Work Text:
#IzzyIsMeDay
At his age, back pain was pretty much a factor of daily life. Some days were better than others, and with the judicious application of willpower and the occasional hit from Edward's pipe it was manageable.
Today was not one of those days.
It felt like ground glass was stuck in his hip, and every step sent a bolt of agony down his leg and into his knee. Getting out of bed to piss was a production that almost brought him to involuntary tears, and dressing was worse.
He was intently concentrating on not throwing up when he made it to the galley, and he barely spared a grunt as he got a tin mug of coffee and a handful of hardtack.
Izzy didn't notice the significant looks exchanged between the crew and the captains, either, nor the captains nodding at each other.
"Izzy!"
Ed's cheerful bellow of his name got Izzy's attention. "Yeah, boss?"
The strain in Izzy's voice was enough to make Ed's knee thrum in sympathy. "Soon as you're done eating, I need to see you in the Captain's quarters."
Christ. "Yes, Captain."
Stede was fussing in the kitchen when Izzy left.
Izzy found Ed packing his pipe, and his captain pointed to the bed. "Down to your skivvies and lay down." The pungent scratch of a match flame illuminated Ed's face as he drew the pipe to life. "No argument, I can see how much you're hurting."
Izzy snapped his mouth closed, and didn't move to undress. "I'm sorry, Captain, it won't happen again."
Ed rose and loomed over Izzy. "Correct, because I expect you to be honest with me about this next time. Understand?"
No. "Yes, sir."
"Hop to it, then."
A knock on the door, and Ed opened it to reveal Roach and Lucius. Roach was lugging a huge black pot of steaming water and hung it over the fireplace. Lucius had a hot water bottle, and held it out. "Um, Pete got me this when I cut off my finger, and it really helps when the stump hurts."
Before Izzy could scoff dismissively, Wee John hulked in the doorway. He was holding out a long, narrow something that Izzy quickly realized was a pillow almost half his height in length. Frenchie's voice came from behind John. "John made this for me, tuck in around it, it'll help support whatever hurts."
"Thanks, mate," Ed answered for Izzy, laying the pillow on the bed.
"Excuse me, yes, thank you." Stede bustled in as the crew cleared out and drifted away. "I'm aware you're not fond of tea, but this is a draught from my physician. He prescribes a cup every few hours and it will help relax you and reduce the pain."
"And the pipe is ready to go, I loaded it a little heavy, so it will help."
Izzy fell back on the bed as his leg gave out. "Sir, I don't-"
"Silly Izzy. We're not going to let you go out like this. You could seriously hurt yourself. Fang and Ivan have promised to take your duty today so that you can get better." Stede's hands gently stroked Izzy's hair and forehead. "Today, we're going to take care of you."
Izzy sagged against Stede's shoulder, already exhausted from fighting the pain. Ed's hands efficiently disrobed him, and Izzy let himself relax in the soft bed. He curled around Frenchie's huge pillow, and drank down the herbal tea. Steady hands tucked the hot water bottle against the small of his back, and the stem of Edward's pipe was pressed carefully into his mouth.
The last thing Izzy remembered was the feeling of relief that bled into his limbs, because finally, someone had taken the responsibility off his shoulders. Funnily, his back was aching less already.