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@avastyetwats
"It's about belonging to something when the world has told you you're nothin'.
It's about finding the family to kill for when yours are long dead.
It's about letting go of ego for something larger...
The crew."
Independent dual rp blog for Stede Bonnet and Izzy Hands from HBO Max's Our Flag Means Death. ( Rules | Verses | Memes)
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“Izzy, is there any place in particular you’ve always wanted to visit?”
Izzy looked out the window of the little tea house they sat it, thinking of the question. He could see the busy harbor in the window, and he instantly knew where he wanted to go. “ India. “ He smiled softly.
“ Nassau is such a busy port. You see all sorts of things in the markets here. Beautiful silks, fabrics dyed with rich indigo from India. We see them a lot in the brothel. Delicious smelling spices, flavors that you’d never get in England too.. “ He looked back to him with a smile. “ Definitely India. What about you? “
@avastyetwats
India. Stede didn't expect that answer, but that's why he asked in the first place. Most easily answered with Italy or France, but Izzy... his sweet, special, beautiful Izzy wanted to visit India. Not even Stede had been here. His explanation made Stede smile, gazing at him with a look of adoration and love in his eyes, his chin resting on his palm. "Mm," he hummed in response, listening to his every word. He did love that Izzy appreciated the beauty in life, whether nature or material things. He deserved to see it all and Stede... gods, he wanted to be the one that made his dream a reality. "I do hear it's quite beautiful there. I've never been myself." He said, taking a sip of his warm blueberry muffin tea. "Well, I was going to say Iceland, but you've changed my mind to India." He giggled, winking at him. "Suppose we have our first trip planned then, hm? Once you're out of that hell for good, I would love to take you to India, Izzy." His smile widens. "Will you let me?" @izzyeffinhands
Izzy would love to go to France and Italy as well, but the view of the markets at the dock simply had him daydreaming about it. “ I’m guessing it’s colorful. “ He smiled warmly. A bright, festive country filled with darker skinned people and an interesting religion. It sounded like fun.
Izzy laughed and gave him his full attention. “ Iceland. Hmm.. that’s a choice. You wouldn’t last five minutes in the cold. “ When it got really chilly some nights he’d always grumble a little. But he was completely taken aback by the offer of it being their first trip. He couldn’t imagine how long the journey would be, and the cost, but Bonnet was rich he knew. Still, his face flushed, eyes averting. “ Yeah.. “ He said softly, then met his eyes, looking up through his lashes. “ I would.” He stirred the spoon in his tea thoughtfully.
Stede kept his eyes on Izzy as he daydreamed about once day seeing India. It was a look that made Stede feel both sad and excited. It saddened him because Izzy was just so... trapped here. He couldn't go anywhere, he hadn't been anywhere, but that's also what made Stede so excited about it. Because he would be the one to make it happen for him. He would be the one that freed Izzy from this place and that made his daydreams come true. Perhaps he was getting ahead of himself sometimes because it still needed to happen, but Stede was working on it. He vowed to take Izzy from here, to free him from the hell he was trapped in no matter what.
When he made that comment about him not lasting in the cold, Stede huffed. "What? I'd last far more than five minutes!" He defended, though he knew Izzy was right. He got cold rather easily, but to be fair, he grew up somewhere that was warm most of the year and didn't get very cold in the winter months. Not to mention being a lover of the sea. However, since meeting Izzy, he liked the cold a little bit more because it meant extra cuddles. He lit up, then, when Izzy agreed to go with him. "Wonderful! When I take you away for the weekend, we shall plan it more, hm?" Gods, he couldn't wait to steal him away for the whole weekend. And then after? Stede would take him away for good.
Izzy watched as a beautiful bright yellow butterfly landed in Stede’s yellow hair as they walked along the trail. Well, Stede walked easily but Izzy did his best with his wooden leg, always appreciative that his husband would slow down if he forgot far ahead.
But for now, he laughed softly, suddenly interrupting his husband, gently picking up the pretty thing on his finger. It didn’t even flinch, wings spreading open slowly and relaxing as if his finger was the safest place in the world. “ Look. “ He’d said, just before he plucked her up, then continued when Stede turned about. “ It’s you as a butterfly. You’re a lot like them, you know. Transformative. “ Oh Izzy, you sly dog. Even at this old age you still could swing such poetry.
Stede was going on and on about all the things he found fascinating during their walk. From the smallest of rocks on the ground to the tallest of trees, he never ran out of things to be in awe over. Though, some of what he pointed out, he simply shared interesting facts about. Well, things he found to be interesting, but would probably be dull to others. But he loved learning and discovering new things, thus why he loved their walks so much, even if it was somewhere they've already walked, there was always something new to discover.
And even if it wasn't new, it didn't stop Stede from sharing the same 'interesting' fact he's shared before. The best part? Izzy never seemed annoyed or bored and that meant a lot to the Captain. He let Stede go on and on and always seemed to have a smile on his face, or maybe he was just happy in general, and that, too, meant a lot to the Captain. His happiness.
But then when he pointed something out in his hair, Stede froze. "Oh, god, what is it!? Is it a bee!? Please don't let it be a bee!" He whined, trying to resist the urge to flail, but he was confident Izzy would get whatever was in there. He'd rescue him from certain death as he always did.
But thankfully, it wasn't a bee. It was, in fact, a butterfly! His eyes lit up as he turned to look at the insect, in awe of how beautiful it was. And then he blushed when Izzy compared him to said bug, calling him transformative which sounded like a compliment. Because he was smiling when saying it. "Aww, Izzy..." He smiled. "Is it because I was once an annoying pest and now I'm something beautiful and majestic?" He asked, probably completely off the mark, or maybe he had the gist. "Go on..."
Continued from here. @izzyeffinhands
Though Stede wasn't looking in their direction, he could still hear their words. They probably wanted him to hear them considering how close they were and how obvious they were when talking about it. Dd it hurt? A little bit, but since becoming a pirate, since learning from the greatest, Stede Bonnet has grown that they call thick skin. Words hurt less when you've heard them enough times and already knew them to be true, but in this case, it wasn't even that.
It was that Stede knew had learned not to care what other people thought or said about him, especially when it wasn't true.
Izzy was the one that helped him with that. Told him not to worry what other people thought of him, that they were just stupid twats and could fuck off, so... Stede picked up his way of thinking. Anytime someone said something cruel about it, he'd think them a stupid twat and tell them to fuck off. He started to feel less bothered about what people said and thought because what mattered most to him was his family.
Izzy and their crew. He knew the truth and so did they. Hell, even the Captain Flint and Captain Vane knew the truth! They were there! Yet somehow these stupid twats didn't believe it to be true.
However, when they started questioning how Izzy could fall for someone like him and how he should've stuck with Blackbeard, that did hurt. More than the insults about him. But it also made him angry. He wanted to say something, but he didn't want to cause a scene... he'd done that enough times in Spanish Jackie's tavern, so he bit his tongue, he held himself back...
But Izzy, however, did not.
He was quick to his feet when the scuffle began... and ended all at the same time. Because of course it did. They were going up against the Izzy Hands, after all. It was both heartwarming and arousing all at the same time watching Izzy stand up for him like this and he couldn't take his eyes off of him. Izzy was so incredibly protective over him -- possessive, too, and gods Stede loved it. No one had ever cared this much about him in his entire life and he was half tempted to mount him right here and now, but again, he held himself back. Somehow.
It made his heart swell with love and appreciation for him and he stood there beaming, his chest puffed out. "Yeah! Say another word about me." Stede finally spoke up. "No, really, you should. Please. I love when he gets like this." He smiled, moving to Izzy and placing his hand on his arm. "And if you have something to say about him, you answer to me! I may be an idiot, but I'm his idiot." He huffed. "And he's mine." Not the idiot part, but the being his. Sometimes he just shouldn't talk.
The man under Izzy's boot tried to shake his head but all he could do was tap the floor in hopes Izzy would let up. The other two backed away, one bleeding from his face from where Izzy broke the glass on it. His face looked almost as broken.
"I am Captain Stede Bonnet." Stede loudly proclaimed. "And this is my co-captain, and darling, wonderful, handsome and very well endowed husband, Israel "Izzy" Hands! We are not to be trifled with! So don't even think about trifling us!" He may have come a long way as a pirate and man, but... not necessarily as an intimidating one. "Now, you stupid twats," as Izzy would say. "Fook off!"
Izzy couldn’t help but shoot a grin at Stede’s commentary about how he loved to see him be so protective. He was very protective of Stede. Too many people for too long, including his former self had bullied this man. No longer. Only Izzy got to bully him and it was always in the most playful of ways.
“ You are my idiot. “ He’d leaned over to get a smooch before continuing pressure on the man’s neck before him. Jackie would forgive a fight like this, because she knew exactly what Stede had done, and she knew exactly how protective Izzy was. Plus fights brought her good business.
He was terribly amused by his trifling line, a very Stede thing to say, and his own imitation of himself made him softly snicker. Stede had said exactly what needed to be said. He pulled his leg off the man’s neck and spat on him in disgust. “ Fookin’ pathetic excuse for a pirate. Get out of my sight. “
The man rolled out of the way once his neck was freed gasping for air, holding a hand to his throat. He managed to get out a few raspy words. “ Yes, Mr. Hands.. “ He coughed more, but then felt a strong boot to his back, kicking him forward onto the floor again. It was Izzy’s boot.
“ That’s Captain Hands to you. “ The man nodded, uttered a swift Captain Hands and stumbled to leave the bar. Izzy sighed softly in annoyance, then slipped an arm around Stede’s waist, his face of rage calming. “ Sorry about that, love. Guess we should order two more drinks. “
Stede happily returned the kiss that was offered, even whilst his husband continued to apply pressure to the man’s neck with his foot. Oh, it was so romantic! And arousing. Incredibly so. He kissed him again, ignoring the struggling sounds of the man beneath them, not realizing that Stede was stepping on his hand, but only after the kiss did he notice, quickly removing his foot. “Oops.” He muttered with an apologetic smile, but then his eyes widened when he watched Izzy spit on the man.
Oh… oh, gods.
Stede swallowed, trying his hardest to redirect the blood flow that was quickly heading south. But the spitting made that near impossible now, wishing he’d been on the receiving end. Whether with praise or degradation. Stede enjoyed both.
However, his thoughts were interrupted when the man called Izzy “Mr” and no. No, that wasn’t right.
Practically at the same time as Izzy, Stede, too, kicked the man in the back. “That is Captain Hands!” Stede corrected before looking at Izzy with a smile, the two of them having done and said the same thing at the same time. He giggled and practically pounced him with a kiss when he apologized, kissing his lips and then all over his face, his arousal evident in the way it rubbed against Izzy’s leg.
“Alright, enough there you two! Fighting in my tavern? Good for business, but fuckin’? Naw, I draw the line there!” Jackie’s voice boomed through the tavern. “And I know you two.” They would absolutely fuck in here and that? That wasn’t good for business.
Stede was blushing now as he - with great difficulty - pulled himself off of Izzy. But how on earth was he supposed to just sit and drink after that? Clearing his throat, Stede lowered his voice and looked at Izzy, his eyes dilated with arousal. With need. “Could you… spit on me next, Izzy?”
Continued from here. @izzyeffinhands
Though Stede wasn't looking in their direction, he could still hear their words. They probably wanted him to hear them considering how close they were and how obvious they were when talking about it. Dd it hurt? A little bit, but since becoming a pirate, since learning from the greatest, Stede Bonnet has grown that they call thick skin. Words hurt less when you've heard them enough times and already knew them to be true, but in this case, it wasn't even that.
It was that Stede knew had learned not to care what other people thought or said about him, especially when it wasn't true.
Izzy was the one that helped him with that. Told him not to worry what other people thought of him, that they were just stupid twats and could fuck off, so... Stede picked up his way of thinking. Anytime someone said something cruel about it, he'd think them a stupid twat and tell them to fuck off. He started to feel less bothered about what people said and thought because what mattered most to him was his family.
Izzy and their crew. He knew the truth and so did they. Hell, even the Captain Flint and Captain Vane knew the truth! They were there! Yet somehow these stupid twats didn't believe it to be true.
However, when they started questioning how Izzy could fall for someone like him and how he should've stuck with Blackbeard, that did hurt. More than the insults about him. But it also made him angry. He wanted to say something, but he didn't want to cause a scene... he'd done that enough times in Spanish Jackie's tavern, so he bit his tongue, he held himself back...
But Izzy, however, did not.
He was quick to his feet when the scuffle began... and ended all at the same time. Because of course it did. They were going up against the Izzy Hands, after all. It was both heartwarming and arousing all at the same time watching Izzy stand up for him like this and he couldn't take his eyes off of him. Izzy was so incredibly protective over him -- possessive, too, and gods Stede loved it. No one had ever cared this much about him in his entire life and he was half tempted to mount him right here and now, but again, he held himself back. Somehow.
It made his heart swell with love and appreciation for him and he stood there beaming, his chest puffed out. "Yeah! Say another word about me." Stede finally spoke up. "No, really, you should. Please. I love when he gets like this." He smiled, moving to Izzy and placing his hand on his arm. "And if you have something to say about him, you answer to me! I may be an idiot, but I'm his idiot." He huffed. "And he's mine." Not the idiot part, but the being his. Sometimes he just shouldn't talk.
The man under Izzy's boot tried to shake his head but all he could do was tap the floor in hopes Izzy would let up. The other two backed away, one bleeding from his face from where Izzy broke the glass on it. His face looked almost as broken.
"I am Captain Stede Bonnet." Stede loudly proclaimed. "And this is my co-captain, and darling, wonderful, handsome and very well endowed husband, Israel "Izzy" Hands! We are not to be trifled with! So don't even think about trifling us!" He may have come a long way as a pirate and man, but... not necessarily as an intimidating one. "Now, you stupid twats," as Izzy would say. "Fook off!"
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“Would you still love me if I was a frog?” - From Izzy
“Heeeey, isn’t it my job to ask those questions?” Stede whined, then paused. Thinking. “…Would you still have a big, hairy chest?” His eyes fell to his chest before nodding. “But yes! I’d love you no matter what you, or we, were. I’m quite positive that we’d find each other in any and every lifetime.” He beamed. “Whether humans, animals, insects or even plants!” @izzyeffinhands
Izzy laughed at the question. A frog with a big hairy chest would certainly be something to see. The hesitation had been hysterical, but Stede affirmed what he knew. The man would love him no matter what he was.
“ Even if I was a bee? With my hairy yellow and black body and thick stinger? “ He smirked, knowing Stede was allergic and didn’t like bees at all.
Stede swallowed. "A... a bee?" He went a little pale in the face, just the thought of being near a bee made him nervous. But for good reason. He was deathly allergic. First time he'd been stung, he almost died, yet his father was angry at him for it. He asked why he'd been given such a weak and sensitive son. Even though it wasn't his fault. It wasn't as though he asked to be allergic.
But for Izzy...
He nodded, albeit a little uneasily. "I think you would look quite handsome as a bee, and... well... I'd take medicine to make sure I've no near death reactions..." That showed just how much Stede loved him. "But I know you wouldn't hurt me, so yes," he nodded, then smiled warmly. "I would love you even if you were a bee."
“Would you still love me if I was a frog?” - From Izzy
“Heeeey, isn’t it my job to ask those questions?” Stede whined, then paused. Thinking. “…Would you still have a big, hairy chest?” His eyes fell to his chest before nodding. “But yes! I’d love you no matter what you, or we, were. I’m quite positive that we’d find each other in any and every lifetime.” He beamed. “Whether humans, animals, insects or even plants!” @izzyeffinhands
“ Look, Flint! “ Charles points to the tv screen on their daughter’s farm in the Fae Farm video game. “ We named the cow thing with horns after you since you’re so bull headed. “ Be grinned a shit eating grin.
”Hm?” Flint looked up from the mess of Legos spread out all over the floor in front of him and JJ. He watched the screen for a moment, curious, but then turned to glare at Charles when he told him the name of the cow and why. Charlotte erupted into a fit of giggles, leaning against her father.
“Daddy?” JJ tapped his shoulder. “What does bullheaded mean?” He looked at him with innocent and curious eyes.
Flint tore his gaze away from Charles and looked at their son, his eyes softening. “Uh, it means I have a strong head.” He quickly lied, tapping the top of his head. “It’s tough. See?” He knocked his knuckles against it, then leaned down so JJ could do it.
“Oh.” He giggled, knocking his dad’s head. “Daddy, so I have a strong head, too? Am I bullheaded?”
Flint snorted out a chuckle. “Hm, why don’t we ask your father.” He then looked at his husband with a smirk. @fornassau
"Uh, Israel, darling.." Stede calls, sounding half concerned, half curious. "I've a hypothetical question." He clears a throat. "Say there appeared to be a... storm brewing in the distance, in the direction we happen to be sailing, what, um," he rocks back and forth on his feet. "What is the best course of action?"
Stede was supposed to be on watch. Izzy had been in the cabin, giving his leg a bit of rest. He was trying to do better at taking care of himself, as Stede insisted that he do. After all this time, the crew had become more capable under Izzy’s stern, but guiding hand. Now this lot could hold their own in a ship battle, and Izzy was highly impressed and proud of that fact.
“ Hm? “ He was reading when he heard Stede’s voice call through the open door. Yet as he continued and spoke of a storm, his eyes went wide as saucers, the book tossed aside on the chair. He made his way out with that unicorn leg of his and met his husband, staring out toward the dark horizon. His eyes widened more. He took Stede’s scope to get a better look at it. Fuck.
“ BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!! “ He quickly shouted, and the crew seemed to now take notice of the approaching storm. “ Fuuuck, it’s gonna be a rough one. “ He frowned, lowering the scope, passing it back to him. “ How long’ve we been sailing east? Bloody hell, we can’t avoid it. “ His voice oozed with worry, but he kept a steady face as not to frighten Stede. “ The boys need to secure the ship, put the tarp over the opening in the hold. “ Batten down the hatches, he at least explained just in case. “ We need plenty of rigging at the ready, Might have to bare pole this one. “
@avastyetwats
Stede waited for Izzy’s answer to his question and only then would be tell them that the hypothetical storm was… well, not so hypothetical. But it seemed as though Izzy caught on. Not surprising, really, given how smart of a man he was. But without a word, Izzy was on his feet and hurrying outside. Stede blinked, then quickly turned. “Right! I should probably follow, then.” He muttered to himself as he did just that, quickly following Izzy down the hall and up the steps that lead onto the deck where the wind had already picked up and the sky had darkened. He watched as Izzy looked through his scope and Stede cleared his throat. “Right, yes, by the way, we’re approaching a storm.” Captain Obvious pointed out, but at least he said something, right? He did good! …right?
He flinched when Izzy barked out the order and Stede’s eyes went wide. Seemed this was the answer to his earlier question and it certainly seemed urgent. He swallowed as he took his scope back and took a look for himself. He jumped when a bright flash of lightning lit up the sky in the distance, and the scope. “We can’t just turn around? Or maybe… stop here? Maybe it’ll pass us by.” Wishful thinking and probably a dumb idea but… he’s never sailed through a storm before. Izzy, no doubt, has. “No sails?” Stede asked, remembering what the term bare pole meant, thanks to Izzy’s teachings. He swallowed. “Is it even safe for us to be up here, Izzy?” He frowned, looking around and then up when the rain started. “I don’t want anyone harmed.” Then he looked at Izzy. Really looked him in the eyes.
He trusted him. If there was anyone that could get them through this storm, alive and unharmed, it was his Izzy. Their Izzy. This was serious and they needed to do everything he commanded.
“Order Captains!?” Archie called and Stede took a deep breath.
“Do as he says! Lucius, Pete, Wee John, Olu, get the tarp over the hold!” He repeated then flinched again when a loud clap of thunder echoed around them. “It’s going to be rough, isn’t it?”
When the lightning flashed and thunder struck, Izzy stood still and strong, but out a comforting hand on his husband’s shoulder in an effort to calm him down and steady his nerves. He knew well that his energy often flowed through and affected Stede. Izzy was very concerned about this storm, but any outright fear he might’ve had he buried down for his sake and instead tried to give confidence.
“ She’s moving too fast love. Look how far it’s stretched on the horizon. “ He gestured at the storm clouds that seemed to cover a vast area. “ There’s nowhere for us to run. We can’t outrun her, and staying put will be worse. We’ve gotta sail through. “ Stede questioned about being safe, sounding worried and rightfully frightened about the crew, and for now those questions were tabled as they stared into each orher’s eyes. Stede’s searched for something, and of course Izzy gave it; his confidence, his love, his trust.
He watched the boys scatter. “ Rigging lads!! I want extra lines tied on! May ‘ave to bare pole this one, won’t know til we’re in it!! “ The co captain shouted another order, then looked full on at Stede, placing his hands firmly on his shoulders and looking deep into his eyes. “ It’s not a hurricane, but yes, it’s going to be rough. “
He squeezed his shoulders. “ I’ll need to take the helm if we’re to get through this. I want you on top deck with me, all right? I don’t want you going overboard in a storm. “ He said protectively, kissing his forehead. Stede was capable of a lot more than he ever had been, but in this approaching storm he didn’t want to risk it. The crew could manage it, but Stede he needed to pass down his orders over the roar of the rain. “ It’s gonna be fine, love. Haven’t lost a man yet to a gale and I don’t plan to start now. “
It was wishful thinking, Stede knew, to either outrun the storm or hope it passed by them, but it was admittedly a little frightening. He'd never been in a storm while on sea, but he heard stories. Including of the time Edward took them through one and nearly got all of them killed while laughing like a madman. He didn't want the crew to relive that night, not that their current Captain was anything like Edward, but still... he didn't want anyone hurt, but with Izzy taking charge, Stede was sure they'd all make it through this alive.
He nodded to everything Izzy was telling him and would be right by his side, but he didn't want to be useless. He didn't want to just stand by and be protected while the crew worked tirelessly to make sure they all survived this. He'd never done anything like this, but he wouldn't just sit back and do nothing. That wasn't who he was. He wouldn't cower or watch. He'd help. He was a better Captain than he used to be and he's sure he's proven that much... right? "I can help, Izzy." He promised, the rain pelting their bodies, now drenched as they stood there on deck staring at one another, lightning and thunder striking all around them. "Just tell me what to do. I can do it."
Izzy just didn’t want him to get hurt or worse, swept overboard and lost in the storm. His lover was prone to happy accidents but in this storm it would lead to tragedy. He could be such a protective mother hen sometimes, but after everything Ed put them through, he couldn’t imagine his life without this funny little man.
The rain had started to pour, and Izzy saw the confidence in his eyes just then. Every parent had to let go, and every lover had to trust their spouse would do the right thing. Lightning flashed, and he steadied his worried gaze into an assured one, nodding firmly.
Still grasping into his shoulders, he walked, hobbled in the rain on his leg closer to the mast, and shouted over the breaking storm. He pointed to the main line, the rope attached to the mast. “ See that? Whatever you do, don’t lose a grip on the main line! If I say drop the sails, you give her slack. Raise? Tighten her up. You got it? “ He squeezed his shoulder firmly, jumping slightly when a very loud crack of thunder hit.
In the rain he suddenly reached forward and snatched onto his hip, crushing his lips to his in a quick but powerful kiss, obviously meant to be a good luck kiss and goodbye at the same time, just in case anything happened to them. “ Don’t lose the line. “ Said with every bit of vigor as I love you, as he made his way to the upper deck, to take the helm from Frenchie.
“ ALL RIGHT, BOYS! S’GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE! “
Stede let Izzy guide him to the exact spot he needed and wanted him to be, flinching when the rain started to pelt him in the face, becoming more aggressive as the storm grew closer and closer. The wind was strengthening, too, and he wondered if it would truly be strong enough to blow him, or any one of them, away. He certainly hoped not, but mother nature was indeed quite powerful and was not to ever be underestimated. He's heard stories of storms destroying ships, with nothing, and no one, left to be found and... he shuddered at the thought.
But that wouldn't be them. No. Not with Izzy leading them. They'd make it through this. He was quite certain of that.
He grabbed onto the rope as Izzy instructed him to do and nodded, though when he kissed him as hard and as passionately as he did just then, he nearly let it go. It had been unexpected and almost knocked him off balance, but it also left a sad feeling in his heart. He refused to accept it as a goodbye kiss and before Izzy could walk away, he grabbed his hand, yanked him back and kissed him just as hard as the last, this time with a bit more tongue and moaning "You'll get far more than just that once we're through the storm." He promised, letting him go and slapping his ass before allowing him walk away this time. When he yelled out those words, Stede saluted him. "AYE AYE CAPTAIN!" He yelled, expecting the others to have done the same but his was the only voice yelling over the storm... and he, too, was a Captain. But it felt right in that moment.
With a deep breath, Stede braced himself for what was to happen next.
”Christ, Charles. What the fuck did you do to your knee?”
“ Well, James, I just got so excited to suck your fucking cock and I rushed to my knees so quick — I fucking fell, you idiot!! What the fuck’s it look like?! “ Charles shouted angrily as he sat on the ground, his knee dripping with blood, letting out the softest of whines now that the frustration and anger at his own stupidity got out, albeit at Flint. “ Owww.. “
@avastyetwats
Flint shot him a glare at his not-so-polite answer. "Excuse the fuck out of me for asking, Charles." He shot back, his own anger flaring. "Wouldn't surprise me considering how often you're on your knees for me." He couldn't help himself with that one. Charles deserved it after the way he responded to him. Asshole. After a moment, both men seemed to calm down. "Sit there." He gestured to the seat before leaving to fetch a washcloth and a bowl of water. "How'd you fall, Charles? You're not exactly clumsy." He said as he returned with the materials in hand, waiting for Charles to get comfortable.
Charles couldn’t help but be snippy, just because he was in a lot of pain. He could take the worst punches, a shot to the gut, a stabbing even, but a scraped knee burned like fire. Blood was dripping down his leg as he’d really done a number on it, having fallen out front of their home.
However, he did laugh a little at the comeback, and that helped calm him down. He watched him walk away and when he came back, he managed to get himself to his feet and drag himself to the nearest chair off their porch.
“ That big gale last night blew debris everywhere. “ He’d wince and hiss as soon as James touched the bleeding wound. “ Was cleaning up the branches. Piece of it must’ve broken off one, I didn’t see the fucker and I fell — fuck.. “ In their time men could die from wounds like this from infection alone. “ Twisted my other foot up too. “ He frowned, looking down, practically ashamed something so stupid could’ve happened to him. “ I’m a fuckin’ idiot. “
"Keep still." Flint demanded when he hissed and flinched, gently grabbing the back of his leg with one hand while the other cupped water and poured it onto the wound to help wash the blood off. "You didn't see the large branch in front of you?" He asked, quirking a brow. "Charles Vane, one of the most fearsome and strongest pirates in all the seas. Survivor of even the most deadliest of storms whilst on the sea and victor of some hundreds of fights... taken out by a tree branch." He couldn't help but tease him, chuckling. He scoffed when Charles hung his head in shame, now wiping the wound itself. "You're not an idiot, Charles. Shit happens. At least you've never cut yourself on your own blade. There are many that have done that." He reminded him, a certain blond Captain they knew one of them. "The gale was no joke. I saw the damage, all the debris. At least it was only this and nothing more."
” It hurts. “ Charles hissed softly with a pout, but he tried his best to stay still. Flint knew how dangerous open wounds could be, and both men had plenty of them in the past. But then he rolled his eyes when he talked about the tree branch and teased him. He was trying to distract him, he knew, and it was working.
“ I didn’t trip over a branch, James. “ He huffed with a pout. “ One of the nodules, the joint of the branch had broken off, was small enough that I didn’t see it and — timberrrr.. “ He growled sexily with his voice without even trying on the last word, wincing as he continued to clean the blood off. He nodded about the storm, and pointed to a huge branch that was now a good ways from the home. “ See that? We got lucky. Damn thing nearly went through the window. “
"Does it? I couldn't tell." He retorted with a roll of his eyes. He wasn't trying to dismiss Charles's pain. He'd never do that, but he was simply trying to distract him. To keep him on focused on something other than his painful wound. Whether it was laughing or being annoyed, as long as it allowed Flint to clean Charles's wound as quickly as possible, that's all that mattered. Though, when he growled out that word, Flint paused and gave him a look. "Don't do that..." He muttered in warning, clearing his throat as he returned to the wound. "Now's not the time for that." He really didn't needed to be aroused right now. So he went back to cleaning it, at first gentle, but then he started to apply a little bit more pressure. He needed it clean, after all.
He then looked when Charles pointed out the window, nodding. "We did. And hopefully we'll be lucky tonight. Another storm on the horizon heading in our direction." He then looked up at him. "Try not to hurt yourself tomorrow, too, hm?"
Charles scoffed at his words. “ You’re so damn stubborn you’d try to walk this off and act like it didn’t hurt. “ He smirked softly. “ That, or just scream fuck over and over. “
“ What do you mea—FUCK FUCK!!! “ Charles cursed and shouted as he got a bit more intense with his wound cleaning, which was a good thing, but didn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell. “ Christ, Flint I think you’re enjoying this!! “ Again, without realizing, he was using his grumbly voice to growl sexily.
"Yeah, and your point?" Flint asked with a grin, not denying that he'd do one of those two things. Or even both. He'd scream fuck over and over and then walk off after getting it out. Though he could argue he would've been more careful, just to piss Charles off, but he decided against it. For now. Though when he screamed, Flint's grin grew a little wider. "Now you're sounding like me. Isn't that what you said I'd do?" He asked, knowing he was being a little shit, but it was distracting him, at least, wasn't it? He laughed. "Maybe a little. But you can't deny that you wouldn't feel the same way if it were reversed," he chuckled, rinsing it once more before applying the salve and once finished, he pulled back. "There." He grunted, standing. "Try to avoid anymore fallen trees, hm?"
Charles glared angrily when he said he sounded like him, knowing damn well he did, but fuck, it stung!! “ I swear you’re not even being gentle. “ He grumbled unpleasantly, wincing again as Flint continued to take care of the painful wound. It was only when it was applied did some of the pain go away, but thankfully he had a bit of mota and opium inside, which he damn sure planned on taking. “ Maybe. “ He cast him a devilish smirk as James rose to tower above him, and this of course was a nice distraction as well, since his pirate partner cut such a handsome figure. But he remained on the ground still, looking up with a pout. “ You’ve gotta kiss to make it better to. It won’t heal if you don’t. “ Obviously the imp wanted a kiss on the lips, keeping his pathetic pout and widening his eyes like a sad child.
"You can't always be gentle with a wound, Charles. Not if you want it appropriately cleaned." And he knew that, Flint was sure. Sometimes to effectively clean and disinfect a wound, a little bit of roughness was needed, but maybe some of this was Flint being a little shit. It's just how he was sometimes. And Charles, too. He certainly wasn't innocent. But at least the pain seemed to have subsided now thanks to the ointment he applied to the wound. And yet...
Flint rolled his eyes at Charles's pout. "It won't? Huh. That defeats of the purpose of the ointment then, doesn't it? Perhaps I should wipe it off." He threatened, though obviously an empty one. "Fine. If you insist." But instead of kissing him, he lowered himself to the ground and pressed a gentle kiss just next to his wound. After all, he did say to kiss "it". Not him, not his lips. So then he pulled back and grinned up at him. "There. Better?"
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me???? obsessed???? with you????? yes!!!
”Christ, Charles. What the fuck did you do to your knee?”
“ Well, James, I just got so excited to suck your fucking cock and I rushed to my knees so quick — I fucking fell, you idiot!! What the fuck’s it look like?! “ Charles shouted angrily as he sat on the ground, his knee dripping with blood, letting out the softest of whines now that the frustration and anger at his own stupidity got out, albeit at Flint. “ Owww.. “
@avastyetwats
Flint shot him a glare at his not-so-polite answer. "Excuse the fuck out of me for asking, Charles." He shot back, his own anger flaring. "Wouldn't surprise me considering how often you're on your knees for me." He couldn't help himself with that one. Charles deserved it after the way he responded to him. Asshole. After a moment, both men seemed to calm down. "Sit there." He gestured to the seat before leaving to fetch a washcloth and a bowl of water. "How'd you fall, Charles? You're not exactly clumsy." He said as he returned with the materials in hand, waiting for Charles to get comfortable.
Charles couldn’t help but be snippy, just because he was in a lot of pain. He could take the worst punches, a shot to the gut, a stabbing even, but a scraped knee burned like fire. Blood was dripping down his leg as he’d really done a number on it, having fallen out front of their home.
However, he did laugh a little at the comeback, and that helped calm him down. He watched him walk away and when he came back, he managed to get himself to his feet and drag himself to the nearest chair off their porch.
“ That big gale last night blew debris everywhere. “ He’d wince and hiss as soon as James touched the bleeding wound. “ Was cleaning up the branches. Piece of it must’ve broken off one, I didn’t see the fucker and I fell — fuck.. “ In their time men could die from wounds like this from infection alone. “ Twisted my other foot up too. “ He frowned, looking down, practically ashamed something so stupid could’ve happened to him. “ I’m a fuckin’ idiot. “
"Keep still." Flint demanded when he hissed and flinched, gently grabbing the back of his leg with one hand while the other cupped water and poured it onto the wound to help wash the blood off. "You didn't see the large branch in front of you?" He asked, quirking a brow. "Charles Vane, one of the most fearsome and strongest pirates in all the seas. Survivor of even the most deadliest of storms whilst on the sea and victor of some hundreds of fights... taken out by a tree branch." He couldn't help but tease him, chuckling. He scoffed when Charles hung his head in shame, now wiping the wound itself. "You're not an idiot, Charles. Shit happens. At least you've never cut yourself on your own blade. There are many that have done that." He reminded him, a certain blond Captain they knew one of them. "The gale was no joke. I saw the damage, all the debris. At least it was only this and nothing more."
” It hurts. “ Charles hissed softly with a pout, but he tried his best to stay still. Flint knew how dangerous open wounds could be, and both men had plenty of them in the past. But then he rolled his eyes when he talked about the tree branch and teased him. He was trying to distract him, he knew, and it was working.
“ I didn’t trip over a branch, James. “ He huffed with a pout. “ One of the nodules, the joint of the branch had broken off, was small enough that I didn’t see it and — timberrrr.. “ He growled sexily with his voice without even trying on the last word, wincing as he continued to clean the blood off. He nodded about the storm, and pointed to a huge branch that was now a good ways from the home. “ See that? We got lucky. Damn thing nearly went through the window. “
"Does it? I couldn't tell." He retorted with a roll of his eyes. He wasn't trying to dismiss Charles's pain. He'd never do that, but he was simply trying to distract him. To keep him on focused on something other than his painful wound. Whether it was laughing or being annoyed, as long as it allowed Flint to clean Charles's wound as quickly as possible, that's all that mattered. Though, when he growled out that word, Flint paused and gave him a look. "Don't do that..." He muttered in warning, clearing his throat as he returned to the wound. "Now's not the time for that." He really didn't needed to be aroused right now. So he went back to cleaning it, at first gentle, but then he started to apply a little bit more pressure. He needed it clean, after all.
He then looked when Charles pointed out the window, nodding. "We did. And hopefully we'll be lucky tonight. Another storm on the horizon heading in our direction." He then looked up at him. "Try not to hurt yourself tomorrow, too, hm?"
Charles scoffed at his words. “ You’re so damn stubborn you’d try to walk this off and act like it didn’t hurt. “ He smirked softly. “ That, or just scream fuck over and over. “
“ What do you mea—FUCK FUCK!!! “ Charles cursed and shouted as he got a bit more intense with his wound cleaning, which was a good thing, but didn’t mean it didn’t hurt like hell. “ Christ, Flint I think you’re enjoying this!! “ Again, without realizing, he was using his grumbly voice to growl sexily.
"Yeah, and your point?" Flint asked with a grin, not denying that he'd do one of those two things. Or even both. He'd scream fuck over and over and then walk off after getting it out. Though he could argue he would've been more careful, just to piss Charles off, but he decided against it. For now. Though when he screamed, Flint's grin grew a little wider. "Now you're sounding like me. Isn't that what you said I'd do?" He asked, knowing he was being a little shit, but it was distracting him, at least, wasn't it? He laughed. "Maybe a little. But you can't deny that you wouldn't feel the same way if it were reversed," he chuckled, rinsing it once more before applying the salve and once finished, he pulled back. "There." He grunted, standing. "Try to avoid anymore fallen trees, hm?"
“ No peeking! “ Izzy had blindfolded Stede, as soon as they got in the car. He didn’t want him to see where they were going, proud of his surprise he wanted to show him. He’d spent weeks talking to realtors, looking at different locales, and he thought he might’ve found the protect building for their combined bakery and bookshop. He hadn’t put any payments yet, because this was an investment for both of them, and a wonderful little wedding and engagement gift.
“ All right, we’re here. “ Izzy parked the car in the street and got out, and despite any fussing or hyper giggling, he got Stede out of the passengers seat and set him up right infront of the building. He wanted him to get a good glimpse of the outside. It was a nice little corner shop that was an amazing location downtown. It stretched on both sides of the corner, and though there were no books inside now, the name of the old place was still on the front. It had been a bookstore, but had gone out of business.
“ All right, stand here. Ready? “ He was practically giggling as he pulled off the blindfold, and stood before him with his arms open. “ TA DA!! “ Izzy waited for a reaction. “ Think I might’ve found us the perfect place for our store. “ Yes, our store, a bookshop and bakery.
Stede was both excited and, admittedly, turned on by the blindfold. Even though in this case it meant Izzy had some sort of surprise planned, they've used the blindfold for certain other activities in the bedroom. Or the kitchen. Or the living room. At first he thought perhaps they were going to engage in said activities in the car or somewhere semi-public, but Izzy made sure to tell him it was nothing naughty related. He was only slightly disappointed, because at least it meant there was still a surprise in store! But he would definitely ask for them to use this later because those thoughts already filled his mind.
But he refrained from saying anything out loud about it and sat in the passenger seat, utterly giddy. To the point where he could barely go a second being silent. "Are we almost there yet, Izzy?" "Are we close?" "What's the surprise?" "How far away are we?" "Is it a long drive?" "It feels like it's been hours!" It was a wonder Izzy hadn't kicked him out of the car yet, but finally they got there and he exited the car with Izzy's help, yet still managed to almost trip.
He let Izzy guide him and looked around like he could see, which he couldn't. Then the blindfold came off and Stede opened his eyes and gasped. "An empty store!" He very obviously pointed out, not sure what the surprise was, yet he was still excited about it. And then Izzy explained what the empty store was, or what it was intended to be and his eyes widened. He gasped again and his eyes welled with tears. "Oh, Izzy... I didn't know you found somewhere!" He beamed, his face lighting up. "It's perfect! I haven't even seen the inside, but I know it's perfect because you chose it!" And he trusted Izzy more than anyone.
He gave him a kiss on the lips, a long one. "Can we go inside?" @izzyeffinhands
Izzy had somehow survived the car ride and the never ending questions, because he too was excited. By now he’d looked at dozens of properties, none of which he’d found suitable. They either wouldn’t work for a bakery, or wouldn’t for a bookstore, or they werent the size they really needed, but this place? It was perfect.
He rolled his eyes with a grin when he said it was an empty store. His idiot. Pounced into a kiss, he hummed into it happily, smiling into it. This would be a big investment on their part, a joint enterprise, perhaps something even more serious than marriage as it was a business. Well, to some anyway. Izzy made a good amount of money, but a building this nice? He’d need Stede’s help.
“ Sure can, love. “ He pulled the keys out of his pocket. “ I talked the renter into lending me the keys to show you. He couldn’t keep up the bookstore anymore, so the buildings up for sale. See? Look. “
Izzy snatched his waist, tugging him to stand just so infront of the building, holding him by the waist, gesturing with his hand. “ This side, facing the street could be filled with your books. And theeeen..” Izzy, in a playful mood, pulled him to the other corner of the building, placed him just so again. “ This side I could make a cake and cupcake display for the bakery! “ He beamed with pride. He couldn’t wait for him to see the inside.
“ Come on! “ He snatched his hand, a tad hyper, and ran to the front, unlocking the main door which opened with a friendly jingle. The place still had some shelves from the old bookstore that hadn’t been cleaned out, a very spacious spot indeed. “ The old man said you could keep the furniture too if you wanted since he’s retiring. And look! TWO floors! We could expand your bookstore to up there, and our offices could be up there. “
He grinned, letting go of him to hop up and sit on a now empty counter. “ That way we could wander off and fuck like bunnies whenever we wanted. “
Stede gasped again when he pulled out the keys and he went to snatch them, but Izzy pulled them back, eliciting a pitiful whine from Stede's lips and sending him into a pout. But that didn't even last a second because Izzy was grabbing him by the waist and guiding him to one side, telling him the details and idea and then doing the same with the other side. "Oh, I love that idea! Showing each our part of the shop! It's brilliant." He praised his fiancé, holding his hands that were on his stomach as he hugged him from behind. "It'll look so cute. Your bakery goods at this window and my books and antiques at the other," he could just imagine it now and it was getting him even more excited. They were actually doing this! Getting married, starting their business together -- building their life.
It was incredibly endearing seeing Izzy so hyper and giddy and it was extremely contagious, too. Stede giggled as he followed Izzy to the front door, eagerly waiting for him to unlock it and once he did, he hurried inside. "IT'S SO HUGE!" Stede yelled, his voice echoing around the building. It wasn't the first time he said anything like that out loud and Izzy would know. "AND TWO FLOORS!?" He couldn't stop yelling, he was just SO excited and it showed. "Ooh, I do like the sound of that!" He giggled, turning to face Izzy and walking over to him, placing his hands on his thighs. "We could do it in our office and... and maybe on the table after hours. Oh, in the kitchen! Like that one time in yours. Remember?" He hummed. "With the icing?" Oh, he'd never forget that.
He leaned in and kissed him again, hands traveling up his thighs. He was aroused. Quite obviously, too. But then he pulled back. "I'm gonna go look upstairs." With another giggle, he pulled back and hurried to the stairs and on the third, in Stede Bonnet fashion, he tripped. "OUCH." He called out, slowly getting back to his feet. "I'm fine, I'm alright!"
Izzy was ecstatic about this place. He’d spent at least two months trying to dive the best building to suit their needs, without letting Stede in on the secret, which was hard, since the nosy brat tended to sniff them out. He was even happier because Stede seemed to love it just as much as he did, which made him beam with pride.
He opened his legs to accommodate Stede as he came over, curling his arms around him and grinning madly when he mentioned the icing. “ Mmhm. I remember. “ He leaned in and gave a playful lick to his lips, but just like that Stede was off, running upstairs. He winced when he heard the fall, looking up toward the second floor, pushing himself off the counter. He followed.
“ We’d have to remodel a bit. There’s plenty of room downstairs to put in an industrial kitchen. Bigger than the one I have at the shop, which would be nice. “ He smiled a bit, watching him as he reached the top of the stairs. He gestured down. “ I thought maybe either the bakery is downstairs with the bookstore up, or really you could put the bookstore part of the bottom floor, like the register and whatnot, then expand and have the whole top floor. “ Izzy smiled. “ You’d have a bigger set up for all your lovely books. “
Though, Izzy rubbed the back of his head with a little sigh. “ Problem is, since this is a key locale, it’s gonna be a bit more expensive.. and remodeling is going to cost me too. “ He almost looked nervous, fidgeting and looking down. “ I’ve never asked you for money, Stede. Not a dime. “ Even though he knew he was loaded. “ But this would be a big investment. I’d put my share in happily, but., well.. if you could.. if you really like this place that much… “ He rambled.
Yes, they were getting married and marriage was a partnership, but this was a big deal and Izzy didn’t want to seem like a damn golddigger. Stede could’ve been a poor struggling artist and he still would have loved him, and taken care of him since Izzy made a good bit of money from the bakery.
Even though he was on the top floor, Stede was still listening to everything Izzy was telling him. His ideas and plans, his suggestions and thoughts - all of it that he loved. "Mm, perhaps the bakery downstairs, with extra couches for them to read their books on! Though, I suppose it would work either way whether they buy a book and come down to snack after, or grab a coffee or tea and come upstairs to shop." He was trying to decide which would be more convenient for the customers, but really, both worked either way. "But wait," footsteps were heard hurrying to the railing and Stede leaned over. "Does that mean we won't be working together? You'll still be so far away.." He whined, as though Izzy would still be several miles away when instead he would only be right downstairs. And it wasn't like they wouldn't be next to each other quite often, Stede just had to whine about it first.
But then came the talks of money and Stede's brows furrowed. Was... Izzy nervous about asking him for money? It was quite endearing, really, but Stede didn't want him to feel bad. Not for something like this or... ever, really. "Oh, darling.." Stede said, making his way back downstairs to where Izzy was. "Of course I'm going to help with that. I never once thought I wasn't. This is our business. It's something we're doing together and I've no problems at all putting what's needed to make this place flourish." He beamed, taking Izzy's hands into his and bringing them to his lips. "And we're getting married. What's mine is yours. In every way."
Izzy was ecstatic that Stede seemed to love the place just as much as he did if not more. He saw great things coming from this joint venture. Usually their customers shopped at both places, as they both offered deals and discounts at the other’s store, but now they’d have it all in one convenient spot. He laughed softly. “ I won’t be THAT far. You could even put the little coffee bar of yours downstairs. We could do specials, like get a free pastry when you buy a book and vice versa. “ He smiled. This would be lovely.
It only showed what kind of person Izzy was in being nervous about asking for money. He’d never once taken advantage of Stede for wealth. He’d never needed to, and he never wanted to do such a thing. Izzy was actually a bit modest about money. But as he took his hands in his and kissed them, he smiled warmly. “ And what’s mine is yours. I mean you knew that already. You were living at my flat within weeks. “ He snickered, but then moved to put an arm around his shoulders, gesturing to the whole place.
“ You’ll have this whole place to decorate, and you love doing window displays. Now you’ll have two.” He kissed the side of his head. “ This’ll be our place, Stede, if you want it. It’ll be perfect, because it’s with you. “
"Oh, yes! Specials to promote both our shops and to persuade customers to purchase something from each one." Which they had already started doing before deciding to merge their businesses together. Stede would give out coupons for a discounted or free treat at Izzy's bakery, and also hand out fliers, and Izzy would for the same for his bookshop. Which worked wonderfully, but now, it would be even better. "Oh, and imagine the holidays! Your special treats and my holiday set ups. Oh, oh! Perhaps you could make treats based on certain books!" Oh, the ideas were flowing and Stede couldn't stop. Any idea that popped into his head, he had to say right then and there. New releases, romantasy, horror -- there were so many ideas forming in his head of all the little set ups he could do, including combined with Izzy's delicious treats.
He blushed when Izzy reminded him of just how quickly he moved in. "Yes, well... I could not live in a flat with a defective oven, now could I? I wouldn't want it to catch fire again.." Of course that was a lie, given that he was the cause of the almost fire. "And your flat was just so cozy... I hated going back to my own every time I spent time with you. Plus," he squeezes his hands. "Hannibal grew attached to me, so it was only right I came over more." And really, he kind of just moved in gradually. Staying at his flat more and more, bringing clothes, having an extra tooth brush until, well, Izzy suggested he just sell is old flat and that was how he basically asked for him to officially move in. The memory had Stede beaming and he leaned in to kiss him sweetly again.
"No, it won't." He replied to Izzy's words about how it would be perfect and then he gave such a loving smile. "It already is perfect. Because it's ours."
“Look at this fucking fuck. 45 years old and still looks so goddamn perfect. Asshole. 🧡” @fornassau
Charles laughed. “ Yeah, but I’m your asshole. Your perfect asshole you always get to look at. “ He paused, looking down to his fresh coffee and then back up to him. “ That didn’t come out right, did it? “
Flint burst into laughter at Charles’ response. “No, it didn’t, but you’re not wrong. Double entendre.” He said with a grin, the laughter dying down but he’d let out a chuckle now and the . “But you’re damn right about being perfect and about being mine.” He growled as he moved closer. “And I don’t just get to look at you,” his voice lowered. “I get to touch you, too.” Another growl as he placed his hands on his sides before sliding them up and then over his chest, humming in approval. “Fucking perfect, indeed.”
“Look at this fucking fuck. 45 years old and still looks so goddamn perfect. Asshole. 🧡” @fornassau
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"Uh, Israel, darling.." Stede calls, sounding half concerned, half curious. "I've a hypothetical question." He clears a throat. "Say there appeared to be a... storm brewing in the distance, in the direction we happen to be sailing, what, um," he rocks back and forth on his feet. "What is the best course of action?"
Stede was supposed to be on watch. Izzy had been in the cabin, giving his leg a bit of rest. He was trying to do better at taking care of himself, as Stede insisted that he do. After all this time, the crew had become more capable under Izzy’s stern, but guiding hand. Now this lot could hold their own in a ship battle, and Izzy was highly impressed and proud of that fact.
“ Hm? “ He was reading when he heard Stede’s voice call through the open door. Yet as he continued and spoke of a storm, his eyes went wide as saucers, the book tossed aside on the chair. He made his way out with that unicorn leg of his and met his husband, staring out toward the dark horizon. His eyes widened more. He took Stede’s scope to get a better look at it. Fuck.
“ BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!! “ He quickly shouted, and the crew seemed to now take notice of the approaching storm. “ Fuuuck, it’s gonna be a rough one. “ He frowned, lowering the scope, passing it back to him. “ How long’ve we been sailing east? Bloody hell, we can’t avoid it. “ His voice oozed with worry, but he kept a steady face as not to frighten Stede. “ The boys need to secure the ship, put the tarp over the opening in the hold. “ Batten down the hatches, he at least explained just in case. “ We need plenty of rigging at the ready, Might have to bare pole this one. “
@avastyetwats
Stede waited for Izzy’s answer to his question and only then would be tell them that the hypothetical storm was… well, not so hypothetical. But it seemed as though Izzy caught on. Not surprising, really, given how smart of a man he was. But without a word, Izzy was on his feet and hurrying outside. Stede blinked, then quickly turned. “Right! I should probably follow, then.” He muttered to himself as he did just that, quickly following Izzy down the hall and up the steps that lead onto the deck where the wind had already picked up and the sky had darkened. He watched as Izzy looked through his scope and Stede cleared his throat. “Right, yes, by the way, we’re approaching a storm.” Captain Obvious pointed out, but at least he said something, right? He did good! …right?
He flinched when Izzy barked out the order and Stede’s eyes went wide. Seemed this was the answer to his earlier question and it certainly seemed urgent. He swallowed as he took his scope back and took a look for himself. He jumped when a bright flash of lightning lit up the sky in the distance, and the scope. “We can’t just turn around? Or maybe… stop here? Maybe it’ll pass us by.” Wishful thinking and probably a dumb idea but… he’s never sailed through a storm before. Izzy, no doubt, has. “No sails?” Stede asked, remembering what the term bare pole meant, thanks to Izzy’s teachings. He swallowed. “Is it even safe for us to be up here, Izzy?” He frowned, looking around and then up when the rain started. “I don’t want anyone harmed.” Then he looked at Izzy. Really looked him in the eyes.
He trusted him. If there was anyone that could get them through this storm, alive and unharmed, it was his Izzy. Their Izzy. This was serious and they needed to do everything he commanded.
“Order Captains!?” Archie called and Stede took a deep breath.
“Do as he says! Lucius, Pete, Wee John, Olu, get the tarp over the hold!” He repeated then flinched again when a loud clap of thunder echoed around them. “It’s going to be rough, isn’t it?”
When the lightning flashed and thunder struck, Izzy stood still and strong, but out a comforting hand on his husband’s shoulder in an effort to calm him down and steady his nerves. He knew well that his energy often flowed through and affected Stede. Izzy was very concerned about this storm, but any outright fear he might’ve had he buried down for his sake and instead tried to give confidence.
“ She’s moving too fast love. Look how far it’s stretched on the horizon. “ He gestured at the storm clouds that seemed to cover a vast area. “ There’s nowhere for us to run. We can’t outrun her, and staying put will be worse. We’ve gotta sail through. “ Stede questioned about being safe, sounding worried and rightfully frightened about the crew, and for now those questions were tabled as they stared into each orher’s eyes. Stede’s searched for something, and of course Izzy gave it; his confidence, his love, his trust.
He watched the boys scatter. “ Rigging lads!! I want extra lines tied on! May ‘ave to bare pole this one, won’t know til we’re in it!! “ The co captain shouted another order, then looked full on at Stede, placing his hands firmly on his shoulders and looking deep into his eyes. “ It’s not a hurricane, but yes, it’s going to be rough. “
He squeezed his shoulders. “ I’ll need to take the helm if we’re to get through this. I want you on top deck with me, all right? I don’t want you going overboard in a storm. “ He said protectively, kissing his forehead. Stede was capable of a lot more than he ever had been, but in this approaching storm he didn’t want to risk it. The crew could manage it, but Stede he needed to pass down his orders over the roar of the rain. “ It’s gonna be fine, love. Haven’t lost a man yet to a gale and I don’t plan to start now. “
It was wishful thinking, Stede knew, to either outrun the storm or hope it passed by them, but it was admittedly a little frightening. He'd never been in a storm while on sea, but he heard stories. Including of the time Edward took them through one and nearly got all of them killed while laughing like a madman. He didn't want the crew to relive that night, not that their current Captain was anything like Edward, but still... he didn't want anyone hurt, but with Izzy taking charge, Stede was sure they'd all make it through this alive.
He nodded to everything Izzy was telling him and would be right by his side, but he didn't want to be useless. He didn't want to just stand by and be protected while the crew worked tirelessly to make sure they all survived this. He'd never done anything like this, but he wouldn't just sit back and do nothing. That wasn't who he was. He wouldn't cower or watch. He'd help. He was a better Captain than he used to be and he's sure he's proven that much... right? "I can help, Izzy." He promised, the rain pelting their bodies, now drenched as they stood there on deck staring at one another, lightning and thunder striking all around them. "Just tell me what to do. I can do it."
-Places this on their bathroom sink table for him to find in the morning.-
Izzy let out a big yawn. It was his day off, he’d slept in a bit and thankfully Stede had let him. They often tried to correlate their schedules of when they wouldn’t be at their shops, though managing was a damn near full time position. Thankfully he had Roach as an assistant manager, and he was a wonderful baker and great team leader that Izzy could depend on.
He’d only just walked into the bathroom, wearing his checkered gray and black pajama bottoms as usual, when he saw the pink duck, when he smiled sweetly. It wasn’t just a rubber duckie, it was his favorite color! He was going to take a shower, but now he wanted a bath. He gave it a squeeze and it squeaked which only made him laugh brightly. He gave it another squeeze and went to the tub, turning on the water with a smile.
@avastyetwats
Stede had already woken up and was down stairs drinking coffee and reading his current book. He was excited for Izzy to wake up, which would likely be soon. He missed him, even though they were together all day and night, but he did love lazy mornings with him. But he was also excited for him to find the new rubber ducky he left for him in the bathroom. It had become a thing for the two of them lately. Stede leaving little rubber duckies for Izzy to find to add to his collection. Whether they were in the house, the car or even at work, including in their new building they were still getting fixed up.
Some minutes later he heard the water running and Stede smiled to himself. He set down the book, poured a fresh cup of coffee and walked to the bedroom and into the bathroom where Izzy was getting the tub filled and the little rubber ducky sat on the edge. Stede beamed and announced his presence. "May I watch you undress?"
