#stedethreads

As much as Stede loves the roll of the waves against the Revenge and the salty breeze through his hair, there are just some domestic delights a pirate ship cannot have that a city does. Yes, his library is certainly expansive (at least as far as naval vessels go), and yes he will read every single book in his possession until they deteriorate, but he's been itching for a new read for weeks, now. A new adventure to read while on his own adventure. Dinner and dessert. Half the ships they've tried to raid barely have so much as a cook book, let alone a novel he's never seen. So when Roach tells him they need to resupply, Stede all but jumps at the opportunity to stop at the next port.

The crew is more than happy to explore and see if their 'hard-earned' paychecks can get them anything fun. As long as someone focuses on resupplying the ship, Stede doesn't care what they do. He's off to find a book shop, nearly bee-lining off the Revenge in a lavish gentleman's outfit.

It takes him a few minutes just to wade through the crowds of people at the port markets, avoiding any stalls entirely lest he risk another scam. He almost scowls to remember the incident back in Tortuga, where he didn't realize the rare William Kidd biography in his hands was a total fake. Of course, the merchant was already long gone before Stede could ever find him. He still refuses to reveal just how much he's spent on that mistake.

Finally he squeezes past the bulk of bodies and to his surprise, a quaint little book shop with an attractive brick-face greets him.

"Ah! That didn't take long at all!" He exclaims to no one, but he receives a few glances.

As soon as he swings open the door the scent of paper and ink rushes into his nose. Stede inhales it greedily, a grin on his face. At long last! He doesn't even know where to begin; there are so many books! What better way to begin his search than with how one reads: left to right (right after giving the shop keeper an excited greeting). Fingers run over the spines of brand new books with eyes flicking over titles. So many of them already catch his eye, but he wills himself to find temperance. The books aren't going anywhere. He can always come back.

By the time Stede reaches the middle of the left-hand side, he's carrying three books and on his way to grab up a fourth when he notices a man eyeing the intricately decorated spines in section he aims to view.

On a normal occasion he might have snatched that hand away. Stede was a forever curious individual, his curiosity of the world around him almost as unquenchable as the vampire pirate’s thirst. Remarkably, the crew of The Revenge were protective of their vampire crew mate. They may not have liked his personality, but having a vampire on board was helpful; although Izzy did need to feed. There was more than one reason as to why he was so protective of Ed. He had seen the young boy grow. Israel Hands had taught him everything, and then Ed had his own spin on things. But forever guiding and watching was the protective vampire. Even as Ed aged, his dedication never dwindled.

He didn’t like Stede’s idiocy about piracy, but there were plenty of things that he regrettably found interesting. Iz was so desperate to feel the human experience, having lost that chance so very, very long ago. Feeling that extremely warm hand on his icy skin sent a shockwave through his soul. No one touched him like that, except for Ed and that was only here and there. He sunk into it, practically nuzzling the blonde’s hand as more animal instinct took over.

“ Comes with the territory of being what I am.. “ He quipped easily back like the smart ass he was. But the warmth of that touch was overwhelming, and Stede had always been one to help the entirety of the crew aboard his ship. A little blissful sigh left him then. He could smell him now, every little scent, right down to the very soap he used to clean his skin. He closed his eyes, blissfully murmuring.

“ You’re so warm.. “

It comes as no surprise to many, but mostly to Stede, that he’s had little to no reason to touch Izzy. Considering how caustic the man’s mood is towards him, he almost has no reason to be near him at all. However, they share a common ground (well, many, considering the ship is only so big): Ed -- both of whom being rather protective of the man. Sometimes their shared interest aligns for the better, but most of the time they bicker, if they exchange words at all.

As troublesome and tiring as it is dealing with Izzy’s particular brand of quips, Stede is still capable of finding something in the man he enjoys (to his quiet chagrin). Or, at the very least, finds interesting. Izzy isn’t so bad when he gets to know him more and more.

So far Stede has yet to see any person best Izzy in swordplay. The man is a marvel to watch and he will sometimes sneak in a few minutes of observation, deep down wishing Izzy could spare the time and put away their squabbles long enough to teach him a thing or two. How fascinating that adept swordplay looks so similar to dancing! Far be it from Stede to admit this openly, but he finds Izzy’s footwork to be rather beautiful, and may the lord strike him down on the spot if he denies his gradual attraction.

So full of secrets and a man of few words, this Israel Hands. There’s no map to the trove of mysteries, no ‘X’ to mark where Stede could begin to unearth the history of First Mate Hands. Asking him anything is out of the question. Asking him outright is. Stede asks his fair share of questions that he hopes are innocuous enough. Not his fault Ed keeps a compelling crew mate and he can hardly control the gnawing curiosity.

Perhaps the most curious thing about Izzy is his condition. Vampires! Who’d of thought? The notion excites Stede and all sorts of queries burn at his tongue.

The powers that be stick them in a closer than normal proximity tonight and every one of those questions floating around Stede’s mind muddle the moment he begins to admire the shorter man. Stede simply cannot stop himself from cupping Izzy’s cheek and the man’s temperature nearly startles him.

It surprises him that Izzy’s reaction is less than bitter; there’s no absence of sarcasm but what surprises him more is how Izzy doesn’t pull away. Nuzzles into his hand, even. He doesn’t spit venom or growl an empty threat. None of that, no. Izzy’s content little sigh causes Stede’s face to flush red, the “you’re so warm” throwing him for a loop.

Well, he certainly feels warm now.