Archive of Our Own

Summary:

Ed is the owner of Blackbeard's Bakes. He's built his business from nothing, and is proud of it, but working long, unsociable hours doesn't really lend itself to finding a serious relationship. The store next door has changed ownership a lot over the years, so when the latest arrival is an independent sex shop, Ed doesn't pay much attention. Not until he meets the owner, Stede Bonnet, who seems like the dream guy Ed's been waiting for. There's just one catch - Stede doesn't do commitment.

Stede is recently divorced, recently out, and is making up for lost time. Finally able to express a part of himself he's kept hidden, Stede explores his new sex-positive freedom by opening a sex shop, but there's one thing he's too nervous to attempt - actual dating. Casual hookups are easy, but actual relationships are far too intimidating. Then he meets Edward Teach.

Can Ed & Stede manage being only friends as the two of them grow closer? Or is it worth risking everything to try for something more?

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A friends to lovers shopkeepers AU - a story about finding yourself later in life, comfort in exploring sexuality and every rom-com trope possible