Edward Teach Died on a Beach (OFMD)

Chapter 16

"This is insane!" Lucius shouted, clutching his book with a deep frown.

"No, it's brilliant. This way, neither of us will have to kill each other," Stede said, his voice filled with fake cheerfulness.

Lucius put his head in his hands. Ed and Stede stood side by side. Ahead of them, the crew was arguing amongst themselves for the chance to kill Blackbeard and Stede.

"Make sure you hit us right in the brain or the heart," Stede said. "So that we don't suffer!"

Ed glanced over at Stede. Stede stared back at him. Jim and Frenchie stepped forward. Ed held out his gun. Jim reached out and took it. Frenchie held Izzy's gun. Lucius stood next to Jim and Frenchie with a frown.

"Any... any last words, I guess?" Jim asked, crossing their arms.

Stede and Ed turned to look at each other. Ed shrugged.

"Nah," Ed replied quietly.

"Nothing?" Jim snapped.

Stede glanced at him and then nodded slightly. "Guys, I'm really proud of you all. You've grown so much since we started this journey. Each and every one of you."

The crew murmured.

"Don't mourn for me. I'll be in a better place. Or, if hell is real, a much worse one!" Stede said.

Jim stared at Ed, the gun raised.

"And I hope you prosper on the Revenge without us. I wish you all a farewell," Stede said dramatically.

Frenchie shifted uncomfortably. "I don't want to do it."

Jim glanced over at him. "I know."

"Let's do it, then!" Stede said brightly.

Ed turned to Stede with a dark expression on his face. He didn't say anything. Ed swallowed deeply, staring into Stede's bright eyes. He felt his heart ache. Stede reached forward and put a hand on Ed's wrist. Ed flinched away as first, but Stede didn't let him go. Stede squeezed his wrist softly. Stede moved his hand down until he could tangle their fingers together. He turned back to Jim and Frenchie. Ed reluctantly faced them as well. Jim and Frenchie glanced at each other with matching frowns.

"Alright, now do it," Ed said.

Frenchie and Jim raised their guns.

Jim sighed. "Let's count down from ten. Starting now. Ten."

Ed ran his thumb over Stede's, causing Stede to shiver.

"Nine."

Stede squeezed his hand.

"Eight."

Stede took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"Seven."

Ed closed his eyes as well.

"Six."

Ed took in a deep breath and held it.

"Five."

Lucius turned away.

"Four."

Oluwande shielded his eyes with his hand.

"Three."

Stede felt tears brimming in his eyes.

"Two..."

Stede held his breath. He kept holding his breath. And then he stopped. Jim had stopped counting. After a few seconds, Stede hesitantly opened his eyes. Jim had lowered their gun. Frenchie glanced over and followed suit.