Archive of Our Own ^beta

Izzy Hands and Stede Bonnet had been dating for two years now. they had both decided to take things slow, very slow, in the first few months of their relationship. Izzy wasn’t looking to rush into anything after his divorce, and Stede needed to know that Izzy was…well, the one. 

Izzy had known Stede had children, of course, but he hadn’t actually met them until a year in. Stede had taken them all out to lunch at his son’s favorite restaurant. Izzy had spent most of the time talking to Stede’s daughter, she was a whirlwind of a girl with a dozen hobbies and plans for more. She reminded Izzy so much of her father with her bright personality and sharp wit. Stede’s son on the other hand, was far more calculating and quiet. He barely even looked at Izzy, down right ignoring him most times in favor of his father or drawing on a paper menu. Izzy didn’t mind. Stede reassured him that this was a best case scenario type thing. 

future interactions went better thankfully, Izzy managing to catch Louis interest or at least live neutrally with him. Stede was terribly protective of the boy. He was twelve and had barely spoken a word since he’d been born. Only occasionally repeating what one of his grownups had said. It was this reason that Stede hadn’t even left Izzy and Louis alone in the same room…until today. 

Alma, Stede’s eldest, had a baseball game. An important, end of the season game, and Louis had blatantly refused to go. He didn’t like the stadium or all the cheering and the bright lights. So Izzy had volunteered to stay home with him. 

Stede had been hesitant. Louis can be troublesome when he is in a mood, and down right inconsolable when he’s overstimulated and upset; but he trusts Izzy, and Izzy is usually good in a crisis. He’d helped Stede out a few times when Louis had been struggling, or needed a bit of extra help. So after some convincing, and Izzy’s permission to set up a nanny cam in the living room, Stede agreed. 

“Thank you for doing this, Izzy” Stede says, leaning in to press a kiss to his partner's lips. 

“Course’ Bonnet. Alma deserves to have both her parents there, and Louis has had a big day.” Izzy Smiles softly up at Stede, nudging their noses together. “Love you,” 

“Love you too Izzy! bye-bye!” Stede chirps, slipping out the front door and to his egregious teal mustang, which is parked right next to Izzy’s bike. 

Izzy sighs, a soft smile on his face as he shakes his head. He really does love that man, even with how strange he can be. Izzy shuts the front door, locking the normal lock and the chain (Louis has a tendency to elope if given the chance). He turns, and is immediately startled by Louis standing in the doorway. He stares up at Izzy with big, Hazel eyes. Just like his father. He grips his AAC close to his chest, but his posture is relatively relaxed. “Ah, hey kid.” 

The silence stretches between them. 

“you hungry?” He asks, receiving a nod. “Okay, what do you want?” 

Louis looks at this tablet, tapping away before it blurts out ‘Chicken Nuggets!’ In a cheery, robotic voice. 

Izzy smiles, “i can handle chicken nuggets.” 

They make their way to the kitchen, Louis following Izzy around like a little shadow as he sticks the chicken nuggets in the air fryer and sets them to cook. 

“Want to watch a movie while your dad Is out?” He asks, earning another eager nod and several movie suggestions. They settle on some animated film about pirates, and Izzy helps Louis drag out all the pillows and blankets to turn the living room into a pillow fort. They drape blankets across the couch, tucking pillows into cracks, and make themselves comfortable under the sloping ceiling of the fort. Louis tucks himself under his weighted blanket. When the chicken nuggets are done, he brings them out on one of Stede’s stupid ornate plates. One with a unicorn motif. 

He lays on his belly next to Louis, gives the camera on the TV stand a wave, and rests his head on his hands. Louis pays him no mind as the movie starts to play, tucking into his chicken nuggets. 

Izzy’s practically dozing off, when he hears Louis clearing his throat. He pops one eye open, watching as Louis picks up the glass of water Izzy had brought him with his food. He sips from it, an odd look of determination on his face. Izzy goes to close his eye again, thinking nothing of it, when Louis makes another noise. 

“You okay Lo-“ 

“ I love you, Izzy.” Louis speaks, voice soft, and then goes back to his dinner. Izzy freezes, whole body locking up. He’s never heard Louis’ voice before. The soft accent like his fathers and the light gravel from disuse. 

He knows he can't get too excited. He doesn’t want to scare Louis, or bring too much attention to the whole thing. He needs to model the language, or thank him or something or- 

“i love you to, Louis.” The words slip from his mouth so easily. They feel natural, normal. 

Louis makes a happy humming noise, rocking lightly as he watches the tv. He doesn’t speak again. not even after the movie ends or when Stede comes home to put him to bed. 

Izzy waits until Louis is in bed, when Stede comes back Down to see him in the living room. 

“Give me your phone,” Izzy smiles, stepping over. 

“Huh?” Stede asks, cocking his head softly, “why?” 

“The video, from the camera. Watch it.” Izzy rolls his mothers old ring around on his finger. Stede raises a brow, pulling out his phone and maneuvering to the footage. Izzy directs him to the time stamp, and pulls up the clip of he and Louis under the fort. 

Stede watches, listens, his eyes go wide when he hears Louis’ voice. He looks from his phone to Izzy, “oh my god.” He whisphers. 

Izzy smiles, nodding. “I know right” 

the tears come next, accompanied by excited laughter as Stede sends the clip to his ex-wife, Louis’ mother. They find their spots on the couch, tucked together in quiet celebration.