REC: Reckless Wonder

[silverusagi]

Reckless Wonder (21683 words) by Marbled Wings
Rating: Mature
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Blackbeard | Edward Teach/Stede Bonnet
Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence, Imprisonment, Non-Graphic Torture, Protective Stede, Protective Ed, Mutual Pining, Hurt/Comfort, Non-Explicit Sex

Having returned to the Revenge, Stede finds himself isolated and ignored until, after attempting to save Ed's life, he inadvertently gets them both captured. In a whole lot of danger and with nothing else to do, maybe they can finally talk things through.

Lots of lovely talking and bonding in this one, both during their capture and afterward! Plus some badassery from both of them.

‘May I come in?’

Ed nods. Just once. Stede chalks up another small but significant victory.

‘I came to check on you.’ He proceeds further into the room with caution but Ed shows no sign of wanting him to stay back. ‘Are you alright?’

Ed is not wearing his jacket and even in the dim light Stede can see several deep bruises down his arms. No doubt his painted face and undershirt hide a lot more.

‘M’fine.’ There’s something a bit odd about his voice but before Stede can think too much about this, Ed tilts his chin up, redirects the question. ‘You?’

‘Oh, I’ve been very well cared for, thank you.’ Stede offers a tentative smile. ‘I assume I have you to thank for that.’

There is no confirmation, no denial.

‘And who’s been taking care of you?’ Stede asks, ‘Because if there’s a vacancy, I’d very much like to offer my services.’

‘Told you I’m fine.’ And there’s that catch in Ed’s voice again. ‘Don’t…’

Stede stops advancing, but he’s close enough now to see tracks in dark face paint. Without the big beard to hide behind, Stede can also see how hard Ed is fighting to keep his expression from giving him away. But it’s no use, Stede has seen, he knows.

‘Ed, what is it? What’s wrong?’