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Izzy’s never been one for grand gestures or long letters filled with meaningful words. He’s never seen the need, then he met Stede Bonnet with his presents and kind words that Izzy didn’t know what to do with.
It’s not that he didn’t appreciate them, he’s just not used to it. He’s always been a practical man only buying what he needs, but Stede insists on giving him all these lovely gifts, including a brand new watch when he already had one in perfect working order. Not even just for birthdays and christmases either, Stede didn’t need an occasion to shower his boyfriend with gifts.
Izzy still remembers the way Stede’s face had fallen when he told him he didn’t need all these gifts, as if he’d just said he doesn’t need him. Which definitely was not the case, Izzy couldn’t see a life without Stede now, didn’t want to imagine one.
He knew the man found it hard, but Stede had adapted, he hadn’t stopped buying Izzy things entirely but they were often smaller things like his favourite chocolates or a new book. Although he did occasionally still splash out on the more extravagant of gifts on special occasions. But Izzy couldn’t fault him for that, and he always appreciated the thoughtfulness behind each one.
Izzy always worried that he wasn’t giving enough back, he’d always found it hard to show his affection. What he is good at is acts of service. He’d make Stede coffee in the morning, would water the plants that Stede had insisted on buying but somehow forgot to actually water time and time again.
But was that enough? He knew Stede likes words of affirmation, the reassurance that Izzy does actually like him. He gets it, words can be warm and reassuring, offering a safety in the knowledge of why someone wants to be with you. So he’s been trying - little notes with Stede’s morning coffee to tell him how appreciated he is, texts during his lunch breaks at work. And it’s nice to know that those words can bring his boyfriend some comfort in their relationship.
Izzy sits in his armchair with a sigh, gently rubbing his temple. He happily takes the offered cup of coffee from Stede, it’s been a long day so he appreciates that he didn’t have to make it himself. It’s the little things that mean the most.
“Thanks I appreciate it, you always know what I need.” Izzy says before taking the first sip.
“You don’t have to do that, you know.”
“What?”
“Say all those things just because you feel like you have to.”
Izzy brow furrows in confusion, did Stede really think he said these things just out of a sense of obligation. Yes maybe he did have to put some thought into it, it was never something completely natural, but he always meant every word.
“I want to. I know I struggle with words sometimes but I mean it all. I really do love and appreciate you Stede, I need you to know that.”
Stede’s eyes go cloudy with emotion, “Thank you, Israel. Your words, they mean so much to me.”
Izzy feels his heart clenching, that’s all he wants, for Stede to understand how deeply he loves him.