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Edward smiled as he looked in the mirror. “What do you think, Iz?” … “Iz?” Izzy quickly looked down to the floor, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other, after admiring the obviously gorgeous view. “Good, I guess, boss”
Edward lifted an eyebrow and turned to step forward, holding his hand out. Izzy carefully took what Edward handed him. “Last touch, Iz, would you?” He smiled at the small purple bands in Izzy's hand, pointing to his beard.
“Really? Fuck, fine…” He grumbled and of course that fucker didn't even try to lean down a bit. Izzy had to lean on his toes, stretched a bit to put the bows Edward had requested in his beard. He could see the soft smile behind the salt and pepper hair.
Right when he was done, Edward grabbed his right hand, staring right into his eyes.
“Your turn.”
“What? No!” Izzy protested weakly. But truth be told- he had hoped Edward would ask.
Behind them Izzy could hear the too enthusiastic steps.
“Stede! Do you have something for Izzy?”
“What? No!” Bonnet protested too, but… equally weak? No, Izzy must imagine things, still dizzy from being so close to Edward and him still holding his hand.
“Of course he'll come! He's my first mate, Stede!”
Izzy could see the frown as Bonnet looked him up and down, stepping closer to him, before pulling at his sleeve. “Hey!”
“I might have some top that could fit him… he's used to wearing too big clothes… but I'm not sure about the pants.”
“We could cut that shit up.” Izzy replied with a sneer, pulling out his dagger because Bonnet was way too close for comfort.
“How about I water you and leave you in the sun, you might as well grow a bit!” The stupid ponce spat back.
Izzy could respect the equally bitchy tone, so he simply crossed his arms, pulling his hand away from Edward.
“Alright, undress.”
“Not around him.”
“Iz, mate, don't be difficult! He's lending you clothes, he's sensitive about them okay?”
Edward put his hand on Izzy's lower back and gently pushed him towards Bonnet, who was already in his closet.
___
“This doesn't fit.” “Not with that attitude, Izzy, it won't.” “Don't call me that, you fucking twat!” “It's your literal name”
“Stop.” Edward growled annoyed. The two had been bickering for half an hour at this point. Izzy was standing on a round little podium Stede had lined up in the middle of some mirrors, wearing a way too long black blouse with silver stitched decorations. Although so long, it covered his naked legs down to the knees, it suited him, but his face spoke volumes about how uncomfortable he was. If it was the clothes or situation, Edward could not tell. But as for a fact, none of the pants were fitting. “What about his own leathers? With the blouse and maybe the coat you showed earlier, one wouldn't even notice!”
“Oh, those people are fickle… he'd be the fool of the evening, believe me. That crowd are awful people… and he won't even lose the glove!”
Izzy pulled his hand in protectively, crossing his arms again. To his surprise, Edward stepped in.
"That's rude, Stede. He's wearing it for protection.”
“I'm doing my best here, okay? But if we can't find anything soon, he'll have to stay here.”
“I don't even want to be at your lame stupid fucking rich guy party.”
Both of them suddenly turned to look at him and Izzy quickly averted his eyes.
“Lame and stupid? You want to go!” Edward decided triumphantly. ”Oh fuck you!” Izzy turned on the spot and wandered off. Why would he want to be at such a stupid event!? Only to protect his Captain. That was literally his job! He didn't care for the food or glamor, for the literate people and interesting conversations…
In the end he couldn't go. It was fine. He didn't want to anyway. And he definitely didn't sit by the railing on deck all evening to watch out for his captain. He didn't jump up in shock, seeing the ship burst in flames and felt warm with relief seeing their little boat closing in with Edward waving.
He turned and left for his room the second he knew his captains were safe.
“Izzy! You're still up!” Edward knocked after walking in and closed the door.
“You okay?”
“Yeah… Stede was right, the people were awful… but I got you some stuff?”
Izzy looked up from his bed and put the book down he had taken from Bonnet's library. Edward was holding a piece of clothing. Izzy frowned and unfolded an expensive looking black trousers with silver stitched decorations.
“On the way out I stole it from one of the rich guys! It looked about your size! Next time, we can go together.”
Izzy looked up and saw the excited puppy smile he had missed so much for the past few months. Maybe all of this was good for Edward after all…
“Yes. Next time.”