Edward Teach Died on a Beach (OFMD)

Chapter 14

Stede found he couldn't sleep in that dark room anymore. It didn't feel like it was his. The space that he'd wanted so desperately to return to was soiled by the smell of death and rum. And instead of making him feel better, it made him feel guilty.

The others had reluctantly given up the single crew room for him. He didn't sleep in it much, though. He didn't really sleep much at all.

It was going on day three of Ed being tied to the mast. He didn't really look angry anymore. He sort of just looked like he was existing. There was nothing really behind his eyes anymore.

As the sun slowly rose from the horizon ahead, Stede held a handful of Ed's hair and was attempting to untangle it. He'd been doing it so gently and so silently that Ed was still asleep.

Jim, from where they stood on the bow, kept an eye on Blackbeard. They were beginning to doubt the theory that Blackbeard was angry. He didn't really talk anymore. Hell, he didn't really do anything anymore. Jim had only seen him move once the entire night.

Jim slowly walked down the deck, eyes still locked onto Blackbeard. Stede glanced up at them.

"Can't sleep?" Jim asked finally, like they hadn't been watching Stede for the last few hours.

Stede hummed awkwardly. "Just figured I'd get an early start on the day."

Jim rolled their eyes as Stede looked back down to Blackbeard's hair. "Yeah, right," They said, picking up a matted chunk of Ed's hair. "Might as well cut it all off."

Stede frowned. "I wouldn't want to do that to him."

"You frustrate me, you know that?" Jim said. "He tried to kill you. He tried to kill me. He tried to kill most of us here. The best thing we could do right now is stab him through the heart so it's quick."

Stede didn't answer. Jim kicked Blackbeard's foot. He flinched, eyes flicking open. He struggled with the ropes for a moment before glaring at Jim and Stede.

"You see that cold, dead look in his eyes? He's been gone for a while. I don't think you're going to be able to talk to him," Jim said.

Ed reminded Stede of the jaguar. He had the same wild, calculated look in his eyes. Stede went to grab a little more hair, but Ed pulled away, glaring at him.

"Let me try something," Jim said, stepping closer.

Stede leaned backwards as Jim crouched down next to Ed. Jim pulled their arm back and slapped him right on the face. Ed didn't react. He didn't even close his eyes.

"Huh," Jim said. "I'm out of ideas."

"Maybe he just needs time," Stede said quietly.

"I think what he needs is mercy. Like Fang's dog. Send him to doggy heaven."

Stede stared at Jim for a while. "Let's just... try for a few more days."

Jim rolled their eyes, standing up. "Whatever."

Stede watched as Jim returned to their spot by the bow. Stede got onto his knees, grabbing another chunk of hair. He held onto it when Ed pulled his head away slightly. Ed pulled away again, breathing in quietly as Stede kept his grip on the hair he held. Stede began to try and untangle the hair, using his fingers to scoop a little bit of olive oil from the bowl that Lucius had given him.

Ed kept his head turned, watching him with a puzzled expression. Stede glanced over at him. Puzzled was better than the blank stare he'd had on.

"I'm combing out your hair," Stede said, his voice slightly too high-pitched.