Don’t forget, we have a guest arriving tonight. I’ve fwded the details. Ed’s phone pings and he hits the “thumbs-up” emoji in the quick replies.
(He was dubious when Izzy proposed renting out the spare bedroom in the giant apartment they share with Fang and Ivan, but the numbers were more than enough to convince all of them. No need to try and float a month’s rent between them if somebody moves out, or deal with the nightmare of evicting a shitty roommate. It’s not a significant amount of money, but it pays for itself and maybe a little more.)
Know anything about this person? Ed’s not even sure why he’s asking. Most lodgers fall into two categories: people on a budget looking for something nicer and more private than a hostel, or partiers looking for a place within stumbling distance of the gayborhood’s nightlife. He doesn’t have a problem with them, but he's certainly not going to inquire further.
Looks kind of poncy. Probably a tourist. Says he’s coming in later, so I’m sure you’ll be up to meet him *stuck out tongue emoji* He rolls his eyes. (Izzy’s former Navy, he’s never lost that impulse to rise early, and they’re always going to give each other shit about their circadian rhythms.)
Maybe he’ll be interesting. Would be a nice goddamn change. Izzy leaves him on read. Fine. Ed will let this fucker in, do the stupid patter. He might get stuck making polite, inconsequential conversation for a little bit and then he’ll go back to his room. Perhaps Ed will see him one last time as he leaves for the airport.
—
Stede struggles with his wheely suitcase in the slush. The day was just warm enough to melt the snow a little, and now it’s starting to freeze back up. Maybe he should have bought the Yaktrax after all. The place looked a lot closer to the train station on the map. And he hadn’t anticipated how awful it would be trudging that distance in the dark (because it’s the middle of January) with the wind slicing its way into his clothing, despite how he’s bundled up.
(Also he went for the short aka cute and not the protective boots, and his legs are soaked up to the knees. He has regrets.)
He squints at the address on his phone. It does not look like a dwelling of any sort. The bottom floor is a vacant storefront, with not even abandoned furniture to indicate what might have occupied it previously. There is a door with an intercom next to it. He mashes the button with his mittened hand and it makes a noise like a dying children’s toy.
“Yeah?” The voice coming out of the speaker is gruff, male.
“Um, hello! It’s me, from the AirBnB. I think this is the right place?” Oh, he hopes this isn’t the entrance to a secret mafia gambling den or something like that.
There’s a grunt. “Great,” the voice says, even if it sounds like anything but. “C’mon up.”
Stede yanks the door open when it buzzes. There’s a dingy, curving staircase covered in faded brown industrial carpet, poorly lit. He hauls his suitcase in, walks awkwardly up the stairs. At the top the door is open, framing the most beautiful man Stede has ever seen in his life.
—
Ed jumps at the buzzer and lets the man in. He can hear him clunking up the stairs slowly. If he were a better person he’d go down to help, but it’s fucking cold out there and he’s in his bare feet.
“Oh good, there is a place up here!” A pair of sparkling eyes peers out from between a toque and well-wrapped scarf. The rose gold suitcase is new. No, it's not a suitcase, it's a fuck-off giant trunk. Ed has no idea how their guest managed to haul it up the stairs, but he did.
“Well, appearances are deceiving.” Ed moves aside to let the man in.
He takes off the toque and unwinds the scarf. He's white, with a ridiculous mop of wavy blond hair. Looks about Ed's age and height, and he's fucking gorgeous. He smiles bright, sweet and open in a way that makes Ed’s stomach flip.
“I’m Stede, by the way. Stede Bonnet.” He puts out his hand before realizing it’s still mittened. Ed shakes it when he finally wrestles off the offending item. Stede’s hand is soft, surprisingly warm despite the outside.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Ed.”
He steps onto the mat next to the door and tries to toe off his boots. He almost succeeds, and wobbles before Ed puts out his arm for support. Stede grabs it, squeezes his forearm. He really hopes the way his breath catches isn’t noticeable.
“Oh thank you, Ed." That smile again, and Ed finds he likes the way Stede says his name.
"Yeah, of course." He steps back, feeling a little awkward. It’s then he notices Stede’s trouser legs are soaked through.
He gestures at the other man’s lower half. “If you want to take off your pants, your room's the last door on the left.”
Stede huffs, amused. “I can’t tell if you’re being cheeky or hospitable, but I shall take it in whatever spirit it’s being given.”
Ed finally registers the entendre. “Oh for fuck’s sake I didn’t mean it like that!” (At least he didn’t think he did.) “It looked uncomfortable, ‘s all.”
Stede flashes him a grin as he wheels the giant trunk towards his room. “Well, I appreciate your looking out.”
—
Stede leans against the door when he's closed it, takes a deep breath. For a moment even the misery of his soaked clothing is forgotten. He's going to be sharing this place with Beautiful Stranger aka Ed. Which is great. And also extremely nerve-wracking. He doesn’t know a thing about Ed except he’s absolutely stunning. Ed might not like men. And if he does, Ed might not like him (which Stede would understand).
Even supposing he gets past both those hurdles, there’s no way it could work out like that. Things like meeting The One on your very first day of vacation don’t happen outside of romcoms and novels.
But what if it did, though? Ed's hand on his was firm, supportive without being crushing. And he put out his arm so Stede wouldn't fall over. That must be something, right?
He shakes his head and unlatches his trunk. He won’t find out anything at all if he doesn’t talk to the man.
—
Ed looks up from his phone when the door opens. Stede has changed out of his wet pants into some sort of extremely expensive-looking and soft loungewear. There are teal slippers on his feet.
"You look a lot more comfortable," Ed observes, extremely wittily.
"I am, now that I'm warm and dry." He smiles again, the one that makes Ed's knees wobble (and maybe want to drop in front of Stede to do… whatever really).
Stede heads for the couch, where Fang's cat is sleeping.
"Do you want some tea?" Ed asks.
"If you have decaf or herbal, yes, that would be lovely."
Ed puts on the kettle, wanders over to the living room. The cat is flopped next to Stede, enjoying the attention as he rubs her belly and croons nonsense at her.
"That's Zillah, she's a shameless flirt."
"A beautiful creature like her should be adored as she deserves. Isn't that right, my sweet?" Ed squashes the urge to be jealous of a cat, because it's ridiculous. He's grateful the kettle beeps so he doesn't have to think about how stupid it is.
He returns with two mugs of mint tea, gives one of them to Stede. (And if he's extra careful making sure Stede has a secure grip on his cup, what of it?)
Stede takes a careful sip, then a larger gulp. "Oh that is heavenly after the cold, thank you."
Ed sits down in the middle of the couch. "So what are you in town for?"
For the first time, Stede looks wary, uncertain. "It's quite silly, really." His tone is too airy, preemptively dismissive in a way that makes Ed wonder about his life.
"Why don't you tell me and I can decide for myself?"
There's genuine surprise in Stede's eyes, like he didn't expect the gentle pushback. "I had this notion that I would come here to figure things out. I had some, ah, revelations about my sexuality and it's been… a process. I divorced my wife and moved out of our home. We share custody of our kids. This trip is a reward of sorts for getting all that settled."
"I don't think it's silly at all. That's absolutely ballsy, mate." Ed raises his mug in salute.
"Oh. I'm glad you think so." That surprise again, like nobody's ever supported any decision he's made for himself. Ed remembers what that feels like, and he finds himself reaching out, gripping the other man's shoulder, squeezing.
"'S brave as hell, upending your life because it's not what you need."
Stede quirks his lips. It's too rueful to be a smile. "I think you're giving me too much credit. It never really felt like a choice." He cradles the mug in his hands. "Is it really one if your only options are to swim or drown?"
Ed doesn’t have an answer for that.
“I'm sorry, that was a lot to hear from a stranger. You’re not a bartender or a therapist." Stede looks embarrassed, like he's only now realizing how much he overstepped.
"No, you put yourself out there. All vulnerable and shit. That's admirable. Really." This fucking guy. Ed can't tell if he's crazy or just incredibly brave, and it's fascinating.
"That's very kind of you." Ed wonders if Stede’s ever heard a nice remark directed at him.
"So why this city? Why here?"
"Well, this city because I've never been here and I don't know anyone. A bit of an adventure, I suppose. And this particular place?” He turns a little pink. “This is going to sound ridiculous.”
Ed raises his eyebrows, waiting.
“The wifi network and password made me laugh. ‘Spankmedaddy’, really?”
Ed groans. “I forgot about that, and it wasn’t the idea of anybody here. Fang’s boyfriend set it up after the last router died and we were too lazy to change it.” (Oh god. Ed’s never going to hear the end of it if Lucius finds out he’s partially why there’s a hot DILF in the apartment right now.)
"I thought it was… admirably uninhibited."
Ed laughs. "That's the nicest way I've ever heard anybody say 'slutty'."
"It's true though! There's something liberating about being up front regarding one's needs and desires." Ed thinks Stede's eyes might have flicked to his lips, but the living room's dimly lit.
"Then do you want to do something weird?" Ed gives his best mischievous grin.
"Why not?" Stede smiles, intrigued.
"Tell me if you want me to kiss you."
—
Stede blinks. Intellectually he figured this was a possibility, but he certainly wasn't expecting it. Ed has been absolutely lovely of course, but maybe he's like that with everybody.
You can be brave. You can be a little slutty.
"I do. Want you to, I mean. If you want to, that is." Brilliant.
Ed leans in, presses his mouth to Stede's like he's stealing something precious. And Stede has no experience in this but he knows in his bones that will not do. He winds an arm around Ed's neck, keeping him in place. He's not really sure what he's doing but Ed's hand is on his face and their mouths are mashed together in a way Stede really likes and doesn't want to stop, but has to because he's getting dizzy.
"All right?" Ed's looking at him, eyes soft and mouth smiling fond. Stede thinks he might adore this man.
"Very." It's his turn to lean in, catch Ed's mouth and lick into it, swallow the little noise Ed makes as his hand bunches Stede's shirt, keeping them close.
Ed kisses a spot behind Stede's earlobe, flicks his tongue against it in a way that makes Stede's hips pitch forward before he knows what he's doing. Ed huffs, amused.
"Dunno what exactly you meant by figuring things out, but you seem to be into this." Ed's voice is low, intimate, and Stede feels ready to burst into flame.
"I am, so very much." He curves his hand to Ed's cheek, just looking. He's so beautiful it hurts a little, and his eyes are dark, wanting. Stede should be nervous, but all he feels is seen, for possibly the first time in his life, and it's heady like he imagines drugs are.
"You're staring, mate." Ed's tone is gentle, light, but there's also a question there. Do you want to stop? Is this too much?
"How could I not? You're absolutely exquisite." At first he thinks it might be over the top but Ed swallows hard, scoffs. "It's true, and I'll keep saying so until you believe me."
Ed looks around, like he's finally realized they're in the living room. It is much cuter than Stede expected. "So, uh. Do you want to move this somewhere more private?"
Stede's mouth curls into a smile. "I would like that very much."
—
Ed hopes his room isn't too messy, even though Stede won't be paying much attention if things go like he hopes.
Stede sits down on the bed, nervous but still eager. Ed joins him.
"When I said I was figuring things out, I meant I wasn't sure if I'd want to, well, do things. With men." Stede's flushed, but looks determined to get through this. "And I'd like to, with you, Ed. But I've never done this before."
He reaches out for Stede's hand, curls his fingers under. Stede relaxes, just a bit. "We go as slow or fast as you like. You tell me if you need to stop or slow down, yeah?" He nods, so solemn it makes Ed chuckle and pull him closer.
Stede's hand hovers at the neck of Ed's top. "Can I take your shirt off?"
"Yeah, 'course."
"Thank you.” Ed catches a glimpse of a smile before his t-shirt's tugged over his head. When he can see again Stede's staring, rapt.
"Oh Ed, you are more gorgeous than I could have ever imagined." He reaches out, looking for permission. Ed nods, lets him trace the bird on his sternum, the ship on his chest. It should feel weird, a stranger's touch on his skin; but Stede's looking at him like he's beautiful. It's a lot, but Ed would be thrilled to burn up under that regard.
He plucks at a button on Stede's top. "Can I get a look?"
"Not much to see, but as you like."
"Mate, you've got to stop telling me what you expect I'm thinking."
"Of course. Sorry." Stede looks so forlorn Ed leans in to kiss him again, this time on the end of his nose.
He pushes down Stede's shirt. It was difficult to get a sense of his body while it was covered in bulky winter wear, but Stede is fit. Broad chest, amazing tits, and a softness around his middle Ed wants very badly to get his teeth in.
"Fuck, Stede." Ed tips him onto the bed, lays down next to him so he can squeeze Stede's pecs, scrape gently across a nipple. "You look amazing. I wanna eat you up."
"Thank you, I think.” His tone is dubious but he's smiling, so he can't be that bothered about it.
Ed leans over him, nips lightly at the hinge of Stede's jaw. It surprises him at first, then melts into a pleased hum as Ed kisses his way over to Stede's lips.
"Oh, Ed." Stede tugs at a loop on Ed's jeans, pulling him on top until Ed's straddling him. "You're so good, my darling. You make me feel exquisite."
They're flush now, skin against skin. Stede is warm, and Ed can feel his dick through those ridiculously soft bottoms. He rocks his hips a little, just to be a shit, and Stede makes a low, shuddering noise, arching against him.
"You sound so fucking pretty, sweetheart. Do you like it when I touch you?" Ed reaches down, palms Stede's cock. It's hot and hard in his hand, and he gives it a stroke. Stede ruts into it a little more forcefully and groans.
"Fuck, yes, very much so."
Ed reaches for the waistband of Stede's pants, pausing. Stede nods and Ed pulls them down. He thought it would be a nice dick when he felt it, but finally getting a look at it, flushed and thick and hard, makes Ed want it even more. He moves closer, breath ghosting against the head. Stede shivers, his eyes on Ed, drinking in the sight.
Not breaking their gaze, Ed takes Stede in as far as he's comfortable. Stede gives this punched-out little moan that might be the hottest thing Ed's heard in his life.
"God, Ed, your mouth," Stede pants the words out staccato, like he can only string them together with great effort. Ed smirks the best he can around a mouth full of cock and relaxes his throat. Stede curses and pushes deeper into Ed's mouth before he realizes.
"I'm so sorry my dear." A hand reaches down, cradles the back of his head. He expects fingers to tangle into his hair or pull, but they just rest: gentle, with no expectation. It cuts to the core of him in a way he can't explain, so he concentrates on something he knows he can do.
Ed drags his tongue up the bottom of Stede's cock, working his mouth and hand down its length. He keeps his rhythm steady as he can, urged on by Stede's little exclamations. They're deep, like they're dragged from down low, but also stifled, bitten-off.
Ed wonders if Stede has ever been able to give full voice to his pleasure. He puts his free hand on Stede's, which is clutching the sheet. Gently he prises Stede's fingers away, until his palm is flat. Ed takes him in deeper, relishes the sound of those pretty moans. He brushes his thumb against Stede's wrist, hopes he understands.
"Fuck, Ed, yes darling, please." There's a desperate edge to Stede's voice, and it's hot as hell knowing Ed’s the one doing it to him.
"You're so warm, my sweet, so wet and hot. Incredible. Never knew I could feel like this, so fucking good." Of course he's a babbler, Ed thinks, his heart squishing fond, as he lets the words wash over him.
Stede's breathing hard, obviously close, and his voice catches as his hips arc off the bed. He squeezes Stede's hand. That's it, let me hear you. Wanna feel you feel good.
“Oh god, fuck,” he pants as he pulses into Ed's mouth.
Ed swallows, wipes himself off with the back of his hand. Stede's staring at him, still hazy from orgasm, like he's had a revelation. Who knows, maybe he did. And isn’t that something, realizing he's Stede’s first… a lot of things. Ed finds in that moment he wants to show Stede absolutely everything he might have missed.
Stede urges Ed up until they’re face to face again, leaning his head until they can kiss. He thought Stede would be more fussy about Ed’s mouth tasting like come but he doesn't seem to mind.
Without breaking the kiss he fumbles at Ed's jeans until Ed undoes them himself, kicking them off. Stede's looking at Ed like he's never wanted anything more in his life and yeah, Ed's into it.
"Can I touch you, Ed? Please let me touch you." Stede asks like there's a chance Ed's going to say no, and it makes him laugh. Ed doesn't think he's ever laughed during sex before.
He pulls lube from a bedside drawer, hands it to Stede. "I think I'd like that a lot."
Stede slicks up Ed's cock, moving long and thorough down its length. It's a simmering tease, just enough to keep him interested.
"I don't know if this is a weird thing to say, but your dick is beautiful." Stede looks up at him, soft and adoring, and suddenly Ed has to breathe through an ache in his chest.
"It is weird, but I like it."
This is what Stede blushes at, and Ed thinks he might be the sort of fascinating lunatic he needs to get to know better.
They kiss for a while, Stede still working Ed at that maddening pace. He pulls away, just enough to murmur against Ed's skin.
"I've never done this to someone else, but I want it to be good for you, Ed. Would you show me how to touch you?"
Ed puts his hand over Stede's, adjusting his grip and position. Stede gives a tentative stroke and Ed shudders, a punched-out groan escaping.
"Fuck, Stede." He was absolutely not prepared for how much Stede touching him in the way he likes would affect him.
"Suppose I'm doing all right then." There's a little smirk on Stede's face, because he's kind of a shit too; but it fades into concentration as he figures out more ways to wring noises out of Ed, ones he'd probably be embarrassed by if he had the brain cells to spare.
But there's no room for anything else except pleasure and sensation, the world narrowing to where he and Stede touch and frot and tangle together. He's close, tension coiling in his body. Ed thinks he might be saying something, a word accompanying the exhale.
"Stede."
"I'm here, Ed." His voice is soft, close. "Oh, you're so lovely like this, my darling, absolutely wondrous." Stede's hand is tight and quick, urging Ed to his climax. He feels it building, breath sawing in fast.
"Let me see you, my dear, please."
Helpless to resist, he shudders into his orgasm. When he becomes aware of the world again he’s tucked against Stede’s neck, fingers gently stroking his nape.
He lifts his head. Stede smiles, brilliant and adoring.
"Hi," he says. He moves up for a kiss, lingering and soft. The shift of their bodies smears come on them both, and all they can do is laugh.
Ed looks around for something to wipe them off with, but Stede flashes him a grin. “I’ll be right back.”
He gets up, opens the door. (Ed is so grateful nobody else is in the apartment tonight.) He returns with a package of wet wipes and insists on cleaning Ed up first. His movements are thorough, considerate; gentle the way Stede cradled his head earlier. It’s been a long time since he’s been touched with such care, and Ed wants to bottle up the feeling.
Stede tosses everything into the wastebasket and perches on the edge of the bed. Ed pulls him down, wrapping himself around Stede. It's tentative at first, but Stede hums contentedly and curls into his arms. Like he's happy. Safe.
Ed presses his forehead to Stede's nape, right against those ridiculous curls. He smells like expensive hair product and sweat and sex, and Ed thinks he could never tire of it. He drifts off to sleep, worn out and content.
—
Stede wakes up, an unfamiliar pressure across his front. He sees an arm flung across his chest, Ed sprawled next to him. His face is relaxed, his beautiful hair tumbling everywhere.
As carefully as he can, Stede eases himself out from under the warm weight. It's nice in a way he wouldn't mind getting used to.
He dresses quietly and slips out of the room. Zillah has migrated to an armchair. When she hears him she opens her eyes, gives him a slow blink before settling back down. Stede chooses to interpret it as a sign of approval.
He puts on the kettle, finds the (helpfully labeled) cabinet with the tea. There's a platter on the table and he arranges two mugs on it. There's no actual tea service but a box of sugar cubes and a carton of milk will suffice.
The kettle beeps, and he pours the water. He nudges the door open with his foot. Ed props himself up on an elbow, only half awake, and Stede thinks he could wake up to this… forever really.
"Morning," he says, a smile crossing his face before he realizes it. "How do you take your tea?"
"Oh." Ed blinks. "Uh, splash of milk, seven sugars."
Stede hands him the mug. He takes a sip, smiles.
"How is it?"
"Fucking perfect, mate. Thank you."