Chapter Text
Ed stood on the ledge of a cliff overlooking the sea. The sea breeze blew through his hair as he gazed pensively at the ocean. It was a bright sunny day and the breeze was gentle and cool. The soft sounds of waves crashing on the shore and distant squawking of sea birds was objectively peaceful, but Ed felt a sense of anxiety building in his gut. The horizon was empty but he felt something was coming just past where he could see. Or maybe something wasn’t coming. And that was almost worse. Ed took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds. The breathing exercises Stede had come up with to help Ed with his anxiety seemed stupid but they did actually help.
“How did I know I’d find you up here?” An amused voice broke him of his reprieve. Ed startled slightly as he didn’t hear Stede come up behind him.
“‘Cause I’ve been coming up here for the past couple of days?” Ed joked.
“Ah, yes that must be it.” Stede replied with a twinkle in his eye. He came up behind Ed and wrapped his arms around his waist. He placed his head on Ed’s shoulder and softly said, “You know the Revenge isn’t supposed to be here for a few more days. Try not to worry.”
Ed leaned back into Stede’s warm embrace. “What if something happened to them? Like a storm or a bad raid? Or what if…” he trailed off momentarily before whispering out, “they just don’t come?”
Stede scoffed at that. “Oh they wouldn’t dare! I’d never let them hear the end of it! You know I can be quite persistent when I need to be! Annoying too… if I put my mind to it!”
Ed huffed out a laugh. “That is true.”
Stede gasped affronted. “Edward! You’re not supposed to agree with me on that last part!” Ed couldn’t see it but could hear the smile Stede was trying to hide as he pretended to be offended.
“What?!” Ed laughed out loud. “I’m not going to lie to you, love!”
Stede squeezed his arms around Ed’s waist. “In this case you absolutely should, you little devil.” He giggled. Ed giggled too and twisted around in Stede’s arms.
“You’re right. How could I have not known that?” Ed smiled. “Don’t worry, love, next time I won’t agree with anything you say.” Stede scoffed and rolled his eyes. But he smiled anyway and kissed Ed on his forehead. Ed captured his lips with his own.
They stood there kissing for longer than they probably should before Stede cried out, “Shit! I came up here to tell you I made lunch. It’s probably cold now.” He frowned, his kiss-swollen lips pouting. Ed smiled. He’d take a cold lunch any day if it meant he could keep getting distracted kissing Stede senseless.
“Aww, it’s okay, love. I’m sure it’s fine. Lead the way.” He gestured for Stede to head on back to the inn.
“Well you’ll need it so you can have all the energy you need to finish chopping that firewood.” Ed threw his head back and groaned. “It’s your turn, darling!” Stede reminded him.
“That doesn’t mean I want to do it.” Ed grumbled.
“How about I bring down some extra water for a warm bath tonight?”
Ed perked up. “With some of the bath salts we got?”
“Obviously!” Stede exclaimed. “We’ll use that lavender oil too!”
“Fuck!” Ed groaned imagining how wonderful that’ll feel tonight. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Many times, but I’ll gladly hear it again! Though you might want to save some of it for your vows next week!” Stede called already half way down the cliff.
Ed huffed a laugh and looked down at the engagement ring on his hand. God, he was going to marry that man so hard. He thought before he jogged to catch up to Stede and hold his hand the rest of the way home.