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Baz’s life is so different from how it was before. So much better, now that he’s with his new master. (He thinks Izzy might not be very happy with Baz calling him master, but privately that’s how he thinks about him anyway).
He’s so different from how he was a few months ago, too. It still scares him sometimes, to be changing so much from the way he had been for so long, the way that had kept him alive, but it’s better too, he thinks.
Izzy’s changed too. Taking care of Baz and giving him what he needs has made him softer, more affectionate. Has made him kind. He isn’t with everybody, of course. But it’s effected his relationship with Ed and Stede too.
At first there were a lot of complicated feelings about Baz and the entire situation, especially from Ed who understood what had happened better than Stede did, having known Hornigold himself and a little bit about what he had done to Izzy.
But they got more comfortable with Baz, and Baz got more comfortable with them too. Stede liked how sweet he could be, how childlike and open. Ed liked how curious he was, how focused and intense.
Once he felt safe around them (and safe with himself) they both loved how affectionate he could be, too.
They loved Baz, not in the same romantic way they loved Izzy or each other, but loved him all the same.
Seeing Baz, who looked so much like him, be openly affectionate and cuddly with them, made Izzy think that maybe he could be that way too.
One night there was a bad storm. Izzy had insisted that Baz (who was scared of thunder and lightning) stay in the cabin and left Stede (who was useless on deck) and Ed (whose knee was acting up) to watch him.
Hours later, when Izzy dragged himself back into the cabin, exhausted and soaking wet, he found the three men cuddled up in the bed, Baz in the middle with Ed and Stede on either side, arms wrapped around his waist.
They looked so... soft. A few months ago Izzy would have called that weakness, but having Baz in their life had showed him it could be a strength- asking for what you need, and staying soft in a dangerous world (like Stede and Ed had taught each other).
Baz woke up when Izzy walked over to the bed (he had learned to be a light sleeper with Hornigold). He smiled at Izzy sweetly and watched as Izzy stripped off his wet clothes.
When Izzy was done, Baz wiggled over so he was closer to Stede. He gestured for Izzy to come lie next to him and hummed happily when Izzy wormed his way between Baz and Ed.
Ed woke up, just enough to wrap his arm around Izzy’s waist, plaster himself to Izzy’s back, and kiss the top of his head. “Love you, Iz” he mumbled sleepily.
Baz and Izzy faced each other, each spooned by a captain. Baz tucked himself under Izzy’s chin and nuzzled, humming blissfully. Izzy smiled.
He could get used to this.