The Star In Your Eyes

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It was quiet scratching sounds coming from amongst the barrels in the lower deck that catches Stede's attention. A blur rushes by when his footsteps creaked the floorboards. He swore he was seeing things until a small dark figure appears from the hiding spot. He yelped. The thing wasn't startled by Stede's cry, as it sat dormant and curiously glancing, a tail curling about in the air. After realising it's merely a cat, a smile blooms across his face.

"Now aren't you just precious?" he kneels down slowly, "How'd you get in here?" he reaches a hand out, cautious not to get too close nor startle the animal. The cat back peddles a little, but his gaze remains fixed on Stede's hand. The feline doesn't interact so he retracts his hand.

"Oh! Perhaps you're hungry," Stede rises on his feet, wondering if they have any food suitable for a cat. Maybe there's some fish?

"Stay right there, little guy," Stede waggles a finger at the feline, "I'll be right back."

He scurries off and re-emerges swiftly with some food in hand. The cat didn't move an inch, waiting patiently and not scared of Stede's presence at all. He scatters the variety of food on the ground. He managed to find a small trout and some pork in their food storage. Unsure which the cat might like, he brought both.

Curiosity peaks the cat's interest almost immediately at the sight of food as it approaches the choices laid in front. Stede crouches down, eyes fixed on the small creature debating its meal. He eventually dives for the fish, digging its small teeth into the skin of the trout, tearing at it and using its claws to hold the fish in place. The quiet chewing noises makes Stede audibly go 'awww'.

While the cat munches away on the food, Stede gathers the courage to pet him. He places a gentle hand overtop it's head, smoothing his palm over gently. He gives the cat a little scratch on the back of his ears. An audible purr rumbles amongst his chewing.

"We need to give you a name," Stede says with a chuckle. He ponders for a moment, analysing the black cat for any unique features that might spring an idea. There isn't much except for the awfully long whiskers that sprout across its face. Stede grins as a name swiftly pops to mind.

"Ed. Your name will be Ed."

——————

"Ed, want to see something cute?" Stede asks, approaching the man in their quarters.

Ed turns and smirks at the sight of his lover, "Already lookin' at him."

"Oh that's wonderful!" Stede answers, revealing the black cat wrapped in one of his silky robes, bundled in his arms.

Ed's eyes nearly pop out of his skull as he leaps back like a cat, "Jeezus, what the hell is that?!"

The cat hisses back just as fiercely at Ed's reaction.

"It's just a cat," Stede glances down to the small feline, cooing it gently as it growled at Ed, "I thought you think he looks cute when I asked if you wanted to see?"

"What? I meant you, not that... thing," his expression contorts to one of wariness, his whole body tense as he glares at the animal like it's the devil.

"Oh," Stede blushes slightly, "Well 'Ed' here is adorable. I found him downstairs in the lower deck behind the barrels," the cat has calmed down and snuggles into Stede's chest.

"You named it 'Ed'?"

"Yeah! Named after you. His long whiskers reminds me of your long beard. And he's so furry like you too," Stede lists off, continuing to play with the feline that purrs in satisfaction.

"That's not confusing at all," Ed mumbles, crossing his arms, "And you want to keep that thing?"

"It's not a thing. This is a living creature and he has a name," Stede responds with a stern nod.

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