#ofmd ao3 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

arun-armand-amadeo · 2 years ago

Text

I posted a headcanon here that Ed would call Stede treasure so I went and wrote a short fic about it.

Treasure - 2,407 words - AO3 Link or read below:

The first time that it happened, Stede didn’t even notice.

It had been a turbulent night as, despite the crews best efforts, they had been unable to out-sail the storm chasing them. As night creeped in, so did the rain, followed by vicious thunder and crashing waves against the ships hull. It had knocked them from side to side as towering waves pummelled down on them from above.

Ed had stayed out on the deck with a small team of their most experienced sailors whilst Stede had bunkered down below with the rest of the crew. They were all clearly terrified and worried about their friends battling the storm outside, but Stede had to put on a brave face for them despite his own rising anxieties. Every time the ship groaned loudly in protest as she was knocked about, a stab of fear struck Stede through the heart. All he could do was keep his faith in Edward and know that his co-captain and friend would do whatever it would take to keep everyone safe and sound.

Come morning, the clouds finally parted and the sun shone down on them once more. The waves were calm, gently lapping their apologies against the ship, as the crew reunited on the deck. There was substantial damage and a lot of repairs to do, but everyone was alive and miraculously uninjured.

Stede crossed the deck with two cups of tea in his hands, one loaded with seven sugars, just as he knew his co-captain preferred. Ed was clearly haggard, body hunched over the railing as he stared with a blank expression into the horizon. There were dark bags under his eyes and a tension held in his muscles. Stede hoped a strong cuppa would help relax his friend.

“Here.” He said softly, sliding the saucer along the railing. “You look like you need it.”

Ed blinked out of wherever his mind had wandered to look down at the offering. He smiled softly. Of course the delicate china had managed to survive the worse storm The Revenge had ever faced. He picked up his tea and took a sip, eyes slipping shut in bliss.

“Perfect as always, thanks mate.” He took another sip and glanced at Stede out of the corner of his eye, looking at the man in his long golden gown. “What would I do without you, eh treasure?”

Stede had just smiled back at him. “Oh, it’s nothing. You’re the one who got us through that rather nasty storm! A cup of tea is the very least I could do.”

The second time that it happened took Stede by surprise.

Everyone was gathered in the mess hall to loudly celebrate another successful raid. Drinks were being passed around, people were singing, and everyone was feeling the merriment. Roach had even prepared an assortment of sweets and cakes with the ingredients they had also pillaged from the merchant ship they had robbed.

Stede was standing behind Wee John and Frenchie at the time, leaning slightly over their shoulders as he watched the pair engage in what they called ‘thumb wrestling’. It was a rather unusual game but enjoyable to watch. Stede much preferred this sport to the actual wrestling the crew liked to compete in from time to time. This was far less violent and nowhere near as likely to cause any serious injuries.

He was so engrossed in the display before him that he jumped at the sudden sensation of a warm hand pressed to his lower back. However, at the smell of leather and smoke that immediately followed, he relaxed. It was only Ed. The man in question lent in close, front pressed to Stede’s back, as his lips hovered next to Stede’s ear.

“Sorry treasure, just trying to squeeze by.” Came his warm voice.

As quickly as he came, he was gone again, heading across the room to refill his drink. Stede shuddered, partially from the proximity but mostly from the way Ed’s voice had dripped like honey down his spine. There was the word again. Treasure. Surely it was a mistake?

A triumphant cheer as Wee John won the thumb wrestling pulled Stede out of his spiralling thoughts and he promptly forgot all about what was absolutely not a petname.

Stede had been drunk the third time it happened.

Well, Stede wasn’t the only one who was drunk. Everybody was very drunk, including Ed. They had decided to make another attempt at a vacation. Compared to the first time this one was far more successful. The crew were all in the ocean, swimming around and splashing at each other and just generally having a good time. The sandy beach was decorated with a half-eaten picnic and empty bottles of rum.

The only two people not in the water was Ed and Stede. The two were sat under a palm tree together, shoulders pressed snugly as they shared a bottle of wine. They had started on the rum with everybody else, but then Ed had produced a bottle of red and the two had quickly snuck away to partake in their little secret.

“I know you have a more sophisticated palate.” Ed had whispered conspiratorially as he pulled the bottle out from inside his jacket.

Right now the wine was almost gone and Stede was pleasantly buzzed. He was warm and satiated with Ed chatting nonsense next to him. There was nowhere else he’d rather be than right here in this moment.

“So what do you say, should we join the others for a dip?” Ed asked with a lazy stretch.

Stede frowned. “But I don’t have my bathing suit. I left it onboard.”

“No-one else is in their bathing suits.” Ed chuckled, nudging his shoulder against Stede’s. “Come on treasure, it’ll be fun.”

As it turns out, Ed was right. It was a lot of fun.

The fourth time it happened wasn’t even directed at Stede.

He was up in the crows nest simply enjoying the view. It was a beautifully clear day and the water sparkled around them. There was a light breeze keeping the humidity at bay and Stede was having a small moment of peace to himself. Below him, he was a aware of chatter amongst the crew, but wasn’t really paying any attention to it.

Instead he was thinking about where they should head to next. Everyone had chucked out various ideas of where they wanted to go and which ports they wanted to visit. The crew had each passionately argued as to why their suggestion was the best, leaving Stede feeling more than a little overwhelmed and flustered. A bit of quiet was all he needed to sort out his muddled thoughts.

Heavy boots crossing the deck caught his ears. There was no doubt that was Ed. He must have finished with the inventory he had disappeared below deck to work through with Lucius. Glancing down, he watched the two join the small group, Lucius immediately sitting down next to Pete.

“So have we decided on where we’re going yet?” Ed asked the crew, hands resting casually on his hips.

“Captain hasn’t decided yet.” Came Jim’s reply, always quick and to the point.

Ed hummed thoughtfully and looked around. What he said next caused a blush to explode over Stede’s cheeks.

“And where is my treasure?” He spoke affectionally.

There was no way he was talking about Stede, right? Maybe he had misplaced some coins or a jewel or…

“Captain’s up in the crows nest.” Olu answered, helpfully pointing upwards.

Stede scrambled away from the edge and planted his back firmly against the mast as he tried to control his rapid breathing. Ed really had meant him…and apparently the rest of the crew were aware of this little term of endearment as well! What did it all mean?

Ed’s head suddenly popped into view. “Ah, there you are! Hey, are you alright? You’re looking a little flushed there mate.”

“I’m fine!” Stede squawked.

The fifth time that it happened, Stede had just been shot.

A Spanish Navy ship had spotted them and set chase. The Revenge was fast, but the Spanish had the wind on their side and caught up to them in no time. Backs against the wall, the crew had no choice but to fight back. They were boarded by the officers and their men and a great battle began.

The sound of metal clanging against metal was almost deafening as the horribly copper scent of blood filled the air. Ed had been teaching Stede how to sword fight and those lessons were coming in very handy right now. However, it didn’t matter how skilled Stede was, as a sword was no use against a gun.

A loud bang echoed through the air and everything seemed to fall silent and move in slow motion. Stede looked around in confusion for the source of the noise, only seeing the head officer with a raised gun. Had he fired it? Stede wasn’t sure. Around him were faces of panic from his crew but he couldn’t see the reason as to why.

His vision was suddenly taken up completely by Ed. He was teary eyed and speaking fast, but Stede couldn’t hear a sound against the roaring in his ears and a stabbing pain in his shoulder. He looked down, wondering what the cause of his discomfort was.

Oh. Oh dear.

His shoulder was soaked red with blood. His blood. Time suddenly came back to life and everything was so fast all of a sudden. People moved around him in a blur, the crew fighting and pushing the Spanish back in their anger. There was a clang as Stede’s sword slipped from his grasp as he tried to reach out instead.

“Ed.” He gasped, the pain pulsing in time with his racing heart.

“I’ve got you mate, I’ve got you.” Ed replied, moving Stede to lean against his side, strong arms around his waist.

They pair walked through the chaos, dodging fists and daggers as Ed manoeuvred them below deck. Stede felt his vision start to swim and it took everything in him to keep ahold of his co-captain.

“That’s it, down you go.” Ed soothed.

Stede found himself laid down as he stared up at the ceiling of his shared quarters. A darkness was steadily creeping in around the edges, threatening to consume him.

“Stay with me, alright mate? Can you do that for me?” Ed was panicking now.

He kept twisting to bark orders over his shoulders, shouting for Roach to hurry up. The loud sounds hurt Stede’s ears and he winced in agony. A hand blindly reached out to take a weak hold of Ed’s own sweaty palm.

“I’m sorry darling.” Stede rasped. “I’m just so very tired.”

“Stede? Stede, no, no! I need you to stay awake. Come on treasure, don’t do this to me. Don’t you dare do this!” Ed yelled.

Stede closed his eyes and smiled softly. How lovely to be considered a treasure.

The first time they spoke about it, Stede was lucky to be alive.

He had woken up in his bed and was reminded of a similar situation from not that long ago. However this time Ed was not sitting next to him, but rather he was curled up with Stede in the small bed. He was propped up slightly against the pillows with Ed’s head resting against his chest, right over his heart. A hand was laid protectively over his waist and he noticed the dagger in Ed’s tight grip.

“Edward?” His voice was dry and hoarse.

The man stirred and immediately bolted upright, eyes wide and bloodshot as he frantically took in Stede’s appearance.

“Holy shit.” He whispered. “You’re awake?”

Stede grimaced as he shifted, reminded of the pain in his shoulder and tight bandages wrapped securely around the wound.

“Yes, it would appear so.” He grunted with much effort.

Ed moved to help Stede get comfortable, adjusting the pillows and blankets as needed. Once satisfied he just sort of…stopped. He was frozen still as he looked at Stede, expression soft yet heartbroken all at the same time.

“Is there something wrong?” Stede asked, worrying about all of the possibilities that Ed could say.

Ed let out a shuddering breath. “I thought I’d lost you for a moment there. I…I think I did. Roach won’t say, but I swear you stopped breathing for a moment.”

That was a lot to take in. Stede quickly processed it all before answering. “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t. But hey, look at me, I’m right here. I’m fine. I’m alive.”

Ed nodded, tears springing to the corner of his eyes. A shaky hand reached out to cup Stede’s cheek softly.

“My greatest treasure…and I…I almost lost you.” Ed whispered reverently.

Stede lent into the touch. “Treasure.” He tested out the word for himself. “Why do you keep calling me that?”

Edward chucked and shook his head slightly. “I don’t know. Maybe because it’s true?” He licked his lips, glancing down at Stede’s own. “You’re prettier than any piece of jewellery. Worth more than any gold coin. Rarer than any diamond. You’re easily the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen and the most important thing in the world to me. I think that makes you something worth treasuring, wouldn’t you agree?”

Stede didn’t realise that he’d started crying until he heard the way his voice shook. “Edward I…I don’t know what to say.”

Ed smiled back at him. “You don’t have to say anything, but I’d quite like to kiss you, if that’s alright?”

Stede nodded eagerly and Ed closed the gap. The kiss was perfect, a warm affection blossoming in Stede’s chest and spreading to the very tips of his fingers and toes. The gentle slide of their lips was his own personal taste of heaven. As they parted, Stede smiled lovingly up at Ed.

“I think I understand now. I’d trade in all of my wealth if it meant one more kiss from you.” Stede confessed.

A grin broke across Ed’s face. “Lucky for you, I don’t charge.”

Playful laughter filled the room as Ed dived back in to capture Stede’s lips with his own again. It was from that moment on they knew that they’d always be the richest pirates on the seven seas, as no-one else had something as priceless as what they shared.

#ofmd #our flag means death #ofmd fic #our flag means death fic #blackbonnet #blackbonnet fic #gentlebeard #gentlebeard fic #edward teach/stede bonnet #edward/stede #edward/stede fic #edward teach/stede bonnet fic #stede bonnet #edward teach #ofmd ao3

27 notes · View notes