Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:58:18 -0500 (EST)
From: tmabare@aol.com
Subject: The Captain of My Dreams - 2

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 we`ve 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 !