Great Inagua, September 30th, 1720
Mary woke that morning to the scent of cooking meat wafting into her room. She blinks, her vision hazy with sleep, the room is bright, What time is it? Glancing around the room she realizes she's alone, save for Sophia mumbling in her cradle. She rolls out of bed, wiping the sleep from her eyes and picks up her hungry child. Another whiff of the delicious food and Mary's own stomach growls, she secures Sophia to her chest with her scarf and decides to find out what's cooking.
She passes Anne in the hallway, rocking her small babe gently. "Good morning Mary." She says, fatigue heavy in her voice. Mary frowns, eyeing the sickly child, "How is he?" Anne stops her rocking and pulls him from her chest. He lets out a miserable cough, Anne brushes his hair from his forehead, "Not well, he didn't sleep much last night."
"Annie you need rest, hand him over, I'll watch him." Anne bites her lip, Mary has never seen her young friend so empty before. "I'm scared, Mary, what if he needs me?" Mary pats her on the shoulder, "I'll wake you if there's a problem." She nods but eventually hands him over. She stops just before leaving the room and gives Mary a weak smile. "Thanks Mary, you're a good friend."
She staggers from the room and glances down at the small boy in her arms, so small and pale. Her stomach growls again, reminding her why she came out here in the first place. She hurries to the kitchen, Edward is working over the stove, his flames growing a bit too high for her comfort, she smirks. formidable, menacing, spine-chilling and terrifying are just a few things she's hear him being described as, but to her he was nothing more than a pillock. A warmhearted, attentive, bi-lug of a pillock. "What's the special occasion?"
He jumps, nearly throwing his skillet in the process. "Jaysus Mary!" He slams the pan down, forcing embers up into the air. He turns to face her, still trying to catch his breath, "Did you have to sneak up on me?" Her smirks widens and she meets him with 3 large strides. "I didn't mean to, do you need a little more training, Captain?" She says with a sneer, he rolls his eyes and turns back towards his now burning breakfast. "Where's Anne?"
She sits down at the table, placing Jacob safely in her lap. "Sleeping." Edward nods and Mary checks on little Sophia. She's finished eating so Mary toss her scarf away and pulls her shirt shut. Edward places a plate of food in front of her and Mary's stomach growls painfully this time. She quickly picks up her fork, shoveling the meat she's been smelling all morning into her mouth. Edward pulls Sophia from Mary's arms and takes a seat next to her.
Jacob writhes in her lap so she scoops him up and pats his little back. "Edward he's getting worse." He sighs picking up his fork, he rolls his food around on the plate, "I know, Thatch is in my office planning the quickest route to Charles-Towne." Jacob clutches to the front of Mary's shirt and she frowns, "America? That'd take nearly two weeks!" Edward shakes his head and offers a scoops of eggs to Sophia. Mary quickly knocks his arm away with a furrowed brow, "She's too young Edward, what the hell are ya doing?"
He shrugs and takes a bite instead, Mary takes a sip of her tea and Jacob begins to whimper, he bites at her shirt and she sighs, "I don't know if he'll hold out for two weeks." She glances up at Edward, he's focused intently on Sophia so hopefully he won't notice. She pulls her shirt open just enough so that she isn't exposed and offers her other breast to him. He wails loudly after an unsuccessful attempt to eat.
"Was Sophia having that kind of trouble?" Mary's eyes flick up to his gaze, she shifts uncomfortably and turns just enough that she feels covered. "Not to this extent." Edward turns away and she leans back, knowing that at the rate he's eating she should make herself comfortable.
She watches Jacob eat, but then she hears a booming voice and quickly scrambles to cover herself. Shite where's my scarf? She sees it but it's just out of reach and Thatch is already in the room. She slaps a hand to her forehead, Idiot, your an idiot Mary. Thatch waves a map in Edward's direction, "I found it!" Edward rips it from his hands and Mary is relieved that Thatch hasn't noticed her yet.
She reaches for her scarf with her foot, Got it! Her eyes light up and she swings her foot back, Jacob falls slightly and start screeching. Thatch turns towards the unexpected noise and his eyes widen. She groans and turns away, Men and breasts I swear! He slaps his palms to his eyed and apologizes profusely, "I'm sorry Kidd, didn't mean to stare! I'm leaving!"
She bends down, retrieving the scarf and tosses it over her shoulder, "Don't worry about it Thatch, you can look now I'm decent." He peeks through his fingers checking to see if she was indeed telling the truth. She laughs and readjusts herself. "And why do you keep calling me Kidd?" He shrugs, "Can't help it, I've been calling ye Kidd for years." Mary crosses her legs and leans back, pulling Jacob up more comfortably. "Well go on, he ain't getting and better waiting around."
Thatch nods, hurrying to ready the Jackdaw no doubt. Edward hands Sophia back to Mary and places a feather light kiss to her cheek. He pulls away with a smile but when he turns to leave Mary pulls him back down, connecting their lips in a fiery kiss. To them it felt like ages but in reality they'd left almost as quick as they met. Edward gives her a cheeky smile and she give him a smirk, "Come back in less than a week and there's more where that came from." His eyes flash and he's gone without a reply, Men. She think to herself as she finishes the last bit of her tea, Always thinking with their cock.
Great Inagua, October 8th, 1720
Mary decided a walk would be best for them and the babies. Sophia began coughing a few nights ago and Mary was anxious for Edward's return. Jacob lets a particularly wet cough out as they pass by the whore house. A ginger haired dancer gives them a look. Mary bites her lip, sick of the judgmental townsfolk. The woman jogs over and Mary prepares the speech she's about to give this woman. "I think your children are sick."
Mary rolls her eyes, Of course they're sick! She opens her mouth but the woman continues, "Follow me, my mother can help you." Mary shrugs, what's the worse that can happen? Her and Anne follow the woman to a small shack, looking more like a shed than a home. She pulls the door open and is greeted by a boy no older than four. He slams into his mother and grips tightly to her legs, "Mama you're home!" She kneels down in front of him and speaks softly, "Where's Nan?"
Her son looks behind her and points to the two women, "Babies!" He jumps up and down excitedly so the woman has to calm him, "Yes Daniel, but they're sick, I need you to find Nan so she can help them feel better." Daniel watches the woman curiously but eventually nods, skipping off to find his grandmother. She apologizes to them, "I'm sorry, he gets excited around new people." Mary shakes her head, "Nothing to apologize for, he's very enthusiastic." The woman smiles and guides them towards the couch, "Perhaps too enthusiastic, I'm Sarah by the way."
"Mary Read and this is Anne Bonny." Mary pokes her thumb at her friend and Sarah gasps, "You're the two that live with Edward Kenway." Mary raises a brow, "How do you know him?" Mary chews her lips when Sarah's face flushes, the boy had sandy blonde hair like Edward. Was he his child? How many like Sophia are there? The woman chuckles and Mary's pulled from her thoughts.
"How could I not know him? He saved our poor town, put funds in where no one else would." Mary sighs, now is not the time to ask about Daniel's lineage. As if on cue the boy enters the room, dragging his grandmother by the finger. "Daniel what is your hurry?" Her words die on her mouth when she sees the two women, Jacob lets out a horrible sounding cough and the woman practically runs to their side.
"Oh dear, Sarah go get me a pot of boiling water." She puts a hand on Jacob's forehead and sighs, "He doesn't have a fever, that's a good sign." She rummages through a few cabinets, pulling out an assortment of spices and liquids. Sarah lights the tinderbox and explains, "Mother, these are the women who live with Edward Kenway."
The nan smiles, stirring the spices into the water, "It's nice to finally meet you, I heard that there were a couple of babies born recently. How are you related to Mister Kenway?" Mary was surprised to hear him addressed in that manor. She clears her throat awkwardly, "Well, it's sort of a long story." The woman stirs the water some more, "That alright, we've got a while before the medicine will be ready."
Mary grins at the word medicine, "Well we met in the Navy. He was a piss poor excuse of a sailor, couldn't even tie a proper clove hitch!" Nan grins and pats her daughter's cheek, "See, now why don't you become a sailor?" She shakes her head, "I can't learn something like that, It's too late. I only have experience as a dancer." Mary frowns, "It's never too late for change." She points to Anne, "Annie here was a barmaid for God knows how long, then one day she became a privateer!"
Sarah shrugs and the room grew quiet, Mary looks down at Sophia and pats her back gently, "Edward and I started off as mates on the Emperor. He clearly didn't have any experience on a ship prior to this one so I stayed my distance, sure he wouldn't be around after his first battle. But that first battle came and went an he was still hanging around like a tick on a dog."
Anne giggles and Mary smiles, mostly to herself. She really couldn't stand him back then. "A few months later our ship was attacked by Pirates and we became crew members of the Sea Dog's Bite. I watched him grow from a fumbling lad to an experienced swordsman. He hoped to another brig few months later and I thought that was the end of it." Mary sighs and the they look up, "I ran into him again but this time he was in a different uniform."
She pauses, the two women watch as she chews at her lip. "Have you two seen the men and women on the island that dress in that same uniform?" They nod and she continues, "We fight for freedom against this group that call themselves Templars. This war has been going on for ages..." Mary trails off unsure of her next words.
"You say men AND women?" Mary nods and Mary grins, "Aye, not all our jobs involve," she remembers young Daniel in his mother's arms so she censors herself. "We can find you a job outside of the field." Sarah nods, "I turns out that Edward had sold the Governor of Havana a map to our encampments all around the Caribbean, all so that he could be a few more reales richer." She clenches her fist to her sides, still pissed at his carelessness.
"I have no idea what drew me to him, he was an insensitive jerk whose only care was for gold. But eventually we grew closer, close enough that I revealed my true identity." Sophia begins to stir so Mary hoists her up and pats her back. "We had a bit too much rum one night and then nine months later I had her." The women gasp, "That's his child?" They lean closer and Nan laughs, "I can see it, she looks just like him!"
Mary leans back and Nan turns to Anne, asking, "I'd like to know who a barmaid became a privateer." Anne laughs, "My tale isn't nearly as interesting as Mary's. She came to Nassau, convincing me to join her crew. I had no idea she was a woman but once she revealed herself, I knew she was pregnant. Mary, do you remember that nasty concoction you made up?" Mary laughs, "Aye, I was about three months into my pregnancy at that time. I ate the strangest things."
"Pregnancy will do that to you. Anne, can I see your boy for a second?" She hands him off and nan looks him over. "How old is he?" Anne sighs, "He'll be a month old in two days, I know he's small." Nan shakes her head, "He's the size Daniel was about that age, this really isn't much to worry about, just a cold. This will clear him up in a few days." Anne falls back into the couch, hand over her chest as a huge weight is lifted away.
She hands the baby back to his mother and rummages around in the kitchen again, pulling out a couple of glass jars. Nan pours the liquid inside then hands them off, " If you need anything else or ever have any questions don't be strangers!" They thank their new friends and Mary whispers to Sarah, "If you want to get out of that life style, come find me. We'll set you up with a career." She nods and the women bid farewell, leaving in much higher spirits.
Great Inagua, October 10th, 1720
Edward bursts through the door of his manor, glass vial in hand he shouts, "I have the medicine!" He stops suddenly, almost tripping over the rug in the process. He grins when he sees Anne's happy pink baby, "He looks much better, what happened?" Anne points to Sarah, "Sarah saved their lives." His eyes widen and he hurries over, "Their? Is Sophia sick?"
She reaches out to him with her bright blue eyes, Mary hands her over and stands, "She's fine now, if you were listening you'd know." She flicks him in the forehead and gestures towards the office. "Mentor will be here soon if you want to wait in there." Sarah grins and Anne leads her away.
They shut the door leaving Edward and Mary alone in the living room. He glances around then hooks his arm around Mary's waist, "I'd like to claim my prize now." He wiggles his eyebrows at her in an attempt at seduction but she just laughs, "I think our agreement was less than a week." He smirks, "Well then I at least want a kiss." She rolls her eyes but leans forward and he pulls her into a chaste kiss.
At least it was chaste until she felt him outlining her lips with his tongue. She wraps her arms around his neck but denies him access with a smirk. He lowers his hand and gropes her arse cheek, she gasps and he takes the opportunity to slip his tongue inside. She groans, into his mouth, feeling warmth trickling down into her belly. His hand finds itself in between them and she gasps.
They hear a throat being cleared and they quickly depart, "Should I come back?" Mary shakes her head and hurries into his office. Edward tugs at his waistband and turns to face the intruder, "We were simply discussing ways to bring in more revenue." Thatch quirks a brow and laughs, "Sure that was all business. " He bends down and makes a face at Sophia, "Yer parents think they are clever, but in reality they are numskulls."
Edward pouts, "Hey don't tell her that, she's still young and impressionable, she might believe you." Thatch belts out into hearty laughter and the two men head to unload the Jackdaw. They walk through the town making light conversation, Sophia curls to her father's chest the warm breeze putting her fast to sleep. Thatch eyes the sleeping infant and grins, "I still can't believe yer a father man and to James Kidd! I can't believe he's a woman!"
Edward laughs, "I felt the same way when I found out." Thatch pushes him gently, careful of the sleeping babe, "And I thought you were some loose lipped fool, how in God's name did ye keep a secret like that?" Edward's face paled at the memory, "To make it simple she threatened to cut off my manhood." Both of the men shudder then Thatch sighs, "She sure is a scary lass, good luck with that one Kenway."
They finally make it to the Jackdaw and Thatch grabs Sophia from Edward's hands, "I'll watch her while you find a dry place to store those medicines." Edward's mouth drops open in protest but huffs angrily when he sees his daughter contentedly curling into his dark beard. "You're lucky she's taken a liking of you Thatch."
Once the Jackdaw was emptied the two men found their way in front of the manor, Sophia woke from her nap so Edward decided to play with her. He held her up in the air above his head, rocking her left and right. She attempted to hold her head up to look at her father, but it was just too heavy. He was smiling and making silly faces when suddenly Thatch said, "Kenway I think that's enough, don't shake her too much or-" Edward turned his head to snap at his friend and defend himself.
All was quiet for a moment, the sound of the wind died in his ears, the birds in the distance disappeared, the only noise that could be heard was Blackbeard's laughter. Edward watches as he slaps his knee in 3/4 time. He wiped at tears forming in his eyes and suddenly Edward regained all his senses at once. The birds came in louder, the wind whipped viciously at his hair and he looked up at his daughter in horror.
He hops up from his chair, knocking it to the ground. He holds Sophia in one arm and wipes desperately at his face with the other. He spits on the ground screeching, "It's in my mouth!" Thatch only laughs louder, his face turning red from lack of air. Edward holds her at arms length, she looks up at him with her bright blue eyes and wails loudly. She coughs, her lungs sore and tired, she completely cover Edward and herself in smelly white, and a bit chunky, baby vomit.
Edward gags and runs quickly into the house, bursting through the door of the office. The occupants of the room all turn towards the intruder, Mary and Ah Tabai with weapons drawn. Mary is the first to lower her weapon and scold Edward for scaring the daylights out of her. Her words die at her lips when she sees the white foam covering his body, he shuffles, almost painfully, towards Mary. Sophia crying at arms length. She kicks furiously, obviously upset with the position she was being held at.
She clicks her tongue angrily and rips the baby from his hands, cradling her to her chest, "Don't hold her like that and maybe she won't puke on you!" Edward gasps, "I was holding her normally I don't know what you're talking about Mary." She rolls her eyes and gestures to the window, "Edward, there's a window right there, I saw what you were doing the whole time." Edward's brows raise, he'd been caught in the middle of his lie, how embarrassing.
Mary brushes past him and attempts to comfort her crying babe, she stops just before leaving the room, "Come on Edward, let's get you cleaned up." Edward rushes out of the room, shutting the door behind him he hears Anne giggling to herself. "Mary wait!" Edward calls after her and jogs in order to catch up with her. Shd places Sophia on the bed and directs her attention to Edward, "Wait here, I will be right back."
Edward purses his lips and glances down at his daughter, "I bet you thought that was funny." He pokes her tiny stomach with his large finger and she grasps on tightly. He sighs, "How could I be mad at you, you're just too darn cute." Mary lifts his chin and he gazes into her amused eyes. She blots his face with the damp rag, "Did you learn your lesson mate?" He crosses his arms, refusing to admit he was wrong. She wipes the spit up from his chest then gently pats his cheeks. "You're all clean now." She bends down and places a soft kiss to his lips, then turns her attention to her daughter.
Edward watches amazed at how gentle and caring Mary has become, she is more than natural when it comes to taking care of their child. Sophia fights back sleep and lets out a large yawn. Mary smiles, unaware of Edward's staring. She places Sophia in her cradle and watching as she loses her battle with sleep. He wraps his arms around her waist, her stomach soft to his touch. She sighs, leaning into his touch, "What's wrong Mary?" She shakes her head, remaining silent.
He places a soft kiss to her cheek and trails down her neck, stops where her neck joins her shoulder. He nibbles at the sensitive skin but this time she pulls his arms from around her waist. She places them gently to his side and squeezes his hands softly, "I'm sorry Edward, I'm just not ready." She gives him a hug and leaves the room before he even has a chance to reply.
Mary hurries back to the office, sighing in relief when no one was there. She jogs over to the large oak desk and landing on her knees, she begins crying softly. She stuffs herself under the desk when she hears someone walk into the room. "Mary? Are you in here?" She bites her lip, her body makes an involuntary squeak.
Anne dives under the desk, pulling Mary into a hug. She tries to push away but Anne only holds her tighter, running a hand through her hair. "Shh Mary, it's alright." Mary buries her face into Anne's neck. "Anne I'm a horrible person." Anne rubs her back gently, "That's not true, why would you say something like that?" Mary bites her lip, "I can't handle his touching."
Anne furrows her brows and pulls Mary away from her, "Has he tried to force you into anything? That pig!" She stands and clenches her fist tightly but Mary pulls her back down. "No Anne, it's not like that." Anne's eyes soften and she pulls Mary closely against her, "It'll be alright Mary, I'm sure he understands."
Great Inagua, October 24th, 1720
Mary slowly began hiding herself from Edward again, shutting out everyone around her. She was so disappointed in herself, anytime he came in the same room she found some excuse to leave. She even began sharing a room with Anne. She just felt dirty being around him, he hadn't even done anything! Today Mary was going to change, today was the day she was going to let herself go.
She stalks down the dark hallway and sneaks into the bedroom, shutting the door behind her quietly. She stands at the doorway watching the steady rise and fall of Edward's chest, she pulls her shirt down in an attempt to cover her bare bottom. Her knees shaking where she stands, This is it Mary, you'll feel better afterwards. You'll be normal again. She tries to encourage herself to move but she can't, her feet were as heavy as lead.
Edward shifts in the bed and she holds her breath. He throws an arm out and mumbles, "Mary," under his breath. Her heart begins to race, This was a bad idea, I need to leave. She turns to leave but fumbles sloppily with the locked door and she hears her name coming from the bed. She spins around, plastering herself against the door, hands behind her back gripping onto the door handle with white knuckles.
Edward sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, "Mary, what in God's name are you doing? What time is it?" Mary remains frozen against the door and he scoots to the edge of the bed. Mary is there before he can stand, pinning him to the bed, straddling his hips. "Mary, what the hell-"
She slams her mouth into his, attempting to coax him into a kiss. His lips remain shut tightly and she pulls away, she begins to trail kisses down his neck. He groans and pushes her away, she moves to nipping gently at his chest. She feels his manhood hardening and her heart races, Stop Mary, you're going to regret this, but she continues. "Mary." She licks at one of his nipples and she slides her hand down his chest, heading down.
He grabs onto her wrist before it reaches its destination, her heart pounds so hard she swears he can hear it. "God damn it! Stop!" Her eyes widen and she moves to get up, he holds her in place. Tears begin to surface in her eyes and she struggles against him. He holds on tightly and she feels trapped, she punches him hard in the gut with her free hand and he lets her fall to the floor with a loud thud. She scrambles away from him. He stands and she hides behind her hands, "Stay away from me!"
Edward sighs and sits back down, "Jaysus, what is going on in that head of yours?" He rubs his eyes furiously, trying to make sure this was real and not just a dream. Mary begins to wail, Edward just watches, "What do you want me to do Mary?" She brings her legs up to her chest and holds on tightly, he sighs and stumbles to her side. He wraps the blanket around her shoulders protectively and he holds her.
The sun begins to rise, casting a soft pink glow across the room. Mary stopped crying hours ago but the two continue to sit quietly together, Edward holds her and she sits stiffly underneath. He had never seen her so broken before, she was just a shell of the woman she was before. He sits in front of her, but she stares catatonic into space focusing on nothing in particular.
He grabs onto her hands, giving them a gentle squeeze, her eyes flick down to their joined hands. Edward brings one up to his mouth and places a soft kiss to the palm. She watches him with her puffy red eyes and he starts, "Mary, I want you to know you are not alone. You don't have to go through this by yourself. I am here for you, don't shut me out. Please." She sits quietly and Edward places a hand to her cheek, she leans her against it and her lip quivers.
A tear rolls down his cheek and he is quick to wipe it away, staying strong for his Mary. She places a hand to his chest and looks down, croaking, "I thought that if we fucked then maybe I would feel better." He runs a hand through her hair and his breath hitches in his throat. Is that all she thinks I want? "Mary, when you are ready we will make love, there will be no fucking." She glances up at him with a broken smile, "Edward."
She lets out a shaky breath, "Thank you." And tucks her face into his chest closing her eyes, overcome by emotional and physical fatigue. And only when her breathing evens out he dares to hoist her up. He sets her down gently on the bed, tucking her in under the large blanket. He turns to leave the room but she pull him back down.
She brushes her lips against his neck and begs, "Edward, please stay with me." He looks down into her hopeful brown eyes and he flicks his blue ones over to the cradle. "She'll be awake soon, and you need your rest." Mary's lip begins to quiver and Edward sighs, he crawls into bed next to her and pulls her tightly, protectively, against his chest. She falls asleep quickly but can't help but worry.
Sorry for the cringy, cheesy ending of this chapter... but look! Finally a little bit of romance! Thanks for reading everyone!