Pride Got in the Way (Izzy Hands)

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It was one of those rare stops that were made for The Revenge. There was a need to stock up on food and none of you wanted to get scurvy like Swede did. It was some small port that you and Ed pointed out to Stede that was mostly neutral to pirates. Although Izzy made sure to remind you and Edward that no one had to worry about the crew of the Revenge being taken as pirates. Despite loving the man to death, his comments about the crew and captain of The Revenge made you roll your eyes. You were Stede's first mate and held loyalty to the crew, regardless of your relationship with Blackbeard's first mate. Even with his comments, he had agreed to put up with "Stede Fucking Bonnet" and the crew for Edward and for you.

It was strange how you and Izzy fell together like long lost souls. You were one of the only ones deemed competent on the Revenge, with the inclusion of Jim. He saw how you handled yourself with a sword when he rescued you and a few others from the Spanish. He saw the potential you had and got to know you, helped better your swordsmanship before you two confessed feelings.

Currently, you and the rest of the crew were putting away all the food Stede had purchased for the vessel. You were close to finishing, hoisting the last bag of potatoes over your shoulder, Wee John carried up two crates of oranges right behind you, Stede and Lucius were carrying a few loaves of bread, and everyone followed along with the remaining groceries. When you got to the hull kitchen Roach pointed you to where he wanted the potatoes and after that you went back to the deck.

You stood on deck towards the front of the ship, placing your hand on the shoulder you used to carry all the sacks. You rolled it and winced as some pain bloomed from your shoulder and shoulder blade to your spine. You cursed under your breath and dropped your hand, figuring you must of lifted something wrong and pulled a muscle.

"Are you alright?" You heard Izzy's distinct voice behind you. You felt his hands caress the spots between your shoulder and neck, his thumbs kneaded circles into the tender flesh and muscles for just a few moments before he stood by your side. He never was much a fan displaying affection in front of the crew, despite everyone already figuring out you both were a couple.

"Yeah, I think I strained my shoulder carrying food. It'll probably heal in a few days. Are we leaving after this?"

"Well, fucking Stede wants us all to go to the tavern and enjoy a night off." He scoffed.

"A night out sounds fun, it can be almost a proper date night." You smiled and watched his face visibly soften at that idea.

"Will we still go to the tavern with...everyone... or..." His voice trailed at the thought, making you chuckle.

"I would like to spend an hour with everyone before we go off on our own for privacy." He rolled his eyes and you chuckled again. "I know you think less of our crew, but maybe this time on the land in a joyous occasion will be fun."

"Let's hope, my dear." You bit your tongue and looked down at the bustling docks. You hoped he held you as an exception to his discontentment but you can't help but feel hurt by his words, as you were still a key part in Stede's crew.

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The tavern was bustling with energy and lively music. Stede had promised to buy everyone their first round of ale, but you knew everyone was probably going to dip when morning comes. The crew were causing a ruckus but everyone seemed happy. Everyone except Israel Hands, who sat next to you in the back corner brooding. Every time you tried making conversation, it always resulted in him giving you short, half-assed replies. He hadn't even touched the drink Stede had bought him. You had it at his pride against your captain, the crew, and the way things are run on The Revenge.

"Israel," The use of his actual name had him blink in shock and turn to face you. "Why are you so tense? You should be relaxed and should be enjoying the ale."

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