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Stede had a lot of time to think as he rowed his way back to Ed. Not just about possible reunion scenarios but also about what kind of pirate he really wanted to be.
The Gentleman Pirate, Co-Captain of The Revenge was all well and good but he could admit to himself now that he really hadn't been as committed to the rest of it as he should have been. He was going to have to learn how to do all the other things. Hoist the mainsail, navigate by the stars, figure out some sort of truce with Izzy since, like it or not, he and Ed seemed to be a package deal.
Of course all of these thoughts had come before Stede found most of his crew abandoned on a tiny island. No matter how much he loved Ed, he had to admit to being somewhat angry with him about this turn up. Even more so with Izzy who he was sure had been the poison that had turned Ed against the crew.
It was a squeeze to get them all in the row boat, once he had persuaded them away from cannibalism with some oranges and dried meat he had brought, but thankfully they were able to make it to a port in only two days. There they found Lucius with a tale Stede found even harder to believe of being pushed overboard, not by Izzy but by Ed himself.
---
Stede was beginning to consider himself quite adept at the art of fuckery now, so it didn't take them long to acquire themselves a ship. It was small, but quick through the water and Stede was hopeful it would catch The Revenge, if they could just locate it.
As it was, Stede used the intervening weeks to enact his plan of learning to be a better sailor. He no longer had the money for fancy clothes, the crew's wages, or even basic food, so the crew had all set themselves to being better pirates along with him. The anger they all felt for their current situation made them each a little keener and they raided as many merchant ships as possible.
Buttons was teaching Stede about the stars while Oluwande, having acquired some navigational charts from the first merchant ship they raided taught him about plotting courses. Eventually he was as good at hoisting the sails as any of them and had learnt all the knots he could ever need. He was as quick up the rigging as any of them and although he hadn't even noticed, he was fitter and leaner than he had ever been.
---
They were coming out of a fierce storm, the small ship having been bucked wildly and tossed like a cork all night when Buttons informed Stede The Revenge was in sight. Stede sighed. He'd been up all night, arms strained from trying to hold the wheel to course, exhausted and unkempt but he wasn't for letting Ed get away now that he finally had him in his sights. Knew that Ed's crew would be as exhausted as his own after the storm, probably more so as it was a bigger ship.
Decision made, Stede made to sail slowly closer. He ordered the crew to check for urgent repairs and then to quickly disguise themselves as though simply a merchant ship. The crew busy, he retired to his cabin to freshen up. No longer having his fancy clothes, he simply switched to black breeches and a billowy cream coloured shirt.
His hair was longer now and sun-bleached lighter than it had been since his childhood. His short beard had grown in quite well he thought, running a small comb through it. He was pulling on his boots when Lucius arrived to inform him they were closing on The Revenge.
Stede braced himself and headed out onto the deck where now that they were too close for cannon fire, he could raise the flag. It was black, like all good pirate flags, with a simple skull in the middle. The crew were not impressed by it but he assured them it would do for now and they could come up with a better one once they had their ship back.
“Right Crew.” Stede began. “Whatever it takes. That ship is ours.”
---
It was easier than expected to take back The Revenge. Ed's crew was still small and when they realised who it was, Fang and Ivan had laid down their weapons causing the new crew members to surrender also. Izzy had stormed onto the deck a moment later but before he could figure out what was going on, Stede punched him in the face, knocking him out cold and he was quite sure, breaking his own pinkie in the process. Throughout the whole endeavour, Ed was nowhere to be seen.
Ivan had shown Oluwande to where Jim and Frenchie were being held and they had quickly been exchanged for Izzy in the makeshift brig. A former storage room that had had a lock fitted to the door.
Stede set the crew to moving everything of importance from their temporary ship over to The Revenge and went to track down Ed.
---
Slowly pushing open the door to the Captain's Quarters, he squinted into the gloom. Seeing no sign of Ed, he stepped inside. He got no more than three steps in before he felt movement behind himself and instinctively spun, dagger in hand.
“Ed?” He asked confused. He almost didn't recognise the man now standing in front of him. Ed looked gaunt. His hair unkempt, his bloodshot eyes covered in some sort of black, perhaps charcoal. His beard had partially grown back in but was also smeared in black. His leathers hung loose on his frame. He had a dagger in either hand and growled at the name being spoken.
“Ed's not here.” He snarled. “You can address me as The Kraken.”
Stede huffed and lowered his dagger. “I'll do no such thing Edward Teach.” He scowled. “Put down those daggers so that we can talk. You've got a lot of explaining to do.”
Ed narrowed his eyes at him. “Me!” He growled. “What about you?”
Stede nodded. “Yes, of course. I know that I owe you an explanation, but first I want to know why the hell you abandoned most of my crew on an island, imprisoned Frenchie and Jim and why the fuck you pushed Lucius overboard!” He ended by planting his hands on his hips and glaring at Ed. Ed's left hand twitched on a dagger hilt. “Honestly, I've had to listen to endless complaining about how you tried to ruthlessly murder him.” Stede huffed.
Ed's eyes went wide at that and he lowered the daggers. “Tried, to murder him?”
“Well, yes.” Stede replied. “What else would you call it when you pushed him overboard?”
“You mean he's not dead?” Ed asked.
Stede resisted rolling his eyes, just. “Who ever heard of a Cabin Boy that can't swim.”
Ed visibly deflated, sagging in on himself. “He's not dead.” He repeated.
Stede smiled. “None of them are. They're all hale and hearty and back on board.”
“Izzy...” Ed began but Stede interrupted him.
“Yes, sorry. We tossed him in the makeshift brig. Which really, is where I should be tossing you for your shameful abuse of my crew but, I realise my own actions played a part in that.”
“Do it.” Ed replied. “It's the least I deserve.”
Stede frowned. “Well, it might make the crew feel better if we did, for at least a little while.” He laid a gentle hand on Ed's arm. “I would like to explain myself first though. Don't fancy doing that with Izzy listening in.”
“How'd you get past him anyway?” Ed asked, leaning slightly into Stede's hand on his arm.
“We used disguises to take your crew unawares, Izzy thankfully wasn't on deck at the time and then when he did appear, I punched him in the face before he had a chance to draw on me.” Stede grinned.
Ed laughed softly then moved to sit on a sofa he had acquired in a raid a few weeks back. “This had better be the best explanation ever for abandoning me on that dock.”
---
A few hours and one heartfelt explanation/apology later the two captains were wiping away their tears when Ed repeated his request to be imprisoned in the brig.
“It will help the crew to know I'm sorry and give me time to think about everything.” Ed insisted.
“It'll lock you in a room with Izzy.” Stede countered. “He'll try to turn you evil again.”
“Let him out.” Ed shrugged. “It's all of you against one of him and not that he'll admit it, but if you did get the drop on him, he'll have a bit more respect for you now. You just need to be firm with him. Don't be afraid to punch him in the teeth again.”
Stede snorted a laugh. “I guess we can manage one recalcitrant first mate and his knowledge would come in handy. Come on then, if you insist on this.” He stood and Ed followed him out the door.
---
The crew watched warily as Stede led Ed out of his cabin and down to the brig. Jim was outside the door, trading quiet insults through the barred window on it with Izzy as a dagger twirled between their fingers.
“The key, if you please.” Stede held out his hand and with a huff Jim swapped the blade for the key in their pocket and handed it over.
Stede unlocked the door and stepped aside to let Ed enter. Izzy immediately shot to his feet from where he'd been crouched on the floor on the far side of the room and dived for Stede. “Bonnet!” He snarled but before he knew what had hit him, Stede had turned and grabbed his shirt, thrown him up against the wall and had a dagger to his throat.
“Now you listen here, Izzy.” Stede snapped as Izzy's eyes went wide, the blade pressing closer. “You have two choices. You can go out there and apologise to the crew for your shameful behaviour, or I can toss you overboard. Which would you prefer?” He pulled the dagger back an inch to give Izzy a little shake.
Izzy's eyes darted to Ed's but Ed just shrugged. “Up to you mate. Can't help you now.”
Izzy glared at Stede then huffed out a quiet fine through clenched teeth. Stede waited until he continued. “I'll go apologise to the crew.”
Stede smiled and released him. “Jim, take Izzy to apologise, please.” Jim grabbed Izzy by the arm as Stede stepped away and dragged him from the room.
Stede turned to see Ed grinning at him. “When did you get so bad ass?”
Stede blushed. “Let's just say, I've been learning the proper way to pirate at long last.” He paused and looked around the small room. “Are you sure about this?”
Ed nodded then lowered himself slowly down to sit on an upturned crate. “Yeah.”
Stede nodded and stepped towards the door. “I'll have Fang bring you some food as soon as Roach is organised in the galley.”
He stepped towards the door but paused on the threshold when Ed softly said his name and turned back. “I hope you haven't changed too much.”
Stede smiled back at him. “I hope you haven't either.” He exited the room and closed the door pausing briefly to squeeze the key in his hand before sighing and locking the door.
---
Izzy continued to snap and snarl at the crew about jobs needing done, but was careful now never to go too far and Stede could somewhat see a need for it. The crew were prone to distractions when they should be working.
He still made his distaste clear but Stede was more than happy to remind him he was welcome to be tossed overboard any time he wanted.
Grudgingly, he decided to continue with his job but took the night-shift as First Mate leaving Olu the days. It allowed him to avoid them all as much as possible.
In return for his improved behaviour, Stede listened to his complaints that there were important jobs being overlooked and although Lucius scraping barnacles was never going to be an option... The Swede and Ivan didn't seem to mind too much.
---
Each of the crew took turns to visit Ed and he apologised to all of them. It took a few weeks and the longest was for Lucius but eventually they had all more or less forgiven him. He wanted to stay put a little while longer though. “Don't feel ready to interact with anyone yet.” He had informed Stede on his last visit. He was at least looking healthier though. Stede was ensuring he was getting enough to eat and with nothing else to occupy his time, he was getting plenty of sleep too.
---
Stede was talking with Roach in the galley when Lucius arrived to announce Buttons had spotted a ship that appeared to be grounded on some hidden rocks. Stede went to find him and take a look. “It's a pirate ship, Cap'n.” Buttons informed him.
Stede took a quick look through the spyglass and took note of a distinctly pirate looking flag. “Get Izzy up here.” Stede called to Lucius who scampered off.
A few moments later a bleary eyed Izzy stumbled on deck. There had been a bit of a storm the previous night and he hadn't been asleep for long. “What?” He growled stomping over to Stede.
“There appears to be a pirate ship in distress over there.” Stede pointed, handing Izzy the spyglass. “Do you think it would be safe to offer assistance?”
Izzy raised the spyglass to his eye and took a quick glance. “Fuck!” He gasped softly and dropped the spyglass. Stede bent to pick it up and when he straightened again, Izzy had vanished.
Stede huffed. No help at all he thought.
---
“What's the flag look like?” Ed asked when Stede had explained to him about the ship.
“Well, Buttons and I discussed it and we believe it's a dog's, maybe a wolf's, head. Underneath it is a heart stabbed by two cutlasses.” Stede informed him.
A huge grin spread over Ed's face. “The Wolf of the Sea.”
“The captain's name?” Stede asked and Ed nodded still grinning.
“A more formidable pirate captain you will rarely meet on that one.” Ed clapped his hands in glee. “You're going to have to let me out for this one.”
“Are you friends then?” Stede asked.
Ed laughed. “Not as such. Like most pirates, Captain Thomas Hands doesn't have, friends.”
“Wait, did you say Hands?” Stede replied. “As in Izzy Hands.”
Ed nodded. “One and the same.”
“His brother?” Stede enquired.
Ed laughed again. “His husband.”
Stede gasped. “Izzy has a husband.”
Ed nodded practically bouncing with glee. “They fucking hate each other. It's fantastic.”
Stede pursed his lips. “So maybe we shouldn't offer them assistance?”
“Oh no!” Ed chuckled heading for the door. “We absolutely must.”
---
Ed retrieved his jacket and knife from the Captain's Quarters before following Stede up on deck. “Hoist my flag please.” He asked Frenchie who looked to Stede for confirmation before doing so at Stede's nod. “It won't be safe to get the ship any closer with those rocks. We'll have to take the dinghy.”
Stede nodded and asked Jim to accompany them as they headed over to the other ship.
When Stede climbed over the side of the other ship behind Ed, he saw a small crew gathered on the deck. The Captain was in front of them sword in hand. He smiled. “Ed. Thank Fuck.”
Ed stepped over as Thomas sheathed his sword and they shook hands. “The fuck happened to you mate?”
Thomas scowled. “Fucking Spanish Navy got the drop on us heading into that storm. We fought them off but they balled our rudder and the wind pushed us onto the rocks. Can we hitch a ride with you? The hulls breached too bad to recover.”
“Ah well now...” Ed turned to look at Stede. “It's his ship I'm afraid so not up to me. May I introduce, Captain Stede Bonnet. The Gentleman Pirate.”
Stede stepped forwards and held out his hand. Thomas eyed him up and down and then shook his hand, Stede noticing his other hand had but one ring, on a very specific finger. “The Gentleman Pirate. Well, we could do with a gentleman right about now. What do you say Captain Bonnet?”
Stede smiled. “You promise not to try to steal my ship?”
Thomas gave him a sly grin. “I know better than to mess with Blackbeard. Even if he does say that ship is yours, it's his flag you're flying.”
“Yes well.” Stede huffed. “That was for your benefit mostly. I'm a bit between flags at the moment.” He clapped his hands together. “Very well, you and your crew may join us.”
Thomas accompanied Stede and Ed back to The Revenge with Jim while his crew began packing up everything they wanted to remove from the ship. It would take a few trips to bring it all across.
“Rae still with you?” Thomas asked as Jim secured the line so they could climb up the ladder. Ed nodded.
Hauling himself over the side, Stede was surprised to see Izzy had reappeared. He had smartened himself up, wearing a crisp black shirt less faded than his usual ones under a navy waistcoat, which if Stede wasn't mistaken (and he never was about fabrics) was made of a very fine cotton, with black leather trousers. Not a hair was out of place and Stede noticed as his left hand fidgeted with his right cuff that he was wearing the ring that usually circled his neckerchief. Ah, now that makes sense Stede thought.
Stede heard boots thump down behind him, knowing instantly that it wasn't Ed as he favoured his good knee on the landing. Izzy's eyes immediately snapped from his cuffs to just over Stede's shoulder.
“Israel fucking Hands!” Thomas snarled as he marched past Stede, right up to Izzy and slapped him hard enough to snap his head to the side. Izzy turned his head back slowly, one hand going to the hilt of the sword at his hip, the other coming up to wipe his mouth, a wicked grin edging onto his face. “Thomas.” He growled noting the blood on his hand and slowly sliding his tongue out to lick more from his now split lip.
Stede moved to intervene but Ed grabbed his wrist and held him back. “Just watch.” He whispered in Stede's ear.
Izzy lifted his chin and glared at his husband who was a few inches taller than him.
Thomas stepped closer. “Bastard.”
Izzy took a step closer. “Twat.”
Thomas grabbed Izzy's wrist on the side holding his sword and with his other hand grabbed the hair at the back of Izzy's head dragging backwards until he had his head tilted just right and could slam their lips together.
Stede gasped and Ed laughed quietly beside him. Izzy rocked forward into the kiss, the hand not attached to the wrist Thomas still held coming up to roughly grab Thomas' hip and drag their bodies together.
They broke apart a few moments later and Thomas whispered into Izzy's ear. Izzy met his eyes briefly then nodded and led him below decks.
Stede turned wide eyes to Ed who was grinning. “They've been married for decades.” Ed informed him.
“They have?” Stede gasped. “Why don't they sail together then?”
Ed shrugged. “Like I said, they hate each other.”
Stede frowned. “But they kissed. He went to Izzy's room?”
Ed quirked an eyebrow. “You can hate someone and still enjoy fucking them.”
“I...” Stede faltered. “Well...” He met Ed's eyes for a moment and Ed winked at him. Flustered Stede turned away to where the crew were helping Thomas' to unload onto the deck.
---
With all the work to get Thomas' crew settled and get The Revenge on course to the nearest port, Stede forgot all about Ed being imprisoned. It wasn't until Roach asked if Ed would be dining with the crew that he remembered. “Hmm, perhaps.” He paused. “But I'll ask him to dine with me tonight.”
Stede headed below deck to find Ed. On the way, he saw Izzy coming towards him. He'd been in the galley if the plates of food in his hands were any indication. His black shirt was open at the neck and Stede could see bruises and teeth marks littering his neck and what could be seen of his chest. He was whistling a jaunty tune and Stede couldn't help but smile as he stepped aside to let the First Mate past. He gave a nod. “Mr Hands.”
Izzy flashed him a smile and a brief nod. “Captain.”
Stede was stunned. He wandered to Ed's room (he refused to call it the brig) and paused in the open doorway looking back in the direction Izzy had gone.
“You okay?” Ed asked. “Look like you've seen a ghost.”
Stede turned to look at him shaking his head in disbelief. “Izzy just called me Captain, without adding worst and ever to either side of it.”
Ed laughed and put down the shirt he was folding. “I told you it was fantastic.”
“Yes, well...” Stede huffed a laugh. “Anyway, I came with news.” He glanced out the door once again then turned to face Ed. “The crew has agreed, they are happy for you to re-join us in which ever role you would like.” He paused. “Just so you know, Co-Captain is still an option.” Before Ed could respond Stede barrelled on. “Whatever you decide, this door...” He gestured to the door to the brig. “Will be staying unlocked, from the outside. You can keep it as your room if you'd like.” He clapped his hands together before continuing. “Now, Roach wants to know where you would like to take dinner? You can eat with the crew of course... but I thought you might agree to dine with me tonight?” He suddenly felt the need to stare intently at the tips of his boots, so he didn't see Ed smile.
“If it's okay with you...” Ed began. “I'd like to dine with my Co-Captain?”
Stede didn't respond for a moment and then suddenly his face lit up and he looked back up at Ed. “Oh, that's me!” He grinned. “Wonderful. Shall we say seven?”
Ed nodded. “Sure thing.”
Stede didn't skip from the room, but it was a close thing.
---
Stede's table had apparently been sent to the briny deep along with most of his cabin's contents but Ed had replaced it with a smaller square table and two plain wooden chairs. Stede thought the smaller table might actually be better, lending itself to a more intimate dinner.
He had been relived to discover however, that Izzy had been put in charge of throwing his belongings overboard and as such, his auxiliary wardrobe had survived due to having been concealed from him.
Since he had returned, Stede had stuck to simple breeches and shirts but for dinner, he wanted to dress up a bit and so he washed up and then found himself a nice outfit to wear. Pale blue breeches and a soft white shirt that had flowing ruffles that spilled over his matching pale blue waistcoat looking like a fluffy cloud on a clear sky.
He was awkwardly pacing the room a short while later when Lucius bustled into the room bringing with him a tray of plates, Roach following behind with the food. Setting it down on the table and turning, Lucius reached out to Stede and straightened the knot on his cravat. “He's lucky we're all so forgiving.” He fluffed the collar of Stede's shirt. “You'd better hope he's as forgiving too.” He patted his shoulder as Stede nodded eyes darting to the door as Ed appeared.
Ed had forgone his jacket and was wearing his purple t-shirt. Stede was glad he had filled out again and noted how the t-shirt now hugged his form perfectly, the little flash of tummy still showing as he moved. His long hair was brushed and braided neatly into pigtails tied with purple bows and it made Stede chuckle fondly to wonder which of the crew had helped him with them.
“Ed, come in, come in.” Stede smiled as Lucius and Roach slipped out closing the door behind themselves. “I'm so glad you've come to join me for dinner.”
Ed stood awkwardly in the middle of the floor for a moment before ducking his head. “Yeah, sure, whatever.” He crossed over to the small table and flopped down into one of the chairs.
They ate in uncomfortable silence for a few moments before Stede finally worked up the courage to speak. “So, Izzy has a husband.” As conversations went, it wasn't really where he wanted to go, but it seemed like a safe enough place to start.
Ed nodded. “Izzy was still in the Navy back then. It was years before I met him. It started off pretty good from what I gathered but somewhere along the line, it all went a bit wrong. Tommy got a bit bored home alone and a misspent youth as a petty criminal meant he couldn't join the Navy, so, he actually became a pirate before Izzy did. It's part of the reason they don't get on. A Navy man with a pirate for a husband. Did not go down well.”
Stede nodded. “I can imagine. Surely now though, they're on the same page, so to speak.”
Ed shrugged. “You know how stubborn and hot headed Izzy is. Tommy is just as bad. They'd both rather hold a grudge than talk it through.”
Stede saw his opening. “Do you agreed with that method?”
Ed glanced up and met Stede's eyes. “No.” He said softly. “Life's to short for that shit, ain't it.”
Stede reached out and placed his hand gently over Ed's where it lay holding his fork on the table. “So, perhaps you might forgive me then?”
Ed dropped his fork and turned his hand into Stede's to lace their fingers together. “Yeah.” He nodded. “Yeah, I do.”
Stede stood and pulled Ed to his feet and when they were face to face, they leaned in and kissed each other.
A few moments into the kiss, Ed slid his hands onto Stede's ass and hauled him in tight against his body. Not breaking the kiss, Stede reached down and grabbed hold of Ed's knee brace using it to haul Ed's leg up until he could get his hand under his thigh and pull it up over his hip.
Ed broke the kiss with a chuckle. “Fuck! That's hot, Captain.”
Stede laughed. “Why thank-you, Captain.”
---
The following morning Stede and Ed were rudely awakened when almost the entire crew burst into the room.
“Captains!” Lucius exclaimed.
“What's wrong?” Stede asked concerned as Ed lifted his head from Stede's chest to frown at them.
“It's Izzy!” Frenchie started. “He's being weird.”
“Weird how?” Ed asked around a yawn.
“He thanked me for breakfast.” Roach began.
“He said good job.” The Swede added.
“He made me tea!” Wee John exclaimed.
Ed laughed. “Enjoy it while it lasts. It'll only be a week until we make port.”
Stede sat up a bit, making sure to keep an arm around Ed. “Wait a minute. Are you saying the reason Izzy is so arsey all the time is because he's not getting any?”
Ed nodded. “You know how loyal he is. He'd never be unfaithful to his husband.”
The crew collectively gasped and Stede chuckled. “Well, that's not...” He looked down at Ed. “I think I can relate.” Ed chuckled too. Stede smirked. “Okay, everybody out, your Co-Captains have work to do.” He made a shooing motion with his hands.
The crew traipsed out as Ed turned to look at Stede. “Work?” He asked.
“Well, I couldn't exactly say we were going to fuck now could I?”
Ed laughed. “Might as well have. They all know anyway.”
Stede pouted. “And whose fault is that?”
“If you wanted me to be quiet, maybe you should have gagged me.” Ed laughed.
“I'll keep that in mind.” Stede laughed too. “By the way. The other day, why did Thomas call Izzy, Rae?”
“Because Izzy is his little Rae of gloom.” Ed chuckled stretching up to kiss Stede.
Stede was just getting into the kiss when Ed abruptly pulled away. “Dickfuck!” He cursed.
“Excuse me?” Stede frowned.
“Sorry.” Ed shook his head. “I just realised. Their anniversary was about two months ago. We usually try to get Iz to Nassau to meet him, but I was so wrapped up in my own shit I forgot and Iz was probably too scared what I'd do to him if he mentioned it. I should go apologise.” He pushed himself up to sitting.
“Of course.” Stede agreed. “You go ahead. I'll get dressed and see about some breakfast for us.”
Ed paused getting out of bed and turned to face Stede. “You know. It was really nice to see you in all your finery again last night.”
Stede looked over at him. “It was?” Ed nodded. “Well, some of it doesn't quite fit any more. The coats mainly.”
Ed grinned. “Those biceps.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Stede blushed. “Umm, yes.” He paused. “I'll see what I can do though.”
Ed leaned over and kissed him. “Fantastic.”
---
“It occurs to me...” Ed informed Izzy a few days later. “That we could do with another ship in the fleet.”
Izzy glanced sidelong at him. “Could we now.”
Ed grinned. “There's a merchant ship on the horizon that your husband might just like.”
Izzy raised an eyebrow. “Is there now.”
“What do you say Iz?” Ed grinned turning to face him. “Stede says it would make a grand romantic gesture?”
Izzy pretended to gag, but then laughed. “You soft bastards will be the death of us all.”
“That's not a no, I'm hearing.” Ed grinned.
“It's not a yes, either.” Izzy replied.
“I've been reliably informed by Buttons that Olivia spied the Queen Anne just around the next bend. Should make it an easy enough capture.” Ed laughed grabbing him into a hug.
Izzy growled, but his arms came up to wrap around his Captain anyway. “Fine.” He huffed into Ed's shoulder. “I'll go ask his highness if the ship looks to be up to his standards and if he'd be willing to join your fleet.” He pushed Ed away and turned to leave.
Ed stopped him with a hand to his shoulder and when Izzy turn back whispered. “I'm sure you can persuade him.” He winked at Izzy.
Izzy slapped his hand away in mock annoyance, but couldn't hide the blush that flooded his cheeks or the smug grin he flashed at Ed before turning away again.