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Izzy is sad and all Stede and Ed can do is be there for him.
He had been pregnant, but something had gone wrong during delivery and tragically the baby did not survive. He is devastated that he won't be able to have his baby here in his arms.
The little one is buried in a corner of the aquarium and Stede had made sure to decorate the grave with beautiful shells and flowers from their cave. A corner that none of the attendants are allowed to touch, which Stede had aggressively ensured.
"For Izzy's sake no one can touch the grave."
Izzy is lying in the cave and doesn't want to do anything. Because what had been looked forward to with joy had ended in loss and tears.
Stede and Ed hold him while he cries out his sorrow. Even the two other mermen can't help but shed tears.
Izzy falls asleep in Stede's arms and Ed uses that moment to swim out of the cave and find food. Ed knows Izzy doesn't feel like eating, but he's not going to let his beloved mate starve. So he swims to the surface and Fang gives him a bucket with fish and seafood to take back to the cave.
For three days Stede and Ed are with Izzy. Letting him grieve. Holding him. Giving him little kisses on the cheek. Making sure he eats something. And then they hear it.
A shrill cry from the surface and Izzy freezes. A baby. A baby in distress.
Out of pure instinct, he shoots out of the cave and towards the surface. Stede and Ed don't have time to react.
When Fang sees a familiar shadow in the aquarium, he takes his chance.
"Oops." he says, tipping the small tank over.
A pair of arms reach out of the water and catch the little baby merman before disappearing back under the surface.
Izzy looks down at the little baby he now suddenly has in his arms. So small with a golden tail and dark wavy hair. The crying has calmed down to sobs and Izzy holds the baby to his chest.
Stede and Ed approach cautiously so that Izzy can see them. They know that approaching a new merparent too quickly is not a good idea. They let Izzy have a moment with the new baby before they move closer for a better look.
"What a little treasure." Stede says in a soft voice.
"So small." Ed says in a quieter tone than usual.
Izzy gives the baby a kiss on the forehead.
"My little treasure."
Ed and Stede nod in agreement before leading Izzy back to the cave with his baby in his arms. It would take some time, but he had been given a chance to live and love again.
Fang sits at the edge and witnesses it all.
"Where's the little orphaned merbaby?" Frenchie asks.
"Oh, the little one is in good hands and where she's needed." says Fang.