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The Centipede
The world seemed quieter today. The sea was calm around them, the wind soft leaving the crew very little to do. Hornigold was hiding in his cabin most likely getting drunk, and Izzy could only scowl at the thought. Honestly, how could you call yourself a Captain if you never actually did any work? Most of the crew was up on deck talking, and getting the few remaining tasks done for the day. Glancing around he found himself beginning to realise something was wrong. He couldn’t hear Edward. Izzy had only been part of this crew for a few months, but one constant was Edward’s seemingly never-ending energy. The man was full of so much creativity and joy that Izzy found himself drawn to the other man. But no matter how hard he listened he couldn’t hear the familiar sound of his fellow crew mate. Looking around the deck at the various groups he eventually found Edward standing with a few other men. The people around him all seemed to be engaged in conversation, yet Edward was only staring off into the distance, a faraway look in his eyes accompanied by a small frown. Izzy finds him moving closer to investigate, leaning up against the main mast in an attempt to look casual as he observed the other man. If someone managed to get Edward to talk, the man would only answer in short sharp sentences. His voice was dull as if he were just standing there out of obligation rather than actual enjoyment. He continued to stare off into the distance, blinking slowly whenever someone got his attention again. The thing that made Izzy finally step in and talk to Edward was when the man flinched as one of the crew members began to gesture wildly.
“Edward” He called out in a casual tone “Can I talk to you for a second?”
When Edward didn’t reply simply staring at the floor, one of the crew members nudged him causing Edward to flinch before looking up at the man, who simply pointed at Izzy. As Edward looked up, Izzy saw him smile for the first time that day, small and weak as it was Izzy treasured it. He nodded his head towards the stairs, inviting Edward to follow him below deck. Hopefully, no one would need them today. He could hear Edward follow behind him, feet scraping against the ground as if even walking was too much for him. The path to the storage rooms was a familiar one to him, he had quickly learnt that it was one of the best places to go when you were feeling overwhelmed. He hoped it would help out Edward as much as it had helped him all those times. Once they arrived in the dark embrace of the room, Izzy quickly directed Edward into one of the more hidden areas. Directing the other man to sit down with him. Neither of them spoke simply getting as comfortable as possible against the wooden crates and barrels. But no matter how hard he tried to forget it, Izzy couldn’t get the flinch out of his mind. The man clearly wasn’t okay, and Izzy had no idea how to help him.
“Edward?” The man didn’t reply, simply staring down at the ground in front of him, eyes distant once again.
Izzy gnawed a lip between his teeth as he tried to think of what to do. Clearly, speech wasn’t going to work, but would Edward really appreciate it if Izzy just randomly touched him? Sure, they spoke often but Izzy wasn’t sure if Edward saw him as a friend. He slowly lifted his arm, wrapping it around Edward’s shoulder. It was a loose hold that allowed Edward to slip out with ease, but instead of moving away, Edward practically melted into him. The warmth was overwhelming, and Izzy had to resist the urge to pull away. When had he last been this close to another person? Edward tucked his face into Izzy’s shoulder and slowly he began to tighten his hold until it was a warm, solid presence against Edward. He could feel every breath against his neck, the sharp scratch of stubble against his skin unusual but not uncomfortable. As more time passed, he found himself becoming more comfortable with the embrace, even daring to run his hand up and down Edward’s skin. He was almost convinced that Edward had fallen asleep against him. The longer they sat here on the floor the more Izzy became aware of a fluttering in his stomach. He found himself confused at the feeling, hating the way it only got more extreme when Edward managed to move even closer to him. Izzy was almost certain that he knew what it was, but he refused to acknowledge it.
After all, weakness would only get him killed.
The Praying Mantis
Over time Izzy had become used to these low moods that Edward went through. Learnt to recognise the signs and help to deal with them as quickly as possible. But as they both got older something else began to grow within Edward. A monstrous twisting cloud of doubt and fear that clung onto his Captain’s skin refusing to let go no matter what Izzy did. These days were marked by dark rooms and one-sided conversations as Izzy begged Edward just to have something to eat, to drink some water. To come back to him. Izzy could never see any signs, was never given any preparation for these times. The only warning, he got was the silence that greeted him when he went to make his daily report to Edward. Today was bad. He knew Edward had had less energy lately and realistically he should have expected this to happen. But they had been so busy with raids that it hadn’t even crossed his mind that this would be the thing to push Edward over the edge. As he approached the captain’s quarters, he felt dread pool in his stomach as his knock was only greeted with silence. Pushing open the door, he wasn’t surprised to see the cheap fabric they used for curtains still drawn over the window. Edward curled up under the thin blanket in a way which must have been uncomfortable. Maybe Izzy would have to move him, Edward never seemed to have any energy to do it himself during these episodes.
“Captain?” The silence which he received was not unexpected, but it still made his worry grow.
He quickly closed the door before making his way closer to Edward, keeping his footsteps heavy to make sure his captain knew he was getting closer. Sometimes Edward would get so lost in his mind that when Izzy touched him, he was unable to stop reflexes from a time unknown to Izzy from acting up. Edward always apologised and Izzy always reassured him that he had nothing to apologise for. And that’s all they would do to acknowledge that it happened. The closer he got to the bundle of misery and cloth that was his captain the more he could see the slight shake which crawled across Edward’s shoulders. Was he crying? Izzy stood in silent shock as Edward continued to tremble beneath his blanket. He had known the man for years and not once had he seen him cry. He didn’t know how to deal with this. Anger, silence. Those were things he knew how to deal with. Izzy could easily help to make sense of Edward’s plans when he had too many thoughts flowing through his mind. Could offer him a shoulder to lean on when his body just didn’t want to work anymore. But crying was an unsearched territory that made Izzy want to hide away and pretend he was never here. During his childhood Izzy had learned crying brought you nothing but pain. It was a weakness that pirates weren’t allowed. But he wouldn’t, couldn’t treat Edward like that. After all his captain was the only person he had in this shitty world. What sort of first mate would he be if he couldn’t help his captain out?
Making his way to the edge of the bed, Izzy perched awkwardly on the wooden frame, turning his body sideways so he could face his captain. Edward didn’t acknowledge his presence, and Izzy was almost convinced the crying had gotten worse. Cautiously he reached out his hand laying it atop what he hoped was Edward’s shoulder. The movement stopped instantly, and Izzy felt a pang of regret run through him. This feeling didn’t last long as soon his captain was twisting in his bed, before wrapping his arms around Izzy’s waist, burying his face in Izzy’s lap. The cries were now audible, half-choked-back sobs that must have been hell on Edward’s throat. Izzy flailed his arms around for a bit, heart fluttering wildly at the close contact. He eventually settled on running his hand through Edward’s hair, a slow soothing motion that he hoped Edward enjoyed.
They stayed like this for what must have been hours, Edwards cries eventually dying down into small hiccups. Izzy thanked the gods that no one had decided to bother them today. He wasn’t sure how he could excuse his way out of this situation if one of the crew members had found them. Despite the fact Edward had stopped crying, Izzy did not stop his motions. Continuing to run his hands through the soft curls of his captain’s hair. Occasionally he could feel Edward lean back into the motion before nuzzling back against Izzy’s thigh. There was no way Edward was comfortable, his back twisted at an awkward angle that made Izzy ache in sympathy. But he wasn’t going to attempt to move him. Edward seemed content where he was, and Izzy would take any small moments of happiness he could give Edward today. The arms around his waist were now a loose embrace, arms simply resting against him instead of holding him close. Edward radiated a brilliant warmth which seemed to melt away all the tension from his muscles, helping him to relax. Part of Izzy wanted to stay like, to enjoy this moment of piece. But he needed to know what had happened. They had experienced these episodes so many times and yet not once had Izzy seen Edward crying during them. What had been the thing to send him over the edge? Would Edward trust him enough to tell him? He had to try, no matter the outcome. He stilled his hand, hoping to get Edward’s attention. This action was a success as his captain tilted his head slightly, allowing them to make eye contact.
“What happened Edward?” He tried to keep his tone soft, but that didn’t help the question sounding accusatory. Izzy couldn’t help but wince a little as his captain immediately tried to move away. He quickly brought a hand onto Edward’s shoulder, gently pushing him down. He wasn’t good at this, one sentence in and he’d already managed to fuck it up. It had been an almost unspoken rule that they didn’t act like this outside of Edwards episodes, that they didn’t even acknowledge what was happening during them. After all, softness would get you hurt, and caring would get you killed. Yet here he was trying to fucking communicate, how fucking dumb was he. Thinking that Edward trusted him enough to open up.
“Am I a bad person?” Izzy almost didn’t hear the question, Edward’s voice muffled against his chest. He stared down in shock for a few seconds. Sure, they were pirates, but Izzy hadn’t actually seen Edward kill anyone for fun during their years together. Was always surprised at just how honest and patient that man could be sometimes. Sure, he had mad moments, moments of anger. But you didn’t join this world without something to hide.
“I don’t think so” Edward didn’t reply causing Izzy to frown. “Did the crew say something to you, because you know I’m happy to deal with whoever-“
“Nobody said anything, I was just… thinking about things.” The sentence was filled which such pure sadness that Izzy couldn’t help but bring his hand back into Edward’s hair, hoping to provide a small amount of comfort.
“Things?”
There was a pause, a small break to breathe and prepare. Enough of a hesitation that Izzy knew that it was taking a lot for Edward to admit these things to him. He would feel honoured if he wasn’t so worried.
“You know how I always tell that story about the Kraken?” Izzy knew the story by heart at this point. Had always assumed it was just Edward’s wild imagination creating entertainment for the crew. Distracting them from the harsh conditions out at sea.
“The one where the Kraken kills your father?”
“Yeah, that story.” Edward paused for a second before pushing himself out of Izzy’s lap, sitting up to face him. His eyes were red-rimmed, glistening with unshed tears that Izzy wanted to desperately wipe away. “It wasn’t the Kraken that killed my father, it was…” He looked down, avoiding eye contact once again. Izzy could already guess the answer, but he wasn’t going to interrupt. Wanted to let Edward guide this conversation.
“He was always a bit of a bastard to me and my mum. Liked to drink a lot, which meant he was mean a lot. And I guess one day I had enough of it because I… I just snapped. Took a random piece of rope and strangled him on the pier. I’m the Kraken, I killed my dad.” Edward let out another chocked out sob, bringing a hand up to cover his mouth as if trying to quiet the sound.
“That doesn’t make you a bad person Ed.” His voice was smooth, calming. Edward immediately looked back at him with a looked of desperation.
“How?”
Izzy brought a hand up to the ring, gently tracing the silver band, fighting for the courage to speak. Edward had bared his wounds and so it was only fair that he tell Edward his monster. His throat felt tight, vision blurring slightly as he opened his mouth to talk. He felt sick like his skin was crawling over his body. But Edward needed to see that he wasn’t a monster. And Izzy was willing to sacrifice anything for him. Taking in a small trembling breath, he began to speak.
“My father was like yours in a way. A cruel bastard who took out his failures on me and my sister. My mother was already dead at this point, illness took her away during the night. My sister got her ring and for some reason that made that asshole furious. He started to get worse, leaving injuries that took too long to heal. One day it caught up to her and my sister got ill as well. When she died, I took the ring, I found my father and I killed him. Beat in his head with a hammer and ran away like a coward.” A tear dripped down his cheek before he had a chance to stop it. His breath had grown shaky, and his hands trembled.
“How old was she?” Edward asked softly. This wasn’t supposed to be about him, but of course, Edward had to be kind.
“Fifteen.” Too young, far too young. Izzy cursed every day that he lived while she lay rotting in the ground. She was perfect, and kind in a way which was almost impossible to find in this world. Yet the Gods decided that he would be the one to live. “We’re not monsters Edward, we did what we had to do to survive. The bad people were our fathers and we did the right thing by ridding the world of them”
There was movement in front of him and he found himself being dragged downwards. A small cry of surprise left his lips at the sudden motion. Soon he found himself with his face buried in Edward’s chest. Arms wrapped tight around him like they were trying to hold him together as if he were broken. The sudden warmth was overwhelming in a good way. As Edward placed a gentle hand on the back of his neck, Izzy cautiously brought his arms around the body in front of him. Pulling him closer. Silence enveloped them once again but this time it felt peaceful. Like a pair had reached an understanding that neither of them had realised they needed. He could manage this. The touch. Tears pricked at his eyes as the contact left him feeling safe in a way he hadn’t experienced in years. But he didn’t let them fall. Didn’t let himself feel. This was for Edward, his captain. Edward had suffered alone for so long and now Izzy would be here for him, would give him his all.
Edward needed him and he was willing to sacrifice anything to keep him happy.
The Millipede
The sun was a calming warmth against his skin, the light filling him with energy which he took in with appreciation. It had been chaotic on the revenge lately and Edward had found himself stretched thinner than usual. Izzy had been acting off all week. All the progress he had made in the past months seemingly vanishing in a matter of days. He had become mean again, pushing away the crew and his captains. And Edward couldn’t help but wince at the memories of the insults he’d been throwing at the crew the other day. It made Edward worry. He had planned to talk to his first mate and boyfriend today once he came up on deck. But with each passing hour, Edward found his worry only growing as Izzy didn’t show. Part of his mind whispered to him that this was his fault, that he had pushed Izzy too far in their new relationship. But he quickly squashed the thought. Sure, this thing between the three of them had a rather rocky foundation but Stede had made sure that they communicated. And they had been doing good. Great even. So, Izzy’s sudden shift in behaviour left Edward with a bit of whiplash.
“Edward Darling?” Stede called out, pulling him from his thoughts. Turning to face his boyfriend, he found the other man frowning. Eyebrows knitted down with a tight concern.
“Is everything alright mate?” He said, moving closer so he could gently grab Stede’s hand. Giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I can’t find Izzy. I wanted to talk to him about his recent behaviour, but he doesn’t seem to be anywhere.”
Edward frowned at Stede. It wasn’t normal for Izzy to hide. The man seemed to always face his problems head-on. This behaviour only seemed to make this week even more concerning. Just where could his first mate be hiding? He tried to focus, to remember any moments of weakness he shared with Izzy. There weren’t many but the more he thought, the more he was able to remember that day on Hornigold’s ship. It was a shot in the dark but just maybe Izzy would stick to his habits this time.
“I think I know where he is.”
The storage room on the Revenge was much nicer than the ones on his previous ships. This didn’t surprise Edward that much. Stede seemed to have made sure that every single part of this ship was built for comfort. It was something Ed loved about the other man. The care he put into everything he did. But even with all this thought and planning it didn’t change the fact that it was a dark and damp place. The room was hidden low on the ship, tucked in beneath the ocean. The first time Izzy had brought him down to the storage room on Hornigold’s ship he had found himself surprised at how comforting this was. After all, you’d think being in a room below the sea would make you panic. But it felt like somehow all the noise and chaos around the ship vanished whenever you came down here. Edward only hoped that he was right about this. He motioned for Stede to be quiet, and he quickly began scouring the room. He highly doubted Izzy would listen to him now. So instead of calling out for him. He simply began to search all the small, hidden areas for his first mate. Minutes passed and Edward was prepared to give up when he heard Stede let out a small yelp from across the room.
Edward quickly made his way over to Stede, the other man now kneeling on the floor in a dark corner. Before he could ask what was wrong, Stede quickly turned his head, making a gesturing motion to Edward. He crept his way over to the corner, kneeling next to his boyfriend with a small wince. Knee aching in protest. As his eyes focused on the shadows, he could only stare in confusion at the hunched-over form of his first mate. Shivers wracked his entire body as he hugged his knees tightly to his chest. Izzy’s hair was a mess, a sign that he had run his hands through it too many times. The first mate was looking forward, but it felt as if his gaze was looking through them. His mind somewhere far away from them. There was motion beside him as Stede calmly reached out his hand, brushing his fingers up against Izzy’s arm. Nothing. Edward had experienced things like this himself, periods of time where he felt trapped in his body, unable to move. But seeing it for himself made him understand just why Izzy always seemed so worked up when he came to. It was like looking at a corpse.
“Have you ever seen him like this before?” Stede whispered, fingers now running up and down Izzy’s knee in a comforting motion.
Edward could only shake his head in reply, reaching out his own hand to brush some of Izzy’s hair from his face. This was bad. Really bad. He’d assumed Izzy had just been in some sort of mood, but this was proof that something was really wrong with his first mate.
“Let’s get him to our room dear. I don’t think being in this dingy room is doing him any favours.”
“Yeah… sounds like a plan.” Edward muttered lowly.
-------
Even after being carried through the corridors of the revenge, Izzy did not react. His motion was now reduced to only small occasional blinks. The shivers that had previously wrung through his body now gone. Stede made quick work removing Izzy’s weapons belt and shoes before tucking him under the thick blankets on their bed. Then Ed and Stede sat beside him, sandwiching him in between them in an attempt to bring comfort. All they could do now was wait for Izzy to come back to himself. They were both touching him, Stede gently running his hand through Izzy’s hair while Edward tightly held onto one of his hands. Whether this was to comfort Izzy or themselves neither could be sure. But the silence that stretched through the captain’s quarters was almost suffocating and they would take any bit of reassurance they could get. Nearly an hour had passed before Izzy started to come back to himself. Breath hitching and muscles tightening in an apparent fear. If Edward were to glance to his side, he would see the way Izzy was rapidly blinking his eyes. Trying to force his body to work for him once again. They could both feel the rapid rise and fall of the first mate’s chest and they waited for him to work himself back into his body.
Unfortunately, neither of them prepared for the possibility that Izzy would try to run away once he came back to himself. So, when he tugged free from their grasp and bolted off of the bed, they were both unable to stop him. Edward was quick to follow, throwing himself off the bed just as Izzy stumbled across the blankets which had fallen on the floor in his desperate escape from Stede’s room. The first mate barely made it to the door before Edward was on him. Wrapping his arms tightly around Izzy’s waist stopping him from leaving. Izzy thrashed about in his grasp, elbowing him sharply in the ribs. He winced, sure that that was going to bruise in a few hours, but he refused to loosen his grip.
“Calm down Iz, you’re only doing yourself harm right now.” Edward tried to keep his voice calm, but this only seemed to agitate Izzy more.
“Get the fuck off of me!”
This time Izzy managed to elbow his throat, shocking his lungs empty. His body automatically let go as he stumbled back to cough out in shock. Izzy slipped away from him, backing up until his back was up against the door. His shoulders held high in defence as he glared at both Stede and Edward. Breath coming in short, sharp pants as he kept as far away from them as possible. Edward tried to speak but his lungs still refused to work and he could only cough desperately as he tried to get his muscles to relax. The familiar weight of Stede’s hand appeared on his back as his lover began to run smooth, simple circles across his tight shoulders. And his other was raised in a calming position towards Izzy.
“Why don’t we all just take a moment to relax? Hmm?”
“I don’t need to relax.” Izzy snapped, glaring at Stede as his hand twitched over where his sword should be.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to disagree with you on that my dear. Now why don’t we get back into bed and we can talk about what’s bothering you.”
Izzy’s gaze darkened as he scowled at Stede, tilting his head down in disdain as a frustrated growl slipped out of his throat. Edward was familiar with that expression, but normally he would see it directed at whatever unlucky bastard found themselves in the path of Izzy’s sword. With his breathing now back under control, he stepped forward, blocking Izzy’s path to Stede. He tried to be as subtle as possible as he began to shift towards Izzy. Making sure to keep his body language as neutral as possible. But Izzy only grew tenser the closer Edward got to him.
“What I’m going to do is go upstairs and do my fucking job.”
And with that sentence, Izzy turned around. Unlocking the door before pulling it open. He managed to take one step out into the corridor before Edward grabbed onto his forearm holding him in place.
“Just come talk to us Iz, we’ve been worried.”
“I said no!” Izzy snapped as attempted to tug his arm free, Edward only tightened his grip in response.
“Don’t make me give you an order Israel.” Edward felt as Izzy froze under his touch, his face becoming pale as he stared at his captain with a faraway look. Edward was quick to let go, giving Izzy space as his first mate dragged himself back from somewhere far away from them. He waited for a moment hoping that Izzy would say something. But his first mate only stared at him in silence. “We want to help you, but we can’t help you if you just run away from us.”
“Edward’s right darling. I know these things are difficult for you, but you can trust us with these things.” Stede’s voice was soft as he spoke, a warm smile on his face.
They watched as Izzy glanced back to the door. The need to escape written clearly on his face. His hand kept twitching at his side as if desperate for the comforting weight of a weapon against his side. The first mate shifted the weight of his feet before sighing quietly to himself. He turned around gesturing to the pair of them to get back on the bed, before shutting and locking the door. They reassumed their positions from earlier. Izzy in the centre while Stede and Ed sat on either side. But this time they didn’t touch him, giving Izzy space to breathe as he stared down at his hands folded in his lap. The silence was tense and awkward and it wasn’t all that surprising that Stede was the first person to break it.
“I take it that your behaviour with the crew recently is linked to whatever has got you so upset.”
“I suppose.”
“Do you think you’d be willing to tell us why you’re so upset?” Stede said, voice the perfect epitome of patience.
And still, Izzy looked hesitant, his fingers beginning to drum nervously on his knees as his throat bobbed occasionally. It was clear he wanted to speak. But, Edward supposed, this had never been easy for either of them. Slowly he brought one of his hands down onto Izzy’s knee. Squeezing it gently in encouragement. The frantic motion of his hand stopped after a second before Izzy moved it to wrap on top of Edward’s. His fingers running across the smooth leather of his gloves.
“It’s because today… it’s the day my sister-“ Izzy cut himself off with a frustrated groan, a hand coming up to scrub at his face.
Edward felt his heart sink in his chest as he realised just exactly what Izzy was trying to say. He knew about his sister, but barely. And maybe it should have been one of the first things he thought of. But he’d never seen Izzy like this before, always seen him act strong to fault. Never letting anyone past the miles of walls he had built to protect himself. He knew that conversation had been a slip, a once in a lifetime chance to learn something about the man Izzy was before he became a pirate. Sometimes Edward felt like he barely knew Izzy, the other man always so desperate to keep distance between them while they both tried to stay afloat in the painful relationship they had built with each other over the years.
“Shit Iz, that’s today?”
Izzy nodded slowly in reply, mouth drawn into a tight frown of discontent. Whether that was from his sister’s death or the fact he was stuck between his two captains as he tried his best to be vulnerable was uncertain.
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” Stede said suddenly, voice laced with confusion.
Glancing to his side he waited for Izzy to give him a small nod of permission before he said. “Today’s the day that Iz’s sister died.”
“Oh, my love, no wonder why you’ve been so out of sorts lately.” Stede stretched out his hand in an offering that Izzy was quick to expect. Both of his hands now entwined with his captain’s hands.
Edward frowned to himself as he thought back to all the years he shared with Izzy. While some of his memories were hazy, clouded by low mood and an unhealthy amount of alcohol. He was almost sure he’d never seen Izzy act this way in his life. Even in their vulnerable moments in the past the focus had been on him. And didn’t that make him feel just a bit guilty? He swallowed, glancing away from Izzy before voicing his thoughts. Terrified of what they may reveal to him.
“But Iz, this has never happened before.”
Izzy froze under their touch before pulling away, bringing his legs up until he could comfortably wrap his arms around them. “…it has.”
“What?”
“Look Edward it doesn’t matter-
“What do you mean it’s happened before Izzy?” Edward said, quick to force this conversation to continue. How had he never noticed it? How had he never noticed his own first mate suffering? Sharing a glance with Stede he could tell his boyfriend was equally concerned about Izzy’s rather nonchalant attitude to this whole thing.
“I’ve had these… moments of whatever the fuck you want to call them before. I just worked through them, forced my body to keep moving while my mind was elsewhere. After all, I had a job to do.”
Izzy was now rather pointedly not looking at either of them again. His face was tucked downward as if he could make himself physically smaller. It reminded Edward of all the times he would lie curled up in his shitty bed back on his old boat. Curling in tighter and tighter as if he could make all his responsibilities disappear. Like he could make himself vanish from existence. Izzy had always shown up eventually with a reminder to eat, and drink. Forcing him to stretch out his knee so he didn’t cause further strain to his injury. He hadn’t really understood why Izzy bothered. He’d always been too deep in his mind to see any use of logic or reason. But it was different now. They had changed and shifted over the years. And maybe, Edward could be the one to offer just a simple comfort to Izzy. He leaned his body until it rested completely against Izzy’s. The first mate always seemed to enjoy it when Edward would just lay on top of him, so he hoped this physical reminder of his presence would be enough.
“Darling why didn’t you tell us.”
“Because it doesn’t matter! I’ve handled them on my own in the past I don’t need you two to waste your time dealing with them as well.” Izzy said in frustration as he turned to face Stede.
“My dear we want to help you, you act as if you burden us, but it brings us so much joy whenever you trust us like this.”
Before Izzy could argue with Stede any further, Edward stepped in with his own point. It was maybe a little bit manipulative, but he knew it was a point that Izzy wouldn’t argue against, and that was something they both desperately needed right now.
“How many times have you done this exact same thing for me mate? Was it a burden all those times you had to force me out of my room?”
“Of course not, captain.” Izzy sounded almost offended that Edward suggested such a thing, turning away from Stede to look at him in disbelief.
“Then why would it be a burden for us to look after you for once?”
Izzy was now looking at him fully. Tears had begun to form in his first mate’s eyes and so carefully, he reached up a hand. Cupping Izzy’s cheek he gently rubbed away the budding tears. Izzy leaned into the motion in an almost desperate manner. And Edward felt his heart break further.
“I know we haven’t exactly been the best to each other over the years, but I care about you, Izzy. I want you to be happy, to feel safe.”
“That’s what we both want for you my love, so will you please allow us to offer you some comfort.”
There was a moment of hesitation before Izzy nodded into Edward’s hand. A small singular tear slipping free from his eye. It took a bit of rearranging before they were all comfortable. With Izzy squashed between both Edward and Stede as they lay together in bed. The pair of them practically smothering him in affection as Izzy shared what little stories he could remember of his sister. When the crew came to ask why no one had come up to the deck, Stede had been quick to put Oluwande in charge for the day. Dismissing any questions they had before sneaking back into bed with Izzy. Edward was sure that if Izzy had more energy, he would have protested this. But the first mate seemed practically dazed by the amount of affection they threw onto him in the span of half an hour. Brown eyes began to flutter closed as Edward ran his fingers through the short locks of Izzy’s hair. He knew this wouldn’t last for long. That when Izzy awoke tomorrow, he would return to his more stern and calm nature. So, Edward made sure to hold onto this strange day with all his might. As both Stede and Ed tried to prove to Izzy that he was loved.