The Captain of My Dreams

This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist, any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.

The Captain of My Dreams By tmabare ©2011

• • • From Part 1 * * *

"Alright boys, it's time for bed. John, Edward you both need to help Teddy up the stairs and get him in bed." Laura was always the voice of reason, and thankfully she had stopped at a single drink earlier in the night.

"Oooh, a threesome, I... don't do those... Johnny... La said for you... get me in bed. She... wanted... night off from you." As soon as he said it, Ted could feel himself blush, adding to the others' laughter from his statement.

John pulled Ted from the couch, and led him towards the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, Ted almost fell over taking the first step, but suddenly found he was being lifted completely off of the ground, and was thrown over Edward's shoulder. He was looking directly at Edward's ass as he was being carried up the stairs.

"La, have you seen this ass? It is fan-fucking-tastic... I bet you could bounce a quarter off of this thing." Ted reached out and groped the ass that was directly in front of his face. This caused him to blush even deeper. "Oh, holy shit... did I just say that out loud? Oh fuck! Did I just grab your ass?"

"You sure did mate." Laughing the whole time, Edward used his free hand to give a light smack to Ted's ass, "watch it with the hands, I would hate to drop you on your head."

The smack made Ted giggle, and the last thing he remembered was Edward putting him on the bed in Ted's room.

• • • Part 2 * * *

The thing that told Ted it was morning were the first rays of the sun shining between the slats of the bedroom's blinds. He didn't feel like he was hung over, in fact he couldn't feel much, but the morning was still early. The one thing he did notice was how hot he was, like he was sitting in a furnace. Ted opened his eyes and about came off of the bed realizing he wasn't alone. He was on his side and someone was spooned up behind him, and had their arms around him.

He thought to himself, John must have passed out here last night. Wouldn't be the first time weve slept in the same bed.' Then Ted took a deep breath and stretched a little. The movement caused the person behind him to pull him in tighter. That smell, he knew that smell. It sure as hell wasn't John, it was Edward. Then he opened his eyes again and saw the large arms wrapped around him. `John only dreams his arms were this big. How the hell did this happen? Man, this has got to be one awesome dream.'

Ted drifted back into deep sleep, which was easy considering the contentment and safety he was feeling. He didn't want to wake from this any time soon.

When Ted finally did awaken, there were two little faces looking at him from the side of the bed. He also noticed that he was alone and felt cold.

Dylan was the first to speak, "Uncle Teddy, it's time to get up. Mommy says breakfast will be ready when you get out of the shower."

"Ok guys. You two go down stairs and tell her I will be right there."

"Kay..." was all Matthew said and they were gone.

Ted got out of bed and grabbing clean clothes headed to the shower. The warm water felt good and Ted stood there and allowed it to flow down his back. He had given up his workout routine for this trip, but he decided he would work out harder when he got home to make up for it.

After the shower and getting dressed, he headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. As soon as he came around the corner, he was attacked by the twins. He lifted them up and was soon being covered by little kid kisses. It caused him to smile and he breathed in their clean little boy scents. He turned towards the table and saw Edward was sitting there with John, as Laura was cooking breakfast.

As Ted put the boys back on their own feet, he walked towards the table. "That smells incredible La. Morning John... Edward."

John stood and embraced Ted, "Morning, Sunshine."

Ted whispered in his ear, "I'm going to kill you."

It made John laugh and he placed his lips next to Ted's ear, "Just enjoy it and you can thank me later."

When their embrace ended, Edward stood and extended his hand to Ted, "Morning, mate."

"Good morning, sleep well?" Ted couldn't believe he said it.

"Yeah, sure did." Edward didn't say anything more and he just sat down and continued his conversation with John again.

Ted walked over to the stove and hugged Laura, "Morning."

"Hey, you feel ok this morning?"

"I'm good, I figured I'd be hung over, but I'm not."

She kept cooking, but leaned a little closer to Ted, "My spies tell me you didn't sleep alone last night."

"Damn, that wasn't a dream? That's it, no Christmas presents for those treasonous brats." It made them both laugh and drew the attention of the men at the table.

John raised his voice from the table, "What are you two up to over there?"

"Honey, you're so suspicious."

Ted poured a glass of juice and headed back to the table. He noticed that the only empty chair was next to Edward. Plopping down in it, he was able to smell Edward's scent again, it was that same soap and manly mixture. This time it was making his head spin.

Laura brought the last of the food to the table and started to feed the boys. She turned and looked at Ted and Edward. "John and I have to take the boys to a birthday party around lunch time. What do you two have planned today?"

Ted looked at Edward for a moment and then back to Laura. "I was just going to walk around Forsyth Park a little bit, and then maybe down by the river. Edward, do you have any plans?"

"Not at all, do you want some company? I'd like to see some of the city."

"Sure, I may not be the best tour guide, but I'll give it a shot."

With the conclusion of breakfast, John and Laura got the kids ready to go shopping before their party and were quickly gone. They planned on being home in the afternoon, and said they would decide on dinner when they got home.

That left Edward and Ted completely alone for the first time since they had met. Ted could feel his nerves working overtime, and it seemed like Edward was avoiding looking directly at him.

Finally Edward broke the silence, "I'm sorry about sleeping with you last night. When I got you in there, I really felt like I was going to pass out, so I thought I would just rest for a minute. The next thing I knew it was morning." Ted noticed Edward blushed ever so slightly after he said it.

"There is absolutely nothing for you to be sorry for, you were as drunk as I was. Please don't give it another thought." Ted didn't know where it came from but suddenly honesty overtook his self control, "I have to level with you though, that was the best night's sleep I have had since Phillip left."

Edward blushed again this time it was a little deeper, "As strange as this is to say, I haven't slept the whole night since my wife left. But, last night I didn't think about her at all and I was actually able to sleep. It was nice to have some human contact. I'd never thought I'd say that about sleeping with another bloke."

Ted laughed a little at the comment, it just reaffirmed that Edward was the straight soldier he appeared to be. Ted also realized that he craved for more contact with him, even if it was platonic. Maybe it was better for him to just forget about it, and try to move on.

"Well Edward, you ready for that tour?"

"Lead on." Was his only response as he rose and headed towards the door.

A short while later the men were walking through Forsyth Park as an art show from the Savannah College or Art and Design was taking place. Ted was amazed at Edward's interest in art, it was surprising and didn't fit into what his image of what his interests would be.

"I always wanted to be a photographer. But, my parents wanted me to take over the business some day. There was no time for me to study art, it was always business and finance, since I was a child." Ted tried not to let his voice betray the hurt he felt about his childhood.

"I guess I have been lucky. Me mum and dad have always supported my goal of being a soldier. They would have loved me to go into the civil service like they did, but they've known since I was a wee lad I wanted to go into the Army. They were very supportive."

"I envy you. I wasn't even allowed to play army with my friends, if I was even allowed to play with them at all."

They stopped at a booth that had oil on canvas paintings where a young male artist was showing his work. The paintings were of scenes that appeared to be directly out of the park and other spots within Savannah. Ted noticed that Edward seemed to be fascinated with one in particular showing Forsyth Fountain. Edward looked to be enjoying speaking with the artist, and they spent a good while chatting. When more people walked up, Edward and Ted thanked the young man and decided to move on.

"Is there a loo around here?"

"Yeah right over there." Ted pointed to a small building near the art exhibits.

When Edward walked away, Ted quickly went back and spoke to the artist again. He also made a quick phone call and then made his way over to where Edward would emerge.

Ted was watching the crowd and daydreaming as Edward walked up behind him and nudged him with this shoulder. "You hungry mate? I'm famished."

"Yeah, let's go grab something. What are you in the mood for?"

"I'd love some bangers and mash, don't suppose you know where we can get any around here?"

"Oh, I think that can be arranged. I know just the place."

Ted started leading Edward north out of the park and past SCAD's campus. Along the walk it was interesting to notice the women and some men that were staring at Edward. Ted tried to figure out if they were staring at his scars or just because he was so incredible looking. The number of men and women who stopped after they passed to check out his ass, told him it was the latter.

Ted leaned a little towards Edward, "You have a growing fan club."

"It's just people looking at the scars. Sorry if it makes you uncomfortable." His voice sounded like he was sad.

"Dude, it's not your scars they're staring at. I think the last blonde walked into a tree checking out your ass."

"You think so?"

"Aah, hello? I said you had a great ass, I wouldn't lie to you." Ted wanted to take the words back as soon as said them.

Edward just smirked, "Yeah, mate, you sure did. Not sure a bloke's ever said that to me."

"I'm sure they would have, they were just scared you'd hurt them for saying it. Sorry if I offended you. I was pretty well, how would you put it, gassed last night."

"I wasn't offended. Just been a long time since anyone has given me that kind of attention." Edward seemed like he was more uncomfortable than he was letting on, "So, where we going?"

"There's an English pub right up here. I've been to it once or twice over the years. I've always thought it was pretty good. But I guess you're our expert now, we'll see what you think."

They had arrived at their destination, Six Pence Pub, and Edward opened the door for Ted. As they walked in the hostess immediately began to smile. "Mr. Jackson, it has been so long. Is Mr. Rodriguez with you?"

The smile that was on his face was suddenly gone and Ted felt like a knife had been thrust into his chest. He tried to control his voice but he certainly had no desire to explain. "No Amanda, he is in Florida." As he said it he felt Edward's hand on his back, giving him a sudden jolt of support.

"Would you like a table or your booth?"

"Just a booth, please, something out of the way."

"Right this way."

When they were at the booth, Edward waited for Ted to sit then slid in across from him. Ted just sat there looking down at the table. It was Edward who first broke their silence. "I thought you said you've only been here once or twice. I think Amanda would say something different, should I ask her?"

Ted had to swallow hard to get the lump out of his throat that was still there, and gave a little smile. "Well, I guess maybe it was more than a couple times. I'll be honest, I love pub food, and this is some of the best I've found in the states."

"I don't want to upset you, but I take it Phillip was with you when you came here?"

As he finished asking the question, their waitress was at the table. She was looking down when she arrived, and looking up she burst into a large smile while she saw Edward. "Good afternoon. I'm Lilly, I'll be taking care of you today. Do you know what you want to drink?" She then turned and recognized Ted, "Mr. Jackson, it's good to see you again."

"Hi, Lilly. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great, just about to graduate finally. Who is your handsome friend?" Her gaze was set firmly on Edward.

Ted could feel more than a twinge of jealousy starting, and it upset him. He had no claim on Edward, why was he reacting this way. `Get a grip Ted!' "Lilly, this is Edward. Edward, this is Lilly."

Edward just nodded in her direction without taking his eyes from Ted, with a mischievous grin he said, "Do you trust me?"

Ted was shocked that Edward pretty much ignored the petite brunette. "I think I may regret this... of course I trust you."

"Good, we'll take two Guinness stouts."

"Ok, are you ready to order?"

"Give us a few minutes." Edward had taken command and Ted liked that. It was a pleasant change from his everyday life, and he found it extremely comforting in some way.

After Lilly walked off Ted leaned towards Edward, "Another member for the Edward Smythe Fan Club."

"What?" Edward seemed surprised by the comment.

"I think Lilly was about to jump you right where you sat."

"You think?" Edward paused for a moment, "I didn't see it, and I am not really interested. That bothers me though, how'd she know I wasn't with you?"

"But, you are with me... OOH, you mean WITH me." Ted chuckled. "Well, she knows me enough to know that hitting on me wouldn't do a thing. But, you're new, and you don't exactly look like we'd be together."

"Not good looking enough for you?" Was that disappointment in Edward's voice?

Ted couldn't tell if he was joking or not and then finally realized from the look on his face that he was being serious. `Where in the hell did that come from? Can he not see how he looks?' Ted just sat there silent for a moment, "Trust me, that sure as hell isn't it. More like you ooze that masculine straight military vibe."

"Sure," he didn't sound convinced. "Do you know what you're gonna have?"

"Usually I get the Guinness Beef, but bangers and mash does sound good."

About that time Lilly returned with two large stouts. She sat them down and stood there for a second looking at both men. "Do you two know what you want?"

Ted opened his mouth, but Edward was a little quicker. "We'll both have bangers and mash, thanks."

"Ok, I'll get right on that. Anything else I can do for you?" That last comment was directed right at Edward.

"No thanks, we're good, right Teddy?" Edward reached over and placed his hand on top of Ted's as he said it.

`Teddy?' Ted took a swallow from his stout, "Yup, we're good." It was his turn to blush deeply.

Lilly walked off with a defeated look on her face. Edward removed his hand from Ted's, took a long drink off of his stout, and then looked at Ted. "I'm sorry, I'm not sure why I did that. Something about her reminds me of my wife."

"Are you still married?"

"No, don't know why I still call her that, old habits die hard I guess. The divorce was final three weeks ago. It took a long time to work it all out between the solicitors."

"I'm sorry. I guess I was lucky I didn't have to have lawyers handle my break-up." Ted could have kicked himself for talking about his relationship. "How long were you two together?"

"Mary and I were together for almost five years. We have a four year old daughter, Elizabeth."

Ted thought back to Laura's comment about Edward not discussing his breakup with anyone. If there was going to be an opportunity to have him open up about it Ted didn't want to let it lapse. "How old are you Edward?"

"I'm 26, you?"

"Ancient, compared to you, 39."

"Come on, that's not old. How old was Phillip?" Edward acted like he had just made a huge mistake, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to ask about him."

There is that pain again, "Edward, it is no different than me asking about your wife. You can ask me anything. Phillip is a year younger than you. He is a police officer and we met when he was 21 at a fund raiser. So tell me about how you met your ex."

"Mary and I met at a social after I got out of Sandhurst. She wanted to be married immediately, but I didn't want to rush into it. When she got pregnant, we got married. I thought that she was pretty much perfect, but after the wedding I started to see things she had hidden before." He stopped like he was lost, and took another drink. "Or maybe they were things I didn't want to admit to myself before the wedding."

"Edward, you don't have to talk about this if you don't want to. I know how hard it can be."

"No, I need to talk to someone. You're the only person who seems to understand what I'm going through." Edward paused and took another drink, "When I was deployed she started writing less and less, and her letters were strange. When we did talk on the phone she was distant. Then the attack happened. When I was flown home she didn't come to visit me for quite a while."

Ted opened his mouth to start to say something, but Edward cut him off, "Let me finish this, if I don't I may not get it out." He took another drink and continued. "While I was lying there, she came in and looked at my face and head and some scars you haven't seen. She then... she told me I was ugly. That she couldn't stand the sight of me anymore, and that no one could ever love me again. She screamed at me that she had wasted her life, and all I could do was sit there and listen. She told me she was leaving me and taking Elizabeth with her. I haven't seen her since then, but I do get to see Bess, she doesn't understand, she thinks that I don't love her anymore."

When he finished, Ted could see Edward's eyes were moist, and a tear had fallen down his cheek. Ted did the only think he could think of at the time and placed his hand on top of Edward's on the table and squeezed. "There are some things I need to say, but this isn't the place. One thing I will say, and you probably don't want to hear this from me, is you're one of the most incredibly beautiful people I've ever met. That isn't just on the outside either, which is pretty damn hot. In the short time I've known you I've seen this inner light you have. You showed it to me yesterday when you were playing with the boys, the way you hugged them when they were upset, the way you took care of me yesterday and especially when you've put up with my bad behavior."

Ted was interrupted by Lilly bringing the food, "Here you go." She sat the plates in front of the two men, "Is there anything else?"

Ted was the one to answer this time as Edward looked away so she couldn't see his face. "Lilly, could you bring us a couple more stouts?"

"Sure, Mr. Jackson."

"Edward, can I tell you something about your scars?"

He didn't say anything he just nodded his head slowly.

"I know this is going to sound like crap to you, but to me they're a badge showing your honor and courage. Laura told me some of what happened." Ted noticed that Edward's face looked as if he was hurt by having someone else telling his story. "Please don't be upset. She knows I have a way of sticking my foot in my mouth, and she wanted to make sure I didn't do anything more stupid than I already have."

That made Edward chuckle a little. "I don't think you've done anything too stupid."

"Oh please, I grabbed your ass." Ted said it quietly hoping it would lighten the mood, and that no one else would hear. "I'm really surprised you didn't drop me on my head for that one."

"I would never do that. In a way, it made me feel good. I still don't understand that, but I wasn't upset at all."

Ted sat there processing what was said. He took a huge swallow of stout and decided to lay the cards on the table. "So did John or Laura tell you I have my own scars? Mine are just not as visible to the world as yours."

"No, what do you mean, scars?"

"When I was in college I was brutalized by the person I was dating. It was life altering in so many ways and shook me to my very soul. Even though I survived, I carry the emotional and physical scars to this day. I hide them constantly, I don't want to scare people, or have them feel pity for me."

"Well, you can at least hide yours. Mine are always on display."

Neither man said anything for a little while. Finally Edward looked up from his food, "So you know about my parents, what about yours?"

"My father died a few years ago, we weren't very close. He wasn't thrilled about my lifestyle. He couldn't seem to understand it wasn't a choice. My mother is still alive. She still sits on the Board of Directors, but she rarely leaves her home these days. Sometimes I think she would rather just not deal with the fact that I'm gay."

"Are you close?"

"Not like we were when I was growing up. She would never say it but I think she's disappointed in me. She knows being gay isn't a choice, but deep down I know she would rather I had a wife and kids. She hated Phillip, she thought he was going to hurt me and in the end I guess she was right. So, do you have any brothers or sisters?"

That made Edward smile, "I have a younger brother, William, he's a great kid. He is 16, and it looks like he wants to follow me into the military. I'm not sure how mum and dad feel about that though."

"Must be nice, I've always wanted to have siblings. I have some cousins that I am very close to, like John and his brothers. I guess John is the closest thing I would have to a brother, we grew up together, and went to school together."

The conversation continued with both men discussing their school experiences and enjoying their food. After their second stouts were finished, Lilly returned to the table. "Is there anything else I can get for you?"

"Just the check, Lilly." Ted paused, and then retrieved his wallet and removed a card, "Actually, go ahead and put it on this."

"Wait, I'll get it." Edward was already reaching for his wallet.

"Not this time. Today's on me."

Lilly left with the card in her hand.

"Thank you mate, but you didn't have to buy. I'm the one that wanted bangers and mash, so I should be the one to get it."

"I'll tell you what. You can buy the next time we go out to lunch, deal?" Ted thought to himself, `I hope there's gonna be next time.'

Edward smiled, "You're on."

Once Lilly returned with the receipt, Ted and Edward were quickly out the door. Standing in front of the pub, they stopped. Ted looked at Edward, "What'd you like to do now? Back to the park or walk along the river?"

"Would you mind if we headed back to the house? I'm a bit tired and would like to talk more. That seems to be the best place."

"Sounds great to me, let's go."

They walked for a while in silence. Edward seemed to be deep in thought and Ted was replaying their lunch conversation back in his mind.

"Ted, where did you learn to sing like you did last night? Your voice is amazing."

"Remember me saying I wasn't allowed to play with my friends? Well, while I was studying all I had was music. So I used to sing with the radio, with cassettes, and CDs. It was my one outlet growing up. What about you? Your voice is incredible, not just your singing voice. I swear I could just listen to you talk all day long." Ted wanted to smack himself in the head. `What the hell is it with him? I am far too comfortable around him.'

"Thank you, I grew up singing in church. I used to have a higher voice, but in school it thankfully changed. Then in Sandhurst I yelled so much that it got even deeper. You really like it?"

"Oh, yeah." Ted had to laugh at his own comment, which made Edward laugh too and blush again.

Shortly they were back at the house, and Ted let them in. Ted thought to himself for a moment quietly then turned to Edward. "So it's my turn to ask you this... Do you trust me?"

Edward smiled, "How does this go? I'll probably regret this, but of course I do."

Ted smiled and then walked up the stairs with Edward following until they were in Ted's room. "I want to show you something, but promise me you won't run away, not sure I could handle that. I don't show these to people."

Ted started to lift his shirt, but Edward reached out and stopped his hand. "You don't need to do this."

"Yes I do, for both of us."

Edward released his hand, and Ted continued to lift his shirt. When it was off, Edward could see Ted's bare chest. His pecs were defined and there was a hint of ab muscles, but not a well-defined six pack. Ted took a deep breath, and slowly turned around.

Ted couldn't see it but Edward's eyes opened wide as he saw the long scars on his back. Without thinking, Edward reached out and ran his fingers along the angriest looking of them. There were seven in total that crisscrossed Ted's back. Edward had a lump forming in his throat at the thought someone could have done this to his new friend.

"My god, how could someone do this to you?"

"Anger... hatred... love? Take your pick." Ted was trying his best to not cry, "I wanted to show you what ugly really looks like. I never go anywhere without a shirt, ever. I don't go to the beach, don't swim in public, and don't work out at a public gym. For the longest time I wouldn't let anyone close enough to hurt me ever again. That was, until I met Phillip. Before I knew it he had worked his way into my heart, and then he ended up hurting me even worse. He didn't use a knife like David did, what he used was much, much worse. Whoever said that words don't hurt, has never been in love."

Edward turned Ted around so he was looking in his eyes, "I want to show you the rest of mine." With that he removed his own shirt, showing long scars on this upper left arm and more across his upper back. "My scars were caused by shrapnel and bone fragments from my driver."

Edward's chest was much more defined than Ted's, the product of his military training. Ted wanted to reach out and touch that chest and run his fingers between each of the abdominal muscles that made up the visible eight pack. Where Teddy's chest was smooth, Edward had a small dusting of hair starting just below his collar bone and then forming a perfect trail disappearing in the top of his shorts. Much as Edward had done, Ted found himself absentmindedly touching the fresh looking scar on Edward's upper bicep. Without thinking he reached up and started touching the scars on the side of Edward's head finally running a lone finger down the long scar along the jaw line.

Edward was standing close to Ted, and Ted almost whispered, "Mary was a blind idiot. You are so beautiful. If only you could see what I do." Without thinking he leaned in and kissed Edward on the lips. It was a light kiss, and Teddy felt no sense of Edward suddenly pulling back from him. After a moment, Edward's hands were on Ted's arms as he slowly pushed him back, breaking the kiss.

Ted couldn't read the look on Edward's face, and he was suddenly wracked with panic at what he'd done. Tears started to flow down his face, his voice was pleading. "Oh my god, Edward, I'm so sorry... please forgive me." All Ted could think was `RUN!' Grabbing his shirt from the floor that's just what he did, he ran as fast as he could.

• • • Any feedback would be appreciated. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas !