Chapter Text
Stede peered through the window of his moving truck, looking at his quaint new home. He thought to himself that it was more of a cottage. He hops out of the truck and walks around to the back, pulling it open to reveal his things. A sigh escapes Stedes mouth as he realizes it’s going to take him all evening to unpack this. Stede knew he had a lot of stuff, he couldn’t help collecting funky trinkets and fancy clothes.
He takes a moment to take in his new home, his new life. He had just recently divorced his wife and felt he needed some change. He felt so claustrophobic stuck in that city, the pressure to perform for everyone around him was suffocating. Finally, Stede knew he needed change, that the only person that could begin that change was himself. Stede was thankful that Mary had been feeling the same way, they came to an agreement about the kids. Mary would be the main caregiver and the kids would come visit every couple months and during the summer.
Stede started unloading boxes onto the ground and looked up, gazing at his neighbor's house. It was almost comical how different it was to his new cottage. It had a darker vibe to it, there was copious amounts of shrubbery lining the sides of the house. Stede finally saw a man sitting outside, in what looked like a hammock chair. He had his legs propped up on a small table, his phone in one hand and a vape in the other. Stede could see the man had a wild beard and long hair that was pulled back into a ponytail.
Suddenly the man looked up from his phone, Stede couldn’t quite tell if he was looking at him due to the aviator sunglasses the man was wearing. He stands and walks over to the fences surrounding his house. Stede could get a better look at him now, despite the blistering coastal heat, the man was wearing tight leather pants with a ripped up purple crop top.
“You the new guy who's moving into that old dump?” He turns his head to the house and then back at Stede. The man takes his sunglasses off, revealing his deep brown eyes. Stede nods sheepishly and the man walks around his fence to go up next to the truck. He leans against it and peeks inside, a look of shock covering his face. “You moving in with anyone else?” Stede lets out an embarrassed chuckle. “Oh no, all of this is mine. I may be a bit of a hoarder.”
“Damn, what all do you have in these boxes…” He looks Stede in the eyes, trailing off in a questioning sort of way. Stede was confused for a moment before recognizing he wanted to know his name. “Stede. Stede Bonnet.” He chirps and pushes his hand out to Ed for a shake, of which Ed grasps gently. “Names Ed. My full name is Edward Teach though.” They release hands and Ed walks around Stede, grabbing a box and heading towards the house. Stede shoots him a confused look. “C'mon grab some boxes, not like one man can do this all on his own.”
“Oh dear you don’t have to, I have so much. I couldn’t possibly ask you to help me unload all of this.” Stede attempts to change Ed's mind but it seems he has made it up. “Nah it's alright. Not like I was doing anything anyways.” He shrugs and heads back towards the house, Stede following suit behind him. He scrambles for the key and opens the door. Stede could now see just why Ed called this a dump. Dust and cobwebs covered the house, wallpaper was tearing off the walls in some rooms. Some of the lights weren’t working which caused the cottage to be quite dark. Stede sets down the boxes to go and open the window blinds. Once the house is better illuminated, Stede can tell it isn’t quite as bad as it first seemed. “It just needs a bit of TLC. I’m sure it's not too bad.” Ed attempts to stifle a laugh as he sets down some boxes.
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After about an hour and a half, all of the boxes were finally unloaded and struded all along the living room. Stede turns to Ed, who was taking a hit of his vape. “Thank you so much for your help Ed. That would have taken all evening without you.” There were basically stars in Stedes eyes. Ed hides the blush creeping onto his face. “No problem mate, Anytime.” Stede hurries over to one of his boxes, pulling out a kettle, and a box of teas. “I know we have just spent the last hour doing manual labor but if you want I can make us some tea. It's the least I can do for your help today.” A grin covers Ed's face and he puts a free hand on his hip. “Sure man, let's do it at my house though. I can make us some food to go with it.”
Both men set off for Ed's house, Stede looking around at his things. He definitely had a darker aesthetic, black chairs, a black rug, a gray couch. Stede noted the crystals and smell of incense. There were house plants everywhere along with some nautical themed items. Stede is suddenly pulled from his thoughts when he feels something warm rub up against his leg. He looks down to see a white ball of fluff staring up at him with piercing blue eyes. It was a cat, she seemed to like Stede, purring when Stede kneels and pets her head. “Oh sorry about her, Annes very affectionate. You allergic or anything?” Stede shakes his head and sits at the island near the kitchen. Ed rummages through his cabinets, collecting various items before setting them all on his counter. “So what's on the menu?” Ed turns the stove on and grabs the tools he needs to make the food. “I was thinking something simple like spaghetti or something. That cool?” Ed looks back at Stede for approval. “Oh that sounds wonderful! Is there anything I can help with?”
“Sure mate, Can you season the meat? I’ve already set out everything you need.” Ed tilts his head at the counter full of ingredients. Stede grabs what he needs and gets to work. “So why did you choose to move out here? There isn’t much to do or see.” Ed mutters as he continues to work. “Well ever since I was a child I’ve loved the ocean, I spent a whole lot of my childhood pretending I was a pirate before my father stopped me of course. Suddenly I was thrust into the world of real estate against my will since my father owned a major company. I was supposed to take it over, he made me get married and have kids to assure there would be another heir to all the company after I passed.” Even though Ed was cooking he was still paying close attention to Stede words. “What happened with the company?”
“I was insanely unhappy. I didn’t actually love my wife and that showed in my parenting. One day I realized I had enough. I couldn’t keep pretending to be someone I wasn’t just for my father. So Mary and I began the divorce process and I decided I wanted to change everything so I found this place. My father was enraged with me, we haven’t spoken since I originally quit my job which was like 2 months ago.” Stede didn’t know why he was telling Ed all of this, for god's sake he just met the man a few hours ago. Stede felt a sense of calm with Ed, like he wouldn’t judge him for how he lived his life or what he has been through. “Sounds tough man, glad you got out of that situation.” Ed didn’t pry any further and there was a comfortable silence between the men as they cooked together.
Ed set the plates down on the table, shooing Anne off and onto the floor. She prances off to her cat tower, plopping down on her side once comfortable. Stede had prepared some tea, it was earl gray and grabbed some sugar and milk for flavor. He sets the cups on the table and sits across from Ed at his plate. They both start eating, Stede basically melting as he takes more bites. “Ed this is absolutely amazing. You could be a chef!” Ed laughs and leans back in his chair, crossing his legs. “I am mate. I actually own a restaurant in town.” Stede looks at him with a big smile on his face. “Oh well I must visit sometime. What is it called?” Stede could see Ed looked a bit nervous before he caves and tells him. “Blackbeard's Bar and Grill” Stede seems to light up at that, almost blinding Ed with his optimism. “That's so wonderful! Is it pirate themed?” Ed nods and continues eating, quickly finishing his plate. “Once I’ve settled more I will definitely come by.” Stede also finishes his plate, wiping the sauce off his mouth and finishing his tea. He noticed Ed didn’t drink much of his but didn't say anything.
Stede notices that it was getting dark out, he carries his plate and cup to the sink and washes it off. After setting it aside to dry he walks near the hall close to the door. “Well I’ve definitely taken a lot of your time, I’ll head back now.” Ed coughs like he wasn’t expecting Stede to leave so soon but walks over to him anyways. They walk to the door and Stede steps out, stopping and facing Ed. “Thank you again for the help and the meal, I'll need to repay you sometime. Maybe once my house is better furnished you could come over and have a few drinks. I have a nice wide selection of alcohol. Goodnight Edward.” Ed chuckles and nods, he looks at Stede with a fascinated look. “It really was no problem but I will definitely take you up on that offer. Have a nice night Stede.” Stede smiles warmly at Ed, he waves at him before walking off to his house.
Once home, he unpacks his cot and settles down. He was so happy his first day here has gone well and is happy to befriend his neighbor. He looks at all of his belongings, beginning to plan out his interior design before drifting off to sleep.