Things Never Left Unsaid

Chapter 6

As soon as Yondu said those words, he knew he couldn't take it back and not for the first time wondered if his son was on the ship manipulating all of this, as Kraglin already pissed, reacted with pure fury.

However, Stakar was determined to get the last word, the magnifications of how he had screwed up, was playing in his mind and he found himself agreeing to watch over the four-year-old, with no idea where that had come from. Stakar and Aleta just wanted to get off the Elector and shortly after that for Yondu and Kraglin to sort themselves out and receive their Ravagers.

All the rest of Yondu's crew just looked at each other in disbelief, sure they were criminals, but criminals devoted to a little boy, and they had no idea where this was heading but felt unsettled at the thought of Peter not on the Elector, something that Kraglin voiced aloud after he began to walk the decks just arguing with his husband,

"What the hell are you playing at Yondu, give Peter to those bastards, what for a few days, what some idea of babysitting, what the hell are you thinking?"

Yondu, slowed down to let his mate catch up with him "It's the best solution, Proctom's position will have to be adjusted, I need to make changes, and Stakar things were shitty parents, then he can see for himself how it is".

Kraglin gripped Yondu by the wrists and turned to face his mate, "Peter has never been away from home before, and we've never left him with strangers…you're asking me to leave our baby, for a few days, and what…you expect me to take it?"

Yondu just exhaled expecting this. "The Ogord's are not strangers, only to Peter".

"And what then, what do you think could happen? They could keep him for god sake, pass him off to someone else in the Clans…do you know the risks you're taking with him".

"I've thought of everything Kraglin, this is the right things to do, look I know what you think of them, I do, but they won't hurt Peter". Kraglin just turned and gripped a metal part of the railing and just sighed.

"You miss them, don't you? You regret how it turned out, what happened…are you still loyal to him?". Asked Kraglin staring in the distance and in response, Yondu went over to the railing and just leaned against it, so he was eye to eye with Kraglin.

"Ogord saved my life Kraglin, I was made a member of this Clan, as were you, for that…I'll always be a part of it, but if you ask me again, if I would make the same decision, I would again.

I was loyal to him, but now it's to you, to our family, and I know how you feel, Iztel was right, they broke all out hearts. But I have missed him, missed the Clans, and you know that. But I would choose you over any of them".

Even though they were in public Kraglin just kissed his mate tenderly at this imminence to him, then signed softly. "How are we going to explain this to Peter?" and in response, Yondu just looked away. "It's not just Peter."

"This is the stupidest idea, you've ever told me Yondu, what the hell were you thinking", Iztel said tearing through the ship, though his sight was limited he knew the Elector like the back of his hand and didn't even slow down, as he traversed the decks.

Kraglin had cornered Iztel after he had finally settled Proctom, who was still nursing off a massive headache but thankfully hadn't had another seizure. "Look, it's the best decision, you'll take Proctom's place, I can't risk him in the field, like that.

What if he has a fit, you'll have to break cover and how can you going to explain that…besides, when was the last time you were in the field, bet you've missed that?"

Iztel had now reached the kitchen, which by this point had no Ravagers, but they had put everything they had used in the dishwasher, having come to the conclusion that Iztel would kill them all if they made a mess, based on his earlier actions, where Iztel grabbed himself a beer.

"Well I thought the plan was to dump the Elector on the nebula, leave me with Peter for a few days, and I had fun things planned by the way, and then come back later".

"Yes, we get that, but now the plans changed, Peter's going to go to Stakar and the rest…we think it will be good for him".

"Yeah like you came to that conclusion easily, I know how you think Kraglin, the Ogord's know dick about children, how the hell are they going to cope with Peter, thanks to Stakar Proctom's just had a fit for god's sake?"

"Well fucked if I know, but he'll learn", Yondu said smoothly crossing his arms, as Iztel drained his bottle and just signed.

"Fine, Yondu I want it to be known that I disagree with and I want Stakar's cook over here right now. If we're losing Peter, for a few days, then no way in hell is he going to starve".

"Easily done, and bedsides you've been out of the field for ages, at least you can be useful while not being a hard bastard, even though I now having a blind guy as my eyes on the ground, there must be a word for that?"

Iztel knew the word, but kept it to himself, as later on Stakar's cook came over, someone he hadn't known back then so there was no stupid introductions or catching up. He was a Xandarian called, Actveia, who had a similar build to Proctom but was about a decade older, who wasn't battle-hardened and just a cook, which at least was something, as Iztel, begin shoving food into boxes, and telling Actveia what to take out of the pantry.

"Right, I've downloaded all my recipes for you, what Peter eats is in bold letters, he likes porridge for breakfast most days with jam on top, do not forget the jam".

Iztel began to pile more jars in, it was only for four days, but he had made this jam with Peter and knew how good it was. "You'll need some more, he likes sweet things, not too much sugar, and his lesson plan in the box too, I'm assuming that you'll be taking over his education for a few days?"

Actveia, just blinked, this was something his Captain hadn't discussed, and since he was only serving Ravagers was stunned by all the fresh fruits and vegetables in the Electors pantry, but this "It hasn't been discussed".

"Really, well Peter eats here and has his lessons here, it's a comfortable spot for him, and he's out of harm's way, I'm his tutor, he may think you are, so that has to be discussed, I'm not having my boy stupid after a few days with you. Stick to my recipes; they'll be familiar to him.

Try to make his lessons fun, and for the love of God, do not lose Fang, if you lose Fang, there will be hell to pay, just take care of that boy, and he liked to help out with the cooking, but make sure he doesn't go near sharp knives or anything hot".

Iztel paused for a moment since he was talking Chef to Chef, and didn't want to sound like a hard bastard "Look, just take care of him, I've been taking care of him since the day he arrived, Peter's a good boy, he can be a little shit at times, but he's a good kid, so take care of him."

Actveia agreed to this and made his way back to his Galleon thinking over the toys in the boxes, the fresh food and information about the boy. Had heard about the child, but to be honest, he wasn't expecting this, even though he had no idea who or what the hell Fang was, but his job was to take care of Peter, then so be it.

That night, as Peter assisted Iztel with the cooking, Iztel couldn't help be a bit more attentive, especially since Proctom was still sleeping off a headache, and to be honest, was blaming himself for the change in plans. However, Iztel had explained more than once that it was no one's fault and these things just happened.

However, Proctom, after Iztel, explained to him the change seemed relieved. At least he was going to be with his crew, instead of others, though he never said that to Iztel.

Peter, however, just knew something was going on, and even in his four-year-old mind wasn't surprised, when Iztel sat the boy on a stool and explained it to him.

"Ok Peter, your dad's have decided I'm good to go back in the field for a while, so I have a mission, an extraordinary mission and I have to go away for a few days".

Peter was initially confused by this and replied in an almost pitiful voice. "But who's going to take care of me, and cook me dinner?". Peter's green eyes were so bright it was hard for Iztel to explain since he wasn't Peter's parents, just an awesome uncle type, but he tried as best as he could.

"Well, I have a mission, but someone is going to take care of you. But you have to be a good boy, and it's like a little mission of your own, can you do that. And be a good boy?"

Peter just nodded, trying to understand, as Iztel kissed Peter on the forehead, and watched in go into Kraglin's waiting arms. Iztel's eyes were terrible he still recognised the body language and knew the shuttle would be coming for him soon.

In the end, with his kitchen, and his domain for so many years now handed over to Proctom, having said goodbye to the lad earlier, Iztel made his way to the hanger, and the shuttle was there in minutes.

He didn't need to be briefed by Yondu, Iztel had been out of the field for ages, but he knew exactly what to do. As the sensors dropped, and gained him entry, to the opulent cruiser, and heard a familiar Xandarian voice say to him brightly.

"Hello Iztel, shall we get started."

Yondu watched from the Bridge as the cruiser took off, even though everything was sorted, it was easier for contact to be minimal, and everyone was the better for it.

However, everyone didn't give Yondu any shit when he left Horuz and Yarovesky yin charge of the Elector and the admittance to the awaiting Ravagers. True he was Captain, and Captain's courtesy indicated that, but tonight he was a father first.

In his quarters his family were waiting, there Yondu played on the carpet with his son instructing his adventure. At the same time, Peter just laughed at how funny his daddy was with him, while Kraglin and Yondu then too Peter into the shower, and together they washed their son, of course, Peter squirmed and laughed as the water run over all of them, as Kraglin just held his son tight.

It had already been decided that Peter would crush in their bed that night, as the Udonta parents changed Peter into his softest pyjamas, and both took turns reading him two stories, while their son settled on the pillow, his precious Fang next to him.

In the end, Kraglin, just cuddled next to Peter staring at him intently, the same way when he was new on the Galleon and coming to terms, he was a parent. Peter, just looked so content and happy, even in his dreams loving the extra attention.

"I know Stakar won't hurt him, I know that not his crews' style, but this is my baby Yondu, I've never been apart from him, and you know that".

More exact words had never been spoken, but all Yondu could say was "Maybe this is the best time for it", though slightly concerned that he was just talking bollocks.

Kraglin wasn't convinced, however, but the First Mate of the Elector was just exhausted, and just fell asleep holding their son, not knowing what tomorrow would bring.

However, Yondu just looked at the space of the bed he usually occupied, and just felt restless. Confident that Kraglin was sleeping, Yondu threw his clothes on, and headed to the small bay, throwing on the space boots, and sending a message to Stalker, dropped the mask over his face. Hence, his red eyes gleamed brighter through the lights, and the vacuum of space was open to him after sending a summons to the Bridge.

There Yarovesky and Horuz the only ones currently present watched as their Captain, took off through space reaching the other Galleon. Still, neither of them said anything, even though Yarovesky was screwing Horuz on the sly, his bedmate wasn't volunteering any information of his previous Captain, and what had happened.

They just watched at their Captain despaired in a speck of light into the other Galleon and just waited.

For Yondu, stepping back into the Shadow Hawk was like stepping back in time, nothing had changed, the place was still in need of a clean, and there was rubbish lying everywhere. Yondu's paternal instincts kicked in and he had to stop himself yelling out to someone to clean the shit up.

Yondu knew exactly where Stakar wold be, his internal sense he hadn't told anyone apart from Kraglin which has been amplified the moment his fin had been replaced permanently, told him Stakar was standing alone, even though Yondu didn't care if Aleta was with him or not.

Travelling up the decks, since in his absence Yondu own ship with Stakar Ravagers there was an almost unnatural quiet about the place, as he turned the floor to the section overlooking the stars, where he used to come.

Where he and Stakar just used to talk, this time however it was Stakar who has had his back to him, but Yondu could see the concerned reflection in the glass, and Yondu noticed the beers on the table, and without being asked just took one and yanked it open.

While waiting for Stakar to say something, Yondu could see the Elector in the distance, until Stakar finally opened his mouth

"I guess I need to apologise to Iztel, don't I?". As openings went, it was pretty shitty, but it was a start, and it wasn't about their issues which were a relief.

"Probably, but if he accepts it or not, would be something, he's pretty protective of Proctom, well you saw that".

Yondu saw Stakar grimace as he remembered what had happened before he then said to Yondu, "Iztel's changed, he used to be such a bloodthirsty bastard".

To this Yondu just exhaled, "We all had to, you can't be an asshole when you have a baby on board, well you'll learn tomorrow…but, yeah he's changed. I made Iztel my cook, and he started to take care of Peter after Proctom got hurt last year, Iztel took an interest, and that was it. A bit like a father and son, though no one says that to either of them".

Stakar digested this information. But Yondu was there to give a message just had to say it, even though internally he felt conflicted. "But tomorrow I'm giving you my son, and he's a good kid.

I've written down all the information you'll need, he's four so can be shit at times, but he's a good boy. Just take care of him, and don't lose Fang, Kraglin thinks I'm a fucking lunatic for suggesting this, and perhaps he's right, but…"

Yondu shook his head. "Peter needled his way in, never meant to keep him, but couldn't get rid of him, and now he's mine, and that's it. I guess I'm here just to give you this message" and then Yondu's voice took on a hard edge.

"If you hurt my son, if you even think about trying to keep him from us, there will not be a galaxy big enough for what I will do to you. I will tack you to the ends of it, of you hurt my son, or allow anyone else too. And I mean it Stakar, I know how the universe works and so do you. My job is to make sure Peter is protected, and you better make sure that happens".

Subconsciously or not, the Yaka arrow in Yondu's belt shook suddenly making it clear how serious it was, and al Stakar could say in reply.

"You have my word on that Yondu."

To this Yondu exhaled, and draining his beer placed it on the side

"That's all I needed to hear from you", With that Yondu turned away, and went to make his way down to fly back to his Galleon when Stakar spoke up

"Yondu, I won't allow anything to happen to Peter, you have my word, even though I know you and Kraglin must hate me".

Yondu stopped suddenly and never turned around, but his voice took on a grave tone.

"I know how Kraglin feels about Aleta, and to be honest that is justified, I understand now the loyalty between Captain and First Mate, by God, I know that.

But remember this Stakar I've never hated you, but I hated what you did, and there's the difference. Tomorrow you're taking my son, just don't fuck this up".

With that Yondu, made his way down, and with expert skill, took off through the stars back to the Elector, and to his family, not knowing what tomorrow would bring, but it did give him a moment of satisfaction knowing that there was a four-year-old who was going to make life difficult for the Osgood's very soon,

To be continued

Please review

Also sort for the lateness, having some mental health issues at the moment x