from earlier, and Ed’s stomach clenching with need. Stede moves closer. “In that case, Jeff, there’s only one thing in this room I see that’s worth having.”

“Oh?” Ed asks innocently, his heart fluttering. “What’s that?”

“You.”

Ed gasps and steps back, clutching the cashmere to his chest. “Admiral! You can’t mean that! I am but a humble, honest merchant. An upstanding member of my community!” He watches Stede’s mouth twitch in amusement. “You can’t possibly intend to have your way with me!”

Stede is silent for a long moment, clearly fighting the urge to laugh. He clears his throat. “Oh, but I do, Jeff.” He reaches out to cup Ed’s cheek. “I very much intend to have my way with you.”

Ed’s breathing hard, staring into Stede’s eyes. “Okay.” He wants this. He wants Stede to have his way with him now, please.

Stede’s eyebrows raise. “You give in very easily, Jeff.”

Yeah, maybe he did. “Only because I know there’s no use resisting you, Admiral,” Ed counters.

Stede smiles that cold smile again and caresses Ed’s cheek with his thumb. “Correct.” He lets go of Ed’s cheek to push him back and onto the chair. He steps closer, looming over Ed. “So I expect your full cooperation, Jeff. You don’t want to displease me, do you?”

“I don’t.” Ed stares up at Stede, desire thrumming in his veins as he keeps the cashmere pressed against his chest. His hard cock is pressing against his breeches, too obvious for Stede to miss. “I did say I would do anything for safe passage.”

“You did,” Stede murmurs, looking very pleased. “Let’s see if that’s true, shall we?” He takes one corner from the cashmere and tugs it out of Ed’s slack hands. Stede hums to himself as he drops it on the table. “Oh, how convenient. Someone has left some rope here.”

Ed snorts at Stede’s deadpan tone. “We’re on a ship! There’s always rope around.”

Stede picks up the rope. “Still, since it’s here, I may as well make good use of it.” He turns around, his eyes on Ed.

“What do you mean?” he asks innocently, batting his eyes.

Stede moves to stand to Ed’s right to take his hand and move it so it’s behind the chair. He doesn’t meet Ed’s eyes. “I think you know perfectly what I mean, Jeff.” There’s a slight waver in his voice that tells Ed Stede is definitely trying not to laugh. “After all, you said you would do anything for the information I can give you.” He takes Ed’s other hand and presses it against his right, then winds a piece of rope around his wrists to tie him up. “I intend to test that theory.”

Ed sits still as Stede ties the knot. It takes him a few goes. “I’m sure you’ll be very thorough, Admiral.” The downside of Stede being the admiral who has his way with the naughty merchant is that Stede is far slower at tying him to the chair than vice versa. Ed smiles at the thought of putting Stede through more rope-tying practice. Just in case. Never know when it comes in handy.

“Naturally!” Stede sounds triumphant as he finishes. “There, you won’t be going anywhere now.” He moves to stand in front of Ed, beaming down at him.

Ed pulls on the rope half-heartedly. Stede left him enough room to wriggle out if he wants to. “Trapped!” He heaves a sigh.

“Full cooperation guaranteed!” Stede still sounds very proud of himself.

Ed raises an eyebrow. “Aren’t you forgetting anything, Admiral?” He taps his feet on the floor pointedly. They agreed. Stede would tie his ankles to the chair as well to keep his legs spread.

Stede frowns for a moment, then nods once. “I haven’t finished with you yet, Jeff!” he declares, then whirls around to grab more rope from the table. He kneels down before Ed, nudging his knees further apart with his elbow before grabbing his right foot and placing it on the outside of the chair leg. “But yes, coming back to your earlier point, I most certainly intend to be very thorough with you.” He huffs as he tightens the knot to keep Ed’s right ankle in place. “If I’m to share this vital information with you, you’ll have to make it worth my while.” He focuses on tying Ed’s other ankle to the left chair leg. “But I’m sure you understand that, as a merchant.” He tugs on the knot, nods to himself, then gets back up.

“Of course,” Ed replies. He moves his right foot a little, testing the knot. Just as easy to get out of as expected, but it won’t come loose by accident. “I’m a man of my word, Admiral. I’ll keep my end of the deal if you keep yours.” And then, because Jeff’s been cooperative long enough and he wants Stede to get rougher with him, Ed follows that up with, “too bad I won’t find out if you have wrong information until it’s too late.”

Stede narrows his eyes. “You’re doubting me, Jeff?”

“Got no way to verify your intel, do I?” Ed argues. “You could be lying, taking advantage of a poor merchant like myself looking for safe passage.” He lifts his chin defiantly, eager for Stede to put Jeff in his place.

“You’re testing me, Jeff.” Stede edges closer, one hand around the handle of his knife. “You don’t want to do that.”

Ed grins. “Hm, kinda do.”

Stede huffs, and his free hand reaches for Ed, quick as a flash, to grab a fistful of his hair. He tugs on it sharply, pulling Ed’s head back. “That was your first and final warning, Jeff.” Stede’s voice is low and meaningful, sending a shiver down Ed’s spine.

Ed gasps, closing his eyes briefly and enjoying the sensation. Yes, this is what he wants. “Is this your worst?” he manages, looking up at Stede. He swallows hard when he sees Stede pull out his knife from the corner of his eye.

Stede’s eyes remain fixed on his. “I’ve hardly begun with you, Jeff.” He looks down as he carefully rests the tip of his knife against the hollow of Ed’s throat. “But I expect you to behave from now on. Do you think you can manage that?” He traces the knife down Ed’s throat, down to the top of his shirt.

Ed lets out a whine as the blade glides down his chest. He knows Stede was hesitant about this, and for good reason, but Ed also wants this. He wants it to hurt, he wants the risk. Just a little bit. He loves Stede, trusts him in a way he hasn’t trusted any of his previous bed partners. Yes, he’s fucked around with Jack and knives, and they enjoyed hurting each other. It was fun. But it wasn’t like this. With Jack and previous partners, part of him always remained wary and on guard. With Stede, he can let go. “Yes, Admiral.”

Stede still has a tight grip on Ed’s hair, and he gives it another brief tug while the blade travels further down, comes to rest at the top button of Ed’s shirt. “We’ll see,” Stede says coolly, then lets go of Ed’s hair.

Ed slumps against the back of the chair. “What are you gonna do to me?” he asks breathlessly. His cock jerks eagerly.

“You’ll see.”

Ed huffs, and feels the knife tug on his button. “Oh no, please don’t ruin my shirt.” Ed pouts at Stede, who is too busy looking at Ed’s shirt to notice.

“I won’t at this rate,” Stede grumbles, frowning as he tries to cut off the button again. “Why won’t it—hah!” The top button falls to the floor. Stede flashes Ed a proud grin.

Ed smiles back. “Careful with your sharp blade, Admiral.”

“If you don’t want me to hurt you, you’ll have to behave,” Stede tells him. The grin is already gone, and he traces the blade further down Ed’s chest, frowning as he cuts off the second button. “Very good so far.”

Ed makes sure to breathe slowly. “I know better than to anger a man with a knife.”

Stede hums at that, and presses the blade more firmly against Ed’s skin. “Glad to see you cooperate.”

Ed stares at Stede, who is focused on Ed’s chest. Ed can feel how sharp the blade is. He can feel Stede exert pressure, but still being ever so careful. Desire pools low in his stomach at the thought of Stede actually cutting him. They discussed it. Stede was happy to cut Ed’s clothes off, especially if it meant ruining those awful olive breeches. But he’d been hesitant about making Ed bleed, even a little. “You know me,” he manages. “Always happy to cooperate with the right people.”

“Excellent.” Stede bites his lip, and his eyes widen as he stares at Ed’s chest.

Ed only realises why when he feels the sharp pain. Stede has actually done it. He’s cut Ed. He can feel the trickle of blood. “Oh,” he says, voice soft.

Stede’s eyes meet his. “Yes?” he asks, sounding unsure. He’s already pulled the knife back.

Ed nods eagerly. “Yes.”

Stede glances down at Ed’s chest. “We should hurry getting this off you,” he says. “Or else your shirt’ll get dirty.”

“So thoughtful of you, Admiral,” Ed murmurs, and smiles as Stede makes quick work of cutting off the remaining buttons. He looks down at the blood trickling down his chest. The wound has already stopped bleeding. It was only a nick. But still, Stede did that. He can’t stop staring.

“That’s me!” Stede replies, sounding more like his usual cheerful self as he steps back to put his knife on the table and beam at Ed. There is a brief grimace that crosses his face when he spots the blood. “Ed.”

“Yeah?” One upside of roleplay is that one of ‘em using the other’s name is a clear signal that they’re taking a break to check in.

“I know you asked,” Stede says, eyes still on the blood. “But are you sure it’s fine? I didn’t actually hurt you?”

Ed smiles and shakes his head. “Nah. It’s good. Great, even,” he adds. He hates to see Stede fret like this.

“Great?” Stede briefly meets his eyes, then looks at the blood again. “That’s… that’s reassuring.”

Ed watches Stede watching him for a little longer. Stede is very interested in that trickle of blood, even if it’s already drying up and the wound’s stopped bleeding. Something to explore later, he reminds himself. Because Ed can work with that interested gleam in Stede’s eyes. “You all right?”

Stede’s eyes snap up to meet his. “Oh, yes!” He smiles again. “Fine. Just wanted to check.” He gestures at Ed’s chest, then clears his throat. “Ready to continue?”

“Ready when you are, Admiral.”

Stede lets out a huff, ducks his head to study his boots for a moment, then lifts his head to look at Ed. The smile is gone, replaced by that cold expression. “You’ve been very cooperative so far, Jeff.”

“Told you I would be, right?” Ed counters.

Stede picks up the knife again. “I suggest you keep cooperating by staying very still.” He gestures at Ed’s breeches with the blade. “Or else.”

Ed swallows hard, desire and need buzzing under his skin. “Understood, Admiral.”

Stede carefully kneels down before him, and Ed’s cock is so hard it feels like it could burst out of his breeches. “I don’t want any complaints from you about damaging your clothes,” he tells Ed, as he takes the waistband and uses the knife to slice his way down Ed’s thigh. Stede makes sure to keep the fabric lifted and away from Ed’s leg so he doesn’t damage the stockings. “If anything, I should be rewarded.”

Ed smiles at that, staying still as Stede slices the breeches open down to his knees. “Why?” He should’ve known Stede wouldn’t be able to resist another dig at the breeches. They are really ugly.

Stede cuts all the way down to where Ed’s ankles are tied to the chair. “They’re an eyesore!” He huffs. “Honestly, Jeff, for someone trading in fine fabrics, you have terrible taste in clothes. Who’d look at you and think ‘oh yes, there’s a man who knows his fabrics?’. You have to dress the part!”

“Really?” Ed smiles as Stede keeps cutting away at the fabric and tugging bits aside and off of him. It’s tricky, even with the knife and Ed’s cooperation, because they both agreed the breeches had to be completely cut up and destroyed while the stockings should stay intact.

“Yes.” Stede tells him firmly, moving to the back of the chair to cut off more fabric. “I’m clearly doing the world a great service. Stay still, Jeff.”

Ed hums in agreement. He can’t see what Stede’s doing, but he feels the breeches being pulled away from his skin and hears the knife go through the fabric, followed by cool air against his thigh as Stede continues to cut the breeches off of him. It would’ve been faster if Stede had simply cut the breeches until he could take out Ed’s cock and balls, but this is more fun. Ed can still hear Stede mutter about the cut and the stitching, which are apparently also terrible. “Sounds like I owe you another favour, Admiral,” Ed murmurs.

Stede rips some fabric away from Ed’s right knee. “You do!” He eyes Ed critically. “Almost there. Lovely.”

Ed smiles. His cock has remained hard throughout, and Stede has ignored it completely, apart from glancing at it a few times while removing the breeches. And that definitely does something to Ed that he thinks he likes. Something to consider later, when they’re done here. Because he also can’t wait for Stede to finish with the breeches and finally pay some attention to his cock. He lifts his hips when Stede pulls out the fabric that had been covering his arse and looks down to check if he’s really been left in nothing but his stockings from the waist down. There’s still some fabric around his ankles because the rope was in the way, but otherwise, yep.

Stede drops the last piece of ugly olive fabric on the table, then turns around to look at Ed. “Oh yes,” he murmurs. “Lovely indeed. You clearly have better taste in stockings, Jeff.” His hands glide across Ed’s waist as Stede moves the shirt out of the way, exposing more of Ed’s chest and stomach.

Ed’s breath hitches when one of Stede’s hands slides down his thighs, ignoring his cock completely. “Thanks.”

Stede’s hand runs back up, but pauses a few inches away from his balls. “Very good quality.” He puts both hands on Ed’s bare thighs now, just above the knees. His thumbs rub across the stockings, stroking Ed’s inner thighs and brushing over his bare skin as well. “Exquisite,” he murmurs appreciatively.

Ed tries to hold back a whimper as his stomach squirms at Stede’s words. “So—so I do know my fabrics, then?”

Stede smiles at that, still running his fingers across the stockings. “Some of them, certainly.” He briefly meets Ed’s eyes, and they shine with joy. “Do you agree the breeches were an awful choice, Jeff?”

“Yes?” Ed replies, not sure where Stede is going, but more than willing to follow him there. “You were right to remove them.” Does Stede want to get back to Jeff owing the Admiral a favour for his great service? Because Ed can do that.

Stede nods, leaning away. “Which means you were wrong to wear them, weren’t you?”

It takes Ed a second to realise why Stede has shifted the focus to Jeff being wrong. Punishment. Has to be. Stede has to be thinking of punishing Jeff for his fashion crime. Ed is all in favour of doing that. “Yes!” he exclaims, maybe a little too enthusiastically. “Yeah, definitely a huge mistake, those breeches. But you’ve already destroyed them, right? No need to go further than that. Unless you think I need further punishment.” He looks up at Stede, raising his eyebrows pointedly. That was what Stede was going for, right?

Stede looks away briefly, lips twitching in amusement. “Yes, Jeff,” he says, still looking at the wall. “I do think you need further punishment to remind you never to wear such awful clothes again.”

“Oh dear,” Ed says, and okay, he should probably sound a bit more worried as Jeff. But they’ve discussed a few punishment options and Ed is here for all of them. He can’t wait.

Stede sighs, then clears his throat before looking at Jeff again. “You don’t seem very alarmed, Jeff.” He nods at Ed’s stiff cock.

Ed glances down, kind of surprised Stede is acknowledging it. “Oh, I am,” he insists. “Very alarmed.”

Stede moves forward, nudging at Ed’s knees with his own. “We’ll see how you feel in a minute.”

Ed waits, feeling even more exposed after Stede had him spread his legs further. Stede, meanwhile, is still dressed in his uniform, although there’s a large bulge pressing against the front of his trousers. Ed’s stomach twists with need and desire. He wants to reach out and touch Stede, wants to open those buttons and take his cock out, but he can’t. He’s tied to the chair. And, yes, he can free himself, but this is more fun. He’s entirely powerless, and it’s up to Stede where to touch him and when.

It’d be great if Stede could do some more touching, though. Preferably of his cock.

Stede takes a deep breath, clearly steeling himself for something, then lifts his left leg and puts his foot on the chair, right in between Ed’s spread thighs.

Ed’s eyes widen at the sight of those shiny black boots so close to his balls. Something low in his stomach clenches with need. Stede isn’t—or is he?

Stede very carefully shifts his boot closer to Ed until the tip of the boot nudge against his balls. “You’re very vulnerable like this, Jeff.”

Ed lets out a whine as he feels the tip of that boot against his balls more firmly. “Yes,” he manages. He glances at Stede, who meets his eyes for a moment before looking down again.

Stede moves his foot a little so that the tip keeps pressing and nudging Ed’s balls. “I could very easily hurt you, Jeff.”

“You could,” Ed pants, fighting the urge to push his hips forward. He needs Stede to keep going with this. He needs more.

Stede hums thoughtfully, then slides his foot back.

Ed whines in disappointment, but then inhales sharply when Stede lifts the toe and slides his foot forward until the sole presses against Ed’s cock. “Fuck,” he manages, closing his eyes for a moment at the sensation. It hurts, but not too much. Not yet.

“Eyes on me,” Stede tells him firmly, boot still against Ed’s cock.

Ed’s eyes fly open at the command. “Yes, Admiral.” He whines when Stede moves the boot, so there’s more of the sole pressing against his cock, against his balls. Fuck, but that feels good. He wants to ask Stede to press the heel more firmly against his balls, but Jeff wouldn’t ask that. So Ed squirms a little instead, whimpering when that makes Stede press down with his toes, keeping Ed’s cock trapped between his boot and Ed’s body.

“Stay still,” Stede warns him, leaning closer with his elbow resting on his knee. He sounds a little nervous.

“Yes, Admiral,” Ed breathes, meeting Stede’s eyes briefly when Stede glances up. Ed gives him a slight nod of reassurance.

“So obedient, aren’t you?” Stede tells him, and oh, he’s pushing down more, clearly bolstered by Ed’s nod.

Ed whimpers in pain and pleasure, but nods again. Yes, he’s obedient. He’ll do anything, so long as he gets more of this. “Yes!”

Stede shifts his boot to the left slightly, humming to himself. “Such a good, obedient boy for me.”

He lets out another whine, need coiling in his stomach. He can’t help but push into Stede’s boot, seeking friction, pressure, anything. They’d discussed this as a punishment option before, Stede being unsure about it, not wanting to hurt Ed. But Ed insisted he wanted it, liked it, would let Stede know if it hurt too much. And now, just like the knife, Stede is doing it to him. Ed’s breathing hard, looking at Stede’s face while Stede remains focused on Ed’s cock and balls to make sure he doesn’t push too hard.

But Ed can see the wide eyes, the curiosity. Stede’s enjoying this.

“Yes, Admiral,” Ed tells him sweetly. Oh, they are going to explore that further. Some other time.

Stede takes a deep, shuddering breath, then lifts his foot completely, so he’s no longer crushing Ed’s cock under his boot and puts his foot back on the ground. “Well,” he says, voice trembling, “let that be a lesson to you, Jeff!”

“Definitely,” Ed replies. “Yep, definitely learned my lesson.” He’s completely forgotten what lesson the Admiral was trying to teach Jeff, but judging by Stede’s flushed face, Stede has forgotten as well.

“Good.” Stede looks at his face, then lets his eyes linger on Ed’s bare chest and stomach, before landing on his abused cock and balls again. Stede swallows hard. “Good.”

Ed smiles, shifting in his seat but keeping his legs spread wide. “Got any other lessons in store, Admiral?”

Stede blinks. “Hm? Oh, yes! Yes, of course.” He looks confused for a moment, then nods to himself before going over to the table to rifle through the destroyed fabric.

Ed leans to the side to get a better look at what Stede’s looking for, then smiles when Stede picks up the nice piece of cashmere. It’s a beautiful dark green, the colours vibrant, so soft to the touch. “You want to teach me about my own wares?”

Stede moves to stand in front of him again. “I want to give you a chance to appreciate them properly, Jeff. Get to know its qualities before you sell it.”

“Oh?” Ed raises an eyebrow. He already thinks he knows how Stede intends to do that.

Stede smiles down at him, running the cashmere through his hands. “Yes.” He takes one corner between index finger and thumb, and lets the rest fall. “Since you’ve been so obedient, you deserve it.” Stede moves to stand by Ed’s left side, and he lowers the cashmere so it glides across Ed’s stomach and chest.

“That does feel nice.” Ed tilts his head back to smile up at Stede.

Stede moves his hand left to right, up and down, to make the cashmere dance across Ed’s skin. “You certainly look like you’re enjoying it.”

Ed hums contently, arching his back to push his chest out. “What can I say? I’ve always fancied a fine fabric.”

Stede actually laughs at that. “Jeff!” He takes the cashmere in both hands again and away from Ed’s skin. His eyes sparkle with joy. “Well, let’s see how much you really fancy it, shall we?” He kneels down in front of Jeff and drapes the fabric across the tops of his thighs. “So different from your stockings, isn’t it?” Stede wraps one hand around Ed’s calf, running his hand up and down slowly. “Such a different sensation.” He rests his other hand on Ed’s thigh, on top of the cashmere, and he runs that over Ed’s skin, letting it brush against his inner thigh.

“Hm-mm!” Ed nods, letting his legs fall even wider. His cock, which had softened a little after being under Stede’s boot, has grown fully hard again. The sensation of soft, smooth cashmere against his skin is only making that worse. He needs Stede to touch his cock, preferably not with his boot. Although Ed’ll take another round of having his cock and balls crushed, if he’s honest. He’s had a long enough break.

“And so different from your skin,” Stede continues, briefly sliding his hands under the cashmere to stroke Ed’s thighs. He glances up at Ed, looking very pleased with himself.

Ed squirms on the chair, fizzing with impatient energy. Whatever Stede is about to do to him, it’ll be good. And with the cashmere across his thighs, he thinks he knows, but then Stede has surprised him a few times already today.

Stede picks up the cashmere to drape it over Ed’s cock, making sure that the fabric covers his balls as well.

Ed moans at the sensation of soft fabric against those sensitive parts of him, and he’s trembling as the cashmere glides across his cock while Stede arranges the fabric. Fuck, the cashmere was his idea, because he figured that if it felt so good against the rest of him, it had to feel amazing wrapped around his cock. It may be one of the best ideas he’s ever had. He can’t help but rock his hips to rub his cock against the fabric.

Stede tuts at him. “You’re so impatient, Jeff!”

Right, the roleplay. “Sorry, Admiral,” Ed replies, not sorry in the slightest. What’s Stede gonna do about it? Punish him? That’s hardly a deterrent.

Stede wraps his hand around Ed’s cock, fingers curled to press the cashmere against Ed’s skin. “But at least you’re appreciating it.”

“Yep,” Ed replies, fighting to stay still. “Definitely doing that. Appreciating it lots.”

Stede snorts, then schools his face into the cold and aloof expression of an admiral. “You should take your time with fabric like this, Jeff,” he says, slowly stroking Ed’s cock through the fabric.

Ed whines as he thrusts up. Stede’s grip is loose enough that the fabric mostly stays in place, but Ed can still feel the pressure from Stede’s hand. It’s fucking perfect.

“Can you feel it, Jeff?” Stede asks.

Ed nods and whimpers. Yes, he can feel it. The barely there friction from the cashmere. Stede’s fingers gliding up and down his shaft. But then Stede stops. Ed squirms on the chair, eyes on Stede. “Why d’you stop?”

Stede has a disapproving frown on his face. “I asked you a question, Jeff. I expect you to answer me.”

Ed blinks, something hot and needy shooting down his spine at that stern tone. “Uh. Yeah. Yes, Admiral, I can feel it,” he manages, once his brain is working again. Sort of.

There’s that cold smile. “Good to see you have some manners, Jeff. So, do you think this is good quality cashmere?”

Ed moans when Stede continues to stroke his cock. “Yeah, yeah, best—fucking best cashmere, don’t stop, Admiral!” He thrusts into Stede’s hand again, needing more. Should he beg?

“I wouldn’t say it’s the best,” Stede tells him, his tone casual, as if he’s at a market stall discussing cashmere rather than giving Ed the best hand job of his life. “You clearly still have a lot to learn about fabrics, Jeff. Good thing I’m here to teach you.”

“Thank you,” Ed gasps, rocking to meet Stede’s agonisingly slow strokes.

“And so polite, too!” Stede picks up his speed, and Ed whines at the sensation.

It’s so good, better than expected, the cashmere, Stede’s hand, Stede’s voice, being restrained like this. Ed feels himself hurtling towards an orgasm, and while he wishes he could enjoy this for longer, he also can’t say he minds.

And then, just when he’s close, Stede lets go of his cock and gets up.

Ed’s breathing hard, staring down at the cashmere still covering his achingly hard cock before he looks up at Stede. “Wha?”

Stede purses his lips, then shakes his head. “I don’t think you’ve earned it yet.”

Ed closes his eyes for a moment, cursing Stede, cursing his past self for asking for edging. Then he slumps in the chair and looks up at Stede through his eyelashes. “If you say so, Admiral,” he murmurs sweetly.

Stede inhales sharply at that, and has to rearrange himself, although his erection still looks urgent and uncomfortable.

Ed licks his lips, letting his eyes rove down Stede’s body, lingering on his groin. “How do I earn it?” They hadn’t discussed Jeff offering the Admiral a blow job because Ed had wanted some edging, but c’mon, Stede’s not gonna refuse a blow job, right? He’s clearly as eager as Ed is.

Stede narrows his eyes instead. “I am above bribery, Jeff!” He tuts, then moves to kneel to Ed’s right. “No, I think you can earn it by—by really getting familiar with this cashmere of yours.” Stede tugs at the fabric a little, making sure it’s still draped across Ed’s balls, then cups Ed’s balls to run his thumb across them.

Ed moans and squirms, bucking his hips. It’s good, but he wants to feel that thumb elsewhere.

“It feels different here, doesn’t it?” Stede keeps caressing Ed’s balls through the fabric.

“Yep, yep, sure does,” Ed pants. “Feeling pretty familiar with it, thanks.”

Stede hums, eyes on the tented fabric as he moves his hand to wrap around Ed’s aching cock. “Not familiar enough.”

Ed pulls on the rope holding his wrists together as Stede goes back to those slow strokes. He doesn’t want to free himself. Not yet. But the struggle feels good, letting Stede set the pace—frustrating as it is—feels good. All he has to do is sit here and endure. But when Stede speeds up and releases his cock the second time Ed gets close, Ed is definitely wondering why he asked for this. He blinks when he feels a hand run through his hair.

“You still want to keep going, Ed?”

Ed presses his head against the palm of Stede’s hand, smiling at the concern in Stede’s eyes. “Of course, love. It feels amazing. You should try it.”

Stede smiles back. “Maybe I will.” He takes a deep breath. “It’s a shame we can’t try other fabrics as well, Jeff. Compare silk and satin and cashmere.”

“That is a shame,” Ed agrees. They’ll just have to find more scraps of fabric to use for this, because Stede’s right. Ed wants to compare it all. Maybe some fine lace, too. He bets that’ll look pretty around his cock. “Perhaps on my next trip I will have more variety and you can once again help me out?” Because Ed is definitely willing to do this again if Stede is.

“That sounds like a wonderful plan,” Stede replies, and finally goes back to stroking Ed’s cock.

The brief break has only heightened the sensations, and Ed moans as he thrusts up to meet Stede’s strokes. The cashmere is damp from his own pre-come, and becomes only more so as Stede brings him close to orgasm again, only to cease his caresses when Ed almost breaks the chair with how hard he squirms and thrusts up.

“Almost there,” Stede assures him, but he moves to cashmere to stroke Ed’s inner thigh through it instead of his cock.

Ed whimpers. Every fibre of his being is focused on his cock. Stede’s movements across his thigh make the cashmere rub across his cock slightly, ever so slightly, but maybe slightly enough? He tries to keep still, tries not to let Stede know what this is doing to him, but Stede’s pretty observant when it comes to Ed’s cock.

“Yes, you’re almost there, aren’t you?” Stede traces a line with his index finger from the tip of Ed’s cock down to his balls. “I think you’re intimately familiar with your cashmere now, Jeff.”

Ed makes an awkward noise, half amused huff, half moan. “You sure, Admiral?”

Stede hums as he wraps his hand around Ed’s cock again. “Very sure, Jeff.” He smiles at Ed, and it’s his own sincere, happy, loving smile. “You’ve earned it.”

“Thank you,” Ed manages, then he’s reduced to moans and whimpers as Stede tightens his grip. Fuck, yes, this is what he needs, and it feels all the better knowing he’ll get to come this time. “Please, please,” he mutters, eyes falling shut as he tilts his head back.

“You can come,” Stede assures him. “Whenever you want.”

Ed whines, his orgasm building as Stede keeps stroking him, bringing him ever closer to release. When the pleasure hits, it hits like a wave, an overwhelming force all throughout his body, and his vision whites out as his body is filled with bliss. The feeling is slow to fade, and he dimly registers Stede still stroking him, but slower now, more gentle, and there’s a hand on his arm as Ed’s body has gone limp.

“Ed?”

Ed manages a noise. He’s not sure what noise, and he grunts when he feels cool air against his cock. He blinks when he feels hands around his ankles. “St’d?”

Stede’s on his knees in front of him. “Almost!”

Ed tries to get up, then frowns when he can’t. Right, the ropes. His fingers fumble at the knot, his brain sluggish as he tries to remember how to free himself.

“Aha!” Stede holds up the rope that held Ed’s ankles in place triumphantly. “I knew I could do it.” He gets up to stand behind Ed. “Let me, darling.”

“Thanks,” Ed mutters, still catching his breath and trying to get his thoughts in order. “Fucking hell.”

“Good one?” Stede asks, freeing Ed’s wrists and rubbing his forearms and hands.

“Fucking amazing one.” Ed gets up, or he tries to, because his legs don’t want to cooperate. Stede’s there to wrap one arm around him and guide him to the bed. He hums happily as Stede helps him sit down, and when Stede goes over to the table, Ed flops down on the bed, rolling onto his side and snuggling into the pillow.

“Ed, would you like some water?”

Ed opens one eye to look at Stede, who still looks magnificent in his uniform. “Y’s.” He pushes himself up on one elbow and smiles when Stede leans over to rest the cup against Ed’s lips to help him drink. Ed takes the cup with his other hand, winking up at Stede.

“You need more?” Stede asks, still looking worried when Ed finishes the water.

Ed shakes his head. “I’m good.” He lies back down.

“Lovely.” Stede puts the cup back on the table, then his eyes wander down Ed’s body, down his legs. He sits at the foot of the bed and takes Ed’s ankle in his hand so he can remove the remnants of the breeches.

Ed doesn’t miss the way Stede’s eyes keep darting up his legs, lingering on his thighs where the stockings end and bare skin begins. “Like what you see?” he teases, rolling over onto his back and stretching his arms over his head. Maybe he arches his back more than necessary. And maybe his other foot accidentally ends up in Stede’s lap. He grins when he presses his heel against Stede’s groin, making Stede gasp.

“Ed,” Stede tells him, voice wavering as he drops the remaining olive fabric on the floor and wraps his hand around Ed’s other ankle, the one he was using to rub Stede’s cock through his trousers. “There’s no need for that.”

“Feels like there is,” Ed argues, but he stays still to let Stede remove the remaining olive fabric from around his ankles. He smiles when Stede keeps his hand on Ed’s leg. “C’mon, my turn to indulge you.”

Stede eyes him, his thumb idly stroking Ed’s ankle, and then his hand wanders up Ed’s calf. “I already feel very indulged, Ed.”

With his foot free, Ed goes back to rubbing his heel up and down Stede’s cock. He can feel how hard it is. It’s different from using his hands to stroke Stede through his trousers, but still fun. “Do you want to keep going like this or do something else?” Because Ed is definitely going to make Stede come. Only question is how.

Stede’s legs fall wider as Ed turns his foot so he can use the entire sole to rub against Stede’s cock. Stede tilts his head back to moan at that, and Ed wants to push himself up to bite his neck, but also he wants to lie here and watch. He can feel Stede’s hips tremble against him, the way his fingers dig into his calf. Stede’s holding back. That won’t do.

“Because I can keep going,” Ed continues, pressing the sole of his foot more firmly against Stede’s cock to make him moan and shudder. “I can keep this up as long as it takes, Stede. Gonna make you come in your admiral’s breeches. Gonna make you make a mess of yourself.”

Stede whimpers at that, turning his head to look at Ed. His eyes are heated, and he finally bucks his hips against Ed’s foot. He keeps one hand around Ed’s calf, stroking him through his stocking. “Do it.”

Ed grins, shifting to get more comfortable on the bed. He doesn’t think he can use both feet on Stede in his current position, more’s the pity, and he’s also still too wiped to move. “You want me to do that to you, Stede?” he asks, his voice low and meaningful, the way that always makes Stede melt and let out a needy little noise. “You want me to make you lose control?”

Stede bites his lip, gives a quick nod, then moans when Ed presses his toes against his clothed cock. “Please…”

Ed is definitely going to do this to Stede without breeches in the way and with the stockings still on. Stede’s given him a hand job with cashmere, seems only fair that Ed gives him a foot job wearing the good stockings. “That’s my dirty boy,” he murmurs, watching as Stede shudders. “I bet you’re sorry my come ended up in the cashmere and not on you…”

“Ed!” Another desperate gasp. Stede must be close.

Ed keeps stroking his cock with his foot. He won’t be able to do this for much longer, not if he wants to avoid a cramp, but he also isn’t gonna quit before Stede comes. “That’s what you like, isn’t it? The feeling of come on your skin? The more, the better? Including your own, because you couldn’t control yourself?” He emphasises his words by tapping against Stede’s cock with his toes, then goes back to the rubbing.

“Ed…” Stede moans, hips moving faster and faster. “Ed, please…”

Ed squirms to bring his other foot closer, trying to touch Stede’s cock with both feet. Fuck, definitely not a position he can be in for long. Fortunately, Stede’s fingers dig into his calf, and Stede thrusts forward hard as he comes. Ed watches him moan and gasp for air in pleasure. Ed grins, flushed with pride. He’s used to seeing Stede up close when he comes, but there’s something to be said for lying back to admire him from a different angle.

Stede whimpers, then nudges Ed’s feet out of his lap and collapses on the bed next to him.

Ed has regained enough energy to move to look him in the eye. He cups Stede’s cheek, brushing their noses together. “Hey.”

“Hm.” Stede looks at him, eyes tired but shining with joy.

“You wanna get your messy breeches off?”

Stede nods. “Yes, please.” He sighs as Ed pushes himself up to his elbows and sits up. “I had a plan, Ed! I was gonna fuck your thighs!”

Ed can’t entirely hold back his disappointed noise. He loves it when Stede fucks his thighs, because it comes with Stede clinging to him desperately or holding him down. “The bit with the stockings or…”

“Oh! Hm, well, your bare thighs, but…” Stede looks at Ed as Ed unbuttons his breeches. “Stockings sounds good as well.”

Ed leans down to kiss him, lingering before pulling back. “I was thinking I’d wear them again for a foot job without these in the way.” He tugs on the breeches.

Stede swallows hard at that. “Oh. Yes, that definitely sounds good.”

“Might be something for the next time Jeff asks Admiral Stephenson for help?”

“True.” Stede sounds thoughtful. “We still need to compare silk and satin.”

Ed hums in agreement and leans in to kiss him again. “I’m sure Frenchie can get us some, or one of the others.” He rests his forehead against Stede’s. “There’s gonna be plenty of fabric for us to get messy.”

Stede wraps his hand around the back of Ed’s neck, hauls him in for another kiss, and together they set about making a mess of the bedsheets.