#stede simply doesn't have the experience and know-how - yet | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

aazel-art · 2 years

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I frequently see the popular take that Stede is completely blindsided by his romantic feelings for Ed until the kiss/Mary convo.

Although I enjoy the comedic affect of this, the reason it funny is because the idea of Stede's v romantic actions being completely subconscious is absolutely outrageous. To me, his revelation was more subtle.

I love Stede because I see in him, an older queer man who hasn't had a chance to have any past 'dalliances' and no experience recognizing the difference between like liking someone, and being in love.

Babe, I've been there. That's hard as fuck to recognize in yourself let alone accept from another person when your only exposure is ever second hand.

Coupled with Stede's self esteem struggles?

There are too many key moments where Stede is confronted by the fact to let it slide. From not contradicting Lucius' comment about the 'break up' to basically having the "We haven't had the 'past partners' talk yet" confrontation with Calico Jack.

In my opinion, Stede knew full well that he and Ed were in a romantic relationship.

Stede knows he has feelings for Ed. He knows Ed has feelings for him. He just doesn't know both of them are experiencing love.

It's okay for Stede to have his little harmless "crush" on Ed, because there's no way that it can last, right? He's repeatedly told that Ed's interest in him is incomprehensible. And Stede feels this. He thinks that eventually when Ed's bored of him, he'll move on. ( After all, he himself said he wasn't built for sitting idle- What happens when another Calico Jack pops up in their lives? There's no guarantee that he'll come back next time.)

"I'll let him set the pace. I'll take what he's willing to give and ask for nothing more- just enjoy this as long as I'm allowed to have it"

Stede fully expected Ed's interest would eventually run out and he'd be forced to let his little crush go.

Then Ed kisses him.

You know what Ed doesn't do? Explain what the heck that meant for him.

Because really, what does 'makes Ed happy' mean- what does a kiss mean? And more importantly, what does a kiss mean to the more experienced legendary Blackbeard? This is not the explicit clear declaration of love that we, the audience, know it is. Stede is simply too close to the situation to see it for what it really is.

Stede is visibly PROCESSING.

Ed asks him to run off with him.

And that's gotta be terrifying.

Cause of course it is! Throwing both their lives away on a gamble of a crush- that's insane. And how could he let Ed's legacy tumble for little old him?? Isn't this just another way that Stede is ruining him?

But Stede is remembering Mary's words, 'All we have is this one life...' So he says yeah, I think so, mmhm.

It's the most Stede's ever felt for someone before. And maybe Ed doesn't like Stede as much as Stede likes him, but he hasn't gotten bored of him yet. So yes, we have to try don't we?

Fast forward to the end of episode 10. Now we're finally here, the revelation with Mary.

You can see Stede's heart SWELL in that conversation. As my dear friend put it best: He's like a flower opening up.

And yeah, realizing you love someone is quite amazing.

But you know what's even better?

Realizing that someone loves you back.

That montage- it goes BOTH ways. Stede is not only seeing all the ways he loves Ed. He's seeing all the ways his feelings are reciprocated.

Oh. It's love. I love him.

A beat.

Oh. He loves me too.

And now he realizes what Ed was sacrificing his pirate persona for.

And heck.

Yeah, you do risk it all for love. You chase after it all for love. You gain everything for love.

End of season 1 Confident Stede isn't just because he realized he loved Ed. That's a man who knows he's loved in return.

Season 2, i'm begging you, give it to me-

Ed: i hate u, go away.

Stede: pft noooo shuddup, u love me

Ed: LIES

Stede: NUH UH, U LOVE ME, NOW GET BACK HERE AND APOLOGIZE FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY CREW.

I want them both to be in love and furious.

#our flag means death #ofmd meta #ofmd

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run-me-through-but-not-like-that · 2 years

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Omg, your last scenario with Izzy was 🔥🔥🔥 would you do something with reader being protective over izzy? maybe someone went overboard insulting him, or an old enemy tried to attack him, or anything like that. i just think izzy deserves to be protected (in a situation where, for once, he doesn't deserve to get punched lmfao) 💕💞 he deserves a knight in shining armor

(Izzy never leaves the Revenge but Calico Jack still shows up)

Defending Izzy Hands against Calico Jack:

Izzy felt a migraine coming on as soon as Calico Jack showed up, Edward greeting him like an old friend. Of course, they were old friends, but Izzy could never stand him, put up with him for Edward's sake. He was loud and boisterous but mostly arrogant and invasive, not the type of person Izzy could befriend.

For once he and Stede Bonnet could actually agree on something. Jack was an arse and they hated him. Sure, Stede's hatred came mostly from jealously and not liking the man Ed became around him, while Izzy's hatred came from past experiences with the man.

You had served on the Queen Anne before arriving on the Revenge, but not as long as some other crew members. You had only met Calico Jack once and you couldn't say you were fond of the man. He often boasted stories, 98% of which you were sure were fake or extremely exaggerated.

Currently, you were stood on the deck with the rest of the crew, listening to one of those stories. Some members of the crew like Pete or Swede were buying the tale but most of you were sceptical.

"Right, and I'm sure none of that was your imagination" Izzy rolled his eyes, he couldn't believe he hadn't left the deck yet, arms folded disapprovingly over his chest.

"Oh, relax, Iz. Not all of us are cut out for captain, huh?" Jack teased but it instantly made you frown. You didn't mind some playful insults, it was fairly common among the crew, but you knew Jack was purposely trying to get under his skin. Like always.

"And not all of us are cut out for Blackbeard's crew" Izzy retaliated with a small shrug.

"How long have you been first mate now? Shouldn't you have your own ship at this point?" Jack asked with as smirk but Izzy just rolled his eyes, clearly irritated but not rising to it, yet away. "Don't worry mate, I get it. Some of us are leaders, some of us are followers nipping at Blackbeard's heels" that got a reaction from the little crowd. It was no secret that Jack was starting to outstay his welcome but the crew loves to bother Izzy and he kept winning them over that way.

Izzy was clearly seething, the crowd oohing and awing at Jack's little dig. You, on the other hand, had completely had enough of Jack during his little visit. All he had done was disrespect Stede, drag Edward into his antics, and behave like a general bully while laughing it off like he had good intentions.

The only other time you had met him you never really spoke to him, but you thought it was about time to speak up. Izzy could be an arsehole, no doubt about that, but you respected your first mate and were willing to come to his defence.

"Yeah but you got to admit Izzy is a great first mate, right? Keeps this ship above water even with a crew that barely knows what they're doing" you spoke up. You liked the crew but they knew that they were mediocre pirates at best. "And...what happened to your crew again? Mutinied, right?" you asked with faked sincerity.

Izzy side eyed you for a moment, wondering what you were playing at. A part of him considered that you were simply showing respect for your first mate, another part of him worried you would end up playing into Jack's taunts and make things worse.

"...they're was a misunderstanding" Jack downplayed the past events, looking around at the crew to see if he was convincing them. He couldn't tell.

"Oh, of course" you agreed enthusiastically. "And the crew before that...another misunderstanding?" you cocked an eyebrow, "I mean, it's impressive Jack, honestly. You're like setting a record for how many mutinies a shit captain can experience in one year. We're at three so far this year, right?"

With an awkward laugh, Calico Jack looked around at the crew again, hoping a forced easy smile might win them back. "How would you even know that?" he asked you with a small scoff.

"I'm not one for gossip but pirates talk, especially disgruntled ones" you shrugged.

"Right, sure, yeah, and Dizzy Izzy would be able to run a ship?" Jack scoffed harshly, gesturing towards the first mate, still red with anger but his expression softening ever so slightly as he watched you.

"Honestly? Dunno if he can captain but he can fucking run a ship, that exactly what he does as Blackbeard's first mate" you reminded him bluntly. "What's the problem, Jack? You got no real stories were you sound any good so you have to make them up? You have to discredit Izzy because Blackbeard would never make you his first mate no matter how good of friends you are?" you taunted, a smug little smirk on your face.

Calico Jack frowned, his brow pinching as he approached you. You didn't back down, knowing for a fact you could take him in a duel.

Before Jack reached you, Izzy stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder. "Don't fight him" Izzy assured you. "He won't listen, he'll cry and get sympathy, he'll turn it on you because he's not a real pirate. In a swordfight, you can take him, I have no doubt, but he'll twist your words" he informed you, it sounded like he was speaking from experience. Jack must have always been this way.

You looked at Izzy for a moment. While you wanted nothing more than to run Jack through, Izzy was your superior. So, you nodded, agreeing to back down. Izzy nodded his approval before beginning to walk across the deck, leaving the scene.

"Yeah, listen to good ol' Izzy. All bark, no bite, our little Izzy the Spewer" Jack advised you, his smirk returning. The arrogant little twat.

In a flash your fist had connected with his nose. A combination of the force and the surprise sent Jack back onto his ass quickly, looking up at you with wide eyes and clutching his nose. The rest of the crew cheered, enjoying the little show more than the defence of the first mate.

"One way or another, you'll be off this ship by sundown" you warned him through gritted teeth.

Izzy turned back as soon as he heard the blow land, watching with wide eyes as you towered over Calico Jack, an honest anger on your face as you threatened him. He wasn't stunned by the act of violence, not in the slight, but because you had committed the act in his defence. Or, at least, that was how it seemed.

Once the commotion died down and you had stalked off deck, there was an awkward quiet among the crew. Them glancing between Izzy and Jack, the latter of which was now climbing to his feet with a blood nose.

Finally coming to his sense again, Izzy turned on his heel and followed after you. He began searching for you under the ship when he didn't find you in your cabin. He felt like he was searching for far too long considering the size of the ship, the crew starting to go back to their tasks.

Izzy was heading back towards the kitchen to check there once again when he finally bumped into you.

"Where were you?" Izzy questioned, no real greeting but you were used to that.

"Talking to the captains. Stede agreed, Jack has outstayed his welcome. We convinced Edward it was time for him to go" you informed him, a dedicated edge to your voice.

"...why?" Izzy's voice was quieter, less sure, as he studied you. Trying to figure you out.

"Because he's an arsehole and if he stays any longer I'll do more than break his nose" you scoffed, crossing your arms over your chest, anger returning at the mere thought of Calico Jack.

"No, I mean, why did you punch him...for me? Why did you defend me?" he asked, the same confused expression on his face.

"Because he's wrong?" you told him as if it were obvious but you could see that he was still confused. You sighed, dropping your arms back to your sides. "Izzy, you're a fucking brilliant first mate. A little too uptight sometimes, sure, but you're getting this crew into shape. On the Queen Anne you were strict but fair, never cruel for no reason" you insisted. "Plus, no one every really thinks to defend you, and I think you deserve it" you added, completely sincere.

You thought the crew deserved to pick on him a little when he was being awful to them, but Jack was another story, it felt more malicious, and you unfortunately liked Izzy too much to let him get away with it.

When Izzy didn't respond, you placed a hand against his arm and have him a small smile before walking past him.

"I don't need defending!" Izzy called after to you. You couldn't tell if he sounded offended or not.

"I know" you turned back to him, not effected by his defensive tone. "But it's nice, isn't it?" you gave him another smile before leaving.

He supposed you were right, it was strangely nice. In fact, Izzy couldn't remember the last time somebody defended him just for the sake of defending him. Sure, Edward had protected him from time to time but normally in a raid or some other sort of conflict, it wasn't just to defend him for...him, it was part of the job more than anything. You didn't have to defend him against Calico Jack, there was nothing for you to gain from it. You did it solely for him.

When it came time for Jack to leave later that day, the crew was standing on the deck to see him off. Most of them were glad to see the back of him at this point.

You were standing beside Izzy, almost as if to further make some point, glaring daggers at Jack as he climbed over the ship's railing, smirking to yourself when you saw his bloodied crooked nose.

Izzy couldn't help but stand a little taller beside you, feeling somewhat smug. Jack had been through three mutinies in the last year alone, he had nobody, loyalty from no one.

But Izzy had loyalty. He had yours. He had you.

#izzy hands x reader #izzy hands #ofmd izzy #ofmd #our flag means death

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sixstepsaway · 2 years

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Had a thought: it's actually really interesting that Izzy's plan to separate Stede and Ed almost worked! If Calico Jack hadn't spilled the beans and the English hadn't shown up at exactly the wrong time, Ed would have ended up back at Izzy's side. It suggests that Ed has been experience a lot of indecision and uncertain overall, imo. I get the sense that maybe once Ed sank into his depression and lost interest in piracy, he would occasionally become interest in novel things, trying to find something that would bring new meaning into his life. And perhaps Izzy had handled these kinds of situations before. It's telling that Ed's attempt to duel Stede is so half-hearted. He wants to explore these things, but he isn't ready yet to leave his old life. So Izzy's a kind of inertia. Every time he gets invested in something weird and goes off the rails too far, Izzy tizzies. Maybe even gets rid of what/whoever it is. (I'm imagining Izzy yeeting Ed's new tank of tropical fishies off the boat.) And maybe Ed really wanted to keep those fish, but does he want them enough to deal with Izzy crying about it? Probably not, especially with his depression. He just isn't as decisive and leaderly as he once was. Not enough to pirate, properly, not enough to escape piracy either. So I wonder if the attempt to kill Stede wasn't much of a break of pattern. Izzy has said, "I am going to destroy/murder this because you can't and we need to move on with our pirate lives," and Ed has responded with, "Okay... :/" And maybe by failing shut this behavior down, he's reinforced Izzy's idea that this is part of his job description. Like Izzy is acting more and more out of line because Ed has repeatedly fail to draw lines. "Ed isn't complaining about the fish and he hasn't talked about travelling to the other side of the world to restart his collection of rare species so I guess this was the right call."

I'm unironically imagining Ed with Captain Picard's sci-fi fishtank in his cabin with no explanation of how or why he got it and I'm losing my mind thank you for that

But yeah, I agree. I think the place that Izzy's plan fumbled was actually Jack's response to Stede, not Ed's place in any of it. Ed followed Izzy's plan flawlessly without knowing, but when Jack was trying to rile Stede up, he actually couldn't? He spent the whole of 1x08 trying to get Stede to break character as Nice, but Stede was placid and nice the entire time, even showing kindness towards him ("How about we take you somewhere you want to go and cheer you up?") despite hating the guy's guts and thinking his crew was likely justified in trying to drown him.

Jack calls him 'the big gal' and Stede just smiles it off. Jack is 50% responsible for destroying his belongings and Stede smiles that off too. Jack talks over him at breakfast, ignores everything he tries to say to chime in, and Stede just keeps smiling and trying to be a part of it. Jack gets him alone so he can try a new tack and he flips a coin when he says he and Ed had fucked in the past and asks if Stede is doing that now: Stede will be homophobic or Stede will be jealous, but either way, Stede will react! But Stede doesn't react. Stede, in fact, says that Ed's business is his business, isn't creeped out or disgusted by the idea that Ed fucks men, and says he isn't jealous at all, so it's fine (although I think his little strop after was because he was jealous, and until that point he simply wasn't enjoying what Jack was bringing to the day, and after that he felt threatened and jealous).

Jack keeps on prodding Stede, likely trying to get Stede to lash out and throw Ed off the ship, and he even kills Karl, which I truly think was deliberate, in an attempt to rile Stede, but Stede doesn't rise to the bait. Stede meets him with politeness and a placid attitude, and the only time he actually gets a reaction is Stede tells him to get off his ship, and even that is said nicely and politely, just with the firm hand of a captain who will absolutely have his crew throw you off his ship if you resist.

Jack then swaps tactics again and just has Ed leave with him, which works because Ed was already feeling insecure because Stede didn't like how he was presenting himself.

It's only once they're in the dinghy that Jack finally snaps in his frustrations because he really hates Stede and hates that he couldn't get under his skin. It's that that causes Ed to go, "Wait hold on what?" and realize it was all a trap.

And that is because Izzy didn't know Stede would be like that, because when Stede hates Izzy he calls him Iggy and is a complete bitch to him (and I love him for it honestly, it makes me laugh every time). Izzy assumed Stede would be like that to Jack too!

It suggests that Ed has been experience a lot of indecision and uncertain overall, imo. I get the sense that maybe once Ed sank into his depression and lost interest in piracy, he would occasionally become interest in novel things, trying to find something that would bring new meaning into his life.

Total agreement yeah. Half of Izzy's tension and anxiety and stress comes from the fact he's been Ed's SSRIs, adderall and bullet journal for god knows how many years, trying desperately to keep him afloat and let him indulge what he needs to indulge to not go so depressed he ends up offing himself, but also balancing that against not letting him go off the rails so hard he puts everyone in danger.

So I wonder if the attempt to kill Stede wasn't much of a break of pattern. Izzy has said, "I am going to destroy/murder this because you can't and we need to move on with our pirate lives," and Ed has responded with, "Okay... :/" And maybe by failing shut this behavior down, he's reinforced Izzy's idea that this is part of his job description. Like Izzy is acting more and more out of line because Ed has repeatedly fail to draw lines.

Yes!!! You even see it towards the end of 1x08: Izzy draws his sword to challenge Stede. Ed says, "Izzy, we're not doing this!" Izzy says, "You're not doing this. I'm doing this." and Ed...does nothing more. He doesn't step between them and say, "I said no." He doesn't say that he doesn't want Stede killed. He just stands there and stresses and angsts and gets upset, but he lets it happen!

He even lets Izzy stab Stede!!!!

He's definitely been inadvertently (or, possibly, knowing Izzy wants what's best for him, less inadvertently) reinforcing Izzy dealing with all of his problems.

#izzy hands #izzy hands meta #edward teach #edward teach meta #ofmd #ofmd meta #anonymous #ask #stede bonnet #stede bonnet meta

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