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In some ways you reminded him of himself as a young boy, before he’d seen the dark side of his father and crossed a line he could never come back from. He’d spend hours making the local kids laugh by doing silly things, basking in the attention it brought him. He’d always remember the smile he could bring to his mother’s face just by telling her a joke or two.

You seemingly had never lost that spark like he had. You were insanely funny, always the first one to crack a joke to boost crew morale. Incredibly sarcastic too, which saw you get on well with Izzy, which is not an easy feat. And your kindness, Ed’s not sure he’s ever met someone so willing to do things for others. You’re always finishing other’s chores when they are too exhausted, sharing your food despite only getting rations yourself.

Ed had been wary the first time you’d done a favour for him, offering to cover his watch because you had thought he’d seemed overly tired, not even accepting his offer to swap shifts. He’d waited days for the catch, waiting for you to ask him for a favour in return, but it never came. In fact it was only a few days later you were offering to do something else for him. It was rare and admirable, and it only made Ed feel even more drawn to you.

Ed has never been a nervous person, but at first whenever he was talking to you he’d always find himself lost for words. He had wanted to get it right, to feel that he deserved your time and attention. Not that you’d ever think that way of course. What he hadn’t known at the time was that you felt the exact same way about him. You admired how strong he seemed despite the life he had found himself in. Ed has a way of talking that could have the whole crew enamoured, especially you, every time the man talks you find yourself getting lost in his words, his voice.

You always try to be kind to everyone, but sometimes maybe a tiny bit more of your kindness was directed at Ed. For you, Ed was the light in the dark, a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening on deck. From the moment you stepped foot on Hornigold’s ship and spotted the man with the long black hair, you’d known that there was something special about him. Life had not been so kind to you, but with Ed you could forget all that, even if just for a little while. Being with him, it helped dampen down the darkness in your mind that plagued you both awake and asleep.

“Iz?” Ed nudges his friend as they sit side-by-side in the crow’s nest.

“Hm?” Izzy grunts, eyes fixed on the horizon.

“Do you ever feel that we should be more positive about shit, that it would make things easier?”

“Nothin’ makes this life easier, Eddie. I don’t think being more positive would do shit.”

“It works for y/n.” Ed points out.

“Just another coping mechanism, we all have ‘em.”

“You mean, you don’t think they’re actually like that?”

“Nah, it’s just to hide all that darker shit.” Izzy replies, taking a swig of his beer.

Ed looks to Izzy slightly shocked, you’d never mentioned anything to him, but really he should’ve known. Everyone on that ship has something, things that they keep hidden, he knew that better than most.

“They told you?”

“Walked in on them crying down in the brig one day, think they’d had a flashback or somethin’. They told me some stuff about their past.”

Ed found that he wasn’t actually that surprised that you’d at some point confided in Izzy, the two of you had become decent friends over the months. He was just glad that you’d confided in someone, even if it hadn’t been him.

“Like what?” Ed asks.

“Eddie, I dunno if it’s my place.”

“Please mate, I just wanna know how badly the person I care about is suffering.”

Izzy nods in understanding. “Alright, I’ll tell you some but you should speak to them about the rest.”

Ed listens carefully as Izzy explains the life you had lived before you became a pirate. The neglect from your parents from a young age, leaving you to fend for yourself from a young age. The time you’d spent living on the street and the subsequent harm you had found yourself in time and time again. If this is the undetailed version then he’s scared to hear the detailed one. Learning that the person he loves has suffered so deeply, and all this time you’ve felt that you’ve had to hide it behind this facade just to get through the day.

“Shit.” Is all Ed can find to reply to everything Izzy’s just told him.

“Yeah.” Izzy replies before taking another swig of beer.

“Hey,” Ed whispers as he joins you in your bunk, snuggling in beside you in the small bed.

“Hi,” you reply half-asleep, immediately feeling safer by Ed’s presence.

You turn to look at him, his features illuminated by the moonlight peeking through the nearby window. Which is when you notice the sadness etched into his features, the slight furrowing of his brow.

“Are you okay, babe?”

“Yeah, just some things Izzy said.” Ed replies, failing to meet your gaze.

“About what?” You ask, but you have a feeling you already know based on Ed’s demeanour.

“About your past,” Ed mumbles. “Look don’t be mad, I basically forced him to tell me, and he only told me some of it.”

“I’m not mad babe,” you assure him, and you really weren’t, it was nice that you have people who care about you so much. Although you might tease Izzy a little for giving away your secrets so easily.

“Really?” Ed asks hopefully.

“Really,” you assure him as you lace your fingers together. “I’m kinda tired, but tomorrow maybe I could tell you more, if you’d like?”

Ed nods, a small smile gracing his features. “I’d like that.”

You notice his frown, touched by how protective he is of you, as you are of him. But you both know that you can more than handle yourself. Still it’s nice to have someone care about you so much, a familiar feeling since you joined The Revenge.

“Don’t worry babe, I stabbed him straight in the chest.”

“That’s my y/n.” He smiles, kissing the top of your head. “Just be careful though okay, I can’t-“ He doesn’t finish that sentence, he doesn’t need to, I cant lose you. He turns around before you can see the glassiness in his eyes.

Although you’re both more than aware of the dangerous lifestyle you’ve both found yourself in, it can be hard to watch your loved one be put in danger so often, and it definitely never gets any easier.

It’s only now when his back is to you that you see the blood soaking into his shirt. You move to lift the shirt up before he can stop you, revealing a large gash on his right side.

“You idiot, you were worrying about a teeny little cut on my forehead when you’re walking around with this.”

Izzy looks down at the cut as if he’d forgotten it was even there, “It’s fine.”

“No it’s not fine, come sit down.” You usher him back to the bed you were both previously sitting on so you can have a better look at the injury.

“You really don’t need to make a fuss.” Izzy grumbles.

“Like how you didn’t make a fuss about my head?”

Izzy doesn’t answer that, you take it as a go ahead to have a closer look at the wound. It’s quite a deep cut, looks like it’ll definitely need stitches.

“Were you just gonna wait until you bled out?” You ask him.

“Stop being so dramatic, I wasn’t gonna bleed out. I would’ve had Roach look at it later.” When he’d made sure you were okay he didn’t add.

You would chastise him for putting everyone else first but you know he takes his role as First Mate incredibly seriously, something you’ve always admired about him. Instead you just bite your tongue and go get Roach to help fix him up.

You watch as Roach tends to Izzy, the latter keeping a stoic expression as he’s stitched up. You know it’s for your benefit, he doesn’t want to worry you.

“All done, light duties only for the next few days, don’t want you to pop those stitches.” Roach says.

You thank Roach, he gives you a quick nod in return before leaving you and Izzy to it.

“I’m just gonna go check on the crew.” Izzy announces as he stands from his chair.

“Uh uh no you don’t,” you reply, guiding him to the bed instead.

“Roach said I could still do light duties.” Izzy argues.

“The crew will be fine for one evening, just lie down and relax with me.”

Izzy knew there was no point arguing with you, and truthfully he didn’t really want to, he was feeling kinda sore and always enjoys relaxing with you. He lays on his uninjured side, leaving room for you to snuggle in beside him.

You lay down beside him, allowing him to pull you closer until you’re nestled against his chest, one of your favourite places to be. You take in his scent as you lay there, your eyes fluttering closed as you let the day melt away.

Tomorrow’s another day, but tonight you’ll enjoy laying next to the man you love knowing that you’ve both survived another day.

“Goodnight, Israel.” You whisper, but you’re only met with a soft snore.

“You just have less experience than us honey, we’ve been on ships for years, we had no choice but to get good otherwise we’d be long dead.”

“I’m glad you’re not”

“Hm?”

“I’m glad you’re not dead”

You chuckle at his sincerity. “Thanks babe.”

“Will you help me train?” He asks.

“I thought Iz was helping you with that.”

“Yeah but he shouts at me, a lot” he pouts again, but you know he enjoys it really, you’ve seen firsthand how hot and flustered he still gets when Izzy starts to get a bit frustrated. You’ve walked in on them several times after training, starting to feel a little hot yourself, and glad that your partners haven’t killed each other.

“Thought you’d ask Ed to be honest.” You admit.

“Ed’s too soft on me, need someone that won’t lie to me about how I’m doing.”

You nod in understanding, Ed is definitely a big softie when it comes to his partners, getting to know him properly and eventually seeing that softer side has been something you’ll always treasure.

“Sure I’ll train you.”

“Thanks darling.”

“Right now though I have a better idea.”

Before he can question what that might be, you bend down, your hand caressing his cheek, Stede let’s out a little noise as your lips collide. Soon he’s kissing you back passionately, his hand gripped into the fabric of your shirt as if trying to pull you closer. You certainly don’t get any training done that day.

“Okay my turn!” You plead, as nice as it is to watch Izzy and Ed sparring, you wanted your own turn.

Not that it wasn’t nice to watch them, really nice, the way Ed’s arms flex as he wields his sword, the sweat currently dripping down Izzy’s bare chest, and pooling in those beautiful tits.

“I choose Iz first” you declare, taking your sword out and pointing it in his direction. “If you accept?”

Izzy raises an eyebrow in amusement “I accept” he replies, quickly drawing his own sword.

You liken the way you spar with Izzy more to an intricate dance, weaving and ducking as your swords clink together in a beautiful harmony. You try your best not to get distracted by that beautiful chest, the dark hair that sits there that you love to run your fingers through.

You carry on this dance between you, Ed whooping and cheering for you both as you move across the deck with ease. Neither of you pull out any moves to best the other yet, enjoying this session way too much to want it to end quite yet. You continue with gusto and precision, your chest heaving slightly from the exertion.

You’re happy to see that Izzy appears to be just as affected as you are, the lust in his eyes is apparent and his trousers certainly look tighter than they did, but you know that won’t affect his performance, he can match you any day of the week.

Eventually you manage to best him, knocking the sword out of his hand, you bring your own sword up, the tip pressed to his chin.

“Do you surrender first mate Hands?” you ask, your breath mingling in the small space between you.

Izzy closes the distance as you lower your sword, claiming your lips.

“My turn.” Ed interjects after he’s bored of waiting, you turn your attention to him giving him a peck on the lips.

“I meant at sparring but I’ll take it,” Ed shrugs, going in for another kiss.

“Oh right,” you giggle, “in that case.” You pick your sword back up from where it previously fell, pointing it in Ed’s direction.

“Captain Blackbeard, I challenge you to a duel,” you say, knowing that calling him that will wind him up a little.

“Seriously?” He rolls his eyes at your teasing, “but yes, I accept.”

The clashing of swords fills the air as you both move around the deck with ease, it’s similar to sparring with Izzy, yet there’s something different in the way Ed moves. There’s also a darkness in his eyes, one that had once scared you, yet now it just makes you feel warm inside.

Izzy stands to the side as he observes, not as vocal as Ed, but still appreciative of what he was seeing. He knows Ed’s an amazing swordsman, they’ve fought together for years, trained together when they were just boys, taught each other tricks that they’d picked up.

You though had been more of a surprise to him, he’d been so used to discovering that most of the crew were useless twats, that he’d expected you to be just the same. Oh how he had been wrong, the first time he’d seen you fight during a raid he’d been so distracted that he had almost got himself stabbed.

But there’s something about watching you and Ed sparring together that just does something for him, the way you both move together as one. He has to adjust himself slightly as he continues to watch you both.

He’s so entranced that he doesn’t even notice Stede’s presence until the man puts an arm around him, his hand instinctively going to the sword that is now back at his side.

“Jesus Christ, Bonnet, where did you come from?”

“They’re good aren’t they?” Stede says.

“Better than good.”

“I wish I was as good as the three of you are.” Stede says wistfully.

Izzy clams up a little, he’s not the best at reassuring people, but it turns out it’s something you have to do quite a lot when you have three partners, so he’s getting better.

“You’ll get there, Bonnet.”

“Thanks Israel,” Stede beams at him, Izzy wouldn’t admit it but he loves making Stede smile like that.

His attention turns back to where you and Ed are still sparring, you’re putting up a good fight but Ed manages to disarm you with a trick that Izzy had taught him many years ago. Not that you seemed to mind, if the two of you making out on the deck is anything to go by.

“How about we have our own fun?” Stede whispers. Izzy nods, allowing him to be guided to the cabin.

“Move that foot here,” you say, attempting to get Stede in a proper stance. “You need to be more on the back foot.”

“Like this?” Stede asks.

“Kinda, just shift your weight slightly, that’s better. Now try and attack me.”

Stede shifts forward, but you’re easily able to predict which way he’s going and block him. He tries again and again but each time he makes it too obvious which way he’s going to go.

“This is useless,” he sighs. “Izzy’s right, I’m totally incompetent.”

“He didn’t mean that,” you assure him. “He just gets frustrated sometimes.”

“He’s right though.” Stede sniffs.

“C’mon babe, one more try, and if you do well I’ll give you one of those back rubs you love so much.”

“With the orange oil?” he asks.

“Of course, but first you need to get a hit.”

Stede seems a little bit more determined after that, brow furrowed in concentration as he adjusts his stance. He uses everything you’ve taught him so far to try and get a hit, it takes him a while but eventually he lands one.

“Y/N I did it!” Stede exclaims.

“You did, well done babe.” You praise.

“Do I get the back rub now?”

“Go on then, I suppose you’ve earned it.”

Stede’s skills slowly start picking up, perhaps your slightly softer but not too soft approach is what does it, or maybe it’s the promise of back rubs whenever he does something well. You and your two other partners are currently sat on crates watching as Stede swings from a rope and lands on his feet.

“You wouldn’t even be able to tell that half an hour ago he was laying on the floor complaining of rope burn.” Izzy whispers, making you and Ed laugh.

“Yeah tenth time round and he’s almost a pro.” Ed replies.

“Guys did you see that one?” Stede asks as he runs up to the three of you, chest heaving from exhaustion. “I didn’t fall over or anything.”

“Well done, babe.” Ed praises.

“Yeah good job, Stede.” You add.

“Can we go back to the cabin now?” Stede asks, slightly out of breath. “I think I might need a little lie down after all that.”

Ed wraps an arm around Stede leading him below deck. “C’mon love let’s go.”

“Stede, Ed, Izzy, you in here? I was told you wanted to see me” you call as you open the door to the cabin, you don’t knock anymore, not since they became your partners. Some nights you all share the bed, it’s a bit of a squeeze but it’s worth it to fall asleep surrounded by the people you love most, you’re used to sharing anyway, having spent many a night curled up with your friends on deck. At first glance there’s no sign of any of your partners, but they must be nearby as there’s lit candles on nearly every available surface.

“Ah you’re here” You turn around at the sound of Stede’s voice, eyes immediately drawn to the gold robe that’s loosely tied around him, you’re pretty sure there’s nothing underneath. You’re stopped in your tracks by his beauty, you can’t wait to untie that robe and reveal the delicious present underneath. Run your tongue along the sharp collarbones that are peeking from his robe, run your hands over the curve of his belly.

You approach him slowly, taking in every inch of him as you get closer, reaching out as soon as you close the distance, your hand gripping the collar of his robe and pulling him towards you until your lips meet. You delight in the little noises he makes from the small touches and you can’t wait to get more noises from him.

You push him backwards onto the nearby sofa, your lips still connected as you straddle his lap, hand moving to the tie on his robe, you’re so distracted by his presence that you don’t even notice your other partners entering the room.

“Room for two more?” Ed’s sultry voice booms from behind you causing you to break the kiss to turn your attention to your other partners. They’re both also wearing Stede’s robes, well Izzy’s kinda drowning in his.

“Iz you look-“

“Stupid”

“I think you look cute” Stede interjects which earns him a scowl.

“I agree” you add, earning you a middle finger which you reciprocate with a grin.

“Well I did intend for this to be a group activity” Stede says

“You’d planned this?” you ask, turning your attention back to Stede.

“Yes dear, for you” he replies, tucking a stray hair behind your ear.

“Huh, why?” looking between Stede and your other partners who have now moved further into the room.

“We just thought you deserved a little treat, you’ve been working so hard recently and it’s time for you to relax” his hand gently rubbing up and down your arm as he talks.

You look over to Ed and Izzy who nod in agreement “yeah let us take care of you babe” Ed adds, giving you those eyes that you can’t say no to, not that you really want to say no.

You return to kissing Stede, still straddling his lap as he undoes the buttons on your shirt, the unmistakable look of pure heat in his eyes.

Eventually he breaks the kiss, “how about we take this to the bed? A little more roomy for us all” You nod in agreement allowing yourself to be guided over to the bed by Stede, Ed and Izzy already there waiting for you both.

“Don’t you think you’d be more comfortable with these off” Izzy purrs, fingers already fiddling with the top button of your trousers just waiting for your say so. You nod, heartbeat increasing as he undoes the buttons and starts to pull them down over your thighs, raising your hips slightly to help get them off. Your underwear quickly follows leaving you fully exposed, you note how Izzy’s eyes widen with hunger as they rake over your now naked form.

Soon his lips are on yours, kissing you eagerly with a desire you easily reciprocate. His tongue quickly seeks entry which you grant willingly, allowing him to lick into your mouth with a passion that causes a heat deep inside you. Soon his hand finds its way between your thighs, your breath hitching slightly as his fingers run along the folds before gently grazing against your sensitive clit. He gradually inserts two fingers, slowly pumping them inside of you as you moan into his mouth.

He begins to pick up the pace, his fingers curling inside you as he continues to work you towards orgasm. His mouth is warm on yours and the fingers inside of you are filling you with an intense pleasure that runs all the way through you. You let out a low moan as his finger starts to encircle your clit sending jolts of pleasure through you, and it isn’t long until you reach orgasm, grinding against his fingers to find maximum pleasure.

As you finally stop kissing, Izzy looks particularly pleased with himself and the slight mess he’s turned you into. But before either of you have the chance to say anything you feel a hand running through your hair, turning your head to find a very affected Ed looking at you both with awe.

But right now his attention is on you, he gently pulls you towards him, his lips instantly on yours, it’s different to kissing Izzy but just as good. “Don’t think you’re finished yet love” he whispers before flipping you onto your back on the soft mattress splayed out for your lovers to see. Soon Ed’s lips were all over you as if he had a need to taste every part of you, starting from the soft flesh of your thighs, briefly brushing past your still throbbing cunt before moving his attention to the curve of your stomach. You couldn’t help but shiver under each small piece of contact, heart warming at the gentle care he’s taking as he works his way up to your neck, marking you wherever he could, making sure that Izzy wasn’t the only one to claim you.

Ed’s hands hold onto your hips as he kisses you reverently, fingers digging in slightly as if he never wanted to let you go “so good for us, so beautiful” he praises between kisses. He continues to cover every inch of you, his warm breath coasting over your skin causing you to shiver slightly. You’re practically vibrating with anticipation by the time he makes his way back to your cunt, moaning with relief when his tongue finally makes contact. Ed expertly licks and sucks at your soaking cunt, sending jolts of pleasure through your entire being, every nerve ending on fire.

His tongue is gentle but determined, a man starving yet wanting to savour his meal. He knows you, knows what you like, how to make you a squirming mess below him. You could barely think as he continued to lick and suck, occasionally nipping lightly at the delicate folds, his tongue swirling over your clit as he brings you closer to completion. The feeling of his hands and mouth is almost overwhelming, your cunt throbbing around his tongue as he works you through your orgasm.

As Ed emerges he’s grinning from ear to ear, obviously delighted with himself as he licks his lips, relishing the leftover taste of you. You could say he looks smug with how easily he turned you into this gooey mess below him. But you couldn’t find it in yourself to care, you love how eager your partners are to pleasure you, as you are about them, but right now this was clearly about you and you were more than okay with that.

You were just starting to wonder if they were finished when Stede appears in your field of vision, delicately brushing sweaty strands of hair out of your face. “There’s my beautiful y/n”

“Mmf” was all you could manage back, not that Stede minded, he could talk enough for the both of you, all four of you even.

“Think you can manage a third?”

You nod eagerly in response, excited to see what he has in store. You tug gently at the robe he still has on, deciding that you don’t want any fabric between you for whatever is about to happen. “off”

Stede silently obliges, confirming your early suspicion that there was in fact nothing underneath that robe. Your hand reaches out, desperate to run through the golden hair on his chest decorating those beautiful tits of his. “Mm thar feels good, you always know just what I like” he moans. “I’d like to make you feel good now too, if you’re amenable?”

“Please”

You watch as he takes the small vial of oil, rubbing some over his prick, you can feel your cunt twitching in anticipation. He kisses you deeply and passionately, his hands roaming your body like the explorer he is. Your breath hitches slightly as enters you, his length filling you well, oh how you love how he feels inside of you. “You’re doing so well darling, taking me so well” his praise never failed to make you blush.

Pleasure courses through you as his hips start to shift in a steady rhythm, eyes fixed on yours with a deep hunger “look at you, so pretty laid there just for me.” As he continues to rock his hips you become overwhelmed with emotion as he hits that sweet spot, that along with the sweet words he keeps peppering in is almost enough to send you over the edge.

“Fuck I’m so close” he exclaims, echoing your sentiments. After a couple more shifts he’s spilling inside of you as you go through your own orgasm, your cunt clenching around his prick. He collapses onto you, the weight comforting as you go through the aftershock.

As you come back to yourself you feel a sense of warmth and love for your partners, how treasured they make you feel. A calmness washes over you, it’s as if a warm blanket has been put over your very soul.

After some amount of time, Stede’s voice drifts through the post orgasmic haze that’s clouding your mind. “How about a couple more and then we’ll make you a lovely bath?” he asks as he strokes your hair with tenderness.

When he’d been asked to train the crew in sword fighting, you’d been excited for your turn, to finally give Izzy some competition, and you had. You remember the way his eyebrows had quirked in surprise when you’d got your first hit, the way the rest of the crew had started cheering you on, happy to finally see someone who can match Izzy. But the man didn’t seem annoyed, he actually seemed quite pleased he had someone decent to spar with. The fight had ended in a draw, he had looked at you and muttered “not bad” before walking away. You like to think that you’d earned some of his respect that day. Since then you’ve sparred with the first mate just for fun several times, you enjoyed spending time with him, and deep down you hoped he did too, you suppose he wouldn’t spend time with you if he completely hated it.

You continue to daydream about the man as you continue your sketch, totally unaware that said man is now standing in front of you. He observes you for a while, the way your brow furrows in concentration as you continue your work. He’s not one to give praise but he must admit that you’re pretty talented, not that he understands why you waste your time with this stuff when there’s so many jobs to be done.

He could watch you all day, has done on many an occasion much to his own annoyance. At first he’d wrongly assumed you were like the others, but unlike them you were actually decent at ship work, didn’t complain when he gave you an order, and as reluctant as he was to admit you were pretty amazing with a sword too. He’d come to enjoy your sparring sessions, it was nice to have someone who could match him, although more than once he’d gotten distracted by you and almost lost. There was something mesmerising about the way you hold your sword, your stance, the fluidity in your movements. It was like the grace and beauty you put into your art was constantly pumping through your veins.

The way he feels about you was becoming an issue, so much so that Lucius has started to pick up on his feelings, stupid Spriggs has taken to teasing him about it. Luckily right now he’s too preoccupied with Pete to witness how Izzy’s hopelessly fawning over someone that will never reciprocate his feelings. Realising how much of a creep he must look right now, he clears his throat to alert you to his presence.

You jump slightly at the sudden intrusion which he finds slightly amusing “You’re lucky I wasn’t someone sneaking up to kill you” he grumbles, trying to keep any genuine concern out of his tone.

You know he’s right you had been distracted, in your own little world, but you’re just glad he doesn’t know what you were daydreaming about. “Yeah I s’pose I’m lucky it was just you” you quip back, missing the way blush starts creeping up his neck.

“Right well shouldn’t you be doing something more useful than just sitting around drawing” but he doesn’t use his normal commanding voice he’d used with the rest of the crew, it’s more just to keep up appearance than expecting you to actually do anything. He knows you’re a hard worker and would’ve finished your chores before taking shore leave, unlike Spriggs who had tried to sneak off with Pete before either of them had done their duties.

You quickly confirm his suspicions “I’ve already finished all my chores, so until we set sail again I shall be here drawing if you need me”

He was going to retort about why would he need you but he has to admit that it’s quite nice to know where you’ll be, there’s something comforting about it. “Right then I’ll leave you to it”

He’s about to walk away when you speak up again “why don’t you join me?”

His brow furrows in confusion, why would you want his company, everyone else tries to avoid him as much as possible, with Ed as the exception but even then it’s mostly so he has a soundboard for his stupid ideas. But you seem to genuinely want his company when you could have the company of anyone on the ship, all the crew adore you and would be happy to spend time with you if you asked, but for some reason you’re asking him. “Why would I want to do that?”

“Because we’re on shore leave and you should relax” you know it’s a lost cause, you’re pretty sure Izzy Hands has never been relaxed in his life but if anyone can get him to then maybe it’s you. After all you’re the one that persuaded him to sit in on one of Stede’s storytimes, even if he did grumble the whole time you still took it as a win.

You can’t help but laugh a little at the confusion on his face as if he’s never heard of relaxation before “I’m too busy”

“Doing what, shouting at the crew? All the chores are done now, let them have their fun”

“I need to debrief Ed and Bonnet”

“Good luck with that, they’ve forbidden anyone from interrupting them for the next 48 hours”

Izzy wrinkles his nose at the implication, realising he doesn’t have any other excuses and sitting next to you wouldn’t be the worst thing, he relents. “Fine just five minutes” lowering himself next to you on the sand, leaning against the rocks. “What you drawing?”

“Just the view” you shrug, always feeling a little awkward at showing your work to others, even to those closest to you.

Izzy leans in closer to get a better look and you can’t help but inhale his scent, he smells like the ocean and something herbal, maybe he’s been borrowing Stede’s soaps. “Not bad” he comments, what he really wants to say is that it’s one of the most beautiful things he’s ever seen but he can’t say those words aloud, not even for you.

“Thanks” you nearly left it there but you were feeling brave “maybe I could draw you one day?”

He rolls his eyes “No way, Spriggs has already asked me a dozen times, I don’t do things like that”

“Oh no, I don’t draw like him, my models are always fully clothed” you assure him, flipping through your sketchbook to show him a sketch you’d done recently of Frenchie as he had sewed up one of your shirts for you.

Izzy admires all the details that go into your art, the way you brought it to life as if he had really been there. “definitely a lot more tasteful than what Spriggs does” he scoffs.

“So?”

“So what?”

“Can I draw you?”

Izzy huffs “Why would you want to draw me anyway, I’m not much to look at”

You were slightly shocked by his admission, to you he was the hottest pirate on the seven seas, you could see why people would be put off by his grumpy demeanour but you just found it endearing. “I think you’d look beautiful on paper” you were going to stop there but then you saw the red tinge creeping into his cheeks. “I mean right now the way the late sun is illuminating your features, the gentle slope of your nose-“

“Stop it” he grumbles “no need to make fun, I already know how I look, I’m not like Edward”

“I mean Ed’s alright if you’re into that sort of thing” you shrug

“You’re not?”

“Nah I have my eyes on someone else” you couldn't quite believe you were actually saying it out loud.

“Oh” Izzy’s face drops “who?” damn this man really is oblivious, but somehow it just makes him even more endearing to you.

Instead of answering his question you move closer, asking for silent permission to kiss this wonderful man. He nods, eyes closing as you gently hold his face in your hands, closing the gap between the two of you until your lips meet. At first he doesn’t move as if he still can’t quite believe it’s happening, frankly you can’t either, but he soon kisses you back. His lips are softer than you expected, his touch gentle as his fingers tangle in your hair, pulling you closer desperate for more.

You find yourself lost in the moment, everything around you quiets, which is probably bad for a pirate but in that moment you can’t find it in yourself to care. As you pull apart you take a second to look into his eyes, drinking in this shared moment together. After a while he breaks the silence “I- um, that was good” you’d never seen the man so shy, it was sweet.

“Yeah, maybe we could do it again sometime?”

Izzy smiles, it was so precious you immediately want him to do it again. “I’d like that”

Ever since Izzy had joined the ship, you two have never got along. Constantly at each other’s throats about anything and everything. Which is why it’s surprising, or maybe it’s really not, that one night you find yourself pressed up against the wall of Izzy’s room with the first mate’s tongue down your throat. “This doesn’t mean anything” he growls as he pulls away.

“Just shut up for once” you retort pulling him back in for a searing kiss, you’re fed up of hearing his voice, always barking orders, telling you you’re not good enough, this is much better you think as you deepen the kiss.

Oh how he was easier to deal with when he’s not talking, and he’s a decent kisser. You’d half expected him to be a biter, but that might just be because he reminded you of a small yappy dog nipping at your heels. You watch as he begins to undress, untying the cravat around his neck, carefully folding it with the golden ring and placing it safely on his desk. You’d always been intrigued by that ring, you’d never have pinned him as sentimental, it must really be something really special to him. Not that you’d ever ask, not that he’d ever tell you if you did ask.

Izzy’s furious at himself, how had he let this happen. One minute he was berating you about how annoying you are, how you never listen to a thing he says. Now you’re in his room unbuttoning your shirt whilst he removes his own clothes. What had you done to him, he hated you, you were constantly getting under his skin, maybe he’s sick, yeah that must be it.

You’ll both get it out of your system and then everything will just go back to normal, he’ll give you orders and you’ll tell him to fuck off. You’re a decent pirate, which is as much of a compliment as he’ll ever give you, but your incessant need to talk back is grating. If you just listened to a simple instruction maybe he wouldn’t find you half as irritating.

He’s taken out of his thoughts by your naked torso, he must’ve seen it before, when you’ve gotten too hot on deck or when Bonnet made the whole crew have a beach day. But here in the close confines of his room, under the dim light of the candle burning on his desk, it’s something else. He has the sudden need to run his hand over your chest, what’s wrong with him, he really must be sick.

Managing to pull his gaze away from you, wouldn’t want you to think he was into you or anything, he takes his own clothes off, folding them neatly into a pile on his desk.

“Is that really necessary?” You quip, why did you always have such a problem with everything little thing he did.

“Yes” is all he replies before stepping towards you until you’re face to face “if you have a problem with that you can get out”

You put your hands up in mock surrender, which he uses to his advantage, taking your hands and holding them above your head as he pins you against the wall, his prick pressing into your thigh.

“Someone’s eager” you tease.

“Shut up” he growls before kissing you with fervour, just needing you to stop talking for once in your life.

Your lips remain connected as he slowly guides you away from the wall and towards the small bed that sits in the corner, pushing you onto it and straddling your thighs, his prick flush between you. He finds himself grinding against you like some sort of desperate animal, he feels pathetic but he can’t stop.

You can feel his prick against your stomach as he continues to grind against you. Taking a small vial from his bedside table, pouring some onto your fingers, you take his prick into your hand, it’s bigger than you’d expected.

He’s moaning into your mouth just from the small touch “mm you’re so desperate aren’t you?”

“Fuck off” he growls

“Fine guess I’ll just stop then” you remove your hand, sure you hear a small whimper from the loss.

“Not what I fuckin’ meant”

“Well you better be careful with what you say, don’t want me to get the wrong idea”

“Just fuckin’ get on with it” he grumbles

“Ask nicely” you demand, laughing internally at the scowl he gives you in return, that man thinks he’s so intimidating, but he never has been to you.

“I’m not-“

“Ask nicely, or I’ll go” you don’t think you actually would at this point but it would be nice to see him be polite to you just once in his life

“Please” he says through gritted teeth

“Good boy” you praise, delighting when you see a dusting of blush on his cheeks, so he likes praise, you shouldn’t be surprised really.

You can feel him shiver as you move your hand up and down his length, enjoying the weight in your palm. You trail kisses down his neck, brushing along the swallow tattoo before sucking on the gentle skin above his collarbone.

Izzy hadn’t felt this good in so long, he told himself it was nothing to do with you, nothing to do with the way you touch him, or kiss his neck as if he was something precious. No, it had just been a while since he’d had another person’s touch, he’s just extra sensitive that’s all.

Your touch was firm but with a gentleness he hadn’t expected but appreciates nonetheless, you weren’t rushing just to get it over with. You were taking your time as if you actually cared about his pleasure, but he must be mistaken, he knows you only view this as a quick exchange, one that neither of you will mention again.

Before he even knows what’s happening, you’re manoeuvring him off your lap and laying him on his back. “I want you inside me Izzy, is that what you want too?” you purr, sending a rush of heat through him, he finds himself nodding eagerly.

“Good” he watches as you lower yourself “Izzy you feel so good” he can feel his face getting warmer at your praise, what is wrong with him.

As if you know what effect it’s having on him, you continue to praise him “you’re doing so well Izzy, you feel so good” he’s getting close just from the praise alone, he feels pathetic, but also, he feels good, better than he’s felt in a long time.

With a couple more shifts of your hips, he releases inside you, collapsing into the mattress as intense pleasure courses through him. Barely noticing as you reach your own orgasm, collapsing beside him in your own haze of pleasure.

When he eventually comes back to himself, he feels good, more than good even, but he also feels a little disappointed, he knows that when he opens his eyes you’ll be gone. He should feel relieved, you’ve both got out of this what you wanted and now you can just go back to your lives. So why does part of him wish you’d stayed, wished that for once that someone had stayed, but more importantly that that person was you.

He almost yelps when he hears rustling in his room, opening his eyes to find you standing there in your underwear holding a cloth, you freeze as if he had caught you doing something wrong. “Sorry I just thought maybe you’d like to clean up, but I’ll go” dropping the cloth on the desk beside you and heading for the door.

But Izzy catches you both by surprise “It’s fine” he wants to say so much more, that he’s glad you’re still here, that the fact you care enough about him to want to clean him up is thawing his cold heart, but he can’t get any more words out.

Luckily those two words are enough for you, he watches with a small smile on his lips as you retrieve the cloth and gently clean him up. As you place the cloth back on the desk, he’s worried you’ll leave again, a small “stay?” manages to pass his lips, part question, part plea. Now he knows what it’s like to have something, he’s scared to let it go in case he never has it again.

You nod, climbing in wordlessly beside him, trying to keep a small distance between you despite the small size of the bed, as if you’re still scared he’ll chuck you out despite him being the one to invite you. He counts to sixty trying to find the courage to hold you like you deserve, it’s purely selfish really, a deep need to feel you in his arms.

Olu lays on the massive bed in Zheng’s room, fully naked and hands bound to the headboard with a length of rope. When he’d been told he was getting a birthday surprise, this was not what he had imagined, but he’s definitely not complaining. He could hear his three partners giggling just the other side of the door, his prick already reacting in anticipation for tonight’s endless potentials.

Zheng is first to enter, wearing a deep red lingerie set, her hair in its usual style. He can’t help but let out a moan just at the sight of her, before he notices it, a butt plug in her hand. He watches as she takes the small vial of oil from the bedside table, pouring some over her fingers and the toy before slicking his hole. He lets out another moan as Zheng’s finger circles his hole before she inserts it, making sure he’s nice and relaxed before inserting another. By the time she’s on the third, his prick is throbbing in anticipation.

Once she’s decided he’s prepped enough, he feels the toy at his entrance as she inserts it slowly. He knows what’s coming next, but he notices that Zheng didn’t bring the strap with her, Zheng picks up on this. “Oh Jim is going to taken care of you tonight” she purrs “I have other plans for you and I”

Before Olu can ask what these other plans are, Jim and Archie enter the room, Jim wearing the strap and nothing else. Archie wearing a lingerie set similar to Zheng’s but in an emerald green, she looks stunning. They all do, he feels so lucky. Olu’s prick now fully erect in anticipation for tonight’s activities, Zheng pours more lube onto her fingers before wrapping her hand around his length, kissing him deeply as she pumps up and down in a steady rhythm.

He can’t help but whine when Zheng’s hand leaves his prick, enjoying the touch of her soft hand. “Don’t worry babe, it’s Jim’s turn now”

“I’ve got him all ready for you” she whispers to Jim before kissing them.

Jim takes the spot where Zheng just was, he expects Zheng to sit with Archie but instead she sits on the edge of the bed by his head. “Here’s how this is going to work mi amor” Jim explains “I’m going to fuck you whilst Zheng here is going to sit on your face, comprende?”

Olu finds himself nodding excitedly, it’s not the first time they’ve done something like this, and he’s found he enjoys it immensely every single time. He watches eagerly as he partners move around them, Jim toying with the plug still inside of him, Zheng removing her underwear before positioning herself just above his face, he licks his lips in anticipation.

Zheng carefully lowers herself until he can taste her, running his tongue over her folds, he can’t get enough of her sweet taste. As he continues to lick and suck he feels the plug being replaced by Jim’s strap, filling him nicely, their hips rock in a steady rhythm “you like that?” they tease.

He’s not really in a place to respond right now, but soon he hears Archie’s voice. “oh I think he really likes it babe, isn’t that right Olu?” she asks as he feels soft kisses along his broad chest before a gentle nip at his nipple “he loves all this attention” she’s not wrong, there’s a lot of times where he’d be happy to be off to the sidelines, but being doted on like this by his wonderful partners is something he can easily get used to.

An intense heat runs through Olu as the three of them continue to pleasure him, he knows he’s close but he’s enjoying it so much he tries to hold on. Focusing on bringing Zheng to completion he licks and sucks greedly at her clit, pleased at how wet she’s getting and the way he can feel her shiver slightly above him. Soon the moaning increases and she’s completely soaked as he works her through her orgasm.

Between the steady rhythm of Jim’s strap, Archie’s hand which is now on his prick, and watching Zheng come undone from his tongue, he’s close to reaching his own. Zheng lifts herself from his face, sitting beside him, giving him the view of Archie and Jim making out as they continue to pleasure him. It’s nearly enough to send him over the edge, as he announces he’s close, Jim quickens their pace, Archie stroking him through it as white streaks spill over her first.

“You did so good babe” Zheng praises, kissing his neck “you were so good for us”

Soon Jim is cleaning him up whilst Archie and Zheng undo the restraints on his wrists, carefully massaging where the rope had started to rub against the sensitive skin. “Have you had a good birthday?” Zheng whispered.

Everyone takes a turn in visiting Izzy, just in case. Frenchie is one of the only ones to not take a turn yet, he doesn’t know how. Instead he sits with Jim and Archie, taking turns in swapping stories about the man. The things he’s done for them over the past few months, their beautiful twat of a unicorn.

“Do you think he’s gone to that place that Blackbeard went to? The gravy basket” Archie asks. Ed had recounted the whole story one night, until he’d started describing merstede in great detail and Stede had decided to take him back to the cabin.

Jim seems to consider it for a second, twirling their knife with their fingers “maybe he’s seeing that bastard Hornigold too”

“Maybe he’s getting his own mermaid” Archie counters. Frenchie considers this, wondering if it would still be Ed after everything that’s happened, he knows who he wishes Izzy most wanted to see. He wishes he could provide that comfort to the man that has come to mean so much to him.

“I’m gonna go sit with Izzy” Frenchie tells them, they both give him a sympathetic nod. Maybe his adoration for Izzy was more noticeable than he thought.

He takes a seat by Izzy’s bedside, taking the man’s hand in his own, it’s still cold. He doesn’t speak for quite a while, simply taking in Izzy’s features, the scar on his forehead, the tattoo, his well groomed goatee.

“I didn’t like you at first, we all thought you were a dick. I just thought you were some sort of witch sent to torment us. But then when we met the kraken, I realised you weren’t as much of a dick as we thought you were. You saved me and my friends, and saving you in return was less returning a debt and more of an instinct. I guess the same instinct that led to me holding your hand that day”

Frenchie continues to ramble on “if you were awake, you’d probably call me a twat and tell me to shut up” he would do anything for that to be a reality, to have the first mate tell him to stop being such a mopey twat.

His eyes trace the features of the silver haired man, looking for any sign of life but his features stay still. “If you can hear me, wake up now yeah? You can call me a twat, tell me to fuck off, but just wake up, cause um, I love you”

Frenchie nearly jumps out of his chair when Izzy’s fingers twitch in his own, his eyes immediately drawn back to the pirate’s face. “Izzy?”

He takes a swig of rum, ready to go off on Frenchie, but he looks at the man again, really looks at him, the sadness that resides in his eyes. None of this is Frenchie’s fault, he doesn’t need Izzy shouting at him, no, if this is anyone’s fault it’s his. “I’m sorry” Passes his lips instead, taking both him and the other man by surprise.

“Sorry? For what?”

“I let you and the rest of the crew down, if anyone should be the new captain it’s you, no one wants this as their captain'' gesturing to his current dishevelled state.

He expects Frenchie to agree, to tell him all the ways he has hated him ever since they joined The Revenge. He definitely doesn’t expect a hug. He wants to push him away, to deny himself of the comfort that he doesn’t deserve, but he’s weak, emotionally and physically. So instead he allows himself to sink into the man’s embrace, and if a few tears fall, Frenchie was good enough not to mention it. He can’t recall the last time he felt so warm, safe, it’s so different to anything he’s used to, for the first time since the incident he feels a tiny glimmer of hope.

Frenchie doesn’t let go, letting Izzy choose when he wants to stop, when Izzy does finally let go it was more to relieve the other man than because he wanted it to end. “Thank you” He whispers, staring into his lap.

“How about I make you a bath?” Frenchie offers.

Izzy shakes his head, not wanting to be a bother. “I’m fine”

“It might help” Izzy knows he’s right and relents easily, the thought of the warm water soothing his aches and pains, it was too enticing, even if he didn’t feel worthy.

Frenchie helps him to the tub, he should be embarrassed to need assistance but he finds he doesn’t really care. He allows the man to help him into the tub, sighing with relief when the warm water caresses his weary body. “Should I wait outside or?” Frenchie asks.

“Stay. Please” Izzy has spent enough time alone recently, well for most of his life if he’s being honest with himself.

He allows Frenchie to talk whilst he relaxes in the warm water, even allowing the man to wash his hair. It’s a comfort he didn’t even know he needed until it actually happened, the feeling of Frenchie’s long fingers carding through his hair.

“Why are you doing this?” his voice a lot smaller than he’d intended.

“What?”

“This” He gestures to the bath “Taking care of me, it’s not like I’ve ever done anything to deserve it. You and the others could easily chuck me off the ship, I’m too weak to fight back”

“Why would we do that? We all care about you, in fact we’ve all agreed that you should be captain” Frenchie says as he rinses Izzy’s hair. He doesn’t know how to react to that, these were people that hated him, crew members that he’d let down time and time again, and yet they cared about him.

“Why? Why do you all care about me?”

Frenchie seems shocked that he’s even asking. “Izzy, you saved us, yeah you’ve been a dick in the past, but you’re our dick, we love you” Izzy laughs, a genuine laugh, something he thought he’d never do again, it felt nice. Maybe it would all be okay.

“You really care about me, all of you?”

“Mhm, so what do you say, Captain Hands?”

He has to admit that it does have a nice ring to it “Captain Hands” he thinks back to the few minutes he tried to be captain before, but things were different then. He has something he didn’t have the last time, genuine respect, maybe even some sort of dysfunctional family. “I’ll think about it” he couldn’t rush into this, although there were a lot of positives about this new Izzy, there were some negatives too.

“If you’re worried about your leg” ahh was he really that easy to read “we’ll help you, you’re too stubborn to let it stop you anyway”

Izzy laughs again, he’s laughed more in the past ten minutes then he has in years, he tries not to dwell on that too much. “Fine, but on one condition”

“What is it?”

“You’ll be my first mate”

“Me?”

“Yes you, you twat” but it doesn’t have any bite to it “So?”

“Um ok then, yes, Captain Hands”

Frenchie helps him out of the bath, passing him a towel. He sits on the stool smiling to himself as drying himself off.

“Thank you Frenchie”

Frenchie offers him a warm smile in return “So Captain, what’s the plan?”

Make your own fanfic request

“Oh honey” he wiped the tears away with the hand not holding yours “I’m upset to see you hurt but it’s not your fault”

“But I wasn’t careful enough, got myself captured like an idiot”

You felt comforting fingers combing through your hair, you somehow knew it’s Izzy, he’s always loved playing with your hair. “It wasn’t your fault love” Ed says “we’re the ones that left you alone”

“I shouldn’t need babysitting” you sulked

“That’s not what Ed means, sweetheart” Stede assured you “it’s just safer if you’re not alone, it’s the same for all of us”

“Yeah next time we’re there we’ll stick together” Ed adds

Shit, you hadn’t considered that one day you might have to return there, the idea made you feel sick. “We don’t really have to go back there, do we?” you could feel your heartbeat rising, your palms suddenly becoming increasingly sweaty.

The three men look at each other, distressed by your sudden panic. “No darling, I’m sure we can avoid going back” Stede says, looking to Ed for backup

“Yeah, there’s plenty of other places we can go, don’t worry about it love” lightly squeezing your shoulder.

“Right your back is all done dear” Izzy says “shall we help you lean back again” They help you lean back against the pillows, it’s painful but you think you’d be in pain no matter how you laid. They do the same for the wounds on your front as you just lay there, mostly staring at nothing. Stede must notice you zoning out as he gives your hand another squeeze, you look to him as he gives you what is probably meant to be a reassuring smile.

They checked the rest of your body, massaging your wrists where they’d been bound for hours, they were so sore, really every part of your body was sore. Once they were sure every injury had been tended to properly, Ed and Izzy awkwardly hovered near you, wanting to comfort you so badly but scared they’d somehow make it all worse.

You took Izzy’s hand, rubbing circles in the back of it. “Join us?” you asked, looking between the two men.

“Are you sure love? We don’t wanna hurt you” Ed replied

“Just do as Y/N says” Stede backs you up, already shuffling closer to the window to make room. They helped you move over until you’re in Stede’s arms, the feel of Stede’s broad chest against your back is a comfort. Izzy slides in next to you with Ed close behind, being surrounded by your partners is pure bliss after the past few days. For the first time in what feels like ages, your body finally lets you rest.

You awoke with a jolt to someone screaming, wait it’s you that’s screaming. You had a nightmare, back in that navy cell as soldier after soldier would come in to torture you as they pleased, as you begged for them to stop and they’d just laugh in your face. Your screaming had of course woken all three men who were wrapped around you but you couldn’t even register them talking as your ears were ringing and your body felt like it was on fire.

One of your partners must have touched your arm to try and comfort you, but to your muddled brain it was a navy soldier wanting to hurt you. You struggled out of their grasp, shooting out of the bed in search of safety.

All three men looked at each other, not sure what just happened, wanting to go comfort you but not wanting to make things worse. Stede, who had been the one to touch you, felt terrible, all he had wanted to do was provide some comfort, he hadn’t wanted to scare you.

“It's not you love” Ed tries to assure him “they woke up screaming, must’ve been having a nightmare, they probably didn’t even know where they were” Logically Stede knew what Ed was saying made sense, but he couldn’t help the hurt he felt when you’d recoiled from his touch.

“What if they don’t want to be with us anymore?”

“I don’t think it’s that” Izzy replied “Y/N has been through a lot, we just have to be there for them”

Stede found you in the auxiliary wardrobe hidden under his golden robe, he had to admit it warmed his heart that you had found safety in an item of his. But he was more worried about you, how small you looked, distress etched into every feature on your tear streaked face.

He approached you in a similar way that you’d approach a scared animal, kneeling in front of you but leaving some space between, not risking touching you again yet. Your brain was clearer now, you were mostly just embarrassed by your outburst. “I’m sorry” your voice so small, it was only audible due to the close proximity.

“Oh darling, you have nothing to be sorry for” Stede assured you “I’m sorry for scaring you back there”

“No” you shake your head, it wasn’t his fault, it’s your fucked up brain. “You didn’t do anything”

He nods in understanding. “I’m assuming you had a nightmare, do you want to talk about it?”

The idea of talking about any of it in that moment seemed impossible, your heart beating faster just at the idea. Another sob tore through you as you shook your head. “I’m sorry, I can’t”

He offered you a small smile “That’s okay dear, Y/N would it be okay if I touched you?”

You didn’t respond with words, instead launching yourself onto him, he took this as permission, wrapping his arms around you, rubbing your back as you cried. “Shh, I’ve got you, I’ve got you my love”

Once your sobs had subsided, he led you back to the bed where Ed and Izzy were waiting for you. You immediately jumped into Ed’s arms, burying your face in his chest, the comforting scent of lavender helping to calm you down. “Shh love you’re safe here, we’ve got you” rocking you gently as it you were a baby, it was actually quite comforting.

You were too scared to go back to sleep that night, worried that the nightmares would return as soon as you closed your eyes. “Stede?”

“Yes darling?”

“Will you read to me?”

He smiled at that, one of his favourite things to do is read to his partners, or anyone for that matter. All four of you settled back into bed, Stede had picked a book of fairytales. You laid your head on Stede’s shoulder so you could see the illustrations, Ed curled around your other side, mindful of your injuries, whilst Izzy laid next to him curled around Ed. Eventually you did find yourself drifting off to sleep again, lulled by the sound of Stede’s voice.

Your stomach turned at the sight of breakfast, Stede had asked Roach to put on a full spread for your first morning back, it was a lovely gesture. But you’d been on reduced rations your whole time in the cell, your stomach had shrunk and eating just felt overwhelming to you.

You nibbled on a croissant hoping it wouldn’t be too much for your stomach to handle, all three of your partners watched you as you ate. You knew they were just concerned but it was kinda off putting, plus it was easily going to give away your lack of appetite.

“Why don’t you have some toast and marmalade?” Stede offered.

“I’m fine thanks babe”

“They’ve barely eaten” Izzy interjects, he sounded angry but you knew he was just concerned about you.

“Izzy” Ed warns

“They need to eat Ed, i’m sure those twats barely fed them”

“Izzy’s right, they could get really ill” Stede adds

Whilst the men were discussing you like you weren’t even there, you found yourself bursting into tears. Once again you were burdening the men you loved the most, you wondered if it had been better if you’d died in that cell. Yes they would’ve been upset but they had each other, now they had to worry about you too.

Stede, who was sitting opposite you, was the first one to notice your tears, immediately running over to comfort you. “Oh my darling” brushing away your tears with his thumb. “I’m sorry, we shouldn’t have been talking about you as if you’re not here”

“It’s not your fault i’m so broken”

“Hey, you are in no way broken” he reassured you

“Stede I can’t even eat a stupid croissant without bursting into tears and now you’re all worried about me”

“It’s only because we love you”

“You don’t have to”

Ed’s head snapped up at that “What?”

“You don’t have to be with me anymore, just drop me off at the nearest port, or even just push me over the side of the ship, everyone would be better off”

Your partners stared at you with wide eyes, shocked that you could say such a thing. Izzy couldn’t take it anymore, you cringed at the sound of his chair scraping against the floor as he stood up, storming off and slamming the door behind him. He wasn’t angry with you, he was furious at himself, he had sworn to protect you and failed, and now you were asking them to throw you overboard. Ed followed him after him whilst Stede stayed to comfort you, guiding you over to the sofa so you could cuddle.

“How about a bath darling? I always find them really relaxing”

It was nice to be able to wash off all the grime, it hadn’t exactly been clean in that cell.

Once the bath had been filled with warm water, Stede guided you to the tub, helping you undress without aggravating your injuries too much. The water was soothing even if it made your cuts sting, it was nice to be clean again after so long. Your eyes closed as Stede gently cleaned your skin, it was soothing to be so cared for after everything that’s happened.

“Does Izzy hate me?” You asked him, worrying about why he had stormed out at breakfast.

“What? No darling, he’s just worried about you like we all are”

“I don’t mean to worry everyone”

“I know love, none of this is your fault, we just want to help you”

“What if I- what if I can’t be helped”

“Oh honey, it’s going to be okay, you have us, and the crew and we all love you and want to help you, okay?” You nodded, maybe Stede was right, they’re your family, maybe they can help you to heal. He takes extra care as he washes the dirt and sweat out of your hair, having clean hair again feels amazing.

You’re resting with Stede on the sofa when Ed and Izzy re-enter the cabin, both men look like they’ve been crying which makes your heart sink, knowing it was probably because of you.

“Iz has something to say” Ed nudged his partner forward

“I- um, I wanted to apologise for storming out”

“It’s fine Iz” you promise him “I know you just needed some time” Ok part of you had been convinced that Izzy was angry at you, but deep down you knew he sometimes needed that time alone to think.

“I just wish there was something I could do”

“Iz love, just having you three here with me is enough”

“Hmm” He wasn’t convinced, he’s used to being in control of a situation, he in no way blames you but everything now feels out of whack and he doesn’t know what to do.

You held your hands out gesturing for him to come closer, once he’s in front of him you held his hands in yours. “I mean it Iz, as long as I have you three I’ll be okay” He nodded, a stray tear falling down his cheek, he knew he would be there for you, whatever you needed. He joined you on the sofa, sitting on the other side, whilst Ed sat next to Stede. You had no idea how long you all stayed like that but frankly you didn’t care.

Over the next few weeks you were slowly recovering, your appetite getting a little better day by day, but you were still occasionally plagued by nightmares and there was that constant nagging fear that it would happen again. You knew you wouldn’t survive it a second time.

It didn’t escape anyone’s notice that you were constantly stuck to the side of at least one of your partners at any given time. Once there was an incident where Stede had left you for a second with Jim and Olu and you started freaking out, he definitely didn’t make that mistake again.

You felt pathetic, but even the thought of being apart from them again, albeit even just in another room, was too much to bear. No one ever commented on it, it was just this unspoken new normal for the ship, where your partners were, you weren’t far behind. They were of course worried about you but were happy that you felt comforted by their presence, plus they had to admit it was comforting to them to know you were safe.

This was fine until the ship was raided, meaning you got separated from your partners, you ended up fleeing to one of the secret rooms. As soon as the raid was over they start to panic about where you’d gone, luckily Lucius had seen you flee and points them in the right direction.

They find you curled up in the corner of one of the smallest rooms, this doesn’t dissuade them from joining you though. It’s a tight fit, what with two of your partners being around six foot, but it’s actually quite comforting to be so close.