Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Izzy had been recovering nicely. The crew, much to his surprise, were eager to help in any way they could. Roach made meals that were easy on his stomach while he was still laid up, Frenchie and Wee John made an embroidered eyepatch for when the bandages came off (“Look cool as hell mate”), Pete had whittled him a replacement pinky, Lucius acted as a listening ear whenever he needed one, Buttons…Buttons had made him a very strange gift indeed. It was a little pouch of herbs with one of Olivia’s feathers sticking out the top and tied off with a green cord with teeth strung through…it’s the thought that counts? 

Soon enough he was able to get out of bed on his own and walk short distances. Of course the captains and Isa were at the helm whenever he needed love or support. Before they knew it, it had been two months since the whole horrible thing happened. Both Izzy and Isa were doing their best to move forward, but some things were easier said than done. 

“Oi, looks like we’re close to Barbados. Think we should dock? We’re running a little low on supplies.” Ed prompted one morning

Stede smiled as the name hit him. "Oh yes! Sounds lovely! Do... You think I could squeeze in a family visit?" He asked

“I don’t see why not.” Ed hummed 

“I’m sure Mary and the kids would love to meet you, dad.” Isa added 

“Sorry songbird, I gotta stay with the ship, make sure things are running smoothly and keep an eye on Izzy so he doesn’t hurt himself.”

"But how would you like to come, luv?" Stede suggested, a wide grin on his face

“Yeah, the kids would probably be thrilled to me their step sister and from what Stede told me about Mary, she’s pretty similar to you. Both artists.” Ed encouraged

Isa put on a smile, though a very heavy anxious twist came to her stomach. Telling herself it was just nerves, she nodded. “Sounds lovely”

Stede could tell her smile was a practiced one. "No need to be nervous, dear, they'll adore you. And it'll only be a few hours. A meal and then maybe an activity before we're back on the ship." He explained, mistaking her unsurity for nerves about meeting new people

She looked over the deck at the island in the distance slowly growing larger. “What if they don’t like me?” She asked. After all she’d practically stolen their father from them

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it... However I don't think we'll have a problem on that front. Alma especially is going to love you. We used to play pirates all the time together and she's quite ruthless!" He chuckled.

Isa chuckled as well, still doing her best to not let the nerves get the best of her. 

“You know you don’t have to go if you’re uncomfortable songbird.” Ed reminded. 

“No. No, I want to go. Just nervous is all.” She assured with another smile. 

Ed slung his arm around her shoulder. “Courage, little bird.” He lilted. “You’ll be just fine. You’ll probably enjoy yourself so much you won’t wanna come back.” 

“I wouldn’t go that far.” She laughed.

"Fab! I'm gonna go collect the various trinkets I've picked up for them and then meet you on deck to dock." He kissed her forehead.

Isa looked down at her outfit, nicer than what most pirates would wear but still rather ragged and dusty. With a glance back up at Stede the nervous twist in her gut grew worse. She didn’t want to embarrass him by showing up at his family estate looking like a ragamuffin. Before she could lose her nerve, she wandered to her quarters, changing into the blouse and skirt they'd picked up during a raid, tying the silver sash that Stede had given her around her waist and draping the silver shawl Ed had gotten her around her shoulders. She had no idea what the fashion of the time was like but this would hopefully keep her from embarrassing them. With that, she walked back up to the deck

Stede slung a small sack over his shoulder as he turned to see her coming. "Oh! Isa, luv! You look beautiful!" He smiled. "Do a little turn?" He asked.

​​She complied, spinning in a small circle and letting the skirt fan out around her. “Think it’s nice enough?”

"Oh darling, you're perfect just the way you are." He hummed as he held his hand out to her and the gangplank was perched on the edge of the ship for them. "You didn't need to change. Though I always appreciate going above and beyond..." He let out a sad sigh as he looked to himself. He was dressed in clean, nice clothes... But Barbados was not the place for him to get fancy. He couldn't risk being recognized

She took his offered hand, strolling down the plank and onto the dock. “We could always rub some mud through your hair.” She joked “Tell everyone you’re brunette”

“Oh dare you even suggest ..." He puffed up, playing along

She giggled. “Or maybe wine. I think you’d make a handsome redhead”

Stede hummed contemplatively at that. "Oh kohl... Then I'd look properly like your father... With stunning raven curls." He casually flipped his hair

The giggle bloomed into a hearty laugh. “Aye we really would look like father and daughter.” She mused. “My dads eyes, my mums face, my fathers hair” it sounded like a lovely concept

Stede chuckled at that. "Yes... But I don't need to look like you to feel like your dad." He smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her close as they walked.

Isa settled into the embrace, sniffing the familiar lavender cologne, a little jittery but mostly able to keep herself under control. Stede led her through the town, past little shops and taverns that all seemed equal parts charming and intriguing. Soon enough they came to a secluded but still positively lovely large house, where they knocked on the front door

Stede tensed a bit, clearly nervous. "I hope they're happy to see me." He whispered. They hadn't been last time and it had cut him deeply. He knew it was his own doing, but still.

Stede knocked on the door and a girl of about eleven opened the door, going wide eyed as she looked up at Stede and Isa. “Mum?” She called into the house

"What's that, Alma?" Mary called from the sitting room before she strode into view. "Well well ! If it isn't my brother-in-law, Steve!" Mary smiled widely and pulled him into a hug. A few ladies from her support group were over and stepped out into the foyer, curious. Stede laughed and hugged her back. "Yes... Yes... Well... You know, after the death of your husband... My dear brother Stede... I promised I'd pop in for a visit whenever I was in port." He chuckled as he winked at a few of the ladies, who giggled.

Isa did her best to hide a grin at stedes over the top acting. Alma looked at Stede with a smile on her face. “How d’you do, Uncle Steve?” She asked with a conspiratorial wink

"Very well... And allow me the honor of presenting my lovely daughter, Bella." He stood to the side and waved her in with a dramatic flourish of his hand.

Mary chuckled at his flair. "Very nice to meet you, Bella."

Isa gave a small curtsy at Mary. “And you as well, Lady Bonnet.” She said quietly, a timid smile across her lips. "Oh please, dear, we're family!" Mary insisted. "You can call me Mary or Aunt Mary, or whatever you like. Would you both come in? I'm almost done with my group. Alma, would you take your cousin and uncle out back to play with Louis while I wrap up in here? We'll have tea in ten." She promised as she stepped aside, allowing them in

As soon as Isa stepped inside her eyes practically popped from her skull. The house was positively beautiful! Nothing like anything she’d ever seen in her life. After a moment she realized she was gawking a bit too much and collected herself. The younger girl, Alma, gave Isa a welcoming but unsure smile as she offered her hand. Mary smiled at the girls before nodding at Stede and wafting back to the sitting room. "Lovely." Stede beamed. "Alma, care to lead the way?" He asked.

Isa took Alma’s hand, glancing at Stede one final time to make extra sure she wasn’t doing something wrong and let herself be led out back to a beautiful large garden leading to a forest. A small boy was waiting with two wooden swords in his hand. “Who was at the door?”

Alma was about to speak, stopped herself before saying. “Father. But we’re supposed to call him uncle Steve.” She looked back at Isa. “And this is cousin Bella.” She strolled over to her brother and took one of the swords. “We’re playing knights and dragons.” Alma explained. Isa had never really played pretend like this except when she was very little before she and her mother started working at the Siren's Den. But it was a little intriguing.

"Fab!" He smiled as he knelt and pulled them both into a proper hug now that it was just them. "Do you still have my old sword?" He asked

Alma raced over to a little pile of “treasure” that was supposedly the dragons hoard and picked up a carved wooden sword and handed it to Stede. “D’you still remember how to use it?” Louis teased.

“He probably knows how to fight with a real sword.” Alma reminded.

“Aye he does.” Isa said quietly, not really sure what to do.

Alma noticed her confusion and stepped up to explain. “So Louis is the dragon and I’m the knight. Uncle Steve…do you wanna be a knight too? Or a dragon?”

"Oh! I think I should be the dragon, here, lady Isabella... Care to show them how it's done?" He gave her a friendly wink as he handed her his sword.

She gave him a curt nod and brandished her weapon, standing behind Alma. Okay she could understand this. It was just sword fighting but less actual violence. She could work with that. Alma pointed her sword at Stede and Louis, both standing in front of their little pile. “Come out dragons!” Alma shouted. “You’ve been stealing from our kingdom long enough!” Isa was already socially awkward enough in new situations, her improv would likely prove just as well so she simply said nothing. Perhaps she’d be a knight of few words…like sir Galehaught

Stede put on his best dragon face and growled with Louis. "NEVER!!!! THIS BE OUR HOARD!!!" He made is hands into claws as they stood before the treasure

Louis did his own growl which Isa thought was rather cute. Alma looked back at her. “For kingdom and honor?”

Isa gripped her weapon. “Aye.” With that the girls surged forward, Alma fighting Stede and Isa with Louis. She had to keep reminding herself to not go too crazy because he was still just a wee thing

Stede flapped his arms and stood up straight, pretending to fly. "Firey DooOOmmm awaits those who take our hoard!!!" He shouted as he "chased" a giggling alma around the courtyard.

Alma ducked to the side, narrowly dodging a blast of “fire”. Louis motioned like he was flapping his mighty wings, which “knocked” Isa to the ground. This felt…very foolish and she didn’t understand it at all. But the children were enjoying it and she didn’t dislike it. She raised her weapon and “hit” Louis in the ribs, the boy letting out a loud dramatic yowl

Stede flew to his dragon son's side. "Now... You shall face our fury!!!" He shook an angry fist at the two girls as he scooped Louis up and sat him on his shoulders

Alma rushed to Isas side, holding up a little wooden shield to block the next breath of “fire”. Isa got to her feet as Alma ran to the left. Okay, she could see where this was going, she thought. Isa ran to the right, an enemy that fought as one would only go after one. She glanced over her shoulder that father and son had both decided to track her.

Stede was indeed chasing her with a "fire breathing" Louis on his back. "She's not going to get away from us!!" He laughed

While Isa distracted them, Alma crept around the tree, keeping herself from their sight. Isa soon found herself backed against a hedge wall. She set her hand on it. No trellis. Unsteady. She was trapped. She turned around just in time for Louis to deliver a sharp “scratch” to Isas torso. Alma in turn leapt from her hiding spot and got Stede in the side

"OH!!!!!!" Stede screamed as he dramatically fell to his knees and then the ground, expertly lifting Louis from his shoulders as he went. "Avenge me...." He rasped out at the boy.

Isa held her wounded stomach and stood shakily. “You have nowhere to go and you’re outnumbered.” Alma boomed. “Surrender your hoard and we’ll spare you.”

“Never!” Louis yelled, swiping at Alma. Isas eyes widened and she “shoved” her out of the way (…okay it was actually a shove but not hard enough to knock her over or hurt her). Alma gathered herself quickly and threw her sword at Louis…it landed roughly nine feet away from him but he still “died” anyway. While Isa thought Alma was going to go for the hoard, the girl surprised her by running over to her. “You got really hurt” she whispered “that means you’re supposed to die.”

“Oh.” Isa whispered back. “How do I do that?”

“Just lie on the ground for a little and then stop moving.” Alright sounded easy enough. Isa laid onto the ground, holding her stomach before letting out a heavy breath, going still while Alma pretended to mourn

A chuckle and a clap came from off to the side. "Amazing slaying!" Mary praised the collective. "Kids? Would you like to have tea with us?" She asked the two younger ones. "I hope you'll join us as well, Bella?" She smiled warmly over at the slain corpse on the ground. "I want to hear all about you."

Isa stood up and brushed herself off, looking shyly at the ground. “Of course, but there isn’t very much to know.” She worried, hoping she wouldn’t bore them

"Oh tosh and nonsense... Kids... Do you know who this is ??" He asked Louis and Alma

“Mmm mmm” Alma shook her head no while picking up the little hoard of toys

" This is Black Bella the Bloody! Terror of the seas! Daughter of the Fearsome Blackbeard! And Scourge of the Briney Deep!" He flourished and finished with a dramatic bow in her direction

A heavy flush came over her face at the praise and a sheepish grin came to the girls face.

Alma’s eyes went wide. “Blackbeard is your father?! Does he really carry six pistols?” Louis on the other hand had never heard of Black Bella the Bloody but was trying very hard to remember if he had

Stede smiled as he went over and rubbed her shoulder. "Blackbeard may be her dad, Alma. But you should also ask her about her own pirating. She's led raids before!" He beamed with pride at his oldest daughter.

Mary tutted and rolled her eyes. "Come on you mangey lot. The tea's getting cold."

Isa followed after the family as they headed inside, still red as a beet at being regarded to so highly. Mary led them into the living room where the tea was waiting on a little coffee table. “What kind of raid did you lead? Was it for treasure?” 

“Er, no.” She said quietly, spooning some sugar into her tea. "We were trying to get somebody back. Somebody important.” 

“Did you get to fight anyone?” 

“Aye.”

Stede could see where this was going fast, and quickly stepped in. "Isabella, luv... Why don't you tell them about the pranks you and Jim pulled on that French Merchant ship?" He suggested. 

Mary gave him a look. And Stede nodded. She could read him like a book and could tell this was a deflection. She then turned to Isa and poured her a cup. "First though, how do you take your tea, dear?" She asked, resting a kind hand on her shoulder

“Erm, bit of milk, seven sugars please.” She answered to Mary. “Well there were a few barrels of fish around the deck and Jim was able to string up some in a net over the way so while the French ran over, I shoved over one barrel which made them all trip and then Jim dropped the net on them. My dad is all about those kinds of tricks during a raid. He calls them-“ she cut herself off, looking at the two young faces next to Mary, “he calls it the art of tomfoolery”

"A bit of nautical theatrics." Stede confirmed as he patted Alma's back.

Mary laughed as she set down the sandwich tray and handed the sugar dish to Isa. "Now don't make that pirating sound too fun. I'm already having trouble getting Alma to focus on her studies." She gently admonished the two pirates at her table. Isa smiled sheepishly again as she stirred her sugar into her tea, taking one of the sandwiches on the tray.

“I’ve been learning harp.” Alma announced proudly

"Oh have you?" Stede asked, leaning forward. "Care to favor us with a tune later?" He asked

Alma nodded proudly, always happy for a moment to perform

Mary smiled as she did up a plate for Louis. "Do you find much time for music at sea?" She asked Isa

“You’d be surprised.” Isa answered with a smile. 

“What instrument do you play?” Alma asked. 

“None. I sing.”

"And amazingly too." Stede added, taking a bite from his sandwich.

"Oh! How lovely! Would the pair of you like to perform for us?" Mary offered. "Only if you're comfortable with that dear." She reached for Isa's hand and gave it a soft pat. "I know being in front of a crowd of strangers can be intimidating."

“I’m alright with it.” If she were being honest she preferred singing to conversation. Less chance to embarrass herself. She seemed to be doing alright so far but she knew it could easily go up in smoke so she had to be mindful

"Well, if you change your mind, absolutely no pressure!" Mary assured as she turned back to the kids. Louis had started throwing olives at alma and a food fight was imminent. Louis chucked an olive at Alma, who immediately answered back with a pinch to his arm. Isa stifled a little smirk and a giggle with her hand. It was rude to laugh but seeing the normalcy between the siblings was rather charming

While they were distracted, Stede leaned over with a smile. "How goes it?" He whispered

“Not terrible. Still a little nervous but that’s par for the course.” She took a breath. “They’re a lovely family.” She said with a smile. And indeed they were. His children were quite sweet and Mary was welcoming and warm. She had yet to meet Doug but from what Stede briefly mentioned about him, he was quite kind as well

Stede smiled and rubbed her back. "I'm glad."

"So! How long are you visiting?" Mary asked them once she got the kids sorted. "Oh only a few hours while we restock a few things. I was thinking of showing Bella here the animals. Alma, Louis? Would you like to join us?" Stede hummed at the two

Louis was already tugging on his boots again and Alma had stood, brushed the crumbs from her vest and pants and led Isa to the side door that led to the farmyard. “I think that’s a yes” Isa chuckled

Mary smiled as she stood. "Would you like to meet up in town after? I can show you the gallery?" 

"Sounds lovely! What do you say, Bella luv?" Stede beamed down at her

“Of course.” Isa agreed. She’d also heard what a fantastic artist Mary was and was eager to see some of her paintings. 

Alma and Louis both led the charge out to the farmyard, making a beeline for the horse corral. A wild looking copper thoroughbred galloped to the fence at the sight of Alma, whinnying happily. The girl giggled when it nudged her with his large nose and produced an apple from her pocket. “This one is Penny.” She explained as the horse took an enormous bite from the Apple, taking half of it in one chomp. 

An older gray and black speckled horse trotted to the fence too, accepting a few pets from Alma and Louis before glancing at Isa. “Erm…hello” she said, tentatively holding her hand in front of the horses nose

Stede walked up behind her. "This one's Arthur. He's my favorite." He hummed, offering her a sugar cube to give him

She set the cube in her flat palm, giggling at the tickle in the horse’s lips as he swept up the treat. He nosed her shoulder a little, playful. She laughed again. “I don’t have any more.” She she said apologetically. Gunpowder was briefly disappointed but was soon placated with some gentle rubs along his muzzle. “Are all horses this soft?” She asked.

Alma looked over from Penny, who had finished her apple and was nudging Alma for another. “Yep. Have you never seen a horse before?”

“Not this close.” She admitted. She’d seen plenty of horses from afar but seeing as she was from the poorer side of town the only horses she saw were work horses and she knew better than to try and pet one while they were hauling carts. At first she’d almost been frightened by the mighty creatures but being so close to them showed that perhaps she’d misjudged them. Gunpowder, despite his name, was quite gentle and easily content. 

“He’s not usually this laid back.” Alma pointed out, impressed

"I think he knows you're new to horses." Stede chuckled. "He actually reminds me of your dad quite a bit." He handed her another sugar cube as well as some to Alma and louis

“I can see that.” She mused as Arthur made quick work of the cube. 

“Have you ever ridden one?” Louis asked. 

“Oh goodness no.” Isa quickly answered. 

“Could we get out the saddles?” Alma ran to Stedes side, tugging his hand a bit.

Stede laughed at that. "Let me go see if the stable hand is around. He can get us set up." He patted her shoulder. "Now Isa, dear. You don't have to ride if you don't want to, but I can assure you that Arthur is a gentle ride. He's a bit too old to be galloping off."

“I think I’ll give it a try.”

The stable hand, a quiet lad by the name of Ben, helped saddle up the horses, Louis was still a bit too young to ride on his own so he shared a saddle with Alma, who showed Isa the proper way to get on without hurting herself or the horse. It took a few goes but Arthur was very patient with her. Soon she was seated on his back. “So this is what it’s like to be tall.” She joked, though there was a tiny glimmer of nerves in her voice

Stede smiled up at her. "Very elegant!" He praised. "One kick to get him to walk, two rapid kicks to get him to trot. Though I warn you, it's rather bouncy...just here." He pointed to where to kick her feet on his sides. "Nothing too hard. Just enough for him to recognize the command. And then lift the reigns to stop." He smiled. "Alma here will help you."

Isa nodded and gave a small kick to Arthur's side…he didn’t move an inch. “Maybe a little harder?” Alma suggested. Isa gave him a second kick which sent him into a lazy trot round the corral. Alma and Louis quickly caught up with her on Penny and rode in step beside her. Feeling a bit adventurous, she gave his side another small kick and the trot picked up, not yet a full gallop but not a simple meander either. Arthur whinnied, tossing his head back, almost like he were telling her how excited he was to have a rider. Isa glanced up at Stede, an easy smile on her face. Though there were still nerves in her eyes, as there seemed to be always these days, it was the furthest from fright or anxiety she’d felt in a long time

"You're doing wonderfully! To steer him, just pull the reigns in the direction you want to go." He clapped at all of his children trotting around the corral.

She gave the reigns a tug and Arthur turned sharply turn to the right. Feeling a bit more adventurous, she gave his side another kick and he took off, not at the speed a horse in his prime would have but still faster than Isa had expected. She held the reigns firmly, leaning forward and letting her braid fly out behind her as the horse galloped for a few laps before deciding he’d had enough and petering out to a casual trot again. Soon Penny decided she was ready for a break as well and the two began munching on some of the grass near the corner while the children slowly climbed off. Ben said he’d handle the saddles and bridles so they were able to head right back to Stede, after giving the horses a few more pets. Alma whistled. “I don’t think I’ve seen him go that fast for a while.”

"Perhaps he just needed a kindred spirit." Stede hummed as he pulled all three of them into a hug

​​“Didn’t mum say to meet her in town?” Alma reminded. It was nearing two thirty.

"Yes... Yes... I'll have Ben harness up the barouche." He chuckled as he led them back into the home where the tray of sandwiches and cookies had been left out for them. "Snack for the road?" He offered the kiddos

Alma giggle and took a few, as did Louis. Isa declined but was still happy to have been offered. Soon Ben brought around the carriage and they were off to the little town they’d passed through earlier. As they made their way through the crowded streets, Isa stayed close by Stede. She’d always appreciated being able to get lost in the crowd so nobody would give her too much attention but sometimes lots of people made her just a tad nervous 

As they passed through town, Stede asked alma and Louis to fill him in on any happenings. New bookshops... Tailors... News from the continent... Gossip…

All the while Isa took a better look at the businesses and shops that they’d breezed by earlier. Soon enough they made it Mary’s gallery and Isas jaw practically hit the floor. Every wall was covered in beautiful unique paintings of landscapes, buildings, animals, and they were all done with such fantastic skill

Stede smiled brightly as he led the kids in. Mary was busy talking with a couple at the other end and Doug was rearranging some pieces to fit in the new ones. "Hullo, Doug!" Stede smiled as he guided the kids over. "I'm sure Mary's told you about cousin Steve visiting this afternoon." He chuckled as he approached. 

"Oh yes! Stede's brother! How wonderful to meet you." He winked as they shook hands. "and who might this fetching young lady be?" He asked as his eyes drifted to Isa. 

"My daughter Bella! This is her first time in Barbados and I thought she would like to meet her cousins." 

"Very charmed." Doug took a bow and kissed her knuckles like a proper lady

Isa blushed. This was the first time she’d been treated as a proper lady and it felt a bit unnatural but she wasn’t complaining. “Your paintings are stunning Lady-…Mary.” She corrected herself

"Oh that's very kind of you, dear." Mary beamed. "Perhaps if you're feeling up to it, you could sit for a portrait."

Stede proudly patted her back. "You should see her in action!" He praised. "When I tell you this one is an artist in her own right when it comes to the sword!"

Isa buried her face in her hands, flushing redder than a heated stove. She wasn’t used to so much praise. It felt nice but it was also a little unnatural for her. “Um, alright.” She agreed. “I’ve never sat for a painting before so I wouldn’t know what to do.” She glanced at Stede. “And I’m hardly the best swordsman in the family. You should see my da.”

"Oh yes..." Stede hummed sadly as they started walking around the gallery. Mary had gone to lock the door so they could enjoy it in peace. "But circumstances being what they are, he couldn't make it this time. But maybe next time." He offered. "Oh! Alma, would you like to see a real pirate ship the next time I'm in port?"

“Yeah!” Alma squealed, bouncing on her toes excitedly. 

“Why not show her now?” Isa suggested. “Or when we’re done at the gallery? It’ll take until at least sundown to restock so the ship should still be there.”

"Whoa, now... I don't know if that's such a good idea..." Mary put on her mom voice. "I mean... What kind of crew do you have, Stede?" She asked. 

"Oh they're a charming bunch..." Though Stede paused once he thought better of it. "But then again... They could be a little much all at once to someone who isn't used to it." He reasoned. "Maybe we can see about going aboard once the crew is off deck for their personal time?" He suggested. 

Mary visibly eased at that. She trusted her Ex Husband... But she knew literally no one else aboard that pirate ship and didn't want their kids exposed to anything that could scar them for life.

“They’re all very kind. Not to worry.” Isa assured as well, “They’ve all been very open and welcoming towards me. Especially Lucius, the scribe.” Louis trotted up next to her and she ruffled his hair. “I’m sure he’d love these little guys.”

"Yes... But dear..." Stede leaned down and whispered in her ear. "The language they use is a bit rough." He chuckled

“That is fair.” She whispered back. “Perhaps another time then.” She looked back at the painting she’d been looking at, a lovely one of a horse that looked a bit like Arthur. “Where do you find time to paint like this?” She glanced at Mary. “They’re all phenomenal”

"It's my job!" Mary declared proudly. "I've been doing well with my gallery and I also get the occasional commission for portraits and the like." She chuckled, blushing as Doug stood by her side and wrapped a proud arm around her. 

"You've done amazing!" Stede beamed as well. It was so nice that they could exist as friends now. So many years they'd already wasted, hating each other when all they really needed to do was talk.

They perused the gallery, chattering quietly about the paintings before the clock on the wall struck five. “When do you think we need to head back to the ship?” Isa asked Stede

"Oh, Ed said anytime after dinner is fine. We just need to set out with the tide. So I'd say we have another two hours." He hummed as Louis tugged at his leg and he scooped him up, balancing him on his hip

“That works.” She said, smiling at the sight of Stede holding the small boy. As much as the life of a husband didn’t suit him, fatherhood was a good look for him. Of course that stupid little voice in the back of her mind came crawling back as it always did. It was the same one that told her Izzy was using her as a way to ease his guilt over losing Bess or as a replacement daughter. Now it was trying to trick her into believing that she was nothing but a stand-in child for Stede when his real children weren’t around. Which was ridiculous. Stede would never be so callous or cruel. She shoved the thoughts into the back of her mind and looked to Mary, “When did you start painting? Or have you been doing it since childhood?”

"I've always loved it. Though I didn't do it for many many years..." She chuckled, her eyes drifting to Stede. Who also chuckled and nodded. They both were at a point of understanding and acceptance that each had both squashed down their passions in exchange for living a "normal married life." "But then, I don't know. One day I just couldn't stand not painting anymore and just... Went for it." She smiled, gesturing to the paintings before them. "I think it was roughly the same time Stede got his brilliant idea to commission his ship." She gave him a pointed look of exaggerated annoyance. 

"Guilty." Stede laughed as he kissed Louis' cheek and set him down. "I think we both came to the realization at the same time that we just couldn't hide our passions anymore." He turned and knelt before Alma and Louis. "And I really am terribly sorry that you both got caught in the middle of this. We both hope we're doing right by you know."

Alma shrugged. She was aware that her family was far from normal and while she wasn’t as close to her father as she was to her mother, she did indeed love him and they’d enjoyed some good times together. “I understand that. My mother used to joke that I was born singing.” Isa chuckled.

They continued to peruse the gallery until the sun began to go down. "Rose should have dinner ready by the time we get back to the house. Will you two join us?" Mary asked.

"We'd be delighted." Stede agreed brightly. Isa smiled, nodding as well. 

Alma was at her side in an instant. "May I ride with you?" She asked Isa and Stede.

This left Isa more than a bit surprised but she did her best to take it in stride. "Of course."

A warm prideful smile crossed Stede's face as he led the two girls to the barouche while Doug, Mary, and Louis rode in Doug's cart. "Careful, she'll probably want to pick your brain about pirate life."

Isa chuckled as she followed her father to the carriage, the younger girl at her side. She could do this. This wasn't a disaster. She'd even go so far as to say...she was enjoying herself. 

Chapter Text

Sure enough as soon as they were on the carriage, Alma immediately asked, “How did you start pirating?” 

Isa gave Stede a look and a little smirk. “Well I wanted to meet my dad.” She explained. “I didn’t know much about him, only that his name was Blackbeard. When I heard he’d started up on a ship called The Revenge, I decided no time like the present.” 

“How did you find him?” 

“Stowed away on a few ships until I eventually found The Revenge.”

Stede chuckled as they trotted down the road in the carriage. "Quite a shock to us, I'll tell you. When we were informed of a stowaway."

Isa giggled. “Plus I didn’t exactly look like a basket of fruit when I was eventually coaxed out.” She recalled. “If I’m being honest I’d probably have been tossed overboard if it weren’t for your father.” She gave Stede a smile. “My dad wasn’t entirely sure if he was ready to tell the crew who I was so in order to keep me from being harassed, he took me on as his ward.” She recalled how not even ten minutes later, her dad had indeed admitted that she was his when Pete was… “hesitant” to work with a kid. 

“Did they try to make you walk the plank?” 

“Oh no no. I was taken to the captain's quarters before anyone had a chance.”

Stede hummed. "Yes. We wanted her safe first and foremost." Stede hummed as he gently rubbed her back

Isa smiled again. “Do any of them have peg legs or eye patches?” Alma asked, wide eyed. 

“No pegs, just a prosthetic and one patch.” She answered quickly, not wanting to elaborate on who had said prosthetic and patch or why he had them. 

Luckily Alma took the hint. “What’s your job on the ship?” She asked. Isa thought for a minute. 

“Nobody really has any one set job, we just do what’s asked of us day to day. The only ones who really have full jobs are Roach, the cook and the doctor, and Buttons the navigator. And of course Stede and my dad, our captains.” 

Alma looked to her father. “What’s it like running a whole ship?”

"It's a lot like being a dad." He chuckled. "Making sure everyone does their chores and behaves. When we have fights or something is bothering us, we talk it through. And Bella does have a job currently." He smiled. "She's our apprentice first mate while our usual first mate, her other dad, is recovering.”

Isa flushed again. Alma looked confused for a moment, counting on her fingers before saying, “How many dads do you have ?” Isa chuckled. “Three.” She answered. “It’s a strange little family we have on the ship. And since I’m the youngest they’re all protective of me.” It was indeed strange but that wasn’t a bad thing at all. She left Ireland with nobody and she somehow stumbled into a family where she had three fathers, a handful of uncles, two aunts, a sister, a sibling, and more brothers than she could count

​​"Yes. We're one big happy family on our ship. But Bella does have three dads. Three who love her and would go to the ends of the earth for her." He smiled as he pecked the top of her head

She smiled, flushing again at the reminder that she was indeed loved. Her heart ached a little at the memory that one of her fathers had essentially been dragged to hell and back for her. 

Alma smiled as well. “So who is on the crew?” 

By the time they made it back to the Bonnet estate, Isa had given a full rundown of everyone on the crew, lighting up talking about her family. “And then there’s Jim. They’re actually the one who found me first. But they decided to keep me a secret so I wouldn’t get in trouble. They’re a beast with a knife. They can throw one over their shoulder and hit a beetle without even seeing it.” Alma’s eyes were wide.

The whole ride back, Stede beamed with pride at his two daughters bonding

Supper was already on the table by the time they walked into the house. Doug was seated at the head while Mary was trying to get Louis to put a napkin on his lap. Isa's eyes once again bugged out of her head at the sight of the fine food laid out on the table.

"Rose really went all out." Alma observed. "Rose is our cook." She whispered

Stede chuckled as he leant down. "Sorry... Society dinners are always a spread." He explained

"No complaints here." Isa assured. She didn't even know what half the dishes were but they all looked delicious. ...that was until she sat down and took note of all the utensils and plates spread out before her. Her dad had told her a bit of how Stede had tried to teach him high society dining but even with a few lessons under his belt he still made a fool of himself at a high class party. Okay, okay she could do this. She sat down at her place, her expression calm and collected. She was  glad that the Bonnets were more laidback than most high society folks seemed. But that didn’t stop an embarrassed flush from creeping up her neck when her fingers hovered over three forks trying to decide which to use and having a very difficult time cutting the large piece of beef on her plate.  Louis let out a little giggle from the end of the table which only made the flush deeper. 

“Don’t be rude.” Alma hissed at her brother

Stede leaned over and pointed out the largest fork. "You can use this one for everything. And then use the smallest for dessert. As for the spoons, pick your favorite for the soup. Whichever feels best for you. And then you use the sharpest knife for the meat. I don't think we'll need any of the others."

She took a breath, giving Stede a small nod though she could keep the tremble in her hands away as she tried once again to cut her meat. Without noticing, she began to hum manticores lullaby to herself and was jolted back to reality when Alma asked “What are you humming?”

“Oh, erm,” she stammered, a bit embarrassed. “It’s called Manticores Lullaby. Sometimes I do it without realizing. Apologies”

Mary smiled. "It sounds lovely! Would you sing it for us after dinner?”

“Oh, certainly.” She said, calming a bit. Music was familiar. Music she could do

Stede smiled and took her plate, cutting the steak for her. "She's really an amazing performer. She knows how to rally the crew when she sings."

She flushed again. “We even have a little band. We call ourselves the harpies.” She chuckled. 

Alma perked up as well. “I can play the harp if you’d like some accompaniment.” 

She offered. “That sounds lovely, thank you.”

Dinner finished quickly, to Isas relief. Stede had assured her that she needn’t bother too much with anything but the necessary utensils but it all still made her head spin. Though if Rose had brought out another helping lemon pie, she wouldn’t have complained. 

While the dishes were gathered away, Mary and Doug led the way to the drawing room once again while Alma raced to get her harp. It wasn’t an outrageously large one like Isa had seen in shop windows but she still needed Doug’s help to set it up. After the girls exchanged a few whispers, talking about keys and notes, Alma played a little intro before Isas sweet voice filled the room 

Mary and Doug sat next to each other on a sofa while Stede sat on the one opposite, with Louis in his lap. All the parents beamed at their children as they performed

Isas anxieties began to shrink as she lost herself in the gentle melody. Alma was a very skilled musician and her gentle plucking complimented Isas voice quite well. In fact she forgot she was even performing halfway through and didn’t remember that there were other people in the room until they started applauding. She very subtly jolted herself back to reality and gave a small curtsy before taking her seat once more. “D’you know any other songs, Alma?” She asked. 

“A few.” Alma answered after a bit of thought

"Well done! Both of you!" Doug praised as he clapped. 

"Here, here!" Seconded Stede as he stood and kissed them each on the top of the head. They all paused at a sudden, frantic knock at the door. 

"I'll get it." Mary hummed as she stood. She made her way to the front and opened the door to find a panting young man at it. "Oh! Hello. Can I help you?"

The dark haired young man was hunched over, hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. “La… huff Lady Mary Bonnet?”

"Yes?" She asked, stepping forward. "Are you hurt? Or is there an emergency?”

“Is Captain Bonnet still here?” He huffed. 

Recognizing the voice at the door, Isa joined Mary, almost gasping at the sight of her exhausted brother. “Lucius?! What happened? Are you alright?”

Stede and the rest of the household joined them. "Lucius? Is something wrong?" He asked, waving him to come in as Mary went to fetch a glass of water for him

"Someone in town recognized the ship." He explained, gratefully taking the water. 

Isa went pale. "Oh god." She breathed. "Did they recognize my dad? Or Izzy? Was anyone arrested?" 

"No, no everyone is fine but the ship had to leave to keep us safe. That's why they sent me to tell you."

"What do you mean? They left ?" Stede asked. "For how long?"

"It was a quickfire decision." He explained. "People in town were beginning to talk and we had to get out of there before the talk escalated, especially with Blackbeard and Izzy hands on board. Ed talked it over with me, they'll be at port again in four days, maybe five. Long enough for everything to cool down." 

"So we're stuck here until then?" Isa concluded. 

"Unfortunately."

Mary had returned in the middle of it with a glass of water and guided him into the sitting room. "Well... I mean... Would you like to stay here? We certainly have the space. But if you're not comfortable with that, there's always the pub downtown." She suggested, looking between the three lost pirates in her sitting room

Lucius produced a large purse from his pocket and handed it to Stede. "He gave me this so we wouldn't be completely stranded."

Isa looked at Stede. "I have no preference, you're the captain here."

"Well....." He looked between them and then Mary and Doug. "... I know the rooms wouldn't be prepared and I'd hate to put the staff through that on short notice. How about we spend the night in town for tonight and then we'll let you know if things get suss there?" He offered.

Mary nodded. "I'll have them set up some rooms tomorrow in case you don't feel safe at the inn. Do you want one of us to walk you there or do you remember the way?" 

Isa set a hand on Lucius's shoulder, even after he'd caught his breath he was quite shaky. "I'd prefer someone to walk us, if it's not too much trouble..." she murmured.

Doug stepped forward. "I can take you to town in the carriage. Less people to see you." He offered. Stede smiled brightly at him. "Thank you, Doug." He nodded gratefully

Lucius gave a grateful nod as well. 

"Oh, before you go," Mary said, "You'll need some clothes, at least to sleep in. Can't have you wearing the same thing for a week." Lucius pursed his lips. He wore the same thing for a week almost all the time but these were society folk, he knew they were a bit squeamish about that. "Stede, you and Doug are close to the same size. Lucius was it? They might be a bit big on you but they're better than nothing. And Bella..." 

Isa knew where this was going. She was far too tiny to fit into Mary's clothes and far too big to fit into Alma's. "I can wear servant clothes if needed." She offered, not wanting anyone to put themselves up for her

Mary smiled warmly at her. "Well, I was going to say you could borrow my extra nightgown for tonight, and then you and Alma and I could go shopping tomorrow? Have a bit of a girls day." She offered. "Alma's been growing like a weed and could do with a trip to the tailor's."

A smile came to Isa's face. "Oh, thank you, that sounds lovely. And thank you for letting me borrow your nightgown."

Doug stood as well, "Then maybe Stede and I can take Louis to the dock and do some fishing?" He suggested

"Sounds fab! And Lucius... You're free to join us. Unless you just want to hang around town." He offered as Mary went off to fetch the clothes for them

Lucius was never one for fishing but he also wasn't one to wander town by himself. "Sounds nice." 

Isa did her best to not let her nerves show and since she was well rested she looked perfectly collected on the outside. But inside she was very nervous. Her dad had to run to keep from being recognized and now she, her father, and brother were stranded. The Bonnets were a very nice family but she also couldn't shake the feeling that she was overstepping. Okay, okay. Deep breaths lass. Get it together. 

When Mary came back, she handed the three a little bundle and Doug led them out the door and through the town, the dimming daylight throwing shadows over the little buildings

Stede hummed over at Doug as they rode along. "Things seem to be going well with Mary and the kids." 

"Yup. Everyone's doing good." He smiled. 

"Good... Good... And... I can't thank you enough for being so accommodating with us. Mary and I both know we made a lot of mistakes in our life. And you're always so relaxed about everything." 

Doug just shrugged. "I tend to think everything happens for a reason. The good and the bad things. And the best you can do is just roll with it and carve out as happy of a life as you can."

Isa kept her eyes out the window at the town slowly lazing by while Luicus...got friendly with Doug. "Soooo, how long have you been a painter, Doug was it?”

"As long as I can remember! My dad was a painter. But he was more... Industrial. Houses, rooms, carriages... You know. I apprenticed with him for a while before he realized I had 'the eye' as he called it and sent me off to apprentice with a local artist." He smiled, friendly enough

"Oh, I bet he was a fantastic painter. So tell me, when it comes to the initial sketch, do you go with a loose wristed technique or do you keep it stiff?" He demonstrated his own sketch technique, which was a mix of the two. Isa at this point had checked out of the conversation entirely because she was fairly certain she knew where it was going

Doug watched him and cocked an eyebrow, picking up what he was putting down. "Depends on my mood, and the subject, of course. Sometimes models just... Open for you, you know?" He hummed. "I take it you're a bit of an artist yourself?"

"Do tell. I've worked with quite a few open models but never any professional subjects."

"Well... Sometimes they're stiff in all the wrong places and it's my job as the artist to go in and lend a hand..." He winked at Lucius. "A good professional subject will always follow your direction and get where you need to go."

Lucius was thrilled that this went the way he hoped it would. "I've heard that having a model stretch before and after usually helps. Mine have never felt the need to, they're all sailors who grind every day but I was wondering if I should change that. And of course it does help to have them loose and relaxed, am I right?" 

Isa at this point had had enough. Even checked out of the conversation she was still subjected to it. "Oh my God STOOOOOOOOOP."

Doug chuckled. "Alright... We're near the inn anyway. But Lucius, since you'll be here a few days, maybe you can stop by the studio and compare notes?" He cocked an eyebrow at him as he hopped out and opened the door for Isa and a very confused stede

Isa buried her face in Stede's shoulder, letting out a sarcastic, over the top groan before stepping out herself. "Oh any time, any time. I might even ask if you're down for a sketch of yourself..." 

Isa was going to need at least a barrel of soap to feel clean again

"I haven't modeled in a while. I could be persuaded." He chuckled as he shook Stede's hand. "I'll bring the girls around tomorrow along with the fishing equipment, see you in the morning?" 

"Yes. We'll take care of our own breakfast at the inn, so don't worry on our account, unless you want to join us." Stede offered. 

"Sounds nice!... Bella?" Doug turned back to her and took her hand, bowing and kissing her knuckles. "Lovely to meet you. I know it's not the best situation, but I'm glad you're getting to stay for a few days." He hummed before turning to Lucius and bowing again. "Lucius? Enchanting to make your acquaintance." He whispered as he kissed his knuckles as well

"Lovely to meet you as well Doug." She said, giving him a warm smile. Lucius had no brain power left aside from smiling like a goof as Doug kissed his knuckles. Isa rolled her eyes and elbowed her brother playfully as he stared at Doug climbing back into the carriage before following Stede into the inn. If she were honest, she was ready to sleep for a few days at the least

"W hat? " He asked incredulously at the jabbing. "You can't tell me he's not cute. And he certainly knows how to treat a lady." He defended himself. 

Stede led them inside to the innkeeper. "Hullo, yes. I need two rooms for the night." He hummed, handing him some coin. "And may I request a bath for both rooms?" He added. "It's been a long day and my daughter, companion, and I could use a good wash." He chuckled

Isa wandered into one of the two rooms and went wide eyed at the luxurious bed and fine bath sitting inside. The bath was partly hidden by a wooden privacy screen but she could see it was porcelain like the one on the ship and the pillows were embroidered with fine silk thread in swirling floral patterns, as were the corners of the comforter on top of the bed. Stede and Lucius followed her in. "So... Which one of us would you like to stay with you?" Stede asked sweetly. They had more than enough to get her a room of her own, but he knew she wouldn't want it

“I’ll stay with Lucius for now. Someone has to make sure he doesn’t seduce the inn workers.” She joked. Not to mention she didn’t want to embarrass herself by having another nightmare in front of Stede. She didn’t know why but it always felt worse when she had an episode in front of one of her fathers

"Alright. I'm right across the hall if you need me." He smiled as he reached into the bundle Mary gave them and handed them each their nightgowns. "Oh! What's this?" He gasped and pulled out a couple of tins. "It looks like Mary packed us some treats to go." He chuckled as he handed her the tin of cookies and treats for them to share and kept one for himself. "And someone should be along in a moment to set up the bath behind the partition there. If you need more hot water, just send word down. I've opened a tab, so we should be fine."

Isa hugged her father goodnight before closing the door behind them. As soon as the door was closed, she pounced on the bed, almost sinking into the soft mattress and sheets. When she'd thoroughly made herself at home on the comfy bed, s he turned her head, glancing at Lucius with a smirk. “I hope you’re proud of yourself, flirting with Stede’s husband-in-law like that.” She joked

" What? " He huffed in fake annoyance. "He's a consenting adult." He snipped. "Besides. You can't tell me you're completely resistant to his charms. I saw you blush when he took your hand. He's a charming guy!"

“He’s like 20 years older than me.” She threw a pillow at him

"Psh... Izzy and your dad both have at least twenty years on me ." He rolled his eyes

“Well unlike you, I, good sir, am not a whore.” She tutted. “But yeah it is nice to be treated like a proper lady once in a while.” She couldn’t remember the last time someone kissed her hand…if anyone ever had. “Wait, Izzy and my dad? I thought it was just Izzy!”

"Just checking to see if you were paying attention, Bell." He laughed. "Though I would if he were interested.

She chucked another pillow at him. “Slut.” She teased

"What? I totally would though. Like have you seen your dad? He's hot as hell." Lucius fanned himself

“Having you talk dirty about one dad is enough I don’t think I’d be able to handle two.” She joked as they heard a knock at the door. Lucius opened it to several barmaids with buckets of steaming water. "oooOohhh! Fancy!" He chuckled as the ladies silently filled the tub and retreated from the room

He gestured for Isa to take the first wash and she gave him a grateful nod, slipping behind the partition and into the bath. The warm water was absolutely heavenly. “So aside from wanting to fuck Doug, what impressions would you make about Stedes family? I mean from the brief interaction you had with them.”

"They seem really nice. I don't know one way or the other about the kids, but his wife seems sweet." He hummed as he took a cookie out of the tin and blindly offered it to her by snaking an arm around the partition. "I didn't get the sense that she looked down at us by any means."

She took the cookie, nibbling it carefully so she wouldn’t get crumbs in the bath water. “She was. The entire time I was there she made sure I didn’t step too far out of my comfort zone. And the children were very welcoming as well. His daughter even helped show me how to ride a horse.” She deliberately didn’t mention the nerves and the stupid voice of doubt in the back of her mind that had been lurking all day. She just wanted to have a nice time dammit

"That's great! So are you excited to get to spend some extra days then?" He asked, monching a chocolate truffle

“Oh, yeah. You bet.” She did her best to make it as convincing as possible as she absentmindedly scrubbed the dirt from her hair

"Bell...." He hummed, sensing the tiniest something in her voice. He couldn't tell what. But something was off

Damn. He’d heard. And there was no sense trying to dodge or deny. She sighed. “I…I don’t want to think badly about Stede. But, well, I worry.” She murmured

"About what, Bell?" He asked, reaching around and offering her truffle

“It’s so bloody silly,” she answered, accepting the truffle as she stepped out of the tub, grabbing for the towel. “But the entire day I just haven’t been able to shake the feeling that, well, I’m just a stand in for when Alma and Louis aren’t around. Which is ridiculous. He’s never made me feel left out or unimportant or anything. But, I mean I’m not even his real daughter.” She dried herself quickly and pulled the nightgown over her head, the skirt pooling on the floor. Mary was indeed much taller than her

Lucius hummed as he switched spots with her and climbed into the tub. The water was still plenty hot. "Luv... I understand." He spoke softly as he settled in the basin. "It's awkward being with 'the other family.' But it's going to be alright... And you are his real daughter. He loves you to death."

“I know. That’s why I feel so awful about thinking this. I’ve tried to push it to the back of my mind but it just won’t shut up.” She sighed as she offered him another truffle the way he’d done for her. “And I feel so damn selfish too. It’s not even that he wasn’t paying me any mind. He gave me exactly as much attention as Alma and Louis and he was beaming with pride whenever he talked about me but…” she sighed. Something she wouldn’t tell anyone on the crew, not even her fathers or Lucius was how she’d screwed up one family and she was just waiting for herself to screw this one up too

"But....." Lucius hummed as he took the truffle. "And you can come over if you like. I've got the towel across the top of the tub. You won't see anything." He offered. Just because he could feel it was a heart to heart they were about to have and it might be better if they could see each other.

She sighed, stepping around the partition and planting herself on the window seat

“I just…I feel like he’s gonna wake up one day and realize that I’m not worth the trouble. And that feeling only gets worse when I see the beautiful children he left behind.” She tugged her knees to her chest. “I hate feeling that way about him and I hate doubting the people I love. But he doesn’t deserve to be tricked like that”

"Bell... That's an entirely rational fear to have. Especially considering his actions in the past... But can I suggest something?" He asked, leaning forward a bit

She raised an eyebrow at him, silently prompting him to continue

"Enjoy these next couple of days. Watch how the family works with Stede as a visitor. Take in how excited he'll be to get back to the ship...the reason he left in the first place was because he thought he'd done wrong by his family. But that's settled now... Now he's just... Their... What did he tell me on the way here? Uncle Steve?" He thought out loud. "He made his choice to stay with your dads. And with us. And with you. You can tell he fits in so well here, but that's just because he was raised in it. Don't let it fool you. Just because he's familiar with all the customs and pleasantries doesn't mean he's comfortable .”

She sighed again. “I’ll try” was all she said, helpfully leaving out that that was precisely what she’d tried to do that day as well. She didn’t hold it against the kids or even Stede. But she also hated the feeling of just waiting to be abandoned again. Hell. Stede had never even said he’d loved her. She wanted to fool herself into thinking she didn’t need empty words to know she was loved…but it did help. It all felt so foolish

Lucius stepped out of the tub, pulling his towel up around him as he stepped out. "Hey... Hey... It'll be alright." He whispered as he closed the distance between them and pulled her into a hug

Isa settled into the embrace. Damn Lucius gave the best hugs. But she still couldn’t shake the sick feeling in the back of her throat. Doubting that her own father loved her felt incredibly low and petty. She sighed again, shoving the thoughts out of her mind again, hoping she could forget about them for the night. Soon she pulled away, standing. “I’ll let you get dressed.” She said with a small smile before stepping out from the partition. Once again, she flopped onto the bed

Lucius nodded and quickly dried himself off before slipping into the nightgown. It fit him fine, but he was definitely too tall for it and it hit just below his knees. "You know what I'm going to say, right?" He asked as he flopped down next to her and pulled her into a hug.

“Something slutty?” She joked. 

"You're going to have to tell him that you're feeling this way." He stated simply. "He won't be angry or hurt. I promise you... He will be upset if you just keep it all in until you can't anymore and end up harming yourself in one way or another."

She stood from the bed, pacing nervously back and forth. “You can’t guarantee that he won’t be hurt.” She worried. “Besides even if he isn’t upset, it’s not his problem that he needs to fix. I’m the one who feels this way so I’m the one who needs to fix it... right?”

Lucius sat up to watch her. "You're right. The problem stems from you . But that doesn't mean you intended for it to be that way. It's the result of your life experiences.... And it certainly doesn't mean that others can't help you. Especially when it concerns them." He tried to explain

She sighed, continuing to pace, almost tripping over the nightgown twice. “I…I dunno.” She huffed. “I just…I don’t wanna cause a fuss.” She’d done that enough in her fourteen years on this earth. “And don’t you try to say that it won’t cause a fuss because I know it will. I’ve seen things like this happen before, hell I was even in the center of one of these before.” She recalled one of the girls at the brothel, Melanie, had made quite a few jokes at her expense, calling her things like little apron pull and chapel rat. They were all completely harmless but they’d all gotten grating on her. When she’d finally gotten fed up she’d asked Melanie to stop and had gotten a good chewing out about not being such a sensitive wee babe. The next day she called her little weed in front of the entire staff, daring her to call her out

"Well, I don't know what the situation was before... But with all due respect... Do you think Stede would act like anyone you remotely knew in your life before?" He asked gently

She sat down on the bed, her chin settled in her hands. “I’m rubbish at this whole talking it out thing. It’s always been easier to just accept my mess and move on.” She wrapped her arms in front of herself. “I know Stede isn’t anything like the people I used to know but…but he has his own problems doesn’t he?

Lucius wrapped his arm around her. "We all do. Doesn't mean we can't help each other out." He squeezed her tightly. "I still think you should talk to him, but I can't force you."

She leaned against him, settling her head on his shoulder. She knew damn well that she was gonna keep her trap shut but Lucius was a stubborn one. He wouldn’t force her but he would bug her until she did. “I’ll try.” Was all she said, yawning. “We both need sleep”

Lucius nodded and pulled aside the covers, allowing them both to snuggle in. "So... You gonna mind if I go after Doug?" He asked with a chuckle. She grabbed one of the pillows and smacked him across the face with it. "Wot? I'll only do it if they have one of those kinds of relationships... I may be a slut, but I'm not a homewrecker." He laughed as he smacked her back with his own pillow

“If that’s the case, why in the world are you asking me?” She said with a laugh

"Because what are brothers for if not to annoy their sisters?" He laughed before tackling her in a hug

“You know most brothers just stick with the standard ‘stop hitting yourself’ or leaving bugs in the dresser. Just my luck that my brother annoys me by being a whore” she gave him another wack with her pillow

"You love me..." He teased playfully as he smacked her again

She dramatically flopped backward, an even more dramatic groan escaping her. “I suppose I do then. Such a burden it is to love you.” She hopped up onto her knees and tackled him in a bear hug

Lucius laughed and hugged her close. "Alright, Black Bella... Time for bloody pirates to get some sleep." He chuckled as he rolled them over so they were on their sides and he was curled protectively around her. No nightmares for his sister tonight.

She snuggled into her brother's embrace, listening to the steady beat of his heart as she nodded off. As bad as she was at following his advice, she was truly grateful she had him in her life

Chapter Text

Isa wouldn’t say she had a nightmare the night before but she certainly would say it was pleasant either. She was just glad it was a quick jolted awakening rather than thrashing and screaming. As usual, she woke with the first light but wasn’t about to wake Lucius. She knew he often had difficulty sleeping as well so she just snuggled back into his arms, lulling into a half awake half asleep haze until Lucius woke up as well a bit later. 

“Morning,” she hummed

"Morning, Bell... How are you feeling?" He asked with a sleepy smile

“Not terrible.” She gruffed, kissing the tip of his nose. “You?”

"Hmmm... Wonderfully..." He hummed. "But I'm not about to tell you the details." He winked.

She chuckled. “It really is on your mind 24/7” she groaned

"Not 24/7 ..." He rolled his eyes. "just especially when I meet new, cute boys." He chuckled

“Good lord, with the way you flirt I’d hate to see your standards.” She teased, sitting up and stretching “Think Stede is up already?”

"He might be." He hummed. "and I do have standards... I'll tell you what the most attractive thing is to me though..." He sighed

“Mmmh?” She just hoped to god it wasn’t a dick joke it was way too fucking early

"Kind souls." He hummed

She chuckled again. “Soppy git.” She teased, grabbing the clothes she’d worn the day before from where she left them folded on the dresser. “Excited for fishing?” She asked as she disappeared behind the partition

"Oh yeah... Fishing... My favorite hobby..." Lucius quipped as he pulled his own clothes on. "Not like I fucking live on the ocean and eat fish all fucking day." He bitched, but there was no real bite in it. Honestly he was probably just going to take his sketchbook and work on his figure drawing while they were fishing

“Well I’m sure Miss Mary wouldn’t be too bothered if you came shopping with us instead, though if you did you’d be missing out on the chance to ogle Doug wouldn’t you?” She teased, buttoning up her vest and picking up the hairbrush Mary had been kind enough to lend her. She tugged the ribbon out of her hair and let her braid fall undone, raven locks cascading down her back

Lucius chuckled. "Who do you think I'll be sketching while they're fishing?" He cocked an eyebrow and smirked at her

Isa glanced at him in the mirror as she brushed out her hair, giving him a very good replica of his "queen bitch" smirk. "You actually sketch people with their clothes on now? That's quite a branch-out. I'm impressed." She teased as she started braiding her hair again, weaving the red silk through the long black locks

"I sketch people in all states of dress, thank you!" He huffed prissily

"Tell that to the pages and pages of dicks in your sketchbook." She stuck her tongue out at him as she tied off her braid. "Or is your private collection the one where everyone is dressed?"

Lucius huffed again and pulled his sketchbook out of his knapsack and flipped to the most recent page. It consisted of a series of face studies of Izzy, looking in different directions and showing different expressions. All included his neckerchief and the top half of his clearly clothed shoulders

"Mmm hmm..." she said snidely. "And what's on the page before that?" She asked, expecting yet another phallus

Lucius rolled his eyes and flipped the page to show a rough sketch of Frenchie leaning on a barrel in the galley, sharing a laugh with Roach.

"Well color me impressed." She said with a whistle. "Here I thought you were a one trick lad. C'mon let's head downstairs, Stede is probably waiting for us."

"Right. Thanks so much for your approval!" He rolled his eyes again and slipped his sketchbook back into his knapsack before slinging it over his shoulder. "Come on. I'm starving."

She wrinkled her nose at him before shooting him a lighthearted grin and followed him down the stairs to the little dining area where Stede was waiting for them. The captain had woke bright as a daisy and went down to the dining area to order breakfast for the whole group. He'd decided to let Isa and Lucius sleep in a bit and wake them when the food was ready. “Hope we didn’t keep you too long.” Isa greeted as she sat down at the table

"Not at all! I was just about to fetch you both." Stede smiled brightly. "The food's about ready." He offered them the drink tray that had been left at the table, before taking a sip of his own tea

Isa gratefully helped herself to some tea, mixing in her desired sugar and milk before pouring a cup for Lucius, giving it to him black because she didn’t know how he took it. Shortly after, a server came out with a tray of fine pastries, fruits, sausages, and eggs. Isa of course helped herself. Roach was a fantastic cook but sometimes you just couldn’t beat food made in a full kitchen. “So is there a plan for after we get back from shopping and you get back from fishing or are we playing it by ear?”

"Probably dinner back home, but we'll have to talk with Mary. I don't know if she has any plans tonight or in the next few days." He explained as he spread some marmalade on a bit of toast. Lucius tucked in to some sausage and eggs, groaning in delight at the "not ship" food.

“Well you know this area better than we do. If there’s anything worth doing around here that you’ve missed, I’d say now is the time to do it.” She set a few blackberries on top of a danish, sighing at the sweetness as she took a bite. “Didn’t we pass a bookshop that you said was new?”

"Oh yes! We'll definitely have to stop there." He smiled, wiggling in delight as he monched on his toast. "And Lucius, we'll need to take you to Mary's gallery. You absolutely must see her work."

“Absolutely, we went there yesterday and she’s an exquisite artist.” She took a sip of tea. “You two have a lot in common from what I’ve observed.”

"I imagine so... Is any of Doug's work there?" He cocked an eyebrow as he took a sip. 

"You know, I'm not sure! But we can always ask him today. Certainly if he has his own studio or gallery, he could give you a tour if you're interested." Stede eagerly (and obliviously) shared. 

"Oh, I'm very interested." He smirked.

Isa nearly choked on her tea and gave Lucius a narrow eyed look. As much as she loved her father, his obliviousness while charming at some times was also heavily annoying at others. Especially when inadvertently encouraging Lucius. “Maybe we could go to the farmyard again. I didn’t get to see the other animals yesterday.” Isa suggested

"We could most certainly do that! And there is a marvelous zoo in town that I could take you and the kids to. I doubt Mary's taken them since I left... she has allergies to certain animals and they always send her sneezing." He chuckled

Isa instantly perked up at that. She’d never been to a zoo before but she’d heard some of the girls and clients at the Sirens den talking about them and they sounded delightful. “Perhaps we could do that tomorrow." She suggested eagerly. "Are they going to meet us in town or are we going to go to the house to meet them?” Isa asked as she finished her food

"They should be meeting us here this morning. Partially why I ordered so much." He chuckled

Sure enough, in about five minutes, Mary, Doug, and the kids had entered the inn, locating them in the dining area and joining them at the table. “Morning, Scalawags.” Mary joked.

"Good morning, my dears!" Stede swept up from the table and gave Alma and Louis each a big hug before giving one to Mary and Doug as well.

Alma gave Stede a tight squeeze before sitting between Isa and Lucius. “Are you a real pirate too?”

"Sure am! Though I'm not as dirty as the other ones." He chuckled at her as he righted his relatively clean cropped jacket. Relative compared to Pete of course. He didn't have the time or the wardrobe to keep himself as clean and neat as Stede.

“Bella dear?” Mary chirped. “I wanted to ask what kind of style you have so we can go to places that both you and Alma like.”

“Hmm? Oh well, I don’t really have any set style. I just wear what fits…” she looked down at the hand me downs she was wearing which were quite nice but a bit on the larger side, “…most of the time”

Lucius smiled as he looked over at her. "She definitely prefers to dress for function. She needs things she can move easily in. She's very active on the ship." Stede smiled and nodded in agreement. "And Mary dear.. do you have any plans this week? Events I mean. We just want to make sure we're not imposing."

Alma’s eyes lit up again. “What’s your job on the ship?” She asked Lucius before turning to Isa again. “Have you ever gotten in any fights?” “With the crew? Goodness no.” Isa assured. “No no not with the crew. With other pirates.” “Oh.” Isa replied. “Yes. Quite a few actually.” “Well I’m meeting with someone who wants to buy one of my paintings on Wednesday but aside from that nothing out of the ordinary.”

"Fab! Would we like to plan some small family events?" He asked. 

“Oh that does sound nice.” Mary agreed. “Oh! And on Wednesday there’s supposed to be a traveling showman and storyteller coming through town. The kids were wanting to go but both Doug and I are meeting with the client. Maybe you could go with them?” She suggested. 

"We'd be delighted." Stede agreed, a childlike wonder in his eyes which Isa found quite charming.

Alma had been giving both her and Lucius endless questions, which Isa was happy to answer but they were beginning to get a bit out of hand as only questions from a preteen girl could get. “Which one was the bloodiest?” Alma asked excitedly Isa thought for a moment, glancing back at the young girl, pondering the question. She really didn’t want to answer. The bloodiest battle had ended in her first kill and that was hardly talk for a child to hear.

“ Alma.” Mary scolded with a stern look.

Alma flushed. “I rescind the question.” The girl muttered.

"That's not really breakfast conversation, dear." Stede hummed softly at her with an understanding smile of a father.

“Sorry.” Alma said quietly.

“You’re alright.” Isa assured, giving her a smile. Alma perked again, giving her a smile back.

Lucius chuckled as he leaned down and nudged the young girl's shoulder. "You should see Isa during her sword lessons, real quick on her feet. If you ask her nice, she might show you a thing or two." At Lucius’s whispered comment, Alma immediately lit up like a firefly again.

Isa fixed her brother with a lighthearted glare before saying, “I’m hardly an expert but I’d be glad to teach a thing or two if your mum is okay with it…”

“Would you be using real swords?” Mary worried.

“No no.” Isa assured. “Tree branches make just as good for practice.”

"She's scrappy, this one. Knows her stuff. Your daughter will be in good hands. She's trained under the finest swordsman on the seas." Lucius winked at Mary, not in a flirtatious way. In a "don't worry, I've got this, you can trust me." way.

Stede chuckled as he turned and made plans with Doug. "So. A proper boy's fishing trip, eh?" He hummed.

"Yes. There's a good fishing dock that's pretty private between tides, so we'll be able to just talk and catch fish." He smiled as he ate at his breakfast. "Did... Lucius still want to come?" He asked, eyeing the pirate across the table.

"Oh yes, though I think he's going to be more hanging out and drawing than fishing." Stede pondered as he ate as well. "He really is very talented. He's the ship's artist and scribe. Very clean lines." "Is that a fact?" Doug smiled as they continued their conversation.

"Trained under the best?" Alma asked, going wide eyed again.

Isa didn’t like to brag on a good day but she’d talk about her teachers until dark. “Jim started out teaching me hand-to-hand and knife throwing. When they left for a little, my dad took over. Then I left for a little and when I came back the started tag team teaching. My dad Monday and Wednesday mornings, Jim Tuesdays and thursdays. And then Izzy started teaching me sword-fighting as well, especially after this one raid. And once we were stranded on an island together for a few days and there was nothing to do except train and…” her voice trailed. “Sorry I was rambling wasn’t I?”

Mary chuckled. "Oh no! You're doing wonderfully, dear. Poor Alma's going to be obsessed with you now!" She laughed. Indeed the young girl had eyes as big as saucer plates

“Tell. Me. Everything.” Alma demanded. Isa chuckled, finishing her breakfast. She rolled her sleeve back, showing off the scar on her forearm, the first injury she’d gotten on the revenge, “Got this during my first raid.” She explained 

Stede chuckled and turned to Mary. "I'm sorry in advance if she tries to stowaway aboard when we leave."

Mary giggled. "Well... Don't let her hear this... But she can go with you for a little bit if you like. But not before she's fifteen." She stipulated.

Alma’s eyes went wide hearing this, though she made no other outward sign that she’d heard them as she continued to listen to Isa as she talked about the less gorey side of pirating. Soon enough they’d finished eating and went their separate ways for the morning, the boys heading for the dock and the girls heading back towards town

Chapter Text

Louis insisted that he could carry the heavy pail full of bait and one of the poles but the three adults could see that he was having a bit of trouble. Doug bent down near the boy and whispered, “Want me to take one?”

“I’ve…gottit” Louis huffed.

Stede chuckled and bent down as well. "Can I carry you on my shoulders?" He asked with a warm smile

Louis thought for a moment before nodding, setting down the pail and pole and raised his arms to Stede. Lucius, not wanting to be anywhere near the bait, picked up the pole and fell into step with Doug. “Have I asked how you and Mary met?”

Doug smiled as he picked up the bait and continued his stride down the path, but alongside Lucius. "I'd known her for some years, before we actually met properly. My dad was hired to help paint her family's new stable and he broke his wrist, so I stepped in." He chuckled. "Mary and I got to talking and I mentioned that I usually do more artistic paintings, we kept talking and well..." he flushed. "I later heard how she was getting married but she continued to come and see me in secret. Then, several years later when she was ready to follow her own passion, she contacted me and asked if I would instruct her." Stede and Louis were much further up the trail, having discovered a pretty butterfly and were chasing it.

Lucius snickered at the sight of father and son going after the butterfly before returning to the conversation “Y’know it’s so refreshing to see a man treat his wife like a damn equal for once. One time we were on shore leave for a little, and of course after months at sea where anything goes it was a little jarring but I just heard a man shout ‘Get over here woman!’ and she just… did . Like hon, no.”

Doug shuddered at that. "I never understood that. I mean... They're people just like us? Who decided they were any less? I mean, Mary and I discuss everything as equals. How we want to raise the children, our plans for our careers.... Who we see on the side..." He gave Lucius a wink

Lucius instantly perked at the last bit. “So you do have one of those relationships?” He asked the question casually but on the inside he was doing somersaults. “Has anyone ever told you that you have stunning cheekbones?" 

Doug blushed a little. "No... Mary says she likes my eyes quite a bit, but I haven't heard a word about my cheekbones... Should I tell her to get on that?" He chuckled.

“Well I must say you do have lovely eyes as well but it’s a disservice to not say a word about those cheeks. I bet I’d cut myself if I touched them.” 

Doug laughed. "That would be a shame... Because you look like you have soft hands. I'd love to feel one on my cheek."

Lucius gave him a flirty smile. “You are playing with fire, sir.” He whispered. “But nobody ever said that was a bad thing.” He traced a teasing finger along Doug’s left cheek.

Doug tilted his head and snuck a quick kiss to the tip of his finger. "Don't want you to burn now, do we?" He cocked an eyebrow.

Lucius's brain temporarily stopped responding before he chuckled, voice cracking like a teenage boy. He was going to have his work cut out for him. “Ahem. Are, are we close to the river?”

"Pretty close." He smiled. "Interesting place we're going to... Lots of alcoves and caves..." He winked at him again.

“Sir your child is just in an earshot. You’re a libertine and a cad…and I like the way you think.” He gave him a catlike smirk

"Oh now... Would you look at that little pathway there! It leads to the most interesting thing." He pointed down a winding path, winking at Lucius.

“You sure we should leave them?” He cocked his head towards Stede and Louis. “Children really shouldn’t be left unattended.”

"I only want to show you something, won't be more than a minute, I promise." He gave him a cute smile.

​​“Well in that case lead the way.”

"You two keep heading straight down the path. I'm going to show Lucius something real quick." Doug called to Stede and Louis.

"Righty-ho!" Stede called as he continued walking. Louis gave his dad and Lucius a wave before plopping his chin back down on Stede's golden curls again.

“Soooo…” he lilted. “What did you need to show me…?” 

Doug smiled as he took his hand and led him a little ways down the secluded side path. Once properly out of sight, he gently pushed Lucius back up against a smooth rock face and attacked his lips

“My my my. Someone’s eager.” Lucius panted before kissing him back, returning the fervor. “You continue to surprise me.”

Doug smiled against his lips as he ran his hands up and down his chest. "Tell me... Do you enter? Or do you prefer to be entered?" He asked, kissing down to his neck

Lucius’s first response was a breathy moan before his brain caught up with him and realized he’d been asked a question. “Honey I do anything you want,”

Doug reached behind him and gave his ass a nice squeeze. "There's a place we can sneak off to, once we get to the fishing hole... Would you top me?" He asked, flushed face

Lucius gave an experimental roll of his hips against Doug. “Gladly.” He whispered.

Doug groaned softly and nipped his lower lip. "Thank you." He rolled his hips back and finished by giving him a sweet bear hug. "Should we get back to supervisor duty?" He chuckled as he pulled away.

Lucius wasn’t expecting the bear hug but was not complaining in the slightest. “Yeah. Sounds good.” Before they started down the path again, he got one last peck against Doug’s jaw.

Doug blushed and took his hand, kissing his knuckles. "You're very sweet, you know that?" He asked.

“I’ve been told.” He gave a flirty little wiggle of his hips before continuing back down the path. 

Doug winked at him as they went to catch up to the other two. Lucius made eyes at Doug the entire rest of the way and was quite chuffed when he got a few back. 

When Louis noticed that they had returned, he smiled first at Doug and then at Lucius before resting his chin on the top of Stede's head. “Is that Ed?” He looked back at Lucius. “Momma said that you loved a man named Ed”

"Him? No... No... That's Lucius. He's another pirate on the ship. My scribe actually. He records the stories of our adventures!" He explained.

“So will we get to meet Ed?”

"I was hoping you'd get to meet him this time. But our right hand man was recently injured, so Ed thought it best to stay with the ship to protect him and everyone else. Maybe you can meet him when they come back to pick us up!" He suggested

Louis thought for a little before speaking again. “Momma said she didn’t know anything about him. What’s he like?”

Stede smiled. "He's a very funny and clever man. Know what he wants and how to get it." He hummed. "And always ready for another adventure.... I suppose I could go into more detail, but what exactly would you like to know?" He asked

“How did you meet him?”

"He actually saved my life. I'd been captured by those villainous Spanish and was about to be killed. But he attacked their ship and rescued us."

Louis let out a raspberry at the mention of the Spanish trying to kill him. “Spanish jerks…does Ed have a lot of treasure? Has he been pirating for a long time?”

"You know? I don't rightly know... Apparently pirates don't go around burying treasure." He hummed with a touch of disappointment in his voice. "He is a terribly successful pirate to be sure. So I suppose he does have quite a bit of wealth around. Though it may be more in ships than chests of gold...And yes. He has been pirating for quite some time. You've heard of Blackbeard, haven't you?" He hummed, not sure if Louis was old enough to connect the dots that Blackbeard and Edward were the same person. He for sure knew that Isa was his daughter.

“Yeah! Bella’s daddy. Alma loves telling stories about him. Did you and Ed get to meet him?"

"Bella's daddy is Ed." Stede smiled up at him. "He's the legendary Blackbeard himself." He puffed up a bit in pride

“Woooooooow.” Louis breathed. He was quiet for a second before he put the pieces together. “Wait, you’re in love with Blackbeard?!”

"As a matter of speaking, yes, I am... And for some reason he's in love with me." He chuckled

“Are you gonna marry him?” Louis asked.

"That's a bit of a difficult question." Stede hummed softly. "We are in a way. Love at sea is a bit more layered than it's considered to be here on land. For instance Lucius is married to his long time partner Pete, in an agreement called a matelotage. " He smiled. "Ed, myself, and Izzy, the first mate, are a part of something similar but not necessarily as official."

Louis nodded. “So Bella had three dads? Or is Blackbeard her only one?”

"Bella has three dads." Stede confirmed. "Edward is her biological father, but all three of us look after her and love her as one of our own." He gave him a little bounce on his shoulders. Really Louis was probably a bit too big at this point, but it was evened out by Stede having gained quite a bit of muscle now that he was operating as a proper pirate.

The boy hugged his father as best as he could while on his shoulders. “Do you love Momma too? Not like Papa Doug, or like how you love Mr Ed and Mr. Izzy.”

"I do. Very much. She's such a good friend. And that's how we see each other. We're both grateful for that. And for you two." He smiled up at him

“…are you still my dad even though you’re also my uncle Steve?”

"Of course, dear. I'll always be your dad." He smiled up at him. "I love both you and Alma to the moon and back."

Content for now, Louis paused with the questions and soon they reached their spot, a lovely little quiet watering hole. The day was a bit overcast so the water was a little murky but it was still quite nice. Lucius sat on the bank and pulled out his sketchbook, watching as Doug helped Louis bait his hook

Stede strolled over and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Lucius, a word?" He asked with a sweet smile. He shut his sketchbook and stood, following his captain a little ways away so they were out of an earshot. Once they were far enough away, Stede's smile melted into one of concern. "Do you know what you're doing?" He asked in all seriousness, cocking an eyebrow

“With Doug? Yes I do. If he weren’t interested I’d back off immediately, if he told me Mary would be upset I’d also back off.” He studied Stede's expression. “Unless you’re not talking about that.” He just hoped to god that he wasn’t going to ask about Isa because lord knew that Lucius was crap at keeping secrets but he’d rather cut off another finger than betray his sister

Stede's face became light again. "Good... Good. Just wanted to make sure." He clapped his shoulder. "thank you."

Lucius breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that he wouldn’t have to spill anything he wouldn’t want to. “‘Course. Thanks for being considerate.”

Stede nodded, before looking around. "So... Is he any good at snogging?" He asked softly

“Oh you have no idea” he said lowly, with a cheeky smile

Stede pouted a bit. "Well fuck." He hummed. "Alright then, let's get back to them."

Lucius trotted back to the bank, plopping himself down again and opening his sketchbook once more. Louis had successfully baited his hook and cast the line into the water, staring at the bobber and waiting for it to be tugged under

Doug smiled up at Stede as he joined them. "Everything alright?" He asked.

"Oh yes. Just needed a word." He hummed, scooting next to Louis. "You know, Doug. Since Lucius loves to sketch so much, I was thinking you could maybe show him some interesting spots? He might find the scenery quite interesting."

Doug gave Stede an understanding smile. "He might at that, whaddya say, Lucius?" He asked, turning to him.

Lucius was already on his feet and by Doug’s side before he could finish asking the question. “I say yes absolutely yes.” Louis didn’t know why Lucius was so excited to sketch landscapes but he wasn’t gonna judge because once he and papa Doug started to head off together, the bobber dipped under the water and he yanked the pole back

"Oh look at that! You hooked one! Need help bringing him in?" Stede asked, excited

"I think....I got it....!" He grunted, in a heavy battle with the large fish

Stede held his waist just in case, allowing him to pull the fish in without being pulled in by the fish. "Amazingly done!!"

Louis proudly grabbed the line, showing off the catch, a rather large freshwater salmon. “Do they go fishing every day on pirate ships?” He asked as he watched Stede set the fish in the basket they’d brought along for whatever catches came in

"A lot of days. Usually when it's slower. Some days we're trying to get somewhere in a hurry, so it's hard to fish while also performing your duties on deck." Stede explained as he helped him hook more bait and cast his line out

Louis was quiet for a little before he asked a question that had been on his mind for months. "Did you become a pirate because you didn't like us anymore?"

Stede let out a long breath. It was a question he knew he would be asked sooner or later. And he'd spent plenty of time thinking about how he would answer. "No dear. Not at all." He smiled, leaning over to tousle his hair and giving him a kiss on the head. "Do you recall your mummy being very happy when she was around me?" He asked softly

Louis wordlessly shook his head after a bit of thought. Neither of his parents seemed very happy around each other, his father especially. The only time he really seemed happy was when he was playing with him and Alma

"You see... Grown ups aren't perfect. We make a lot of mistakes. And a big mistake your mummy and I made was never really talking to each other about what made us happy. Because we were both very unhappy . Not with you or Alma. You both were and are tow of the brightest spots in our lives." He assured. "We were just unhappy with each other. And the moment we finally sat down and decided to talk to each other, we realized that we loved each other as friends. And everyone around us would be more happy as well." He smiled. "Ever since I was a kid, I knew I wanted to be a pirate. It wasn't because I just up and decided to go one day. I even planned on taking all of you with me. But your mother was very against the idea. And that was her right to not want to be a part of it. I would've had the same reaction if she had come to me and said, 'we're moving to France tomorrow so I can pursue painting.' It just wouldn't have worked... So please understand. I never left and would never leave because of you. I left to go chase my dreams after not chasing them for so long. And it wasn't fair to both of you to have me as a father the way I was. It breaks my heart to leave you both again. But I feel happy in the fact that you're well loved by your mother, and Doug, and I still love you as well. I hope that makes sense for you." He rubbed his back fondly. He knew it was a lot, but it was the simplest way he could explain these complicated grown up problems. 

Louis listened carefully as his father spoke. He didn’t really understand the way the world worked. If his father and his momma didn’t love each other like husband and wife, why were they even married in the first place? Why did everyone get so mad at his father when he went after what he wanted? But he’d asked enough questions for now. So he said nothing else. He just sat with his father, listening to the quiet lap of the water against the bank, waiting for another fish to bite at the hook

"Louis?" Stede asked, rubbing his back

“Yeah?”

"That was a lot I dumped on you just now... If you need to ask anything else, you can." He smiled an understanding smile. "We have all day."

Louis thought for a little more. The other questions swimming in his mind were repeating themselves loud and clear but seeing the tired lines around his fathers eyes made him hold back. It was a lot but it looked like it had been just as much for him. So the deeper questions could wait until another time. “What was the best adventure you went on?” Was what he finally settled on

Stede gave him a little nod. This was all quite a bit for his understanding. He could see that he needed time to process. "I'll have to think about that... Probably the Republic of Pirates..." He chuckled as he proceeded to tell him about trying to sell their hostage, Spanish Jackie's, the nose jar and being sold out to the Spanish. "And that was how I met Edward! When he saved my life." He finished just as Lucius and Doug returned, big goofy smiles on their faces.

“Wait, so that Izzy guy was the one who followed you to the re-repub…the pirate place? And you said he was a jerk? So why are you and Mr Ed dating him?”

"Well... Izzy's a whole different conversation. But the simple version is remember the barn cat we used to have? Grouchy old Toby?" He chuckled. "He used to scratch and claw and run away whenever we got too close? Then we started leaving him bowls of milk and bits of fish. And he slowly started coming closer to us and letting us pet him? That's rather like our Izzy."

Louis nodded before he noticed Doug and Lucius had returned and promptly climbed into Doug’s lap as soon as he sat down on the bank next to him. “Your jacket is inside out, Mr. Lucius.” The scribe went scarlet and quickly righted his jacket

"Yes. We climbed a tree and got sweaty, so we had to take our jackets off." Doug explained, with a grin.

A tiny hurt expression came over Louis' face. “You climbed a tree without us?”

“A bird took my sketchbook” Lucius quickly explained. “And Doug was kind enough to help me get it back”

"It looks like you both had fun too though!" Doug smiled. "That's quite a fish. Did Stede catch that big fish?" He winked up at Stede who chuckled

“Nope. I did.” Louis announced proudly

"You did ?!" Doug gasped! "All by yourself?" He gave him a big hug

“Yup. All by myself.” He sheepishly looked at his father. “Well Uncle Stede helped a little bit.”

"Oh you pulled that monster in all by yourself! He's quite a strong lad!" Stede praised

A very prideful smile came to Louis face before he cast his line into the water again. Lucius looked at the little family, a smile coming to his lips as he flipped open to a blank page, starting a sketch on the scene in front of him. He’d just started blending the light on Louis curls, his left hand hanging down by his side as his right blended the charcoal when a sting came to his left pinkie as a minnow, thinking it was a very fat worm, leapt out of the water and chomped down on it. “OW! BLOODY-“ he quickly censored himself before he could swear in front of the small boy

The other three jumped. "What happened?" Stede gasped

Lucius gave his hand a good shake, sending the minnow flopping into the grass. “Little fu-…little jerk got my finger.” He grumbled. Louis couldn’t stop himself from giggling

Stede chuckled along with Louis, both having the same laugh. Doug cooed a soft sound. "Aww. Whenever Louis and Alma get hurt, we always kiss it better. Louis, do you think Mr. Lucius will feel better if I kiss his booboo?"

“Yeah I think so.”

Lucius couldn’t stop the heavy flush that came to his face when he presented his hand to Doug. “Such a gentleman.”

Doug, facing Lucius and away from everyone else, gave him a little wink before he tenderly held his hand and gave his finger a tiny kiss. "There we go. All better?"

Lucius flushed a very pleased shade of pink. “Very much so.” Louis crawled out of Doug’s lap and immediately grabbed for the minnow that was still flipping around on the grass. “Should we put him in the basket?”

"No, no... This one's a fighter. Best let him be." Stede chuckled and helped him toss the little thing back into the water. While they were distracted, Doug gave his knuckles another kiss and a squeeze before releasing his hand

“Flirt.” Lucius whispered before going back to his sketching

Chapter Text

Isa wouldn’t say she was nervous when the boys went their way and she followed Mary and Alma further into town but she wouldn’t say she was completely relaxed either…well she’d say she was never completely relaxed except for that one time she accidentally got drunk but she was not eager to repeat that experience. Either way she couldn’t help but feel horrendously awkward as she followed Mary through the town, Alma by her side continuing to ask a barrage of questions.

“Do they really say things like ‘shiver me timbers’?”

“Oh, no. Not that I’ve heard at least.”

"Alma dear... Take a breath." Mary giggled. "And let poor Bella take one as well." She rested a hand on Bella's shoulder and gave her a squeeze.

“It’s no trouble, truthfully.” Isa assured. She was a bit winded but Alma was so excited to hear more about life at sea. Besides it took her mind off the fact that people were glancing at them. Mary was obviously well known in town so the fact that she was with a strange girl in ill fitting clothes turned some heads. Though she did her best to not let it bother her. “How much do you think I’ll need?” She asked, producing a small purse from her pocket. Even though she was the captains daughter, Stede still insisted on paying her for her work like the rest of the crew, though she wasn’t complaining

"Oh put that away, dear." Mary insisted. "My treat!" She smiled brightly down at her and wrapped an arm across her shoulder to let everyone who saw them know that she was with them.

“You’re sure?” She asked quietly. “I wouldn’t want to put you out or anything.”

"Oh dear, it's no trouble at all." She insisted as they neared a shop. "This one's friendly. The tailor is a widow from my support group, and she's amazing. She always makes pants for Alma here." To emphasize, Alma stuck her hands into her trouser pockets, looking quite proud.

“Ah yes. Father told me about the famous Widow Bonnet. That’s quite the cool name may I say.”

"Why thank you." She chuckled and gave a little bow. "You can imagine my shock when I was proven not a widow." She laughed as she rolled her eyes.

She shuddered. “Yeah I heard how he walked in on one of your meetings and how everything was just downhill from there.” She leaned in so Alma wouldn’t hear. “Did you really try to kill him with a skewer?”

Mary laughed. "I did!" She patted her back as they stepped in and rang the bell. "He was being a proper ass."

“Lord knows he has a tendency to be one.” Isa muttered. 

"Agreed." Mary chuckled as the tailor came out. "Hello Stella, dear! I have my niece visiting for an unexpected few days, so we need to get her set up. Can you help us out?"

"Of course!" Stella beamed.

"Lovely! Bella, dear? This is Stella. Absolutely the best tailor and dressmaker in Barbados!" She introduced

“Hello. Erm it’s lovely to meet you.” She said shyly, not wanting to stray too far from Mary. Bloody hell she was fourteen and yet she was acting like a wee thing on the first day of school

"It's wonderful to meet you too, dear." Stella smiled warmly at her. "Can I have you hop up onto the podium so I can get your measurements?" She asked.

She glanced at Mary before stepping up, holding out her arm. Alma leaned up to whisper to her mother. “Am I allowed to tell Stella that Bella is a pirate?”

Mary nodded. "But not who her dad really is." She whispered back.

Isa stood on the podium as Miss Stella carefully took her measurements. “Did you ever get to meet the late Sir Bonnet?” She asked. “My father and I don’t travel very often and I saw my uncle on only rare occasions. I don’t know much about him.” One thing she could pride herself on was that she could keep the details of any lie she told or story she made up completely in line and she was able to keep it convincing.

"Oh... Not really. My husband knew him a little though. He mostly kept to himself... Except at the booksellers and the tailor's. The man loved him some fine silks. My husband would always come in and ask for my best dress fabrics because "sir bonnet was fancying a new frock coat!" She chuckled. "And then I only took over after my husband on the men's tailoring after he passed, God rest him." She hummed as she jotted down all the notes she'd taken

“Ah. I don’t mean to be a gossip but I heard he made quite a scene at Miss Mary’s art show.” She leaned in conspiratorially while making sure she didn’t disturb her measuring

"That he did. I was there!" She laughed. "He stumbled in quite drunk and blabbering about giving up the sea and true love and his daughter.. which didn't rightly make sense. Because I thought he was upset with Mary? And lord knows Alma wasn't too happy with him either... I don't know. He was very drunk. And then nearly killed poor Doug!”

Isa did her best not to jolt at the revelation that he’d been thinking of them, of her while he was with his real children…it was a bit much. A tremble worked through her as her anxious thoughts surfaced in her mind with a vengeance. “Goodness!” She chirped, shoving it all down again. “My father told me that uncle Stede wouldn’t hurt a fly when they were growing up. He really tried to kill Sir Doug?!”

"Not on purpose." Stella had her do one more turn around before helping her down from the podium. "Doug was trying to calm him down and I think he took Bonnet by surprise. It was a gut reaction. "

“Oh dear. Well who wouldn’t be a little jumpy after living with Blackbeard of all people.” It felt a little wrong to badmouth her dad like that but she had a part to play after all. As Isa was helped down, Alma hopped up from her own seat and stepped up to the podium, holding out her arm for Miss Stella

"And Bella, dear, have a look at the fabrics around. See what sticks out to you." Stella chuckled as she helped Alma up. "Goodness! You still growing?" 

Alma beamed. “Just got measured the other week. Up to four feet, seven inches.”

Isa gave the seamstress a small dip just as she’d practiced, though it was a little shakey, and started wandering around the cozy little building, running her fingers over the fine fabrics. She almost whistled at how impressive some of them were. Though the price tags made her balk and she went searching around for the cheaper ones

Mary came up behind her. "I know there's probably not much call for fancy dress out at sea, but you should have at least one pretty dress." Mary hummed. "Something that makes you feel like a goddess." She chuckled

“You’re sure it isn’t too much trouble?” She asked shyly, fiddling with a small corner of her shawl

"Of course not! We'll get you something proper fancy just for fun. And then we'll get you some good sturdy outfits for the sea." She smiled.

“Thank you. That’s very kind”. She looked through the sturdier fabrics first, wanting to take her time while picking the finer cloth. When she’d chosen enough of the fabrics that felt like they’d last a good long while, she looked back at the bolts of brightly colored and intricately patterned fabrics. Some were a bit too bright or garish for her taste but there were many that simple yet still elegant. Finally she settled on a sweet blue gray fabric adorned with floral detailing

"Oh that's lovely!" Stella called over as she was finishing up with Alma. "Just leave your fabrics on the table and I'll be with you in a moment to discuss your preferred style."

Isa gave her a curt nod as she gathered the fabrics, looking through the book of patterns for what might look best on her. There were some very stylish and comfortable patterns for breaches and vests and a sturdy pattern for a jacket (they’d entered autumn so certain parts of the sea were chillier than others) Alma looked at Isa and then at Stella. “Did you know that my uncle and cousin live on a boat?” She prompted

"Oh do they now? Are they merchants?" Stella hummed as she tested the fabrics against her. Mary picked out a few that she needed.

“Sorta. They live with a bunch of other sailors.” Alma answered carefully. Isa kept her ears open in case Alma added any details she’d need to memorize. “He isn’t a navy sailor but he is a sailor.”

"Are they now?" She chuckled. "Independent?" She asked.

Alma shrugged. “You could say that.” Isa chuckled.

“What my cousin means is that my father was a merchant but he made a fine enough fortune to retire and now we simply travel.”

“Is that right?" Stella chuckled. "Do you both know... I've had a couple of former sailors in here before." She cocked a knowing eyebrow at Isa.

A nervous look came to Isas face. “Are they as good at sword fighting as Bella is?

"I should say so. We had a miss Mary Critchett in here not too long ago, she was quite skilled." She gave Isa a nod

“Well, Bella is a pirate. I bet she could hold her own.”

“Ah, what my cousin means is that I was raised by pirates. My father crossed paths with the ship I grew up on during one of his voyages and adopted me.” She quickly amended

"It's, ok dear. You're amongst friends." Stella rested a hand on her shoulder and gave her a nod. "You're safe here."

Isa let out a heavy breath of relief. “Apologies.” She said sheepishly. “You never know when spilling certain things might be dangerous.”

"Oh I know that too well, dear, believe me." Stella assured, giving her a wink

Isa chuckled again, glad that out of all her poor experiences in life, the few people of upper society that she’d met (aside from Chauncey) were quite understanding and polite, not like the pompous twats that her father and dad met at that stuffy party. “Have you ever been to sea miss Stella?”

"Fraid not. I'm terrified of the water." She laughed as she started sorting through the fabrics Isa had chosen. "I always admire those who can live on it."

“I much prefer the water if I’m honest.” She said. “Especially when it’s sunrise and the sky lights up a little bit at a time and it looks like there are a million sparkles on the water. It’s beautiful.” She sighed.

Alma listened intently. “Don’t you get seasick?”

“At first when I wasn’t used to it but I gradually grew accustomed to the waving.”

“I’ve only been on a boat once.” Alma huffed, as if grumpy that the number was so low

Mary laughed and ran her fingers through her hair. "You live on an island, dear. You'll get plenty of chances."

Alma huffed again but said nothing else. Isa chuckled. “Maybe my dad will let us show you around for a bit when they come to pick us up.” She whispered. Alma immediately brightened up. With their measurements taken, they said a quick goodbye to miss Stella, who promised to send word once everything was finished, and headed out to the town again.

“Oh! Mother let’s take Bella to that new tea hall for lunch!” Alma suggested

"That sounds like a perfect idea! What do you say, Bella? It's not very fancy, I promise." Mary assured

"You're certain I won't embarrass you?" She worried. While she was wearing the nicest clothes she owned, she admitted they did look a little shabby next to Mary and Alma's outfits. Even still, she was worried someone would mistake her for a servant or something.

Alma took her hand. "We're the Bonnets, we don't get embarrassed."

Mary gave her a sympathetic look. "As long as you know to pick up a cup and drink from it, you should be fine. But I understand if you're uncomfortable." She patted her shoulder

"I'll be okay." She assured. As long as things weren't too complicated she could manage. Alma enthusiastically led the way (she'd been looking for an excuse to go to this new tea house for a while), giving a polite little bow to the greeter at the door, who gave Mary and Isa a smile as well before leading them to a table. The building was lovely, soft afternoon sunlight filling the room and highlighting the creamy walls. Already a small tray of little finger sandwiches and teeny cakes were set out, as was a kettle and a box of tea leaves. Isa sat herself down, silently pouring some hot water into a cup and setting a few leaves inside. Several people passed by their table, giving warm greetings to Mary as they walked by. "You're quite well known." She remarked, looking at Mary

"Well... My family's one of the oldest in Barbados...but I've also been trying to make a name for myself independently." She hummed as she helped Alma set up her tea

"I can imagine. Most women are lucky enough just to be called 'someone's wife'." She did her best not to gag. She had nothing against women who preferred the married life but it was not for her. She'd nearly had a heart attack when Chauncey had made an offhand comment about sending her back to England to marry her off.

Mary chuckled and rolled her eyes at that. "Yeah... No offense to my late husband... But our marriage was.. stifling, to put it kindly. For both of us." She took a sip from her tea

"So I've heard." She whispered conspiratorially. "But I do think he wished he'd spoken to you from the beginning. He does hold you in quite high regard. Your lighthouse painting is still in the captain's quarters." When her dad had thrown out all of Stede's things, she was rather shocked to find that aside from the auxiliary wardrobe, the painting was the one thing he'd left alone.

"That's very sweet. You know, when I first gave it to him, he thought it was one of the kids who painted it." She laughed. 

"Oh no." Isa let out a little giggle.

Mary smiled. "We both wish we'd have spoken at the beginning. We wasted a lot of years just... Doing what was expected of us, instead of what was best for us." She hummed. 

"I do understand that. Do what you need to to get by. I know it's not the same but I know how it feels to be held down by what people want from you." The long nights of anxiety and loneliness crept back into her mind and how she wouldn't say a damn word because she'd seen time and again that asking for help was just something you weren't supposed to do and Lord only knew how well she'd taken that little bit of advice to heart.

Alma gave a little nod. "I know too. I hate wearing dresses and skirts. They make everything so stuffy" She made a face which had Isa chuckling again

Mary nodded. "Yes, but I'm sure wherever he is now, he would be happy with how things ended ultimately." She lilted, her voice that of someone who had snuck an extra sweet from the dessert tray as she winked conspiratorially at Isa.

Isa chuckled again. "Indeed, 'wherever he is'." Alma giggled as well at the little secret shared between the three of them.

"Is that the Widow Bonnet?" An unfamiliar voice asked. Isa looked over her shoulder to see a woman in a fine gown and long golden hair tied in a neat bun. "That's Miss Elizabeth, one of mother's frequent buyers." Alma informed in a hushed whisper. "I don't like her, she thinks she's top of the walk."

Mary stiffened a bit. Elizabeth was nice enough, but she could be a lot. "Why hello, Elizabeth dear! How do you fare on this lovely day?"

“Positively dreadful, darling. That cake that I commissioned for my salon this coming Thursday was delivered and that cad of a baker used the wrong color of icing. He said that I asked for pink when I clearly asked for purple but he kept insisting-my word who is this?” She turned her attention to Isa, who went stiff.

"Oh! Where are my manners? Elizabeth, this is my niece Bella." Mary introduced, as she reached to hold her hand

“Oh I didn’t know you had relatives in town Mary dear.” She turned her attention to Isa. “Elizabeth Mannon. You might have heard of my family.”

“Not recently.” Isa said shyly.

The wide smile on Elizabeth’s face soured a little bit. “Well we are a very important family in this area but you don’t seem to be from around here.”

Isa awkwardly cleared her throat. “No. My father and I are sailors.”

“Sailors? Oh how…quaint.”

"Well, they used to be sailors." Marry hummed, moving a hand to run her back. "She and her father are retired now. Made their fortune on the seas. Now they just live a life of leisure and travel."

“Ah I see.” Elizabeth pulled up a chair. “Tell me have you been to Paris? It’s simply divine this time of year I pity anyone who hasn’t seen it.”

“No, I haven’t. But I’ve been to Haiti. Just a little bit ago. There was such a lovely little bazaar and-“

“Far to hot for my taste.” She said disdainfully. “And I hear the food is dreadful.”

Isa did not appreciate being interrupted but this Elizabeth seemed like the kind of person who’d take offense to someone pointing out a slight and she was not in the mood for that conversation. “I thought it was quite lovely.” Isa said quietly, taking a sip of tea. “

I can imagine.” Elizabeth said with a smirk, glancing at Isas blouse and skirt, still streaked with a bit of dirt from the horse ride yesterday.

Mary scooted closer to Isa, holding her hand. "Oh I've always been fascinated by Haiti... You simply must tell me all about it. I know a lot of my paints come from there and I've been considering making a trip to see where it's made." She smiled widely at Isa

Isa sighed in relief, glad to have Mary. “Well I didn’t get to see too much of it, we simply docked because we were low on fruit, but it was absolutely bustling. It was my first time going to anything larger than morning market. And the people were remarkably kind as well. It was a bit hard to understand each other, because I have such a thick Irish accent and they had such thick Haitian accents but they took it in stride.”

“You're Irish?” Elizabeth said, leaning forward. “Aye.” Elizabeth chuckled. “No wonder you’ve hardly touched your tea. There’s no alcohol in it.” She burst into a boisterous laugh. Isa bit her lip

Mary rolled her eyes. "Oh come now, she's a proper young lady." She puffed up, ready to go to bat

“I wasn’t saying she wasn’t Mary you misunderstand me.” She defended. “I was simply saying that the Irish have certain tastes.”

“That’s quite the nasty stereotype.” Isa defended. “Many of the people I met while growing up are fine people. Some have never touched a drop of alcohol in their life.”

“Ah yes, the upright Irish Catholics.” Elizabeth joked before spying the cross around Isas neck and the twist to her brows. “Come now dear it’s simply a harmless joke you must learn to not be so uptight.”

"I'm afraid, she's right, Bella dear." Mary patted her hand. "Elizabeth is a big fan of good jokes. It's why she's wearing last season's style today. It's a joke for the uppercrust ladies in the know."

Elizabeth went pink for a moment before shifting to red when Alma and Isa let out a few quiet giggles. “At least I don’t let my daughter run around in breeches of all things or leave the house with someone dressed like that.” She cast a disapproving glare at Isa and Alma.

Mary stood her ground. "At least my daughter didn't run off with the last Royal Marine that came through town. And as for my niece, she's been nothing but the picture of respect and patience with us and our family no matter what her dress. The last I checked, clothes had no bearing on manners or decency."

Isa looked at her hands folded in her lap and Alma was looking at her mother with absolute awe on her face. Elizabeth saw that Mary was taking none of her crap and cleared her throat. “Well I can see I’m not your preferred company today Mary dear.” She said, rising from the table. “Do tell me when your next showing is.”

“Sorry there’s a no witches policy.” Alma stated. Elizabeth looked appalled. “It’s a joke.” She added with a smirk

Mary tried to stifle her giggle as she gave Elizabeth a nod. The other woman huffed and started on her way when Alma leaned over to whisper to Isa. “Ding dong, the witch is gone.” Isa snickered, which got Elizabeth’s attention as she turned to leave but blessedly she didn’t say anything. “I really don’t like her.” Alma said once she was out of an earshot.

“I can understand why.”

Mary smiled and pat Isa's hand again. "I'm so sorry about her, dear. Are you alright?"

“Yes I’m alright. Not the first time I’ve been insulted. Father told me all about passive aggression.”

“Well Miss Elizabeth practically invented it.” Alma snorted

Mary laughed out loud at that. "Hear hear!" She chuckled as she raised her teacup. "I'm so proud of you both."

Alma beamed but Isa was confused. “Why? We didn’t do much aside from sit here and take it.”

"You held your own and didn't let her make you feel inferior." She praised. 

Isa hummed, a thoughtful noise as she pondered the statement. She wouldn’t say Elizabeth didn’t make her feel inferior but she also knew better than to let someone walk all over her, especially when insulting her country, one of the few things about herself she was actually proud of

Mary beamed as she leaned over and set a hand over hers again. "You're an amazing young woman. I hope you know that." She smiled as she pulled away

The standard little jolt passed through her but she settled into the embrace nonetheless. “Thank you.” She whispered.

Eventually they finished their meals and spent another hour or so window shopping until a messenger from Miss Stellas tailor shop came to fetch them, with news that their clothes had been finished. “Oh good!” Alma said, excited to have full fitting clothes again, some of her breeches were feeling a little tight,

Stella beamed as she had the boxes all set out for them. "It was my great pleasure to tailor for you." Isa smiled shyly.

“Mother maybe she should try on some of them before we leave, just to make sure they fit, remember the tight sleeve from last time?” She couldn’t even get her arm through the hole.

“That might be smart…” Isa agreed

"Of course. The dressing room is at your disposal." She smiled. "Just let me know if you need help with anything." Stella guided her to the dressing chamber

Isa took a few of the shirts and pairs of trousers and the gown. She quickly tried on the sturdier clothes before she came to the gown. The fabric was lovely and soft and felt light against her skin. And with a look in the mirror, she stepped out from behind the curtain

"So beautiful! How does it all fit, dear?" Stella clapped her hands as she stepped around her, checking for any adjustments she needed to make

“It fits like a glove. You’re very efficient miss Stella.” Isa praised.

“Wow!” Alma gasped. “You look like a lady at a fancy ball!” Isa chuckled, flushing a little bit. She caught sight of herself in the larger mirror and was herself enchanted by the sight of the lady in front of her. She did a little twirl, watching the skirt fan out in an elegant circle

"Very beautiful." Mary agreed. "Did you want to wear it out?" She asked

At first Isa had thought about changing back into some sturdier clothes but seeing herself looking so pretty and elegant…she found herself nodding. If anyone had been staring at Isa before, they found themselves staring once again and for a completely different reason. For a little Isa was self conscious but she did her best to take it in stride. “Where did papa Doug and uncle Steve say they’d meet us?” Alma asked

"We're supposed to meet back at the inn for dinner and then I think there's a show in town tonight that we can go to." Mary smiled as they walked

“Oh right! We talked about that this morning. That traveling performer right?” Alma had been looking forward to see him

Isa had never been to the theatre in her life and was very interested in seeing what the fuss was about.

"Yes. Tonight's the performer. And then I believe Twelfth Night is opening later this week." Mary smiled. "I think you'll get a kick out of that one."

“Father read a bit from that before bedtime once but the rest of the crew said the flowery language was too much for them.”

“Was it for you?” Alma asked. Isa chuckled. “I grew up in Ireland. Our entire language is so flowery the country might as well be a giant garden”

Mary chuckled at that. "It is a very beautiful accent. Do you speak any Gaelic?" She asked as they strode down the road.

“ Quite well actually ” Isa said, chuckling at the bewildered expression on Alma’s face before translating

"Oh that's just lovely!" Mary smiled as she heard the beautiful words.

Isa flushed. There was very little about herself that made her genuinely proud but her country of origin was one of them. She did consider herself Spanish, after all it was Spanish blood running through her veins, and she was very grateful to Jim for teaching her the language and more about the culture but she still considered herself an Irish lass. “Thank you.” She said before looking at Alma. “I’m happy to teach you a little bit of you’d like?”

“Maybe.” Alma said, though she was quite intimidated by the flowery and syllabic language

"Maybe when you're older dear." Mary smiled and rubbed Alma's back, sensing her trepidation. "Bella, does anyone else on the ship speak gaelic? I'm sure it's much more enjoyable when you have someone to talk to."

“Aye.” She confirmed. “My Da, the first mate.” Her expression saddened a bit. “Good thing too. It helped save our lives.”

“Gaelic saved your life?” Alma asked, utterly confused

“Aye.” Isa said again. “We’d been kidnapped and he nudged me while in the lifeboat and whispered ‘ Dont give them anything. I’m getting us out of this ’ in perfect Gaelic. We barely spoke a word of English while on the ship together we had no idea who might have been listening.”

Mary's eyes widened and saddened as it more and more dawned on her how hard this girl's life must've been. She nodded softly. "And I take it you both made it home as you're here talking to us now?" She asked with a small smile, but not too much enthusiasm. She had an inkling this tale had a happy ending, but the journey to it had been a hard one.

“Aye.” Isa said for a third time. “I owe my life to my Da.” She said, not letting on about all the horrors he went through for her sake. She was quite good at keeping it together but Mary could still see a little glimmer of sadness and anxiety in her eyes

Mary paused in their walk and pulled her into a hug. "May I meet him before you go?" She asked

“I think he’d like that, Miss Mary.” She whispered. Mary seemed like the kind of woman Izzy would get along with. She wouldn’t sugar coat things and didn’t take any crap from anyone. Soon enough they reached the inn and waited for the boys to come back.

“Think they caught anything?” Alma asked. Isa giggled. “No offense to my father but if he was the one holding the pole, then all they’re coming back with is an old boot.”

Mary giggled. "Yes. He was never good at it. I think he just used it as an excuse to sneak off and read whenever he went."

“That doesn’t surprise me. He took a whole library with him on the ship.” She giggled again. “He even reads the crew stories at bedtime”

Mary laughed out loud at that, imagining an entire ship of fearsome pirates all cozying up to listen to bedtime stories.

Isa giggled. “Wee John told me that the main reason they didn’t mutiny in the early days was because they wanted to hear the end of the story about the wooden puppet.”

“They almost mutinied?” Alma’s gasped. A sheepish look came to Isas face.

“Aye. He wasn’t a very typical pirate, well he still isn’t, and it took a while for the crew to warm up to his peculiarities. But now they’re loyal to a fault.” She smiled again, thinking with pride about the little family she’d somehow stumbled into

Mary couldn't help but feel a little bit of pride of her former husband. She never truly hated him. Well, at first she did. But as the years went on, it grew into a complacent feeling of general malaise, that they were both not where they were meant to be. She was happy that they could both pursue their interests and succeed

“Have you ever seen him in a sword fight?” Alma asked.

“Never a clear vision of him. Mostly during raids I glance in every direction to see how were fairing. I will say that he’s the worst swordsman we have on the ship but he’s definitely improving.”

"Oh! Are your other fathers training him?" Mary asked, tamping down another unease in her stomach at the daily terrors this child faced. Christ, she was only three years older than her own daughter.

“They are indeed. My dad usually teaches father while Da has been teaching me. Well, up until recently that is.”

“What happened?” Isas face saddened a bit again.

“He got very hurt when we were kidnapped.” She said quietly. “He survived but has been in bed for almost two months now.”

Alma gave her a look of sympathy, setting a hand on her arm and giving her a warm smile. There was a silent moment between the two girls that warmed Isa, the same way she felt the first time Lucius had stayed with her during a thunderstorm. “Thank you síur ”

Mary squeezed her shoulder. "How is he recovering?" She asked carefully

“He’s able to walk around the cabin. He insists he’s able to go on deck and it takes all three of us to get him to back down.” A thoughtful sigh left her. “Though I understand exactly how he’s feeling. The longest I ever spent on bedrest was a week and I thought it was the worst. Obviously my tune has changed.” She chuckled.

“Were you hurt?” Alma asked. “Yes and no.” Isa said with a shrug. “I was hurt in a raid and it got infected. I was ill for days.” She was only telling half of the truth. In reality, the wound hadn’t gotten infected. But she’d spent that week pushing herself to the brink physically. From getting fished out of the ocean, to all the internal struggle she faced about how she felt about her fathers, taking every extra chore she could, and then finally getting stabbed, her body essentially shut down. But they didn’t need to know that. Alma was still a young thing and hearing about that wouldn’t do her any good

Mary nodded, picking up that she wasn't telling everything, but leaving it be, which Isa was more than grateful for

Chapter Text

By the time Lucius and the boys made it back from fishing, the scribe was covered in mud, tired as hell (mostly because he was a little fucked out) and looking very satisfied with himself. Louis was also very satisfied with himself for catching a second large fish, only about 3/4 the size of the first salmon he caught. Doug got two or three decent sized fish. And Stede…had pulled up an old boot.

"Welcome back boys." Mary smiled. "You all look like you had an eventful time. Louis! Did you catch any good fish?"

"He sure did!" Stede beamed with pride. "Show em!"

Louis proudly showed off the fish stored in the basket to his mother.

“I swear Mary you should have seen him.” Doug said, ruffling the boys hair. “You’re still staying for the show right?”

"Yes. You gonna take Louis home to go to bed?" Mary asked, leaning down to kiss the top of her son's head as he struggled to keep his eyes open.

"Yeah. He's pretty tuckered out." Doug hummed tousling his hair. "Would you like to join us, Lucius? I could show you my studio after we put him to bed." He smiled at Lucius.

"Omygod. Yes! I mean... That sounds fun.." Lucius blushed and nodded at Mary who gave him an approving wink

There were children present so Isa made no outward reaction towards the “surreptitious” signal so she simply sat there, internally screaming. Alma gave her father and brother a kiss goodnight and gave Lucius a smile as well, bidding the three a good evening.

“So what kind of performer is this traveler?” Isa asked

“I think he’s a sort of illusionist or fire master.” Alma replied. “I haven’t seen any posters or anything but some of the other kids around town have been talking”

"Oh that sounds like great fun!" Stede smiled. "I might take some notes for future fu-.... Tomfooleries on board the ship. What do you say, Isa, dear?" He asked

“Just as long as they won’t be too destructive to the ship.” She said with a nervous smile. The last time they’d tried to do a fuckery, Wee John got a bit too carried away with the pyrotechnics. It was a very small controlled fire and nothing was too greatly damaged but also a wake up call to not overdo it. Despite her worries about her father's overexcitement for future fuckeries, Isa was quite intrigued to see what kind of acts this illusionist would perform.

"Well... You take notes as well. You'll be my practical eyes and ears, eh?" Stede chuckled. "Did I mention how grown up you look in your dress?" He smiled warmly at her like a proud papa

She flushed a pleased pink. “Miss Stella is incredibly good at what she does.”

Alma gave Stede a quick but still warm hug. “We saw Miss Elizabeth today. She’s still as unpleasant as you remember.”

"Uuuuughhh... " He groaned but when he remembered just how unpleasant Elizabeth could be, he went pale. "Oh! Isa dear! Are you ok?" He asked, dropping to his knees before her. "I do hope she didn't say anything nasty to you."

“Just some passive aggressive humdrum.” She informed. “Mary shut her down before she could say anything more than being sailors is ‘quaint’, Irish are all drunks, and then she insulted my clothes and Alma’s breeches.”

“Then mother called her out on her daughter running off with a soldier.” Alma said, proudly looking at her mother

Stede smiled up at Mary and stood, pulling her in for a hug. "You're amazing, you know that?"

"It was nothing. She's always a pain to deal with." Mary rolled her eyes and chuckled

“I remember one time she asked mother for a portrait of her son with his fiancé but their engagement was called off so she expected mother to not charge her.”

“She doesn’t sound like a woman who’s rooted in reality.” Isa commented

“She isn’t.” Alma droned

Mary giggled as she looped her arm with Stede's and they started walking towards the local theater, the girls walking at a lightly brisker pace than the adults.

Alma tugged at Isa's hand. "Could you show me some sword fighting moves tomorrow?" She asked as they walked on ahead

“Oh certainly.” Isa agreed. “If you’re mother is alright with it.” She didn’t want to do anything miss Mary wouldn’t approve of

"They had a lot of fun today." She commented. "I think Alma may try and stow away with you if we're not careful." She hummed.

Stede chuckled at that. "I'll make sure to do a thorough inspection of the revenge before we shove off."

"Alma seems to be enjoying having another girl around.” She said warmly, though there was a trace of worry under her voice.

"I'm sure she talked Isa's ear off all day." Stede chuckled, gazing at the two girls fondly, and not quite picking up the concerned tone under Mary's words

Mary glanced at Stede, taking note of the oblivious smile on his face. In the old days she would have found that obliviousness infuriating, now she just recognized it as simple naivety. No great sin. “Stede?” She asked quietly. “I’ve been picking up on slight things from bits of conversation here and there so I have to ask. Has anything... not particularly nice happened to Bella while she’s been with you?”

"Oh! She's quite the pirate." Stede boasted in pride. "She's been kidnapped, been on raids, left to row by herself for days in a row boat with barely any provisions, stranded on deserted islands, killed a man. She's seen it all and still kicking." He smiled brightly, not quite picking up or making the connection just yet

Mary on the other hand was horrified. “She’s gone through all that?!” It was only her talent in self control that kept her from screeching it. She looked from Stede to the girl walking not even five yards in front of her. “I can only imagine what that’s done to her.”

Stede slowed his pace suddenly making the connection. Oh God. Oh God! He was an idiot. "Oh my God." He whispered, imagining Alma in all those situations and going quite pale

“How has she been handling it?” Mary asked quietly, remembering some of the minor trembles that would work through the girl’s hands when she would mention something particularly unpleasant.

"She... I mean... She doesn't tend to sleep by herself lately..." He responded in the same volume as Mary so as not to alert the girls

“Nightmares or insomnia?” Mary asked

"Both... At least I think so."

Mary let out a heavy sigh. “Stede, I was wondering, and please don’t think I mean this in anyway as a criticism towards you. But perhaps it would be beneficial for her to stay here. At least for a little while. Maybe a month or two. To clear her head a little.”

Stede opened his mouth a bit, ready to immediately accept the offer on Isa's behalf. But he paused. "I... I think it would... But I don't know how she'd feel about leaving the sea. She's been through so much. Good things as well as bad. And I feel she's in the most supportive environment she's ever encountered in her life. I... I don't know if I want to take her away from that just yet." He hummed

Mary nodded. “I can understand that. And we should also ask her how she’d feel about it. I just wanted to hear your thoughts on it first, seeing as you’re her guardian.”

"Yes. But not her only one... We'll have to discuss with Ed and Izzy once I'm back on the ship." He hummed

“Absolutely. I just felt it would be best to see how one approves, the one in closest proximity and the one I’m most familiar with, before posing it to the rest.” No offense to Ed and Izzy. From what Stede had told her (though he sometimes tended to exaggerate), they were both perfectly lovely but she wasn’t too eager to suggest to Blackbeard's face that she take his daughter away from him

Stede nodded. "Yes... I... I'll have a chat with them and if they're ok with it. I'll talk to her." He hummed

“That does seem like a good place to start.” She sighed. “I’m at least glad she’s loved. From what I’ve heard your crew is very protective of her."

"Oh yes. Izzy especially. Did she tell you how he saved her life?" He asked softly

“Not really. She just mentioned that him knowing Gaelic saved them but didn’t elaborate on what he’d exactly saved her from.”

"They were kidnapped from our ship and we had no idea what happened to them. Only that they had been taken by force... She turned up days later on a lifeboat. Apparently they'd managed to get on deck and he forced her into the boat to get her away while he stayed behind to fend them off... He... Didn't come back whole... Isabella led the rescue mission to get him back. It's because of her he's still alive at all."

Mary stayed quiet, looking sadly towards Isabella. “The horrors that child has faced.” She murmured. She was certain she didn’t know the half of it. “I’ve only known her for two days and I’m already in awe of how strong she is.”

Stede nodded, holding her arm a bit closer. "I know. We're all very proud of her." He whispered softly

Mary was quiet for a moment. “Is her mother in the picture?” 

"No... No... Ed and Izzy knew her, but they hadn't seen her in years before we found Bella on our ship. And she said she lost her when she was nine. She's been on her own ever since."

The ache in Mary’s chest grew deeper. “How can she have been handed perhaps the worst lot in life and still be standing?” Mary could hardly even imagine hardship like that. As stifling and miserable as her life had been, she could at least say she was safe and comfortable. But of course she wasn’t blind. She knew how unforgiving the world could be and could only think that with the little she knew about Isabella, there was only more heartbreak waiting underneath

"We don't know. But we try and keep our ship as loving as possible. We're all a big happy family there." He smiled at her.

Mary smiled as well, still carrying the sadness in her chest but vowing that if Bella did choose to spend a month with her, perhaps she’d help make up for lost time. Granted a month with a mother nowhere near made up five years without one but it was most definitely a start

Stede smiled as well, though he cast a sad eye to his oldest daughter, fully or more fully comprehending the life she led with them

The performer was phenomenal. Indeed an illusionist with a few fire stunts here and there. Alma had even been called to the stage to assist with a trick and he’d made it look like she was levitating. When she made it back to her seat, Isa had asked what it had felt like only to be informed that the second he’d snapped his fingers, she’d practically fallen asleep. Truly a phenomenal show and Isa did get a few ideas for future fuckeries. It was nearly ten when the performance ended and Isa had thoroughly enjoyed herself. “And you say that was your first time in a theater?” Mary asked.

“Aye.” Isa responded

"I must say... That was most inspiring." Stede hummed to himself, clearly getting too many ideas from the performance

“I know what you’re thinking and on behalf of the rest of the crew, no. Veto. Absolutely not. We’re not setting an eagle puppet on fire and calling it a Phoenix.” The magician had claimed to have tamed the mythical beast which somehow flew over the audience’s heads. It was a very impressive trick but he had been practicing for years whereas Stede had zero training in any kind of pyrotechnics. Mary chuckled

Stede pouted at that. "You're  no fun. Your dad would be on my side for this..."

“And my Da wouldn’t. That’s first mate and captain’s daughter vs both captains. Tie vote, put up for discussion for another day.” Which was essentially code for ‘it ain’t happening’

Stede playfully harrumphed when he noticed Alma yawning. "Uh oh... Past someone's bedtime..." Stede chuckled, scooping her up and carrying her the rest of the way to their hired carriage. Alma instantly melted in his arms and dozed off against his shoulder. Now that the exciting theatrics were finished, her energy quickly left her

Isa smiled at the sight of the girl sleeping in her fathers arms and her mind began to wander. How would she have ended up if her dad, Da, and father had all raised her from the beginning? Probably a much more level headed and confident person than she was now but the ending would always be the same; she had them now and she wouldn’t give them up. …like Stede had given her up. Oh great. The traitorous thoughts were back. She took a breath, shoving them to the back of her mind. “I will say though, that trick where he threw his voice was quite impressive. If we can figure out how he did it, it’ll definitely amp up the atmosphere”

"Oh yes!" Stede brightened as they climbed into the carriage and settled in for the fifteen or so minute trip back to Mary's home. "Especially in the fog."

Mary perked when they reached the estate. “Oh, I told Marcus to prepare the guest bedrooms in case you wanted to stay with us rather than the inn. We won’t be insulted if you don’t though.” She assured. “I’m alright either way.” Isa said, looking at Stede

Stede smiled. "Well... What do we have on the docket for tomorrow?" Stede asked

“Doug and I are meeting with that potential buyer…didn’t you say you wanted to take the kids to the zoo?”

"Then I suggest Bella and I stay in town, and you can meet us at the inn with the kiddos when you head to town." Stede suggested. He was looking forward to some quality time with Isa tonight

“I suppose Lucius is staying at the house tonight?” Isa teased knowingly. Mary chuckled again. “Unless you wanna try dragging him out”

"We'll ask him." Stede hummed. And... Seeing that Alma was out cold. "And... You don't mind?" He asked

“This isn’t his first little dalliance.” She admitted slyly. “And he isn’t the only one.” Isa had chosen that unfortunate moment to fetch her canteen from her satchel and take a sip of water only for a strangled hacking sound to follow that lovely little revelation. It was Gods own grace that Alma didn’t wake up. Kid must have been thoroughly tuckered out

Stede reached and gently patted her back. "Oh! How lovely! Anyone I know?" He asked sweetly, and genuinely curious

“My most frequent is Evelyn, you remember her don’t you? And a few others from my widow support group. Mostly I stick with them but every so often you get an interesting client or a handsome visitor in town. I will say Doug usually goes for the laidback types I was surprised when he went for Lucius.” Isa wasn’t entirely sure if this conversation was real or if she was having another nervous breakdown. She honestly couldn’t decide which was worse

"Oh! Evelyn is very lovely." Stede smiled. "I'm glad you two have such a strong relationship... You and Doug that is." He chuckled. "And yes... Had I known... I would've warned you. Our Lucius is a good boy. Very clever. But also rather a bit of a menace."

Mary rolled her eyes with a smile. “If Doug can’t leave bed tomorrow you’re paying the doctor bill.” She joked It was official. Isa was in hell

Stede laughed heartily at that. "I've yet to have a crew member not report in the next day." Stede chuckled

“He must be popular among the crew.” She smirked. “Has he ever taken you to bed?”

Isa cut in before he could answer. “Father, I love you but if you make me sit through another minute of this conversation, I’m stealing a dinghy and going back to the ship”

Stede rolled his eyes, chuckling and before answering Mary. "No... Though we did share a snog once... We were playing truth or dare as a crew..."

Ah yes the infamous truth or dare night. Isa had picked dare every time and had done some pretty crazy things that night. By far her favorite was seeing how many peanuts she could fit in her mouth (150). “With all due respect captain,” she said flatly. “There are many things I’d rather do than listen to my father talk about my brother’s sex life, the top of that list being shoving a scorpion into my ear”

Mary had to keep herself from chortling because she didn’t want to wake Alma

Stede huffed. " Fine ...." He leaned in towards Mary though and spoke quietly. "Though if his kissing is anything to go by, your Doug is in very good hands." He winked

“From the way they were ogling each other last night and this morning, I’d say they both are quite satisfied.” She leaned away before looking back to Isa. “Lucius is your brother you said?”

“Well it’s hard to explain in conventional terms. But the easy answer is yes.” Truly she thought of all the crew of the revenge that were younger than 45 as her brothers, or sister in Archie's case and sibling in Jim’s case, but Lucius was certainly the one who had seen her at her most vulnerable aside from her fathers. And he was the only one who verbally referred to himself as her brother. It was heavily implied the rest of the crew felt the same but left it unsaid

"Yes. They're very close. They've more or less adopted each other." Stede smiled fondly down at Isa before leaning over and kissing the top of her head

“Aye.” Isa agreed. “He’s a very good listener and gives wonderful hugs.”

“He also seems to know how to have fun.”

“Oh you have no idea.” Isa hummed, meaning it in both the good and the bad ways

"Yes. We lost him for a few days early on and it really brought down the vibe." He shrugged. "Turns out he'd been on some exercising bender with Jim? I don't know." He rolled his eyes

Isa raised an eyebrow. She’d heard that story, apparently Jim had attempted to kill Lucius. Not surprising but she was also glad they’d decided not to (Olu 100% had been the one behind that choice). She couldn’t even imagine how morose the ship would have been without him during the days of the kraken. The relief Pete must have felt after finding him again must have been indescribable.

Soon enough they reached the inn, Mary took Alma and set her in the carriage. "We'll see the two of you tomorrow morning then."

"We'll be looking forward to it." Stede chirped.

Isa smiled as she was given a hug from Mary. “Thank you again for the clothes. The gown especially.”

“No thank you’d necessary dear.” She assured. “And you look absolutely lovely”

Chapter Text

Stede gave Isa a soft smile. "Sleep in my bunk tonight?" He offered

Isa pretended to be appalled. “How dare you sir? Suggesting that a lady as myself sleep in a room with a man who isn’t her husband?” She could barely keep the facade up for two seconds before erupting into a fit of giggles. Imagining herself as a lady of high society was laughable enough but imagining her with a husband was even more ridiculous

Stede chuckled. "I promise you, m'lady... You're infinitely more safe in my bed than any other gentleman you're likely to meet." He placed his hand on his chest to swear his oath

The girl giggled again. “Well I suppose you make a fair argument.” She conceded, taking his arm and letting herself be led to the carriage. A reflective sigh escaped her. “Y’know, if you’d told me last year that I’d be riding in a carriage, wearing a silk gown, on the arm of a refined gentleman, I’d have laughed in your face.”

"You know... If you'd told me last year that I'd have two husbands and an extra daughter, I might've screamed in shock and redeclared my love for my lady wife." He chuckled. "Honestly, how I lied to myself for so long astounds me."

“And if your further were told you’d also be living out your fantasy of being a pirate captain?” She prodded with a puckish smirk

"I might've passed out on the spot." He laughed, helping her into the carriage

“I would as well if you’d told me that I’d actually find my dad…and two more to boot.” She reflected as she sat down on the cushy seat

"If you had told me as a kid that I'd have three dads.... I'd have run away in terror." He chuckled as he pulled her to his side

This little comment caught her off guard. He’d never said anything about his father before. She pulled away just enough to look him in the eyes. “Was your father…was he a cruel man?”

Stede flushed, having realized what he'd done. "I..." Well, the cat was out of the bag now. "Yes... Especially when I was younger. Not so much when I was grown. But by then it'd evolved into cold indifference."

Just as she’d felt when Lucius had told her about his prick stepfather, a cold sickness wormed through her gut and she settled against him. “I’m so sorry.” She whispered. She nearly started to cry at the thought of her gentle-hearted father growing up with someone cruel

"It's alright, luv." He smiled as he gently rubbed her arm. "He wasn't near as cruel as the lads at school."

“You mean the Badmintons?” She had only heard that they were old bullies of his, nothing in detail about what they put him through

"Yes. And all the school boys they could rally." He rolled his eyes

“I thought the twins were the only ones.” She gasped. How many people had tried to make Stede’s school life a living hell? She nestled against him again. “That’s terrible.”

"Yes well... Don't have to worry about them much anymore, now do I?" He chuckled

Well now she knew how Lucius felt whenever she deflected. She wrapped her arm around his stomach, squeezing him tightly while still being gentle. “Aye.” She whispered. “You have people who love you now.”

"I do... And that's all I need." He smiled, cupping the back of her head and gazing down at her

Truly she could see the similarities between herself and all three of her fathers; Ed’s total and complete shutting out of the world when things became too much, Stedes belief that he wasn’t worth the trouble, Izzy’s tendency to blame himself and blame himself hard when anything went wrong. The logical side of her kept trying to tell her that there was nothing to fear. But she still kept waiting for the day when they’d finally tell the truth and she’d be alone again. Still she could appreciate it now. Eventually they made it back to the inn and wandered up to stedes room. “I don’t think I asked how it was spending time with Louis” Isa called from behind the partition

"Oh it was great fun." He smiled. "Lucius and Doug were.... Occupied most of the day with nature hikes. So I got to spend some quality time with him. He's grown so much."

She rolled her eyes with a smile, stepping out from behind the partition, wearing her new nightgown. “I’m glad.” She said, picking up the hairbrush and undoing her braid. A heavy question was on her mind that she dare not ask but she still couldn’t resist dipping a toe in. “Do you miss them terribly? Alma and Louis I mean. When you’re at sea.”

"Do you mind?" He asked first before responding, stepping forward and offering his hand to the brush. He did so like helping with his daughter’s hair

She wordlessly passed the brush to her father. “Why would I mind?” She asked

Stede smiled and gently worked the brush through her hair, humming softly. "I do. I miss them loads.... But... May I confess something wicked?" He asked softly

She raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Aye…?”

"I missed them while I was gone... But once I was home... I found I'd missed you all more..." He whispered. Not that he loved his children any less. He just knew they were better off and happier where they were. "They were somewhere they belonged. And I knew that I wasn't where I belonged. Like trying to fit in a shoe that just wasn't made for you."

“I know that feeling.” Lord knew that she never felt like she belonged anywhere before finding the revenge. “Was it frightening? When you first left?” She’d never once asked him about the early days on the revenge for him. She’d heard retelling of events but never his thoughts on things

"It was a bit... But already I felt heeps better than at home." He hummed as he gently worked through a knot. "And Buttons was there from the beginning. So there was someone to talk to at least."

A very slight wince came to her brow at the tug at the small tangle. “Oh goodness.” She could only imagine having Buttons as your only company. He was a fine sailor and a good man (when not threatening to eat everyone) she gladly considered him a friend but she would not wish to be left alone with him if she had the choice. The question in her mind once again surfaced and she once again dipped her toe into the choppy waters of her own anxiety. “When you made me your ward, was it really just because you didn’t want the crew harassing me or was there another reason?” Truly she couldn’t think why a nobleman would instantly take a dirty little nobody under his wing after less than an hour of knowing her. She worried that the answer would be an echo of her anxieties; he missed being a father, missed his own children so he made do with what he had

"You looked like you needed a family. And I was more than happy to help give you one." He smiled. "I may not notice everything, but I can see when someone hasn't had a whole lot of love in their life."

She met his eyes in the reflection of the polished mirror. There was a time when she used to think that she didn’t need anyone to love her, that she could survive just as well on her own. After she’d left the revenge that she thought she’d been a damn fool to let herself be loved but when she got stabbed and overheard Roach telling the captains that she wouldn’t make it. It was only then that she realized that she hadn’t been a fool to let herself be loved. She’d been a fool to reject her fathers when they begged for her forgiveness. She’d very nearly robbed herself of exactly what she needed for the sake of pride. And when she met her fathers eyes in the mirror, something about the gentleness in his eyes and the pride in his smile made her feel as if she were bare in front of an entire crowd

Before she could stop them, tears began forming in her eyes

"Isa luv... What's wrong?" Stede asked, immediately coming to her side and dropping to his knees. "Did I pull too hard?" He asked, looking at the brush in his hand

“No, no it’s not…I don’t know…” she whimpered, putting a hand over her mouth to try and keep the pathetic noises from escaping

"Isa dear... It's alright. Don't hold it in." He stood and pulled her to his middle in a soft embrace. "Let it all out."

She dropped her hand, instantly accepting the embrace and letting the tears fall. The cries were quiet frightened things, like the squeak of an oar in its hold but they still held so much sorrow and confusion. “I’m sorry.” She whimpered. “I-this was supposed to be a nice trip. Why can’t I just leave well enough alone instead of ruining everything?”

"You're not ruining anything, luv!" Stede insisted as pulled her close. "What makes you say that?"

“It’s so bloody silly.” She confessed. “I know you love me, I know you care for me but I-I just can’t stop feeling anxious. And you’ve done absolutely nothing wrong! You’ve given me just as much attention and praise to Alma and Louis, maybe even more and I still have the nerve to doubt you.” She dropped her eyes, unable to even look at him. “I just…I can’t measure up to your real children.”

Stede hugged her closer. "what do you mean, my 'real children'?" He asked. "You're as much my real child as they are."

“I’m not though.” She argued. “I’m just some bastard that stumbled into your life.”

"Isa... Love is what makes a family. Not blood... I... I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone before." He whispered, holding her face and gazing deep into her eyes. "Alma and Louis aren't my natural children either."

Her eyes went wide. “They’re…they’re not?” Truly she shouldn’t have been surprised, Stede likely didn’t have a heterosexual bone in his body and would have despised sleeping with his wife. But the upper crust were very particular about the legitimacy of children. Madame O’Nell had even warned her against telling people she was looking for her father since she’d likely get flack for being a bastard

"No." He let out a nervous chuckle. "They're Doug's... She told me after we'd worked things out.. I mean I always suspected because I remember a few times she got me quite plastered. Enough to where I would pass out. She would claim those to be the nights we bedded each other." He confessed. "She told me that so it would maybe help me feel better about leaving. But I told her that I didn't see them any differently. I helped raise them. I care for them. And they care for me. Just like I care for you, Isa dear..."

It truly baffled her how he still stood by her despite what a screwup she was. She’d nearly had a heart attack when he noticed her crying because she thought he’d be furious that she had the gall to think something so awful about him. “I’m sorry.” She murmured. “I tried to ignore those stupid anxieties but they just wouldn’t shut up!”

"Isa dear... That's anxiety's job." He cupped her cheek with one hand and pulled out his hankie to gently dry her tears with the other. "They're something you can absolutely hate, but don't hate yourself for them."

She sniffled, leaning into the touch. “Still.” She muttered, doing her best to calm herself down. “I’m sorry I thought something so awful about you.” 

"My dear. It's understandable. I've given you reason to doubt before when I left." He walked them both over to the bed where he pulled the blanket around them

She snuggled into the embrace. “I was honestly shocked when I saw you’d come back. I knew my dad loved you but I thought you didn’t feel the same when you didn’t come back for him.”

"Well... The short version of that I was still dealing with some trauma for the way I left Mary and the kids... As well as other poor decisions I thought or assumed I'd made. I thought I was doing the right thing by going back. By putting my family back together and letting Ed go free as the Fearsome pirate he was meant to be... But then when I got home.. I realized how I didn't fit there anymore. Then I realized I never did fit there to begin with. The only time I felt like I fit in somewhere was aboard the revenge. And what a mistake I'd made in letting my doubts get the better of me."

She recalled hearing how it was indeed Chauncey’s death that had prompted her father to return home but never knew the thoughts underneath. His voice rang in her head along with the saddened face he made when he recalled how Chauncey had said he “defiled beautiful things” and held him a little tighter. 

“He was wrong about you, y’know.” She whispered. “You only make things more beautiful.”

Stede flushed and felt a few tears come to his eye. "You think so?" He sniffled

​​“Aye, I do.” She confirmed. “You took a troop of misfit ragamuffins, some middle aged leather clad sadsacks, and a dirty little bastard and made a family.”

Stede smiled softly and hugged her. "Thank you, luv." He hummed softly

“Don’t need thanks for speaking’ truth.” She said matter-of-factly, brushing the tears from her fathers eyes. She may not have thought highly of herself but she was at least a good comfort and lord knew how much Stede needed comfort

Stede smiled and nuzzled into her hair. "Ready for the zoo tomorrow?" He asked

“Aye.” She said brightly. “I’ve never been to one before but I’ve heard they’re great fun.”

"Oh they are. I haven't been to one in years and I'm quite excited myself." He smiled like a big kid

She chuckled before yawning a little. Damn, why couldn’t she keep her emotions on check? They were wearing her out. “Will they have tigers?” They were her favorite animal and she’d never seen one in person. She thought she’d likely never see one but again life takes one by surprise sometimes

"Last time I was there they did." Stede chuckled. "So we'll have to see if she's still around."

“Maybe she even has cubs now.” She suggested optimistically, stifling another little yawn

She yawned again, curling into stedes side. He’d told her that Nigel used to make fun of him for his weight but she loved his shape, he made for the perfect cuddler

"Maybe. I'd sure like to see some cute cubs." He chuckled as he kissed the top of her head

“Will Lucius be coming with us or will he be too hungover cough fucked out cough to join?

"I don't know. We can always ask." He hummed. "Do you mind him sleeping with Doug?" He asked, wanting to consider her feelings as well

“Not at all. What he does in his spare time is his business. It’s when he makes it my business as well that I have a problem with.” She joked, giving him a little nudge

"Yes...yes..." Stede laughed with her. "He's a good lad." He chuckled

“Aye he is.” She agreed, stifling another yawn

" And a good kisser." He winked

On instinct, she grabbed one of the pillows, giving him a good wack

Stede laughed and thwacked her back with his own pillow. "I know... I know... But... Do you mind me asking something?"

“Aye?” She said warily, worrying what the question might be

"Nothing too serious. I just wonder. You're getting to be at that age... Have you started.. oh how do I put this... Noticing boys? Or girls? Or whoever?" He hummed lightly. He was honestly just curious

She opened her mouth to respond before closing it again, her brow twisted in thought. Once again she opened and closed, fumbling for a response before settling in, “I have no idea if I’m being honest.” She said with a nonchalant shrug. “All I know for sure is that I was horrified when Chauncey threatened to marry me off but that was mostly because I knew my groom would likely be decades older than me.” She shivered at the idea of sharing a bed with someone twice her age…someone who wasn’t her father. She gave Stede a little grin

Stede shivered. "He might've meant himself. ... I saw the way he looked at you." He wretched in his own mouth at the memory

“Excuse me while I go vomit.” She deadpanned. “Such a sad little man. Willing to do so much harm just to hurt you.”

Stede nodded and held her tightly. "I'd hoped Ed being rid of me might mean that he'd take you away from that. Far away." He whispered, confessing another reason why he ran. What if more had come after him? More opportunities to take Isa away?

She let herself be held, breathing in the familiar lavender scent. “You have no idea how scar-…anxious I was when I heard Chauncey sentence you.” She murmured. “I’d already lost one parent I…I dunno if I’d have the strength to lose another.”

Stede nodded. "Thank God for your dad, huh?" He hummed, resting his head on hers

“Aye.” She agreed. “I can’t even put words to how much it broke me when I’d heard you’d…you’d died.”

Stede paled at that. "I'm sorry... We... We didn't take into account how the word would spread. We just saw it as the only solution to take care of the marriage, the price on my head... Everything."

“I know. I’ve long since forgiven you.” She paused. “I remember when we were saying goodbye, after dad had given me half of the red silk and you braided into my hair, I had wanted to call you ‘father’ in that moment but…I don’t know why I didn’t. I suppose I’m more of a ‘life of what-ifs rather than a life of oh-wells’ kinda lass.”

"I understand dear. It was a hard day for all of us." He kissed the top of her head

“I’m just glad that by some crazy bit of luck I got you back.” She yawned once again. “I think it’s time for sleep.”

"Luck? Or sheer determination to get back to my true family?" He asked, laying back against the pillows and guiding Isa with him

“May have been determination for you but it was pure luck for me that I was able to get my ass off leviathans ship. And that you were still booking it after him so someone was there to fish me out of the ocean” she mused, snuggling a bit closer. She just hoped she wouldn’t have any nightmares tonight, she’d already made Stede worry enough as it was, she didn’t need any screaming and thrashing about to make worse

Stede nodded and hugged her closer. "Never again while I live will you see that danger again." He vowed softly

She sighed. “That’s not really something you can promise.” She whispered. Danger seemed to follow the revenge like a fog in Scotland

"No. But it's a standard I can hold myself to as your father." He squeezed her good and tight

An easy smile drifted across her face at the tight embrace. She felt like she’d nod off soon but she was having trouble falling asleep most days. Her body certainly got the message but it took her mind a good long while to catch up. “Father?” She asked quietly

"Yes, luv?" He asked softly, his eyes closed as he relaxed against the pillows

“Would…would you sing to me?”

Stede smiled and nodded "Of course." Stede started singing softly. "I waited for a sunny day to launch my grand design..."

With another yawn, Isas eyes drifted closed and she soon drifted off in her fathers arms, soothed by his gentle voice

Stede was asleep before the end of the lullaby himself, his arm protectively around her back

Chapter Text

Once again, Isa was lucky to only have the “quick jolt awake with a quiet gasp” kind of nightmare rather than the “thrashing about like someone possessed” kind of nightmare. Stede tended to be a light sleeper but if he did wake up, he didn’t let on that he did so she was able to get back to sleep. Soon enough she’d awoken again to the sunlight streaming through the window, still snuggled in her fathers arms. “Morning.”

"Good morning?" He smiled. "How did you sleep, luv?"

“Alright.” She said with a brief yawn. “You?”

"Well enough... And... Earlier?" He asked softly

Dammit.

“What do you mean earlier?” She asked, slipping from the bed to grab some of her new clothes

"You woke up earlier this morning, dear." He hummed softly

There was a very brief pause to her moments, so minuscule that one couldn’t see unless they were watching very closely. Her face was also away from him so he didn’t see the quick expression of nerves that came to her face. “Did I?”

"Isa...." He crossed his arms pointedly

She sighed. “Just a dream. Nothing too serious.”

"Serious enough to wake you up, luv... Come on. You can talk to me." He hummed, beckoning her over

With another sigh, she sat down on the bed once more. “It wasn’t even one of the worst ones. I’d just done something stupid and the crew told me to leave. A little unsettling but no real harm done.”

"Dear..." Stede's stomach dropped, remembering the conversation he'd had with Mary just the day before. "We would never ask you to leave because of something like that. No matter how stupid you think it was... It literally took Izzy challenging me to a duel and losing to be asked to leave. And that's really only because it was part of the challenge."

She shrugged, trying for nonchalance. “Aye. As I said, silly, a little unsettling but no harm.”

"It is harm if it disrupts your sleep." He cooed. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?" He asked, rubbing her back

“Stop bringing it up for one thing.” She quipped, though there was no real bite behind it.

Stede took his hand away and nodded, letting her have her space. She was getting to be that age and all. "Alright dear. I'm here if you need me though." He hummed softly

“Thank you father.” She whispered. She didn’t like being so harsh with him but hearing all the shit going on in her mind would only hurt him more so she kept her mouth shut for his sake

Stede gave her another brief smile and went to the wash station and changed into his clothes as well. "How did you enjoy your time with Mary and Alma yesterday? Besides the Elizabeth incident?”

“Oh they were lovely. It might be silly to think that getting measured for clothing is fun but I honestly enjoyed it. And Mary and Alma made sure I felt welcome no matter what”

"Oh yes. I always loved going to the tailor's. One of my few pleasures here on land... And how is... Stella I believe her name was?" He hummed

“Perfectly lovely as well.” She recalled the soft conversation the two had shared and how Stella had been sympathetic to her pirate status. “She said she saw you make a bit of a fuss at Miss Mary’s art show”

Stede flushed deeply at that. "Yes... Well... I wasn't in the best place mentally... Or in my alcohol intake..." He coughed

Isa stepped out from behind the partition, tying the red silk into her hair again. “She also mentioned hearing you raving about how much you missed the sea, how you’d given up on your true love and…and that you missed your daughter.” She said quietly A thoughtful look came to the girls face. “If this isn’t a silly question, when did you start seeing me as a daughter more than just a ward?” She asked.

Stede hummed. "I don't know really. As soon as I saw you step out from behind those crates, filthy, half starved, and frightened, I knew that I wanted to help you. I knew your young age would bring you trouble. I wanted to ensure you had someone behind you to support you no matter what." There had also been something in her eyes that he'd almost instantly connected with. Something sad and in need of warmth and care but still strong. He didn't realize until after he'd learned who her biological father was that he'd seen that same sad strength within Ed's beautiful brown eyes. "But I suppose it was shortly after your brush with death that I realized how much of my life would be gutted if I lost you."

“Aye. I heard you crying when Roach said it was unlikely I’d live.” She recalled, her heart aching at the thought of her dad and her father standing outside her door, broken and terrified but they didn’t want to upset her boundaries so they wouldn’t come in. But she recalled seeing a gray curl here or a bright colored jacket there. “I think it was after that major storm, when you found my cross that I started seeing you as a father. I thought that I’d be done for if you ever found out I was Catholic.”

Stede smiled warmly. "Oh my dear..." He hummed as he pulled her into a deep hug. "We don't know what we would've done if we lost you you... Nor did the rest of the ship poor Lucius was beside himself... And Wee John cried everyday."

This caught her off guard. She’d known the rest of the crew was worried about her while she was sick, after all they made sure she was never alone whenever she woke up but she didn’t know that they’d been that broken up about her. They…they really did care…for some reason the thought almost frightened her. Best not to think about that. “Don’t worry,” she said, laying her head over his chest, “I don’t plan on leaving any time soon”

Stede nodded and held her. "Isa dear... I have something I would like your opinion on." He asked softly.

She raised an eyebrow. “Aye..?”

He sighed his options but decided against it at the last moment. Now wasn't the time to discuss the idea of her spending a bit of time in Barbados. Besides, there was something that could test the waters much better. "Edward and I... We've been thinking about Izzy in his condition. And we were considering speaking with him about maybe taking a short leave of absence from the ship while he heals a bit more." He hummed. He'd actually discussed this with Ed prior, but he figured he could get Isa's opinion on it as well as maybe see how she would feel about the idea when not applied to her. “It wouldn't be permanent by any means... We just fear a raid or something serious happening to us or the ship while he's still not 100 percent, you know?"

“Oh…” she let out a breath of relief, worried it was something she’d done. “I agree. Knowing him if we were raided, he’d push himself too hard to fight back and probably make it worse. But good luck getting him to agree...not to mention if we ask him to leave, he'll probably feel like a burden to be rid of.” Out of all her papas, Izzy was the one she was the most alike and she knew she'd certainly would feel the same. She finished braiding her hair and tied it off with a ribbon.

"That's what we thought. Maybe... Maybe Ed could bat your eyelashes at him and talk him into it for us?" He nodded as he guided them towards the door. "Of course Ed could always order him to, and we know he'd do it... But we're trying not to lean too much on that level of their old toxic relationship." He explained

She chuckled. “I could try to talk him into it but I’m not batting my eyelashes at anyone.” She joked. “If anything, maybe you should bat yours at him. That might convince him.”

"Or Lucius could.." he laughed as they made their way down the stairs. He'd set up their breakfast order last night, so all he needed to do this morning was tell them they were ready

She laughed a bit louder. “He’d be done for if all three of you tried to convince him.”

Stede laughed with her. "Then he'd have to agree." He chuckled. "Though I don't know if I'd want him left on land alone. Maybe the crew could draw lots to see who should stay with him." He reasoned. There were pros and cons to nearly all the crew members. So if it did have to come to that, they would have to seriously discuss it.

“Lucius would probably volunteer in a heartbeat.” Poor lad was probably one raid away from a breakdown

"Yes. But then that might upset the flow of the crew. Pete would certainly be lonely without him. And fang. But then again, it'll only be for a little while maybe two to three months at most."

“That’s fair. And how would you survive without him writing down your every thought?” She joked as they entered the dining room

"oh hush you! That's for posterity!" He insisted as he left word at the counter for the breakfast to start being prepared and sent out

“Mmm hmm” she hummed teasingly. “And tell me how is posterity going to react to the story of how you single-handedly took down an entire French crew just by giving them a dirty look?”

"I have no idea what you're talking about." He puffed as they went to find their reserved private dining booth so they could have some privacy while waiting for Doug and Mary and the kids.

“ Bréagadóir ” (liar) she quipped just as the little entourage wandered in. Just as Isa had predicted, Lucius looked like he hadn’t slept all night but was also perfectly satisfied with himself, as was Doug. Mary had a coy smile on her face and would roll her eyes fondly whenever Lucius flashed a smile in Doug’s direction

Stede smiled brightly as the kids ran over and gave him a hug. "Good morning, luvs. Ready to go to the zoo today?" He asked. 

“You bet we are!” Alma chirped.

Mary wandered over to Isa, "How was the rest of your night?" She asked, knowing Isa kept pirate hours, so for all she knew the girl had been up much later than the rest of the kiddos

“Thankfully uneventful.” Isa said with a smile. She gave Lucius a knowing look. “Can you say the same brother dearest?” Lucius stuck out his tongue at her and she wrinkled her nose at him

"What can I say?" He shrugged. "Went to bed early and then slept like a baby all night." He smirked at her

“Sounds quite lovely, bréagadóir .”

“What does that mean?” Alma asked.

“Oh it’s just something I sometimes call people.” She said innocently

“Are we leaving right from here or are we waiting a bit, uncle Steve?“ alma asked

​​"Well we haven't had breakfast yet. How about you lot?" Stede asked, looking up at Mary.

"We just had some toast and eggs... So I'm sure the kids could eat more if you have enough coming." Mary smiled.

"Oh there will be plenty." Stede assured

On cue, a server came out and unloaded a similar spread to the previous day. Once again, Isa went for the berries in a heartbeat while everyone else helped themselves, Alma was especially fond of the pastries. “So you’re meeting with a potential client today?” Isa asked.

“We are indeed.” Doug informed. “Big enough they asked for both of us.”

Isa whistled. “A really big family wants individual portraits of each of them.”

"Oh that sounds lovely! How many?" Stede asked as Lucius sat next to Isa and gave her a hug.

Doug was about to answer but stopped himself, reconsidering if his answer was correct. After whispering to Mary a little bit he finally said, “Two parents, seven children, nineteen grandchildren.”

Isa nearly choked on her tea. “You’ll be working all year!”

"Sounds like the family was working hard enough as it is..." Lucius chuckled between bites of egg

“You really are incapable of not making a conversation sexual.” Isa hissed, though there was no venom in her voice. “There are children present, have some decency”

"At least I'm whispering rather than saying it at my usual volume." He joked back, sticking his tongue out at her.

“Cad.” She teased, sticking her tongue out at him as well.

“You two behaving over there?” Doug scolded

"I'm behaving as well as I can." Lucius chuckled

“As well as you can or as well as you want to?” Isa chided

"Can't it be both?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow

Mary leaned over to Stede. "I see the sibling thing now." She whispered

Soon enough, they’d finished eating, Stede, Lucius, and the children going off in one direction and Mary and Doug heading for the studio

“Have you ever been to a zoo before Mr. Lu?” Louis asked, catching up with the scribe and taking his hand

"Um.. no, actually, I haven't." He said with an awkward smile, not really knowing what to do about a small child wanting to hold his hand, but the kid was sweet enough.

"It’s a lot of fun. D’you like animals?”

"Can't say that I've met a lot." Lucius shrugged

“I think you’ll like the zoo. My favorite is the crocodile…” Louis then proceeded to detail almost every animal that he enjoyed seeing at the zoo. It was a bit much but it was clear how much the boy was passionate about animals and it was rather charming to see.

Stede offered each of his arms to his daughters as they strode down the lane. "Alma dear, has Doug taken you to the zoo recently?" He asked. "Isa and I were wondering if the tiger is still there.

Alma thought for a moment before saying “Yeah she’s still there. She and her mate will be expecting cubs in the spring.”

“Aw how sweet.” Isa cooed, excited that she’d get a chance to see a tiger in real life

"Oh! Do you hear that?" Stede turned to Isa. "We'll have to return in the spring to see them then!" He smiled brightly. 

“You like tigers Bella?” Alma asked.

“They’re my favorite animal.” Isa chirped

“Why is that?”

“Well…hmm I’ve never really thought about it before. I think it’s because they’re so majestic. And I think I heard somewhere that they stand for independence and I’ve always considered myself a bit of a loner.”

"But you belong to a tiger pack now." Stede chuckled as he walked with them

“Actually uncle Steve, tigers are solitary creatures, usually only existing in families with a mate and cubs.” Alma corrected.

Isa giggled a little. “But it was still a lovely sentiment.” She said softly

"Yes... Yes... I know. But we're a group of misfit ragamuffins... And wouldn't a group of ragamuffin tigers band together?" He countered

Alma perked. “And tigers sometimes will take in orphaned cubs.” She looked from her father to Isa to Lucius back to her father again. She may not have known much about the world but she could tell that Isa and Lucius came from lives where they didn’t have many people around them, and she could only assume it was the same for the rest of the crew. A little smile came to her face at the thought of her father bringing so many people together

"There we go!" Stede puffed up happily

Eventually they made it to the gate of a large grassy area, cages scattered all around. Louis excitedly led the way to the crocodiles, which Isa thought were terrifying but also powerful, which she could respect. “I dunno if I asked why crocodiles are your favorite.” Isa pondered, looking at the boy.

“Because they have a lot of teeth.” He said matter-of-factly

Isa giggled before turning her back to the enclosure only to see that the creature had disappeared under the water. Oh well, couldn’t expect them to- “ Begorrah! ” before she could finish her thought, the crocodile had launched itself up out of the water back onto the shore, catching the girl a little off guard. Once it was on the land again, it disappeared back into the water, launching itself back out again. “He must get bored in there by himself all day”

"I imagine so... But then again, if he's an alpha, he may not play well with others." Stede hummed as he scooped Louis up onto his shoulders.

Isa shrugged. She didn’t know enough about animals to make any sort of judgement. But the crocodile looked like he was having fun. Next they went to the elephant, which were Alma’s favorite. Once again Isa was intimidated by the enormous animal but when it got a little closer, she got a better view of those pretty eyes. There was something gentle and intelligent in those eyes. “It’s magnificent.” She breathed

"Yes. Elephants always seem to have kind eyes, don't they?" Stede hummed as an animal tender handed them a several bags of feed to give the elephant

Isa took a handful, holding it out to the creature, which carefully gave a sniff with its trunk and snatched up the feed in a heartbeat. Once the little handful was gone, it playfully nudged her arm. “I don’t have any more.” She laughed. Alma held out her little handful as well, which was gratefully accepted, receiving a little bap on the head as thanks

Stede chuckled and offered a bag to Lucius. "Wanna try?"

"Noooo.... I think I wanna keep what's left of my fingers. Thanks..." He politely stepped back.

"Suit yourself." Stede chuckled as he offered the bag up to Louis who was sitting on his shoulders.

Isa chuckled. “He won’t take your fingers.” She assured. She wasn’t going to try and pressure him into getting close but she also knew what it was like to be judged and didn’t want such a beautiful creature to be unfairly labeled as well. Louis held out his own little handful and the elephant draped her trunk around the boys shoulders like a scarf before snatching it up. While it’s trunk was around Louis, Isa have it a few gentle pats. Once it had taken the mouthful, it did the same with Isa, like an embrace

Stede beamed at them all having fun.  

"Yeah... I guess it's pretty cute..." Lucius agreed as he reached over and gave the trunk a tentative pet

Sensing Lucius was unsure, the elephant kept her trunk low and still. Isa kept up her slow pets, enchanted by the creature. “Animals really seem to like you, Bella.” Louis observed.

She chuckled. “I’ve just been lucky enough to find even tempered animals on this particular visit. The woman who I used to work for had an old goat that hated everyone, me especially.” One morning she’d gone out to get water and Henry had given her an unhappy butt in the side for waking him up

"Oh wait until we get to the petting portion of the zoo. Those goats are all nice." Stede assured

“And they’re really soft.” Alma informed.

“One ate my sleeve” Louis said happily. Isa chuckled again. “Mum wasn’t happy”

Stede chuckled. "Oh yes! I remember that. But you know... At least you weren't wee-ed on." Stede reminded as they moved on to the ostrich paddock.

"Ya know what? I think I'll sit out the petting portion..." Lucius declared as he fell in step with Isa. "How are you doing? Liking the animals?"

“Oh yes. I never thought I’d see anything more exotic than a deer.” She whispered back. “You?” She worried he’d hate the entire thing.

"it's... Ok." He hummed. "The elephant was sweet." He smiled down at her as he wrapped an arm across her shoulder

“Aye she was.” She agreed, watching as one ostrich attacked another. “Though I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong end of one of those birds.”

“Yeah, ostriches are crazy.” Alma agreed, watching as one of the birds accidentally trampled through a nest

"It's alright. Those ostrich eggs are as hard as stones! You'd have to drop one off a building to crack it." Stede explained as he pointed at the large eggs scattered about the pen and nests

Louis, who had almost been on the verge of tears at the thought of a bunch of baby ostriches getting trampled instantly let out a sigh of relief. One of them came close to the fence, wings fanning out, looked at the group, snapped at Lucius and ran off again. 

"Right. Nope. I'll be down by the deer... Thanks." Lucius stated as he walked off hurriedly

“Oh dear.” Isa said with a chuckle, "I’ll stay with him so he doesn’t attract any more trouble". She quickly jogged to keep up with him, catching up to him by a grassy area with about three or four deer trotting around, with a fawn or two here and there. “You alright? It didn’t get you did it?”

"It didn't, but that doesn't mean I was gonna hang around to give it a second chance." Lucius rolled his eyes. "Don't you want to be with Stede and the kids?" He asked

“Aye but I also don’t want you to be alone.” Plus she worried she’d push her luck after her little chat with Stede last night. For some reason the anxiety didn’t go away because he knew. If anything it made it just a hair worse. But she was doing a fair job of keeping it together so she was proud. She looked out at the deer. “Did I tell you a deer once turned up in the backyard at the Sirens Den? And in its mouth was my apron, which had gone missing off the clothes line two days prior”

"Oh no!" He chuckled. "Did you give it salt to get it back?" He asked. "I heard deer like salt”

“I had biscuit in my pocket that he gladly took instead.” She recalled. “At first he didn’t go for it but after a bit he nervously came over to me and took a bit right from my hand.” She sighed happily at the memory

Lucius smiled. "How are you liking the extended family?" He asked after a beat

“It’s a little surreal if I’m being honest.” She answered. “But Mary and the kids have done their best to be welcoming. She even insisted on paying for my clothes yesterday, which was incredibly kind of her.”

"Well... To be honest... I imagine she probably has quite a bit of extra tailoring money in her pocket now that the captain isn't ordering a new frock coat every week." He chuckled

Isa laughed outright at that. “Fair. And of course her painting business has been really taking off.” She glanced back at the little family where Stede was animatedly telling the kids a story of one of the raids while they caught up with her and Lucius. “It’s good to see they’re both where they belong."

Lucius smiled at the cute family. "Yeah. Both thriving instead of surviving." He hummed.

Her mind traced back to the argument she had with Izzy after he’d awakened the kraken. Just because her dad was breathing didn't mean he was truly alive.  “Aye.” She agreed, watching as the three stragglers caught up with them at the deer enclosure. “Any other casualties?” Isa joked.

“Uncle Steve got a bite taken out of his coat.” Louis giggled. Stede flushed as he showed them the chomp mark in his hem

“Oh no.” Isa chuckled.

“Maybe we can stop by miss Stella’s shop again, she should be able to patch that up real quick” Alma suggested. Isa looked back at the deer, one of the fawns had wandered up to the fence and giving Lucius a quizzical look

Stede handed her a bag of feed. "Go on, they're used to people being around." He smiled

Isa took a handful of feed before passing it to Alma and Louis. The older deer went for the bigger pile offered by the younger children but the fawn went to Isa, looking up at her with sweet brown eyes. “Hello.” She said shyly. The fawn took a few nibbles of feed, nuzzling her hand before finishing off the little pile. Okay it was official, Isa was in love.

Stede smiled fondly at her. "They're cute, aren't they?" He asked softly

“Aye, and then some.” She answered, offering a little more to the sweet animal. He nuzzled her hand once more, accepting some gentle strokes along his soft ears The older deer made quick work of the food in the children’s hands and looked to Lucius in a very “ and you? ” manner.

Stede chuckled and offered him a bag of feed that he reluctantly accepted. "Here...." He offered a flat hand to the stag and couldn't contain his giggle at the tickly sensation of it eating the few bits of feed from his palm. "You know... Their eyes are my favorite. Sweet and large and brown. Remind me a lot of you and your dad's eyes." Stede hummed softly as he handed out more feed to the children

A thoughtful smile came to Isas face at the compliment. Whenever she’d look in the mirror growing up, she always found her eyes to be the most beautiful part of her face. The little flecks of honey that would shine in sunlight, the sweet brown color, and she recalled the warmth that came to her when she saw those same drops of amber in her dads eyes. When the offering was gone, the stag continued to lick Lucius’s hand affectionately. “I think you made a new friend.” Isa joked

"I'm always popular with the stags.." he joked as he gave it a good scritch behind the ear.

Isa rolled her eyes, shaking her head with a smile. She’d made the mistake of taking the bait once today and she wasn’t going to do it again. Either way, watching her brother as he pet the deer, who was thoroughly enjoying it if the way he leaned his head into Lucius’s hand was anything to go off of, was absolutely precious.

The mother deer, a little jealous of the attention her mate and fawn were getting, trotted over to Stede, nosing at his elbow Stede chuckled and absolutely fawned over her. "Oh my. Aren't you just beautiful?" He asked, petting her lovingly and feeding her from the bag. 

Louis, who was too small to reach his head, gently patted the stags side. The fawn continued to beg Isa for attention, which she was all too happy to give. “I’ve never touched anything so soft.” Alma gave her a nod as she fed a bit more to the fawn 

Lucius, noticing the trouble Louis was having, chuckled and picked up the younger boy, allowing him to get a better petting spot. Louis very happily gave the stag some pats, which again were very much appreciated. Isa looked from the boys back to Stede, still softly cooing at the mother, a warm, happy gentleness welling in her chest. A mild crunching came from a little to the left and she had to put a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing too loud at the sight of the fawn, who now had his entire muzzle in the feed bag, which Alma accidentally held a bit too low. “Hey!” The girl laughed. The sudden noise startled the deer who quickly all ran back to the other end of the enclosure. “Sorry.” She said sheepishly.

“It’s alright síur ” Isa assured. The fact that she got to pet a deer period was more than she expected

"It's ok, dear." Stede assured. "They'll have forgotten all about it by the time we come back this way and we can feed them again, alright?" He offered

Alma perked a little bit, still feeling a bit down for scaring them off but happily took Isas hand when offered. They continued on until they reached the center of the zoo, where the tigers, the prize of the menagerie based on how much nicer the enclosure was compared to the others, were kept. As soon as she laid eyes on the big cats, she was utterly enchanted. One was lounging on the rocks, her swollen belly suggesting she was the expecting mother, while her mate affectionately liked her ear. “Oh they’re beautiful.” Isa breathed.

Stede smiled as he walked up behind her and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Aren't they?" He whispered softly. "Oh wow..." Lucius gasped at the large tigers. He'd seen illustrations, but he never realized how big they were.

“They found the male last year.” Alma informed. “Someone who worked for the zoo was on a trip to Asia and found him in the wild. Apparently he couldn’t survive on his own so he was brought back here.”

“They certainly look happy.” Isa remarked.

“Yeah part of the reason they didn’t put him in a different enclosure is because she was lonely.” Isa turned her attention back to the tigers. The male had apparently finished giving his mate a bath, stood and stretched before settling back down next to her. A low rumble was heard across the yard. “I think she’s purring.” Isa said with a smile

Stede smiled as he felt the rumble deep in his chest. "They're amazing creatures, aren't they?" Stede hummed. "Maybe we could stop by Miss. Evelyn's on the way back to the inn and you could meet her cat." He suggested

“Aye. Indeed they are.” Isa agreed. “And I would enjoy meeting her cat. What kind is he?”

“A jaguar.” Alma said flatly.

“A what?” Isas voice dropped nearly two octaves from shock.

“A jaguar.” Alma repeated “He helped kill uncle Steve” Louis added. Isa had recalled reading that he was mauled by a jungle cat…and hit by a carriage…and crushed by a piano you know now that she thought of it maybe she should have guessed that something about his death was faked 

"Oh yes. But he's perfectly tame. And a joy to work with." Stede replied

The more Isa heard about this Evelyn the stranger she seemed. But she still was intrigued and would love to meet her. “Oi!” An angry voice shouted. When Isa looked over her shoulder, a very angry man wearing a nice coat was strolling towards them. Whether he was a worker at the zoo or just a grumpy patron was unclear. Either way he was unhappy. “You two aren’t supposed to be in here.” He barked, waggling a finger at Isa and Lucius

"And just what do you mean by that?" Lucius asked, crossing his arms hautily

“Don’t talk back to me boy.” The man snapped. “Servants are supposed to wait outside.”

“Servants?” Isa asked appalled. “We’re not-“

“I said don’t talk back to me!”

" Excuse me , good sir. But you're speaking to my daughter and my nephew." Stede puffed up, carrying himself in the way he learned to around society.

“I’m not buying that hogwash. She looks nothing like you and he’s dressed like a ragamuffin.” The man spat. “There’s a rule about bringing servants in here. I swear every time I come here someone-“

“We’re not servants!” Isa snapped.

“Talk to me out of turn again and I’ll toss you out myself, girl.” He snorted. An angry flash came over his eyes that reminded her too much of the captain she’d killed and the rest of him reminded her too much of Badminton but she didn’t back down, though a very minor flinch did work through her.

Stede stood up taller. "You happen to be addressing the Lord Bonnet from Essex and the third Marquis in the Court of king George. I'm here at your pissant little community visiting my recently widowed sister in law and her children," he motioned to Alma and Louis. He was diving deep and combining the ruthlessness Ed and Izzy had taught him, with the showiness of the high society he grew up in. As long as he threw out enough titles and spoke the part, he believed this should work (The false papers he had Lucius draw up for him in his back pocket also didn't hurt either). "Now. We were having a perfectly lovely time as a family in this horrid time of grief. I demand an apology at once!"

The strange man sniffed, his eyes roving back to Isabella. “If you must have a servant, fine. It’s none of my business if you want to get tossed out on your arse. But her kind especially aren’t allowed.”

“ My kind?” Isa challenged, knowing where this was going. “What do you mean my kind?”

“Darks.” He snapped. Isa huffed. So it had been going there. She was lighter than most other Hispanics from growing up in a country with little sun but it was still clear that she wasn’t white. “And I thought I told you not to talk back to me.”

"I thought I stated clearly that no one in my party is a servant?" Stede locked his arms behind his back and stood tall. "That aside, how dare you speak to my daughter that way. Her mother happens to be Edwina Seach the Dutchess of Malbury on Dunny." His face twisted into one of anger and annoyance. One he was quite familiar with growing up. He took an authoritative step forward. "And just what is Your name good sir? Seeing as how you've all but ruined my family's day at the zoo while these poor children are in mourning for their father and uncle, I believe I'm going to take this up with the Governor of Barbados. I'm dining with him tonight, so that should be easy enough."

“I don’t have to tell you a damn thing.” The strange man said.

“Well then you’d best be on your way before I get the authorities.”

The man huffed, weighing his options. Finally after a little, he huffed again and turned, muttering something about how “They let anyone in these days.” 

Stede stepped forward and drew his sword, holding it across his chest and blocking his path. "I'm sorry. What was that?" He asked, a hint of pleasure in his voice. He wasn't one for violence, but this man was asking for it and he would be lying if he said he wouldn't enjoy giving it to this man

“Father don’t!” Isa gasped. She really didn’t want to cause a scene.

“What’s wrong with you, you madman?!” The stranger shrieked.

"What's wrong is that you've insulted my family with your idiotic assumptions and I won't stand for it." He sheathed his sword. "Now. Before I drag you to the authorities for your impertinence... Apologize to my daughter." His voice was low and dripping with aristocratic threat

The fucker looked at Isa, still looking down his nose at her and Lucius. He wasn’t sure if he was willing to apologize to someone beneath him but he also didn’t want to be gutted. “Sorry.” He muttered like a moody teen.

“A real apology.” Alma snapped. “Just let him go.” Isa murmured. “He’s not worth it.”

"You're right... He's not." He narrowed his eyes at the man and nodded for him to leave their presence. The second the man had scampered off, Stede wrapped his arms around Isa. "Dear... I'm so sorry. Are you alright?" His demeanor instantly slipping back to the familiar, soft, caring man they all knew

“Aye.” She answered flatly, watching the man leave. It wasn’t like she wasn’t used to being spoken down to, she’d just been spoiled by the crew speaking so kindly to her. She glanced at Lucius. “Are you?”

Lucius nodded, looking shaken. "Um... Uncle Steve... Can I... Have a word with you?" He asked as his eyes followed the man leaving.

"Y...yes. of course. Isa? Do you mind watching Alma and Louis for a moment?" Stede asked, giving her a deep hug

“Aye.” Isa agreed, hugging him back

Lucius took him to where he'd indicated, a shady shack, that clearly held paddock cleaning supplies. The second they were out of view, he grabbed Stede by the lapels. "The ffffuck, was that??!?! You trying to get us found out? Of all the stupid, brainless, ill-thoughtout moves you've ever fucking pulled captain..." He growled. ".... That is the proudest I've ever been to be on your crew." He finished by lunging forward and capturing his lips in a deep kiss. (Not unlike the one Jim had given him) leaving poor Stede breathless and confused. "Honestly though... You've never been sexier. Too bad Ed wasn't here, he'd have yanked you into this shack." He winked before stepping away and making his way back to the group. It took Stede a good half a minute to collect himself before clearing his throat and following him back to the others

“What was that all about?” Isa asked as Lucius came back. They’d been gone for less than five minutes

"Just giving your dad a piece of my mind regarding his particular brand of dealing with assholes." He chuckled as he took Louis' outstretched hand and walked with him and Alma to the next paddock. Stede looked clearly dazed and a bit goofy in the eyes when he finally made his way back to Isa

“Thank you. For that.” She murmured. “But you could have gotten into a lot of trouble.”

Stede smiled and pulled the papers out of his pocket, showing them to her. They were official to a fault, down to the crests and the royal seals (thanks to a particularly fortuitous raid of an official navy ship). Their aliases and information as clear as he had claimed. "I find a good fuckery requires the best preparations." He smiled.

Her eyebrows raised briefly before heaving a sigh of relief. “Still. Drawing your sword on someone like that is a good way to get in a lot of trouble.” She turned back around, looking at the tigers who were looking at her and Stede, hoping for a bit more entertainment.

Stede rested his hand on her back and walked with her up to the cage to look at them again. "Yes, I know... But I couldn't let him get away with that." He hummed softly. 

She shrugged. “It’s not like it’s uncommon.” She said matter of factly. She knew that there were people in this area tended to be all kinds of racist, the few people they’d encountered being kind enough to not mention her skin color. But she was genuinely unbothered. She’d learned to not let it get to her. The female tiger stretched, standing up and padding around the enclosure.

"Doesn't mean it's right. Or that people should be allowed to get away with it... You're an amazing, wonderful girl, Isabella. I'm proud to have you as my daughter. And it riles me when others refuse to even entertain the idea of getting to know you just from judging your skin colour."

She shrugged again. “To change human nature you must first change the laws. To change the laws you must first change human nature.” She quoted. Another one of Madame O'Nell's sayings that definitely rang true. “And I’m proud to be your daughter too. Normally I wouldn’t take shit like that but I also didn’t want you getting in trouble. If someone recognizes you, it’s over.” He certainly looked a bit more toned and his hair was a bit longer than the last time he’d been here but she didn’t want to take any chances. The male tiger followed his mate, affectionately rubbing his head against her shoulder.

Stede smiled fondly at the happy cat couple. "no one will... I'm not the same man who left Barbados." He hummed softly.

“I know. I just…” she sighed. “I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to take any kind of chance that could end with you being hurt.” She kept her eyes on the pair of tigers as well, watching as the female gave her mate a playful bat with her massive paw

"You won't lose me, luv. I'll always be here for you." He sighed softly as he wrapped an arm across her shoulder and pulled her close to his side

She settled against him, laying her head against his shoulder. “Sorry you had to deal with that crap.” She sighed

"Why are you apologizing for anything?" Stede asked. "Isabella Noa-Teach. You've done nothing wrong. Intentionally or unintentionally." He held her just a bit tighter

“Well it seems everywhere I go, trouble seems to follow. That can’t be a picnic.”

"Some sort of trouble follows us all, luv." He hummed. "That's why we stick together, come what may. It's a lot easier to face trouble with loved ones facing it with you. And that goes for all of us." He smiled fondly, remembering the crew coming to his aid when the British caught up with them.

‘ The difference is that you all are worth the trouble ’ she thought bitterly. But she let nothing show. Instead she simply smiled, leaning into the embrace while watching the tigers wandering back to the sunbathed rock, plopping down next to each other. The male lay his head down but the female kept her head up for a moment, locking eyes with Isa. “Thank you, father.” She whispered

"You're welcome, dear." He smiled as he kissed the top of her head. "Think she'll remember you when we come back to see the cubs?" He asked softly.

“Who knows?” She mused. “Would be nice. Can’t wait to see the babies either way .” 

"I bet they'll be very cute." He smiled. "Where to do you think lucius and the kids got off to?" He asked

​​“I think they’re just at the next paddock.” Sure enough the three were waiting for them at a cage with a beautiful blue peacock and a purple peahen. Isa chuckled when she saw the male bird strutting about. “Long lost third badminton brother.” She whispered to Stede

Stede chuckled at that. "I thought you'd say it was me ." He laughed

“I’d say you’re far from a peacock. You’re more of…a domesticated badger. Could potentially be a threat but mostly just wants treats and cuddles.” She looked back at the bird. “Whereas Chauncey badminton thought far too highly of himself, as did Nigel from what I’ve heard about him.”  She snickered as she sauntered up to Lucius, thinking about him as a peacock. Not as in arrogant but confident, knew he was beautiful. And he sometimes did have a tendency to preen. “Think I found your spirit animal.” She chuckled to her brother

"Do you think so?" He asked with a cocked eyebrow. "He is rather flamboyant, isn't he?"

“Aye he is indeed.” She giggled. “Dunno why they put a female in there, he’s clearly into men.”

Stede flushed as indeed, the male sauntered up to a stunning albino peacock and nuzzled at him. "You know... You might be onto something there..."

Now Isa was outright laughing. “Gotta hand it to that bird, he’d probably be far more pleasant than the other badminton’s.” She felt a little guilty thinking this but she was glad those two were dead. From the way they treated her father in childhood and tormented him even in adulthood, she was glad that they’d never bother him again. Plus the fact that she found out Chauncey was potentially a creep after he’d died was a massive relief.

Lucius giggled. "Should... We move onto the next one? They look pretty... Amorous..."

“Ooooh no brother dearest. You need a taste of your own medicine.” She joked, giving him a little nudge as she led the way to the next paddock

Alma and Louis both giggled as they followed her. Next to the peacock enclosure was a sleepy black and white bear, which Alma informed her was called a panda. “Wee John after a long day.” Isa smiled brightly, recalling about a week ago when she’d fallen asleep in the middle of a large cuddle pile, snuggled in wee johns arms.

"Oh my god it is!" Lucius laughed. "He seriously looks like the best cuddler. Do you think they'll get mad if we hop the fence?"

“Probably. But from what I’ve heard bears aren’t creatures to be trifled with.” Still she could admit it was quite tempting to rush over to the large beast and cuddle it.

“From what I’ve read, pandas are rather high on the aggression list. Black bears are the least aggressive.” Alma informed, clearly having inherited her father…uncle…stedes love of books It appeared that both Allamby-Bonnet children had an interest in animals. It did make sense, they owned a large farm. “To be fair, Wee John can be just as deadly as a bear” Isa remarked

"Very true." Lucius agreed. "But I don't know... That pile of fluff doesn't look like it could take down an old deaf octogenarian with a limp and a bad back."

“Looks can be deceiving.” She replied. “Some people would think that I’m not at all a threat.”

“What do you mean by that?” Alma asked. A very slight chill when you Isas back, not a nervous or embarrassed chill but an awkward one. She had to tread very carefully with this one. Alma was hardly a wee thing but she was still young. Explaining why Isa felt she had to be a threat would likely frighten her, and explaining the things she’d done that were threatening would only make it worse. “Most people think I’d be easy to take in a fight because I’m tiny and do not at all look intimidating. But I can hold my own quite well. So anyone who tried to mess with me would have something else coming.” Okay. That was a good answer. Just enough of an explanation that she wouldn’t ask for more

Stede nodded and patted her shoulder. "You definitely don't want to try and rob this one in a dark alley." He reinforced

“Especially when I get back to the ship and tell the rest of the crew that some fu…jerk tried to rob me. That’s when the real trouble starts.”

Alma whistled. “They all sound loyal.”

“Father wasn’t joking when he said the crew was like a family. One of our own gets hurt, we don’t back down.”

"Very much that." Lucius agreed. The panda, which had previously been asleep, rolled over off the rock, tumbling to the grass. It woke briefly, looked around, rolled back over and was asleep again in seconds.

They were nearing the end of the pathway, the second to last paddock seemed to be empty for a moment until Isa saw something move from out behind a rock. “YEEP!” She squeaked as an enormous lizard came into view.

“Cool! A Komodo dragon!” Alma gasped. Isa instantly jumped behind Lucius

"Holy fu-.....uuuuuny looking lizard...." Lucius quickly corrected when Stede shot him a warning glance.

Alma looked from the dragon to Isa, still cowering behind Lucius. Alma raised an eyebrow. “Not the biggest fan of lizards.” Isa quavered

"And this one's a proper monster, eh Louis?" Stede patted his back. "Should we be taking notes for when we play knights and dragons next?"

Louis was too mesmerized by how cool the creature was to answer. “But you were okay with the crocodile.” Alma questioned.

“Crocodile was different. Crocodile was cool. I dunno why I don’t like lizards. Just their thin little claws, the way their tongues just flicks out so much, their strange eyes.”

“D’you not like snakes either?”

“Nay. Snakes I’m fine with. In fact I think they’re rather cute. Like silly little danger ropes. But lizards, no. No thank you.” Maybe it had to do with the fact that one time when she was being a stick in the mud at the brothel, Melanie and some of the girls thought it would be funny to drop a few lizards in her bed. Well not really. She’d been scared of lizards as long as she could remember but that little incident made it ten times worse. The dragon let out a low rumbling growl which soon crescendoed into what was best described as a really grumpy roar. Isa yelped once again.

Lucius held her tightly. "Ya know what? I think there's monkeys over there...." He nodded to an enclosure across the way

She kept in step along side him, a little embarrassed about freaking out so much but too relieved to be away from the lizard to care. “Thanks.” She whispered.

"That's ok, bell. That was a scary fucker." He whispered.

“The silly thing is that it doesn’t matter if it’s the size of a horse or the size of a sewing thimble, I’d react the same way.”

"Well. Your secret's safe with me, doll." Lucius winked at her as they approached the monkey enclosure

“Much obliged. Dunno what kind of image it would be if ‘Black Bella the bloody, daughter of the vicious Blackbeard’ were afraid of a few little lizards. Rather than a cage like the other animals had been in, the monkey enclosure consisted of a very large tree under a netted canopy with two sets of doors to keep the moneys from escaping. They were all very small monkeys and certainly weren’t shy. A pretty golden orange one with a little black face and a long tail hopped down from a bough and onto Isas shoulder. “Hello.” She cooed

"Yes. But we're all afraid of something." Lucius hummed as a black and white spider monkey climbed up his side and started rooting in his pockets for food

“Aye. You and me and thunderstorms, Frenchie and cats, father and….a lot of things.” She chuckled. Truthfully she was afraid of much more than just thunderstorms but she decided to let herself not worry for right now. She sat down on a stone bench under the tree as the monkey crawled down her arm, clinging to her wrist like a massive cuff. She chuckled again. “I think I found father.” She joked, referring to the golden ball of fluff clinging to her

Lucius laughed as the black and white one climbed into his shoulder and screeched a little. "I think I found Izzy."

Isa chuckled at the grumpy little monkey and held out her free arm to him, only to receive another screech and a few teeth gnashed. "Now that's no way to treat someone who wants to be your friend." She chided. The monkey grunted, staying put on Lucius's shoulder but giving Isa a reluctantly apologetic look

Stede laughed as he walked over with Alma and Louis. "Want to try some feed? Hold on tight to the bag though, they'll snatch them." He warned with a grin

"Feeling a little better Bella?" Alma asked

"Aye. Thank you. And I'm sorry you had to see that."

Alma shrugged as she held out a little bit of food to the monkey. "I don't like rats, I'd probably react the same if I saw one. Especially one that big." Louis made a low growling noise, similar to the Komodo dragon before bursting into a fit of giggles

"Very good dragon sound!" Stede smiled and scooped him up onto his shoulders. 

Louis beamed proudly as a little brown capuchin hopped onto his shoulder and began rooting around in his shirt pocket. When it didn’t find anything, it made a sound that was probably supposed to be threatening but more sounded like a little whine. “And there’s my dad.” Isa whispered to Lucius, offering her hand to the spider monkey on his shoulder. He sniffed and refused to move, staying put on Lucius. “Think he likes you."

"That tracks." Lucius chuckled as he offered a nibble of feed and the grouchy monkey took it. Curling around him protectively as he seemed to deem this tall man as his source of food and no one else's. Stede fed the capuchin and he let out a happy squawk as he bounced in place a bit before running around in circles and climbing all over Stede, looking for more nibbles

A wide smile came to Isas face at the grumpy monkey curled around Lucius. The little golden monkey had let go of her wrist and settled in her lap, falling asleep in seconds and refusing to be moved. Alma sat on the bench next to Isa, petting the tamarin. “Aw he’s so soft.” She cooed. The tamarin, without even waking up, started emitting happy little rumbles at the pets.

Isa looked at Stede, who was currently being used as a capuchin jungle gym. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full.” She chuckled.

"I always do, don't I?" He laughed at the monkey climbing all over him. "Actually reminds me a bit of Alma here when she was 2." He chuckled.

Isa giggled and Alma flushed a mildly embarrassed red before turning back to the money that had perched on her shoulder. The black and white spider monkey crawled down Lucius’s arm, hugging it with a grumpy expression on his face. Isa was certain that if it could speak it would say one word only; “ Mine ”. Both Isa and Alma chuckled. There was a little chitter on a bough above her and when she looked up, she met eyes with a tiny little squirrel monkey. It came a little closer, staring at her with large brown eyes. “Er…hello.” She said, holding her free hand out to her. The little monkey hissed, gnashing her teeth. Not out of aggression, out of fear, she could see it reflected in the large eyes. At the sound of the hiss, the tamarin in her lap hopped up to the bough next to the squirrel, picking through her fur looking for ticks. “I think I found myself.” She whispered to Lucius

Lucius looked up, noticing the baby. "Hmmm... I wonder how long it would take to get her to warm up to us...."

She rolled her eyes. She knew from experience that it would take a long time. But she said nothing, simply watching as the tamarin continued to comb through the little one’s fur. She reached into her bag of feed and held out the handful to the little squirrel monkey again, only to be met with another hiss. The tamarin nuzzled her to calm her down and raced down Isas arm, grabbed a bit of food and scampered up the tree to the little one again. She took a few nibbles and looked down at Isa, her eyes wide again. The girl kept her hand still and her gaze gentle. The monkey stayed where she was but didn’t hiss

"You're so patient with that one." Stede whispered fondly

“Well I know how it feels to distrust everyone around you.” She whispered back. Slowly, the tamarin led the way down the branch, looking back at the squirrel monkey who slowly followed him. He hopped from the branch to Isas shoulder, tittering down her arm to her hand, nodding at the little one. She was hesitant at first but slowly followed the older one, stopping for two seconds before hopping down onto her shoulder, staying there, looking at the feed. Isa took a pinch, moving slowly as she held it to the little one. Once again, she hesitated but after an approving look from the older one, she took it, nibbling slowly.

Lucius smiled. "Awwww..... Isn't that cu- HEY!" He gasped as the spider monkey on his arm suddenly leaped off and attached himself to the small squirrel monkey, protectively. He patted her with his tiny hands before going about combing his fingers through her fur.

Isa would have chuckled but she didn’t want to frighten the little one. She nuzzled into his chest as he continued to comb through her fur, hissing at Isa whenever she looked at the squirrel monkey. “I know I know. I’m leaving her be.” She said gently. The tamarin crawled onto the branch closest to Isas shoulder, nuzzling the spider monkey too, who hissed at the tamarin, but didn’t make any move to stop his cuddles. The capuchin was still exploring stedes pockets looking for food

"It's like watching a damn play of the ship." Lucius whispered to her. "Is there an oversexed male up in the tree I'm missing?" He asked

“Probably banging one of the other males.” She chuckled. When the capuchin couldn’t find any snacks in stedes pockets, he joined the other three, chittering at the spider monkey who very reluctantly let go of the little one. The capuchin scooped her up, cuddling her as well. She yawned, nestling into the capuchins arms. The tamarin took the last bit of food from Isas hand and led the way up the branch again, followed by the spider monkey and then the capuchin and squirrel monkey. Isa watched as the disappeared into the branches, reflecting on her own reluctance to be loved at first, like the little monkey. If only it could be that easy

Isa said, standing and brushing the feed from her breeches. Alma hopped down, giving a last little smile to the little gathering in the tree. The squirrel monkey seemed a little flustered from all the attention but very much was enjoying being cuddled and groomed. Isa took a last look as well, smiling at the small animal being fawned over before the door closed behind her.

Chapter Text

After they finished at the zoo, Stede, Isa, and Lucius escorted the children back to the Bonnet estate, finding that Mary and Doug were not back from their meeting with their clients yet.

“Mother told us that it was likely to be a long meeting and even if they finished early, they’d try to get a head start on the paintings.” Alma explained. It certainly made sense from the number of people in that family.

The rest of the afternoon was pleasantly eventless and Isa found herself feeling quite content. They spent a good amount of time playing in the backyard before Rose informed them that tea was ready. After finishing tea, Alma showed them where the library was and Isa was absolutely enchanted by the walls of books. She’d never been inside a proper library before, only Stede’s private library. It was perhaps the biggest room in the house. Isa’s eyes practically bugged from her head at the sight of the massive collection of books. Lucius had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the sight. Stede and the children chose to continue playing outside while Lucius and Isa took a few hours to unwind with a bit of quiet and some good stories. 

It was easy to lose track of the time and before either of them new it, three hours had passed. Lucius had just finished reading King Lear (call him depressing but it was his favorite of Shakespeare’s plays…of course it was also the only Shakespeare play he’d read and it was only because Stede had, erm,  strongly encouraged him to read one and he’d done so just to get the man off his back) when he looked over to Isa only to find her sound asleep in her armchair, curled around her copy Le Morte Arthur. A little smile came to the scribe’s face at the sight. She hadn’t been sleeping too well so he was glad she was getting some rest. He set his book on the side table and stood, about to scoop her up when the door slowly opened and Doug walked inside.

“Done already?”

“The meeting itself was rather short, Mary and I spent the rest of the day painting but they’re calling for a rather large storm so we felt it best to come home before it started pouring. We also talked it over with Stede about staying here for tonight so you lot don’t have to leave now and don’t have to travel back to the inn in the rain. He just left to grab your belongings while Alma and Louis have an afternoon kip.” He chuckled when he saw Isa. “Tuckered herself out eh?”

Lucius chuckled as he bungled his sister into his arms. “Yeah. The zoo was a lot of fun but it was also exhausting.” He rolled his eyes, thinking about the asshole that had yelled at them after mistaking them for servants. “I’m glad she’s getting some rest.” He hummed, carrying her out of the library, starting up towards the guest rooms.

“Aye, she’s been going through it hasn’t she?” Doug asked as he followed along.

“That’s an understatement.” Lucius sighed sadly.

“Can I let you in on a secret?” Dough asked. Lucius answered with a silent nod. “Mary and I were thinking about having her stay with us for a few months. Just for a little until she feels a bit more stable.”

Lucius knew his sister and he knew that hearing that would send her into one hell of a spiral. But…he also didn’t think it was that bad of an idea. She was losing sleep due to nightmares, she was constantly anxious, Lucius had even noticed her trembling like a leaf without Isa herself even noticing. She was starting to fall apart. “Yeah…yeah I think that would be a good idea. I just hope she doesn’t take it too hard.” He looked down at her peaceful, sleeping face, his heart aching. When she slept, it was easier to remember just how young she was. The shit she’d gone through before she’d even turned fifteen…he sighed and leaned down, kissing her forehead. “Is Stede on board?”

“He was reluctant at first but eventually agreed that it was a good idea.” Doug confirmed, following Lucius up the stairs. A little smile came over his face as he peeked into the nursery, looking over the little sleeping faces tucked into the large bed. Both Alma and Louis had their own beds but they preferred sleeping cuddled together. The smile grew a bit warmer as Louis nestled into his sister before catching up with Lucius again. 

The scribe nudged one of the guest room doors open, carrying Isa inside and gently tucking her into the bed, rustling her hair. 

“It’s good to know she has such a dedicated brother looking out for her.” Doug said warmly, laying a small peck on the top of Lucius’s head before quietly slipping out the door.

After a moment of thought, he pulled back the covers and snuggled in next to her. She let out a soft, contented sigh, nestling close to her brother. Before long, they were both dozing soundly.

The first rumble of thunder woke Isa from a very sound sleep, the jolt had Lucius groggily opening his eyes and another clap of thunder had him fully awake in seconds.

“Oh, Doug said there was a heavy storm on the way.” He muttered.

“Ah, lovely.” Isa deadpanned. Another loud boom sent her back under the covers, cuddling into Lucius’s cushy chest. He wrapped his arms around her, gently hushing her when the bedroom door slammed open. Both Isa and Lucius sat bolt upright in bed, expecting a robber or some other kind of threat but only finding a very frightened Louis and a very concerned Alma. 

“Everything alright?” Isa hummed.

“He doesn’t like thunder.” Alma informed. 

Lucius looked from the girl to the small boy clinging to her. With a sigh that was half exasperated and half gentleness, he pulled back the covers and patted the mattress. Louis all but bolted into the bed, snuggling between Lucius and Isa. Alma, while not too bothered by thunder, wasn’t interested in sleeping in her bed alone and climbed into bed after him. It was a bit of a tight pinch and Lucius couldn’t help but feel like a mother cat drowning in a sea of kits but he couldn't say he minded that much. 

Before long the kids were all dozing soundly, Isa included. Seeing as Lucius was in the center of this pile, he was unable to move. Well this was just his life now.

The storm passed by relatively quickly but even after the thunder had ended, the kids still slept cuddled around the scribe. After about an hour or so of napping, Stede poked his head into the guest bedroom, about to say something but at the sight of the mini cuddle pile, a heavy smile came over his face and he had to cover his mouth to keep from waking the children with the happy gasp that came from him. Lucius gave him a very unamused glare but made no move to dislodge himself from the pile.

“Mary sent me up here to tell you all that supper’s ready but you seem a bit occupied.” He said with a warm smile.

“Dry up.” Lucius hummed with a fond roll of his eyes.

“It is really sweet to see how they’ve taken to you, Louis especially.” Stede remarked as he sat down in a chair by the bedside. “He always asked when he was getting a brother, I’m glad he has someone he can consider as one.” Lucius flushed, genuinely moved by the compliment but trying not to seem too gushed about it.

“Sooooo Doug told me about your plans for Isa to stay here for a little.” Lucius probed.

Stede’s smile faded. “Yes. I feel horrid about it but…it’ll help her. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s to give her a chance to breathe a little.” He reached over and tucked a lock of hair behind the sleeping Isa’s ear. A contented sleepy little sigh floated from her lips. “She’s suffered so much.”

Lucius gave him a sympathetic look. “You alright?”

“I’m just worried…that I’m failing her.” He confessed. “I mean, I see she’s having a hard time and I just ship her off to my ex wife. What kind of a father does that?”

Lucius could tell that this was something that had been eating away at Stede for a while, he’d noticed it glinting in the back of his eyes all through their trip to the zoo. “Well you can at least take comfort in one thing.” Stede raised an eyebrow. “The fact that you love her enough to both send her somewhere where she’ll be safe and be able to recover from all the strife she’s seen, and that you’re worried enough to second guess yourself in case you’re wrong. It shows that you really do love her. It’s a sign of a good father.” 

Stede sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I just don’t want her to feel like we’ve abandoned her.”

Lucius looked from the captain back to his sleeping sister. “I know.” His gaze slowly traveled back to Stede, a sad but supportive smile on his face. The one that Stede returned was weak and frightened, but it was still bright

Chapter Text

A quick tap tap tap sounded at the window and when Isa walked over, a little smile came to her face when she found Olivia waiting there, a note in her beak. She opened the window and offered her shoulder as a perch to the bird as she read the note “Things have cooled down enough. Will be around to pick you up this evening, likely around 6. Ed” With a smile, she handed the note to Stede. After the storm had passed, she'd spent the rest of the night bunking with her father while Alma and Louis stayed cuddled up with Lucius.

Stede chuckled as he read it. "How does she do it?" He laughed offering Olivia a treat from the cookie tin as a thank you

“I’m beginning to suspect Buttons is a witch.” Isa said with a giggle as Olivia took a few nibbles of the biscuit before giving an affectionate squawk to each, taking the rest of the biscuit and fluttering off again

"We probably shouldn't tell Frenchie then... He might try to push him overboard on his next moonbathing session." Stede chuckled.

“Aye. I still get the notion that he isn’t completely convinced that I’m not.” With a chuckle, Isa took her clothes and slipped behind the partition, dressing quickly

The morning was once again spent in contented normalcy, Stede and the children played in the garden once again while Isa and Lucius spent some quiet time in the library. Her reading skills were getting much better but she still needed Lucius to help her with a particularly long word every now and then. She’d nearly had an aneurism trying to read the word “egregious”.

Around noon, Stede and the children came back inside and Mary poked her head into the library, informing Isa and Lucius that lunch was ready. Rose made a delightful selection of sandwiches and a pot of warm turkey soup. After they’d finished eating, Stede spoke up, "Well, gang... What do you say we pay a visit to Ms. Evelyn's?" He offered. The children were at the door with their shoes on in seconds.

They’d made good time getting to miss Evelyn’s. Stede recalled the story of how the last time he’d been at this door, he was about to pull off the major fuckery and it was quite fun hearing the prep that went into it

Stede knocked on the door and waited. "I do hope she's in. She's really a lovely lady." He smiled

When they knocked on the door, a woman smoking a cigarette answered, a highly embroidered eyepatch over her left eye. Her remaining eye widened at the sight of Stede. “Okay don’t tell me you need to fake another death because I’m a bit too booked this week.”

"Oh no! No, Evelyn... We're in town until tonight, and my daughter here has never met a jungle cat. We were wondering if we could request an audience with Ned?" He asked sweetly

“Oh nice! And sure come on in. He’s just having a snack in the drawing room.” She opened the door, the kids skittering inside (they’d heard a lot about Miss Evelyn’s house and had wanted to get a look inside). “Daughter?” She asked, looking at Isa. For a moment she was nervous she’d get a similar treatment to the gentleman at the zoo. But she just gave her a confident, cocky, yet still welcoming smirk. “What’s your name hon?”

Isa let out a sigh of relief. “Isabella. But folks tend to call me Isa.”

"She's a pirate aboard our ship and tough as nails." Stede smiled proudly, patting her back. He knew Evelyn was a big advocate for strong women.

Evelyn’s brow raised, impressed. “Wow. That’s quite the resume. Well why don’t you two come in, I just finished making some tea.”

She led the way to the drawing room where Alma and Louis made quick work of finding Ned, who was lying on his back, pawing at the air and purring while they rubbed his belly. Isa glanced at Lucius, wondering if he’d react like he’d done with the deer or the ostrich. She hoped it was the former because from what she’d heard, some animals took running away as an invitation to play, which for a large cat was a synonym for maul. But to her surprise, Ned was a very laid back cat. He only gave her hand a single sniff before bumping his head affectionately against her hand, asking not so subtly for pets. Lucius saw how the cat played with the kids and decided it was ok to cautiously approach. Lucius reached a cautious hand forward and gave the tum a rub. "Oh! It's so warm!"

“His favorite spot is under his chin!” Evelyn called to him and the kids before looking back to Stede and Isa

“So did you sign up to be on the crew hon?” Evelyn asked as she set down the tea tray.

“No. I showed away.”  Isa answered, standing from the floor and joining her father and Miss Evelyn on the couch.

“Going to or getting away from something?”

“Neither. Looking for my dad.”

Stede smiled as he followed close by Isa. "And you found him in spades, didn't you?" He chuckled

“Aye.” Noticing Evelyn’s confused expression she clarified, “I went looking for one dad and found three.”

“Three?”

Isa nodded. “It’s a strange little family I stumbled into. There’s my birth dad, Edward, my father,” she looked at Stede, “and my da, the first mate.”

Evelyn whistled. “Dunno how you do it.” She looked at Stede as well. “I could barely manage one husband. Hats off to you.” Ned looked at Lucius, flicking his ear but didn’t make any sudden movements unless it was to nudge one of the children with his head

Stede blushed a bit. "Turns out I'm quite the lothario... Just not for women." He chuckled shyly.

Evelyn chuckled. “Sooo, are they cute?” Ned let out a low purr, rolling onto his side, essentially plopping himself into Alma’s lap

"I certainly think so." Stede blushed harder.

“So were your fathers together when you stowed away?”

“Oh no. I didn’t even know my da when I was discovered. I don’t even think he was on the ship.” 

"Oh! We'll have to tell you about that some time." Stede chuckled. "And us all coming together is a fairly recent development... Especially our first mate... He's a bit of a prickly fellow until you get to know him."

“It took getting deserted on an island together to get him to open up.” Isa joked.

“You got stuck on an island?” Alma asked, her head shooting up.

“Aye. I fell off the ship during a storm and my da jumped in after me.” She remembered how shocked she was when she learned that Izzy hadn’t been knocked overboard like she had. She honestly thought that Izzy wouldn’t have ever wanted to be stuck with her if he could avoid it and she nearly got whiplash when she realized he had chosen to jump in after her

"We were worried sick. We eventually were able to work our way back to the spot where we lost them and we were overjoyed to see there was indeed an island there. And that they'd managed to survive there. Ed thought he'd spotted one during the storm and it was our only hope."

Isa had recalled doubting that they were even looking for them. That had been the first instance of Izzy being soft towards her, assuring her without being an ass that they were 100% looking for her. She was honestly shocked that he had done anything of the kind. “You sound like the kinda gal that can be handy in a tough situation.” Evelyn remarked.

“I certainly try to be.”

Ned nuzzled Lucius’s hand affectionately

"Oh she is." Lucius called over from the other room. "Yes. We're all very proud of her." Stede smiled. "A real wiz at the sword too."

Isa flushed at the praise. “Oh?” Evelyn said, an excited glint in her eye as she stood and went to a glass case on the wall, removing a silver rapier. “Would you mind showing us a bit?”

“Against you?” Isa asked, nervously. She didn’t doubt that Evelyn was skilled but she was also wearing a gown which was a heavy disadvantage.

“No no. My son. If he’s up for it. And if you are.”

“I suppose.” She said nonchalantly. “Lemme just find him, and we can head to the courtyard.”

"Oh this will be lovely! Alma! Isa is going to sword fight if you wanna watch!" He called over to the kids and Lucius

“Yo Melvin!” Evelyn shouted to her son. “You’ve got a challenger. Backyard, five minutes. Bring your rapier!”

An approving grunt came from up stairs followed by some rustling around. Stede turned to Isa. "You don't have to if you don't want to, dear. This was supposed to be a bit of a holiday. Don't feel pressured." He spoke to her softly.

“I’m more than fine with it.” Truth be told she was going just a wee bit stir crazy. Not in the way that she was bored or anything. Quite the opposite. The outings she’d had with the family had been lovely. But her body was not used to being idle. She needed to move, her reflexes needed practice, so she very much wanted to do this. Plus Izzy had told her to practice until he was well enough to spar again. Evelyn led the way out to a spacious, lovely backyard and Isa took a few experimental swipes with the rapier, testing the weight and seeing how it felt in her hands. It was a tiny bit heavier than she was used to but she could easily work with it

Melvin trotted down a few minutes later in a loose shirt and plain trousers, rapier in his hand. He nodded towards Isa and gave her a bow

Isa nodded back and brought her rapier to meet his. “En guarde”. She immediately countered forward, sending a sharp clang over the otherwise still yard. As Melvin parried, she dodged to the side, going for a hit at the base of the blade, close to the hilt which would likely knock off his balance

Melvin stepped back and out of the way, taking a long stride to her back, gently tapping her shoulder with the blade. Like a pat. He was tall and looked intimidating, but he was a softie through and through

She swerved, a little shocked by the pat, and met his blade again, doing a few somewhat aggressive thrusts forward to push him back a little. Her plan was to make him feel cornered, a cornered foe would become reckless and she knew how to deal with reckless

Melvin was pushed back a bit, before finding her pattern and blocking her thrust. He deflected her next one and stepped to the side, doing a turn and lunging at her.

She pivoted quickly and blocked, though now she was the one who was cornered. Not too far was a very thin tree, still just a sapling, posted next to the garden wall. She started with a bit of a run, grabbed the tree and used the wall as leverage, swinging around so she was on the other side of Melvin again, taking a good swipe at his left knee and hoping that would provide the distraction she needed to knock him off his footing

Melvin was indeed knocked off his footing but he used it to roll to a better spot a few feet away and regained himself behind her. He drew his sword and tapped her other shoulder

She flinched at the tap and spun around, nearly losing herself and thrusting her elbow backwards on instinct. This was just a spar not an actual fight. When she raised her blade again, she gave Melvin a smirk. Act like you’re more confident than you are

Melvin nodded and smirked back. He took a few steps back, allowing them both a small pause to reset.

Isa took a second and a second only of pause before she was back at it, parrying and thrusting as fast as she could. Melvin was a very worthy opponent, a fast one. “ You again, concubine? ” No. Don’t think of that. She gave Melvin another smirk as she swiveled her blade, sashaying forwards

Melvin spun away and darted to her side, blade still raised, but not attacking. He was calculating her next move and needed more cues

She took this pause in his advances to rush at him, bumping her shoulder against his chest, knocking him off his balance

Melvin stepped back and then forward, crossing his blade against hers in a standoff. Though he had several extra feet on her and probably about a hundred extra pounds of muscle

“ Im almost impressed. Blackbeard taught you well ” She flinched once more as the blades met. He could easily knock her over…so why wasn’t he. “ Leviathan says he misses you ” Her adrenaline shot into overdrive and she gave Melvin a mighty shove, knocking him onto his back and stepping lightly on his wrist

Melvin smiled up and her and nodded in respect, dropping his sword

Right. Just a spar. Not an actual fight. She dropped her own sword and offered her hand to help him up. “That was amazing!” Alma squealed.

Evelyn whistled. “Very impressive hon.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Isa said with a nod

Melvin gave her a deep bow before offering his hand to shake. She shook it heartily, trying to get her pulse to calm down. “Good match.”

"My pleasure." He hummed in a genuinely pleasant voice. "Very good match."

“Thank you.” She said as she gave the rapier back to Evelyn.

As soon as the blade was out of her hand and it was safe to be in her circle, Alma raced up to her, bouncing up and down like an excited toddler. “That was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” She squealed. “Can you teach me how to fight like that?”

“It’s taken me a long time to get that good but next time we’re in town I’d be happy to show you a few things.” She offered. “If it’s alright with your mum”

"Oh I'm sure it will be fine." Stede assured, smiling brightly.

Lucius stepped forward and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Are you ok?" He whispered so only she could hear. Alma was busy discussing plans with Stede about possible sword fighting lessons

“Huh?” Her brother really could read her like a damn newspaper. “Oh yeah. Just got a bit too into it is all”

Lucius cocked an eyebrow but nodded. "Ok." He hummed, pulling her into a hug

She settled back into the embrace, letting the warmth of his gentle arms coax her back into calm.

Stede noticed her slight change in demeanor and Mary's words rang through him again. Though he didn't let it show outwardly. "Well... We've bothered you long enough, Evey, dear... We'll be on our way. Kids? Say goodbye and thank you to Miss Evelyn! And it was lovely to see you again, Melvin." Melvin smiled and nodded before nodding towards Isa again. One worthy opponent to another

“Thank you miss Evelyn. It was a lovely experience.” Alma said

“I liked your kitty.” Louis said happily

“My pleasure dears. Isa thank you for giving Melvin a sparring partner he’s been hurting for one for a while.”

“Oh it was great fun.”

"Bye. Thanks for the tea and the jaguar." Lucius chuckled before catching Melvin's eye. The tall, silent man flushed and scurried away. Oh ho.... Lucius thought to himself.

"Yes... We'll be sure to call on you again next time we're in port." Stede smiled as he herded his two youngest out

Isa gave Lucius a knowing smirk, shaking her head as she gave Ned another little head scritch on the way out. Evelyn saw them to the door and waved them off. “She was nice.” Alma said.

“Aye she was. Miss Mary has some very lovely friends.”

Lucius fell in step with Isa, wanting to be close to her after he picked up on her episode. "I must say, you handle that sword better every time I see you fight." He commented. "I'm sure Izzy will be pleased to hear you bested a man-mountain." He chuckled. Melvin was in fact taller than him. Not by much. Only an inch or so, but still. That was saying something.

She chuckled as well. “I’m sure he will.” She was glad that Lucius was good at picking up what was happening when she didn’t want to admit it. “Were you actually paying attention or were you drooling over Melvin the whole time?”

"I was actually paying attention, I'll have you know... Excluding you sparring with Izzy, I always keep an eye on you when you fight." He puffed up

“Creeper.” She joked, nudging him. “Glad I was at least entertaining.”

“That’s not what I meant”

Her smile faded. “Oh?”

"Bell... I take being your brother very seriously... I always have eyes on you in intense situations." He rested a hand on her shoulder and pulled her close. He'd been inconsolable when he saw that she'd been taken along with Izzy.

“Lu…” she said softly, settling into the embrace. “Im sorry I make you worry so much. But you don’t need to worry all the time. Im a big girl. And the last thing I want is for you to have a heart attack”

"Tell that to the captain, or Blackbeard, or Izzy. We all worry for you. It means we love you. It could be a sunny day with a gentle breeze and we'd still worry. Just like we're sure you worry about us."

That was Gods own truth. She worried about them all more than she worried about herself. She settled against Lucius. “I’ll do my best to not give you too many reasons to worry then.”

"There's nothing you can do about that , bell... We're gonna worry about you until the day we die." He smiled down at her.

A bittersweet feeling bloomed in her chest. They cared about her. It warmed her to the core. But she’d rather not think about any of them dying, even in the general sense. Everyone died, it was just a fact of life but she still couldn’t stand the thought of losing any of them. Suppose that was just the price of love; cared for so much you fear you’ll lose it. “It feels a little strange.” She said. “Being loved. I’m not used to it. Don’t think ever will be.” Not to mention she still feared she’d lose it if she overstepped. “ The opposite of love isn’t hate. It’s fear ” Madame O’Nell had once said

"Well, you'll have plenty of time to get used to it." He smiled. "Because we plan on loving you forever." He gave her head a bit of a noogie

She made a noise of very mild annoyance before giving her brother a shove, doing her best to shove the bittersweet feeling to the back of her mind.

Chapter Text

In no time they made it back to the estate, Mary and Doug were settling in for afternoon tea (and were already dotted with paint on their faces and hands from working on the large commission)

“Mama!” Louis ran up to his mother, getting scooped up and hefted onto her hip. “I got to pet a big cat!”

“Oh, did you now?” Mary asked.

Stede smiled as he joined them. "Yes we stopped by Ms. Evelyn's so the gang could meet Ned." He chuckled. 

“Bella got into a sword fight!” Alma said excitedly

“I didn’t get into one.” Isa corrected. “Miss Evelyn’s son and I simply did a quick spar.”

The cheerful expression on Mary’s face faded just a little. “Oh wow. How did it go?”

“Not bad at all.”

Mary picked up trace amounts of nerves in the girls voice. She shot a look to Stede who was just beaming with pride. But then she caught the same twinge of concern on Lucius' face that told her everything. "That's wonderful!" She smiled brightly. "Who won?"

“Bella did.” Alma announced proudly. “She was exquisite! You should have seen her mother! She moved like a sprite and she had this wild and passionate look in her eyes and she floored Melvin in less than fifteen minutes!” Once again she was bouncing excitedly on the balls of her feet. “Could I take sword fighting lessons when I’m old enough mother?” Isa flushed with pride but was still reeling both from her conversation with Lucius and the actual fight itself.

"I would love for you to learn how to properly defend yourself." She smiled, pulling her into a hug. Lucius shot a smile at Doug and gave him a sly wink

Doug stepped to Mary’s side and whispered into her ear. “Now seems like a good time to bring it up.” He suggested. “Want me to take Lucius and the kids into the backyard so you have some privacy.”

"Privacy for what?" Stede asked, curious

Mary took Stede by the arm, whispering out of an ear shot from Isa, who was still chatting with Alma about how she’d learned to fight both hand to hand and with a sword. “Since you’re leaving this evening, I think now would be a good time to talk about Bella possibly staying here again in the future.”

"Oh!... Oh yes... That soon?" he asked, suddenly having second thoughts. Not about her staying, he knew it was for the best. But it was just so... Sudden. "Should we wait and talk to her other fathers first?"

“I don’t mean for it to happen right away.” Mary whispered. “I do agree that you should bring it up with her other fathers first. But I want to at least her opinion on it before bringing it to them. No sense springing it on her by having all her fathers agree before she even knows.”

"That's fair." He whispered in defeat

“If you don’t think it’s a good idea we don’t have to talk about it now.”

"We can do it now... I just... It's so sudden." He hummed softly.

She put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a sympathetic smile, silently letting him know that he was strong for making such a hard decision. There was pride in her gentle smile. She gave a nod to Doug who rallied the children and Lucius. “Come on, ducklings. Let’s go play out in the yard with Mr. Lucius.” Alma and Louis gave Isa a hug before following Doug. Isa looked nervously at Mary and Stede

Out of sight, Lucius whispered to Doug that he was going to hang back, listening in on the conversation. He had a feeling he knew where this was going and he wanted to hover around in case it went wrong...which he had a feeling it might.

Stede gave Isa a soft smile and held out a hand to her. "Isa dear... Mary and I had something we wanted to ask you."

Her adrenaline instantly shot up to a nine but she managed to keep herself collected enough to sit down. “To start, how are you enjoying being at sea?”

“I feel like it’s practically part of my soul at this point. It’s where I found my family.”

“It’s wonderful that you were able to find a place where you’re safe and welcome. And you’ll always be just as welcome here.” Her tone was a bit too gentle for this to be a simple affirmation.

“What are you trying to say?”

Stede took a deep breath. "Isa, luv... Would you be interested in a bit of a holiday?" He asked

“…aren’t we already on one?” She dodged, hoping the conversation wasn’t going where she thought it was.

“He means maybe a bit longer than a few days. We were talking and it may be beneficial for you to stay here for a little while.”

And just like that, her adrenaline spiked to ten. Not even ten, fifty. Stede had been angry. She shouldn’t have told him about her nightmare. Or about any of the other shit going on in her head. Now he was seeing that it was too much. “I…”

Stede immediately was at her side. "Isa, luv... It isn't what you think... I promise. I... We know you haven't had the best time of it lately... Especially after the incident with you and Izzy. And we just wanted to provide you with an opportunity to give your mind and your worries a break, that's all." He tried to explain

She heard none of his attempts to calm her, already beads of sweat were forming on her brow. A single low note toned in the back of her hearing that slowly grew louder as her thoughts caught up with her. “Please don’t send me away!” She begged, practically spilling off the couch and onto her knees like a sinner in confession. “I’m sorry whatever I did I’m sorry! I promise I won’t cause anymore trouble, I’ll be quiet, I’ll stay out of the way. I’ll do anything you ask me to, just please don’t send me away…I’m sorry!” It was really happening. Her worst fear had come true! She’d even resorted to begging on her knees but she couldn’t lose her family she just couldn’t

Lucius burst in. "Out... Both of you .. out !" Lucius insisted as he pushed them outside. As soon as Doug had told him about their plan for Isa to stay with them, he worried about Stede breaking the news to her because he just knew their well meaning buffoon of a captain would make a royal mess of it. He shooed Mary and Stede out and knelt down by Isa. Mary, horrified at the disaster she’d created, was reluctant to leave Bella in such a state but she also knew that Lucius was the person to calm her, both from what she’d seen between the two and from what Stede had told her about Lucius. "Hey....heeeey.... Bell... It's ok. Just take a deep breath, ok?" He asked softly

 As soon as he was in her line of vision, she clung to her brother with every bit of strength she could muster while shaking like a daffodil in a hurricane. “I’m sorry.” She whimpered again

"Bell, dear.... Don't apologize... They're not abandoning you." He whispered. " They just want you to take a break for a little bit. That's all." He hummed

At least he was kind enough to leave her with someone he knew. Still she had the gall to think something so terrible about her own father. It was true wasn’t it? No! Yes! Wait what? “Lucius…” was the only thing she could manage to say

"You've been through so much, so quickly... Bell, we know it's keeping you up at night. And you've been working so hard. We only want what's best for you. And right now, they think that includes spending some time away from danger. Just for a little bit. And I agree with them." He hugged her tightly

She couldn’t think, she couldn’t fucking speak. She knew they were right. She knew that a lot had happened but she was trying her hardest to not let it get to her as much. Perhaps she wasn’t as put together as she thought. “I don’t want to leave.” She croaked. “Please don’t make me leave…”

"It's not leaving. It's only temporary... And you can teach Alma how to sword fight. And spar with Melvin. And go to tea. And have adventures with Doug and Louis... Just look at it as a short break." He assured

“Just tell me what I did wrong!” She begged. If she knew maybe she could try and fix it

"Nothing. You've done nothing wrong." Lucius assured. "This isn't a punishment."

“Please! Stop lying to me!” How foolish did they think she was?! She took a breath, already worn out but still shaking, the tears still trickling from her eyes. “I thought…I didn’t…” she fumbled before sniffling heavily, settling against Lucius and still clinging to him the way the spider monkey had clung to the small monkey, desperate and almost terrified

"He still loves you. I still love you. Your dad and your da still love you." He whispered

She hated that she doubted her own father after he’d been the one to initially bring her to the crew. Her mind was screaming in all directions, the logical half of her barking that he’d never do anything so heartless and the part of her dedicated to her survival, the part of her that had been lied to and cheated so many times despite the efforts of the people around her. It was far easier to let herself give in to her fears because if she ended up being hurt or abandoned again. What kind of a daughter was she?! Thinking her own father would do something like that?! Well now she was just thinking around in circles. She took another breath, leaning her head against Lucius’s chest and listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, counting the beats to ten and back down again. “Im sorry.” She whispered again

"Don't apologize, Bell. It's alright. Everything's gonna be ok." He whispered

She continued to listen to the steady beat until she could form thoughts again. “I know it probably is for the best.” She rasped. “But I’m not ready to be away from my family yet.”

"I guarantee they're not ready to be away from you either..." He hummed, overhearing the tiniest sound of Stede's sobs coming in through the door from outside. "But sometimes we have to do hard things that will make us better... Think of it as a survival tactic."

She sniffled and sighed. This was not an argument she was going to win. “Can I at least say goodbye to the crew? And get a bag together?” The ship would be there in the evening so she wouldn’t have a ton of time to pack

"Oh I'm sure they'll insist. From what Doug told me they're going to discuss it over with Ed and Izzy first as well." He hummed

“How long do you think that’ll take?” She didn’t want the revenge to stay too long if it meant they were going to be recognized. But Izzy was stubborn. It would take a long time to convince him. Fuck. She wished she’d gotten the chance to think about this before it actually happened. But from the looks of things, she didn’t have a choice.

"Not sure, pet. But I'm sure it'll be fine if it's late enough." He smiled, kissing her forehead

She sniffled again, tucking her head under her brothers chin. “I…” she didn’t want to admit how frightened she was of this idea but it was for the best after all. She wanted to ask if she had to stay alone but that was a silly question. The crew all had their duties to attend to. Besides, she needed to be strong. Should she say she’d miss him? No that sounded so permanent and grim. But she would miss him. “I can’t imagine Izzy is going to be too happy about this.” She joked weakly

Lucius held her tighter. He knew she was deflecting. "Probably not. I'm not too happy about it either. Nor is the captain by the sound of it." Indeed they could both hear gross sobbing from outside.

She wasn’t ready. She knew she wasn’t ready. She’d been tossed about far too much and what she wanted more than anything was to have a bit of constancy in her life. But she had to be ready. Besides. It would be temporary right? Underneath it all she couldn’t help but bitterly think “ If none of us are happy about it, why are you making me do it? ” but this was not the time nor the place. And as she’d reminded herself over and over, it was for the best. “Did they say how long it would be?” She murmured. If it was any longer than six months, she wasn’t going to be happy…well she’d be even more not happy

"That I don't know. You'll have to ask your father." He hummed

“Should we wait to let him calm down?” She suggested. Truthfully she needed to calm down as well but she didn’t know how long that would take. Just thinking about watching the ship disappearing over the horizon while she stood at the dock was enough to have her sobbing again

"Maybe. I think he might need some support. You know... I'm sure Mary wouldn't mind letting you both have use of the guest room for a bit to... Gather yourselves." He suggested

She nodded and stood, still shaking a little but able to walk steadily. Lucius led the way to the guest room and Isa slipped inside. “I’ll wait here while you go and get him?” She asked

Lucius nodded. "Yeah. You hold tight." He hummed before disappearing. He kept the door cracked though, not wanting to shut her in alone. 

Honestly some alone time was just what she needed right now. She barely had the energy to slip off her shoes before climbing onto the bed, grabbing one of the pillows and hugging it close to her. As much as she tried to fight it, the tears started up once again. 

Chapter Text

Stede was in pieces outside, just crying in every shade of regret at what he did wrong

Mary sat on the bench next to him, rubbing his back. “It was just a misunderstanding.” She assured. Doug had the foresight to suggest going for a walk in the woods and the kids, always down for an adventure happily agreed to go, letting Stede and Mary have some privacy to gather their thoughts. “I’m sorry I pushed this.”

"No... No... I'm the one who fucked it up... I know she needs this but I... She's been through so much..." He blubbed.

Lucius walked in carefully. "Heeeey.... So..... I hope you don't mind, but I've put Bell in the guest room so she could cry it out... It looks like someone else could maybe... Join her?" He asked Mary, his eyes indicating stede

Mary gave stedes shoulder a pat. “I think that’s your cue.” She gently prompted

Stede looked up at her with wide wet eyes. "She... Doesn't hate my guts?" He asked, looking up at Lucius next.

"She's... Upset. But amenable to the situation. She knows you only want what's best." Lucius admitted.

“Oh dear.” Mary lamented. “But I don’t think she was mad at you. I think she was just scared you didn’t want her. This could all be a massive misunderstanding”

Stede sniffled and nodded. He stood and wandered to the guest room to find his eldest daughter

It could have been a minute or an hour for all Isa knew. She just couldn’t seem to stop crying. She didn’t want to leave her family. Her home. She’d just found her place and now she was about to be uprooted again. No. No you have to be strong. Stiff jaw. You’re a big girl. No more tears. She roughly dragged the heel of her hand over her eyes as a knock sounded on the door. “Come in.” She murmured

Stede walked in, looking a mess. Tears still falling from his eyes and lip trembling. "Isa... Luv... I... I don't want you to go..." He managed out. He wanted nothing more than to run to her and hold her in his arms, but he wasn't sure how mad she was at him

She wanted nothing more than to run to him and let him hold her but she still wasn’t 100% convinced she hadn’t done anything wrong. When she saw the absolute anguish on her fathers face, the pain in her chest became even worse. “I know.” She said, patting the bed next to her. Stiff jaw lass. Be strong for him. “But it’s for the best isn’t it?”

"Y...yes..." He managed before breaking down again and running to her, hugging her tightly. "Isa... Oh my Isa.... I don't want you to go...." He bawled

She ran a gentle hand up and down his back. As terrified as she was of this, she needed to be a comfort for her father. “I know.” She soothed, trying to keep the quiver out of her own voice. She nuzzled into his chest, breathing in the familiar lavender scent. “Can I…will I at least get to say goodbye to the crew?”

Stede paused. "Well yes, but once you're ready." He explained

"Well they're going to be back at the dock tonight. I won't have a lot of time to pack."

Confusion wrenched Stede's brow. "What? What are you talking about?"

"When the crew comes back. I'll need to pack while you and Mary are talking with Dad and Da and then you'll leave, which doesn't leave me a lot of time to say goodbye to the crew." She explained. "Especially since someone spotted the ship a few days ago. I'd think you'd want to stay at the dock for as little time as possible."

"You talk as though you're staying today." Stede balked.

"Well, I am aren't I?" Now it was Isa's turn to be confused. "It's already been decided hasn't it?"

"It hasn't been decided at all, my dear!" Stede pulled away enough to hold her face. "We wouldn't force you into this at all. We just wanted to offer it to you. Because you've been suffering." He blubbed

“Wait you…” her mind did its best to catch up with her. He didn’t…it wasn’t? She didn’t know whether she was about to cry from relief or have a heart attack from all the bombshells being dropped on her. Her lip trembled as she leaned into his hand. “I thought…I thought I didn’t have a choice. I thought that I’d stay here. When dad came back with the ship. You’d talk to him and Da about it, I’d pack a bag, say goodbye to the crew and that would be it.” She knew that they said it was temporary but the fact that they didn’t specify how long it would be, only for “a little while”, she couldn’t help but worry. That kind of language was primarily used when trying to smooth over something permanent

"Never! Never!" Stede insisted, weeping more. "You're part of our family... Our crew... You're with us until the end." He hugged her tightly and buried his face in her shoulder.

Deep down she’d known, but it still felt surreal to hear him say it. She’d had empty words thrown at her before and they shouldn’t have meant so much to her. But sometimes she just needed to hear that she belonged. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, hugging him back and tightening her fists around the soft fabric of his jacket. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have thought something so awful about you. I…I’m sorry.”

"No no dear! This is all my fault. I've handled this so poorly." He cried

She took a few breaths, steadying herself while also calming her father. “Truthfully I was wondering how you’d pull it off.” She said, doing her best to lift the mood. “It would take some major balls to tell Izzy that I was leaving tonight and that it was non negotiable.” That likely would have ended with Stede being eviscerated

Stede chuckled softly. "No... I wouldn't dare." He whispered against her. "Isa?" He murmured after a moment

​​She sniffled. "What?" She whispered back. She just hoped it wasn't another big announcement or proposal, she wasn't sure her heart could take another shock.

"I know you're upset. Please...please don't hold in what you're feeling. Talk to me. Be angry with me. Cry if you need to." He begged softly

“I’m not angry.” She whispered, a few silent tears trickling down her face. “Just confused and scared and so fucking tired. Fuck it maybe I am a bit angry, but not at you.” She was more pissed at herself for daring to doubt her father and for being such a mess to begin with

"That's completely understandable, luv.... We handled this poorly... And I'm so sorry for frightening you. Mary is too." He promised. It concerned him that she was moving past her own feelings about this situation, especially towards him, a little bit too quickly but he also knew she’d likely get embarrassed if he pointed that out. He wasn’t going to tell her how to feel.

She shrugged, cuddling herself against him. “I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. You’d never do anything so awful.”

"My dear... Don't be hard on yourself for something like that. You couldn't have known... And I don't exactly have the best track record myself." He kissed the top of her hair.

She tucked her head under his chin, breathing in the gentle lavender scent of his cologne, a weak chuckle escaped her. “I can’t exactly say I’ve been the perfect daughter either.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Stede hummed as he held her tighter. “I wouldn’t say that at all.” He started gently stroking his fingers over her hair. "If... You did decide to stay for a little... Would you like someone to stay with you? So you're not navigating the seas of the landlubbers alone?"

She looked up at him. “You…you’d let that happen?” She asked. “I thought. Well. Everyone has their duties and I wouldn’t want the ship to be missing someone…”

"We've been down members before... Jim, me, Lucius, Izzy... I think the ship will still manage." He assured. "Though I would advise against Buttons... I have a feeling if he were to step too far away from the revenge, it might just crumble out of existence."

She chuckled again, a little stronger this time. “Aye. Dunno how dad managed to keep the ship running without him.” She sighed, brushing the tears from her eyes. She was no longer worried about her father leaving her or any of the other silly things in her mind, at least not at the moment but she just couldn’t seem to stop crying. “I would.” She answered after a bit of thought. “Don’t get me wrong, Mary, Doug, and the children are very sweet but well…I don’t want to be alone.”

"Of course not." He whispered, kissing her head again

“And…” another heavy sigh escaped her. “I think it would be…a good idea. But not right away. Please. I…I’m not ready to be away from my family yet.” She already missed all of them so badly and she’d barely been gone for three days

"Ok luv... Ok. Whenever you're ready. They'll be here for you.. and we'll support you." Stede whispered into her hair

“Thank you.” She whispered, burying her face in his shoulder. “I still feel horrid for thinking you’d do something so cruel. I know you’re nothing like that.” She sighed. 

"Dear.... Dearest one..." He whispered, holding her close. "I would never." He repeated

“I know.” She whispered, a few more tears coming to her eyes. “It’s just…” she sighed again. Her father may have been oblivious at the best of times but when it came to her he could see through to her back collar. And he just asked that she be honest. “When you left, it just confirmed everything I’d been afraid of. And now I think I’m just waiting for it to happen again.”

Stede sniffled and nodded. "I know... I know... It's something I'm going to regret until the day I die." He whispered. "It wasn't fair to you. I thought I was doing the right thing by leaving, for both you and your dad. I didn't see how much my leaving hurt you as well. I love you so much and I don’t ever want to hurt you like that again.”

She jolted as she often did when she worried she was being lied to. For a moment she wasn’t certain she’d heard him correctly. “You…you what?”

Stede looked at her, confused. "I... Love you and I don't want to see you hurt again?"

It was the first time she’d heard him say he loved her out loud. She knew that he did love her, his actions spoke for themselves but there was still a small doubtful part of her mind that worried. “You love me…” she murmured, still stunned, not realizing she’d said it out loud

"Yes, dear... Of course I do... Oh God! Have I ever made you feel otherwise?" He asked, suddenly horrified that he might've done something and not realized it.

“No! No it was all me.” She admitted. “I…it’s so bloody silly but…well, that was the first time you’d said it. Out loud. To me. I…” she let out a breath, struggling to find the right words. “I…I shouldn’t need to hear you say it. You’ve proven time after time that you do but…well…” she sighed again, settling against her father, the silent tears still trickling from her eyes. Dammit stop crying!

Stede held her to him. "Oh my dear! How could I have neglected such an important thing? I'm so sorry..." He wept fresh tears. How could he have been so stupid?

“No no no!” She hushed. “It’s all on me. I shouldn’t need words to know I’m loved.” She wriggled out of his grip and raised herself to her knees, tugging a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbing at the tears on his cheeks as he’d done for her the other night. “Please don’t blame yourself.”

"But my dear... It's something so basic to any relationship. I'm the one in the wrong for neglecting to tell you." He cupped her face.

She leaned into his hand. It was always such a gentle and loving touch and she was always instantly comforted when he cupped her face like that. She didn’t want him to blame himself but truthfully deep down she had been scared that he really didn’t. She knew he cared but caring and love could be two different things yet she hated how much she doubted him. But hearing him say it…she leaned forward, kissing his cheek and brushing away the tears again. “I love you too.” She whispered, hugging him tightly. “…thank you. For finally saying it.”

​​Stede sniffled and nodded. "I'll never not say it again, my sweet girl..." He held her face and kissed her forehead

A little watery chuckle escaped her as she wiped her eyes again, lids puffy and pink. “I…I’m sorry I went off the handle like that earlier. I’m not used to being loved.” She confessed. “I think I was just worried I’d done something to make you take it away”

"We would never turn you away, Isa, luv... Never." He tried to assure her

“I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to believe that. I want to believe it but…like I said. I’m so used to being alone. Having one person love me is frightening enough. Having so many is…well frankly it’s terrifying.”

"Well I'd much rather you be terrified from being spoiled for love and support than anything else." He rocked her gently

She didn’t have the heart to tell him that there were so many more fears floating around in her head. That was a conversation for another day, they’d both been through enough heavy emotion that day. She laid her head over his chest as he rocked her, letting out a relieved breath. “It might take a while for me to get used to it.” She confessed

Stede nodded. "I'm still getting used to it." He chuckled

She took his hand, giving it a squeeze. “At least I know I’m not the only one.”

Stede chuckled and nodded. "Isa luv?' he asked softly after a moment

She looked up at him. “Yes father?”

"Would you like to rest with me for a little while?" He asked. It had already been a long and emotional day and could use a little nap

Truthfully she was feeling quite worn out as well. Normally she’d insist she was fine but…she just wanted to be snuggled by her father right now. “Yes please.” She said quietly

Stede smiled and pulled the covers aside, letting her slip under. "I'll just be a moment. Going to let them know to wake us in an hour or so." He whispered.

She did just that, sliding under the quilt as he tucked her in. “Father?” It was so quiet it might as well have been an evening breeze

"Yes, luv?" He asked just as softly

“…” it always felt a little hard to say the first time. “I…I love you.”

Stede practically glowed. "I love you too, my dear." He smiled as he leaned down and kissed her forehead

She smiled as well, letting her eyes drift closed as he slipped out the door. 

Chapter Text

Mary normally considered herself a level headed woman but she couldn’t help but worry. And she felt so incredibly guilty. “I hope she was able to calm down a little.” She’d never seen someone so terrified of being left behind

"She did... She thought it was non-negotiable." Stede hummed as he rejoined Mary and Lucius out in the garden. "I... Should apologize. I didn't know if it was or not, but it sounded like it could be." Lucius but his lip. "You can later... She and I we're... Quite tired. We're going to have a little rest for an hour or so if that's ok." Stede hummed. Lucius flushed and looked at his feet, thoroughly mad at himself for misjudging the situation. "Do you think she'd mind if I joined you two?" He asked

“I honestly think that would be a smart idea.” Mary added. While Isa did seem like the person to hold a grudge when she was purposefully wronged, she also seemed like she was level headed enough to know when someone misunderstood the situation. “I think she needs both her father and her brother right now.” 

Stede smiled and nodded. "That sounds wonderful, Lucius." He offered his elbow for him to take in a friendly gesture

Lucius gave him a nervous smile and gratefully took his arm, following him up to the guest room.

From up in the guest room, Isa could hear the chatter from outside but the walls muffled what they were saying. She was curious but she also knew it wasn’t imperative that she knew. Oh now Lucius was speaking. She sighed, hoping he wasn’t too angry with himself. Not much later, the talking stopped and a knock came at the door. “Come in.”

"Isa, luv... I brought someone." Stede hummed as he entered with Lucius on his arm. 

Isa sighed with relief at the sight of Lucius but the relief quickly faded at the guilt on his face. “Lu? Are you alright?”

Lucius nodded. "Yeah... Yeah bell.. I'm so sorry." He scurried over to the opposite end of the bed and took her hand. "I didn't mean to upset you. The way Doug and I talked... It sounded like it was decided already. I think his wires got crossed too." Stede let them have their moment and climbed into the other side of the bed, curling up behind Isa

Seeing the pain on his face, she immediately closed the distance between them, raising herself to her knees and hugging him tightly. “It’s alright.” She said, kissing the top of his head. “It all worked out didn’t it?”

"Yeah, but the last thing I want to do is give you more anxieties." Lucius hugged her

She sighed, kissing his head again. “You didn’t know.” She whispered. “I know you, Lucius. You’d never hurt me on purpose. It did worry me that I had no choice in the matter but you still tried to comfort me.” Lucius may have been a bitch at times but he didn’t have a bad bone in his body. “Thank goodness we were both wrong though.” She said with a tiny laugh

"Yes... We could've handled that better." Stede hummed from behind, scooching a bit to allow room for Lucius to climb in and surround Isabelle with warmth. (Which Lucius did) "To be honest, I was panicking as well. I didn't like the thought of you leaving us. I'm sure that's why I bungled it so poorly."

Isa snuggled into the dual embrace, doing her best not to let on just how tired she was. She got tired so easily these days. “Aye. Lucius and I could practically hear you out in the garden.” She informed. Another sigh left her but this time it was one of satisfaction. Lucius was already a champion hugger, as was Stede. Being embraced by both at the same time was absolutely wonderful. Being loved so thoroughly still terrified her but she couldn’t deny just how much she craved it

Stede snuggled in behind her. "I'm so sorry, pet. I love you so much." He whispered.

“I love you too…” she murmured, eyes already shut. In less than no time she was dozing soundly, snuggled between the both of them.

Lucius glanced up at Stede. “How do you think Izzy and Blackbeard are gonna react to this little scheme?” He asked quietly, not wanting to wake his sister

"I don't know. But I think Mary might be better at explaining it to them." He whispered

“Lord knows Izzy probably won’t be too happy.” He recalled the spider monkey clinging to the baby squirrel monkey at the zoo, hissing at anyone who even looked at her. But Mary was also a tough woman from what he’d seen of her. Hopefully she’d make a decent case.

"Probably not... But if we can convince Ed... I'm sure between the two of you, you could butter him up enough..." Stede chuckled.

"Well I don't think having you give us a hand would hurt."

I sa sighed sleepily, nuzzling into her brother's chest.

Lucius looked down at her, ruffling her hair. "I'm almost 100% sure he's seen how much she's suffering"

"Yes. Once he gets over his initial oppositions, I'm sure he'll see the necessity of it... In his own time." He whispered

Lucius ruffled her hair again. He still didn’t understand the complete depth of what was going on in her mind, but he had a terrible feeling that the little he knew only scratched the surface. He just hoped that it wouldn’t take her completely breaking to open up.

Somehow they all dozed off, only waking a few hours later to a light tapping on the window. Once again, Olivia was waiting on the window sill, a note in her beak

Stede smiled and stood, opening the window and letting her in. "We have a message, chaps." Stede called to them

“Mmm?” Isa hummed, slowly opening her eyes and watching as Stede unwrapped the note. “Barbados in sight. Will be at the dock within the hour. Ed” “Lucius?” Isa nudged her brother. “Lucius, time to wake up.” “Noooooooo” he whined, not opening his eyes and clutching his sister a little tighter

Stede chuckled and went to the door. "I'll go let Mary know. You two meet me downstairs when you're ready. Ok?"

“Aye.” Isa agreed, doing her best to wrestle herself out of Lucius’s arms. “We can’t stay in the guest bedroom forever. You’re gonna have to get up eventually.”

Stede had sent Olivia back with instructions to let the crew have a few hours of shore leave so Mary could come to the ship with the kids.

By the time The Revenge settled in the harbor, the sun was beginning to sink lower, painting the sky in lovely pinks and oranges. Alma and Louis were thoroughly ecstatic at the thought of seeing a real pirate ship. Isa promised to give them a thorough tour (“Anywhere but the crow’s nest.” Mary had instructed)

Mary followed Stede to the captains quarters, finding Izzy and Ed lounging. To Izzy’s chagrin, Ed had insisted on lighting a fire so the room was plenty cozy. “So you’re Mary eh?”

“That I am.” She said confidently

Izzy was on the lounge, propped up on some pillows. "Nice to meet you. I'd get up, but I'm having a bit of a hard go of it today." He nodded in her direction

“You’re alright. I’ve heard a lot about both of you. From both Stede and Bella.” She looked pointedly at Izzy. “She told me about you especially Mr. Hands.” She said fondly, a silent gratitude in her eyes for all he’d done for the girl. Funny she’d known her for half a week and was already feeling protective of her

Izzy nodded. "Has she now?" He asked, as Stede walked over to Ed

“Indeed. I was hoping I’d get to meet you.”

Izzy gave her a confused look. "I'm sorry, but I don't know why anyone would want to meet me ..." He grunted quizzically

“I’ll cut to the point then. She said that you saved her life. She might not have told me much in the few days I’ve known her but I do have eyes. You went through hell so she wouldn’t have to. I respect anyone who’d do that for their child. And I’m not an idle flatterer so don’t think I’m lying” she said bluntly, though there was no hostility behind the sharpness.

Izzy flushed a little at the flattery and nodded. "Quite taken by our Isabelle?" He asked after a moment.

“You could say that.” She said. “May I sit down?”

"You may." Izzy made room next to his legs for her to sit

As Mary sat down with Izzy, Stede rushed over to Ed. "Hello dear... I missed you terribly." He smiled as he hugged and kissed him

Even months after their first kiss, Ed’s cheeks still went pink every time Stede kissed him or called him one of those charming little pet names. When they pulled away, he noticed the tired and puffy ring around stedes eyes and gently caressed his face. “Have you been crying?” He whispered

Stede bit his lip. "I... Yes." He admitted

Ed immediately started fussing over Stede. “What happened? Did someone hurt you? Or Isa?!”

“No... No... Nothing like that at all." Stede assured.

“Wanna tell me what happened then?” He said, stroking stedes cheek.

"I think it'll be best if we discuss it all together." Stede hugged him tightly

Noticing Mary and Izzy already in steep conversation, Ed felt it best that they do just that. But he still gave Stede a good squeeze and a tender kiss to his forehead.

“She’s a remarkable young woman.” Mary said. “But I’ve noticed a few habits about her here and there along with a few clues from the little she’s told me. I know this is none of my business but one parent to another, has anything…difficult happened to her recently?” She kept her tone kind and non-judgmental. She did her best to convey the sense of empathy she had as a mother of a girl close to the same age.

Izzy looked at her hard. Not in anger, just in consideration. "We'll put it this way... Until recently, I had more body parts and a lot less scars."

“She told me you two had been kidnapped.” She said gently. “And how she led the raid to rescue you and how you hadn’t come back with everything. Imagining my own daughter in such a terrifying situation…and I can tell that it’s only the tip of the iceberg.”

Izzy nodded. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be sitting here." He confirmed

“What’s going on?” Ed asked. Mary took a breath. “I was speaking with Mr. Hands about how wonderful your daughter is. And I’m glad she’s surrounded by so much love. But I also can tell she’s been struggling a lot.”

Izzy stiffened. He had a feeling where this was going.

Mary noticed the first mate going tense. “Please know that when I say this, I don’t in anyway mean it as a criticism. Nor as an accusation. Nor even as a concrete plan. But I have a proposal. Nothing more. If Isa decided she’d need a bit of peace every now and then, my home will be open to her. But I also respect that as her fathers, you should have a say if you’d be comfortable with something like that.”

Ed honestly was impressed. Stede had told him about her and he spoke of her fondly as a friend. And Ed could see why. Stede had told her Ed was Blackbeard and in a situation where most people would have shit themselves, she was the picture of calm. But his heart still skipped a beat when his mind caught up with what she was suggesting

"She knows... We spoke to her about it. There was... A misunderstanding at first... But we got it sorted." Stede continued, explaining why he'd been crying. Izzy kept Mary firmly in his gaze, trying to piece together how he felt about this

“I won’t be offended either way. If you or she don’t want to. The last thing I want to do is keep her away from her family."

Ed had no idea how he felt. He’d seen his daughter having difficult times but he also knew she did her best to be strong. If he were being honest, he had also seen small signs of Isa breaking down. But on the other end…he’d spent so long without knowing his only daughter and he wanted to make up for lost time whenever possible. “Has she…did she let either of you know how she felt about this decision?”

"She was rather upset, initially... But that was a misunderstanding." Stede explained. "She was under the impression that the decision had already been made and that she didn’t have a choice. That the ship would come back and we’d just leave her here in Barbados.” His heart ached at the memory of his daughter on her knees, tears on her face and absolute terror in her eyes. “I also told her we could spare someone should she decide to stay, so she wouldn't be alone. I settled that with Mary on the way over. She has more than enough rooms." Izzy looked around each of them silently. Deep down, he knew this was probably for the best... But he didn't like the idea of being away from her where he couldn't protect her

Ed stroked his chin in thought. If his girl was anything like him, she had crazy abandonment worries and thought she was about to be left behind again. An ache came to his chest at the thought. “If she wants to, I’ll fully support it.” He said, though there was sadness in his voice

Stede held his hand. "Yes.... And you, Izzy?" He asked.

Izzy let out a thoughtful grunt. "I want to talk to her about this." He said finally

“I understand.” Mary said gently. “Thank you. For being so patient with me. I know a conversation like this isn’t easy.”

Ed gave her a curt nod. “I’m sure you’d want us to do the same if the roles were reversed.” He replied. In that moment he didn’t see Stedes ex wife, he just saw a protective mother.

“I would.”

Stede smiled as he stood. "I'll go fetch her. Lucius will be fine with the kids on his own." He chuckled. "And I'm sure she's more than excited to see you both as well." Stede hummed over at Ed and Izzy

When her father came to get her, a strange feeling that was halfway between nerves and acceptance came to Isas chest. But just like Stede predicted, she was thrilled to see her dad and her da again, as could be seen by how she excitedly raced over to the couch and practically tackled Ed and threw her arms around Izzy. “Glad to see you too songbird.” Ed said, ruffling his daughters hair

Izzy groaned softly and couldn't hide his smile at her embrace. "Missed you, you little shit." He chuckled, tussling her hair.

Stede sat down next to Mary and let them have their reunion moment. "They're rough old salts, but they love her dearly." He whispered.

"I can see." Mary said with a smile. As she said, she didn't know the extent of the horrors the child had faced but she could also see that she had support. Isa flushed a little, embarrassed at hurting her still recovering Da but still couldn't deny how happy she was to see both him and her Dad.

"They didn't send anyone after you did they?" She'd been worrying the entire time that even though they left before anyone could notice, someone had still blabbed to law enforcement.

"Nope. We were left alone."

Isa breathed a sigh of relief before looking at Mary. "I hope they haven't been nasty to you."

"Not in the slightest." Mary assured

Izzy gave Isa a "See?! I can be trusted around people" look. Isa rolled her eyes and gave her da a lighthearted nudge.

Stede chuckled. "So... Isa, dear. We brought Mary's offer and our proposal up to your other fathers..." He started, allowing Ed to hop in. He had a feeling Izzy was going to wait a moment to continue assessing the situation and her reactions

Isa's smile faded a little. "And what have you decided?" She asked quietly.

Ed put a hand on her shoulder. "We wanted to talk about what you felt." He said gently.

Isa took a breath, letting it out slowly. "I...I think it's a good idea." She admitted, quiet like she was confessing some great sin. "I wish I were better at handling myself but sometimes it gets hard." Her hands twitched. "But I don't know if I'll need to right away. I wouldn't say I've hit the bottom yet. And...I don't think I'm ready to be away from the crew yet."

Izzy nodded. He didn't like the idea of her going where he couldn't follow. He knew that would be the case one day, either by his death or her wanting to branch off on her own. But not while she was so young. On the other hand, he knew she was mentally suffering and teetering towards a point where she would tip. "I... Don't like it. But I support your choice on this." He held her hand. " I... I only want what's best for you... " He spoke in Gaelic to her

" I know " She answered back, similarly in Gaelic. "But it isn't right away. For all we know, I might not even need it at all. This is a just in case sort of thing, aye?" She assured, taking her Da's hand. Mary didn't want to say that it was inevitable, but she could also see suffering when she came across it. She hoped it wouldn't come to it, she could see how much Isa loved her family and how much they loved her. Taking her away from them was the last thing she wanted, but she also wanted Isa to find solace when she needed it.

Ed slung his arm around his daughter's shoulder, kissing her forehead. "No matter what, we just want you to be safe songbird." Even if we need to keep you safe from your own thoughts He thought sadly.

Stede hummed softly. "Well then. I think that's all settled. Mary, we'll send you a notice if we need to take you up on your wonderful offer." Stede smiled

Isa looked at her Da, noticing a look in his eye. “Hey dad?” She said, turning to Ed. “Alma, Mary’s daughter, is very interested in pirating. She actually asked a lot about you.”

Picking up on what his daughter was suggesting, Ed started playing along. “Oh? And you think she’d like to meet the most famous pirate in history?” He preened.

“Aye she does, but a leather clad egomaniac will have to do.” She joked.

“You’re grounded.”

Mary chuckled. “I’d be happy to introduce you.” She said, leading the way out to the deck, where Lucius and the kids were still exploring the different parts of the ship.

As soon as they were alone, Isa snuggled up to her da. “ Are you alright? ” she asked

"M fine. Just sore today is all. Edward's been making me take it easy, you'll be glad to know." He hummed

“Good. I’m glad you at least listen to him.” She teased, letting her gaze drift to the flickering fire. 

"Well it's not really up to me if you're dad orders Mr. Feeney to carry me in here and set me down on the couch." He grumbled.

She chuckled before her smile faded.  “If I’m being honest, I rather share your opinion on this whole thing.” She confessed. “I don’t like being away from you and the crew but…” she sighed, snuggling further against him. “I just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

 "... I think it's a good idea... I think you may need to get away from all this for a bit... But I'm not ready for you to leave us." He pulled her close. "If it comes to that... Then... We'll cross that bridge, yeah?" He asked against her hair.

“Aye.” She whispered, letting herself be held. “I wouldn’t be alone if it does come to that.” She consoled. “Someone would be with me.” She wasn’t sure if she was trying to console her da or herself. “But let’s see if it’s even needed before I have to make that decision.” She was in denial. Deep down she knew it was only a matter of time

Izzy nodded. He knew it too. "Missed you." He whispered, hugging her close

“ Missed you too ”