Thread by @OurFlagMnsSteph

#noangstnov
Day 19: comfort
It's too bloody cold.
Izzy hasn't seen his breathe in the air since he left England, and he hasn't missed it.
Any skin touching the frigid air burns and he can't help shaking, his body reminding him that staying still means death.

Most of the crew has hidden below, huddling together to share their meagre warmth and ample supply of rum. Izzy curses them for hiding and himself for not joining them.

The only person seemingly unaffected is Buttons, and after sailing with the odd man for months, Izzy isn't surprised.
He motions to Izzy, indicating he has the ship handled for now. Izzy heads below, ready to shiver through the night in his cot.

Before he can reach his cabin, a hand reaches out and grabs him by his collar and his knife is out as he turns around.
"Easy! Just me! Calm down, Stabby!"
Bonnet. Of course.
"What? I've things to do."
"No you don't. You're coming with me."

Stede moved his hand up and touched his cheek.
"Gahhh! You're frozen! You're absolutely coming with me! NOW!
Bonnet grabbed his sleeved and pulled. Izzy followed reluctantly as Stede marched him to the Captains' cabin.

Inside was all the rest of the crew, huddled in blankets next to the ridiculous fireplace (that didn't seem so ridiculous at this moment). Someone pushed a mug of something hot in his hands and a blanket was wrapped around his shoulders.
"Come sit by the fire, Boss, warm up."

Izzy was pushed down in front of the blaze and the bodies of the crew members scrunched in. Izzy felt his extremities thaw and as the crew went back to chatting amiably, Izzy's mind calmed. The fire and the tea and the company warmed Izzy to his core. It was nice, comfortable.

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