Crazy In Love | Buggy

e i g h t y - f o u r

When our boat reached the shore of the small remote island, Buggy seemed to be in the best mood I had seen him in all year. In our cabin, he had done his usual makeup. It felt odd, almost unnatural, to see him in makeup now after getting so used to seeing him bare faced. Although, I couldn't help but admit, that he looked very good in it.

For a moment, as I watched him paint on his little bones across his forehead, I felt transported to the day I had first met him. Almost a year ago now, back on my town, when he had reigned terror on my town. Who knew back then that I would grow to really love him.

He noticed me watching him, and gave me a smile. "You like what you see?"

I had been standing in the doorway, but I made my way into his bedroom, sinking down on his bed. He was sat in front of his makeshift vanity mirror, with the paint brush in his big gloved hand. He managed to paint himself so quickly, and with such accuracy. It was like second nature to him, which made it interesting to watch.

Currently, he was wearing a full clown get up. It was even complete with his brownish long jacket, and his pirate hat with the blue pigtails of hair hanging from each end of it. He was truly identical to the day he had taken me.

"You look very dashing. It's been a while since I've seen you all done up in clown makeup."

Finishing off the look, he placed down his brush and turned in his seat to face me. He was sitting lazily, drooping casually against his wooden seat. "I need to start wearing it more often. You know, soon, I want to find a new crew."

The thought of that scared me slightly. After what had happened the last time, having a crew just felt like a dangerous option.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I questioned, avoiding eye contact. That whole situation had been traumatic. I had really believed I would never see Buggy ever again. "Last time - "

"Last time was different," he stated in a firm voice. It was sharp, although not cruel. "I made mistakes back then."

My heart stammered in my chest. "Do you mean... me?"

It really felt as if he had been referring to me, and our relationship, as a mistake. The second I had said that, however, his whole face twisted in shock. Immediately, he got up off of his seat and came to sit beside me. His hand scooped mine up, squeezing tightly in a reassuring manner.

"I don't mean you, Betty. How could I? You know how crazy I am for you."

I looked up into his eyes. They had this beautiful way of looking different colours depending on the lighting. Sometimes, they seemed so green it was impossible, other times they were as blue as the ocean below us. Right now, they were a dark blue, yet so soft and warm.

"It was my fault you lost your old crew - "

"No," he cut my off. "It was my fault. I was stupid to neglect my duties as the captain. In future, I'll have to balance us, and that."

That felt reassuring. At the time, I had tried so desperately to warn him that the crew was turning against him. I could see it as clear as day yet he seemed blind to it.

Nodding, I said, "I think that's a good idea. Although, I think your new crew still won't like me much."

"They'll just have to, or I'll kill them."

I laughed slightly at that. "You haven't even found your new crew yet and you're already threatening to kill them."

"Threats of murder are a great way of keeping people in line."