#pippa send help

[golden-girl-daisy]

Happy first birthday Pippa! Just because you have a cone on doesn’t mean you can’t still party!

[chriscrosswallflower-blog]

So for those of us who are unfortunately living in the US and cannot wait until Netflix decides to grace us with the AGGGTM TV show... hypothetically, does anyone have any ideas how we might see it???

[unhealthy-obessions]

Just finished reading GGBB and I feel devastated, like Stanley Forbes is such a more complex character then I gave him credit for in GGGTM like, when you insulted Sal you didn’t see Sal, did you Stanley? You saw your father

</3

AND THE FACT HE DIDNT WANT TO LEAVE FAIRVIEW BECAUSE HE HAD FRIENDS AND HE NEVER HAD FRIENDS BEFORE BUT THEY DONT HELP WITH PLANNING HIS FUNERAL OR EVEN FUCKING SHOWING UP MADE ME SOB, BROO

[black-thoroughbred]

Wish I had more money so I could buy this poor mare and treat her for ulcers

[thatrandomlemononyourcounter1]

My mooooooooots :D (I love all of you so so so sosooososos much btw)

My bestest moots :D (These are the people that I would consider myself to be the closest with on here :)))

@swans-chirping-in-the-distance (Beeeeee :DDD)

@drama-llamaaa (Elle <33333)

@book-girl4evaaa (Beaaaaa <333)

@justmossyall (Claire ILYSM <333)

@gracefulchristiangirl (Gracie :3333 :DDDDD)

@im-on-crack-send-help (Riyaaaaaaaa pookieeee)

@thoughtlescat (Raniaaaaa :DD LOML /platonic)

@ariadne-wild (ARIADNE <333)

(Small note: If I don't put your name, I forgot cause I'm terrible with names and think most of your names are literally just your urls)

@justasmallflick (Flick)

@ramblings-of-lola (Lola)

@rxsewqter (Nova)

@kale-of-the-forbidden-cities (Kale)

@anonymouscuzwhynot001 (dolphin)

@autistic-daydreamer (Lihla)

@/inkfilledaria (Aria)

@baguettes-and-biscuits (Nyota)

@myfairkatiecat (Katie)

@queenpiranhadon (Kae)

@iam1withthepeggy (Kate)

@sasharcyreal (Maddie)

@flowers-for-em (Em)

@viridiankat (Viri)

@ahoyimlosingmymind (Ahoy)

@therealsophieelizabethfoster (Sophie)

@keefe--sencen (Keefe)

@shrxe (Shree)

@im-too-emotionally-involved (Spinach)

@txna-blxckthorn (Tina)

@queenie-blackthorn (Queenie)

@someonewhogotanaccount (KitCat)

@permanently-stressed (Isa)

@frog-with-a-top-hat (Froggy)

@justalunaticfangirl (April)

@violet92959 (Violet)

@aspenaspenaspenaspenaspen (Aspen)

@holywolfrebelpeanut (Oliver)

@brokendarkfairyempressforever (Sabreen)

@morkiemcfly (Morkie)

@tiredthistofor (Please lmk what I should call you :D)

@lilliesandlight (Lily)

@sinful-creechurr (Wren)

@floofeeeeee (Floof)

@cunt-cocainee (Zephyr)

@tam-is-a-swiftie (Name pleaseeee :DD)

@randomity-101 (Aury)

@the-rubber-duck (Lyss)

@twentyfunnybunnies (Bunni)

@crumpetsandbiscuits (Crumpet)

@lisalovesapplesauce (Lisa)

@fintan-pyren (Fintan)

@hxart-of-thx-ocxan (Fishy)

@an-ungraceful-swan (Nameee if you will :DD)

@ham-cheese-toastie (Pippa)

@mango-cheese67 (Nameeeeee pleaseeeeeee :DD)

@honeii-puff (Honeii)

@cafffeineconnoisseur (Name :DDD <333)

@lavalamp-juice (Lava)

@imobsessed123 (Lexi)

[thekiltongrammarwriter]

You crash into me hard and soft 18+ MDI

Pippa Fitz Amobi x Fem reader

Summary: pip pulled you off, eyes dark as they scanned you. “ Behave yourself sweet girl" she chided, then quietly, "aren't you my good girl?" Then a calm saccharine voice that filled your head with cotton, you knew that voice. It was the same familiar cadence that would whisper into your ear in bed. The same voice that would often cause you to lose your mind. In the most wonderful ways. Good girls have patience, and I know your so good at having patience aren't you my love?" Pip began, her lips delving into that soft smirk that made your skin prinkle. You nodded, all lust filled eyes. Your heart racing itching to feel pip all around you. Consuming you. Leave you shaking and crying for more. She had done it before. And you wanted her to do it now. God did you want too. Pippa smiled at that, like her mind knew just what you wanted. ‘

Authors note: This is indeed some of the most smuttiest writing I have ever written and while I admit I am no expert on this matter, I don’t write it very often I had fun writing it. I especially enjoyed wirting a grumpy pip who can’t help but be jealous of Connor (undertones) 🤣 I don’t show it at the end but reader makes pip apologize to Connor for rushing out of the party. Again I am no expert on smut and do not claim to write it well. However I do hope you enjoy this piece! I had a bit of trouble writing pip but I can only get better with time. This is for all my lovely anons who asked for pip fic! 🫶🫶 for those of you who do not enjoy this type of work I have some more pip ideas for future ficts.

Warnings: Aged up Pippa Fitz Amobi, set up after AGAD. Protective pip if you squint, possessive pip, dark pip, curse words, swearing, fingering, cunnilingus, soft pippa fitz Amobi, Connor Reynolds’s being the gem he is and putting up with a grumpy pip. Calamity chaos. Reader being a lightweight. Dom pippa fitz Amobi.

Word count: LONG

Pip could feel the way her nails burned under the wood from the way she was gripping the wood hard. Her fingers clenched enough that she thought her knuckles would lose circulation. Her jaw was tense, and blue-grey eyes zeroed in on you as you spoke with Connor from across the dance floor. The flashing lights of the calamity party making pip’s eyes itch.

Pippa’s distain for calamity parties had been apparent, even years before the Andie Bell case you knew you’d never see Pippa Fitz Amobi grace the halls of the random pupil’s house. Which was why now as you peered across the dance floor to where your girlfriend sat you couldn’t help but think it such an odd welcoming sight and apparently Connor thought it too.

You had gone to get some drinks with Connor, you had to practically command pip to sit down, even through her pleading eyes, even through her instructions on how to check for certain hidden items in your drinks. Connor had been the first to grab pip by the hands, his calming soft eyes sending waves of peace through Pip. She was often anxious these days, always on alert. Her nervous system jumping at even the most mundane things. Car alarms, ball point pens and rubbish bins clacking.

Pip had been your personal bodyguard the minute you had gotten out of the Car accompanied by Cara and Connor, your eyes wide upon seeing your girlfriend at the entrance of Edmund Pain’s house. “I figured if my girlfriend was going into the lion's den I might as well accompany you. You know, personal bodyguard and all” Pippa had joked, but you could see from her wild slightly glazed eyes that she hadn’t been sleeping. You had considered calling it an early night taking your girlfriend’s hand and walking back to yours. Considered a nice warm shower, Pippa holding you close under the warming sheen of the shower, the cool heat flowing over both of you. A nice calm night in. Comfy sheets and soft hands trailing down your back as Pip would hold you. You had been so close to changing your mind when Cara had taken your hand and dragged you inside, pip close at your heels.

“It seems you have a shadow” Connor had commented, handing you your drink, eyes peering at the girl who sat across from you. Eyes like a hawk, jaw clenched. You felt a smile fill your lips, the alcohol already filling your tongue, leaving a slightly bubbly feeling and burn on the tip of your lips. You were not going to lie, your girlfriend looked hot. With her blue steel eyes that were on yours, even far enough from the room. Studying you, eying your surroundings like the good dedicated girlfriend she was. It was a comforting feeling to know that no matter where you were, your girlfriend had your back. She always did, and was keen on keeping a close eye on you. You had half a mind to race over and drag her to the nearest bathroom. A flush rose across your cheeks as you imagined pulling a confused Pip into the wasted most likely minging bathroom. Could imagine pushing her against the door and kissing down her neck, feeling her pulse point behind her skin. Could imagine her heavy breathing, hands woven through your curls, pulling just enough to make you whimper against her skin.

“Hey y/n you alright? You look like a proper mess! Sure you don’t want to switch to water now? I know Pip won’t want you too wasted” Connor’s voice brought you out of your lust filled brain. Your eyes turned to him, Connor, and his now bleary face. You were conscious enough to know when to stop, and you knew after a full cup you would surely get a headache. You could just imagine Pip giving you her ‘I told you so’ signature concerned face. It was enough for your lips to move up.

Your movements were sluggish as you tried to speak, and it was only then that your fingers slipped from the brim of the cup and it went smashing over into Connor’s jumper. You gasped, holding a hand to your mouth and apologizing, moving to wipe the remains from the poor boys shirt. Your movements sluggish but your voice strong.

Connor only held up his hands, calm as always. “It’s alright y/n!” He comforted. But maybe it was because of your drunk state that made him laugh, you were cute when you were wasted. Like a little bunny almost, innocent and shy. He could see just why Pip was so protective over you because in a way he was too. You had been a great source of comfort to him during Jamie’s case. Had stood by his side, “a great big pillar of strength” Connor had quoted on the podcast, you had blushed and buried your cheeks into Pip’s neck as she held you. Connor had chuckled at the sight. The same Pip that had told him off multiple times for speaking or simply breathing during audio interviews had been laying loosely on the chair, mic in hand you draped over her lap, fingers playing with her pendant necklace as you had recorded an episode. It was almost uncanny. Connor would tease you relentlessly about it. So it was safe to say Connor and you were as thick as thieves. You trusted him immensely and in turn, he trusted you.

Connor moved to grab your sluggish hands, his fingers calmly wrapped around your wrist, his hands moving to catch your trembling legs. His arms wrapped around you protectively, “I think you’ve had quite enough for today why don’t we go grab a nice cup of water?” Connor spoke, his voice nervous. He had never seen you as drunk as you were.

Your head was spinning. And not in the pleasant way. Your limbs were tired, your throat dry and you could feel the alcohol pushing in your veins. You felt sick. Thought you were going to be sick all over the floor. It was an embarrassing thought and you cursed yourself for not taking the nice day in cuddled with your girlfriend. Instead you had been selfish, dragging her out to some godforsaken party that she wasn’t the faintest bit interested in. But Pip had showed up, even with all her emotional baggage of why she disliked calamity parties. She still had showed up. For you.

If your knees weren’t weak already you were sure they would be now.

“Connor I need to find Pip” you spoke, body still dizzy and lightheaded. Connor understood your words, slurry but cognitive. His arms were a thankful blessing as he held your already dead weight. Maybe it was the alcohol in your system but you spoke, making Connor freeze. “Have I ever told you how strong you are Con? I bet you could lift me up and throw me over your bed couldn’t you?” You giggled, your hazy mind picturing Connor throwing you. It was actually quite funny as Connor used to be a bag of bones. Cara would tease him endlessly in primary school for his weak girl arms.

But Connor had frozen, in fear because somehow during your little adventure, your girlfriend had managed to go unnoticed and had snuck up behind you two. Connor would feel her disapproving stare right behind him. Imaginary daggers being thrown at his head like a target he imagined. It was obvious she had heard what you said. Because her back had straightened. Her jaw clenched, her normally anxious eyes had become wide and Connor couldn’t lie terrified. Pip had become slightly terrifying after her brush with the cases. Let’s be honest at her brush with death and it certainly didn't help that you were draped all over him, giggling and far too close for comfort.

Connor gulped, turning to find Pippa eying him with analyzing eyes, almost as if she was trying to find something. Anything. “Thanks for helping my girlfriend Connor” she spoke, a saccharine smile etched onto her lips. But the smile was too fake to be real, too empty. And maybe the forceful way she had to spit out her girlfriend had been telling enough that she had heard. Also the emphasis on My before girlfriend. Almost like she was staking her claim. A protective stance in the way she eyed you.

At her voice you immediately caught your girlfriend’s eye, too drunk to notice the way her eyes were downcast, hurt by the comment you had made. But it was quickly mended by the sly smile that filled your features as you caught her eyes. “Hi” you spoke, cheeks a mess. Pippa couldn’t help but chuckle, finding you too cute. Hell you were adorable.

“Isn’t my girlfriend the most hottest girl ever?” You spoke sluggishly, “I like how she bends me over and fu-“ Connor cupped his hands over your mouth, ears red, face red, “right! I think you can take your girlfriend home now Pip” he chided practically throwing you to to your girlfriend's arms.

Pippa, with her cheeks red from the comment though somewhat prideful as she pulled you into her body, arms wrapping protectively around you. Your smile wide as Pip brushed her nose against yours. “Your wasted” Pip assessed, lips close enough for you to chase, close enough for you to taste. Your eyes were dark as they eyed Pip’s dark blues. You loved moments like these. Small moments where all you could focus on was Pippa. You were drunk at a Calamity party with neon lights and music so loud it burst your eardrum yet all you could hear, and see was your Pippa. And her soft fingers which now were feeling more comfortable than Connor’s. You felt warm, at home within her arms. secure.

“I just need some water.” You spoke, hiccuping.

Pippa’s eyes were soft as the pad of her fingers came up to caress your cheek, sending goosebumps through you. Her eyes so caring and soft. “Let’s get you home love” she cooed. Connor had thankfully volunteered to find some water. Pip had sat you down next to her, arms woven through yours but in your drunk haze state you had simply climbed on top of her and dug your nose into her neck, needing that sweet relief only Pip brought. Smelling her unique scent that often lulled you to sleep.

“You're a cuddly one today ” Pippa observed practically glowing as you sat on her lap, eyes ablaze with a playful glint. You giggled, moving to hesitantly brush your nose against Pip’s feeling the cool cold contact meet your skin. Pippa’s eyes fluttered as she leaned forward, her lips meeting yours in a soft single peck. But you weren’t in the mood for that, so you snaked your hand to cup the back of her neck, playing with some baby hairs, and pulled her lips back to you.

The rush of energy that flowed through you as you kissed pip was never dull, it was overpowering and seemed to pull you deeper down into the depths of its soul. Pippa was cautious even as you began taking control of the kiss, it was all you to be certain. Pip kissed back, at she was doing that right. But there was no fire in her kisses, you could tell she was busy looking around, assessing the strangers around them to truly lose herself in you. You could also feel how rigid her posture felt. You pulled away, eying Pip’s red lips which looked chapped in the neon light of the room.

You whined, your fingers clinging to Pippa’s red jumper, toying with the metal clasps. Pippa noticed your less than cheery attitude, how your lips were turned ownward like a toddler who didn’t get its promised toy after a shop to the market. It was cute, you were rather like a child when you were a drunk. Reverting back to your three year old self. Which was why pip had seemed to grow a rapid respect for your mother.

“What’s with that face now love? Your lips are far to pretty to be in a scowl” Pip spoke, fingers cupping your jaw softly. You leaned into the touch, your weight shifting as you leaned closer, pulling yourself up into pip’s lap “I need kisses” you uttered. “Kisses? I gave you plenty just now? Why don’t you drink some water and we can talk about kisses when we get home and your not giving anyone a free show?” Pippa spoke, laying a gentle kiss on your forehead. “Where is Connor with that water?” Pip muttered, craning her head round to look.

You saw the opportunity and launched. You were far too horny and aroused to care letting your heart make the choices rather than your mind. You launched your assault on her neck, lips dancing over her skin, your eyes closed as you felt her racing pulse beneath your lips. Your lips cautious, testing the waters. It was only when you began Rolling the skin beneath and soothing the ache with your tongue that you could hear Pip suck in a breathe, possibly from the rough way your teeth glided over her skin. Pippa didn’t at all seem surprised, but you could feel skin beneath your lips, could feel the warmth radiating from her. could see she was feeling the warmth just the same. Could see the way she fought to control her seemingly calm demeanor. Her eyes fluttered as she gave in to your assault, but it never lasted long as her hands skimmed to hold you by the waist.

They were strong and seemed to command you to stop, you whine pitifully as pip pulled you off, eyes dark as they scanned you. “Behave yourself sweet girl” she chided, then quietly, “aren’t you my good girl?”. Then a calm saccharine voice that filled your head with cotton, you knew that voice. It was the same familiar cadence that would whisper into your ear in bed. The same voice that would often cause you to lose your mind. In the most wonderful ways. “Good girls have patience, and I know your so good at having patience aren’t you my love?” Pip began, her lips delving into that soft smirk that made your skin prinkle. You nodded, all lust filled eyes. Your heart racing itching to feel pip all around you. Consuming you. Leave you shaking and crying for more. She had done it before. And you wanted her to do it now.

Pippa smiled at that like her mind knew just what you wanted. “I’ll take care of you pretty girl” she crooned, “don’t you worry”. But you did. Your senses were hyper-aware, aware of the girl's shape jaw line and deep blue eyes, aware of her hands at the base of your hips, strong and confident. Aware that if you just moved an inch you could feel the way Pip’s jeans would brush against you in just the right place.

You held back a whine, too far gone to care. Too consumed by the girl in front of you.

“Pip…please take me to the bathroom” you whined. Pulling at her jeans. At her jumper. Pippa only shook her head, “you deserve more than just a bathroom fuck my love. Now I promise the minute we get home and you are properly sober you’ll be begging me to stop having my way with you. Because I promise I won’t stop till you’ve cum so hard your legs will shake. better yet, how exactly do I make you feel? Do I send chills down your spine? Make you get butterflies in your stomach? Make your heart pound inside your chest? Do I make that pretty little spot between your legs drip with anticipation? Just enough to make a wet spot on those tight little leggings of yours?”

You gulped, becoming flustered at her words. Because every answer had been yes. And she knew that, hiding behind her soft words and all-knowing smile. her voice a hot whisper against your ear.

“So what's it gonna be, princess? I need an answer” pip speaks, her smile replaced by a scowl, like she’s waiting for your answer. You nod, vigorously, almost whining when her hot fingers come up to melt over the hot skin of your stomach, pip smiles, feeling your skin underneath her palms. Watching as your eyes close as she skims her finger down your stomach, reaching your pubic bone. You sigh, open your eyes to peer into hers. Your far gone, just managing to keep your breathing calm. Pip toys with you, dipping just low enough to tease the edge of your panties which have gone soaked. If you were sober enough to care you would have felt embarrassed you were sure, but not now. Not with Pip's gentle commanding eyes, not when they were eying you like you were the important girl in the room.

Your hips jump, and you only lean into Pip, digging yourself into her neck as you try to grind. But Pip pulls away, fingers gone and now are well on to pulling you up as she takes the water from the just-appearing Connor. Thanking him before pulling you into her, water in one hand as she guides you out of the party. A new purpose as she walks, you can tell from the way she opens your door and helps you in. Her hands are soft as they put the water in your hands, even teasing you with a small kiss when she buckles you.

“You drink all that. Every bit of it. I want you sober and well hydrated.” She pinches your cheeks, closing your door before sauntering in on the drivers seat. The drive home was quiet, Pip’s hand that wasn’t on the steering wheel was placed not so discreetly across your lap, and you laughed when pip eyed you with puppy dog eyes, “Not going to hold my hand are you? That’s quite alright, I’ll hold your hand plenty when I’m watching you squirm under me”.

The words caused blush to fill your cheeks, images of pip above you, hair a sweaty mess over her shoulders, eyes a sweet blue yet not sweet. Instinctively your hand collided with hers, palms meeting Palms, pip kept her eyes on the road, Little Kilton seeming quiet and still as she held your fingers in her own, her fingers caressing your skin, the indents of your lines on your palm. It enamored you how beautiful she looked.

Pip with her large jumper, crimson red being her favorite of late. Her shoulder length almost russet hair was wild in the wind. A pen lay lodged in her pocket, a bulge-like pen with teeth marks lying across the plastic edges. Pip’s analysis pen she kept everywhere like a professional investigative journalist. Ever since the Andie Bell case pip had made sure that pen was within her reach, she was always on the lookout for things. You didn’t know what exactly, a new case maybe. All you knew was it changed her. Made her hyper-aware, quick to move, and quick to be near you at all times. Like some sort of bodyguard. You couldn’t go on a walk alone, and you couldn’t walk to the market alone, not that you minded, because pip would hold your hand during the walk and talk about her new podcast episodes. Or Pip would carry your groceries to the boot, cheeks turning red when you would point out that she was just as tiny as you, well she had a few inches on you. Enough that you would have to angle your eyes just enough to eye those blue watercolored eyes.

“What’s on your mind?? You look like your undressing me with your eyes. You imagining me in my knickers are you?” Pippa playfully retorted.

You only leaned in a bit more, till your body was flush with the cold console separating you two. Pippa was all sly smiles and playful retorts. But she wouldn’t be. You needed this. Needed her like a breathe of fresh air after a midnight swim. You were sick of waiting, sick of acting like the sweet well tempered girl. You wanted to act reckless, to truly do something so out of character.

You settle for when you and Pip are safe within your own walls. You watch Pip as she makes a beeline for the cups pulling one and filling it before giving it you. Her fingers brushing past yours as she takes off your sweater. “I’ll put these away. Why don’t you get comfortable in your nighties and I’ll meet you in our room? Make sure to drink plenty of water. How is that head of yours? Giving you any trouble?”

You answered telling her your head was just fine now. The water had done its job and the cool car ride had been enough to have the dull feeling of alcohol leave your system. Although from the way you eyed Pip with dark hungry eyes she would have thought you were still pumped with the vile toxins.

You did as told. Getting ready for bed and meeting your girlfriend in your shared bedroom. Pip smiled at you, her eyes glinting as she watched you in the bed. Your hair falling softly above your shoulders, Comforter pulled up to your chin and eyes innocent. An act purely for her sake. You were anything but innocent. “You look so cute” she spoke crawling across the mattress and moving to press her forehead against yours, arms moving around you pulling you flush into her body, heat radiating from you both.

You snuggled close, causing pip to giggle when you nuzzled her nose with your own, being sly and leaning in for a kiss. Pip relented letting you have a few kisses, but it was the way you held her head, your fingers moving to cradle the underside of her neck that had pip smiling against your eager lips.

“Now what can my sweet girl want at this hour of the night?”

You sigh as pip’s clever lips make their way across your cheeks, pressing softly and delicately, her lips mapping across your skin to leave a few hot kisses on your jaw.

“I want you pip” you whine into her skin, you don't care how selfish or pathetic it sounds because it's true.

Pip smiles at that, her grin wide and her teeth glinting in the lamplight. She eyes you with soft eyes, yet you can see the way her chest rises as she takes you in, blue half-mooned eyes taking in the way your chest rises and falls in the oversized jumper you’ve worn.

Pippa gulps, her cheeks red and her hands tightening their hold on your hips. She’s thinking. Pondering what her next move should be. Analyzing like only Pip does. You catch her eyes as they drift down to your jumper again, recognition flashes in her eyes.

“Is that my jumper?” She manages to say, you follow the way her tongue flicks across her lips hungrily and you imagine that same soft delving tongue gliding across your neck and it takes all your might and strength to not drag her down.

You nod.

Pip always loved seeing you in her clothes. The way they smelled like your sweet soft scent after you had worn it, the almost territorial feeling of knowing you were hers. Pip didn't like being possessive, in fact, she often tried to curb that feeling. It had gotten stronger with the events of Jason Bell and the aftermath of what had happened. So she always tried to maintain a healthy relationship, letting you have freedom and making sure to not be overbearing. But now as you lay beneath her, eyes dark and open for her like a gift, Pippa Fitz Amobi can't wait to unwrap you.

Pippa leans down her head against your bare chest, ear to your heart. She closes her eyes and feels you against her skin. Feels your heart against your chest, feels the intake of breaths. It’s almost too serene. It’s something she’s taken to doing whenever the voices in her head are loud, and they were now. Begging Pip to have her way with you, imagining all the filthy ways she'd take you and the screams that would come out of your pretty lips. So rich, so sweet, and all for her. Pip heaved in a breath, feeling your fingers trail the ends of her hair, softly, waiting for her to make the next move. Trusting her.

“I want to eat you out. If you’ll let me” Pip breathes out, accent slightly muffled.

The words take you by surprise, but you don’t object. Your legs are trembling as you nod, pippa smiles and leans in to press a long kiss as a thank you. Your body has been on high alert since the party, and you know it won't take much to make you see stars.

Pip takes her time working you up, kisses you everywhere on your skin. Working her way down from your neck to the incline of your shoulders, down the slope of your neck. Relishes the taste of your colllarbone. Moans when she reaches your chest. Pip immediately slides the zipper down, mouth watering when she realizes you aren’t wearing anything underneath. It almost short circuits her brain, and you reach out to move a few strands from her face, "Whose shy now Amobi?" you tease.

Pip’s fingers slide over to tease the last bit of the jumper and the article goes cascading off your shoulder.

“Oh I could spend all day and night loving these gorgeous breasts. The way they perk up at my touch.”

You want to whine and beg for pip to do something. Anything to quell the burn in your stomach but you don’t have to because soon pip is leaning down and taking a nipple in her mouth. You immediately gasp, feeling your cheeks flush and your core ache as pip’s clever tongue traces your nipple, sucking cleverly and hard. It makes your stomach jolt and pleasure come in high doses.

Pip is attentive as her fingers come up to ghost your other breast, playful as she carefully flicks the pink flesh, watching as you whine under her fingers. After a few minutes of pip's teasing you begin to get restless. "Stop teasing pip, please....please".

You cant help but find the smug look on her face attractive, especially when her mouth is as clever as her mind is.

"You and your lack of patience, always have to get what you want don't you pretty girl? Well, not tonight. I want you to work for it. your a hard worker aren't your my love? Ill make it easy for you. You see, all i want you to do is beg. Simple. Think you can do that for me love?".

Pip's words make your pussy ache in the best way, your stomach jolting and your head nodding fast. You're so far gone you don't even feel the way Pip's fingers slide against your thighs, holding softly and sliding you closer to her, and you can only think how strong your girlfriends are.

your chest is heaving as Pip trails teasing kisses against your thighs, your skin flushing against her touch. It's almost too much when she ghosts over your panties, her lips teasing up into a smile, teasing in purpose, to get a rise out of you.

"Where do you want me pretty girl? hmm? just say it, I just want to hear you say it" Pip speaks, kissing your cheek one last time and eying you with her gray eyes.

It's at that moment that you realize your too far in her clutches. Maybe it's the fact that Pip's hands are rising up to interlock with your fingers, holding tightly. Maybe it's the fact that she looks so earnest, waiting, like a good girl. It almost makes you cum right on the spot, the pleading way she asks.

you give in, begging so much you hope your flatmates can't hear you through the paper walls of your neighboring flat. It would be embarrassing and an utter nightmare after after Cara walked in one night and refused to look into you or Pip's eyes for a solid week.

"Please please please please please-" you sound despeate and you don't get very far with your begging because Pip is sliding down your knickers with soft shaky hands and is immediately sliding her tongue down into your folds. She works expertly, just as Pip always has, shes known you for years, since primary school, and spent years analyzing what made you tick, and what your body responded to. She's an expert at getting you off.

You whine and lock your fingers in her hair, pulling softly, knowing how it drives Pip wild. Pip's tongue is wild and untamed as she sucks you, taking you in like sweets from a candy shop. "Good girl. good darling" Her voice is muffled, but it urges you on, getting any type of praise from her.

She removes her mouth to replace it with her fingers instead, easily pushing in two due to the sheer amount of wetness spilling out. Warm walls push down on her fingers, urging them to sink in further as a breathless moan sounds out from bellow her. Her fingers thrust in and out a few times before curling at just the right angle to brush against your G-spot. “Shit, please, more.”

“Anything you want y/n” Pippa whispers. she places a sweet kiss on your thigh before moving up to kiss the hood of your clit, your thighs squeezing her head harder in return. Pip lets the tip of her tongue dart out to lick under the hood, brushing against your quickly reddening clit. Her fingers continue their movements as she swirls her tongue around it, coaxing it out of its hood and leaving it at the mercy of her mouth. At first, her movements are slow and gentle, not wanting to overstimulate you before it’s time. But when you reach hand down to clutch at the hair on the back of her head and push her down forcefully, she knows there’s no need to wait; her tongue sets forth at a bruising pace. She circles around the swollen clit, and nudges it with the tip of her tongue before licking it harshly until it stands to attention. your hips jerk up in response, and so Pippa maneuvers her free arm around to splay her hand across your stomach, holding you still. Still, this does nothing to stop the pressure coming from the thighs around her head, and she can barely even hear what your is saying. “Finger me harder Pippa please don’t stop.” 

Pip has no choice-less to obey, and so she speeds up the movements of her fingers and presses more harshly against your g-spot, all the while licking at your clit with vigor. Her own clit throbs with need turned on from the musky taste on her tongue and the loud moans she’s pulling out from you. Even though her tongue is burning from the friction, her fingers are tiring from moving so quickly, and her head is under an almost painful amount of pressure, Pippa is in heaven. She’s the one who has you so breathless, so wantonly moaning and arching her back in response to every lick and thrust. It strokes the egoistic side of her to know that she turns you on so much that your fingernails scratch against Pippa’s scalp to push her closer; she knows you aren’t aware of this, lost as you are in your own pleasure. The only regret Pippa has in that moment is not being able to see the look of ecstasy on your face. The scrunching of your eyes, the way you bite your lip.

pippa can tell that you are close by the way your hips try to thrust upwards harder, barely being held back by Pippa's hand. The muscles of your thighs clench as your walls squeeze down on her fingers, a continuous flood of wetness pooling out of her and dripping down the base of Pippa's hand. There is nothing but the delicious taste coating Pip's tongue and the musky odor filling her senses; nothing but the broken screams of her name and the torturous pulling of hair from her scalp. It spurs her on as she abandons licking your clit for directly pulling the swollen red nub into her mouth instead, sucking on it softly and then more harshly when you let out a scream. “Don’t stop, oh bloody hell, don’t stop!”

She halts the movements of her fingers, sucks on your aching clit, and lightly grazes it with her teeth before she hears you scream her name, walls clamping down harshly on her fingers and hips thrusting erratically. As you fall apart in bliss, Pippa can't help but fall deeper in love with you, thinking back to that shy adolescent crush she had harbored for you in primary school. oh if younger Pip could see her now. She continues to lick gently as you cum, bringing you down from your high until the hand that was previously pulling her head closer begins to push her away instead. 

Your breathing is erratic but that doesn't stop pip from leaning down to eye you, her eyes taking in your soft smile. "You did so good for me sweetheart positively wonderful, do you feel alright? I wasn't too rough was I?" Pippa is saying and you giggle, pulling her to your chest. You love how soft and caring she is, how sweet she looks at you. you shake your head, "Pip stop overanalysing. I'm fine, positively wonderful, although I do want one thing" Your fingers dance along the blue-eyed girl's arms, stopping just above her t-shirt. “I want you to beg for me now. Can the infamous Pippa Fitz Amobi take what she dishes out?" Before Pip has a word in you are already on top of her, kissing her with eager lips and nearly ripping off her nighties. “You thought you teased me? Well love let’s see how long you can last” you chime into her ear, your lips ghosting her earlobes, "I'll be gentle".

[radigalde]

Zain accident guide (fencing club route)

Well, first of all: accident in the fencing route is harder to pass compared to the polo accident. Unlike Pippa, Zain dies in most of the outcomes.

So... how do you keep him alive?

The best outcome is achieved by MC. You'll have to manually deflect all sword shards (#I strike down the flying mid-air shards with nothing but my blade alone. or #I duck and cover and-- no, why are my feet moving forward?! No, no, no I'm not trying to 1v1 an entire shower of sharp shrapnel!) through the power of anime and a whole bunch of stat checks:

have a body stat of 30 or higher or have a combination of body stat and magic stat be 30 or higher

or have a talent of agility and body stat of 20 or higher

or do a dance during conversations twice (or more) and have body stat of 20 or higher

and don't be too high on energy drinks from the vending machine before the duel (you are okay as long as you drink less than 7 of them).

Both body and magic stats start with 5 and are gained through the first chapter (yes, including the club routes). On the stats screen body stat is "Physical Strength + Athleticism", magic stat is  "Magic + Mysticism". Percentage equals to the score (i.e. 5% is the score of 5).

The dance thing may be a problem because there are only 3 instances when you can do it before the duel, and all of them come at the price of embracing a cuckoo 1 of them may be locked out for you:

#I say nothing, I merely start dancing the Tango de la Muerte. at the very start of the club segment. It gives you a bunch of small stat increases (including +1 for Adrian relationship), huge boost to boldness, and Simpsons reference. But it's available only if you chose Spandex Tracksuit as your main clothes.

#It's time to do the Dance of Joyâ! when you finish gearing up in the armory. Doesn't offer anything aside from cuckoo increase.

#I AM Michael Jackson. I put on a single glove and moonwalk to the piste. when you decide on how many gloves you are goin to wear for the duel. It gives a couple of small stats increases but can backfire with -1 HP if your body stat is less than 15. It also sets your gloves counter to 1 (since you are literally wearing only one glove). Luckily, this particular value won't backfire.

Upon failing the stat check, MC with luck talent and changeling MC get additional chance, but you are at RNG's mercy here, since the success requires a dice toss. MC with both luck and changeling childhood gets slightly higher chance of success in this toss, but it's still pure RNG.

The best outcome gives a huge boost to relationships with other club members, small boost ot relationship with Adrian, and fear stat reduction.

The second-best outcome is achieved by convincing Zain to wear his mask and not trying to deflect the shards. For the former right before the duel, when you decide on stance, pick #I gravely inform the audience that only masked eyes are allowed to behold my full splendor. The problem is: this option requires 4 or more in cuckoo score to be pickable.

This outcome doesn't have any boons aside from +3 to Adrian relationship, but it also has no downsides like HP losses.

For the third-best outcome instead of convincing Zain, force Adrian to help. For that, pick #I invite Adrian to a have a front row seat to my next match. at the end of Jianhua and Gil duel. However, this option will be blocked if:

you accused Adrian in being a stalker (#"Adrian, are you stalking me?" Might as well grab the bull by the horns and body slam it.),

or picked a violent option during the conversation about sleepover/sleeping in motel (#I make a violent slashing motion that sends Adrian staggering backwards several steps.),

or annoyed him by being rude during sleepover/motel discussion (#"Not a chance in hell and quite frankly that suggestion sounds completely mental in the first place."),

or spooked him by being weird during the discussion of intrusive thoughts (#Thiiiiis iiiiis completely riiiidiculous.). However, this fragment appears in this way (and with these consequences) only if MC told Adrian about at least one strange thing before going into intrusive thoughts topic or if Adrian knows that MC works as a security guard (i.e. you talked about murder beforehand with #"There was a murder during my last work shift..." or #I launch into a long involved story regarding my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. and its silent equivalent). Also, this option is the only one available in this branch for the possessed MC.

This outcome doesn't offer much aside from Zain survival, and Adrian is going to loose 10 HP.

In all other outcomes Zain dies.

Fuck you, Zain, Pippa was much easier to save.

[i-promise-i-am-not-on-drugs]

Hi! This is my presentation post! I will update it from time to time! ^^

✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✴✳✴✳✴✳

— I am a teenager (between 15 and 19)!! Please don't ask me to send you money to help you with what you're going through, I will not be able to help you. It will only make me sad and uncomfortable, and make you lose time that you could use by asking the same thing to someone who can actually help you. I will most likely aweser your ask with a dot and appropriate #, only because I feel guilty when I don't. Also, I will block you, I'm sorry.

And I've just been asked that so just to be clear: No, I am not interested in any kind of "sugar relationship", thank you very much. (*traumatized crying*)

— Please do not interact with me if you are racist, homophobic, transphobic or a terf, if you willingly body shame people, if you are sexist, if you promote any kind of non con/illegal-relationship, if you are a nsfw-only account, or if you don't like to see the most random post at any time of the day. Once again, I will block you.

— I am genderfluid! You can use any pronounces while referring to me, but I do have a slight preference for they/them. :)

— Also, I mostly go by Eleana online, but I like to be called Len too. Or by my url idc. :3

— I do not have the energy to find the exact label for my sexuality, but I like to think of myself as queer and demi romantic! ^^

— I am mostly active in the following fandoms: The Goldfinch, Stranger Things, and Bungou Stray Dogs.

— I like to post some writing prompts that I make when a cool idea tickles my brain but my lazy ass can't bring itself to actually do something with it. :3

— Most of my posts/reposts are absolutely random and probably a bit confusing lol

✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴

Here are some of my favorites ships in...

... Stranger Things

— Byler; Wiseheat; Miwi / Will x Mike (they need to be romantic and fucking cheesey.) (/hj)

— Jancy / Jonathan x Nancy (both platonic and romantic)

— Lumax / Lucas x Max (slight preference for romantic, but platonic is cute too)

— Elmax / Eleven x Max (both platonic and romantic)

— Elumax / Eleven and/x Lucas x Max (both platonic and romantic)

— Rokie / Robin x Vickie (preference for romantic)

— Ronance / Robin x Nancy (slight preference for platonic)

— Steddie / Steve x Eddie (both platonic and romantic)

— Duzie / Dustin x Suzie (both platonic and romantic)

— Stobin / Steve and Robin (ONLY PLATONIC!!! They're my favorite duo!! :D)

... The Goldfinch

— Boreo / Boris x Theo (romantic.)

— Pippadore / Pippa x Theo (only platonic.)

— Hobie x Welty (both platonic and romantic)

... Bungou Stray Dogs

— Soukoku / Dazai x Chuuya (both platonic and romantic)

— Shin Soukoku/ Atsushi x Ryūnosuke (also both platonic and romantic)

— Fyolaï / Fyodor x Nikolaï (both platonic and romantic too)

— Rampoe / Rampo x Poe (preference for romantic but platonic is cool too)

— Higugin / Higuchi x Gin (again, both platonic or romantic)

— Tachigin / Tachiara x Gin (platonic or romantic too)

— Kousano / Kouyou x Yosano (both platonic and romantic)

— KyouKenji / Kyoka x Kenji (both platonic and romantic)

— Atsulucy / Atsushi x Lucy (slight preference for platonic but romantic is cute too)

✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴

Some random things about me! :D

— I absolutely loooove music. It doesn't have to be any specific kind of music, I could listen to pretty much anything and I'd be happy, because it's music.

— I am a cat person, and I'd like to adopt one or two when I'll have my own place!

— I never actually dated or really had a "crush" on anyone, but that doesn't stop me from being one of the biggest longing romantic person that I know!!

— I'm a fucking Drama Lord. >:)

— I am currently hyperfixing on Finn Wolfhard's acting. And by that, I mean that I discovered him by watching "The Goldfinch", and seeing more of his acting is the only reason why I watched "IT", "The Turning", and "Stranger Things" even thought I usually really hate horror/action shows.

— I am an extraverted introvert!

— People say I look mean or scary, but really I just have a "do-not-come-near-me-or-I'll-bite-your-head-off" resting face.

— My favorite love languages are physical touches and words of affirmation. :)

— My memory works in a really strange way: I can remember word by word some parts of books and their entire storyline when I've read them years ago, but it took me 7 years to know the birthdate of a friend of mine that I met when we where both three.

— I sometimes have an hyperfixation on a random thing for months and then suddenly loose any interest about it for literally no reason at all.

— And (you probably guessed that by now) I tend to overshare things about myself when people let me. (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴

You can also find me here! ^^

AO3 →

https://archiveofourown.org/users/0Eleana0/profile

SPOTIFY →

https://open.spotify.com/user/31umukryrvdkhqjddcjetw56nveu?si=KHezNeUsQEmJVZik9LGlwg

✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴✳✴

And that's pretty much it! Wow I'm actually impressed if you finished to read all that lol--

Thank you for being here, I love you! (/platonically) ^^♥

[agent-cupcake]

Flashbang 

Chapter 10 - Whisper

Spotify Playlist / All Chapters / Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5 / Chapter 6 / Chapter 7  / Chapter 8 / Chapter 9 pt.1 / Chapter 9 pt.2 / Chapter 10 / Chapter 11 / Chapter 12

Pairing: One Piece Live Action Buggy x f! Reader

Synopsis: The Buggy Pirates set sail once again. Unfortunately, tensions on the ship are high. Good thing you're there to help Captain Buggy relieve a little stress.

Warnings: Explicit smut, dubious consent, violence/blood, rough sex

Word Count: 13.5k

Notes: "I guess it's curtains for you" my god he is adorable please someone send help I am in loooooove. Happy Easter my friends I hope you like this one we're in the home stretch now.

“Come in, sit down, sweet angel, leave me all your tears Tell me all of your troubles, the weight of your short years Love is only a river drowning all of your cheer Sell me all of your laughter, and I will take some of your fear”

Awareness and clarity greeted you as soon as the slit of steely gray morning sunshine hit your face, peering through the edges of the blinds in Captain Buggy’s cabin. Part of you had already been awake, anticipating the dawn of a new day. Back at sea. Business as usual. Quiet the dread, hush your nerves. You could do this, and it would be fine.

It was hard though. Really hard. You didn’t want to get up. If you just stayed in bed, you could pretend that the previous day hadn’t happened. But you couldn’t do that. The thought of his displeasure if you didn’t get him breakfast while it was warm was reason enough to push you into action.

Buggy didn’t so much as stir when you extracted yourself from beneath his arm to get up. He slept in a haphazard splay with his limbs thrown to all four corners of the bed and his mouth wide open as he snored. That calmed you, if only for a moment. The mundane, vulnerable charm of seeing him sleep made your worries melt, overtaken with a borderline painful affection. Rubbing crust out of your eye and shivering in the morning cold, you wanted nothing more than to curl up beside him, to let him warm you back up. 

Your thoughts quickly soured, the previous night rearing his ugly head. Thinking of your confession, raw and honest as it was, seemed so embarrassing now. So dramatic. So pathetic.

That was just like you, wasn’t it? You could never quite do or say the right thing when the moment called for it. You just piled up embarrassments and regrets and then hated yourself a little more afterwards.  

But what could you do about it? Nothing.

Rifling through your clothes, you found a dress with long sleeves to cover the rope burns on your wrists, picking out thick, tall socks to cover the matching burns on your ankles. It seemed normal now, but it was odd that nothing of yours remained in the berth where you first bunked. Your things, few as they were, had gotten lost in the mess of Buggy’s clutter. Your clothes, significantly fortified after shopping, were hung up right along his. There was something domestic about it, although he probably would have called it practical. You were where he needed you to be, there wasn’t anything sentimental about it. 

After tugging a brush through your hair, you styled it like Pippa taught you, even coating your eyelashes in mascara. No bandana, but you were getting used to that. It was strange how many things a person could get used to, losing old habits in the grind of day to day routine. 

The previous day and night felt an awful lot like a bad dream, but that didn’t mean you could pretend it hadn’t happened. The proof was a chair tipped onto its side in the dining area, the table pushed into the corner, and the pile of cut ropes coiled on the floor with matching burns on your wrists and ankles. The proof was knowing why you had left Lafitte, and what was coming. Buggy hadn’t mentioned what he told the crew, but they had to know something. 

You hoped that everything would be familiar as the crew fell back into the roles you originally knew them in, but when you journeyed down into the galley for breakfast, you found that things were more strange than ever. Before Lafitte, you had been wary of the ship and its crew because it was new, because it was frightening and alien. After a handful of weeks aboard, you had come around to mentally recontextualizing what was once intimidating and unknown. Like memorizing the features of a friend to the point you could no longer imagine them as a stranger. Up and down became oriented differently, the passageways and narrow ladder staircases no longer the cramped maze you used to think of them as. The geography of your surroundings changed as you did, because you had changed. You knew many things you didn’t know before, and the innocent veil that shrouded your new life had been lifted. Funny to think like that. A murderer’s innocence. And yet that lost, naive murderer was more recognizable than the person who returned to Captain Buggy’s quarters after having spent the night in his bed.

And what of the girl before? The sickly fool who lived in fear of her father? When you thought of that girl, meek and nervous and miserable, you didn’t recognize her either. Her thoughts, her feelings—you couldn’t understand them anymore than you could comprehend the woman who wore form-fitting clothes and makeup and told her dad that she had run away. That wasn’t you. It couldn’t be. 

If none of them were recognizable, what was left? Whose was the life you lived now? Whose thoughts were the ones making your heart heavy and head ache? What were you supposed to be after everything that made you you cracked and crumbled and scattered? In the mess you’d made, what remained? 

You didn’t like those questions, and you didn’t like the answers. 

Setting the breakfast tray on the table, you picked Buggy’s chair up before going into the bedroom. He slept just as soundly as before. 

“Good morning, Captain Buggy!” you called with a cheer you didn’t feel, opening the blinds. The sky reflected your mood back to you, a cover of clouds blanketing the world in angsty silvery sunlight. 

You turned around to see Buggy drag a pillow over his face to shield it from the light. 

“You have to wake up, Captain.”  

“I am awake,” he grumbled, muffled through the pillow. 

“I got breakfast,” you said, hoping to entice him up with food. 

You couldn’t hear what he said exactly, but it sounded like, “You’re breakfast.”

You frowned, trying to think of how to wake him up. Most mornings on Lafitte had been lazy mornings, you had forgotten how difficult Buggy was to rouse. “There’s coffee.” 

He moved the pillow, looking up at you with one squinting, sleepy eye. 

“Why do you never bring me breakfast in bed?” he asked.

“You need the right type of tray,” you said, grabbing his robe and holding it out for him. “Otherwise it’s a huge mess.” 

“A few crumbs aren’t the worst thing these sheets’ll get on ‘em,” he mumbled.

Before you could think of a good argument against that, he groaned dramatically, sitting up and stretching with his arms above his head, yawning wide and scratching his chest. He had a way of making the act of getting out of bed seem like it took a great deal of effort, although you suspected some of it was for show because as soon as he was up, he took his robe casually, swinging it on as he trudged into the other room.

Buggy sat down, paying no mind to the ropes or the awkward rearrangement of furniture. You set up his breakfast and then your own, and didn’t mention those things either. 

There were some things you needed to know. Questions that burned up in your mind as you picked through your meal. 

“What am I supposed to do now, Captain Buggy?” you asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Although you were the one with the nasty haze of anesthesia clouding up your brain, he was the one who looked glazed over and exhausted, blinking once and then over and over, clearly trying to wake himself up. 

“What was that?” 

“I mean… My job. Um…” You frowned, not sure how to phrase what you meant without embarrassing yourself. During the month in Lafitte, you had performed some of the same tasks as you had when you first joined his crew, but that had been vacation. Now, it was back to work.  You weren’t sure what that meant for you, or how you fit in within the crew anymore. If you even could claim to be a member of the crew. He had never actually said you were promoted out of your position as hostage.

“Your job?” Buggy repeated. “It’s the same as before. I’m not gonna give you special treatment just ‘cause you’re cute. You do whatever I tell you to do. Got it?” 

“I didn’t mean I wanted special treatment,” you said, frowning. “I wasn’t sure because… Well, things are… different.” 

“Better get used to it if you really wanna be a pirate,” Buggy said, pointing at you with his fork before shoving it into his mouth. “You don’t get anywhere by standing still.” There was wisdom in that statement, diminished as it was by his mouthful of food. 

“Yes, Captain Buggy,” you said, returning to your breakfast.

Maybe that had been the wrong question. What you really wanted to know was where you stood with him. Sure, the two of you had made up last night. Twice, actually. But no mention was made of your conversation or confession beyond him telling you to repeat it. I love you. 

Randall said he loved you. 

Dad said he loved you, and he loved Mom. 

So what did that love mean if it was betrayed just as easily as it was given? 

 Love as respect. Love as obedience. Love as service. Love as a lifeline because you knew absolutely that you could not live without him. Desperate and sickly in the way it thickened and heated your blood, dangerously and aggressively needful when your thoughts spiraled around scattered fragments of feeling and memory. And yet, so, so tender. You looked at him and something in you softened. Your strange, flamboyant, cruel captain. 

He sat in his chair with his wild blue hair half tamed into a tail, scowling at his plate and shoveling food into his mouth without any thought given to manners. His profile was dominated by the red bulb of his nose and his teeth were yellowed and he needed a shave and he was truly, genuinely cursed and yet you couldn’t imagine wanting anybody else. 

Was that who you were now? A girl dominated, defined even, by that single feeling. Longing, lust, love.

You weren’t sure you liked that answer very much either.

The weather didn’t help anybody’s mood, least of all your own. By the time you got lunch and brought it to Buggy’s office, the silvery canopy had congealed into a gloomy cover of thick gray clouds which oscillated between dribbling out a light rain or dropping low as an annoying mist. You could only pull your jacket so close, the real problem was how a humid chill could work itself beneath your clothes and skin and settle in the hollow places inside. It left you shaky, your head pounding with a relentless headache.

Buggy said that he told the crew all about your “Daddy Situation,” although he hadn’t elaborated much. Thinking about it made your chest clench painfully. The anxiety wasn’t all in your head, you didn't think. There was a tension in the air, something uncomfortable lurking amidst groups of glaring crew members. For the most part, you had never been accepted. Some of the pirates liked you well enough, but not everybody. That seemed to be doubly true now. 

Memories of the night you had been attacked kept coming to mind. You thought you had shoved them back into the deepest part of your brain to be forgotten. You didn’t want to think of it. But whenever you turned and realized somebody was standing in your blind spot, that same frantic panic flared up. Even though Buggy had assured you that it was Dad who sent them, you couldn’t believe that. Not really. 

Instead of sitting and waiting for Buggy with all of those terrible thoughts swirling in your head, you left the tray on his desk and wandered into the map room, looking at the map laid out on the table to distract yourself. It was one of Dad’s maps, the ones he had been working on so intently in the months before you left. His pet project. You could, generally, read a map. That is, you knew what the different symbols and landmarks were supposed to mean. 

You found Lafitte, tracing it to Barley. You were very far from home.

“You know, babydoll,” Buggy said as a way to announce himself as he opened the door with a little whoosh of breezy mist. The rain was light, but even that seemed miserable out there on the deck. “I’m starting to think I understand what you feel like.” He shut the door, flicking water off his hands. 

“Captain?” 

“I’m completely soaked.” 

“Oh! I got you a towel,” you said, pulling it from over your shoulder and holding it out to him. It was only after he’d taken it that you realized what he just said. “Wait, that was…” you frowned at him, flushing. 

“What are you doing waiting in here?” he asked, taking off his coat and tossing it at you to hang up. You managed to catch it, but only barely. “I thought you can’t read.” 

“I… I can read,” you told him, hanging up his coat to dry. “It’s difficult though, and I get a headache.” You wiped your damp hands off on your skirt and returned to the map. “Lafitte is here, right?” You pointed to the spot where it was labeled. “Where are we going now?”

“We’re going…” Buggy came up behind you, reaching around to tap on a little spot on the edge of a small island. It was near enough to Lafitte, you thought. Scale was difficult for you to grasp. “Right here. With this weather, I say we’ll get there by tomorrow.” 

“Why there?” you asked, leaning in to get a better look. The village of Saline looked completely unassuming except for the fact that it was specifically marked.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Buggy told you, leaving the map room to go into his office. “It’s even tinier and shittier than the dump I fished you out of. It’s out of the way, too. Nobody in their right mind would think it was a good place to set up shop. Except for daddy dearest. When he redrew trade routes that involved a stop in Barley, suddenly it wasn’t so out of the way. It’s still a little shithole, but you know what’s good about little shitholes that nobody gives a damn about?” He fell into his chair, splaying over it like a king on a throne. “You can get away with setting up a drug lab right in the open and nobodies gonna care. Hell, the townies and local Marines welcome the extra scratch flowing in.”

“A drug lab,” you repeated, your eyebrows furrowing. Of all of the unpleasant truths about your father revealed to you in your time since joining Captain Buggy, that one was still the hardest to believe. You knew Dad experimented with that sort of thing, he had always enjoyed chemistry and medicine, but it was difficult for you to wrap your mind around the idea that he would involve himself in such a horrible enterprise.

“Yeah, he wasn’t gonna put it in his own backyard,” Buggy said, pulling his tray towards him. “He’s not a complete moron.”

You frowned, a new question occurring to you. “If it’s a place he knows of, why are we going there?” you asked, following into his office to take your own seat. “He’ll track us down immediately.”  

“No need,” Buggy said. “I already gave him an invite to the show.”

Your heart dropped, your breath catching. 

“What’s with the face?” Buggy asked, frowning at your lack of enthusiasm. “You’re the reason we have to premiere so soon. Believe me, these freaks need more time to get their acts right. But,” he shrugged, “the show must go on. And before you get all nervous, don’t worry. I have a very special role lined up just for you.”

“But I don’t—I can’t do…” You trailed off, a new form of anxiety racking your raw nerves. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know you can’t do anything,” he said, waving his hand. “That’s fine, dolls aren’t meant to do things. They’re there to look at and be played with, right? It’s perfect for you.” 

Pushing all of the air from your chest as if to physically expel your doubt, you nodded. You trusted Buggy, that’s what you told him last night. You had to trust him.

Later that afternoon, you distracted yourself with busy work in Buggy’s office. He was busy, most of your chores were done, and the rain continued to insist upon its miserable wetness so there wasn’t much else you could think to do. You didn’t want to interact with anybody on the crew. Out of sight, out of mind. 

Being alone wasn’t great either, especially now that you had the idea of performing to further pile upon your list of things to worry about. Every single time you had eyes on you, you managed to embarrass yourself, and you didn’t think this time would be any different. 

Your brain got stuck in a loop on that one, trying to think of ways to make an appeal to Buggy that he would accept. Knowing it wouldn’t matter what you said, you wouldn’t change his mind. Wanting desperately to please him. Knowing you would only disappoint him. That endless feedback loop of anxiety continued on and on until there was nothing else. 

“Babydoll, you in here?” 

You were aware that somebody was calling for you, but it seemed very distant. Difficult to connect with. 

“Hello?”

You heard footsteps approaching, followed by a pair of legs entering your field of view.

“There you are, girly. You okay?” 

You blinked.

“Marty?” you asked, looking up at him, confused and disoriented. Had he called you babydoll? Did he even know your real name? “I’m fine, I guess I just got… lost in thought.” 

“I was hoping I could borrow you for a moment,” he told you. “Rather, if I could borrow your hands. I’m trying to fix a leak, but I can’t get these big hams in there to remove the plate.” He held up his hands with a friendly grin, and you relaxed. It was just Marty. He was your friend.

“Of course,” you said, standing up. You had been sitting on the floor so long that your body was stiff, although you weren’t entirely sure when you even got there.

If Marty found your behavior odd, he didn’t say anything, leading you from the quarter deck and below to a room slotted next to the galley. Dark and cramped and stinking of grease and filth and old metal and rotting wood, you could readily say you did not like being in there. But it was something you could do to be useful.

Marty held the light while you groped around where he indicated. Even for your hand, the space was tight, you couldn’t imagine him trying to fit in.

“Do you feel that little latch?” he asked.

You carefully ran your fingers along the back of the plate until you found something that seemed somewhat latch-like. Hopefully. “I think so.” 

“If you press on it,” Marty told you, “the plate should come loose.” 

With some effort, probably more than was warranted, you pressed on it until you heard a metallic scrape, the latch releasing the plate from its frame. Marty set the light down and removed the panel to reveal the geometric grid of pipes. You stepped back, wiping your hands. 

“Would you mind holding the light for me?” Marty asked.

“Of course not,” you said, picking up the lamp to shine into the cavity. 

“Thanks, girly.” 

“Of course! Um… actually, I…” You hesitated, looking around. It was stupid to be paranoid. Not only was it ridiculously loud with the rushing water and the galley kitchen on the other side of the wall, but there was no place for somebody to hide. “May I ask you a question?” 

“Sure.” 

“The other people on the crew… They hate me, don’t they?”

He straightened out, looking at you with a frown. “Would’ja hand me that wrench?” he asked, gesturing to his tools. You picked up the heavy wrench, handing it over. Marty hefted it, looking thoughtful, before turning back to the pipes. “Some of them aren’t too happy with Captain Buggy’s decisions, that’s it,” he said. “It’ll all be settled soon.”

“They think it would be better if I weren’t here,” you said bluntly. “I’ve caused a lot of trouble for everyone.”  

Marty looked at you, his eyes intense. “Has somebody threatened you?” 

“No, it’s just…” You frowned, thinking of the most diplomatic way to phrase it. “I think somebody hired men… Two weeks ago in Lafitte, I was… Attacked.”

“Pippa told me about that. But it was the Surgeon who sent ‘em, wasn’t it?” 

“Captain Buggy says it was,” you agreed. “You know, to get to him. He says I shouldn’t worry about it, but I don’t… It’s not that I disagree with him, just that I’m not sure. Dad—the Surgeon—I don’t think he would want to kill me.” You rolled your dry lip between your teeth, your shoulders tense. Thinking of that hurt. Thinking about the fear, thinking you were going to die, getting hit. It hurt.  “And I don’t know who else would have done something like that.”  

“You think somebody on the crew hired men to kill you?” Marty asked, leaning in to talk in a hushed voice despite the circumstances. “Girly, what you’re suggesting is…” He shook his head. “If somebody on the crew hired a hit on you, Captain Buggy’ll kill ‘em.” 

“I know,” you said, wincing at the idea. “I’m not accusing anyone. It’s just that I’ve got a feeling like… Captain Buggy doesn’t believe me, and I don’t know who else to ask.”

“You sure they were hired, not just a couple of thugs?” 

“They said they were. I remember…” You swallowed hard. Thinking of that night was difficult, it made your hands shake and something very cold and mean swell up in your chest. You covered up the crusted scar on your neck with your hand, protecting it. “They said they were told to make it look like an accident.” 

“What did they look like?” 

“One of them was really tall,” you said. “The other had a gold tooth.”

“You’re absolutely certain of that?” 

“Yes.”

“Alright, girly. I’ll ask around for you, as long as you keep out of trouble, okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

He smiled fondly. “Anyone who doesn’t like you clearly just doesn’t know you yet.”

Out of everything, that took you aback. You had the wild impulse to hug him, and you might have done so if you weren’t holding the lamp. Instead you just blinked away the sting of tears. “Thank you.” 

“I mean it,” he said, returning to his work. “If nothing else, you’re a nice change of scenery from the rest of these crusty bastards.”

“Oh, come on,” you said, smiling despite knowing he was just being nice. “Pippa is the prettiest person I’ve ever known.” 

Marty nodded. “Yeah, if you like the type of broad that’ll step on your balls.”  

“Ba—oh, that’s horrible!” you stuttered out, laughing in surprise at the crass comment.

“It is,” Marty agreed emphatically. “Some blokes enjoy it, but I like a softer type of girl.” 

You cleared your throat, suddenly not as sure that he was joking about Pippa. “Yeah, I-I don’t think I’d like that either.”

He laughed and shook his head, checking through all the pipes to make sure none of the others needed repair. After he finished that, he put the wrench back into his tool bag and pushed the metal plate back into place. 

“Um, Marty?” you said, a sudden and very important thought coming to mind. “If you find anything out, I think… Captain Buggy wouldn’t like it if he knew I told you, you know? So if you wouldn’t mind not telling him that, if you can, I… I don’t want him to get upset.”

“Don’t worry about that, girly. Mum’s the word,” Marty said, rolling up his tools and slinging them over his shoulder. “Well then, shall we go back up?”

You followed Marty up the ladder into the berth before mustering the courage to ask. 

“Does Pippa really step on men’s… you know.” 

Marty looked at you for a second before bursting out laughing. You weren’t sure why the question was funny, but he had a way of laughing that made you want to laugh too. It wasn’t like he was laughing at you, just that he was generally jovial. 

“You oughta ask her,” he told you when that died down, patting your shoulder.

The two of you parted ways there and the weather was still awful when you got to the upper deck, but you felt lighter. 

It was around the same time the next day that you sat in Buggy’s office while he argued with his officers in the map room. Granted, arguments with Captain Buggy were usually more of a one-sided thing. It was severe enough of a discussion that you could hear several raised voices through the door separating the map room and his office, not just his. 

Another day of bad weather meant another day of unhappy pirates and another cold afternoon spent shivering and with a horrible headache. The weather was, apparently, the point of main contention for them too. Rain really put a damper on acts of piracy.   

You sat very still as you waited, your mind drifting. Buggy had been too tired to keep you up very late last night, but you had slept poorly. Rather than having nightmares about the past, you had dream after dream of Captain Buggy getting angry with you, and the anxiety hadn’t faded throughout the day. Crina said you would upset him again, that it was inevitable. Even if you didn’t do anything, you would disappoint him. That was the only reliable thing you could do. 

If the weather weren’t so miserable, maybe you would have been able to pull yourself out of that particular spiral, but it wasn’t, and you couldn't. Instead, you sat with your shoulders curled inwards, your hands folded in your lap. It was better to not think about anything at all. 

 “You’re dismissed,” Buggy eventually exclaimed, his voice raised enough to get your attention. You could hear his irritation, and then he threw the doors into his office open loud enough that you nearly jumped out of your chair, and you could see his irritation. “Get out, all of you,” Buggy demanded when they didn’t immediately leave. You stood up, instinctively obeying that tone of voice, but he gave you a look. “Not you. You stay.” 

For a moment, you saw the group in the other room as they left. Mohji was there, of course. Without Richie. You hadn’t seen much of the lion at all, he probably liked the rain as much as any other cat. Crina was unmistakable with her dark hair and loose dark clothes, but she was turned away so you couldn’t smile at her. 

You hadn’t seen much of Crina recently. Buggy got irritated whenever you mentioned spending time with her. He didn’t say what she did to earn his ire, and you weren’t going to ask, but you hoped they made up soon.

The door better his office and the map room slammed shut, abruptly halting that thought.  Buggy crossed the room and collapsed into his chair with his head resting on his hand and eyes shut. You stared at him in an attempt to get a read on his mood, but you couldn’t. He sounded upset, but now he looked tired. You had no idea what to expect or say.

After what felt like an uncomfortable lifetime of waiting, Buggy raised his head, rolling his neck with a big groan, stretching his arms out. 

“Captain Buggy?” you ventured. “Are you alright?” 

He looked at you, and then he winced dramatically. “Agh, don't look at me like that. It makes me feel bad for what I’m about to do to you.” 

“What do you mean?” you asked. 

“I mean that you’re gonna take off whatever you’re wearing under that skirt and come over here so I can relieve a little stress. Do you have any idea what it’s like to be surrounded by idiots all day?” 

You stared at him, hoping that he would laugh and say it was a joke. But he didn’t. 

“C’mon, hurry it up.” Buggy snapped his fingers to make his point. 

When his eyes were hard like that, you knew arguing was a bad idea. You swallowed down your nerves and nodded, quickly circling around his desk. 

“What did I say?” he asked, exasperated. “All of this,” he gestured to your legs, “off. Now.” 

“Sir, these… I’m wearing tights, I can’t just take them off.”

He sighed angrily.

“But that’s fine,” you said before he could get upset, stepping out of your boots and bracing your feet for the chilly floor. Buggy watched you shimmy out of your tights and underwear. There was no sensual way to do it. The best you could manage was to get it all done without revealing yourself, leaving a rolled up bunch of fabric laying over your boots before standing up. 

“Sweater too,” he said, taking off his gloves. 

You hesitated. “Captain, it’s… it’s really cold in here and I’m...”

All he had to do was go still, looking at you with a gruesome almost-smile, to make you realize how serious he was. Wanting very badly to appease him, you crossed your arms and pulled your sweater off over your head. Your nipples were already painfully stiff from the cold, poking against the flimsy fabric of your camisole. You thought, given the heavy fabric of the sweater, it would be okay if you didn’t wear a bra. Now it just felt lewd, like you had been expecting something would happen. 

“You always make me feel so bad about this,” Buggy said, grabbing you and pulling you to stand between his legs. “Like I’m deflowering you all over again. Which, sure it’s, okay yeah, it’s a little hot, but I’d love it if you could just let it happen for once.” 

“It’s embarrassing,” you muttered, unable to look at him. 

“You don’t look embarrassed,” he said, shoving your camisole up over your chest. “Shit, you are cold, huh? Does it hurt when they get that hard or… Whatever.” The cruel brush of cool air and Buggy’s attention made you squirm uncomfortably, but all you could do was hold onto his shoulders, squeezing your eye shut. The warmth of his mouth on your nipple made you gasp loudly. It felt good, even if you tried to ignore the sensation, even if it would be so much better if you could control yourself. No matter how humiliated you were, your body responded to him. 

Buggy’s other hand delved beneath your skirt, pressing between your legs to force them apart before following the unobstructed path upward. When you squirmed, anxiously pressing your thighs together to stop him, his teeth dug into the sensitive flesh around your nipple. 

You yelped in surprise as much as pain, but his arm around your waist kept you where he wanted. Giving up on escape, you clamped a hand over your face while he laughed. 

“I wouldn’t worry about the noise thing,” Buggy said, half muffled against your chest. “You sound like you’re getting railed when you’re having trouble getting your boots on, I doubt they can tell the difference.”

“That hurt,” you said. 

“You love it,” Buggy said. He didn’t give you any time to respond before he switched to the other nipple. No matter what he said, you didn’t love the biting, but the softness of his tongue, you liked that. You liked that a lot. 

Enough that when his palm landed flat between your thighs with a harsh slap, you were too relaxed to have any level of defense from the harsh pain.. Your sharp, piercing yelp filled his office, quickly followed by his laughter. 

“That was louder than I thought it would be,” Buggy said, amused. You whimpered, squirming uncomfortably. “You know, sweetheart, it’s awful hard to believe you don’t like pain when you make noises like that.” 

“Captain Buggy, that hurt,” you said, although the most distressing feeling was the sense of betrayal. You didn’t understand why he slapped you. You had done everything he asked, it didn’t seem fair.  

Rather than give any explanation, his fingers curled, gently tracing the seam between your pussy’s outer lips until he could skim over your clit. Your body unintentionally rocked forward, your breath catching. 

“Aw poor little babydoll,” he said, zeroing in on your clit to rub tight little circles. You knew better than to try to close your legs, so you went up, standing on your toes in an attempt to escape him. Buggy’s hand just followed you. “Does the mean, mean pirate mistreat you? You’d think you’d be used to that by now.” 

“Stop, please,” you whimpered, shaking your head. To your relief, he did stop, his hand retreating from under your skirt. You relaxed, your feet falling flat on the floor. “Thank you.” 

When you tried to step away from him, Buggy pulled you back with a fistful of your skirt. “You didn’t think we were done, did you?” he teased, spitting onto his hand before it returned between your legs. 

“Captain Buggy, please,” you begged, although you were too afraid he might slap you again to try and physically stop him. Slick now, his fingers were able to glide over your clit, pressing just hard enough to make you shake.

“Would it kill you to admit how much you love this?” he asked. “What’s the point in pretending, babydoll? Just say it.” 

“Say… what?” you asked softly, unable to meet his eye. 

“How much you want this,” Buggy said. “You probably spend your whole day thinking about what you want me to do to you, praying that Captain Buggy will give you even a scrap of attention. No wonder you ditched the bra, you were hoping this would happen.” 

“No, I-I didn’t,” you said, too overwhelmed by the embarrassment and pleasure as he continued to rub your clit to come up with any convincing response. Being touched shut your brain off, it was all you could think about. 

“No, Captain Buggy,” Buggy said in a high pitched voice, mimicking you. “I would never think dirty things, I’m an innocent little angel!”

You heaved a big, unhappy breath, your fingers digging into his shoulders. “That’s not what I-” Your objection cut off abruptly with a breathy moan, a sound of surprise when his fingers abandoned your clit to suddenly slam into you. 

Buggy laughed loudly and there was nothing you could really say to make a case for yourself, the moan proved his point better than anything else. Buggy settled for that, pulling your chest back to his face so he could take your nipple in his mouth. That drew a shocked moan out of you, your hips bucking against his hand as his fingers slowly pulled out.  

“Captain Buggy,” you said, meaning it as a protest. It didn’t really sound like a protest.

He bit you again, his teeth digging into the soft flesh around your nipple like he had on the other. You yelped, trying to escape, but he held you in place. The only thing you accomplished was rocking back and forth, fucking yourself on his fingers. He laughed again, the sound vibrating against your chest as he soothed the sore skin with his tongue.

“Hurts!” you whined. “Please, it… it really…” You couldn’t keep talking, having to bite your lip as he curled his fingers. Maddeningly massaging them against your g-spot until your thighs trembled, your pussy dripping around his hand. 

“I noticed something,” Buggy said, pulling away from your chest with an uncomfortably wet sound. “I know girls are sensitive here,” he curled his fingers against the spongy spot to illustrate his point, dragging a pathetic sort of whimper out of your throat, “but you… It’s like an instant win button, I push it and you get wetter.” He repeated the motion, smiling in amusement at your body’s uncontrollable reaction. “I can feel you getting wetter. It really makes me wonder if you were ever meant to be anything other than a glorified flesh light.” 

You covered your face with your hands, burning with shame. And arousal. You couldn’t manage them both, they just existed in complete and agonizing contrast to each other, rendering you stupid and mute. “Please stop, Captain Buggy,” you muttered. 

“Why? Don’cha wanna come, babydoll?”

You lowered your hand, peeking at him through your eyelashes. As soon as you did, he slammed his fingers into you. Once, twice, three times and then-

“Beg me.” 

You opened your mouth to try and get something out, although your mind was too scrambled to know what it would be. 

Somebody knocked. 

Buggy’s hand froze, his body going stiff. Panicked by the sound, you squirmed, trying to fix your clothes, but he pinched your nipple to force you still. Both of your breasts had indents of his teeth, even the slightest touch elicited a sharp sort of pain. 

The person knocked again.

Buggy closed his eyes. “Go away,” he shouted, a growl in his voice.   

“Sir? It’s an important matter,” Pippa called through the door. 

Pippa? 

Buggy seemed curious as well, leaning back. 

“How important?” he asked. 

“Very important, sir,” someone else called. Was that Marty? “It’s mutiny, sir.” 

Buggy’s hand retreated from between your legs, and he didn’t stop you from pulling your camisole down.

“Fine. Come in,” Buggy snapped, grabbing you around the middle and pulling you into his lap as he sat back. You tensed up, trying to wriggle away, but he didn’t let you go. It was easier to not fight it, to curl into him to hide the way your nipples pushed against the camisole. 

Pippa came in, Marty close behind. 

“You said mutiny?” Buggy asked.

“Yes, Captain Buggy, I—” Marty cut himself off upon seeing you, averting his gaze. 

“Spit it out,” Buggy said, like you weren’t in a compromising and humiliating position. When you squirmed in discomfort, his grip on you tightened a little, just enough to make you wince. “Pretend she’s not here.” 

“She told me about getting attacked while we were in Lafitte,” Pippa said, which was, you were pretty sure, a lie. Was this Marty’s plan to get around Buggy’s ire? It was true that Buggy liked Pippa, he probably wouldn’t mind if you told her about what happened. “I didn’t know anything about guys like that, so I asked Marty if he knew anything.”

“Pippa mentioned a fella with a gold tooth and his tall buddy,” Marty said. “That rung a bell ‘cause I lost some money to a pair of guys just like that a few weeks back. I didn’t know they took hits, but it doesn’t surprise me neither. They’re real street thugs, the kind you ask to rough up your ex wife or to get the guy who cheated you playing cards.” 

“They were thugs,” Buggy corrected. “I doubt they’re much of anything after what I did to ‘em.” 

“Yes, sir. The point is that I remembered they were pretty chummy with Ivo and them. When I started pokin’ around asking if anyone owed money to ‘em or whatnot, the bastard damn near socked me.”

“So?” Buggy raised an impatient eyebrow.

“And then I asked Ivo,” Pippa said. 

“Did he punch you too?” Buggy asked dryly. 

“No, he told me that he paid these two guys to kill her and make it look like an accident.”

You went stiff.

“Are you sure that’s what he said?” Buggy asked. 

“Yes, and men don’t lie to me,” Pippa said, grinning in a way that made you fully believe that assertion. 

Buggy nodded, considering that information. “This is all very interesting,” he said after a tense moment, “but I’m curious as to where this initiative came from.” He gave you an accusatory look, his eyes full of the anger you feared. It didn’t matter if Ivo had done it, you had gone behind his back instead of accepting what he told you. Of course he would be mad, you knew better. 

“You asked me to keep an eye on her, Captain,” Pippa cut in before you could think of a way to explain. “And what I’ve noticed is that Ivo’s been keeping an eye on her too.” 

Buggy frowned. You could see him thinking about it, maybe trying to decide if he was going to be mad at you or not. After a moment, he made an angry sound, gritting his teeth.

“Alright. Let's get this over with. I want everybody on the deck,” Buggy ordered, pointing at Marty. “Make sure Pin’s ready just in case and, oh yeah, make sure Ivo’s there, blondie.” 

“Yes, sir,” they both said, leaving. 

Buggy unceremoniously dropped you out of his lap, standing up. “Can’t a clown catch a goddamn break? I swear, just one thing after another.”

He pulled his hair out from the kerchief so he could pull it into two tails and let it hang through his hat. That, more than anything, made you realize how serious this was. Even while arguing with his officers, he had been dressed down. But now he was going to go out there as Captain Buggy. 

Marty said that if somebody hired a hit on you, they would die.

While you put on your sweater, Buggy pulled on his coat, straightening it with angry, rough movements. You struggled, putting tights back on was even more difficult than getting them off. 

“And you know what?” Buggy continued to mutter under his breath, talking more to himself than to you. “I knew that there was something weird about those guys. It makes no sense that the Surgeon would send a coupla hack thugs after me. I’d have seen it if I didn’t have so much other shit to deal with. But he is dead wrong if he thinks he can make a fool out of me. Tryna steal my shit, spitting on my generosity.” Buggy pulled his gloves on and left, ignoring your continued struggle trying to get your clothes sorted out.

Giving up on the tights, you just dug your panties out of the rolled up wad of fabric, pulling them up your legs and shoving your feet into your boots without socks, scrambling to follow him through the map room and onto the deck.

Marty had rung the bell, so most of the crew was already gathered. Most of them were familiar faces. Mohji, Newt, you even saw Crina, wrapped in a purple shawl with her arms crossed.  

The rain had stopped, retreating into an uncomfortable mist. The violating chill almost made you turn back around to put your tights on, but you didn’t want to miss anything. 

Or maybe you did.

“Ivo, just the guy I was looking for!” Buggy called as he went down the steps from the quarter deck, his voice aggressively friendly. You followed behind him, shrinking away when Ivo cast a quick look in your direction. No matter how much he disliked you, it was hard to believe that he would want you dead. That was such an extreme, it didn’t make sense.

“Captain Buggy,” Ivo acknowledged, “what can I do for you?” 

“How are those friends of yours holding up?” 

“Sir?” 

“Two guys, like to attack girls for money… That’s not ringing a bell? One of ‘em had a gold tooth. Last I saw, they were in rough shape.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Ivo, buddy,” Buggy said, walking towards the man. “I like you. I’ve always liked you. That whole face situation you’ve got is hilarious. So I’m gonna ask you again, and you’re gonna tell me the truth. Did you or did you not hire two guys to steal something that belongs to me?” 

Ivo looked at Pippa. “You told him, didn’t you.” He said, not a question. 

Pippa shrugged unapologetically, a little cold. You thought about what Marty said about her, and when she looked like that, you could believe it. “She’s my friend.” 

“I hired professionals to take care of a problem,” Ivo said, looking at Buggy. “That girl’s got you under some sort of spell, she has ever since the beginning. I was the only one willing to do something about it.”

“So… yes, you did,” Buggy summarized. He sighed. “You know what that means, don’t you?” 

“Captain Buggy, please wait,” you cried, rushing forward. 

“Not now,” he snapped. 

“Don’t kill him, please,” you begged quietly. “If he thought that it was…that he had to do this for the safety of the crew and for you, then he didn’t really think he was doing something wrong. Killing him maybe will… if other people feel the same, it will just…” Make them hate you more. 

Buggy gave you a hard look, his expression unreadable. He turned away, addressing the gathered crowd. “Does anybody else have something to say?” he called. “Maybe you agree with Ivo here. No? Anybody?” Nobody said anything, not even a breath shuddered through the humid air. Buggy laughed, looking at Ivo. “How’s that for a laugh? If you had a point and she had me under her spell, you wouldn’t be a dead man right now. Thing is, this has nothing to do with her. You tried to take something of mine.” 

“That runt of yours is a curse,” Ivo said. “I was doing you a favor.”

Buggy looked behind Ivo at a man you only vaguely recognized, a big guy whose face was pierced in just about every place it could be. He seemed to be ready for the order, looming dangerously at the edge of the crowd. Clicking his tongue, Buggy made a motion like a knife across his throat.

It happened so quickly that Ivo barely had time to try to escape before the larger man had him, grabbing him into a choke hold from behind. Buggy held Ivo’s eye as he approached him, stopping only just out of arm's length. The hatred and fury blazing in Ivo’s eyes promised every pain and horror, and Buggy smiled at him.  

“Looks like it’s time for your final bow,” Buggy said. 

The man holding Ivo rammed a sword through his chest to punctuate the comment. Ivo couldn’t make any sounds other than these stuttered, ugly, guttural noises as his windpipe was crushed. With a meaty twist, the man pulled the blade out of his chest. A bright red stain bloomed over Ivo’s shirt as he twitched and fought like a bug in a spider’s web. No matter how hot or bright his rage, it was a losing battle. 

He dropped with a loud thump onto the deck a moment later, either dead or heading there fast. You didn’t know if that was from getting stabbed in the heart or from suffocation.  

The pirates watched it all in complete silence, their faces stoic. The man, the executioner who you were pretty sure was called Pin, sheathed his blade and stepped back to rejoin the crew on the edge of the empty space acting as a stage.

Buggy walked forward, stepping over Ivo’s body to address his crew. 

“My freaks,” he called, clasping his hands together. “I hope you all learned a valuable lesson here, but don’t let this unfortunate incident take your minds off of what truly matters. What we have before us is a golden opportunity. You all have been given the honor of being in a show that will make or break your career. And why? Because we’re not performing for some random nobodies. I’ve gotten us an audience worthy of my talents. And if this show does well, it’s not just my name and face that gets out there. It’s the Buggy Pirates that’ll be feared across all of the East Blue.”

Buggy paused for applause. Just a few responded at first, clapping and whooping, but soon everybody joined in, the noise pressing inwards, as thick and dense as the heavy, sticky humidity. 

“Ivo here?” Buggy continued when they quieted down. “He didn’t understand the bigger picture. He doubted me. He didn’t trust that I know best.” Somebody in the crowd booed at that. “Weak men like him are poison to the artistic process, and he would have poisoned all of your small minds before I got the chance to show you the truth that art reveals. Not all of you will understand. Some of you will shy away in fear of what I’m offering. You may even reject my greatness the way Ivo and all the others have.” 

Buggy let that threat hang as he walked around the edge of the crowd in a slow arc, looking at everybody individually as if daring them to reveal themselves as dissidents. Some of the crew met his eye, some of them bowed their heads, but nobody dared to speak. He came to a stop in the center, his back turned to Ivo’s body. 

“Only the exceptional can understand the magnificence of my vision,” Buggy said with open arms, his tone warming with the fervor of exaltation, like it was a preacher’s promise. “Only those of you with open minds and hearts can share in the rewards that I’m offering. This show is your chance to prove to me that you are special. Don’t disappoint me.” 

His arms dropped, the bubble that kept the deck silent as he spoke popping as the crowd digested that promising threat.

“Oh, and, somebody take care of this,” Buggy said, gesturing towards Ivo’s body with a look of disgust. He didn’t linger on it, stepping over the pooling blood to return to the quarter deck. “Babydoll,” Buggy snapped when you didn’t immediately follow. He clicked his tongue, nodding towards his office.

You, of course, did as he wanted. 

Buggy didn’t pay you any mind even after the two of you were alone in his office again, taking off his coat and hat, pulling his hair back to slip under the kerchief. It gave the odd sense of a costume change after a performance. 

Some performance. 

The death of a man who would have gladly killed you shouldn’t have been so unsettling. It wasn’t. You didn’t care. It was fine. 

“That was a really good speech, Captain Buggy,” you said, nervously shifting from foot to foot as you tried to understand his mood. 

He sat down behind his desk, taking off his gloves. “Don’t just stand there looking stupid,” he said, “we’ve got unfinished business.” 

“What?” you asked. 

“You know what I’m talking about,” Buggy said, rolling his eyes. “You can either take off your clothes and get over here or I’ll have to get up and go aaaaall the way over there. After the day I’ve had, even I don’t know what I’ll do when I get there.” 

“I… Um.” You stared at Buggy, wordlessly begging him to laugh, to make this a twisted joke. He couldn’t be serious. You just watched him order a man’s execution. The sounds Ivo made as he died kept repeating in your ears.

Buggy groaned loudly, standing up. “Well, you can’t say I didn’t warn ya,” he said, approaching you with long strides. 

“No, I-I’ll do it!” you told him, trying to prove yourself by pulling your sweater off. Buggy ripped it out of your hands and tossed it aside, pushing you back until you hit the wall. You grunted as much in pain as surprise, your head knocking against it. 

Buggy didn’t give you any time to reorient yourself, pushing you up the wall so he wouldn’t have to hunch over to kiss you. Well. Kiss was a bit generous. He licked your lips, pushing his tongue into your mouth as soon as you let him. You whimpered, your thighs squeezing his waist so you didn’t fall. If his stormy mood wasn’t obvious otherwise, the way he kissed you was proof enough. The wet messiness didn’t bother you as much as the possessive way his tongue claimed your mouth, his teeth biting your lips without any consideration for your comfort. It felt violating, it wasn’t affection, it was a point he wanted to prove.

Groaning, Buggy palmed your breast, reminding you of his earlier rough treatment. If it wasn’t already, the bite mark around your nipple would bruise. It hurt enough to make you squirm, shying away from the pain. He let it be, his hand pushing upward, settling around your neck. 

That was fine at first, but then he squeezed. 

You immediately panicked, pushing at his shoulders. It was hard enough to breathe when he was kissing you so aggressively. Now, he pulled away and you still couldn’t get enough air, squirming and then bucking against him. For a wild, horrible second, you thought about Ivo choking. Buggy watched you intently, the color of his eyes lost for the cruelty as he observed your panic. 

When he finally let up, you gasped raggedly, tears sliding down your cheek. He watched those too, his lips parted and pupils blown wide. 

“Say it again,” Buggy told you.

Your eyebrows furrowed, confused, your mind swimming with the flush of oxygen. 

“Tell me again,” he pushed, almost petulantly demanding. “Say it, c’mon.”

“I love you,” you told him as soon as you realized what he wanted. 

That seemed like the right answer because Buggy kissed you again, sweeter now. Needful. Desperately so. You held onto his shoulders, kissing him back in the hopes that he would stop being so mean. When he pulled out away, it was to kiss the corner of your mouth and then down across your jaw, his nose bumping your cheek. 

“You’d be nothing without me,” he said, the words muffled by your neck. “You need me.”

“I do,” you agreed, your voice coming out choked. 

Wrapping both arms around you to support your weight, Buggy turned around, carrying you forward to deposit you onto the end of his desk. You fell onto your back, your spine hitting the surface painfully. 

“Captain Buggy?” you asked, wincing in pain. “What’re you… That hurt.” 

“No it didn’t. You’re fine,” he said, throwing your skirt up over your waist and roughly dragging your panties off. You didn’t have time to push your skirt down or hide your nudity with your hands before he grabbed your legs and pried them apart, leaning forward so he could spit on your pussy. It had to be just to embarrass you, considering the way he watched your face as he did it. 

You whined, closing your eye and letting your head drop back, kicking yourself a million times for not doing what he wanted in the first place and sparing yourself all of this. Buggy laughed, pushing his saliva into your pussy, his fingers dipping in just enough to make your hips twitch. You heard fabric move as he shoved his pants out of the way, and then his cock was pressing against your folds. 

“Do you think I’ll feel bad if you pout enough?” he asked, pressing the head of his dick against your entrance just to tease you, to keep you on edge. “‘Cause, I’ll be honest, it’s having the opposite effect.” 

“That’s not-” Your words cut off with a broken whimper when he finally stopped teasing and pushed his cock into you. Too much at once, especially when you weren't expecting it. You whined again, squeezing your eye shut. 

“Hey, look at me.” Buggy told you, leaning over you with one hand holding your leg and the other returning to your neck. 

You met his eyes, your own widening as he pushed all the way into you with hard little thrusts. No matter how many times you had sex, you always felt a sort of disbelief to feel so full. To be joined in such an intimate way. It was surprising. Shocking. Profane. 

He pulled out smoothly before thrusting forward hard, tightening his hand around your neck at the same time. It choked out any noise you might have made, literally stealing your breath away as you tried to inhale past the vice of his hand. The position wasn’t as intimate as he usually favored, the iron bar of his arm keeping you pressed against the desk like a pinned butterfly. 

Just when your panic was getting intense enough to become genuine dread, his hand relaxed, letting you breathe. The second the air filled your lungs, refreshing your system, he began to fuck you at a mean, rough pace. It wasn’t like anything you had ever felt. The devilish mixture of your body coming alive with sensation after being numbed by the lack of air and the violent pleasure of his cock slamming into you with hard, slapping thrusts had you practically convulsing beneath him.   

“You actually like this,” Buggy said, his voice hoarse and ragged but distinctly amused. “Freak.” His hand flexed around your throat, choking you again. 

Thrown back into a disoriented, panicking mess, you clawed at his arm. Buggy didn’t acknowledge that, picking up the same hard, dirty pace as before. Darkness crawled into the edges of your vision, eating everything else away except for Buggy above you, inside of you.

On the brink of losing yourself, Buggy’s hand relaxed. When oxygen flushed through your body, it came with an intoxicating rush of pleasure like you had never felt. The skin on skin slapping became more of a wet smack seemingly with every thrust, your pussy leaking around his cock, squeezing him desperately with the same painfully tight coil the rest of your body responded with. It was like being held on the edge of orgasm because it wasn’t enough, but you felt the same rush, the same warm break of heat as when you came, just without the actual final high.

Buggy cursed roughly as his hips slowed, gritting his teeth as if in pain.   

He squeezed your neck, once again denying you breath. You shut your eye, your back trying to arch, your hands scrambling to get ahold of his arm. This time, he released you quickly, letting you get in a breath so he could hear your choked cry when you felt his fingers between your legs. Buggy didn’t need his whole hand to scrub hard, dirty circles against your clit, two fingers detaching and settling against the sensitive bud. Each hard thrust did a lot of the work for him, grinding them against you. 

It was too much to worry about the noise you were making. If you had the capacity to speak, to breathe, you'd have told him the extra bit of stimulation was too much. Your body couldn’t contain the buzzing thrum of pleasure, your nerves aflame as they were numbed and stoked.

Buggy returned to the earlier harsh pace, and you panicked. There was no rhyme or reason to the way he controlled your breathing, pushing you to the dark edge of oblivion before pulling you back into the hyperphysical reality of pleasure.

“Can you just come already?” Buggy asked, his voice grinding out between his teeth. You could barely hear him, let alone comprehend the meaning of his words. 

He relaxed his hand around your neck and, with a desperate, ragged inhale and fresh rush of overstimulating heat that made you sob, you came, your hips curling up to feel him deeper, to get more out of the fingers on your clit. It wasn’t just your pussy, or that little coil of tension in your core, or even an entirely bodily experience. When you came, it was the crashing wave of exhilaration and nothing else. 

The hand on your neck flexed before the rush faded, locking you back into your body and denying you the satisfaction of riding out that high. Maybe Buggy wasn’t even aware of it, too lost in reaching his own end, his fingers continuing to grind against your clit, his cock slamming into you so hard it hurt.  

You choked, pleasure giving way to fear, and the world went black, consumed by nothingness. 

Dark confusion obscured everything and, for years or days or seconds, you had the odd impression that somebody from very far away was calling your name, that you were in your room, and that—

Gasping, you opened your eye, that unsettling confusion drifting into a new type of confusion as quickly as it came, your brain swimming beneath a gauzy blanket of unreality. Just like that, you were back in the intense cage of your own body, gasping and whining as Buggy finished with a couple of hard, deep thrusts. Your pussy squeezed him despite its shivery, overwhelming sensitivity in the wake of flooding oxygen, responding to his pleasure in kind. 

When he was done, the fingers he’d left on your clit returned to his hand so he could brace himself on the desk, and there was just heavy, hot breathing in the wake of something that probably seemed a lot more dramatic than it actually was. 

“Fucking… fuck,” Buggy said, his eyes closed. He laughed breathlessly, hoarsely. “That was…” 

Your lips parted to say something, but nothing came out. 

He opened his eyes, looking down at you. “You look wrecked,” he said. Considering the dozens of little blue flyaways coming out from under the kerchief wrapped around his head, the glossy shine of sweat on his face, and the deep flush painting his cheeks and lips red, you didn’t think it was fair to say that only you looked wrecked. 

Buggy used the hand on your neck to nudge your face up so he could kiss your open mouth before he pulled out, letting you wilt back onto the desk. Laying with your body mostly on the hard surface and your legs hanging off the edge wasn’t comfortable, but you didn’t want to move. You closed your eye, just trying to compose yourself. That moment of unconsciousness had been jarring, a little sickening. In the post-orgasm haze, you had a very uncomfortable and terrifying feeling like nothing was real. Or maybe that was wishful thinking? 

You heard Buggy fix his clothes before grabbing a bottle to loudly gulp down swallow after swallow of water. 

You breathed in, and then out, and finally got your arms beneath yourself to sit up because the only thing more uncomfortable than moving was the dryness in your mouth and throat.  

“Captain Buggy, may I-” you tried to ask. About half of the question got out before you erupted into a huge coughing fit. It hurt to cough, and you could feel his cum leaking out of your sore pussy with each one, but you couldn’t make yourself stop. Your body was trying to expel the obstruction of his hand, not being able to tell the difference between pressure and choking. 

“Jeez,” Buggy said. “Try not to hack up a lung.” 

You shook your head, trying to reassure him that you were okay, but you couldn’t get anything out other than the wretched, ragged coughing. You watched through a teary eye as Buggy approached you, patting your back in an odd attempt to help. When you stopped coughing, he helped you drink from his bottle with a mockingly indulgent, “Now there’s a good girl.” You didn’t care. The praise, mean or not, made you feel better. 

When you were done, you fell forward against him. “Thank you, Captain Buggy,” you said, regardless of your wrecked voice. 

He pet the top of your head awkwardly. “Yeah, sure thing, kiddo.” 

You sat up and he dropped into his chair with a big, satisfied umph, falling back into it like he was completely spent. Clearing your sandpaper throat, you got off the desk, wincing at the feeling of more cum leaking out of your pussy. Sweat covered your entire body, uncomfortably gathering on your hairline and beneath your skirt’s waistband. It made the cool air that much worse. You looked around for your clothes. Your sweater had been thrown to the other side of the room, your tights were by his desk somewhere, your panties were nowhere to be seen, and you were still wearing your boots without any socks.

Deciding your sweater was the most important thing to ward off the chill, you took a step in that direction. Buggy grabbed your wrist.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked. 

You looked at him, confused. 

He raised an eyebrow. “Get your scrawny ass over here, you look like you’re gonna pass out.” He raised his arms, sitting up to make room for you. Right then, you could have wept out of relief at the offer, your jelly legs taking you to sit in his lap. “Wait, tuck your skirt, I don’t want your mess on my pants.” 

It was technically his mess, but you didn’t say so. It didn’t really matter. Smoothing your skirt beneath yourself, you sat sideways on his lap. 

Buggy wrapped an arm around you, his other hand rubbing circles on your hip, your waist, your stomach. You didn’t expect the pain when he palmed your breast, catching your nipple between his fingers. The bite mark really did hurt. You whimpered, your body unintentionally writhing back against him. 

“Already?” he asked. “Give a guy a break, sheesh. I need a minute before I do that again.” 

You made an unhappy noise, burying your face against his chest. Buggy laughed, petting your head. “I was joking. I don’t have time. I need to make sure that my freaks are ready, Cabaji’s coming in tonight so we can finalize our plans,” Buggy told you. “We’re gonna take Saline first thing in the morning.”

“Will it be very dangerous?” you asked.

“It’ll be easy. They’ve got, what, three hundred people? There’s a reason the Surgeon picked this place.” 

“He didn’t set up any security to protect it?” you asked. 

“Nothing I can’t handle.” 

“How?” 

“Why do you care?” he asked. “It’s not like you can help, your only job is to wait on the ship and not cause any more trouble.”

Heeding his dangerous tone, you put your head back against his chest. “Yes, Captain Buggy.”

The rain returned later that evening. Everybody was saying it would be cleared up by the next day, but that meant the pirates had to get everything ready dripping wet and cold. Most of them didn’t seem to mind it as much after Buggy’s speech. Although one of their own was dead, the crew seemed more invigorated than ever to perform at their best. 

You weren’t asked to greet Cabaji when he came in, but you heard some of the others saying that the Chief of Staff was approaching, and there wasn’t much in the way of help you could offer to the crew as they prepared for the attack, and you wanted to see him. 

So you waited, hanging back beneath the overhang to stay dry, watching as the sloop Cabaji and his miniature crew had used was pulled up. Pirates crawled up onto the ship out of the dark, wet and miserable. Eventually, you saw the man you were looking for jump up onto the deck. It felt like years since you last saw the man, but he hadn’t changed. He directed a couple of the men this way and that with his usual terse mannerisms before stalking towards the main deck.  

“Mr. Cabaji!” you called as you followed with your jacket over your head, excited to see the man even though your last parting wasn’t especially warm. He half turned towards you, his eyes narrowed and confused before recognition hit. 

“Hello,” he said. 

“It’s been a while,” you said. “I’m glad you’re back safe.” 

“Thank you. Is Captain Buggy with you?” 

“No, he’s… They’re all in the officer’s mess. I heard you were coming and so I wanted to say hello. It’s been forever.” 

“It has been a while. You look different,” he said.

“Oh, because of my…” You subconsciously reached up to tug your bandana down, but it wasn’t there. “Sorry, I know it’s…” 

“No, you look healthier,” he clarified. 

“Really?” you asked, smiling. “I, um, thank you. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” he told you. “You said they’re in the officer’s mess?”

“Yeah, I have to get Captain Buggy’s supper but I thought… I wanted to say hello, before…” You didn’t want Buggy to see you greeting him. That’s what you were thinking, but you hated yourself for it. The only reason you would feel shame was if you had something to hide, but you didn’t, you just didn’t want to upset the captain when he was already so stressed. 

Cabaji nodded, his expression unreadable. “Now that I’m back, there’s something you need to understand,” he said.

“What?” 

“It is my duty to see to your wellbeing and safety. I will look after you because Captain Buggy ordered me to do so, not out of personal interest. Do you understand? Our relationship is strictly professional.” 

You shifted your weight back, frowning. “I thought we were… friends.” 

“We have sworn an oath of service to the same captain, that doesn’t make us friends.”

“Yeah, of-of course,” you said, nodding, forcing a smile. “Well, I-I’m glad you’re… I guess I should go get Captain Buggy’s supper. I’ll… see you down there.”  

He nodded and you turned the other way to retreat into the galley through the middle hatch. 

You were stupid. You felt stupid, you probably looked pretty stupid too. It shouldn’t have made you feel so bad that Cabaji would reject you, you shouldn’t have expected anything from him anyway. It wasn’t as if it was the first time you misinterpreted somebody’s kindness, or got carried away by your irrational feelings.  

Still, you had to take a moment to collect yourself before bringing Buggy’s meal into the officer’s mess. 

It was fine. 

You were fine. 

Shaking your damp hair to try and look a little less like a wet rat, you entered the room. It looked the same as it always did, colorfully decorated and festive. The pirates hung around juggling, playing cards, or talking loudly. Richie was impressing two of them with his uncanny ability to catch food out of the air.

Buggy sat in the middle of it all, of course, sprawled across a chair like a king. You placed his tray in front of him, studiously ignoring Cabaji as you sat at the captain’s side. 

“Did’ja get lost or something?” Buggy asked. 

“No, sir,” you muttered. “I’m sorry.”  

“Whatever. Now that we’re all here,” Buggy said loudly to address the table, picking up his utensils. “Cabaji, where are we at with our doctor problem?” 

The table’s attention turned to the Chief of Staff. 

“He’s got a full crew,” Cabaji explained. “He’s supplemented the squad of crooked Marines that oversee this area with mercenaries. I give it a day before they’re here. Maybe a little more. The hostage situation will keep them from doing anything rash.”

“Which gives us enough time to get our audience ready,” Buggy said. “The rain’s been clearing up. We go in at first light, make it quick. As long as we can take the lab, we got the whole place for ourselves.” 

“How much do we know about the town’s defenses?” Cabaji asked.

“They’re pathetic,” Buggy said. “It’s gonna be easy to get in and Fuse over there’ll take care of the rest.” 

Cabaji nodded, and the conversation lapsed into other things as everyone else’s meals were served. You had very little appetite, but you picked at the food as something to distract yourself with.

“Hey, babydoll,” Buggy suddenly said, getting your attention. “Is there anything we need to know about daddy dearest before he gets here? He is the guest of honor, after all. I want to make sure he gets a properly warm welcome.” 

Put on the spot, you froze, nervously looking around at the table. “He, um, he was a Major in the Marines,” you said, stammering. “The-the senior physician, you know, like, on a lot of high profile ships. But he’s retired.”

Buggy groaned. “No, no, no. I need things we don’t know. Tell me about who he is.”

“I don’t know,” you said, frowning. “About the drugs or anything, I… I had no idea.” 

“You lived with the guy for your whole life and you don’t have anything useful to share?” 

The disappointment in his voice scared you. There had to be something, anything that would be helpful. You bit your lip, thinking very hard. 

“Oh! He drinks a lot. A lot, a lot,” you said, trying to smother the guilt you felt revealing Dad’s secrets. “So his hands shake a lot and he’s kind of unsteady sometimes when he walks. Also, he, um… He got injured when he was in the service. I don’t think he can fight anymore.”

“See? That’s good,” Buggy said. “What else?” 

“There is something, but I don’t know how to… I was thinking about what he said. Barley’s harbor, Randall, me.” You looked up, meeting Buggy’s eyes. “Captain Buggy, you took everything from him.” 

He grinned. “Good.” 

“No, it’s…” You shook your head, trying to think of how to phrase it so he could understand the sickening pit of terror in your gut whenever you started to think about this. 

“He’s obsessed with control,” Crina said. “You took that from him. That can be dangerous.” 

“Oh, okay. By all means, feel free to chime in with your opinions,” Buggy said, half turning towards her.

“No, that’s-that’s true,” you said. “Crina knows.”

Buggy’s eyes narrowed. “Crina knows what?”

“About me,” you explained, caught off guard by the combative tone of his voice. “And, my-the Surgeon, how he is.” 

“More than I do?” Buggy asked, raising an eyebrow. That was a dangerous question, one you didn’t want to answer.

“I might have a different perspective than you do,” Crina said. 

“What’s that supposed to mean? You got some kinda girl-on-girl mind link? Women’s intuition?” he asked, looking between the two of you. “Wait!” Buggy snapped, pointing at Crina. “I know! You used your psychic mind powers on her. I hope you got consent before violating her like that. She’s sensitive.” 

You flushed, embarrassed by his choice of words. “Captain Buggy, that’s not it,” you said, trying to smooth things over.

“But there is something,” he said, “you admit it.” 

“No,” you tried to tell him, but Buggy wasn’t listening to you anymore, sitting up so he could face Crina directly.

“Isn’t she a bit young for you, Crina?” he asked. 

“The only thing I’m interested in is her health,” Crina said.

“Wow, you sound just like her dad,” Buggy turned around to look at you. “Doesn’t she sound exactly like him, babydoll?” 

You met his eye, your mouth opening to agree automatically, but nothing came out. The sudden turn of his mood and the accusation made your head spin. Of course she didn’t, but you couldn’t disagree with Buggy. You didn’t think you could even form the words. 

Buggy burst out laughing, breaking the tension. “I’m just fucking with you. You really need to learn how to lighten up.” 

Forcing yourself to untense, you tried to smile, to laugh it off. Crina hid her expression by taking a big drink out of something in a silvery flask. 

“Can nobody take a joke around here?” Buggy asked, leaning back with a scowl. 

Nobody said anything, the mood effectively killed by that outburst. Thankfully, the awkward silence was saved by the crashing entrance of one of Buggy’s pirates, stumbling into the room out of breath and panicked.

“Captain Buggy?” he called.

“What is it now?” Buggy snapped. 

“You have a… The Surgeon is calling.” 

“What’dya want?” Were Buggy’s first words into the mouthpiece. Apparently, the Den Den Mushi was something Cabaji had brought with him. For negotiations. The snail was wrapped up in a sweater to keep warm, seemingly content with his situation after getting fed. Buggy had it brought into his cabin for this conversation. He sat comfortably at his desk while you nervously perched on the bed, glad you didn’t eat very much because of the nausea squeezing your stomach. 

“You know who I am?” Dad asked. It was just as strange to hear his voice coming out of the snail’s mouth now as it had been in Lafitte.

“‘Course I do, doc,” Buggy said. “My babydoll’s told me aaaaaall about you. I was wondering when you’d call. Normally I wouldn’t talk to my fans like this, but you’re special, eh?”

“You know why I’m calling?” 

“Yeah. Duh.”

“I’ll make this quick, then. Give me the girl and that will be the end of this.”

That gave Buggy pause, it clearly wasn’t what he expected to hear. “What are you talking about?” he asked. “If I give her up, you’re going to, what, let me go? Don’t you know who I am?” 

“I’m retired, I don’t care who you are. The fact of the matter is that you have stolen from me. If she is returned, I will withdraw. The Marines will, of course, pursue you further, but you will fare better against them without my support.”

Buggy’s excitement faded away to frustration, his angry eyes flicking up to you. You squirmed in discomfort, wanting to disappear all over again. “They just upped my bounty,” he said.

“I’m not concerned with money.” 

“Oh, right. You’ve been doing some dirty deals, haven’t ya, pops? A real Doctor Feelgood. What did you swear when you got your degree, the hypocrite oath?”

“I’m not interested in your games, freak,” Dad said. “Is the girl with you? If she is, I would like to speak with her.” 

Buggy scowled, glaring at you. “Say hi, sweetheart.”

“I’m here,” you said, your voice choked. 

“You ought to know that Randall’s funeral was lovely, considering the circumstances,” Dad said. “He will be remembered and celebrated with respect and reverence, something he was denied in his death by the fiends you have run off with.” 

“Hold on a second, doc,” Buggy said. “You’re way off the mark on this one. It wasn’t me or my crew that killed that idiot. Babydoll did that all on her own. Real gruesome too. When I slit someone’s throat, I like to make it quick, but she got in deep and started sawing. I tried to help move things along, but yeesh, it was hard to watch.”

Dad didn’t say anything, a silence as impactful as any amount of rage. You felt sick, blood rushing up into your head so fast it hurt. You didn’t want to think about that. You couldn’t. 

“You see, pops, she understands that greatness demands sacrifice,” Buggy said. “She knew that if she was gonna make the cut to stand at my side, she needed to shed all of the dead weight.” 

“She is my daughter,” Dad said. “It doesn’t matter what she wants. She is mine by right.” 

“What right?” Buggy asked. “You can’t even make the whole dad claim anymore. With as much as we go at it she’s got more of me in her than you.” 

“You can do what you will with her body,” Dad said, his voice deadly soft. “But she is not yours. When she returns to me, she won’t even remember you.” 

“That’s funny, doc. I was gonna-” The line disconnected. “-say the same thing.” Buggy realized as soon as he was done speaking that Dad had hung up. He looked surprised, like he couldn’t believe that would happen. 

You didn’t really care, that parting threat hit you with the force of a hammer. “What he said, it isn’t true,” you said, talking softly so your voice didn’t break. “No, that’s… He’s lying, Captain Buggy. Isn’t he? You won’t let him take me back.”

“Of course not,” Buggy said, replacing the mouthpiece with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “The old man must be losing his mind if he thinks I’ll let him get anywhere near you. That was all just talk anyway, there’s no way he wants you more than me.”

You nodded, trying to hold onto that assurance to calm yourself amidst the thousands of horrible, scary thoughts spinning in your head. 

“Yeah,” Buggy grumbled, looking down with another scowl. “The old man is gonna lose a lot more than just his mind if he thinks he can get away with talking to me like that. Nobody talks to Buggy the Clown like that.” Abrupt as it came, his rage flashed away. Buggy looked up at you with a manic smile. “You were wrong, babydoll.”

“What?” you asked. 

“I haven’t taken everything from him,” Buggy said. “But I will. I’m gonna be there the moment he realizes that I’ve got everything that he’s ever cared about in his whole worthless life. I don’t care what I have to do, he’s not gonna live to regret this.” 

[princeloww]

wanted to explain one of my alec hardy ask blog answers again 🫡 (feel free to send asks based off the stuff I say here)

Context: I run an Alec Hardy ask blog (@detective-inspector-hardy)

I don't know if anyone other than myself has noticed but I've sort of slowly been building an "alec-goes-to-therapy" arc over the course of the last few answers - he started by having no interest in it, and we've gradually seen him considering it and now he's actually gone and done it.

This is a bit of a weird answer so I wanted to explain it a bit: the first part, about only going to shut people up, hopefully seems not true. Its a bluff to explain to himself why he's actually going through with it, because he doesn't think it's actually worth his time/finds reaching out for help embarrassing. We know that he struggles to admit when he needs help and prefers to keep (even potentially life-threatening) issues to himself.

The middle section is in chronological order. When he was with Tess, she suggested he go. He says "a body" because he's not going to directly say that he found Pippa's body on a tumblr post, but we all know it's Pippa's body. Then he mentions Miller also talking about mental health around him, in a way suggesting he seeks out help for it. Then, finally, he mentions Daisy talking to him about it.

My hope is that this implies that Daisy mentioning it to him is what pushed him to actually go through with it - he's heard it from people before, which is the slow build up of him sort of considering it, and then now that his own daughter is suggesting it he actually does go.

(Last part is a dumb reference to Aubrey Thyme, Crowley's therapist in Demonology and the Tri-Phasic Model of Trauma)

Under the silliness, my sort of goal is to show that Alec values his daughter a lot and despite struggling with things is willing to push himself out of his comfort zone if it means making her happy :D

[maidstew]

Omg please share your Persephone and Finnick thoughts! I’d love to hear them <3

omg someone wants to hear my persephone and finnick thoughts?? genuinely that makes me so happy!!

im going to continue my ideas in this post, if anyone hasn’t read my first bit on finnick/pippa nonsense.

→ finnick is eventually stolen away by a woman persephone vaguely recognizes as a stylist. she doesn’t directly speak with him again until right after the 74th hunger games.

→ she knows something is different after the 74th games and can feel it in the air. there are hushed whispers of a rebellion and coriolanus is pulling festus into secret meetings more and more often. festus and persephone are amongst the few of their graduating Academy class still living.

→ she knows what happened to the others but there’s no one she call tell. she knows that felix’s car accident was no accident. she knows clemensia didn’t die suddenly from a bad case of the flu. she knows vipsania wouldn’t have taken her own life when she was so close to getting answers about pup’s mysterious death at sea.

→ but she can’t tell anyone. until coriolanus presents finnick as a gift- or more accurately a private punishment- for persephone.

→ she’s no fool. she knows why coriolanus sent finnick to her- he knows how affected she still is from mizzen’s death all those years ago.

→ but he doesn’t know that she’s has a lot of anger built up over the years. or that she’s angry enough to risk the possibility that finnick’s act isn’t an act at all.

→ persephone is wise enough to meet finnick in a place that won’t be wire tapped- pluribus’s old club that hilarius took over years ago.

→ she doesn’t know how her information can help finnick but she knows she won’t be able to use it herself. so she sits him down and begins talking without so much as explaining first.

→ she tells him everything, everything. she starts with the first rebellion, even exposing herself as a cannibal. she tells him about the 10th games and lucy gray and katniss everdeen is a slap in the face simply for being from district 12 and singing a song.

→ finnick sits quietly and accepts all of her secrets. some of them, he has already heard from his past ‘lovers’ but some of them are new. particularly the one about lucy gray baird.

→ finnick thanks persephone but has seen enough of the capitol to still be weary of her. this all could easily be a trick from snow, after all.

→ but she promises to tell him more- or send him more information via another person. she wants desperately to do what should have been done long ago- dethrone snow.

[unhealthy-obessions]

I finished As Good As Dead 5 minutes ago and like

BWAHAHAHAAAHAHAAA

Take that back.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “Hey, Sarge, remember me?”

CRYING, WEEPING, PULLING MY HAIR OUT, PUNCHING THE WALL, SCREAMING WHAT THE FUCKKK

I CANT TAKE THIS ANYMOREEEE

[wishingicouldfly]

Favorite Fics 2023

Happy 2024! I always have a hard time narrowing down my favorites. A few stats this year, I read 155 fics (according to my admittedly not 100% correct database), and it's low because I've been watching LGBTQ+ media and reading less. I had 50+ fics that I rated 5/5, so narrowing down to 14 was me cutting out shorts, holiday fics, and rereads. These are in no particular order.

All is now Harmed by Fondleeds

It's still that dreamy kind of dark, nothing seeming real, but he knows that it's time to go, to whistle for Pippa and eat whatever he's got left in the fridge and start the drive down to Molly's. He can't seem to open the door. Maybe he doesn't want to face it, this new thing. Having Louis here feels like a betrayal. Harry tries not to think about what his Dad would have to say if he saw the journo sleeping on their pull-out, here to shake a settled sheet and watch the dust fly again. - AU. Harry's a farmer, Louis writes for The Age, and it hasn't rained in the Bourke Shire for six years.

Why I Like It: This is Excellent, but after 123K words, it's a WIP. Unfinished since May 2022, but that said, the writing is gorgeous, and I think that alone makes it worth the read.

2. Angels Fly by LilyBlue28

Harry is a lonely omega in the North Western White River Pack who is uncharacteristically drawn to nature and his now outdated primal instincts. He fills his days with going through the motions and clinging to the one actual friendship he has in the omega Zayn, and when he gets a chance he sneaks away to the edge of their territory to sit with the trees and the wildlife and sketch his favorite part of the river. But what happens when one day he spots the pack alpha, Louis, having an intimate moment with something, or someone, unexpected? Suddenly his quiet, nearly invisible existence gets upended, and secrets he never wanted to know quite literally won't leave him alone, and even when he tries to stay away, he keeps being pulled back into Louis' turbulent orbit. A magical love story featuring a generations long grudge, a menacing curse, and secrets that keep pulling them apart. Will they be able to find a way back to one another through the dark?

Why I Like It: Really integrated plot, soul mates/wolf story. ABO, but more wolf than human. Very involved plot. Well done.

3. Be There by mission2feelike

Niall sits down dramatically, arms flopping to his side before he leans forward and looks right into Harry's eyes. "So, your ex-boyfriend, who broke your heart four years ago, is coming to stay at your house for six weeks? And his daughter, your daughter, is coming to stay tonight?"

Harry nods, worried if he speaks, he'll be yelled at again, but then Niall's face softens, his ever-present smile is back and Harry hears him breathe out a small chuckle. "Okay, for the record, I think this is the worst idea you've ever had, but how can we help?" or The one where their family has been torn apart and their hearts broken, but an accident, a snowstorm, cinnamon rolls, and the adorable Josie force Louis and Harry to finally face the truth, and each other.

Why I Like It: Harry and Louis take custody of Lottie's baby, but Louis breaks H's heart by sending him away. pining. kid fic. Harry is famous. Had some very lovely domestic moments, and some tear jerkers. Louis was a bit of a jerk at the beginning. Side of Ziam.

4. Butterfly Gun by Eravain - no link, this is off AO3, but DM me if you want me to share it with you, as I have a PDF.

Harry has never been much of a fighter, but—as always—where Louis Tomlinson is concerned, a lot of things stop being true. 1940's AU. Even after six years apart, they can't forget their shared wartime childhood.

Why I Like It: I loved this gem--childhood friends to lovers. Historical Fiction. Really well written.

5. Counterbalance by YesIsAWord

Harry Styles loves two things: teaching ballet and racing motorcycles. Those two worlds collide when his greatest rival on the track, Louis "Tommo" Tomlinson brings his tiny siblings to Harry's class.

Why I Like It: Pretty short but very effectively written story. Pacing was good. Loved the dichotomy of Harry as a ballerina and as a motorcycle driver. 

6. Danger I Can't Hide by CelticSky

"Don't," Tomlinson's voice was low, gravelled, hiding out in the night where only Styles could hear it. "Stop it. Calm down. You can't do anything." Styles' chest heaved. Tomlinson had him pinned against the wall, his forearm strong against his ribs. The night air crackled around them and all he could hear was the overlap of their breath, desperation, exquisite need and pain and desire and longing and lingering resistance. He couldn't take his eyes from Tomlinson's lips. The way they fell open to expel air against Harry's jaw. His tongue darting out to wet them between desperate words, making them glisten in what little light there was. His eyes were lidded and unseeing as he himself looked down to stare at Styles' mouth. ~~~ Flying Officer Styles and Sergeant Tomlinson would have likely never crossed paths in a time of peace, their ordinary lives laid out neatly, predictably before them. But then the world became unrecognisable. All too soon they grew accustomed to fear, surrounded by death and destruction, not even their very freedom a certainty anymore. Until they found each other. Comfort. Companionship. Understanding. Another person to lose.

Why I Like It: Amazing. Research into WW2 and what it was like to be queer and hiding a relationship. loved the love story, but also the human side of the war. Very well told.

7. Have Love, Will Travel by Kingsofeverything

Rather than spend the summer working at their desks, Louis and Harry are given the opportunity to crisscross the country together in a tiny camper, filming their adventures for a YouTube series. It soon becomes obvious to their viewers that there's something more than friendship between them. Eventually, they figure it out.

Why I Like It: super cute. Road Trip Larry. Lots of state parks, travel. Louis has a crush and of course they end up together.

8. Heading for Limbo by KingsofEverything

Childhood best friends who've fallen in and out of touch with each other since Louis' family moved away when they were thirteen, Harry and Louis find their paths crossing again and again. Each time, no matter how many miles apart or how many years it's been, it's as if no time has passed. They fall back into their easy friendship, until life intervenes and sends them on their separate ways once more. When Harry discovers some life-changing things about himself, Louis is there for him, however he needs. But it's all temporary because Louis has plans that will move his life from New York all the way to L.A. and the distance isn't the only thing between them. The pieces of their twice broken hearts are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Why I Like It: I really liked this one. Slow burn, friends to not-friends, to lovers, to exes, to lovers. Word of caution, H has a gf for part of it, but it's a really nice slow awakening of his sexuality. TW for some angst/pining.

9. Glass Closets and Greenhouses by TiredTiredTz

Charlton Athletic defender Louis Tomlinson and worldwide sex symbol Harry Styles are rumoured to be hooking up after a viral video filmed at Harry’s Wembley show was posted online by Tommo’s twin sisters. Sources close to the pair tell us the couple have been dating for a while, with rumours of house hunting, marriage and even kids on the cards! Styles, 29, is as well known for his whirlwind love life as his chart-topping music. Most recently linked to British fashion designer Alex Millet-Sloan, Harry has stayed tight-lipped on rumours of any romantic rendezvous between himself and footballer Tomlinson, 31, yet fans online are convinced that all evidence points to #Tomlinstyles being the real deal.

Why I Like It: Could have been longer. A bit over the top meet cute w/ the twins setting them up, but over all well done. 

10. It's Fine to Fake it 'Til You Make ('Til It's True) by Sunflouwerhabit

Harry dreads an impending visit to his hometown, where he’ll be forced to reunite with a newly engaged ex-boyfriend, a childhood best friend turned near stranger, and a family who never understood just how desperately he needed to leave. In the midst of it all, a ludicrous Twitter proposition brings him to Louis.

Why I Like It: I loved this one. Super cute characters, a little bit of miscommunication, lovely, lovely boys. 

11. Like an Endless Summer by objectlesson - no link, I have this as an epub

Louis is an riding instructor at a summer camp, and Harry is a fellow counselor wh he’s been successfully managing his crush on for the last two years. That is, until Harry shows up this year leveled up and lethal, and all Louis’ formerly perfected veneer of nonchalance melts like a popsicle in the sun.

Why I Like It: absolutely lovely. GREAT depiction of the uncertainty of a crush liking you. slow burn, but you see it coming the whole way. 

12. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by KingsofEverything

Louis' life is steady and calm, moored by his marriage, and tied to his hometown, but after a chance encounter with another man, it'll never be the same.

Why I Like It: really liked this one. TW for cheating. Middle aged man in a loveless marriage realizes he's gay and falls in love with a co-worker. Could totally be a Hallmark movie.

13. Until the Pearls get Lost by LadyLondonderry

London, 1933. Harry Styles, alpha, elusive bachelor and happy third wheel to his coupled friends, receives a visit from one Liam Payne, begging for his help. Liam’s childhood friend Louis is about to become the talk of the city; left at the altar because the mating bond was rejected, Louis will spend the rest of his life in an institution unless Liam can find someone to take him in and care for him as he recovers. Most omegas with failed bonds are never the same again. With rumours swirling around about the reason for the rejected bond, Harry gives in to Liam’s pleas. He hasn’t the slightest idea how that decision will shape the rest of his life.

Why I Like It: This felt like a fairy tale. Great writing. A bit left to the imagination. Almost werewolf-y. 

14. Write This Down by Sunflouwerhabit

"And Louis responds by kissing him. He closes his eyes and presses their lips together and hopes it’s enough to distract from how those words cut and extracted critical pieces of his heart, his soul. Louis kisses Harry to avoid sobbing, yelling, pleading, begging him to never, ever use words like always or never or I promise, because they can’t. They don’t have an always. Nevers will forever remain a mere dream. Time has run out for commitments or oaths or pledges and if Louis is going to be okay- if he’s going to enjoy this time with Harry and then let him go and still feel whole- he can’t let himself start thinking long term. He can’t let this become emotional; something more than silliness and fun and sex. He can’t hear Harry say he’s proud of him when he doesn’t know if he’ll ever see him again after this week. 'I miss you,' Harry murmurs, his breaths warm and equally shaky. 'All the time.' Louis kisses him harder."

Why I Like It: I really loved this contemporary romance. Lots of angst, boys being stupid thinking they are protecting each other by not communicating. But ultimately a lovely story. New favorite.

[sincerelyhannahx]

rereading 'a good girl's guide to murder'

i did this for my first time read of 'a curse for true love' and actually really enjoyed the process, so welcome to my thoughts rereading 'a good girl's guide to murder' for (i want to say fourth?) time. obviously there will be spoilers ahead, so you have been warned.

RAVI <333

'i pacifically think you're better off without him' 'i antlantically think so too' i'm convinced this is a conversation taken directly from my gc.

lauren, you are not a girl's girl. i hope the heartbreak stings </3

stanley, why have you got to be a racist and then go and make me feel sorry for you later? it'd be so much easier if characters were one-dimensional.

how is ravi already so 😍🥰😭

PIKACHU ONESIE WITH A TUTU ARE YOU KIDDING??? this whole thing is just going to be me screaming over ravi and i am not sorry.

'one of his perfect smiles' pip its chapter six you can't be this down bad already. ik i am but that's different.

leslie - what i'm about to say i want you to know i mean it with my whole heart - i despise you.

TALK NERDY TO ME <333

sorry since when does ravi work at the pub???

i'm eternally grateful that holly jackson is british.

'when are the boys getting here?' lauren you couldn't be more of a pick-me if you tried.

'Stop digging, Pippa.'

BECCA WAS SEEING STANLEY??? HOW DID I FORGET ABOUT THAT???

help the liking photos from five years ago - that's rule one of internet stalking.

and at long last we start to board the 'max hastings is a dirty piece of shit' train. all aboard!!!

pip trying to buy drugs is so funny.

PIPPA FITZ-AMOBI YOU ARE EVERYTHING I ASPIRE TO BE AND MORE.

pipravi <333

'You stupid bitch. Leave this alone while you still can.' Was this Elliot? Because I know he's got a lot to lose but 'bitch' seems a bit out of character. Wait, Nat's note in Andie's locker also said 'You stupid bitch', so maybe it was her. I can't remember.

PIPRAVI <333 where do i find a ravi singh? please universe send one to me.

'REAL MEN WEAR FLORAL WHEN TRESPASSING' FUCK YEAH THEY DO!!!

help ravi's scared of cats i didn't remember that either.

ravi singh i am humbly asking for your hand in marriage.

i am officially a member of the 'nat da silva deserves better' party.

'who's taking the picture?' has to be up there with top ten plot twists of all time LIKE ITS SO CLEVER AND SO GOOD!!!

i'm also a member of the 'sal singh deserved so much better' party. ugghhhhh it actually makes me so mad.

BARNEY :((

DON'T HURT RAVI; THAT HURTS ME :((

holly jackson, i will be invoicing you for my therapy bills.

'hello, trouble' AND SUDDENLY ALL IS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD AGAIN I AM GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET TWIRLING MY HAIR OVER RAVI SINGH ONCE MORE!

i'm so dead serious - where do i find a ravi?

the fact she's been setting up clues for book three this whole time is astounding. how does she do it? i'm genuinely asking, holly jackson, please teach me your ways.

becca bell i'm so sorry.

the fact we skipped the start of pipravi's relationship will never not leave me asking for more LIKE WHO MADE THE FIRST MOVE? WHAT WAS THEIR FIRST DATE? GIVE ME THE DETAILS!

'i'm ravishing' RAVI SINGH WE DO NOT DESERVE YOU <333

the fact max hastings walks free represents everything wrong with the world. but where we don't have justice, we have pippa fitz-amobi.

[aurumacadicus]

There are still a week left to read A Darker Shade of Magic, but we’re voting for our next book now so we have plenty of time to get it for the first day of reading on December eleventh! Book summaries are under the cut! Each new title is in bold for clarity.

If you’d like to join the book club, now or for the next book, feel free to send me an ask and I’ll give you the link to our Discord!

(We'll also be voting for our January book immediately after this poll ends because we're doing our first themed month: Author Debuts! Some of the choices are very new and we'll need time to source them, so we're voting on that one early!)

Hunger Pangs: True Love Bites by Joy Demorra

Captain Nathan J. Northland had no idea what to expect when he returned home to Lorehaven injured from war, but it certainly wasn’t to find himself posted on an island full of vampires. An island whose local vampire dandy lord causes Nathan to feel strange things he’d never felt before. Particularly about fangs.

When Vlad Blutstein agreed to hire Nathan as Captain of the Eyrie Guard, he hadn’t been sure what to expect either, but it certainly hadn’t been to fall in love with a disabled werewolf. However Vlad has fallen and fallen hard, and that’s the problem.

Torn by their allegiances—to family, to duty, and the age-old enmity between vampires and werewolves—the pair find themselves in a difficult situation: to love where the heart wants or to follow where expectation demands.

The situation is complicated further when a mysterious and beguiling figure known only as Lady Ursula crashes into their lives, bringing with her dark omens of death, doom, and destruction in her wake.

And a desperate plea for help neither of them can ignore.

Thrown together in uncertain times and struggling to find their place amidst the rising human empire, the unlikely trio must decide how to face the coming darkness: united as one or divided and alone. One thing is for certain, none of them will ever be the same.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl… Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.

She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success – not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won’t be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

“Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I’m just Jade. I’m not a real hero.”

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all—they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya—daughter of Tierra, the god of earth—is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can’t help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldn’t mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo’s taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.

[thekiltongrammarwriter]

Pippa can’t focus on her work so to help her, she goes to Cara and casually sits on her lap while she works. Cara hugs her from behind and nuzzles her back 🥺

Nsfw bonus:

Cara loves to casually squeeze pippas boobs. Just for funsies. She’ll just squeeze them and be all “honk, honk”

Alternatively, cara loves to tease pipp but running her hands under her shirt and starting to lightly pinch and twist her nipples.

Pippa moans but continues to work trying to ignore it.

But what sets her off is when Cara would pull down her shirt a bit she’ll breathe on pippas neck sending the small girl into overdrive 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

The fact that I nearly laughed at Cara’s “honk, honk” because that is an utterly book Cara ward move 😭😭 it’s giving of the “can’t relate” from book two.

I also just adore pipcara in their natural habitat. Pip being pip and remaining scholary even when Cara teases and tries to mess with her. 🤭 poor Cara, she’s about to learn just how resilient our dear pippa fitz Amobi is. Cara can fish it out but can she take it is the question?