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Chapter Text

May 1999

Stede Bonnet hadn’t intended to land himself a boyfriend when he signed up for classes at Blackbeard’s Fencing Club, even though that’s what happened. Did he like the look of that Edward Teach guy when the flier advertising classes first came in the mail? Oh yes, without question. But was that the only reason he’d gone through with it? No, not remotely.

At least as far as his love life went, Stede’s little fencing experiment had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams—to his own astonishment, it must be acknowledged. Now, more often than not, Stede woke up in Ed’s bed, or Ed in his. Any time he thought about it, he couldn’t fully believe it; it still felt like he was living someone else’s magical life.

But the fact remained that from the start, Stede had legitimately wanted to get into the actual sport of fencing, and he still wanted to be decent at it. He attended every class without fail and continued his private lessons with Ed, trying not to let the latter devolve into shameless flirting every time. It both helped and didn’t when Izzy was around: Stede and Ed tried to behave themselves, but that generally backfired by merely ratcheting up the tension, which led to more giggling, more flicks gone awry, more “accidental” corps-à-corps in the middle of the strip. And Stede couldn’t deny that getting Izzy to look like steam was about to come out of his ears was incredibly satisfying. Stede may, on occasion, have ramped up his flirtatious behavior when Izzy was there—although if asked, he would have steadfastly denied it.

But was Stede good at fencing? Unfortunately, he was not.

But he still wanted to be. Especially since fencers at the club were encouraged to participate in local tournaments, and there were two coming up that summer. But even during practice bouts, Stede struggled to score touches, let alone win.

Stede was thinking unhappily about this while trying to grade exams in his office one May afternoon, when he heard a knock on the door. “Yes?”

Oluwande poked his head in. “How’s the grading coming, Captain?”

“It’s not, I’m afraid,” said Stede. “This stack of blue books never seems to go down.”

“Tell me about it.” Oluwande came in and helped himself to the chair normally used by students in Stede’s office. “When it’s so nice out, it’s even harder to get it done. Which is why I gave up and took a walk.” Noticing the dissatisfied expression lingering on Stede’s face, Oluwande added, “But you look like something else is bothering you?”

“You can always tell, can’t you, Olu?” Stede said affectionately. “I was just thinking about what a hard time I’ve been having with fencing. I knew it’d be difficult going up against all the younger fencers, but I didn’t think I’d be this bad at it.”

“Are you really that bad?”

“Ed says I’m not,” Stede responded. “He says my footwork is much better and my form is good.”

“I’ll bet he says that,” Oluwande said with a grin.

“Oh, you stop!” Stede laughed. “Anyway, he seems to think my instincts are all right. I’m not going to be as quick as the kids are, obviously, but there’s so much strategy involved that I should have a fighting chance.”

“Then what do you think the problem is?”

“I don’t know.” Stede tugged unhappily at his hair. “I can’t put it together when I’m up against an actual opponent.”

“Hmm. Then that sounds like a confidence issue to me,” Oluwande replied. “I used to play some football myself back in the day. Not the American kind. Some of the guys would start choking and miss every kick until they got out of it. I’m no sports psychologist, but I bet if you’re not believing you can win, you’re not going to be able to.”

Stede groaned. “Well, how do I fix that?”

Oluwande thought for a minute. “Have you thought about coming up with some kind of mantra? Something positive you can repeat to yourself before you start?”

“No, but that’s a good idea.” Stede pondered. “How about, ‘I am adequate’?”

Olu made a face. “That…sets the bar a little lower than I was imagining. Are you sure you don’t want something a little more…ambitious?”

“No, no, I think that’ll do it,” Stede said. “I’m going to try it. Thank you, Oluwande! Talking with you always helps me.”

“Glad to help, Captain.” Oluwande smiled and stood. “I suppose I should let us both get back to grading.”

“Alas, I suspect you’re right.” Oluwande waved and headed out, and Stede put his reading glasses back on. His grades were due tomorrow, so he was going to finish this stack of exams if it was the last thing he did. At least now he had a plan in mind. That was something, at least.

***

He didn’t have long to wait, since group class was that evening. Stede put his new mantra into practice with gusto, repeating it to himself over and over as he strapped into the reel and tested weapons. Lo and behold, it did seem to help; he scored more touches than usual, even winning one bout 5-4. By the end of class, he was feeling quite a bit better about the whole business.

“You were looking great out there!” Ed said, coming up to him at the end of class. “You getting more comfortable with bouting?”

“I am,” Stede replied, “but Oluwande also helped me with a strategy for building my confidence.”

“I’m proud of you,” Ed said, smiling. “But I also hope you don’t fixate on winning too much. No matter what, you’re progressing. That’s the important thing.”

“I know, Coach, and I appreciate it. But it’s hard not to feel like a failure when all you do is lose.”

“I do get that. And honestly, that’s what has impressed me about you sticking with it. Not just how good your calves look in those socks. Although that doesn’t hurt,” Ed added, cocking an eyebrow.

Stede returned a saucy smile. “I'm the full package, darling.” As there were still other students in the space, Ed gave him a couple of workplace-appropriate pats on the shoulder before moving along to get the club ready for the next session. Stede gathered up his equipment and headed out, feeling more positive about his prospects than he had for a while.

***

June 1999

Stede’s feelings of positivity were, alas, somewhat short-lived. Oluwande’s sage advice had helped considerably when Stede was up against his fellow students in a few bouts at the end of each class, but it soon emerged that he had another, different problem. In preparation for an upcoming local tournament, Blackbeard’s Fencing Club staged its own mock tournament as practice; the night before, Stede found himself beset by insomnia. He laid awake for hours, picturing sequence after sequence of moves: an attack from his opponent to the outside; parry and riposte. His own attack on the inside, parry-riposte by his opponent, then counter-parry, counter-riposte, touch. Left-handed opponent, disengage and attack, etc. etc. ad nauseam. He was exhausted the next day and fenced poorly throughout the mock tournament. He was just grateful it was summer and he didn’t have to worry about teaching in his exhausted state.

When Stede was packing up dejectedly at the end, Ed came up to him, a puzzled look on his face. “What happened?” Ed asked. 

For reasons unknown even to himself, Stede didn’t want to talk about it and shrugged it off. “It was nothing. Just off my game today.” 

Ed looked like he didn’t quite believe him, but just then, Izzy came up to them. Pointedly ignoring Stede, he said to Ed, “I think we might need to get the box on the middle strip checked out. Can you come take a look?”

“Sure, mate.” To Stede, he added, “I’ll talk to you later, okay?” Stede nodded. While Ed was busy looking at the equipment with Izzy, Stede made good his escape. He knew Ed would be occupied for a while, so here was his chance to just get home and rest. 

The next time they were together, Ed didn’t ask about his poor performance, and Stede was only too happy to leave it undiscussed. But although Stede nearly managed to convince even himself it had been a fluke, he most certainly could not ignore what happened before his first actual tournament a couple of weeks later. His insomnia had been bad enough before the mock tournament; this time, he was completely and utterly unable to sleep. Try as he might, he couldn’t stop imagining the disengages and the lunges and the beat-attacks that paraded endlessly through his mind. While he must have slept at least an hour or two, it certainly didn’t feel like it when his alarm went off and he dragged his eyelids open. Stede groaned and heaved himself out of bed with considerable difficulty. When Ed picked him up to drive them to the tournament a half hour away, Stede was unusually laconic; Ed gave him a bit of side-eye, but he seemed to attribute Stede’s unusual silence to nerves, and he didn’t force him to talk during the ride.

Predictably, given his level of exhaustion, Stede fenced poorly, losing every bout in his pool. As a result, he was seeded against a top-ranked fencer and got shut out in the first direct elimination round. It was just as well; he was too lethargic to care. Maybe he could snooze while Ed finished his day of directing.

“What the actual fuck are you doing??” Ed hissed when he caught Stede lying on the floor of the gym between rounds, head pillowed uncomfortably on his equipment bag.

“I had to close my eyes for a minute,” Stede said, weakly. “I didn’t sleep at all last night. Or at least it feels like I didn’t sleep at all.”

“Why not? Nerves?”

“Nooo, not nerves exactly,” Stede responded. “I just can’t quiet my brain at all the night before a tournament—even the mock tournament at the club, actually. I just keep picturing being in a bout and all the different attacks and parries and counterattacks. All night long.”

“Well, this is ridiculous. We have to find a way to get you some rest.”

“Indeed.”

“Is there anything that normally helps you sleep?” Ed asked. “I mean, I’m sure you’ve tried everything, if last night wasn’t the first time.”

“Um, well.” Stede paused, then continued, “I always sleep well after…you know. Getting intimate with you.”

Ed smirked. “And here I thought I was doing you a favor, letting you rest the night before competition! That I can help with.”

“I will be very pleased to avail myself of your services when the time comes. And before then, too.” Stede smiled up at him from the floor, sleepy hazel eyes twinkling.

Ed smiled back, then looked around. “All right, looks like the next round is about to start. I’d better get going.”

“I will be admiring you from afar while you direct.”

“I’ll do my best to impress,” Ed replied. “But for fuck’s sake, get up off the floor. This is embarrassing. You’re still representing Blackbeard’s, you know.” His tone was stern, but when Stede gave him his best puppy-dog eyes, Ed shook his head and chuckled. He extended a hand and pulled Stede to a sitting position. “I’ll see how you’re doing after round 2, all right?”

The rest of the tournament was uneventful for Stede, though he always loved watching Ed in his element. Despite being an epée specialist, Ed was serving as a referee on the foil side of the competition, given his international experience and the inherent difficulty of officiating foil bouts. Stede did indeed admire Ed as he called the action after each touch, raising his hand on the scoring side, tall and subtly commanding, radiating calm efficiency. True to his word, Ed did stop by to chat between rounds, though he didn’t have time for more than a couple words and a nudge or wink, busy with his responsibilities until the end.

The final rounds were exciting to watch, but when all was done, Stede was ready to drop.

“All set?” Ed asked when he came to collect him.

“Yes, definitely. You’re impressive out there, Coach.”

“Just doing my job,” Ed replied nonchalantly, though he looked pleased. “What say we get you home?”

“Yes, please,” said Stede, stifling a yawn as they made their way out of the gym.

“I’d try to get you to say that again, with fewer clothes on,” Ed said, “but it seems like you might actually fall asleep during. Which would be hard on my poor ego.”

Stede laughed. “Don’t take it personally. I’m just rather too old for all-nighters.”

“Aren’t we all.”

“You know, if you stay over tonight, there’s always the morning.” Stede gave Ed as meaningful a look as his sleepy eyes would allow.

Ed broke into a mischievous smile. “Now there’s a fuckin’ great idea.”

***

July 1999

A month later, it was time for the second summer tournament in the region. As planned, Ed was staying the night at Stede’s. “Look at us, being efficient,” Stede had joked when they made their plan. “Neither of us has to pick the other up on the way.”

“Yep, maximum efficiency, that’s what we’re all about,” Ed had replied.

Because of the tournament the next day, evening classes were canceled at Blackbeard’s Fencing Club the night before, so when 7 pm rolled around, Ed came through Stede’s door carrying takeout from a local Indian restaurant.

“Lamb madras for you, as requested, and tandoori chicken for me.” he said, taking them out of the bag and setting them by their usual places at Stede’s table. “And some extra naan.”

“Thank you, honey.” Stede leaned in for a peck on the lips as he brought glasses of water to the table. There were already plates and utensils and wine glasses with Pinot Noir at their place settings. “How were classes today?”

“Mostly good.” Ed sat down at the table. “Although there’s one kid in the beginner youth class who’s a problem. He got really frustrated during a bout with another kid and started flailing everywhere and getting super aggressive. It was honestly pretty dangerous.”

“Really!” Stede said, as he spooned his lamb madras onto his plate.  

“Mmm hmm. I was just glad he was fencing one of the bigger kids at the time. There were some little ones there today who were brand new. Actually, Izzy did a great job intervening. It was like deescalating a hostage situation.”

Stede looked skeptical at first, then thought better of it and said, “It makes sense, I guess. He’s such a hothead himself that he’d know how to talk that kid down.”

Ed paused mid-bite and looked at Stede before finishing chewing. “You two are just oil and water, aren’t you,” he said, more as a statement than a question.

“It’s not just me!” Stede protested. “He’s always glaring at me and sighing.”

Ed put his hands up in a leave-me-out-of-this gesture. “Look, no one’s trying to make you two be friends. Least of all me! Anyway. This kid’s sure not doing the ginger stereotype any favors. We had to make him sit out the rest of the class.”

“Are his parents ever around?” Stede asked.

“Nope. They just drop him off and leave.” Ed shrugged as he munched a bite of naan.

Stede clucked his tongue. “That’s a shame.” He took a bite. “Mmm, this is really good, though.”

“Mine is, too.”

“Well, Alma is incredibly excited to start the class as soon as the next session begins. I wonder which weapon she’ll prefer.”

“She’s tall. Maybe we’ll make an epée fencer out of her,” Ed said with a smile.

“We’ll see,” Stede said. “I think she’ll like foil. She’s still young enough that she won’t automatically hate it just because it’s what I do.” He smiled and then sighed. “I can’t believe I only have a few years left before she’s a teenager.”

“Enjoy it,” Ed replied, with a wry smile. “And tell her I want her to paint my nails again next weekend.”

Stede melted a bit at this. “She’ll be so happy you said that.”

They chatted lightly for the rest of their meal, sipping their wine and relaxing. Once they were done, during a pause in the conversation, Ed caught Stede gazing at him affectionately. “What’s up?”

“I still can’t believe this is my life,” Stede replied. “Six months ago I was so lonely and confused. Now, here I am with the sexiest man I ever met, who is good at everything and interesting and funny and here to spend the night with me.”

“Oh yeah I am.” Ed placed a warm hand on Stede’s thigh and leaned in close. “I didn’t know the cutest nerd in school was going to walk into my club and end up needing…help with his insomnia problem.”

Stede blushed and laughed. “You did promise, after all.”

Ed leaned in even closer and pressed a warm kiss to Stede’s lips. Stede wove his finger in Ed’s curls, prolonging the contact, savoring the feeling. God, he loved this man.

“Well, shall we?” Stede said. “We have to be up pretty early to get on the road.”

“I wouldn't complain,” Ed replied, with his familiar crooked smile, big dark eyes looking significantly into Stede’s.

“Come on, then! You know the way.” Stede paused. “But I suppose we should get ready for bed first.”

“So very logical, Professor. I will be thinking about what I’m about to do to you while brushing my teeth.” Ed winked, and Stede giggled. He was unbelievably lucky, indeed.

***

They quickly finished their evening ablutions. Once they were back in his bedroom, Stede immediately pulled Ed toward him again. Everything about him filled Stede with desire; every time they touched still felt as urgent as the first time. Stede kissed Ed passionately, his tongue seeking Ed’s; he rolled his hips against him, feeling Ed’s body respond to the contact. Pure bliss. Stede paused, panting, to pull Ed’s t-shirt off over his head; Ed unbuttoned Stede’s shirt as quickly as he could. “I know how you are,” he said, draping Stede’s silky button-down over the arm of the chair near the bed.

Stede smiled before pulling Ed back toward him. “Ugh, you're so thoughtful,” Stede said between kisses.

“That’s what they say.” Ed unzipped Stede’s trousers and reached in. Stede’s breath caught and he shivered as he felt Ed’s warm hand stroking him through his underwear. “Come on; get these things off,” Ed ordered.

“Can do,” said Stede, hating to break contact even for the time it took to remove his trousers (and lay them gently on the chair, of course). He climbed on to the bed and Ed quickly straddled him; Stede ran his hands over Ed’s tattooed torso before Ed leaned in for a passionate kiss. Stede sucked Ed’s bottom lip into his mouth; Ed groaned lightly.

After some leisurely moments spent exploring with hands and lips and tongues, the intensity growing as they touched, Ed said, “All right, then, let’s see what I can do for you.” He moved down the bed and began removing Stede’s silky boxers, where Stede’s cock was standing at attention, straining against them. Stede lifted his hips to help; Ed got them all the way off and tossed them unceremoniously to the floor. Ed first palmed him with a firm hand, then slowly eased his mouth down over Stede’s cock, drawing a whimper out of him.

“Oh God, Ed,” Stede gasped out. “But…ohhh!…what about you?” Stede protested as best he could while considerably distracted.

Ed ignored him for a moment and continued sucking and stroking until he slowly and wetly pulled away, sucking as he went, making Stede squirm. “Tonight is about you,” he said, his voice low and seductive.

“But I don’t want to leave you hanging.” Stede reached down and caressed Ed’s face.

Ed grinned. “You’re too much of a gentleman for your own good. I’m trying to be generous here.” He gave the head of Stede’s cock a teasing, swirling lick.

“Ahhh!” Stede said, sucking in air. “But I insist.”

After one more agonizingly slow tongue swirl that made Stede writhe, Ed paused and said, “Fine, then. 69?”

“Perfect.” But then Stede thought about it and added, “But I don’t want you to hurt your knee. And I don’t want to choke you if I’m on top!”

Ed rolled his eyes. “Relax, babe. Only you could make this stressful.” He sat up, stripped off his trousers and underwear, tossing both on the floor and saying, “I’ll have you know I’m quite happy for you to smother me, but we don’t need you getting in your own head about something else. We can do it side by side.” He grabbed a pillow and laid back down next to Stede, his head toward the foot of the bed. “Scoot down, though, so I have room for my legs. But bring the pillow. You’ll want it.” Stede did as he was told, sliding further down the bed with a pillow. Once Stede was settled comfortably, Ed gently grasped Stede’s cock again, stroking and wrapping his lips around it once more. Stede closed his eyes, adrift in the sensations for a moment, then reached for Ed’s cock as well—first sucking in just the tip, then slicking up the whole length and wrapping his hand around the shaft. As Ed worked him over with practiced movements, licking and sucking and grabbing handfuls of his ass, Stede found it hard to concentrate, often falling out of rhythm as he got momentarily overwhelmed. He took to sucking as hard as he could when he simply couldn’t manage to do anything else; Ed didn’t seem to mind, if his twitching hips and groans around Stede’s cock were any indication. The sounds went straight to Stede’s groin; between Ed’s noises and the way he sucked and stroked ravenously and did absolutely diabolical things with his tongue, Stede knew he couldn’t hold out long even if he’d wanted to. He felt the tension building inevitably, his whole body taut in anticipation, full of need; as his arousal began to peak, Stede hummed and sucked desperately, thrusting involuntarily as he spilled into Ed’s mouth, moaning loudly around Ed’s cock, eyes watering from the intensity of his climax. Once he was fully spent, he whimpered slightly as Ed gently released him.

Stede took his mouth off of Ed for a moment and breathed. “Fuck. My God, you’re good.” Ed chuckled smugly. Stede stroked Ed firmly a few times with his hand while he gathered himself, then said, “at least now I can focus a little better.” He licked a stripe up and down Ed’s cock, fitting his tongue firmly into the notch on the underside of the head until he got a delicious moan out of Ed. Then Stede began sucking and stroking much more rhythmically than before. It had the desired effect; Ed keened. Stede kept up his efforts, moving faster, sucking harder. He could tell Ed was holding back; he grabbed Ed’s rear end firmly and pulled it toward him with one hand as he continued to suck and stroke with the other. Ed took him up on the encouragement, then, rutting into Stede’s mouth and hand until he cried out and came hard, hot and salty and intoxicating. It never failed to make Stede feel powerful, being able to take Ed to that place where he was no longer in complete control.

After a few moments, Stede moved himself and his pillow back to the head of the bed; once Ed collected himself, Ed got up and placed his pillow back in its original place next to Stede’s and laid down next to him, wrapping Stede in his arms. “Mmm, I do have good ideas,” Ed said. “But tell me. How do you feel?”

“Too relaxed to give you a hard time about congratulating yourself,” Stede said dreamily. “I think that was just what the doctor ordered.”

Ed laughed. “Well, yes, in fact you did, Dr. Bonnet. And now you need your sleep.”

“Whatever you say, Coach.” Stede pulled Ed in for one more long, slow kiss, then smiled at him; Ed gazed back, affection in his big brown eyes. 

“Good night, love.”

“Good night, sweetheart.” They pulled up the covers, and Stede turned out the light.

Chapter Text

Their libidinous activities had their desired effect. Stede slept deeply and awoke early the next morning, well rested for the first time ever before a tournament. Ed was still sleeping soundly; Stede watched him fondly for a few minutes, then reached slowly over for his reading glasses and book on his bedside table, as gently as he could. He read until the clock hit 6 am.

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” Stede said.

“Mmmph.”

“I’m serious!” Stede spoke a little more loudly. “We have to get on the road in an hour or we’ll never make it in time.”

“Oh, all right,” Ed grunted.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to be the tired one today!” Stede said cheerily. “All right, I’ll make you some breakfast. Take your time.”

“You’re going to be obnoxiously cheerful the whole way there, aren’t you,” Ed groaned. “I got used to those quiet rides.”

“You have no one to blame but yourself, you know,” called Stede, on his way to the kitchen. “Do you want peppers and onion in your omelet, or just cheese?”

“Everything, please.”

“As you wish.” As he got out his skillet and bowl and whisk, Stede felt hopeful. This was going to be a good day.

***

Stede got them both fed and on the road in a timely fashion, and the drive there was uneventful. Once they arrived, Ed wished Stede luck and went to check in with the other directors; Stede went to get signed in with the other competitors. This was a moderately-sized tournament, so Stede was in a pool of 4 fencers, all of whom had to go up against one another. Stede didn’t fence until second bout in the pool, which was all to the good; he didn’t mind a bit of extra time to repeat his mantra and get in a good headspace. To his amazement, he managed to eke out a victory in his first bout, 5-4. He lost the second one 5-3, but finished with another 5-4 victory. Winning 2 of his 3 bouts would get him seeded a bit higher. Maybe he could actually advance for once in the elimination round.

Ed was busy directing at another strip, but during the break between pool competition and direct elimination, he came and found Stede. “2 and 1!” he exclaimed. “Well done, love!”

“Thanks, Coach!” Stede blushed at the praise despite himself. “I think you deserve some of the credit, don’t you think?”

Ed preened slightly and laughed. “I’ll always take credit if you let me.” He put a hand on Stede’s shoulder, looked into his eyes, and said more seriously, “you got this.”

“I’ll do my best.” Stede was reeling a bit from the adrenaline rush, but he would just have to keep his head.

***

Stede found it quite the challenge to stay on an even keel as his first bout in the elimination round got started. As they approached the piste, Stede noted that his opponent was slightly shorter; good. He would have the longer reach, then. Stede plugged his body cord into the reel, clipped the reel to his jacket, and plugged in his foil. He repeated his mantra to himself a few times. He came to the center of the piste and knelt so the director could test his weapon. It passed; he and his opponent tested their connections by poking at each other’s lamés; all tested good. Both saluted and took their place at their respective en garde lines.

“En garde. Ready? Fence!” Stede’s opponent closed the distance immediately, feinting to the outside to draw Stede’s parry, then attacking on the inside. Stede hadn’t retreated enough to stay out of reach, and the attack connected. “Touch left. 1-0.”

Stede took a deep breath as he returned to his starting line. It hurt to get behind immediately, but he wasn’t going to let that faze him. “En garde. Ready? Fence!” This time Stede advanced quickly and put the pressure on; after his initial attack failed, he parried his opponent’s counter-attack and his riposte landed. “Attack from the right no; parry-riposte no; counter-parry, counter-riposte yes. Touch right. 1-1.”

Stede was encouraged by this. Yes, he could take this guy. He felt a little flame of confidence beginning to burn in his chest.

Still, it wasn’t going to be easy; he lost the next two points to his opponent’s quick attacks. A few weeks ago Stede would have felt discouraged by falling so far behind, but now, he refused to let his mind go there. Every point could be a fresh start. He kept his head, getting faster on his retreats and focusing on landing his ripostes, every movement getting more decisive as his confidence grew, until he managed to take the lead with 3 unanswered points. “Touch right. 4-3.” 

He could end it all, right now. Stede felt his excitement mounting. Just one more touch and he’d make it to the next round. On the next point, he got a little impatient and was fooled by his opponent’s disengages, as he moved his foil quickly back and forth to the outside and inside under Stede’s blade, landing the attack as Stede parried the air. “Touch left. 4-4.”

Stede took a deep breath as he returned to the en garde line. No time for regrets; he had to let that point go, let the score itself go. All he needed was one more point. Just one more. He could do this. “I. Am. Adequate,” he repeated to himself one last time, squaring his shoulders and adding a little swagger to his step as he returned to his line. As he raised his foil, he tuned everything out, all the noises of footwork and buzzers and voices, not even noticing that the bout on Ed’s strip had finished, and Ed was watching Stede’s intently. “En garde. Ready? Fence!” Patience, now. Stede’s opponent advanced quickly, as he knew he would; Stede backed up down the piste. His opponent moved in aggressively with a beat attack but Stede was ready, jumping back out of harm’s way, then responding with a solid, fast parry-riposte. One light. He’d won.

Everything was a blur after that. He heard fellow students from Blackbeard’s shouting and cheering for him. Stede raised his mask, saluted his opponent, the director, and the audience, then quickly shook hands with the other fencer. He caught sight of Ed, who was biting his lip and making his way over, looking like he was both about to burst with pride and ready to jump Stede’s bones at the slightest provocation.

Ed closed the distance in no time at all. While Stede was still unhooking himself from the reel, Ed threw his arm around Stede’s shoulders, drawing him into an enthusiastic one-armed hug. “You did it! Congratulations!” he exclaimed, then added in a lower voice right next to his ear, “I am so fucking proud of you.”

Stede was already flushed from the exertion of the bout but he turned even pinker. “Thanks, Coach.”

“Are you finally unhooked? Come on.” Ed led Stede out of the gym into the back room being used as a staging area for the directors. The room was empty; no sooner had they turned the corner when Stede found himself pressed up against the wall and Ed all over him, knee slotted between Stede’s thighs, Ed’s mouth on his. Stede gasped a little moan of surprise and pleasure. Ed slid his tongue past Stede’s lips; Stede willingly matched his energy, sliding his tongue against Ed’s, pulling their bodies together, arousal spreading dangerously. 

When they came up for air, both panting heavily, Stede raised an eyebrow and gasped out, “Hey! I thought you said it didn’t matter if I won or not.”

“It still doesn’t,” Ed said, his voice raspy. “But the confidence, love. It was coming off of you in waves. God, that was hot.” He pressed another insistent kiss to Stede’s mouth. “It made me want you to boss me around. Tell me what to do.”

“I think that can be arranged,” Stede replied, meaningfully, hands gripping Ed’s waist. “But since I’m not out, for once, I have another bout to fence, and you have more to direct. And we need some semblance of propriety, darling. My knickers are getting rather tight at the moment.”

Ed sighed heavily. “I know, I know. But I’m going to be thinking things that aren’t in the Bible the whole rest of this tournament.”

“Didn’t you once tell me that sometimes the anticipation is the best part?” Stede asked, running his thumb over Ed’s bottom lip and winking.

“You would remember that,” Ed groaned. “Well then, stop being so fucking seductive and get back out there, Killer.”

“All right. But let me…um…compose myself for a minute.”

“Okay. I’d better get going before someone comes looking for me.” Ed caressed Stede’s face with his hand and let his fingers drag lightly against his jawline as he turned to leave. Stede took a few deep breaths, brain swirling with thoughts of every kind, before heading back out to the competition floor.

***

Given that it was not the largest tournament, Stede was not surprised his next bout was much more difficult; so much so that he was pleased to simply keep the score close, ultimately losing 5-3. This outcome bothered him not at all; he’d made it past the first round and overcome the lack of faith in himself that had kept him from winning for so long. He was content to change into his tracksuit and watch Ed referee for the remainder of the competition.

When the day was done, he met up with Ed, loaded his gear into the car, and they started the drive back home.

“You did fucking amazing, Stede,” Ed said as he drove. “It was like night and day.”

“I feel really good about it. Now I actually believe I can do it,” Stede replied.

“Watching you come into your own out there was incredible. And fucking hot. Real top energy.”

“Funny you should mention that,” said Stede. “I’ve been wondering if…we might…explore our options, so to speak. Like having me…take a more active role.”

Ed could not help chuckling. “The way you still talk about our sex life, Professor. It’s okay; you can spell it out for me.”

Stede took a deep breath. “I—I would love to try being inside you. And to take charge a bit more. Is that…something that would interest you?”

Ed smiled broadly. “Are you kidding me, Stede? I didn’t want to rush you, but I’ve been imagining it for a long time. A long time. I’ve always told you I’m up for almost anything if it’s with you. And I told you earlier that I wanted you to boss me around. I meant it. I would be thrilled to have you in the driver’s seat and for you to have your way with me. However you want me.”

Stede caught his breath. He felt a fire kindling inside as he said, “I guess we’ll have to figure out what that ‘almost anything’ is at some point, but for now I say we keep it simple.”

“You’re in charge,” Ed said with a wink.

“Well for heaven’s sake, keep your eyes on the road. A car wreck would rather put a damper on things.”

“Don’t you worry. My ability to focus is second to none.”

“Mmm hmm. Maybe when you’re fencing or officiating, but I’ve seen you the rest of the time. That’s why Izzy’s always grumpy with you.”

“First of all, Izzy’s always crotchety no matter what. Second, he’s the last person I’d expect you to tag team with against me.”

“Well, a stopped clock twice a day and all that.”

Ed rolled his eyes. “You’re really something.”

“I know.”

“That wasn’t necessarily a compliment.”

“I know.” Stede knew staying calm would get a rise out of Ed, and he wasn’t wrong. Ed started muttering under his breath. “Look, here’s our exit!” Stede exclaimed.

“Good, because when I thought about you driving me nuts, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.”

“Well, it’s what you get. I can keep this up all day.” After some sleep and the encouraging experience he’d had, this was indeed true.

“I swear to God, Bonnet.”

“What?” Stede said, sweet as pie.

“Don’t play innocent. You’re doing this on purpose!”

“Relax, darling. Just having a little fun.” Stede patted Ed’s leg.

“You’re a menace,” Ed grumbled.

“But a polite one.”

“Sometimes. Oh thank fuck, we’re here.” Ed made the right turn into Stede’s neighborhood and drove toward Stede’s house.

“Splendid.”

***

By the time they were getting out of the car and Stede had unloaded his bag, Stede wasn’t sure if Ed was hot and bothered or just bothered. But as soon as they got inside, Ed couldn’t help himself and pulled Stede in for a kiss that quickly intensified, assuaging any concerns Stede might have had about his mood. As soon as Ed began to try to press his body in closer, however, Stede pulled away and said playfully, “Ah-ah-ah. Not yet. Hit the showers, Teach.”

“What? You’re gonna make me wait?” Ed said.

“I sure am,” Stede replied. “Some of us were working up more of a sweat than others today. I was drenched. But I will join you.”

“Fine, fine,” Ed grumbled. “Maybe if you let me soap you up.”

“That can probably be arranged.”

“All right, then.”

Soon enough, both had made their way to Stede’s bathroom, stripped, and climbed into the shower. Stede did indeed let Ed soap him up with the lavender body wash they both loved, until the feeling of Ed’s hands all over his body was too much and he grabbed Ed around the waist, pulling him close until they were flush against each other. Stede plunged his tongue into Ed’s mouth, running his hands along his back, feeling Ed’s cock harden against his body. Christ, it was sublime.

When they came panting up for air, Ed said, “Now may I touch you?”

“Mmmmm, not yet.” In part he knew he needed to pace himself, but he would’ve been lying if he’d said the growing look of desperation in Ed’s eyes wasn’t immensely titillating. “Let’s rinse off and dry off. No use having one of us fall and needing a hip replacement.”

“Jesus, Stede,” Ed muttered. “I should never have let you be in charge.”

“Well, I am,” said Stede. He grabbed a handful of Ed’s rear end and squeezed, saying with a wink, “but I’ll make it worth the wait.”

“You’re impossible!” Ed groaned. “Going from talking about hip replacements to driving me crazy again. I’m getting out of here.” He turned off the water and stepped out of the shower; Stede followed suit, grabbing their towels from their hooks so they could dry off. It wasn’t long before neither could help themselves, pulling each other close, mouths crashing against each other again, eyes closed, tongues exploring, unable to resist grinding up against one another, towels forgotten in wet heaps on the floor.

“Come on.” Stede grabbed Ed by the hand; Ed willingly followed him to the bedroom. Once there, Stede pulled Ed to the bed immediately. “Lie down.” Ed complied, and Stede climbed on top of him, running his hands over Ed’s tattooed chest before leaning over and sucking on Ed’s neck. Ed’s breathing shifted and he was clearly stifling a moan. “You like that?” Stede whispered in his ear while rocking his hips against him.

“Yes,” Ed replied, in a strained voice. “Now can I finally touch you?”

“You may,” Stede said, magnanimously.

Ed reached down and took both their cocks together in his hand, stroking their full lengths, smoothing the pre-cum over the heads, making Stede gasp. The pleasure was dizzying. Stede closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again and finding Ed gazing at him, pupils wide.

“God, I want you, Stede,” Ed said, hoarsely. “Please. I’ve been able to think about nothing but you all day. It was so hard to concentrate.”

“Oh, is that so?” Stede played it cooler than he felt (which was, frankly, quite giddy). He engulfed Ed’s mouth in another passionate kiss before adding, “nothing would give me more pleasure.” He reached over to his nightstand for lube and a towel. Slicking up a finger, he reached down and began moving it teasingly around Ed’s entrance, not yet pressing in. “Tell me what you were thinking about.”

“Exactly this. Me wanting you and needing you, and you teasing me, making me wait. And then you finally filling me up and absolutely ruining me.”

“You know me so well,” Stede said, with a mischievous smile, continuing to tease Ed with his finger. “Naughty and nice.” 

“You really are a menace, Stede Bonnet,” Ed growled.

“Now, now,” said Stede. “Is that any way to get what you want?”

“You need me to beg, love?” Ed ran his hot hands over Stede’s body, everywhere he could reach. Stede held back a shiver; he didn’t want to give anything away. “Okay. I’m begging you. Please. Take me apart. Don’t make me wait any longer.”

“All right. Since you’re so good, I can be merciful.” Stede finally pressed in slowly, and Ed sighed, gradually relaxing around Stede’s finger as he began moving it in and out in a slow, smooth rhythm. 

“More?” Stede asked, after a bit. 

Ed nodded. “Yes.”

Stede slicked up and added in a second finger, listening to Ed’s breath hitching, feeling him squirm slightly. Ed seemed to be holding back again, trying to stay quiet. Stede would have to do something about that. He began curling his fingers and massaging Ed firmly from the inside; he must have been doing something right, since Ed could keep his moans in no longer and was starting to writhe.

“God, you’re irresistible.” Stede was still in awe that he got to touch this man, to watch him in these intimate moments, to give him pleasure. It was unfathomable, really.

“Fucking hell, Stede,” Ed gritted out. “How are you so good at this?”

“I’m a good student.” Stede didn’t stop his movements. “And I’ve been waiting all my life for you.”

“Oh fuck.” Ed shuddered. “Please, Stede, I need you. Now.”

Truth be told, Stede couldn’t wait any longer either. “All right, darling. You’re asking so nicely.” He gently removed his fingers; Ed whimpered. “Come to the edge of the bed,” Stede said, standing up. Ed obliged; Stede squeezed out some more lube, slicking up his cock thoroughly while maintaining eye contact, relishing Ed’s pleading expression. As he positioned himself at Ed’s entrance, he whispered, “Tell me what you want.”

“Take me, Stede. Own me. Please.” With that, Stede pushed in gently but firmly, pausing once the head of his cock was past Ed’s rim. Ed moaned and wrapped his legs around Stede. Stede’s vision went blank for a moment—how he had wanted this, had imagined it from the beginning, long before it seemed like it could ever happen. He had to work hard to stay within himself; too often in the past, his desire for Ed had made him come embarrassingly quickly, and he was determined to make this good for him. Stede took deep breaths, doing his best to keep calm. Ed relaxed around him and Stede pushed in further in one smooth motion until he was fully seated.

“God, Ed,” Stede said, his voice low, willing himself to stay in control. “You feel better than I could have possibly imagined.” He ran his hands up and down Ed’s beautiful body before holding his hips firmly and beginning to thrust—first slowly, then faster, building up to a strong, even rhythm. The sensations were nearly overpowering, and watching Ed writhe, hearing him keen, and seeing the intense pleasure contorting his features got to be too much. Stede slowed down for a breather, pulling out almost all the way and taking the opportunity to add a bit more lube along his shaft.

“Don’t stop, love,” Ed said, desperation in his eyes, his need evident in his gravelly voice. “Please. Fuck, I need you.”

Stede nodded and swallowed. “Touch yourself, gorgeous,” he whispered. “I want to watch you come.” With that, Ed grasped his own cock, and after one last deep breath, Stede began thrusting again, quickly ramping up his pace until he was pounding into Ed, giving him everything he had, snapping his hips firmly as Ed stroked himself with abandon and arched his back to meet Stede on every thrust. Ed felt so unbelievably good and the sight of him was so arousing that only sheer willpower was keeping Stede from coming undone. As Stede continued plunging into him, both felt the tension build and build until Ed finally lost control, going over the edge while crying out Stede’s name, come painting his belly. Stede could finally let go, then, his own senses overwhelmed, his head spinning, feeling Ed clench tight around him, awash in waves of intense pleasure and release as he came.

Afterwards, both were entirely spent; as they gradually returned to themselves, they took a few moments to gaze at one another, panting and smiling blearily, until Stede gently eased himself out and wiped them both down a bit with some wipes from his nightstand. When Stede was done, Ed shifted back into his usual place in the bed; Stede laid down next to him and took him in his arms. They snuggled together in contented silence, Stede lightly stroking Ed’s side. As always, Stede marveled that this beautiful man was here, with him. That Ed wanted him, desired him, dreamed of him. Stede was sure he’d never stop feeling amazed by it.

But he kept these thoughts to himself, for now. Aloud, he said, “Worth the wait?”

Ed turned to him and claimed his lips in a kiss whose intensity took Stede’s breath away. “Does that answer your question?” he asked, his voice low and rumbling, his expression meaningful.

“I think so, yes,” Stede said, smiling. They shared each other’s breath for a minute, and then Stede confessed, “that was one of the first things I fantasized about, you know. Back when I barely knew you. I couldn’t help but imagine your legs wrapped around me, and you taking me in. It was the hottest thing that had ever crossed my mind. But I never thought it could be more than a fantasy.”

Ed raised his eyebrows at him. “Fuck, Stede. If I’d known that, I wouldn’t have waited so long to make my move. Who knew you had such a vivid imagination?”

“Well, inexperienced doesn’t necessarily mean innocent, you know.”

“Touché.” They both chuckled. After a moment, Ed said, “I’m glad I get to help you bring your fantasies to life. I can’t wait to hear more of them.”

Stede giggled, then suddenly stopped. He looked away, then said quietly, “sometimes I still can’t believe you want me at all.”

“Are you serious?” Ed said, with genuine surprise. “I can’t believe you’d ever doubt that.”

“It’s not that I doubt it from you in particular,” Stede replied. “It’s just…” he shrugged, and left his sentence unfinished.

Ed seemed to understand. “Hey,” he said. “Look at me.” Stede lifted his eyes and met his earnest gaze. “You know you can throw me over your shoulder and have your way with me anytime, right? That’s just the truth.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Stede said, smiling. But then he sobered somewhat. “You’ve known who you are and what you want a lot longer than I have,” he said. “And you’re the first person I’ve been with who truly wanted me.”

“Well, I do, more than anything. I guess I’ll have to keep showing you how much.” He gave Stede a sultry look, then added, “but, uh, tomorrow. I’m not twenty anymore.”

Stede laughed outright this time. “Neither am I, obviously. And I’m hungry. Shall we order in tonight?”

“Yes, let’s. And this was a big day for you. Do we still have some prosecco in the wine cooler?”

“We do.”

“Then we’ll have to toast to you, Stede Bonnet. Conqueror of his demons today.”

“And of your loins.”

“Oh my God, Stede. Only you.”

“That’s why you love me,” Stede said, a wicked twinkle in his eye.

Ed shook his head. “I’m afraid I do.”

“Well, come on,” Stede said, starting to get up. “The night is young, even if we aren’t.”

Ed laughed. “I’ll toast to that.”