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Chapter Text

The fight was shorter than Izzy expected it to be. Even after three months of sailing with “The Kraken”, it still surprised Izzy how quickly some invaded crews just gave up. Not a spine to them. This target, though, was easy. Almost too easy. It was a small sloop they found in the dead of night, in a thick fog, and with only a small crew. And the crew, fucking cowards! The crew gave up without so much as a few broken bones, and not a shot fired from anyone on deck.
Izzy frowned. He was hoping for a bit of sport tonight. He had the crew thrown to their knees on the deck, and walked past them to inspect them. Perhaps one, the big one on the left, might be good for the Kraken’s crew. But then, he was blubbering, so perhaps not.

Izzy turned to Fang, a snarl on his face. “Where is their captain?” Fang shrugged. “Haven’t found ‘im yet.”

There was a sound of someone taking a hard landing from behind them, and both men quickly turned, pistols and swords raised. From the shadows of the fog curling around them, a lanky man in a short coat appeared, a smirk on his face.

“Hello Izzy, long time no see, you fuckin’ bastard.” Lucius cried with a grin, opening his arms as if he expected an embrace.

“Fuck.”

**

There was total darkness when he woke. His head was pounding, and as he reached back, he could feel the knot on the back of it from where he was struck. The Kraken hissed in pain, blinking away sudden tears as he pulled his hand back. He felt his body, and found no further major wounds. A few scratches, definitely some bruises, but he was whole. He even still had a knife on him. He tried to sit up and- A horrible sting of pain rushed through his middle. “Ah. I’ve been stabbed. Fuck.” Apparently he *did* have a major wound.

He traced the line of bandages across his middle. It was a clean wound, and missed all the important bits. And it appeared his bandages had been changed recently. He shook his head with a groan, wincing as the movement made his vision spin. As his vision became clearer, he noticed he was in a small room. More a storage space, really. Only a few feet long, and narrow enough The Kraken could touch both sides with his hands. It was bare, not even a bucket to shit in, and had light coming from a lattice in the ceiling. He found the ceiling easy enough to reach, as the room was too small for him to stand in. He tugged on the lattice, hopeful for a moment to break it down, but the metal held firm. He pushed it up, and it wiggled slightly, rattling the box above it. He tried to see if he could notice anything about the room above him. There seemed to be a barrel, or perhaps a box, on one side of the lattice, blocking some of the light and view.

The room above him had high ceilings, and a slow-swaying lamp above him that moved with the ship. The ship. *His Ship.*
He was still on The Revenge. No, he was still on "The Kraken." Had the crack to the back of his head made him forget he renamed his prize? It was all too-disorienting, especially with the swaying lamp above him casting strange shadows. The Kraken sat back with his back to a wall, sighing as he held his head in his hands to try to clear the nausea.

He listened to the creak of the ship for gods know how long before he heard voices. He couldn’t hear exactly what was said, it was too muffled. But it almost sounded familiar. He knelt under the lattice to try to hear better. There were footsteps above him, and a door opened and closed. The conversation died once the door was shut, and he heard someone heave a heavy sigh. He couldn’t see who was above, but he could track their movements around the room by their footsteps. Gods, their shoes were loud! They made the most obnoxious click against the wood floors.

The Kraken looked around the space, quickly coming up with a plan. There was a simple sliding lock, just in reach to the left of the lattice. He could pop that, shoulder the lattice open, stab the fucker above him and pop right back out on the deck! Yes! .Yes, that seemed like a good plan. The Kraken readied his knife, ready to pounce as soon as they got within range.

Closer.. Closer.. Just above him now..And then…

The scent of Lavender filled The Kraken’s nose. His breath hitched in his throat, choking on the scent. It couldn’t be.
No, Not here. He couldn’t be here! Stede Fucking Bonnet had been killed in Barbados. There was no way. He was dead! He-

Stede gave a cautious glance to the lattice below his feet.
"Ah, you're awake!"
Fuck.

Chapter Text

“Right then! We’re just two days behind The Rev- Ahem, the Kraken?” Stede asked, looking over his map again. He scratched at the short beard on his chin, a nervous tic he’d picked up.

Buttons nodded grimly, pointing at a childish looking fish drawn on the map.
“Aye. From Lucius’s notes, it’s two days, and then we catch up to them. Storm’s abrewing, but we’ll need to make sure your smoke is ready just in case.” Buttons looked back at the crew. “How’s the Smoke Coming then?” He called over the deck.

Below them, Frenchie stirred a large barrel full of white powder. “Lookin’ good!” He called back with a thumbs up.

Stede sighed, nodding to himself as he rolled up the map “Good. Jolly Good. It’ll make for a good Fuckery, no?” He chuckled, running a hand through his hair nervously. Without waiting for an answer, he gave Buttons a nod and crossed the deck. His hands were shaking as he tried to tuck the map back into his pocket. His eyes however were fixed off the prow of the ship. It had been three months since they started the chase. Stede let his thoughts get away from him, the spiraling ruminations having swirled in his mind the last three months. ~Will I actually catch The Revenge? And if.. When I do, what about Ed? What will happen? Will he forgive me? Will he hate me.. What if he stabs me again? I’d deserve it. What if..~

Stede shook his head, clearing the thoughts. He looked back out at the sea over the prow. Somewhere out there, in that vast blue before them, was the love of his life. The man he left. The man he was sure hated him now.

Yet for Stede, the anticipation of meeting Ed again was almost too much to bear. All his life, such strong feelings made him want to run, and run he did. Never once staying where he needed to, only outrunning his problems as fast as he could. But he couldn’t run anymore. No. He wouldn’t run anymore. Ed needed him, and Stede would be damned if he didn’t need Ed too. ”I have to hold faith.” He murmured to himself, straightening his shoulders as he watched the horizon. “I’ll have him back. He loves me, and I love him. And that’s that.”

**

“You really think this will work?” Lucius asked quietly, gentle in his tone. He watched Stede pace the room. It was one day now til the “The Beacon” reached “the Kraken.” Lucius had stolen away on one of the dinghies late in the evening, and hoped that The Kraken’s crew wouldn’t notice it until later.

Stede looked up at him, his face pale. “To be honest with you?” He whispered, gulping. “I dont know. But I have to try.”

Lucius nodded, and rose from his place on a barrel to pull Stede into a tight embrace. Stede shoved his face into Lucius’s shoulder, letting out a quiet sob. “What if he hates me?” He whispered, voice cracking. “Oh gods, what if he heard the rumors and believed them?!”

“Shh, no one could hate you, Captain.” Lucius replied with a gentle smile, gently rubbing Stede’s back. “Ed’s a smart man, he’ll know you didn’t really die by, what was it? A piano?” He smirked abit as Stede let out a puff of a laugh.
“He’s just hurt is all. Don’t you worry, you’ll just need to talk it out with him, and I’m sure..” Lucius sighed, not sure himself the plan would work. He shook his head to clear the negative thoughts.

“ I’m sure it’ll all work out. You just have to be strong.” He pulled back to look at Stede, brushing the man’s chin-length hair from his face. “Remember! You took on Blackbeard! Fuckin’ Blackbeard! And you’ve killed two Bandmiltons! And won another dozen scrapes since we got out here! This Kraken Fellow doesn’t stand a chance!”

Stede nodded, sniffing back tears as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “Fuckin’ right. The man’s no match for The Gentleman Pirate!”

“Thats the spirit! He’ll be back to Ed in no time at all!” Lucius grinned at his captain, squeezing his shoulders gently. He was so proud of the man before him. Stede, for all his faults, was growing into a fierce and steadfast captain. No longer the cowardly, weak-willed captain Lucius had spun tales about in his diary. No, this was a man who had finally found his purpose.

Lucius beamed at Stede, giving his shoulders another squeeze before letting him go. “Right, let me finish setting up the space, and then come tomorrow, you’ll have your man back.”

He turned, shuffling a barrel beside the lattice grate on the floor of the room. Stede nodded, walking off to set up a small bunk, but moved as if he was in a daze. Lucius couldn’t help but smile at Stede, noting the fine silk bedding he used, and the box of lavender soaps he put out by the large wooden tub on the other side of the room. Fancy as ever, his captain was, but rightly so. He was a gentleman, if nothing else, and his little habits, odd and expensive as they were, were endearing. Lucius was being honest when he said no one could hate Stede, because who ever could?

**

Izzy frowned as he looked at the loose ropes where his dinghy once was. He had suspected something was amiss, but this confirmed it. He had already questioned every crewmate, even to the point of light torture, to figure out what happened. No one seemed to know. Not that everyone would speak about it. Jim had gone back to their silence, responding only in menacing glares. Izzy was sure Jim knew something, but didn’t know how to weasel it out of the bastard.

As Izzy pulled up the ropes to secure them, he felt a presence behind him. One of the ropes slipped from his hand, and was quickly pulled around his neck. Gasping for air, Izzy felt The Kraken press against his back.
“Captain-!” he sputtered, “T-the dinghy-!”

“I know.”

The deep growl shook Izzy to his core, and it took all of his concentration not to moan. He dared to look back at the rough face over his shoulder. Those dark brown eyes looked not at Izzy, but at the open water below them. For a moment, Izzy feared he’d be tossed in, or at the very least, hung over the side. The rope around his neck tightened, but then released as suddenly as it appeared.
At once, the Kraken moved away, turning his back to Izzy. “Find it. Or you’ll be jumping in after it..”
Izzy leaned against the rail, taking a shuddering breath. “A-as you wish, Captain.” Izzy couldn’t help but look back at the taller man as he strode away.

Dammit. It took a moment for him to catch his breath, and calm his cock enough to be able to stand up straight. This was bad. The Kraken was on a bloodthirst again, and Izzy knew from the last time it happened that his captain wouldn’t stop until he tasted it.

~Gods, if only it was me he was tasting.~ Izzy smirked at the thought, running a hand over the rope marks that were blooming across his neck. ~Fuck they’ll be gorgeous later.~ His thoughts darkened though as he looked down at the ropes. If he didn’t find this dinghy, it could be his last night on the crew. And lately, even he couldn’t be sure when his last night would be.

He smoothed his hair back with a hand, frowning as he turned from the deck back to the railing. Maybe there was something out there that could distract the captain’s rage. Something to sate his appetite for destruction. Something… Like a small sloop, not but a few hours away on the horizon. He blinked, not realizing the ship was there before, and yet, there it was, just waiting to be invaded. Izzy smirked to himself. That would do.

Chapter Text

The smoke screen Frenchie had concocted had done its job, aiding the late night fog in hiding the true force of The Beacon. Under Lucius’ command, the crew had successfully captured Izzy and his invasion force. Once the trap had been sprung, it was quick work to overpower the invasion force.

Wee John smiled down at Izzy, whom he held like a sack of potatoes under his arm. “Unhand me you bastard!” Izzy screamed, kicking at him uselessly.

Lucius clicked his tongue at him, shaking his head. “That's no way to talk to Wee John. This’ll help.” He untied the scarf around his own neck, and tied it tightly around Izzy’s mouth, gagging the man. Then, Lucius looked up at the deck of the Revenge beside them.

Above the quickly painted “The Kraken”, a lone figure stood. He was shrouded in the fog, but Lucius swore he saw his eyes glowing in the dark. As he watched, another figure stepped up out of the fog. Suddenly, there was a gunshot, and the fog quickly rolled over the two ships. That wasnt’ in the plan! “To the Revenge!” Lucius called, rushing towards the dinghies.

The Kraken watched with fire in his eyes as his crew was taken by the fuckery of the smaller ship. He knew Izzy was useless, but he didnt realize he was that stupid. How could he not have smelled the difference in the fog? How could he not notice-!

There was a footstep behind him. A presence he knew, but dared not to acknowledge. It was impossible. The ghost of Stede Bonnet was here, finally trying to take The Kraken to hell with him.
“Ed…?”
Stede was stupid. He really was that stupid.The man should be dead, and would be dead, if he knew what was good for him. Fists clenched in rage, The Kraken stood to full height, squaring his shoulders. He kept his back to the man, unable to face him just yet.

“Edward Teach…” The Kraken started, a snarl on his face. “Blackbeard… That man is dead. Only the Kraken is left.”
Slowly, carefully, without too much movement, The Kraken cocked his blunderbuss. “And Stede Bonnet..? Well… He’s Dead Too.” With a sudden burst of speed, The Kraken turned, firing at the man behind him.

**
There he was. He was real. He was alive. He was.. Pissed. Stede could tell just from the way his shoulders tightened that Ed was furious. His breath caught in his throat, and Stede had to remember where he was for a moment. He cautiously approached, having slipped onto the deck in the commotion from below. He gulped, drawing his sword but not intending to use it. Slow down, he blinked back tears, Give him a moment. Say something. Anything!
“Ed?”
That was stupid. Stede felt like his heart was going to burst from his chest. Every breath felt like an eternity, the commotion from below suddenly going silent as he heard Ed speak.
“Edward Teach, Blackbeard. That man is dead. Only the Kraken is left-”

The Kraken? Ed, dead? No, no. Ed was alive! He was right there. All Stede had to do was get through to him. The Kraken, the monster Stede feared, was here, and Ed was his hostage. Stede had to think of a way to find him. Stede opened his mouth to speak, hands open in surrender.

“And Stede Bonnet-”

Stede made a noise, taking a step towards The Kraken. Oh this was bad -

“Well, he’s dead too.” Fuck. He’d heard the rumors.

Stede saw the flash of the muzzle. It all felt as if it was in slow motion. He turned slightly to his left, Ed’s words in his ears. He never heard the gun go off. He didn’t feel the bullet shoot clean through his shoulder either. He did feel his feet running across the deck towards Ed. He felt his heart pounding in his chest as he rushed to him. He saw the rage on Ed- the Kraken’s face, as he rushed at him.

Swords met in the darkness, sparks flying off them in their clash. Stede met every thrust with a parry, dancing to the Kraken’s rhythm. Side left, side right, slide up. The speed of the Kraken’s rage surprised Stede as he slowly started to come back to himself.

The Kraken’s sword went for his side, and Stede moved quickly to avoid it. He parried, and in a moment of reflex, made his first slash at The Kraken. His sword went cleanly into the Kraken’s stomach, narrowly missing all the important bits. But then the Kraken did something Stede did not expect. He grabbed Stede’s wrist, pulling him close and burying the blade deeper into his gut. And then, he laughed. “If you hadn’t already cut my heart out, I’d tell you you fucking missed.”

The Kraken looked down at Stede, delighting in the horror on his face. Good! He finally saw him for the monster he was. He could see the tears in Stede’s eyes, his mouth gaping as he tried to find something to say. The Kraken raised his sword, aiming for Stede’s neck when he heard it.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Ed.”

His hand shook. The wicked smile on his face faltered, only to be replaced with a horrid snarl.

“Sorry?! SORRY?! You killed him! You killed Ed by leaving him! And now you’re sorry?!”

“Yes.” Stede’s voice was barely a whisper, the tears flowing down his face freely now. “I was a fool, and a coward. And you can hate me for it. But I love you.”

The Kraken’s grip on Stede’s arm began to bruise as he placed his sword against Stede’s neck. “Don't. You. Dare.”

Stede looked up at him, bravely, stupidly allowing him closer to his neck. The Kraken pushed, just a little, and a line of red started to drip from his sword.

“I’m sorry for this too.” Stede murmured. Suddenly, with a burst of speed The Kraken did not realize Stede had, Stede shoved the Kraken back, freeing his sword from his belly. With a yell, Stede shouldered the Kraken back to the other side of the deck before throwing him towards the rail.

The Kraken lost his footing, and tumbled backwards, cracking the back of his head on the sturdy rail behind him. The world began to fade, and all he could see above him was Stede. That fool. That fool with.. Warm hands.. Holding his face.. Holding his side… whispering to him as it all went black…

**

Chapter Text

Oh God I killed him! Stede’s thoughts were racing as he quickly tried to stop the bleeding. Ed’s eyes had just slipped shut by the time Lucius made it on deck.

“Lucius! Lucius help me! He’s bleeding!” Stede cried, barely able to see past his own tears. “Oh god! I didn’t mean to throw him that hard! He hit the rail! Oh god, is he dead?!” He sobbed, gripping Ed’s side tightly.

Lucius quickly came to his side, followed by Roach. “You’re both bleeding! Move!” Roach snapped, quickly getting to work bandaging up Ed’s middle. “He’s still alive. He’s gonna have a wicked headache when he wakes up though.”

Lucius had to hold Stede back from helping, putting pressure on Stede’s shoulder to try to stop the bleeding.

“Easy, easy Captain!” He shushed, pulling Stede’s face to look at him. “The best thing we can do right now, is patch him up and let him sleep. Dont worry, he’s in good hands.”

Stede nodded dumbly, shaking in Lucius’s grasp. “And you can’t help him if you’re hurt too! Come on, let's get you patched up. Come on, easy does it.” Lucius helped get Stede to his room back on “the Beacon”. He helped get Stede’s shirt off, then started to bandage his shoulder. “Look at that, a clean shot!” he remarked, just trying to make small talk to keep Stede alert. “You’ll heal up in no time, and with a fancy scar to boot! Boys dig scars!”

“I killed him.” Stede suddenly murmured.

“What?!” Lucius shook his head, “Nooo, Captain he’s fine. Roach even said so, he’ll be fine. We’ll pop him in your “Brig” there and when he wakes up, you can make up-!”

“I killed him, Lucius. That’s what he told me.” Stede looked up at Lucius, tears streaming down his face. “He hates me.”

Lucius sighed, pulling Stede into a light embrace. Stede started to sob, clutching Lucius like a life line. “Shhh.Shh. Its alright, Captain. Here, I’m going to go grab Olu. He’s better with this talking it out thing than I am, okay?”

It took a few hours, but Olu, Lucius, and Pete were able to talk Stede down from his panic. In the meantime, Wee John helped get Ed’s unconscious form into the small “brig” in Stede’s quarters, and Izzy and his crew into the brig of “The Kraken”. The two boats were tied together loosely, and by dawn, a small party had formed on the deck of “the Beacon” as crew members reunited for the first time in three months. Stede was asked to stay on the deck of the Beacon, but his nagging guilt drew him back to his quarters. There, he ran into Jim, who was standing outside the door.

“Jim, oh blessed Jim! It’s good to see you!” Stede started, opening his hands to give them a hug. Jim smiled but did not return the affection, changing it to a handshake.

“Been a while, Capitan.” They murmured, their voice hoarse from disuse. “I’m glad to see you too. But you’re not here for me.”
Stede’s smile faded slightly, but he nodded in agreement.

“Be careful.” Jim warned, handing Stede a small knife. “I know you know him, but he’s been.. Unhinged lately. Take it slow.”

“Thank you, Jim. I’ll be careful. Just.. Keep an ear out?” Stede asked nervously. Jim nodded, tipping their hat to him as they moved away from the door.

Stepping inside the room, Stede sighed heavily. He didn’t dare look at the Brig just yet. He had the room built in case he needed to store things, or hide materials, but now it held The Kraken. That wasn't the original intent, but here he was.

Another breath, and Stede cautiously peered into the brig. His heart lept as he caught The Kraken’s eyes, and he smiled. “Ah, good! You’re awake!”

The Kraken snarled at him. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

“Ah, about that,” Stede crossed the room, fluffing the pillows on his bed as he spoke. “A good bit of fuckery, actually.” He frowned, voice softening. “I had hoped you hadn’t heard about it.”
The Kraken cursed under his breath. It really was a far-fetched story, something only Stede could come up with. He clutched at his chest, his heart pounding as if it would leap from his body. “You Fucker.”

Stede sighed, “Aye. I deserve that.” He crossed back over to the brig, looking down into it. “So.. I should draw you a bath.”

A gruff, incredulous laugh came from the brig. “A bath?”

“Darling, you smell of blood and sweat and saltwater. Not terribly bad, but…” Stede murmured absently. He crossed the room again, carefully avoiding walking over the grate as he did so. “Had a lovely little pump installed on this ship that lets you draw a bath without much effort. I should have it put on “the Revenge” when we port next.”

As he turned on the faucet, he heard Ed shuffling in the brig.
“The Kraken. It’s called “the Kraken” now.”

“Oh is it?” Stede asked, casting a side-eye at him. “Did I kill “the Revenge” too?” Stede winced at himself, shaking his head. “Sorry. That was uncalled for. Poor form.”

The Kraken frowned, shoving his middle finger through the grates. “Fuck off.”

“Yes, I do believe I deserve that, too.” Stede replied softly, walking back over to the grate. He peered inside finally, meeting eyes with The Kraken. Those eyes, oh how they undid him. He softened, kneeling to wrap his fingers around the grate.”Can… Can I let you out so we can speak?” He asked, gulping back his fear.

The Kraken snarled at him, using his knife to slice across Stede’s knuckles lightly. He laughed coldly as Stede jerked back with a yelp, and gripped the lattice tight. “Fuck you! I’m not fuckin’ “Talking It Out” with you!”

Stede frowned, shaking his fingers to try to dull the pain. “Fine. Then I’ll talk at you.” He sighed, getting up and crossing the room to the tub. “And I’ll take the bath to myself!”

He got an indignant grunt from The Kraken. Stede sighed, taking his shirt off carefully and folding it on a stool next to the tub. From his vantage point, The Kraken could see Stede if he shoved himself into the corner, and he couldn’t help but stare. With Stede’s back to him, he noticed something. There, on his left forearm, was a tattoo-?!

“Stede fucking Bonnet, do you have a goddamn Tattoo?!” he barked, with enough force to startle Stede into looking back at him.

“Oh!” Stede covered it with a hand, and then shyly uncovered it again. He crossed the room, chuckling to himself. “Ah, Two, actually. Though I can’t really show you the other one, it’s under the bandages.”

He motioned to the bandages around his shoulder, but held up his left arm for The Kraken to see. It was a sword in black ink, the handle of the sword wrapped in what appeared to be lavender. There was something more to it, but from his angle The Kraken couldn’t see exactly what it was.

“You bastard. I should have known you were a fuckin’ hard-edge. Played me like you were some soft idiot.”

“I was a soft idiot. Until I met you, Ed.” Stede quipped, speaking before The Kraken could retort. “And don't try to give me that shit of you being “The Kraken!” I know you’re in there!”

Suddenly, a playful smile crossed Stede’s face. It was the same look Stede had given Ed when they were on that fancy, hoity toity boat with all the rich idiots. Oh no.
“Ah, now there’s the problem. Kraken’s don't get nice baths with lavender soap.Only Ed does.”

The Kraken’s eyes widened. He did not just-!

“So if Ed would like a nice, warm bath with lavender soap, he’d best come out and talk to me.” Stede stood back up, pulling the drawstring on the back of his breeches to loosen them. The Kraken couldn’t help but lick his lips as he watched the breeches sink low to the curve of Stede’s hips. He shook his head, stubbornly crossing his arms. This wasnt the time for lusting after the fucker who tore your heart out.

“Then I’m not getting a fucking bath.”

“Suit yourself.”

The Kraken was startled as Stede’s breeches landed over the grate. Stede hadn’t planned it, but they way they fell left a small gap large enough for The Kraken to see the tub, and not much else. That is, until Stede’s naked ass came into view, before slipping into the warm bubbly tub. The Kraken quickly crossed his legs, glaring down at himself as his cock twitched at the sight.

“I’m not taking orders from you!” Ed hissed at his cock.

“What was that?” Stede asked with confusion, a little smirk playing across his face.

“Fuck you!”

Stede chuckled as turned to rest his arms carefully on the side of the tub. He grimaced as his left shoulder protested, opting to drape it over the side instead. He watched the brig for a long moment, his sarcastic smirk dropping after a while.
“...I was..” another sigh, “Ed.. Look.. I’m sorry. I was stupid, and foolish, and… terrified, to be perfectly honest.”

“You’re not talking about your feelings with me, fucker.” The Kraken snapped back, but his voice was losing it’s venom.

“No, no, remember, I’m talking at you.” Stede replied, waving a hand for emphasis. He continued, “It was wrong of me to leave you like that. I just.. I’ve always run from everything. I ran until I met the ocean, and then I found a boat and made it run with me. And then.. Then I found you.”

Stede looked down at the floor, tracing wet hearts with his fingertips. He paused a moment, waiting to see if The Kraken had anything to say, and upon hearing silence, continued. “I was so afraid that.. That I’d be an anchor. That I’d tie you down, and make you do things you didn’t want to. Or that.. I’d be your Lighthouse. And just like that night.. When we, you remember-!”

Stede was starting to cry, fist clenching. “We tricked the Spanish into avoiding “The Revenge” for fear we were a Lighthouse… My darling… I never wanted you to avoid me. I never wanted to be that.. I just wanted to love you, Ed… And I had no idea how to. I was too stupid. I only saw what I wanted to and I was selfish, and I was petty. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He trailed off, sniffling as he wiped his eyes with his right hand.

There was a shuffling from the brig. Stede watched as The Kraken’s fingers found the simple lock on the side. He closed his eyes as the brig opened, lowering his head as he heard The Kraken rise from it. He listened as the Kraken took slow, deliberate steps towards the tub. The Kraken suddenly grabbed his hair, lifting his head up and back towards the water. Stede squeezed his eyes shut tight, letting out a whimper.

“I should drown you.” The Kraken started, voice shaking with what Stede assumed was rage. The grip on his hair tightened as he growled. “You left me- Ed, to die. You left us.. And now you want him back? Give me one good fucking reason-! ONE!”

Stede opened his eyes, looking up at The Kraken, Blackbeard, Ed. There he was. Through the dark makeup, through the disheveled hair and thick leather, there was his Ed. And he needed him.

“Because I… I love you. And I never want to leave you again. But if you want to leave me now-!” Stede couldn’t finish his sentence, gulping back tears as he looked up at him.

The Kraken- Ed, seemed to break. His grip loosened, and he dropped to his knees in front of Stede. Tears streamed down his face as he held Stede’s face in his hands, gripping him tightly.

“Promise me. Promise me you wont leave me again.” He sobbed, black khol smearing off his cheeks. Stede pulled him down into a tight embrace, sobbing into his shoulder. “Never!”

Ed suddenly pulled him in, kissing him hard and fast. “Fuck I missed you!”

Chapter Text

Izzy was a bit surprised to find that, as soon as he was put into the brig, the gag was removed, as well as the ropes binding him. Wee John set him down gently, and patted his head as Izzy’s feet hit the ground.

“The fuck are you doing?!” Izzy hissed, swatting at Wee John. He hopped lightly, trying to get the pressure off his missing toe as he glared up at Wee John.

Wee John shrugged, stepping back and closing the brig door behind him. He smiled at Izzy through the bars. “Thought you’d like a bit of affection is all. It’s been a long night, you should rest.”
Izzy’s look of surprise wasn’t lost on the larger man. “Rest-?!”
“Yknow, like the Captain said. Relax, take a little “Vacation”, whatever that is.”
Izzy tensed. They meant to kill him. He was going to die here, like a dog in a cage. He braced for whatever Wee John would throw at him, ready to take his death head on.

But the blows never came. Wee John simply turned and walked out, saying something about getting Izzy something to eat. Izzy looked around, trying to see if anyone was in the shadows, waiting to pounce. But after a long while, it was just him, alone in his thoughts.

They were going to kill him, Izzy was sure of that. And if this crew of idiots didn't, The Kraken would. He was a dead man regardless of what he did. ~And maybe,~ he thought,~ I deserve it.~ Maybe he did deserve to have everyone hating him, and all of them trying to kill him. After all, it was he who helped Blackbeard become the monster of The Kraken. It was him who told The Kraken about Stede’s demise. And now, The Kraken would think that Izzy was lying to him about that. Fuck.

Izzy sat against the bars of the cell, his head in his hands. He deserved this. He deserved this punishment. Fuck everything. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming his way. Izzy tensed and stood, gripping the bars of the cage. “Who the fuck-?!”

He saw Jim round the corner. Fuck. This was it. This was how he was going to die. Jim was the deadliest shot on the ship, Izzy didn’t stand a chance. He crept back into the corner of the cage, shaking as he watched them. There was no escape. Nowhere to run. Jim came to the corner where he sat, and sat on the other side. They reached for their jacket, and Izzy couldn’t help but give a whimper of fear. He cringed, closing his eyes against whatever blade was about to hit him. When he felt a nudge instead of a blade, Izzy peeked out at them.
Jim held a small flask in their hand, and nodded at Izzy to take it. Izzy gulped, his mouth dry with fear, and gave Jim a forced smile. “So that’s how you’re doing it?” He asked, “Poison’s not really your style.”
Jim shrugged, and took a swig from the flask. They held it back out to Izzy, who slowly took it. “Its just Tequila.” Jim finally spoke. It had been months since Izzy had heard them speak. He watched them with suspicion, then slowly took a small sip. It was, in fact, just tequila. Izzy took another sip, the cool liquid helping to settle his nerves. “The fuck is this for then?”

Jim sighed, looking up at him. “You can drop the hardass attitude now. It’s over. The Kraken lost.”
“Lost?!” Izzy barked, suddenly sitting up straighter. Tears burned at the corners of his eyes- “Hes dead-!?”
“No, no, calm down.” Jim waved a hand at him, taking another sip from the flask. “He lost the ship. Bonnet’s in control of both ships now, and last I saw, he’s working on getting Ed back.”
Izzy let out the sob that he’d spent the last two months trying to hide. He pulled at his hair, letting out a humorless laugh. “Fuck-! That fucking twat! The sonovabitch did it.” He looked back at Jim, who was idly playing with one of the loose buttons of their coat.
“Why-?”
“Why what, el cabrón?”
“Why aren’t you angry with me? Why am I still alive?! Why the fuck-” Izzy started to get hysterical, his high pitched voice going soft and raspy. His shoulders shook from the force of his tears. “Why the fuck aren’t you attacking me right now?!”
“Because you were trying to survive it just as much as we were.” Jim finally murmured, taking their hat off to scratch at their scalp. “You didn’t want The Kraken around just as much as we didnt. No one wanted him to act like that. And you.. You took the worst of it. It take cajones of steel to deal with that.” Jim looked at Izzy, and pulled out a handkerchief. Izzy frowned, looking away for a moment. “Look, will it make you feel better if I punched you while I told you you’re safe?” They teased, not expecting Izzy to nod.
“Yes.” Izzy breathed.

Jim opened their mouth to say something, then closed it again. They stood up, then went to the door of the brig. It was unlocked, and never had been locked in the first place. They opened the door, and walked into the brig, leaving the door open behind them. “This-”, Jim started, balling up a fist. “Is for being such a fucking asshole to literally everyone.” They punched Izzy hard in the stomach, causing Izzy to yelp and double over on himself. “And this-” Izzy braced for another impact, curling up on himself. Jim stood up, taking a deep breath. “This is for being in the thick of it with us.” Jim’s hand gently brushed Izzy’s cheek. He looked up at them, and saw that it was literally a hand up. Izzy looked at them with shock.

He was a complete dick to everyone on the crew. He was horribly abusive, and angry, and made the ship miserable. How could anyone, especially Jim, just.. Forgive him like that? He slowly reached up and took Jim’s hand. Jim helped him to his feet, and then suddenly wrapped their arms around Izzy. Izzy stood silent for a moment, before slowly wrapping his arms around Jim, crying into their shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Jim.” He murmured, sniffling against the rough cotton of Jim’s coat. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
Jim sighed and patted his back, then pulled back. “Good. Keep that. Now lets cut the sappy shit and get up to deck. They’re gonna need help putting this ship back together, yeah?”

Izzy nodded, giving Jim the first true smirk he’d ever shown them. “Yeah.”

**

Ed and Stede held each other for what seemed like ages. Their tears were mixed with little kisses and murmurings of endearment. As it turned out, Stede’s shivering wasn’t just from the wash of emotions, but also the rapidly cooling water. He pulled back after a moment, muttering excuses as he went to pull the plug.

“Hey…” Ed started, his thumb gently stroking Stede’s cheek. “Can.. Can I get that bath then?”
Stede laughed, “Of course, let me just refresh this-!”
He turned the faucet back on, babbling something about the mechanics of the tub. He hardly realized he was babbling until he turned back to Ed and went silent as he found him naked in front of him. Stede let out a little noise, scooting over to let Ed into the bath. Ed chuckled to himself, sloshing water out of the tub as he got in, cursing a bit at the sudden heat.

Stede shook his head to try to regain his composure, grabbing a washcloth from the side of the tub. “Here, you look a mess!” He grabbed Ed by the jaw, and gently started to wash away the kohl that had streaked down his cheeks. Ed closed his eyes, enjoying Stede’s touch. Slowly, carefully, he wrapped his arms around Stede’s middle.

Stede leaned into his grasp, and moved his knees under Ed’s legs to get closer. “Hold still, I’m almost done-! There.” He pulled back to examine his work, turning Ed’s jaw in his hand and giving him a satisfactory nod. “There you are.” He leaned in and kissed Ed gently, pulling him further into his lap. Ed sighed, resting their foreheads together for a moment.

“Yknow.. I dont think I’ve ever done this..” Ed murmured gently after a moment.
.
“I.. well, I suppose, erm-” Stede’s face flushed. “I daresay, I haven’t either. I mean, I’ve had.. Relations with Mary, obviously but-!”

Ed gave him a look, then laughed boisterously as he shook his head. “No, no, I didnt’ mean fuck. Done that loads of times.”

He looked at Stede, kissing his cheek lightly. “This. Just.. resting here.. Bathing and being close. Though if you wanted buggery, it’d have to wait for this hole in my side to heal up a bit.” Ed couldn't help but laugh at the various shades of red Stede’s face went through.
Taking his arm, Ed suddenly became very keen on the tattoo Stede had gotten. There, intertwined with the lavender, were letters. Ed focused for a moment. “...E..T?” He asked, without really wanting to know the answer. “S, B.. ”
Stede flushed, but didn’t pull his arm away. “I guess you could say I was feeling sentimental.”
Ed pulled his arm up to his lips, kissing the center of the tattoo. “Ts delightful.”

So there they sat, until the water became cold again, simply enjoying the closeness and intimacy of touch. After toweling off, Stede dressed Ed in a warm, fluffy velvet robe.

“Do… Do you want to share my bunk? Its not as nice as my last one, but-”

Ed smiled and kissed Stede quiet, giving him a little nod. “Ed would like that very much.”