The Best Revenge is Living Well- Chapter 31
Izzy was sitting on their bed when Mo returned to their cabin. He looked up as the door opened, smiling softly as they stepped into the small room.
“What the verdict?” he asked, clasping his hands over his lap.
Mo closed the few feet separating them, a smile on their face as they leaned down to kiss their partner, slowly and softly. They grinned when they parted, seeing the pleasantly surprised expression on Izzy’s face as they pulled the chair out from under the desk to sit across from him. He blinked slowly, seeming to take a moment to find his footing in the world again as he cleared his throat.
“You, my love, are getting a bath tonight,” Mo proclaimed, smirking proudly as they sat down.
Izzy hummed, his expression even. “Will I have to see Bonnet?” he asked, sounding less than enthused at the idea.
Mo shook their head. “You won’t have to see anyone,” they promised, smiling softly as he took their hand. Their heart fluttered as he rubbed the back of their hand, the familiar calluses of his thumb gently massaging small circles. “Stede’s having the others draw the bathwater now. He said he’d leave a few things out for you, but he’ll stay out of there so you can have some privacy.”
He hummed again, frowning as he thought. Slowly, a small smile worked its way across his face, his eyes twinkling mischievously in the way they always did when he had an idea.
“If they’re drawing the water,” he said slowly, “that gives us some time. Enough for me to tame your hair.”
Mo scoffed, shaking their head incredulously. “You’re too nice,” they said sarcastically, feigning a glare in his direction.
He smirked. “I am,” he retorted, his voice uplifted with humor. “Using what little off time I have to help you deal with that unruly mop of yours.”
They laughed, clutching their locket and the ring that hung from the chain alongside it as if it were a noblewoman’s pearl necklace. “How dare you?” they chuckled, knowing they didn’t seem nearly as offended as they hoped. How could they, when he was giving them such an open grin, laughing at his own joke. It was a blessing to be able to see his silly side.
“Oh, love, you know I’m only joking,” he said after a moment, his laughter subsiding. “I only tease you ‘cause I love you,” he added cheekily, resting his warm gloved hand on their knee, smiling when they immediately covered it with one of their own.
Mo met his gaze levelly. “I know. Now come on,” they said, gently squeezing his hand. “I don’t want you to have to rush to cut my hair. Not after how it turned out last time.”
Izzy rolled his eyes, heaving a heavy sigh. “Never going to let me forget that, are you?” he grumbled, pushing himself up to stand.
Mo hummed. “Not likely. Still,” they added, tilting their head back to look up at him as he settled behind them, picking up his carefully cared for scissors from his shaving kit on the desk, “you know I only tease you because I love you.”
Izzy smiled, his hand resting on their shoulder as he leaned down to press a kiss to their forehead. “Must love me a lot, then,” he said quietly.
They nodded, running their hand over his own. “More than you know.”
Izzy smiled, pressing another slow kiss to their cheek before straightening up and tilting their head forward. “Alright, my darling,” he said levelly. “I need you to do two things for me. One, stay still. And two, promise not to let this be the reason to leave me.”
Mo snorted. “You’d have to cut off both my ears for the thought to even cross my mind.”
He hummed. “Good to know. I am a pirate after all, not a barber.”
Izzy frowned as he stepped into Stede’s ensuite. He looked around the small room, taking in the bright white towels Stede had set on a rack for him to use, the small bottles of assorted oils and salts, and the quite frankly absurd number of lit candles.
“The fuck did you tell him?” he asked, turning to look over his shoulder at his partner.
Mo shut the door behind them, chuckling at his confused expression. “Not much,” they promised, taking his hand in their own. “All of this,” they gestured around, “this is just Stede’s way of showing appreciation for you.” They smiled softly, wishing to wipe away the small frown that marred his handsome face. “Please just accept it,” they asked. “You deserve nice things, my love.”
Izzy squeezed their hand, sighing softly as he met their pleading gaze. “Fine,” he said quietly, the corners of his lips upturning when they grinned. “But I’m not using all that posh shit,” he insisted, gesturing to the number of small vials near the bathtub.
Mo laughed. “You don’t even know what any of it is,” they pointed out, grinning up at him. “Can I at least look at them, figure out what it is you’re being offered before you turn it all down?”
He thought it over, his jaw jutted out as he considered. After a moment, he nodded, rolling his eyes fondly when they stood up on their toes to press a kiss to his cheek.
“Don’t get too excited,” he cautioned, gently holding onto their hips as they sank back down. “Haven’t promised anything.”
Mo hummed noncommittally, already picking up the various glass bottles. “Whatever you say, dearest.” They squinted as they read the faded labels tied to the products. “Looks like you’ve got quite the selection of bath salts and bath oils, which is a new concept for me, as well as a scented bubble bath solution.” They looked up from the confusing array, smiling at the confused scowl on Izzy’s face as they turned.
They gently cupped his cheek, running their thumb over his skin, feeling the beginnings of his stubble as it grew in. Their heart fluttered as his scowl began to melt away under their touch.
“What do you think, my love?” they asked gently. “Any of this stuff sound appealing?”
He frowned. “Not gonna use fuckin’ salt, that’s for sure,” he said, seeming exasperated at the mere thought. “We’re in the middle of the fuckin’ ocean. You bathe to get rid of salt, not add more.” He scoffed, halfway to being a chuckle as he shook his head, his partner’s hand sliding down his cheek to rest on his shoulder. “Only Stede would have a fancy salt just for bathing.”
“So no salt then,” Mo confirmed, gently massaging his tired muscles. “What about the oils? The label says it’s for soothing strained muscles and relieving tension. Even if it failed at all that, it still smells nice.”
Izzy sighed softly, looking unbelievably exhausted by the choices before him. “I don’t care,” he said frankly, his voice low. “It all seems like a waste, to be honest. It’s just a bath.”
Mo shook their head, catching his gaze as they tutted. “It’s not just a bath,” they said softly. “It’s not just something that exists for practical purposes. Sure, you need a bath, but you’re being offered these things because Stede, and I, want you to be able to enjoy it. Not everything needs to be barebones and practical all the time.” They ran their fingers through his thick hair, smiling softly as he held their gaze. “You’re worth taking care of, Israel, and you’re worth spoiling.”
Izzy stayed silent, his face unreadable as he studied them, his dark eyes sweeping over their face. After a moment, he took a deep breath.
“I suppose the oils do smell good,” he sighed out. A small smile flickered across his face, still gazing at them intently. “I’d like to use the oils,” he said more firmly, cupping their cheek. “Would you mind getting that ready, while I get undressed?”
Mo smiled. “And miss the show?” they joked, grinning when their partner laughed. “Of course, I’ll get the bath ready, Iz. Do you want to try anything else, or just the oils?”
Izzy paused, thinking it over, his gaze sweeping over the plethora of options before him. “I think just the oils for tonight,” he said. “Don’t want to overdo it.”
Mo nodded. “Understood, dearie.” They stepped away, busying themselves with the small bottle of perfumed oil as Izzy began to unbutton his shirt. He’d had the good foresight to remove his vest, tie, and various belts before they left their cabin, not wanting to have to carry too much back when he finished washing up. By the time they’d turned back to face him, he was half undressed, sitting on a small wooden stool and unbuckling the straps that held his prosthetic leg in place. He slid it off carefully, propping it gently to lean against the wall.
When he had the laces of his pants undone, Mo helped him to stand. They slowly tugged down the worn leather as he held onto them, before carefully helping him sit down on the lip of the bathtub. He combed his fingers through their freshly cut hair as they eased his pants off of him, admiring his handiwork with a small smile on his face.
“Think I did better this time,” he commented, pushing their short hair back.
Mo nodded, grinning as they worked. “You definitely did.” They glanced up, momentarily catching his eye as they kneeled before him, sliding his pants off and setting them to the side with his discarded shirt and boot. “You did well,” they said honestly, pushing themselves up to stand. Izzy rested his hands on their hips, guiding them closer to him. They tangled their hands in his thick hair as they looked down at him, their heart warming to see him so relaxed. “Thank you,” they whispered, gently massaging his scalp.
Izzy smiled slowly. “For what?” he asked, squinting slightly. “The haircut?” Mo nodded, and he chuckled. “Darling, I owed you at least one decent one, after last time.”
They frowned, spinning a lock of hair between their fingers as they thought. “That’s not what I mean,” they said quietly.
His hands shifted, drawing them slightly closer. “And what did you mean?” His dark eyes were soft, looking up at them adoringly.
Mo smiled softly. “Just…thank you. For caring. And caring enough to know the silly little things, like how I like my hair. It’s small, and mundane, but you still noticed. So, thank you for that.”
Izzy smiled. “Nothing about you is mundane,” he said quietly, holding their gaze easily. “You are silly though,” he added, his voice uplifted by humor, a small smirk finding its way onto his face.
Mo feigned a scowl. They ruffled his hair, chuckling as he grumbled.
“That’s enough out of you,” they scolded playfully. “We need to get you in this bath before the water turns cold.”
The pair repeated their process, quickly ridding Izzy of his smalls. Once he settled on the edge of the tub, he carefully turned, dipping his foot into the hot water. He hissed as he made contact, quickly assuring his partner that it was fine, just unexpected when they looked at him with concern. He slowly eased himself into the bathwater, holding onto the edge of the tub as he lowered himself. It was a good thing he was as strong as he was, or getting in and out would be much more challenging. Thankfully, the biggest struggle ended up being his balance, something Mo was eager to help with.
“How does the water feel?” Mo asked as he fully settled. “Too hot, too cold?” They dragged the wooden stool closer, sitting next to the tub.
Izzy smiled softly. “Water’s fine, love. Could use some company though,” he added, reaching out to hold their hand where it rested on the lip of the tub. He drew them closer, briefly dunking their hand under the warm water before bringing it up to his lips, slowly pressing kisses to each of their knuckles.
“Are you being serious right now?” Mo asked, raising their eyebrows and smiling incredulously as they watched him. They reached out to run the fingers of their free hand through his hair as he nodded, his eyes twinkling playfully. “It would be a bit cramped, love,” they pointed out uncertainly, frowned slightly. “This tub wasn’t made for two people.”
Izzy shrugged. “Never minded being close to you before,” he said with a coy smile. His gaze never faltered, looking at them levelly with soft eyes, silently pleading with them.
Mo sighed, taking their hand back from him and caressing his cheek before pushing themselves off the side of the bathtub to stand. They perched on the edge, unlacing their boots and kicking them off to the side. They quickly stripped, removing their layers of clothing, letting them fall into a pile on the floor, mixed in with Izzy’s discarded clothes. They carefully unlatched their locket, setting it and the ring that hung on its chain on the small table next to the bathtub, next to a bar of lavender scented soap before cautiously stepped into the tub, hissing as the hot water touched their skin.
“The things I do for you,” they muttered as they slowly sank down into it, kneeling over Izzy’s leg.
Izzy smirked. “And I do nothing for you,” he said dryly, running his damp hand up their side, drawing them closer.
Mo frowned, letting him guide them as they ran their hand up his warm chest, feeling the familiar scratch of his chest hair against the pads of their fingers.
“You do everything for me,” they said quietly, watching the way the drops of water from their hand rolled down his chest. “You protect me, and help me when I get overwhelmed. You’re always there for me, I’m not blind to that. You take care of me, Iz.”
They could hear the movement of the water, the splash of tiny droplets hitting the surface as Izzy moved, taking hold of the hand that rested on his chest. They looked up as he intertwined his fingers with theirs, his face soft and vulnerable.
“You do the same for me,” he said simply, gently massaging their hand with his thumb, his eyes fixed on them.
Mo smiled softly. “I like taking care of you,” they said, bringing their other hand out of the water to caress the swallow on the side of his neck. “Someone ought to, and I’m honored that you let me. Besides,” they added, giving him a smile, “I like knowing that you’re happy. It makes me happy.” They chuckled softly. “Makes me extra happy when I’m the one that’s made you happy.”
Izzy smiled, watching them as he toyed with their fingers. “You must be extra happy a lot then,” he said, humor uplifting his voice.
They grinned, pressing against him as they leaned forward to wrap their arms around his neck. “I am,” they said, still grinning as he leaned forward, closing the small gap to kiss them. They kept the kiss slow, deliberately taking their time as his hands snaked up their back, pressing them more securely against his chest. They felt his attempts to quicken the pace, desperately wanting to deepen the kiss, but held their ground, refusing to compromise. He looked disappointed when they broke the kiss, his eyes betraying him even more than his flushed expression.
“Don’t think Stede would appreciate us defiling his bathtub,” Mo explained in a whisper, leaning their forehead against his.
A smile flickered across his lips. “Fuck Stede,” he whispered, staring at them with such apparent longing that it made their heart beat faster.
They grinned. “Nah, love, I’d prefer to only do that with you.” They giggled when he groaned, dropping his head forward to rest against their collarbones.
“Even now?” he complained, not looking up as Mo ran their damp fingers through his hair, still shaking with laughter. “You choose now for a terrible joke? Mid-seduction?” They laughed harder, holding onto his shoulders for support as they shook. He finally looked up at them, grinning even as he scolded them.
“It’s not fuckin’ funny!” he chastised, though his eyes were warm, unable to suppress his smile. “This is a serious moment. Could have been, at least,” he added, grumbling the words out. “I make a move, and you make a joke.” He grimaced. “One about having sex with Stede, no less,” he spat, curling his lips as if the words were acid in his mouth.
Mo cringed at the thought. “Don’t say it like that,” they pleaded, still laughing. They sighed as their laughter finally began to fade. “I’m sorry, my love,” they said, still grinning as they caressed his cheek, their other hand gently cradled the back of his head, turning his face up to look at them.
“No, you’re fucking not,” he said, grinning easily as he met their gaze.
“Not about the joke, maybe,” they admitted with a small smile. “But I am sorry for ruining your moment.” They leaned closer, finally able to look serious again. “I promise, when we get back to the cabin, I’ll let you seduce me for real.”
Izzy barked out a laugh as he pushed their hair out of their face. “I don’t think it’s a seduction if you agree to it before it happens, darling.” His eyes twinkled as he grinned.
They frowned. “Guess you’ll have to really convince me then,” they said with a shrug, doing their best to maintain their composure before breaking into a smile. “Who are we kidding though?” They trailed their fingers along his jaw, coming to a rest as they gently held his chin. “You never have to seduce me. You just have to be there, and I’ll want you.”
Izzy smirked. “That so?” he drawled. He ran his damp hands up their arms, making them shiver at the temperature change between the warm water and the cool air.
Mo smirked back at him. “You know the answer to that,” they said evenly. “Now come on.” They gently tugged on his shoulders. “Lean forward so I can clean your back. The whole point of you taking a bath is so you’re not dirty,” they said with a smirk. They giggled when he glared at them, still smiling despite himself as he leaned against them, allowing them access to his back.
“This is how you know I truly love you,” he said wearily, pressing slow, lazy kisses to their shoulder. “I love you, Mo, I’d fuckin’ die for you, but Christ, your jokes.”
They grinned, cupping the warm bath water in their hands and letting it pour down their partner’s back. It was mesmerizing watching it move, taking different paths as it raced down his toned muscles and thick raised scars. They turned their head, leaning closer to whisper in his ear as they picked up the bar of soap from the small table next to the bathtub.
“I’m sure I can think of some way to make it up to you, Israel.”
He shivered, tightening his grip on their hips, and their grin widened, beginning to lather up his back, the perfumed soap letting off a comforting scent when mixed with the warm water.
“You fuckin’ tease,” he growled, huffing as he turned his face into their neck. They squirmed, giggling, as his facial hair tickled them, his hot breath making them feel lightheaded. “Who’s being dirty now?” They gasped as he bit them, his teeth sinking gently into the sensitive flesh of their neck. They gripped his shoulders, almost dropping the soap as they gave him a scolding slap on the back when he chuckled.
“Israel,” they chastised firmly, tugging roughly on his hair, forcing him to lean back. Their heart leapt at the sharp intake of breath he took, and again when it turned into a shuttering whine, his dark eyes wide with anticipation as they pushed him back to lay against the edge of the tub. He stared up at them, completely vulnerable before them, a hint of a smile still on his lips as he watched them almost pleadingly with bated breath. They slowly caressed his cheek before letting their hand glide down, trailing over his throat teasingly. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed thickly. They smiled softly at the fast rise and fall of his chest, his wide eyes never leaving their face even as his pulse raced against their fingertips. It took considerable self-control to hold back, to not give in to the desperate desire to sink their nails into his muscled shoulders, and have their way with him then and there.
“I promise there will be time for that, my love,” Mo said quietly, holding his gaze levelly. “Once we get back to the cabin, we can do whatever you want. As long as it doesn’t hurt your leg,” they added pointedly, smiling when his eyes narrowed. “But first we need to get you cleaned up.” They smirked, letting their hand slide back down to rest on his shoulder, gently squeezing his sore muscles. “Think you can behave that long?” they asked, quirking an eyebrow teasingly.
Izzy scoffed, his face still flushed as he pushed himself up to lean forward again. “Can you?” he shot back, doing his best to pretend he wasn’t as affected as he was. As if they couldn’t see through his feeble act, or feel the brush of something stiff against their leg.
Mo pressed a tender kiss to his temple as he leaned against them, taking a moment to massage his stinging scalp before returning to their work. “I’ll manage, somehow. I’d do whatever it takes to make sure you’re taken care of.”
He chuckled dryly. “Like suffer through bad jokes?”
They laughed. “You like them,” they insisted humorously, running the bar of soap across his back. “You find them endearing, and you know it.”
“’Course I do,” he said with a scoff, as if it was obvious. “They’re from you.” He paused, seeming to lose himself in thought for a moment. “Love everything about you,” he continued quietly, gently trailing his fingertips along their back. “Love the way you take care of everyone, and the way you call me out when I deserve it. Love that you don’t think you’re better than anyone else, even with a proper education. Don’t lord it over anyone, unlike most twats.” Izzy sighed, turning his face into their neck, smoothing over the lingering bite mark with a soft kiss.
“Love how brave you are,” he continued softly, relishing the feeling of their hands carefully cleaning his back. “You never seem to question yourself. Just do what you think is right, what’s best for everyone.” He let one hand drift through the water as the other pressed against their lower back, wanting to keep them close even as they rinsed his back of suds.
Mo gently gripped his waist, pushing him back so they could clean his chest. He let them maneuver him, moving his hands to rest on their thighs as they began to cup water and let it run down his chest.
“I’m not brave,” they said quietly, not looking up from their work as they gently dragged the bar of soap across his collarbones.
“What do you mean?” he asked gently, frowning as he watched them.
Mo sighed, their hands slowing as they thought. “I’ve always been scared,” they said simply. “Still am, most of the time. Just can’t let that stop you, y’know? I was scared when I realized I would never be Mirielle Berch, at least not the way they wanted me to be. Thought something terrible would happen, even if I never let anyone know. Figured it was my fault somehow, that I just wasn’t trying hard enough.” They smiled sadly, running the sweetly scented soap over his chest, feeling the hard muscles he had built through years of work, barely hidden underneath a thin layer of softness. “Sometimes you just need to be who you are anyway.”
They sighed. “I was terrified the first time I told someone my name was Mo,” they admitted. “Felt like they’d find me out right then and there, and I’d be done for.” They scrubbed down his plush stomach, letting their free hand hold onto him, lightly dimpling his soft flesh as he breathed steadily. “But at the end of the day, part of me knew it would be worth it, just to get the chance to be me. So, I learned to just do things scared, if that was the only way I could do them. It’s a hell of a lot better than not doing them at all.”
Izzy gently took hold of their chin, tilting their head up to look at him. They could feel their apprehension melt away when they looked into his eyes, soft and dark and loving.
“You are brave,” he whispered sincerely. “More than you even know.” He smiled softly, dragging his thumb over their cheekbone. His touch warmed them, more than could be explained by the hot bath water.
Mo smiled back at him, hoping that he knew how important he was to them, how thankful they were to have him by their side.
“You’re one to talk,” they said after a moment, their gaze dropping as they began to rinse away the suds they had so carefully lathered. “You’re the bravest person I know. Not to mention the most skilled, and most handsome.” They grinned as he chuckled, glancing up quickly to meet his eyes. “You’re kind, and smart, and so loving. You’d give the shirt off your back if someone needed it, and you make me proud to be your partner.” The last of the suds disappeared, washed away by the water they let trickle through their fingers. They smoothed their hands over his sides, leaning forward with a content sigh to press flush against him. They dipped their nose into his hair, breathing in his familiar scent as it mixed with the sweet smell of lavender, not bothering to suppress the hum of happiness that bubbled up from their throat.
“You’re a good person,” they murmured softly, resting their head next to his. “And you’re good to me. I see everything you do for me, and I want you know that I appreciate it, all of it.”
Izzy dipped his head forward, tenderly kissing their shoulder. “I wish I could do more,” he confessed, his hand lazily tracing up their spine. His beard tickled the skin of their exposed shoulder as he spoke. “Wish…I wish I was better with words.” His voice was soft and low, as if he wasn’t sure he wanted them to hear him. “Wish I could write you poetry, do all that sappy shit I know you like. Wish I could be the romantic you deserve.”
Mo pulled back to look at him, resting their hand on his neck and running their thumb along his jaw. His eyes were clouded with insecurity as he frowned, unable to meet their gaze though they tried to catch his eye.
“You’re plenty romantic on your own,” they said softly. They smiled, pressing a kiss to the scab on his forehead, beginning to heal into a scar, the edges already fading away. “You gave me a locket, my love, and let me call you by your full name, something you don’t even let the others know.” They combed their fingers through his hair, lightly wetting the strands as they scratched his scalp. “You laugh at my bad jokes, and kiss me on the forehead and on my hands, and call me ‘darling’. You’ve risked your life for me, more than I’d like, just because you wanted to protect things that are important to me. And you hold me, like this.” They smiled at him, relishing the light blush that dusted his cheeks. “You’re the most romantic man in the world, Israel. And I love that you do all of it for me.”
Izzy swallowed thickly. “Well,” he whispered, his gaze flicking between them and the bathwater, “you’re worth it. A-and I’m going to try to do better. Not just for you,” he added firmly, knowing they would insist he didn’t have to. “For me. I…I want to tell you more often.”
Mo frowned. “Tell me what?” they asked, their fingers trailing through his thick hair, twisting a soft lock between their fingers.
“That I love you.” He hesitated, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to speak. “And t-that you’re beautiful. Not like a woman,” he added, shaking his head with a dismissive frown. “Like…the sunrise. Or a storm. The ones you love so much.” He smiled softly, looking deep into their eyes. His hands slipped up their sides, drawing them ever so slightly closer. “Just rain and thunder and lightning, but no wind. Just…beautiful.”
Mo grinned, cupping his face and smiling down at him. “I’m like a sunrise?” they asked, their voice glowing with love. “Or a storm?”
A small smile tugged at his lips, the most beautiful sight they’d ever seen. “Yeah,” he said, his low voice coming out breathless, rumbling deep from inside his chest as he looked at them, like they hung the stars in the sky. “Beautiful. Powerful.” He grinned. “Like a force of nature, something the world needs.”
They chuckled softly, resting closer to him. “There’s your poetry right there, my love.” They kissed the corner of his mouth, laughing as he quickly turned to kiss them properly, wrapping his strong arms around them to hold them still. They tilted his head, letting him pull them closer to deepen the kiss. They didn’t separate until their lungs screamed for air, reluctantly pulling away.
Mo giggled as Izzy kissed their face all over, holding them close as he chuckled.
“Izzy!” they whined, holding onto his shoulders as he kissed their jaw. “We need to finish, or the water will turn cold.”
“Let it,” he mumbled between kisses. “This is more important.” He grinned, pressing one last kiss to their lips. He held their face as they parted, content to just look at them as they smiled lovingly down at him.
“Alright,” he said after a moment, still smiling softly. “You’ve cleaned me. Now it’s your turn.” He held his arms open, beckoning them to come closer.
Mo happily did as he asked, handing him the bar of soap before nestling against his chest.
“This is nice,” they murmured as Izzy wetted their back. He hummed his agreement, his chest rumbling comfortably against their cheek. They let their hand drift through the water, enjoying feeling the swish of the current as they moved. “We should get a bathtub someday. When you’re captain of your own ship.”
Izzy’s hands faltered, stuttering to a halt as he looked down at them. “You…you think about things like that?” he asked quietly. They could hear the surprise in his voice, the thin undercurrent of insecurity.
“Things like what?”
He paused, turning the soap over in his hand before rubbing it up their back. He swallowed thickly. “The future,” he said roughly. “You…think about a future with me?”
Mo chuckled, propping their head against his shoulder to look up at him. “You didn’t know?” they asked, the corners of their lips pulled up in a small smile.
Izzy frowned. “I…I-I guess I did,” he admitted after a moment, his brow furrowed. His eyes were lowered, watching the small suds drift through their bathwater and the way the candlelight danced across the surface. “Just…didn’t let myself believe it.”
“I thought I’d made it pretty clear,” Mo said, wrapping their arms around his waist. “But I guess it doesn’t hurt to repeat it.” They grinned, leaning up to press a quick kiss to the underside of his jaw. “You’re the love of my life, Iz,” they said, the words flowing easily. “I want to stay with you for the rest of my life, no matter where we end up or what we do.” They smiled softly, running their thumb along his jaw as he looked down at them, his dark eyes wide. “Of course, I imagine a future with you, my love. As far as I’m concerned, you are my future. The rest I could make up as I go. The only thing I need is you.”
Izzy seemed stunned, his brows pinched almost painfully, uncertainty written across his face as he processed. Mo had to bite back a smile watching him think. It reminded them of when they had first confessed their love, and he had frowned, not even realizing it. They knew this was a lot for him to take in, but they were confident that they had made the right choice in telling him, knowing that they were safe in his arms.
He swallowed thickly. “This, uh…this is sounding…a lot like a-a proposal,” he stammered out after a moment, his voice low and rough as his eyes flicked between them and the bathwater.
Mo smiled softly. “There are worst things,” they said quietly, slowly running their hand up his side, pulling him ever so slightly closer.
He frowned, looking at them more intently. “I-is it one?” he asked, his voice hoarse. He met their gaze hesitantly, his eyebrows trembling with nerves.
Mo blushed, looking down as they bit their lip. “I wasn’t planning on doing this,” they said with a small smile, their voice meek. “Just so you know. I mean, I was, but…not tonight.” They laughed. “Certainly not in Stede’s bathtub, of all places.” They met his eyes, unable to fight the wide grin that fought its way onto their face as they saw the anxious hope in his eyes. “But if I’m going to do this, I’m going to do it right,” they said resolutely.
Mo cleared their throat, shifting so they sat back on their heels, gently holding Izzy’s hand between both of theirs and letting their thumb run over the spade tattooed between his thumb and index finger.
“Israel Hands,” they began, watching him adoringly, even as he looked uncertainly between them and their intertwined hands. “I love you. More than you could ever know. You’re the light of my world, and my favorite part of the day is just getting to be with you, even if we’re just sitting in silence in our cabin. I never knew I could feel this way about someone, let alone have them feel the same way about me.” They chuckled, feeling tears begin to well up in their eyes, a lump forming in their throat as their heart soared. “You take care of me, and have been there for me more than anyone else ever has. You know me better than anyone, and I think the same is true for me about you, something I treasure every day. You make me feel safe, and supported, and loved, and I know that even if everything went horrible wrong, even if Stede crashed the fucking ship, we’d be alright. As long as we’re together, I’ll be happy. Nothing in my life feels complete until I share it with you, not the good, the bad, or the mundane.” They sniffled, smiling as Izzy finally began to realize what was happening, his wide eyes softening and beginning to glisten, his breathing coming faster and less controlled. “I don’t know how much time we have on this Earth, especially with our line of work, but I know that I want to spend it with you, if you’ll have me.” They cleared their throat, blinking rapidly to dispel the tears that threatened to fall. “So, Israel, what do you say? Will you make me the happiest person in the world, and do me the greatest honor of letting me be your matelot?”
Izzy laughed, the sound bursting out of him almost uncontrollably. He grinned, nodding wildly as he pulled them closer. A few tears had slipped down his cheeks, and he sniffled, his eyes shining more brilliantly than they had ever seen.
“Of course, I’ll be your fuckin’ matelot,” he said hoarsely, holding them flush against his chest.
Mo grinned, laughing in relief. Their heart felt like it could explode as Izzy cradled their face, pulling them down to kiss them. Neither could stop chuckling as they kissed.
“I fuckin’ love you,” Izzy murmured against their lips. He pulled back, cupping their cheek, wiping away the tears that had fallen as his own ran freely. “I’m not gonna let you regret this,” he vowed quietly, his voice shaking with emotion.
Mo brushed away his tears the best they could, staring at him with nothing but love and trust. “You never could,” they said simply, smiling widely. “I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you, and I always will, Israel.”
He smiled softly, still crying as he looked up at them. “H-how long?” he asked shakily, gently cradling their head in his callused hands, his thumb running along the sensitive skin of their neck. “How long have you been thinking about this?”
They grinned. “A while,” they admitted, running their hand up his arm and leaning into the hand that cupped their cheek. They sniffled, tucking a lock of hair behind his ear. “I knew you were the one for me when I was away. I’d never missed someone like I missed you, that painful feeling even before I knew something was wrong. Like just being away from you was enough to cause me harm.” He nodded solemnly, remembering the feeling. “Once I found you, I knew I never wanted to let you go. But…it really hit me when you said you’d kill Blackbeard for me, if you had to. Just…knowing that you’d do that for me, to keep me safe.” They sniffled, their eyes watering again. “I-I’ve never meant enough to someone for them to really give something up for me. And you, you’ve always been the most loving friend and partner. I really can’t imagine my life without you, and I never want to.”
“You’ll never have to,” Izzy promised, holding their face with both hands and wiping away their tears with his thumbs. “I’m not going anywhere.” He smiled softly. “Can’t leave my matey like that, now can I?”
Mo chuckled, their voice catching in their throat. “You’d better not.” They smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I don’t know how I got lucky enough to find you.”
He shook his head. “No,” he said gently. “I’m the lucky one.” He laughed weakly, looking away. “Never thought anyone would want me, let alone marry me.” He looked up, his gaze softening as he studied them. “Never could have even dreamed of someone like you.” He grinned, chuckling breathlessly as another tear dropping from his eye to slide down his cheek. “Looks like I really have it all now.”
Mo smiled. They leaned forward, kissing him softly. “Looks like we both do.”
Izzy chuckled. He pressed a kiss to their temple as he picked up the forgotten soap, returning to washing his partner’s back. “Hold still, love,” he whispered as they shifted, nestling their head against his shoulder. “Let me finish this so we can go back to our cabin.”
They chuckled, gently squeezing him. “Ah, so now you want to go back to our cabin?” they teased. “Why the sudden rush, my love?”
“Well,” he chuckled, “we have reason to celebrate now. And I think I know just the way to do it.”
“With a long nap?” they suggested, grinning slyly as they ran their finger up his back.
Izzy grinned. “Something like that.” He turned, frowning as he looked around, peering over the edges of the bathtub. “There’s gotta be a cup or something around here,” he muttered.
Mo raised their head, glancing up at him. “Why do you need a cup?” they asked, frowning slightly.
He sighed, not ceasing his search. “Need something to pour water,” he explained. “So I can wash your hair.” He exclaimed suddenly, reaching over the edge of the tub and holding up a small silver-plated pitcher, grinning at his success. “There we go. Come on now, my love,” he said, gently turning their shoulders. “Just lean back against me.”
Mo smiled. They pushed themselves up, giving him one last lingering kiss before turning, awkwardly settling down between his legs to lean back against his chest. They had to prop their feet on the edge of the tub, dripping water onto the floor, but they didn’t care. Stede could reprimand them if he liked. It was worth it.
Izzy wasted no time in dunking the ornate pitcher under the water. He pressed a gentle kiss to the top of their head before pouring the warm water over them, guiding it with his hand to keep it from running into their eyes. He thoroughly soaked their hair before picking the bar of soap back up, starting to rub gentle circles at the roots. Mo let their eyes slip closed, sighing contently as he ran his fingers through their hair, gently massaging their scalp, careful not to miss a single spot. They rested their hands on his legs, careful not to bump against the wound on his left leg.
“Had you thought about it at all?” they asked after a while, their voice quiet as they slowly opened their eyes to look up at him. “About matelotage, I mean.”
Izzy sighed softly, gently tilting their head forward to begin rinsing their hair. “I had,” he said calmly, wiping away suds from their forehead. He began to pour water over them, guiding the water away from their face with his hand again. “Didn’t really let myself dwell on it though. Didn’t want to get my hopes up.” He paused, refilling the pitcher before continuing. “Planned to ask you someday,” he said quietly, sounding almost remorseful. “Just wasn’t brave enough to yet. Who knows when I would have been,” he added with a wry chuckle. He ran his fingers through their hair, looking for any spots he might have missed. He paused, his thumb running along their jaw as he looked down at them. “Thank you,” he whispered, leaning forward to press a slow kiss to their temple.
Mo turned slightly, looking up at him awkwardly. “For what?” they asked, frowning slightly.
Izzy smiled, letting his thumb trail absentmindedly over their cheek. “For not letting me ruin this. For getting me out of my head.”
“You could never ruin this,” they said softly. A small smile worked its way onto their face. “Things might have been a tad slower,” they admitted with a small chuckle, looking at him adoringly, “but this could never be ruined. Even if you didn’t want to be mateys, or get married, or do anything of the sort, we’d be just fine.”
Izzy hummed, gently turning their head forward again. He continued rinsing their hair. “No need to worry about that,” he said levelly, smiling to himself. “You’ve already proposed, and I’ve already accepted. It’d be rude for you to take it back now.” He grinned when his partner laughed.
“Like I’d ever let you go,” Mo said, grinning as they gave his thigh an affectionate squeeze. “You’re stuck with me, Israel.”
“Wouldn’t have it any other way, love.” He sat the pitcher on the small table beside them, careful not to knock their locket onto the floor as he nudged it to the side to make room by the wet bar of soap. “Alright, my dear, you’re all clean.” He wrapped his arms around them, pulling them closer and leaning down to press a kiss to their neck. He chuckled as they squirmed, giggling. They turned to look up at him, and caught him in a quick kiss.
Mo pushed themselves up, turning to face him again. They ran their fingers through his hair, their face only inches from his. “Let me return the favor, and then we can go celebrate.”
Izzy grinned, giving them a mischievous look. “Can’t we just go celebrate now?” he asked pleadingly, only half joking as he looked up at them with soft eyes.
Mo shook their head, letting their hands glide over his shoulders and up his neck to cup his face. “Not a chance,” they said with a smile. “Don’t you worry, though, we’ll have years together to celebrate.”
Izzy grinned, leaning forward to close the gap between them in a kiss. They eagerly kissed him back, holding the back of his neck to keep him close even as they parted.
His brow furrowed as he looked at them, the slightest of frowns pulling at his lips. “Would you hate me if I wanted to wait to tell the others?” he asked nervously, his rough voice barely above a whisper.
Mo smiled. “I could never hate you,” they promised, their thumb trailing over his short cropped beard. “That’s kinda the whole idea of us being in a matelotage,” they added, chuckling.
Izzy rolled his eyes, smiling to himself. “My matey’s fuckin’ ridiculous,” he mumbled under his breath, his soft eyes almost glowing with warmth as he looked at them.
Mo huffed a short laugh. “Future matey,” they corrected, tapping his chin. “Guess we’re just, what, fiancés now? Is there a sailor’s version of fiancé?”
He shrugged. “Fiancé is fine by me,” he said softly, smiling up at them. “I’d like to be your fiancé,” he added, his smile slowly spreading into a grin. “But not as much as I’d like to be your matey.”
They grinned, letting their hands slip down to smooth over his broad shoulders, gently squeezing his firm muscles. “That’s good. And to answer your question, of course we can wait to tell the others. As long as you need, my love,” they reassured. “Just know that I’ll be biting my tongue to keep from climbing up to the crow’s nest and shouting it to the world.”
Izzy laughed, his eyes twinkling as he looked up at them with an open-mouthed grin. “You going to let the navy know where we are, just because you’re excited to be my matey?” he teased.
Mo nodded, smiling at him as he cupped their cheek. “I’d tell the fucking king if I could,” they insisted, chuckling. “Anyone who’ll listen will have to hear about how happy I am, how lucky I am to spend my life with such a wonderful person.”
Izzy shook his head slowly, looking at them incredulously. “You’re so odd,” he said quietly, like it was the highest praise he could bestow on them, his thumb trailing over their cheek gently. “I love you so much.”
They grinned, leaning closer to press a sweet kiss to his lips. “And I love you, Israel,” they whispered, pulling back only a few inches, just enough to look into his beautiful dark eyes. “Now, let me clean your hair, and we can get back to our cabin.”
He smirked, still holding their face. “Who’s eager now?” he asked smugly.
Mo grinned. “I think both of us are,” they answered honestly.
After quite a bit of adjusting, Izzy was able to lean back against Mo, unable to wipe away his smile as they slowly poured water over his hair, careful guiding it away from his eyes. They’d be damned before they ruined their nice moment by getting dirty bathwater in their lover’s eyes.
Mo gently scrubbed the bar of soap against their fiancé’s scalp, spreading the suds evenly throughout his hair. The soap released a soft scent, the sweet lavender perfume suiting Izzy more than they would have expected. Their mind began to wander as they lathered the soap, taking their time working through his hair, knowing that he enjoyed them playing with it even more than they did.
“I wish my family could have met you,” they said quietly, carefully combing their fingers through the thick locks of greying hair, working the suds through to the end of the soft strands. “My first family, I mean,” they corrected, smiling softly as he turned to look at them over his shoulder.
Izzy’s dark eyes were soft, sighing softly as he studied them. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice coming out low and rumbly as he matched their hushed tone.
Mo smiled sadly, breathing a small sigh as they wiped away a few suds threatening to slide down his forehead. “Me too.”
He gave them a small smile. “I would have liked to have met them,” he said quietly. “Never imagined I could have in-laws. Would have been nice to have known them.” His smile grew. “Must have been alright people,” he continued. “You are their kid, after all. Must have gotten some of your qualities from them.” He caught their hand as it ran over his shoulder, bringing it up to his lips to press a gentle kiss to their knuckles.
Mo smiled. They ran their finger down his nose when he let go of their hand, their smiling growing at the amused look he gave them, unable to wipe away his own smile as he watched them with such love.
“I love you,” they said. Their fingers trailed down his face, gently holding one of his cheeks as they leaned forward to press a kiss to the other. They rested their forehead against the side of his head, sighing wistfully.
“I miss them,” Mo confessed quietly, their gaze lowered to his shoulder. “All the time. But especially now.” They laughed weakly, trying to ignore the prickling of their eyes as the all-too-familiar wave of grief began to wash over them again. “Maybe it’s silly, but I guess I always assumed that my parents would be there when I got married.” They smiled sadly, swallowing down the lump in their throat. “I was all prepared, my whole life, to deal with the normal weird family issues, like if they didn’t like my spouse, or gods forbid if I wound up with a woman and had to explain that to them.” They shrugged, their voice breaking as they continued. “Just never occurred to me that they wouldn’t be here.” They sniffled, wiping at their eyes with the back of their hand.
“Guess I just need to accept it,” they said after a moment, lifting their head and beginning to work the suds through Izzy’s hair once more. “They made their choices, and there’s nothing I can do to change it now. And it’s not like we would have seen them much anyway, not with us out here and them back at Saint Francis Cove.” They laughed weakly. “That’s assuming they’d even still talk to me at all,” they said, their bitter voice coming out quiet. “They were never fans of pirates. Expected more of me, being an educated woman and all that.” They shook their head, clearing their throat to try to force away the painful lump that threatened to catch their voice.
“What about you?” they asked softy, scratching their nails down Izzy’s scalp. “You’ve never told me much about your family.”
Izzy grunted. “Not much to say. Had a dad, mom, brother, sister.” Mo waited for him to continue, but he stayed silent.
They chuckled, slowly lathering the soap suds through his hair as he leaned back against them. “Woah, slow down there, Iz,” they drawled sarcastically. “Not sure I’m getting all of this.”
He huffed a small laugh. “Sorry, darling,” he said quietly. “It was just a long time ago.” His shoulders were still relaxed, and he showed no signs of distress, but he spoke slowly, his eyes fixed down on the bathwater.
“We don’t have to talk about them,” Mo said carefully, gently squeezing his shoulder. “Not if you don’t want to.”
Izzy nodded. “I know.” He smiled softly. “You never pry.” He sighed quietly. “My mother would have liked you,” he said after a moment, glancing over his shoulder to catch their eye.
Mo hummed, beginning to rinse the suds from his hair.
��She was a good woman,” he continued quietly. “Hardworking, always doing what she could to take care of me and my siblings. Never took a moment to rest, always thinking about what she could do to help others.”
Mo smiled. “Sounds like someone else I know.” Izzy chuckled weakly. “I would have liked to have met her,” they continued, gently massaging his scalp as they poured water over him. “She raised a good man.”
Izzy shook his head gently. “She didn’t raise me. Didn’t get the chance.” He sighed quietly, frowning down at the water, his brow furrowing. “Died when I was 9.”
Mo paused, lowering the pitcher they had just filled. They set it aside, wrapping their arms around their partner’s waist and resting their chin on his shoulder. “I am so sorry, Iz,” they whispered.
Izzy sniffled. “It’s been a long time,” he said roughly, resting his hands on theirs as they pressed against him. He tried to shake the thought out of his head. “Been decades.”
They hummed. “Doesn’t mean it stops hurting.” They turned their face, gently nuzzling his cheek. “It’s okay to miss her,” they whispered.
Izzy sniffled again, swallowing thickly as he nodded. He laughed weakly, running one hand up their arm. “I take it back. She wouldn’t have liked you, Mo. She’d have loved you.” Mo hummed softly. “All she wanted was for me to grow up, find a nice girl, and settle down.” He chuckled. “Two out of three ain’t bad,” he joked, turning to look at them over his shoulder, a small smile gracing his lips despite the pain in his eyes.
Mo smiled. “You’ve definitely grown up,” they said, cupping his cheek.
Izzy nodded, his smiling widening as he looked at them. “Ready to settle down too. Never did find a nice girl though,” he added humorously.
They laughed. “Archie’s nice,” they pointed out.
Izzy grunted, shaking his head as he scowled. “Not my type.”
Mo smirked. “Ah, and what is your type, my love?” They stroked his cheek slowly, enjoying the exasperated look he gave them.
He heaved a beleaguered sigh. “Must we do this?” They nodded, grinning. “Fine.” He took a deep breath, his brow furrowing. “For a long time, it…used to be…Edward.” He grimaced as his words came out awkwardly, watching for their reaction. He wasn’t anxious to tell them, for the first time speaking aloud what they both knew. He knew, on some level, that they were aware that Edward had been more than just his captain, that they had known since the beginning. He had been his everything, his idol and his reason for living when he had nothing else. And yet Mo had still loved him, supporting his choices to stay with Edward, even long past when most would.
Mo only nodded, urging Izzy to continue when he paused. He let out a shuddery breath, glad to have that weight off his chest once and for all. He swallowed hard before continuing.
“It was Edward,” he repeated, finding the second time easier than the first. “He was skilled, intelligent, charismatic. Plus, you’ve seen him,” he glanced at his partner, nodding at them as if to convey his point.
Mo hummed. “He is a beautiful man,” they affirmed. “Gorgeous hair. Still,” they continued, squeezing their partner, “he’s got nothing on you.”
Izzy laughed weakly. “Sure,” he said, less than convinced. He frowned, his brow furrowing. “For a long time, it was Edward,” he continued. “Longer than it should have been. I…I liked that he was dangerous. That he had that power, over everyone he met. He wasn’t afraid to kick, bite, or claw to get what he wanted. It was…invigorating.” He sighed wistfully, his face falling as he remembered. “’Course, that was before everything went to shit.” He shook his head. “He didn’t used to be like this,” he said, almost insistently, needing Mo to believe him. “When we met, he was…nice to me. Nicer than anyone’d been for a long time. Complimented me. Said we worked well together, that we’d watch each other’s backs.” He scoffed bitterly, not reacting as his partner ran a soothing hand up his arm. “Lot of good that did us.”
“But things were always different with him. He was always…erratic, running from one thing to the next. Never fuckin’ knew what to expect hour by hour, much less day to day. Fuckin’ exhausting.” He sighed heavily, seeming to sink even further down, into the warm bath water and into his lover’s arms.
“My…my feelings…for him,” he said haltingly, looking up at Mo from where his head rested back on their chest. “They were never like this. Never like you.” He reached a hand up, his pruned fingers cupping their cheek as he smiled up at them. “I know you,” he said simply, not a trace of doubt in his voice. His eyes shone, starting to water once again. “Better than I know anything. Know I can trust you, even when shit goes wrong. Even when I can’t trust anything else.” He laughed breathlessly, his beautiful soulful eyes glistening like fallen stars. “And I can’t fuckin’ wait to marry you.”
Mo could feel their heart pound, feeling like it was doing somersaults in their chest. They couldn’t help but grin, looking down at Izzy.
“Kinda kicking myself for waiting this long to propose,” they admitted. They chuckled, running the back of their finger down his cheek, relishing the feeling of his stubble. “Didn’t want to rush you,” they whispered, “especially not after the couple of months you’ve had. Wanted to wait until you got your footing, to give you time to adjust and have some peace before I threw something else your way.”
Izzy laughed. “Darling, I’d have been a hell of a lot more at peace if I’d have known you wanted to be my matey,” he drawled, his eyes sparkling as he grinned up at them.
Mo laughed. “Well, excuse me for trying to be considerate,” they retorted sarcastically, unable to bite back their grin.
Izzy only smiled up at them, his face relaxed, devoid of tension as he ran his hand over their arm, playing with their fingers under the warm water. “You’re forgiven,” he said easily, his voice lilted with humor.
They chuckled. “How kind of you,” they joked. They pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Lucky me, to have the most gracious fiancé on the sea.”
Izzy hummed, drawing their arms closer around him. “You are pretty lucky,” he said. A smile flickered across his face when Mo laughed, shushing them when they opened their mouth to make another joke. “Not just because of my forgiving nature,” he drawled, smirking at them over his shoulder. “Because you know I’ll always be here, with you.” His eyes seemed to glow with warmth as he looked up at them, dark vulnerable pits of emotion. “Never gonna let you go, darling. I’m yours, for life.”
Mo smiled softly, leaning forward to gently kiss his forehead. “You know I’m yours too, right?” They waited, their smile widening when Izzy nodded.
“’Course I do,” he said, his voice rumbling out of his chest.
They grinned, loosening their grip around his waist and picking up the pitcher once more. “Good,” they said, rinsing the last few suds out of his hair. They tousled it for good measure, checking for any soap scum that could be lurking beneath the thick layers before setting the pitcher on the table next to the tub again. “Because I’m with you forever, Iz. I belong with you, wherever we end up.” They wrapped their arms over his shoulders, pulling him back as they kissed the back of his wet hair. “My heart belongs to you, Israel,” they murmured, nuzzling against his head as he held onto their arms, his broad hands smoothing over them.
“I know,” he promised, so sincere that Mo’s heart hurt. He chuckled, turning to look up at them through his dark eyelashes. “You’ve owned mine for quite some time now.”
Mo smiled, cupping his cheek gently. “I know.” They leaned forward, kissing him softly and slowly. He didn’t try to pick up the pace this time, instead seeming content just to be held and loved. Maybe he knew then that they had been serious every time they had jokingly scolded him, telling him that there was no need to rush, that they had all the time in the world.
Izzy sighed softly when they broke apart, resting their foreheads against each other. Mo smiled softly, meeting his eyes easily.
“You’re all clean now, my love,” they whispered. “If you’d like to get out of here, we can get the celebration started.”
Izzy smiled. “I’d like that,” he said. “Gonna celebrate you for the rest of my life,” he continued, scootching forward in the bathtub to let his partner clamber to their feet. “Never gonna let you have any doubts. Not again.” He squeezed their calf when they settled on the edge of the tub, grabbing one of Stede’s fresh white towels and starting to dry themselves off.
Once they were dry enough not to drip any more water onto the floor, they stepped out of the bathtub. They helped stabilize Izzy when he gripped the edge of the tub, pushing himself up to perch on the rounded lip. Mo was quick to hand him a towel, using their own to ruffle his hair, chuckling as he grumbled softly. They helped him stay steady when he turned, careful not to let him slip back into the water or onto the wooden floor.
They were glaring down at their dirty clothes, cursing themselves for not bringing fresh ones with them, when they noticed something out of the corner of their eye. Hanging in the corner, on a small wooden peg, was a beautiful robe. It was an emerald color, dark enough to fade into the shadows of the flickering candles.
Mo breathed out a short laugh.
“Oh, that generous bastard.”
Izzy turned, wiping water away from his neck as he followed his partner’s gaze.
“Is that a robe?” he asked, his voice coming out low and gruff.
Mo chuckled. “Yeah, love, looks like it.” They turned to their partner, nudging him playfully, careful not to knock him off his balance. “Who knew you made enough of an impression on Stede for him to lend out his clothes to you!” They grinned when Izzy rolled his eyes, huffing dramatically. “You know how important his clothes are to him, Iz. He’s showing that he trusts you, you prickly jackass.”
Izzy feigned a scowl, dropping his towel down to rest on his lap. “You talk to your fiancé that way?”
They grinned, stepping closer and resting their hands on his shoulders. “When he’s being a prickly jackass, refusing to accept nice things that would help him, yes. Just wear the robe, love.” They caught his chin when he tried to look down, gently directing him to look up and meet their gaze. “It’ll spare you having to get pack into those pants, and the whole process of getting them off again. Just wear the robe, and I’ll carry your clothes. I’ll even return it to Stede for you, if you’re too proud to do it.”
Izzy frowned. “I can return it myself,” he grumbled. “Not a fucking coward.”
Mo sighed, releasing his chin and tucking a lock of his hair, wild from their own enthusiastic toweling off, behind his ear. “Never said you were. But you are stubborn, and you do have a hard time accepting nice things, even when you deserve them. But,” they added, squeezing his shoulder affectionately, “you are doing a lot better. I’m proud of you for that. That and a million other things.”
Izzy met their gaze, the corners of his lips pulled up slightly. “I’ll wear the fuckin’ robe,” he said quietly. “But you better start getting dressed. I want you back in our cabin as soon as possible.”
Mo grinned. “I bet you do,” they said, already crouching down to begin sorting through the mess of their intermixed clothes. They tossed all of Izzy’s clothes to the side, setting his discarded sock on the wooden stool within arm’s reach before they began throwing on their own clothes.
By the time they’d dressed enough to be decent, Izzy had secured his prosthetic, and was slipping his boot on over his sock. They picked up the dark green robe from where it hung on the back of the door, running the luxurious fabric through their fingers as they turned back to their fiancé, finding him already upright. He smirked as their eyes drifted over him as they held out the robe.
“You get a good enough view?” he drawled cheekily, taking it from them and sliding his arms through the sleeves of the fine garment.
Mo chuckled. “Good enough for right now,” they conceded. “Not that I don’t look forward to seeing it again.” They smirked when Izzy’s face reddened, his eyes shining brightly. Even after bathing together, the man was so easy to fluster.
Mo stepped closer, straightening the collar and smoothing the lapels of his robe as Izzy tied the belt around his waist. The whole thing was a few inches too long for him, clearly tailored for a taller man, but it shouldn’t be a tripping hazard. How embarrassed would Stede have been, to offer a robe in good nature that sent his first mate sprawling across the deck because he was too short to wear it?
“It looks good on you,” they said, their hands resting on their partner’s chest as they looked up at him. “The green in particular, it suits you. Good to see you in something other than just black and leather for once,” they teased. “Think this might actually be the first time I’ve seen you wear something colored.”
Izzy gave a short laugh, resting his hands on their hips. “Most pirates don’t bring as much to sea with them as Bonnet,” he pointed out, dipping his head to speak by their ear. He pressed a kiss to the side of their head before gently guiding them to step to the side. Mo watched as he bent over, picking up something from the table beside the bathtub.
“Don’t want to be forgettin’ this,” he said, undoing the latch of their locket’s chain as he turned to face them. “Go on now, turn around.”
They did as he asked, smiling as he lifted the dainty chain, carefully lowering it in front of them and latching it, grazing the back of their neck with his finger when he had it secured.
“There you go. Bit odd, seeing you without it, if I’m being honest.” Mo grinned, turning to face him.
“That’s because I never take it off. Can’t risk losing it.”
Izzy frowned as he looked down at them. His brow was lightly creased, not truly worried.
“What?” they asked slowly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
He sighed softly. “Nothing. Just, sorry, that Stede doesn’t have a robe for you.”
Mo shrugged. “It’s alright.” They crouched down, piling up Izzy’s discarded clothes into a bundle and tucking it all under their arm. “Not like I’ll be wearing these clothes for much longer anyway,” they added, flashing him a devious grin as they stood.
Izzy chuckled, cupping their cheek as he leaned down to meet them. “Not if I have anything to say about it,” he agreed. He closed the small gap between them, kissing them fiercely. His hand slipped to the back of their neck, pulling them closer to deepen the kiss, while his other gripped their hip. Mo clung to his robe, balling up the smooth fabric into a clump as they clutched it tightly, wanting, needing to stay as close to their lover as they could.
They were both breathless when they pulled apart, resting against each other and only slowly loosening their grips. Mo was half surprised that they were still holding the forgotten clothes. They were pulled out of their thoughts when Izzy took their hand in his own, giving them a light squeeze.
“Come on,” he said simply, making his way towards the door of the small bathroom, tugging them along with him. “Need to get you back to the cabin, now.”
Mo grinned, following him happily as he held the door open for them.
“My, my, aren’t you impatient?” they teased, adjusting their grip on his clothes as they made their way out to Stede’s quarters.
Izzy grunted his response. “Just being considerate,” he said, all but dragging them to the exit. “Don’t want the crew finding us in the hallway. We get enough from those lot without them finding us with our pants down.”
Mo laughed, quickening their pace as they walked with him. They were barely grounded enough to close the door to the captain’s quarters behind them, walking as quickly as Izzy’s limp would allow, holding to each other’s hands the whole way. They had made it through the first hallway, about to turn down a second when they ran into Stede and Edward.
The two couples paused, Stede almost stumbling into Izzy from the sudden halt before Edward reached out, gently grabbing his arm and pulling him back, steadying him on his feet.
“Oh, erm, hello there,” Stede greeted, rather awkwardly, but smiling regardless. “How was the bath, Izzy? Was it successful in loosening you up?”
Mo snorted, bringing their hand up to their face to stifle the noise as much as they could.
“Bath was fine, Captain,” Izzy said, not reacting to his partner. “It was good.” He swallowed down a lump in his throat, his gaze lowered. “Thank you,” he said, his brow furrowing and his voice coming out low. “For all that…and the robe, I suppose.”
Stede grinned widely, taking in the sight of the first mate, decked out in his own lavish clothes.
“Ah, I’m glad to see it fits.”
Edward spoke up, standing slightly behind his partner. “There were some concerns,” he said, “because of the height difference. But you, you look great mate. Very nice.” He gave Izzy two thumbs up, smiling lazily.
Izzy shuffled, suddenly unsure where to look. “I wasn’t gonna wear it,” he said quietly. “This one had to practically beg me.” He jerked his head towards Mo.
“I did not beg,” they insisted. “I asked you, love. At least choose a more convincing lie,” they teased, releasing his hand to push his damp hair out of his face. “We all know, I never have to beg you for anything.”
Stede smiled, watching the two. He never would have expected to see such casual displays of affection from the short man he once considered all anger and threats. Now, here he stood, a light pink dusting his cheeks as his partner played with his hair. The captain smiled at Mo, their gaze still fixed on their partner, delighted to see them so happy.
Slowly, his eyes narrowed as he took in the details of their appearance. Their hair was wet, still dripping onto the collar of their shirt, and they weren’t wearing their usual vest or belts, only their most basic slacks and tunic-like shirt, and their boots were unlaced. If he had been only closer, he was sure he would pick up the sweet aroma of the lavender scented soap he had left out for Izzy.
Stede’s eyes narrowed, an almost painful look on his face as he cleared his throat.
“You…you didn’t…” His words came slowly, carefully selecting each one as if diffusing a bomb, his eyes shifting between the two. “In my bathtub,” he began again, “you two didn’t…” He floundered under the confused looks the pair gave him, looking at Edward for help.
Edward sighed. “Did you guys fuck in the tub?” Stede gasped, smacking lightly at Ed’s arm. “What?” he asked innocently. “It’s what you wanted to know! I’m helping!”
“That is most decidedly not helping, Ed,” Stede insisted, looking apologetically at the other couple. His eyes grew worried again as he watched them, Mo smirking slightly even as their face turned red, while Izzy look amused, raising one eyebrow as he looked at the captain.
“You didn’t…did you?” He looked scared to know the answer.
Mo was caught off guard by a sudden burst of giggles, not helping the captain’s nerves, despite their best efforts to stifle it. It was Izzy who responded.
“No, Bonnet,” he said, sounding halfway between annoyed and amused. “You precious bathtub remains unsullied.” He frowned. “We’re not animals, y’know. We have self-restraint.”
Mo had to fight to keep their face even, resisting the grin that wanted to spread across their face, still fighting to keep from giggling.
Edward frowned. “No one’s saying you’re an animal, Iz,” he said, using his most soothing voice. “Stede’s just a bit sensitive ‘bout that stuff.” Stede made a small indignant sound, something no one acknowledged.
Izzy frowned. “Well, there’s no reason to get your knickers in a twist,” he said after a moment, his weary attention directed to the captain. “Nothing happened.”
Edward exhaled a sharp laugh, clearly not believing his old friend. He clapped his hand on Stede’s shoulder, giving him a calming, if not entirely convincing, smile.
“You heard them,” he said. “Nothing happened. Now,” he turned back to the other couple, “we’re going to be in Stede’s room, if anyone needs us. Been having to hole up in the galley this whole time, listening to Frenchie go on about the fairies that control the weather.” He rolled his eyes, sighing wearily.
Mo smiled. “Those would actually be the pixies,” they corrected. “According to Frenchie, fairies do more domestic, hands-on type stuff. Pixies help with the bigger picture.” All three men gave them an odd look, ranging from puzzlement to concern. They shrugged. “I don’t know, that’s just what he says. What can I say, he’s a goof.”
Stede sighed, and Ed continued. “Right, well pixies or otherwise, Stede looked like his head was gonna pop, so I figured it was time we take our leave.”
Mo nodded. “Probably a good call.” They took a deep breath. “Well, we should be on our way. Need to get Izzy to bed.”
Stede hummed, a sympathetic frown on his face. “Muscles still aching?” he asked softly, regarding the first mate sadly.
Izzy gave a small nod, smiling tightly. “Yeah,” he said after a moment. “Mo’s right, we really should be getting to bed.” He looked at Stede expectantly.
“Oh! Oh yes!” the captain exclaimed. He stepped to the side, guiding Edward to follow him, giving the first mate and his partner room to walk past them in the narrow hallway. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Izzy,” he said. “And if you’re still aching in the morning, just take some time to recover. Frenchie know enough to keep us on course for a day.”
Izzy scoffed, glancing over his shoulder with a small smile as he walked away. “G’night, Bonnet,” he said, once again holding Mo’s hand and pulling them down the hallway with him.
“Goodnight, guys!” they called, hurrying after Izzy, bunching his clothes under their arm. “And thanks again, Stede!”
They laughed as their captains’ whispers drew quieter behind them, quickly falling out of earshot.
“’Nothing happened’?” they asked teasingly, looking up at Izzy as they walked. “So you’re just lying to your captain now?”
Izzy frowned. “They don’t need to know our personal business. Besides, they asked if we’d shagged in there. Despite my best efforts,” he said, flashing them a grin, “we didn’t. No lies were told. I answered honestly, I just didn’t provide any extra details.”
Mo hummed. “That’s a clever way of thinking about it.”
Soon enough, they reached the door to their cabin. Mo let go of Izzy’s hand, darting ahead to open the door for him. He smiled, ducking into the familiar room and hastily lighting the lantern sitting on the desk. He barely gave Mo enough time to make sure the door latched behind them before he grabbed them, his hands balling up the fabric of their tunic as he pulled them closer, kissing them desperately. They let the clothes they carried drop to the floor, kicking them away absentmindedly as they wrapped their arms around his neck, drawing him even closer.
Their heart pounded, their mind clouded with exhilaration, when he turned, pushing them back towards their bed, his lips only ceasing their movement long enough to find a new home on their neck, nipping and kissing at the sensitive skin. They hissed, gripping his damp hair for stability, when he bit them, hard enough to leave a mark the next day.
“You dick,” they breathed out, their voice weak and shaky as he worked at them. The back of their legs hit the bed, and they stopped, holding onto him to keep from toppling over.
“Oh, shush,” Izzy mumbled, his hoarse voice rumbling against the crook of their neck. He lifted his head, grabbing their chin when they moved to kiss him, holding them back just enough to look at them, taking in their flushed expression with a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Get on the bed.” Even though his voice was soft, barely louder than a whisper, it was clear that he was ordering.
Mo scrambled to kick off their boots, eagerly taking a seat on the bed they’d shared for what seemed both like an eternity and not nearly long enough. Izzy settled next to them, moving his borrowed robe away so he could undo the fastenings of his prosthetic leg. Once he had it off, resting safely against the foot of the bed, he turned his attention back to his partner.
Izzy wasted no time in pulling them closer, gripping their hips to help them settle on his lap. He buried a hand in their hair, pulling them down to kiss them fiercely, chuckling into their mouth when they tugged at the back of his neck, needing him closer still. He pulled back, barely an inch, holding their hair tight to keep them from following him, chuckling again at the breathless whine they let out, frustrated at the separation.
“I’m yours,” he whispered against their lips, his breaths coming short and fast. “Gonna prove it to you, today and every day. I’m yours, and you’re mine.”
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