#we love you cathy mitchell

[shiftythrifting]

Worcester, MA

[lostfirefly]

Well, I don't know why I came here tonight, I've got the feeling that something ain't right

Hey, hey, hey!! I haven't published anything for a long time. The stress of studying took all my energy. Welcome to another fun day for Catherine and Buggy! English is not my native language, errors may occur. As always, feel free to share your thoughts :)

Masterlist is here

Description: Neighbor asks Catherine and Buggy to look after the kids at their birthday party while she goes to get the cake.

Warnings: Fun, fluff, jokes. A composite image of the kids at the party. Sorry in advance for the fact that children swear, but I just thought that they often repeat everything after adults. Small references to my followers.

Words: 5344

Buggy x OC from my “You’ve Got the Same Dream as Me” series.

Taglist: @gingernut1314, @operationroots, @hey-august, @yujo-nishimura, @emmiebugz-blog, @mydearlybeloathed

The title is taken from "Stuck in the middle with you" by Stealers Wheel.

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“How long are we going to sit like this, cotton candy?” Buggy stroked Catherine's back as she curled up in his lap. 

“It's only been fifteen minutes, stop nagging.” She took his ponytail and began to wind it around her finger. “You stayed late at the circus two nights in a row. I missed you. And now I want to spend some time with you in our chair.” 

“It’s nonsense, Cathie-pie. We're doing nothing.”

“We’re enjoying each other's company. It's so great and romantic. We're resting, you're hugging me, I feel like I'm in the safest place in the world right now.” Catherine curled up even tighter and pulled the blanket over them. “Let's sit for a little while longer, please.”

Buggy rolled his eyes. “Fine. An hour, ok?” He hugged her tighter, kissed her forehead and quickly wiped the lipstick mark with his fingers. “Why do I always give in to you?” He noticed Catherine start laughing. “What's so funny, little shit?” 

“Your nose. It's so funny, it bumps into my head, then my cheeks.” Catherine saw how sad Buggy became. “Oh, don't be upset, my silly clown. I love your nose. It also whistles funny sometimes at night. But I like it, it makes me feel like I'm home.” 

“You like mocking me, right?”

“I'm not mocking you! Remember when I went to visit my sister recently? I missed your snoring and whistling, so I had to put a chicken whistle by my pillow and I hugged the teddy bear. It all reminded me of you and our home, my little bear.” Catherine exhaled and started running her fingers around Buggy's arm. “I want you to come to my parents’ house so much. I want to show you everything. My room, photo albums, my favorite places. I was sitting in a coffee shop and thinking how great it would be to sit here with you. Maybe you'll come to Loguetown with me sometime?”

“I don't know, Catherine. We’ll see, ok? Fuck, totally forgot I have something for you.” Buggy sent his hand to the night stand and pulled some box of candies out of the drawer for her. “Here, your favorite nougat ones.”

“Yesterday, you stole blue irises for me. Today you brought me sweets. You're so cute, my Buggy Bear. You bring me candies, flowers, you even started bringing me candles. Thanks!” She kissed him on the cheek and took a couple of candies. “Yummy. Oh! Can I ask you a question?”

“First, Cathie-pie, it's still a terrible nickname. Second, you talked me into staying in this chair and covered me with a blanket with little ponies on it. Me.” Buggy pointed his finger at himself. “A grown man. Do I have a choice to say no?” 

“Asshole.” Catherine popped a candy into her mouth. “You know, we've been together for six months now, and I realized I don't know your middle name. Do you have a middle name? Let's say Buggy Eiichiro the Clown.” 

“Oh, I know what name I could have.” He grinned. “Buggy “The Best Sex of Catherine Mitchell's Life” the Clown.” He started giggling and winked at her. 

“I hate you. Why can't you answer like a normal person?” Catherine gently slapped him on the shoulder. “Now you're punished and I’ll ask another question. Have you ever dreamed of anything? Or maybe you have another dream now.”

“Why are you asking?”

“Everyone has dreams, Buggy.” Catherine ran her finger over his chest. “You talk not so much about your past, I'm wondering what you were like before you met me. So far I only know that you were in prison, hanging out with some kid and are worth a lot of money. But I still think you should cost more.”

“I didn't hang out with the kid! Well... I used to dream of you leaving my life, but as we can see,” Buggy smacked Catherine on the head, “that wasn't meant to happen, and now you piss me off every single day.” 

“I'm serious, clown. I told you about mine yesterday.”

“You mean that dream where you wanted to be queen of the gummy worms?” Buggy laughed. “I can't stop imagining this picture. I'm sorry, baby, it doesn't count.”

“I was five years old, you idiot. What could I have dreamed of when I was five? Okay, if you don't want to tell me, don't tell me.” Catherine gently slapped her palms on his chest.

“Fine. Seriously though. Well,” Buggy scratched his head, “I dreamed of being the king of… all circuses. But I had to give up on that dream. I had and have no right to dream about that.”

“Are you sure you're talking about the circus? You have the right to dream, my blue-haired love.” Catherine looked at Buggy, saw that he didn't want to continue this topic, took his hand and started to run her fingers over his palm. “I don't know. It seems to me that you are already the king. Tickets are selling out fast. Your fangirls are sighing for you.”

“I don't have fangirls! Stop mocking me, little shit!” 

“No, you have! I saw them. But I won't give you to them.” Catherine poked Buggy in the shoulder. “And I’m so proud of you. Can't wait to see the new show.” She exhaled and gently took the strand of his hair. “We're sitting so well, huh? Thank you for this, I know you don’t like, but I appreciate you suffering for me.” Catherine raised her head. “I love you so, so much, my Buggy Bear.” She gently pulled him by the ponytail closer and touched her lips to his. 

(doorbell rings) 

“Who is it? Are you waiting for someone?” Catherine raised an eyebrow. 

“No. Fuck them! Let's not open the door.” Buggy tried to kiss her back.

(knock on the door) 

“Wait!” Catherine gently pushed his head back. “Maybe it's Cabaji? He wanted to come in and ask about how to spend a perfect date with a girl.”

“Why can't he ask over the phone?” Buggy tried to kiss her neck. “Fuck him too.” 

“Stop! He wanted to write everything down.” Catherine tried to fight back and slapped him on the back. “I want to help him. He's your friend.” 

“He’ll do it later. We’re enjoying each other and to be honest, now I like sitting in the fucking chair.” Buggy tried to kiss her neck again. 

“Oh, for Christ's sake, Buggy!” Catherine had a hard time pulling his head off. “Don't touch me with your painted lips. You already pestered me in the bathroom this morning and I said no. What's gotten into you?”

“You were so sexy in the bathroom in your pants with pandas, I couldn't resist.” Buggy took her hand and kissed it. 

“I wasn't sexy, I was disheveled and was brushing my teeth.” Catherine grabbed his chin and pecked him on his nose. “Is there something else on your mind, clown?”

“Stop doing this, woman!” Buggy scrunched up his face and tried to move away from Catherine.

“I want and I kiss your nose!” She pecked him on his nose several times. “Love you, my old grumpy boy.” 

“I’m not ol-!” 

(doorbell rings) 

“I'll go open it.” Catherine quickly got up from Buggy's lap, ran to the door, but stopped abruptly at the exit from the bedroom and turned to Buggy. “Oh, no! What if it's not Cabaji. What if it's some man who came to take me away from you.” Catherine winked and quickly ran out into the hallway. 

“Hey!” Buggy rushed after her and caught up only at the front door. 

Catherine laughed when he grabbed her hand and began to pull her towards him. “You're such a fool. Look at how you're clinging to me. My blue-haired protector.” She kissed him on the cheek and opened the door. “Mrs. Emmie? What happened?”

A short, middle-aged woman with dark hair stood on the threshold. “Hello, Mr. The Clown.” She waved her hand. 

“Buggy, actually.” He rolled his eyes. 

Mrs. Emmie blushed a little. “Sorry. Mister Buggy, Miss Catherine, I need your help. My grandson is here for his birthday party, his parents haven't arrived yet and I have to pick up his cake. Could you look after him and some of his friends while I go get the cake?”

“NO!” Buggy shouted loudly, not expecting such an intonation from himself.

“Please, Mr. The Clown!”

“It's Buggy, for god's sake!! I've been living here for two years!!”

“Sorry, Mr. The Clown! Well, I went around to all the neighbors. No one is here. Grandson's parents were stuck in traffic and would be here in about two hours. The kids' parents would be arriving, but they would also be arriving in about an hour. The table was already set, with cocktails for the kids and a bar for the adults. Please! I can pay!” Mrs. Emmie looked at Catherine with tear-stained eyes. 

“How much?” Buggy crossed his arms. 

“Excuse us for a second, Mrs. Emmie.” Catherine took his hand and led him aside. “Are you crazy asking about money, clown? She's asking for help!”

“Not help, cotton candy!” Buggy glanced at Mrs. Emmie. “She's asking to babysit. I'm not going to babysit for free.”

“Perfect!” Catherine fluttered her hands. “And if I asked you to babysit our child, would you ask me for money too?”

“Oh, no, in that case I'd charge you a different fee.” Buggy giggled idiotically. 

“You're disgusting, you know that?” Catherine gently stroked his shoulder. “I know, you don't like kids. I'm not a fan of them either. But do you really want to leave me to be eaten by a bunch of children? I will never believe in my life that you would do this. You didn't leave me in that god’s cage.” Catherine hugged him around his waist, placing her chin on his chest. “Will my Buggy the Brave Knight save me again? And don't forget there's free food and free booze there. Then we'll come home, and I promise I won't even drag you out for a walk today. We'll stay home and eat chips and hot dogs like old people.”

“Fine.” Buggy groaned. 

“You're my best!” Catherine kissed him on his cheek. “Love, love, love you!” She turned back to Mrs. Emmie, who looked at Catherine with hope in her eyes. “It's okay, we agree.”

“Thank you! Thank you!” Mrs. Emmie hugged Catherine. “You know, Mr. The Clown, even though you grumble all the time, you've become a little bit nicer since that sweet sweetie came into your house.”

“See? I’m sweet.” Catherine playfully poked Buggy in his chest. “And you're nice.” 

Buggy rolled his eyes and growled, pushing Catherine towards the exit. “This means I'm changing, and you've come to love me differently.”

Mrs. Emmie led them into the back yard, explaining the rules and restrictions. Catherine memorized them attentively, jabbing Buggy with her elbow whenever he started to grumble. They walked out into the backyard, which was covered with colorful balloons and streamers that said Happy Birthday. Large tables were filled with baked goods, sandwiches, and sweets. The yard echoed with the sounds of children's laughter and whistles.

“Oh, that table over there is definitely for me!” Buggy nodded towards a closed bar with a bunch of drinks and started to walk towards it, but Catherine grabbed him by the pants as soon as he took two steps away from her. “Baby, if you want something from me, just ask.” He chuckled.

Mrs. Emmie and Catherine looked at him at the same time, puzzled. Buggy tensed slightly, looking at Catherine's “i’ll kill you” face. 

Mrs. Emmie exhaled and shook her head. “Miles, honey!” She called out as they descended a couple of steps of the large wooden staircase below. “I’m going to get your cake. Miss Catherine and Mister Buggy are going to sit with you while I go away for a while. I’ll be back in an hour. Bye.” She grabbed the keys and quickly ran out of the house. 

Catherine took Buggy's hand and led him towards the children. “Hey, guys!” She waved to them as she walked out into the backyard.

“WOOOAAAH!!!” A small, chubby boy with big cheeks, ginger hair and big dark eyes turned to face them. “Look! Guys!!” Miles poked his friends in the shoulder. “This's a real clown!!! Strange.. he's not wearing a costume, he's wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Anyway!! RUN!!!” 

Ten kids jumped up from the grass and ran towards Buggy. 

“Hey, hey!!” Catherine stood in front of Buggy, spreading her arms. “Quiet, guys!” 

“Can you do magic?” One kid was tugging at Buggy's pants.

“Is your nose buzzing?” The other kids tried to get past Catherine.

“Woohooo!!!” One of the children squealed. “Loook, guys!! I’m flying!!” 

Catherine turned around to see Buggy picking the child up by the scruff of the neck and glaring at him. “Buggy! Put the kid down on the ground right now!” She hissed quietly through her teeth.

“He was tugging at my pants!” Buggy turned the child over in his hands. “I don't like it.” 

“I don't care, put him down!”

Buggy rolled his eyes and set the child down. 

“Alright, kiddos, everyone to the table.” Catherine nudged a few kids in the back. “Who wants cake?”

“Who needs cake when there's a clown here!!” Miles squeaked. 

Several children tried to attack Buggy again, but Catherine grabbed him by the shirt. “Na-ah! No attacks on the clown until everyone's had their cake.” She bent down, placing her hands on her knees, and looked at the children. “So. Who wants cake now?” 

“WE WANT CAKE!! WE WANT CAKE!!!” All the children, joyfully throwing up their hands, ran squealing to the table in all directions.

Catherine laughed and followed after them, making sure all the kids were seated. She turned away for just a second to pour everyone some juice when she heard a child squealing and an adult cursing. 

“I can't sit still!!!” Miles' voice came from behind Catherine. “He's so cool!!!” Catherine turned to see several kids attacking Buggy, who tried to fight off a crowd of screaming children and cursing. 

“What the fuck?” Buggy tried to throw the child who had jumped on his back.

“You're sooo funny!! Your nose looks soo real!” The kid started laughing and was about to grab Buggy's nose. 

“Hey, get off him!” Catherine rushed to pull the kids off the suffering clown's body. “You okay?” She quickly examined Buggy's face and hands.

“Fuck, no! Catherine, let's go home. They're crazy!! Let them look after themselves!” Buggy tried to take the squealing kid off yourself. 

“We can't. We promised to help. Look, they like you.” Catherine giggled as she lifted another child off Buggy. “Okay, Miles! Get off my boyfriend's back!” 

“Is he your boyfriend? Wooooaaaah!! You're so lucky!!” Miles looked at Catherine with admiration. “You probably can watch tricks all the time. Is he showing you tricks?”

“Oh, yeah, believe, dude, I show her tricks.” Buggy giggled with a proud expression on his face. “You know, adult ones.” 

“What? What do adult tricks mean?” Miles looked from Catherine to Buggy, waiting for an answer.

Buggy crossed his arms. “That means I can…” 

“Shush!!” Catherine hissed and whispered under her breath. “Shut up and wipe that smug grin off your face,” Catherine took a small step toward Buggy. “Are you crazy, saying that in front of the kid?”

“What's wrong? He's…” Buggy looked at Miles, who was fiddling with his hand. “How old are you, bro?”

“I'm six!” Miles said proudly, with a slight lisp.

“See, Cathie-pie, he's six.” 

“I don’t care. I'm not gonna ruin a little kid's life with your stories.” Catherine nudged Miles toward the table. 

“Look, they are sitting, eating cake and don't bother anyone. Let's go home.” Buggy took Catherine's hand and dragged her to the door. “Nothing will happen to them.”

“I can't leave 10 children unattended, Buggy.” She pulled her hand away and glanced towards the children.

“Come on, cotton candy! Their parents are coming in... How long have we been here?” Buggy looked at his watch. “Ten minutes? Fuck!”

“Stop grumbling, clown! Oh, my God! See? One of the kids is eating dirt!” Catherine waved her hands and ran to another chubby kid with dark hair and big brown eyes. “Hey, you! The boy! Stop doing that!” She barely lifted him off the ground. “What's your name, baby?”

“I'm Howl!” The boy, covered in mud, answered with a proud look.

“And I'm Catherine.” She knelt down and started wiping the kid's hands. “Stop eating dirt, Howl.”

“This will make me cool!” Howl shoveled another handful of dirt down his throat. 

“Cool guys don't eat that. They eat hot dogs. Do you want to be a cool boy and eat hot dogs, Howl?” Catherine stroked the boy's hair.

“Nope!” Howl grabbed the dirt in his hand and put it in his mouth.

“Dear lord!!” Catherine rolled her eyes. “Oh! I know! See that man over there?” Catherine nodded gently toward Buggy. “See? He’s strong and cool. And you know why? He likes hot dogs! Now do you want to be cool like him?” She saw Howl glance at the clown, then look at Catherine and nod. “Do you want me to get you a hot dog?”

Howl scowled. “Now I want to believe you. And as I started believing you, I want a hot dog!!” He jumped towards the table.

“Thank God!” Catherine stood up from her knees and saw Buggy walking towards her, sipping his beer. “Are you kidding me? While I'm trying to seat the kids, you’re enjoying a beer?” Catherine grabbed her head. “These kids are like ten of you, Buggy. They also sit quietly at first and then bam! They start whining and doing strange things.”

“But see? You're doing great. Maybe I should go home and support you from the couch?” Buggy shrugged and put the empty bottle on the nearest table.

“Oh, go wherever you want, Buggy.” Catherine waved at him. “I was hoping for once in my life you'd help me.”

“Sorry, Cathie-pie. I’d love to make things right but it’s time to exit stage left. Bye!” 

“How-- How can you do this to me?” Catherine's eyes widened and she yelled after Buggy, who was walking away. “What? You didn't leave me in the desert, so now you're taking revenge, huh?” She watched how he waved to her. “Go f-- screw you, clown!!!”

“Excuse me, Miss Catherine!” Someone poked Catherine in the arm with his finger several times. “You're swearing!” Miles’ voice came from behind Catherine. 

“And what?” She narrowed her eyes and looked at him. 

“When my parents argue and use bad words, they put a dollar in the jar.” He pulled out a jar of money and shook it in front of Catherine's face. “Dollar, please.”

“What? I won't pay you!” Catherine squealed, her eyes wide.

“Then I'll tell my parents that you were swearing. Guys! Repeat after me! Screw you! Screw you!!” Miles and Howl began to jump around Catherine excitedly, repeating the phrase after her. Miles stopped and glanced at Catherine. “See, lady? You’ll have problems. Dollar.” 

“Do you think you can scare me, little bastard? I jumped off a cliff and live with the clown!” Catherine shifted her gaze to the table and crossed her arms. “Let's do it like this! You sit down at the table, I'll let you have a baby cocktail and I'll tell you a funny story, what do you think the idea is?”

“I don't want the story! Let's do it this way. I'll keep quiet, and you call the clown. I want the clown! Where'd he go?” Miles started to fume. 

“He better packs his bags right now to flee to another country away from my wrath.” Catherine muttered under her breath. “What should I do with you?” She scratched her head. “Oh! If you guys don't want a story, let's hit the piñata. There's probably candy in there. Do you guys like candy? You're kids! You should love them!” Catherine looked at them pleadingly in her eyes. 

“WE WANT THE CLOWN!!!” All the kids stamped their feet. 

“Mother fuc–!” Catherine suddenly covered her mouth with her hand.

“Dollar, please!” Miles picked up the can again.

“Screw you!” Catherine heard the phone ringing. 

“Guuuuys!” Miles raised his hand. “Go!” He waved his hand, giving the command. “Mother fuc-! Mother fuc-!” The kids started kicking their feet and merrily repeating after Catherine. 

“Screw you all!!” Catherine heard the phone ringing. “Shit! Everybody stay here!” Catherine pulled her cell phone out of her pants pocket. “Mrs. Emmie? What? Are you going to be late? And kids’ parents? Also? Yeah, sure, I'll keep an eye on them. Goodbye.” Catherine put her phone in her pocket. “Yeah, she's got traffic. I bet they're all sitting at the bar drinking aperol right now. Oh my god, the kids!” She watched them all scatter again. “Everybody should freeze now!!!” She barked loudly and abruptly covered her mouth with her hand again. “For god's sake, let's beat the piñata now, eat fries, and then you eat cake, and I'll show you tricks.”

“Hooray!!!!!” All children tore out of their seats and ran toward the big pig-shaped piñata. 

They joyfully started pounding the toy until candy sprinkled out of it.

“MY SWEETS! MY SWEETS!!!!” The kids piled on top of each other and started raking up the candy. 

“Stop!! What's wrong with you? Stop climbing on each other.” Catherine grabbed her head. “This is some kind of madhouse.” She muttered to herself and looked at her watch. “I've made it through almost an hour. There's still an hour left.”

“Miss Catherine, I didn't climb on anyone and behaved well. Can I have cake now?” A thin voice of a girl was heard. “I'm Hilda.” 

“Oh, of course, dear Hilda.” Catherine stroked the girl's head and clapped her hands. “Everyone to the table! Let's have cake and fries!!”

“You promised us magic tricks, Miss Catherine!” Miles mumbled, eating candies and approaching the table. 

“Yes, magic tricks! Let me juggle.” Catherine picked up three tangerines and tried to throw them up in the air to catch them, but they all fell to the ground. “Okay! That was a practice run. Let's try again!” She tossed the tangerines again, but they also fell to the ground.

“You're a bad juggler! Why are you ruining my party?” Miles began to sob. 

“Oh, well, I'm sorry I'm such a fucking clumsy person, okay? I can't juggle!” Catherine angrily threw the balls on the ground.

Miles started whining and all the children began to repeat after him. 

“Oh, stop crying! Bunch of..” Catherine rolled her eyes. “It’s not my fault that your paren-”

“I’ll tell my mom that you spoiled my party, and you swore!” Miles wiped his nose. “I want to see you juggling!! YOU CANNOT JU-UGGLE!!”

“Because she doesn't know how to do it. Right, Miss Catherine?” 

“THE CLOWN!!!” Miles, Howl and other seven kids, except for Hilda, jumped to their feet.

Catherine turned to where the children were pointing and saw Buggy gesturing to them to calm down. Catherine tried to hold back a smile, but she wasn't very good at it. “You're back!”

“Yes, and I hate myself for that.” Buggy shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.

“I always knew you were a good person.” Catherine started stroking his hand. 

“And for that, I hate you.” He shifted his gaze to the kids. “So. What's going on here?” 

“They're crazy, Buggy. And that kid Miles. He’s a little evil. He tried to swindle money out of me. It feels like the only calm person here is that plump blonde girl named Hilda, and only because she eats all the time.” Catherine buried her head in Buggy's shoulder. “I wanna go home. But we need to entertain them somehow, because they'll continue squealing and destroying everything when they finish the cake, because they saw you. Buggy, please! Help me!” Catherine was practically breaking down into tears.

“How about I show them a couple of chop chop tricks?” Buggy placed his hand on her back. “They're kids, right? They love it when clowns do funny things. And by the way, not only kids love that.” He giggled again in a stupid way. 

“Shut up, you pervert.” Catherine raised her eyes. “And no chop chop in front of these kids, please. I don't know who they are, or who their parents are. What if they come after you later? I don't want you to get hurt.” 

Buggy snapped his fingers. “Are there any ribbons or scarves around here?”

“I saw some. Wait.” Catherine quickly ran to the table and came running back. “Here.” She held out several colorful chiffon scarves to him. 

“Okay, kiddos. Who wants tricks?” Buggy tucked the handkerchiefs under his sleeve and headed toward the kids. 

“WE WANT TRICKS!!!!” All ten little bodies stared at Buggy in admiration. 

Questions were constantly heard from around the table. “Is your hair real? Or is it a wig?”, “And where did you buy such a natural nose? Does it honk?”. The children shouted their names randomly, trying to get Buggy's attention.

“Either you calm down now or no tricks!” Catherine barked, glared angrily at the children and plopped down on the chair. “I can't!” She drank the juice from the nearest glass in one gulp.

“Hey, Miles!” Buggy said quietly, adjusting his sleeves. “I heard it's your birthday.”

“Yeah! Yeah!” Miles started stamping his feet on the spot. “My birthday, my party!” 

“And I also heard you were picking on that beautiful girl.” Buggy pointed at Catherine and clicked his tongue. “Not cool, bro.”

“Tattletale!!” Miles whispered to Catherine and showed his tongue. “I didn't mean to, Mister the Clown.” He pouted. “Sorry, miss.”

“I guess she's not mad at you anymore.” Buggy winked at Catherine. “And I also…. What's that?” He pointed somewhere behind the kids. 

Everyone at the table, including Catherine, looked around. 

“Where? I can't see anything!” She tried to figure out where he was pointing. 

“TA-DA!” Buggy's voice was heard. 

Catherine and all the kids turned around and saw him start to take out handkerchiefs from his sleeves. The children froze for a second and then suddenly burst into laughter, squeals and applause.

“Best trick ever!” Catherine started clapping. “You're the best clown I've ever seen in my life!”

Buggy began juggling tangerines, but he was also not very good at it. Then he started showing card tricks, he was a little better at this. The children squealed, shouted and stamped their feet at his every mistake, thinking it was part of the act. 

“Now I'm going to ask my lovely assistant to help me.” Buggy held out his hand to Catherine. 

“Who? Me?” She leaned closer to him. “Will you pick one of the children?”

“Nope.” Buggy winked at her. “Will my cotton candy help me?”

Catherine blushed, giggled and squealed quietly at the same time, and extended her hand to Buggy.

“Mister the Clown, can you make us a balloon dog? I'm Arthur, by the way.” A skinny, fair-haired boy covered in cake asked from the end of the table.

“Hello, Arthur!” Catherine said and bowed slightly. “Of course he will make an inflatable dog. Give us one minute!” She ran away for a second, picked up a sausage-shaped balloon and ran back. “Please, Mr. the Clown.” Catherine bowed like a true circus assistant, handing the balloon to Buggy.

“Cotton candy, I have no fucking idea how these dogs are made!” Buggy whispered quietly. 

“Think of something. I don't think they care what the outcome is. I think they just like you.” Catherine glanced out of the corner of her eye at the excited children.

Buggy groaned and tried to bend one part of the balloon to make a tail, the other part of the balloon to make a head. He twisted something resembling a twisted sausage in his hands for a long time.

“Something like that.” He showed this balloon misunderstanding to the children.

18 eyes looked at Catherine and Buggy, with the exception of Hilda, only blinking back.

“What's going on? Why are they silent?!” Catherine looked from the children to Buggy and took a step back just in case.

“I don't know.” Buggy nudged Catherine behind him. “I don't like this. I don't like it even more that they're looking at us the way you look at me just before you start squealing and jumping on me.” He nudged her back another step.

At that very moment the children burst into squeals and jumped up from their seats, running towards Catherine and Buggy. 

“Get back! Get back!” Buggy shouted at Catherine and took two big steps back.

“Hello, kids!” Mrs. Emmie's voice was heard and the children immediately ran to her. Several parents also came into the yard. 

“Am I alive? Or were we trampled?!!!” Catherine was ready to cry with delight, hugging Buggy. “Are you ok–?” 

“Miss Catherine! Mister Buggy! Hello! We are Miles' parents. Auggie and Trevor.” A short, stocky man with dark hair and grey-blue eyes, a tall, thin middle-aged woman with blue-black hair and blue eyes came closer to Catherine and Buggy. “Emmie said you helped us out. I hope the kids didn't torture you too much. Our son can be naughty sometimes.”

“Sometimes? Are you fucking kidding me?” Buggy barked. “Your kid–!”

Catherine kicked him in the leg. “It's okay, Miss Auggie. Miles's cute.” She giggled slightly. 

“Let me thank you with a cocktail!” Auggie invited Buggy and Catherine to the bar, where she poured them each a Long Island. They were talking when Miles approached his parents and tugged at his mother's dress. 

“Mom, where's my scooter? Daddy promised me a scooter!” He looked around. 

“Honey, you don't need a scooter yet, we bought you a kick scooter.” Auggie patted Miles on the head. 

“But I wanted a real scooter!” Miles stamped his foot. 

“Hah, you don't always get what you want, kid. I dreamed of being queen of the worms, but you see, my dreams were never meant to come true.” Catherine took a swig of her drink.

“Screw you!” Miles stamped his foot and stuck out his tongue to Catherine. 

“Miles! What kind of words were you saying?!” The boy's mom's eyes widened. 

“She said that bad word!” Miles pointed at Catherine. 

“What?!" Auggie looked at Catherine blinking. “Are you out of your mind?”

“It's time to go home, cotton candy!” Buggy threw Catherine over his shoulder and was about to run towards the door. 

“Wait! Wait! Wait!” Catherine grabbed four bottles of different alcohol and managed to grab a tray of snacks. “We dese-e-eerve it!!” She screamed as Buggy raced towards the apartment with her.

Buggy reached the apartment in seconds and closed the door. 

“Lock it all up! Lock it all up!” Catherine laughed, putting the bottles on the table. “God, I hope they don't get too mad at us.”

“Fuck them!” Buggy leaned his back against the door and looked at the large bottles of alcohol. “How did you even grab all that?”

Catherine shrugged, came closer and hugged him around the waist. “You hear that?” She chuckled. “Silence!” Catherine raised her head and looked at Buggy's tired and at the same shocked face. “Thank you! I couldn't have done it without you. You see, we have proven once again that we are a strong crew.” She kissed him on his nose. “And my silly clown..”

“I’m listening, my Cathie-pie.” 

“Don't get me wrong, I love you.” Catherine started stroking his head. “But from today on, I won't let you touch me without… well.. you know. I'll tell you more, you'll put on every single.. well, you know.. in the box on your little Buggy.” 

“Hey! He's not little!” Buggy kissed the top of Catherine’s head. “But for the first time in my life, I’m not gonna argue with you, cotton candy.”

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

23 years since the horror of September 11, 2001.

Never, ever forget that black day.

The following extracts from Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11 fill me with grief, horror, and anger, though I have no clear memory of the attacks; I was six.

'Then came September 11, 2001.

Torn open, aflame, weakening from within, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center spewed paper like blood from an arterial wound. Legal documents and employee reviews. Pay stubs, birthday cards, takeout menus. Timesheets and blueprints, photographs and calendars, crayon drawings and love notes. Some in full, some in tatters, some in flames. A single scrap from the South Tower, tossed like a bottled message from a sinking ship, captured the day's horror. In a scrawled hand, next to a bloody fingerprint, the note read:

84th floor

west office

12 People trapped

After the paper came the people. After the people came the buildings. After the buildings came the wars. The ashes cooled, but not the anguish.'

(Mitchell Zukoff- Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11; Introduction, p xviii)

There are the terrified telephone messages that are too distressing for words:

' "Um, the cockpit's not answering," Betty said. "Somebody's stabbed in business class, and, um, I think there is Mace-- that we can't breathe. I don't know, I think we're getting hijacked." '

(Zuckoff (2019), p 61)

Those were the words of Betty Ong on American Airlines Flight 11, not realising the full extent of the sickening murder-suicide plan concocted by the al-Qaeda terrorists in the cockpit.

The evil that air traffic controller Peter Zalewski 'couldn't quite hear' (p64):

'Unknown at that point to anyone at Boston Center, the foreign-sounding man, almost spitting his words directly into the microphone, had said: "We have some planes. Just stay quiet, and we'll be okay. We are returning to the airport." '

(Zuckoff (2019), pp 63-64)

As the message wasn't caught in its entirety, Mr. Zalewski was unable to warn other pilots of the danger. A further three American airlines would be hijacked, two of them turned into deadly missiles, and one thwarted by inexplicably brave passengers.

The heart-stopping last words of flight attendant Amy Sweeney on Flight 11:

'Michael tried his best to calm Amy. He told her to look out the window and tell him what she saw. "We are flying low," she said. Amy told Michael she saw water and buildings. "We are flying very, very low. We are flying way too low!"

Amy paused. Powerless on the other end of the phone, Amy's colleague and friend Michael Woodward waited, every second stretching into a lifetime. Less than an hour earlier, he'd stood inside the plane, locked eyes with Mohamed Atta, and waved goodbye to his friends.

Michael heard Amy's last words, before the call dissolved into static: "Oh my God!-- We are way too low!" '

(Zuckoff (2019), p 78)

Zuckoff also relays, sentence by heartbreaking sentence, the lives that were about to be ended on Flight 11:

'Amy Sweeney's children would have to get to school, and through life, without her.

Betty Ong's elderly friends would need new rides to doctor's appointments. Her sister Cathie would never again hear her say "I love you lots."

Robert Norton's stepson would have to get married without him.

Daniel Lee's soon-to-be-born daughter would spend her entire life without him.'

(Zuckoff (2019), p 79)

The first sign of impending doom for United Airlines Flight 175:

'Someone in the United plane's cockpit changed the plane's transponder code twice within a minute. Bottiglia didn't notice because he was furiously searching for American Flight 11, which by then no longer existed.'

(Zuckoff (2019), p 83)

The heartbreaking call of Flight 175 passenger Brian Sweeney to his wife, Jules:

' "Jules, this is Britain. Listen, I'm on an airplane that's been hijacked. If things don't go well, and it's not looking good, I just want you to know I absolutely love you. I want you to do good, go have a good time. Same to my parents and everybody. And I just totally love you, and [anticipating heaven or an afterlife] I'll see you when you get there. 'Bye, babe. Hope I'll call you." '

(Zuckoff (2019), p 88)

Passenger Peter Hanson on Flight 175 comforting his father:

' "Don't worry, Dad. If it happens, it'll be very fast." '

(Zuckoff (2019), p 90)

No words.

'United Airlines Flight 175 flew low and fast, banking toward the southern twin of the burning North Tower of the World Trade Center. Flight controllers, airline officials, government and military experts, and everyone else would need to accept a new script for hijackings, one that featured a multipronged murder-suicide plot designed to maximize civilian casualties and terrorize survivors through the destruction of physical and symbolic pillars of America's power.

The evidence flashed on the air traffic controllers' radar screens.

"No!" a New York controller shouted. "He's not going to land. He's going in!"

FROM THE BACK of the plane, with his wife and daughter pressed against him, Peter Hanson spoke his final words to his father: "Oh my God... Oh my God, oh my God."

Lee Hanson heard a woman shriek.'

(Zuckoff (2019), pp 90-91)

America witnessing the second plane crash into the South Tower, and understanding that this was no accident, but a terrorist attack. The country was at war.

'At 9:03:11 a.m., Lee and Eunice Hanson, Louise Sweeney, and millions of others became witnesses to murder. They watched live on television as United Flight 175, traveling between 540 and 587 miles per hour, slammed on an angle into the 77th through 85th floors of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. A bright orange fireball exploded. The building rocked and belched smoke, lass, steel, and debris. The plane and everyone inside it disappeared forever.

In her kitchen, Eunice Hanson screamed.

In her television studio, Diane Sawyer gasped, "Oh my God."...

After replaying thee video to be certain about what they'd seen, Gibson's voice went slack.

"Oh, this is terrifying... Awful."

Sawyer spoke for Eunice and Lee Hanson, Louise Sweeney, and countless others who saw United Flight 175's final seconds. "To watch powerless," she said, "is a horror." '

(Zuckoff (2019), pp 91-92)

The final words between Barbara and Ted Olson on American Airlines Flight 77:

' "What can I tell the pilot?" Barbara asked Ted. "What can I do? How can I stop this?"

Ted wasn't sure how to answer. He decided that he had to tell Barbara about the other two hijackings and crashes at the World Trade Center. Flight 77 seemed bound for the same fate; the question was where the hijackers intended to crash. Barbara absorbed the news quietly and stoically, though Ted wondered if she'd been shocked into silence.

They expressed their feelings for each other. Each reassured the other that it wasn't over yet, the plane was still aloft, and everything would work out. Even as he said the words, Ted Olson didn't believe them. He suspected that neither did Barbara.

The call abruptly ended.'

(Zuckoff (2019), p 131)

The fateful moment that President George W. Bush had to remain calm after the White House Chief of Staff Andy Card said:

' "A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack." '

(Zuckoff (2019), p 138)

President Bush's immortal words:

' "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult moment for America... Today we've had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an apparent terrorist attack on our country. I have spoken to the vice president, to the governor of New York, to the director of the FBI, and have ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to help the victims and their families and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and find those folks who committed this act. Terrorism against our nation will not stand."

Bush asked for a moment of silence, then said: "May God bless the victims and their families and America." Then he left.'

(Zuckoff (2019), pp 139-140)

The victims of American Airlines Flight 77:

'Eddie Dillard wouldn't return home soon to his wife, Rosemary. Marie-Rae wouldn't save the women's gymnastics team at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Renée May would never surprise her parents with news of her pregnancy.'

(Zuckoff (2019), p 146)

This and more are just a few of the profoundly distressing stories of that day. The injustice of lives stolen because of Islamic terrorism and the hideous, despicable ideology of Islamic jihad that incites these murders. The legacy of trauma on the survivors, including the first responders, who have paid a terrible price for their unimaginable bravery when conducting rescue in the doomed Twin Towers.

NEVER, EVER FORGET

[jaynedolluk]

BOOKS OF 2023

I'm so late posting this but I'm determined to get it done. These are some of the books I read/enjoyed in 2023. I still have a massive to-read pile so not all these books actually came out in 2023 (tho' most of them did)

I don’t tend to read that many novels/fiction – I think the only one I read this year was Queen K. by Sarah Thomas about a tutor to a rich oligarch’s family. Also got the books of the scripts for Succession Seasons 3 & 4.

I tend to read a lot of memoirs. This year I read ones by Paris Hilton (which was surprisingly good), Hadley Freeman (which also talks about anorexia in general), Michelle Tea (which talked about her experiences of pregnancy in the context of being a queer woman), Ava Cherry and the latest one by Boy George.

Also Anita Bhagwandas’ book Ugly which looks at various beauty standards and how they affect us all + I really liked it. Plus Grace Dent did a book based on her podcast called Comfort Eating which looks at the favourite comfort foods of various celebrities (including recipes) combined with a bit of her own memoir.

I got a new book on Marilyn Monroe by Richard Barrios which examines her acting roles and re-evaluates her as an actor.

Read Claire Dederer’s book, Monsters, which looks at how we respond to problematic artists/creators. It raised some really interesting questions and personally I don’t think there are any easy answers. Another interesting book I came across was Creative Not Famous: The Small Potato Manifesto by Ayun Halliday which I thought offered some really good advice.

I’m keen on history especially books that look at cultural/social history. I found this fascinating book called Queer Blues which looks at the early blues musicians who explored sexuality/gender. Also another book I really recommend is I Thought I Heard You Speak: Women at Factory Records by Audrey Golden – one thing I really liked about it was the range of women they spoke to, so not just musicians but the security staff and DJs from the Hacienda. Read We Peaked At Paper which was about the UK fanzine scene.

In terms of more general history I got David Mitchell’s book, Unruly, which is his personal take on the history of the British monarchy up to Elizabeth I with plenty of sarcasm and general observations of the concept of monarchy.

I love the format of oral histories in books. This year I read Reach For the Stars (about the pop stars of the late 90s/early 00s), Faster Than a Cannonball (looking at various aspects of the nineties), and Don’t F&&K It Up (about the first ten years of RuPaul’s Drag Race).

I also read a lot of books on music. This year I read two of the new releases on goth music/culture – The Art of Darkness by John Robb and Season of the Witch by Cathi Unsworth (which I preferred especially the book/film recommendations and the gothmothers/gothfathers sections).

Read Parachute Women by Elizabeth Winder which re-evaluates the legacy of some of the women linked with the Rolling Stones – (Anita Pallenberg, Marianne Faithfull, Bianca Jagger and Marsha Hunt). I felt like it concentrated more on Anita & Marianne and it would have been nice to expand the book to cover the likes of Jo Wood, Jerry Hall and Mandy Smith but overall I loved the book.

It also ties in with one of my other areas of interest, feminism. I read Toxic by Sarah Ditum which looks at how various female celebrities were treated by the popular media in the late 90s/early 00s such as Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse.

[pristina-nomine]

Heathcliff and Hareton for the character ask meme? 💕

Ah, them!!! Let's start with Heathcliff, also asked by @the-golden-mango-of-discord

Favorite thing about them: his eloquence. I just love the way he uses language. Dude talks, talks and talks, either he's outpouring his feelings or masterfully manipulating someone. The whole novel could be his endless monologues and it would be fine with me.

Least favorite thing about them: as a character he's flawless, so I'll go with: his treatment of Isabella. The same could be said about his behaviour to Linton, but that we don't know what he has actually done to her makes it all the more disturbing.

Favorite line: "I love my murderer, but yours, how can I"!!! Criminally underrated line. Also all his speeches before his death are the best of the best.

brOTP: I love his dynamic with Nelly: they're pseudo-siblings, companions of servitude, master and servant, she's his confidante and the only person besides Hareton he wants at his grave. There is this weird respect between them that borders on affection, it's moving to me. I'll also add Hareton, but I'm not sure I'd call that a brotp?

OTP: Catherine. Heresy to answer anyone else.

nOTP: Isabella because ew. I'm looking at you 2009 miniseries writers.

Random headcanon: not sure if this goes againist the novel, but that actually he's not that rich when he comes back. He spent almost all his money on a fancy suit to look rich and his ability at playing cards and manipulating plus Hindley being a wreck did the rest.

Unpopular opinion: he's a really funny character. As in, I laugh out loud at his weird jokes. My sense of humor is broken.

Song i associate with them: a whole lot, my WH playlist was 90% Heathcliff songs at first aha. But I'll go with Young Man in America by Anaïs Mitchell (which is about usamerican individualism, I guess, but it's uncanny how well it fits with him)

Favorite picture of them: this still of Ken Hutchison from the 1978 series (not the best Heathcliff by any means, but he basically has the exact same nose and face shape I picture him with)

Bonus: this publicity pic of Solomon Glave from the 2011 movie; him covering his eyes really strikes me for some reason?

On with my beloved lad!

Favorite thing about them: I'm obsessed with the whole thing of him being the son of Hindley who looks like Catherine who was brought up to be like Heathcliff; that he's completely unaware of his own symbolic importance makes it even more fascinating.

Least favorite thing about them: how he kinda "gets a pass" at the ending? Like, Cathy 2 ask for his forgiveness, which is fair and valid, but he never does the same for her, and it really feels like something's missing to me

Favorite line: this is tricky, poor boy barely even talks. I'll go with his one (1) moment of introspection, when he tells Cathy how he doesn’t want her friendship, because he knows she’ll be ashamed of him (can’t find the exact quote now). I love how just a few lines clearly convey his pride, sense of inferiority and fear of giving his trust to someone.

brOTP: as I said, I won’t really call his relationship with Heathcliff a brotp, but it's objectively the most interesting dynamic he's a part of. The lines between manipulation and true affection are blurred, it’s disturbing and heartbreaking, and also incomprehensibly underrated.

OTP: Cathy 2, obviously! I love how they instantly get along, but then their pride and prejudices (aha) ensue and every interaction between them is complete and utter distress until they it rock bottom, and then almost miracoulously manage to get themselves out of the mud. I love that they clinge to each other when there's literally no one else left, like the survivors of a shipwreck. There was this essay I read which described their falling in love as 'mutual and agonized'; of course we're not on Heathcliff and Catherine levels, but there is still a kind of anguish to them, imho

nOTP: ...is there even anyone to notp-y him with

Random headcanon: that he's very knowledgeable about local folkore (source: Cathy 2, when he shows her around)

Unpopular opinion: (this is going to sound so pretentious, help) that his reputation of 'the only nice character in Wuthering Heights' is a bit…reductive? I mean, he is! He is a good person! But the thing is: any other novel would have made him a saint, Wuthering Heights does not. As a child he'd still be a little angel despite the appaling conditions he lives in, as an adult he'd immediately side with Cathy and disown Heathcliff. But in real life there's no way anyone could come out from such a childood unscathed, and I love that Emily Bronte doesn't shy away from that. His being a kind soul it’s clear from little snippets here and there, but an early childhood ridden with violence and an education specifically designed to make him a brute had their effects on him; it’s an extremely nuanced characterization and it’s a pity to overlook it.

Song i associate with them: Dyin Day by Anaïs Mitchell (yes, her again). It's a retelling of the Abraham and Isaac story, and I actually refer it to all the three second generation kids, but the general feeling of quiet acceptance on behalf of the child character makes me think especially of Hareton

Favorite picture of them: this still of David Wilkinson in the 1978 series; awful quality but i love the inscription on the door plus him literally getting out of the shadows (that's kinda the whole deal with him, and I like that this series uses this image a lot)

Bonus: this illustration of him and Cathy by Emilien Dufour, I assume from Lockwood’s pov. Strong ‘you’ve come into the wrong neighborhood’ vibes

[r-nicole07092004]

THE SATANIC CULT TERRORISTS BABY RING OPERATORS, BABY KILLERS, CHILD MOLESTERS FROM P.S 180, HAD THE FUNKING NERVE TO SHOUT THEY ARE MCGRIFFS, ETC... DAUGHTERS AND SONS, CREATED VIA RAPE OF HIS REPRODUCTION, THE NASTY CHILD MOLESTING FUX AND THE USGOV AND THEIR TERRORISTS RELATIVES STOLE MY MONEY, HARMED MY MOM AND ME, KEPT ALL OF MY BABIES, I AM CERTAIN DIRTY MULATTO BARBARA FAT FACE, FROM P.S. 180 I AM CERTAIN MOMMY OR DADDY WAS WHITZ TRAILER PARK TRASH, SHOULD BE REGISTERED AS SEX-OFFENDERS, RAPE BABIES FOR REPRODUCTION, THE PAEDOPHILES WERE IN MA OPERATING THE BABY RING

I KNOW IMMATERIAL MERE MORTAL BLACKIE JOHNSON STATING HE NOT DEAD IS THE USGOV CATCH 22 I DON'T GIVE A FUNK IF HE IS ALIVE OR DEAD, A CATCH PHRASE. WHERE ARE THE LYING FUNKING DOCUMENTS AND THEIR EDITED AUDIO VIDEO!!?

I LIKE JAHZIER JOHNSON,(17)VERY SAD! MURDERED, I AM NOT INVOLVED IN THE GENOCIDE OF YOUNG BLACK LADS!! ANYONE GUILTY OF OPERATING THE BABY RING, RAPING MY BABIES FOR REPRODUCTION, ENSLAVING MY BABIES, HARMED MY MOTHER, STOLE MY FINANCIAL WEALTH, HARMED MY SIRNIKS, CREATED SIRNIKS YOUNGER FACES, I WILL CONTINUE CELEBRATING AND PRAYING FOR THY ENEMY DEATHS!!

THE USGOV ARE PERVERT PAEDOPHILES, THE NASTY FUX AND THEOR TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATORS RAPED ME BEGINNING IN 1969 AND ALWAYS KEPT MY BABIES, STOP IMPLICATING MY PARENTS, MY BROTHER, MY OLDER CHILDREN, MY SIRNIKS AND ME, READ THE DIFFERENCE, YOU NASTY CHILD MOLESYING MOTHER FUNKERS ARE THE SATANIC CULT TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATORS, THE TEST TUBE BABIES BEING NASTY AND SNEAKY, THE SURROGATES, IF MCGRIFF, ETC...IS DOWN WITH THE BABY RING OPERATORS AND THEIR TEST TUBE BABIES...ETC...

I DON'T GIVE A FUNK, NOTHING TO DO WITH I, IMAGINE A PERSON ABLE TO CONTROL A THOUGHT PROCESS AND FEELINGS!! EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE, MY BEA8TIFUL BABIES MY VERY VERY LARGE AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL WEALTH, I WOULD SUDDENLY ENTERTAIN THE THOUGHT OF ONE, THAT PUT OTHERS BEFORE ME, MCGRIFF, ETC...DIDN'T MARRY THE FEMALES, THE CHILDREN WERE CREATED VIA RAPE OF REPRODUCTION, WERE ALWAYS FINACIALLY SET AND EDUCATED, I AM INNOCENT, IN DANGER, MY BABIES ENSLAVED BEGINNING IN 1969,

MY RICH TO FINANCIAL WEALTH STOLEN&THE SAME FUNKINGVPAEDOPHILE, SATANIC CULT TERRORIST, THE BABY RING OPERATORS AND THE CURRENT AND FORMER PRESIDENTS ARE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL MY MONEY ONCE AGSIN&PLACE TRUMPED UP CHARGES ON ME, INSTEAD OF FILING NEW CHARGES AGSINST THE SATANIC CULT TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATORS AND NEW LAWSUITS,

I BEEN REWUESTED WORLD LEADERS BECOME INVOLVED, I WAS JUMPED BY THE USGOV, THRIR SUPPORT AND THE TERRORISTS BABY RING OPERATORS!!

TREV9R RODRIGUEZ THE PAEFOPHILE CHILD MOLESTER IS ENSLAVING MY BABIES WITH THE PAEDOPHILE IN FLORIDA, PRINCIPLE HOUSTON, CATHY LAMMERS, WHO THE FUNK THAT DIRTY RAPIDTS CHILD MOLESTER THINK HE IS, I NEED TREVOR RODRIGUEZ , GEORGIA HALL, AND THE FACES OF THEIRS DEAD, RAPISTS FUNKING CHILD MOLESTERS, WITH AN AGGRESSION TOWARDS YOUNG LADS, IN CONFERENCE STATING FOR ME TO SHUT UP, WHO THE FUNK THOSE RAPISTS CHILD MOLESTING NON DESCRIPT FUX THINK THEY ARE, HE IS MURDERING MY BABIES, I NEED WORLD CIA INVOLVED, THE U.S AND THE SAME BABY RING OPERATORS MURDERED REAL CIA!! I NEED MY SIRNIKS TO GET GUNS AND SHOOT TREVOR RODRIGUEZ, GEORGIA HALL, LESLEY PORTER DEAD, THEIR RELATIVES ARE IN JAMAICA WEST INDIES, AFRICA NEAR THE MCGRIFFS OVERSEAS!! THEY MUST BE TRAFFICKING DOPE, THE NASTY FUNKING SATANIC CULT STAGED NUMEROUS SCENES STATINGVMY HUSBAND AND BROTHER ARE TRAFFIVKING DRUGS, I DON'T KNOW THE FUNKING CHILDREN CREATED V9A RAPE OF MCGRIFF REPRODUCTION, NOR TREVOR RODRIGUE@ DUMB FUNKING SONS, THE BISHES CLUSTER FUNK AROUND US, KITED AND KIDNAPPED ME ON NUMEROUS OCASSIONS, I REALLY NEED HAND GRENADES AND ROCKET LAUNCHERS!!'

WITHOUT SPEAKING UPON RAPING A MCGRIFF, WHICH MCGRIFF WAS CHILD MOLESTING PAEDOPHILE PSYCHO CHRONIC PATHOLOGICAL LIARS TREVOR RODRIGUEZ AND SONS, GEORGIA HALL, LESLEY PORTER WAS AROUND!!? WHY DID THAT DRIVE AN AGGRESSION FOR THE CAREER RAPISTS CHILD MOLESTER BABY RING OPERATORS, TO COME NEAR ME. IF A MCGRIFF INVITED THE I DON'T GIVES A FUNK ABOUT,

WHY THE USGOV ALLOWED THE TERRORISTS BABY RING OPERATORS TO ENSLAVE MY SONS,DAUGHTERS, INCLUDING MY SIRNIKS, BREAK MY BABIES LIMBS, RAPE MY BABIES FOR FOR REPRODUCTION,WITH FOSTER PARENT FREAK CATHY LAMMERS, TOM BANKS OF VERIZON, PRINCIOLE DOUGLAS-HOUSTON, AND PAEDOPHILES FROM LEFRAK CITY QUEENS, IN STPETERSBURG FLORIDA,

THE SAME BEEN OPERATING THE BABY RING ALL ACROSS THE STATE OF FLORIDA!! THE FREAKS WAS RESIDING ON MY HUSBAND AND MY PROPERTY IN MIAMI FLORIDA, BHUPHINDER BAHAL(VERIZON BETTER GET THE FUNK OFF MY PROPERTY, SHOOT THOSE CHILD MOLESTING FUX, RUN THIS CHIT BIG, WHY THE FUNK ARE MY BABIES, MY SIRNIKS AND ME SUFFERING, BEHIND LYING RAPISTS CHILD MOLESTERS, WORLD LEADERS!!?

MCGRIFF, ETC... TEST TUBE CHILDREN LIVES WERE NEVER IN DANGER AND THEIR RELATIVES ARE STILL OPERATING THE BABY RING!!! LYING AND STAGING SCENES, MCGRIFF, ETC...USGOV, I DON'T LIKE THOSE FUNKING RAPISTS CHILD MOLESTING BISHES AND WANT ALL OF THEM DEAD, STOP ACTING AS THOUGH I WOILD BE AROUND THEM, THE JOKE MUST BE ON ME. NO WAY IN THE FUNKING WORLD ,

THE SAME RAPISTS CHILD MOLESTERS SHOW UP WITH NEW BABIES AND THE ACCEPTANCE FOR 6+ DECADES, IS, MCGRIFFS, ETC...ACCEPTS ALL OF FLEETWOOD, FERGUSON(NOT MINES)MITCHELL, JOHNSON,THOMAS, CURTIS, JEWELL, JENKINS, HOWARD, THE MALES AND FEMALES PRETENDING TO NE TO VE MY MOTHER AND BROTHER, GEORGIA&MICHELL HALL AND FAMILY, LESLEY, ROBIN AND TRACEY PORTER, ARLENE PORTER GADDY, DELEON, WALKER, DIXON, ETC.....WHAT THE FUNK THAT HAS TO DO WITH MY MOM, DAD, BROTHER, MY MONEY AND ME!!?

DO NOT TAKE UP BEING COMFORTABLE IN MY LANE, AS YOU WERE WITH WHOM EVER THEY ARE TO EACH AND EVERY ONE !!

WHAT GEORGIA AND TREVOR SR AND HIS SONS, OBAMA, BUSH, CLINTON, CREATE FUNKING LIES OF PROBLEM, STATE SOMETHING IS A PROBLEM, SO LIAR GEORGIA STAGED A SCENE, I RESIDED WITH DIRTY SURFER, WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE INVESTIGATORS, THE TERRORISTS HAS INSIDE TIPS, MY FINANCIAL WEALTH STOLEN, MY BABIES IMPRISONED, DIRTY SURFER HANDSOME, ADORABLE YOUNG COUSIN WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD, NON CHALANT!! I NEVER FORGAVE, CARELESS, I KNOW LONGER KNEW SURF, MRS B MY WITNESS, I COULDN'T HELP, HE HAS A NEW CROWD, STRANGERS, A SATANIC CULT AND BLOODLINE, HE ATTEMPTED TO SET ME UP MANY TIMES. HE HONE WENT CRAZY, RAPING KY BABIES AND ME, EVERY IDIOT SCREAM IT IS HIS SONS, I AM MOT IN THE VULT AND NEVDR MET SURF GOTT DAMM SONS, SO 9F THE FUNKING CULT ISN'T HARMING US. HOW THE FUNK FO THE PAEDOPHILES KNOW US, WHERE WE LIVE AND CARRY 8 MILLION FUNKING LIES THE USGOV, HENCHMEN, THE TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATORS, AND THEIR INNER CIRCLE,ARE TRYING TO USE AGAINST US IN A COURT OF LAW TO GIVE US TIME,

PRINCE THE MUSICIAN IS DEAD, MICHAEL JACKSON IS DEAD, WHITNEY HOUSTON IS DEAD, WHO THE FUNK IS RAPISTS GEORGIA HALL, TREVOR RODRIGUEZ SONS, SURF AND DONS, TADJA OWENS SONS AND BORROWED SONS, AN AGGRESDION TOWARDS UOUNGBLADS, NEVEF ANY FOTGIVENESS, I WILL TORCH EVERY ONE OF THOSE TERRORIST AND THEIR VHILDRRN, I DO NOT APPRECIATE LYING FUNKING CLUSTER FUNKING TERRORISTS

THE NASTY CHILD MOLESTING FUX ARE SACRIFICING MY SIRNIKS AND YOUNGER FACES, CREATED VIA THE SAME SATANIC CULT TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATION, TORCH THEIR KIDS AND GRAND CHILDREN! LETISHA THOMPSON AND KIDS, TARA STROSE AND CHILDREN!!"

THE UNECESSARY FUNKING CHILD MOLESTING GEORGIA HALL IS TASJA OWENS, KATRINA GREEN NULLS, AND THEIR OTHER STUPID "WE DO SMART" SATANIC FEMALES, I PONDER IF GEORGIA TRIED TO USE THE SAME BRAIN MATTER AND SR THUMP HER, HOW LONG SURROUNDING MY BABIES AND ME, RAPING MY BABIES, OPERATING THE BABY TING, STEALING MY PROPERTIES,

SHOOT THE FUNKING TERRORIST OFF AND AWAY, I DON'T HAVE AN INTEREST IN NOT ONE, THE TERRORISTS ARE THE FUNKING PROBLEM, STESFILY RAPING AMD MURDERING BABIES, STEALING MY MONEY AND PROPERTY, NO PROBLEM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE CURRENT AND FORMER PRESIDENTS, DEATH BY FIRE TO DIRTY FIRTY FUNKING SCOUNDREL, NOT A MIND OVER MINE, HEART NO BIGGER, EXCEPT MY SIRNIKS& YOUNG DARKY MCGRIFF,I LOVE AND MISS MY BABY, ALL OTHER MCGRIFF, ETC...MUST BE CLOSE WHY NOT PICK UP A GUN AND SHOOT THE FUX!!?

WE HAVE NO WOMD, WE NEED A SAW, GAS CAN, GUN, KNIFE, START BURNING THE TERRORISTS BUSINESSES, MONEY FOR RAPING, DEFINITELY MY STOLEN MONEY!!

MY HUSBAND, NOR BROTHER ARE CRYING OVER THE TEST TUBE BABIES OF THE CAREER RAPISTS, I DON'T WANT MY SIRNIKS FACES OF THE CAREER RAPISTS, ONLY MY FACES, MY SIRNIKS FACES, I WILL HAVE THE INSURANCE MONEY COLLECTED!!

IT IS A FUNKING SICK FUNKING SATANIC CULT, STOP ACTING AS THOUGH THE TERRORISTS GRACED US WITH THEIR PRESENCE, MIXING THEIR REPRODUCTION WITH MY CHILDREN AND ME!! CRIMINAL AND TERRORISM CHARGES SHOULDN'T BE FILED!!

STOP RAPING BABIES PSYCHO USGOV AND TERRORISTS BABY RING OPERATORS

FUNK THE SATANIC CULT TERRORIST BABY RING OPERATORS CONFERENCE, KITE KIDNAPS, STAGED SCENES, AND THE CURRENT AND FORMER PRESIDENTS, HENCHMEN, ETC...

[thingwithfeathers]

tag 9 people to learn more about their interests

tagged by: @enniomorricone :)

MUSIC

fave genre? indie/alternative rock, and pop but not really current pop more like 80s/90s.

fave artist? bastille, twenty one pilots, fleetwood mac, the clash, the smiths, abba, probably a lot more i can’t think of right now.

fave song? my joint favourite songs are ‘with or without you — u2′ and ‘landslide — fleetwood mac’

most listened song recently? 'song for zula — phosphorescent’ it’s become one of my favoure songs ever.

song currently stuck in your head?  any abba song because i was listening to them a lot earlier.

5 fave lyrics?

“It’s a hell of a long way to fall just to learn to get up” — the mess, the naked and famous.

“But now it’s just another show / and you leave them laughing when you go / and if you care, don’t let them know / don’t give yourself away / i’ve looked at love from both sides now / from give and take and still somehow / it’s loves illusions that i recall / i really don’t know love at all.” — both sides now, joni mitchell (this entire song though! really hard to choose lyrically because it’s a masterpiece).

“See, honey, i saw love / you see it came to me / it put it’s face up to my face so i could see / yeah then i saw love, disfugure me / into something i am not recognising / see the cage, it called, i said come on in / i will not open myself up this way again / but my heart is wild and my bones are steel / and i could kill you with my bare hands if i was free.” — song for zula, phosphorescent.

"Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? / can the child within my heart rise above? / can i sail through the changing ocean tides? / can i handle the seasons of my life? / well, i’ve been afraid of changing / ‘cause i’ve built my life around you / but time makes you bolder / even children get older / and i’m getting older too.” — landslide, fleetwood mac.

“And then you put your hand in mine / and pulled me back from things divine / stop looking up for heaven / waiting to be buried / and all their words for glory / they always sounded empty / when we’re looking up for heaven.” — bastille, glory.

radio or your own playlist | solo artists or bands | pop or indie (depends!) | loud or silent volume in-between! I slow or fast songs | music video or lyrics video | speakers or headset | riding a bus in silence or while listening to music | driving in silence or with radio on.

BOOKS

fav book genre? just fiction in general. i’ve kind of grown out of young adult so i don’t really read a lot of that, and have been reading classics lately. just any books that make you really think and are written so beautifully that you can highlight quote after quote. i’ve also been reading a lot of non fiction spiritual books lately.

fav writer? recently, taylor jenkins reid. i’ve read two of her books and they’re incredibly gripping. love the simplicity and warmth of benjamin alire saenz as well, the care that ari & dante was written with. and also emily dickinson, especially her letters in particular to susan are just gorgeous.

fav book? aristotle & dante discover the secrets of the universe, wuthering heights, little women, a little life, and recently the seven husbands of evelyn hugo.

fav book series? i don’t really read book series, so the only thing coming to mind is harry potter which i only read for the first time about five years ago now.

comfort book? little women and aristotle & dante.

perfect book to read on a rainy day? any easy read, probably several i listed above.

fave characters? aristotle & dante, jo & beth march (little women), mina murray (dracula).

5 quotes from your fave books that you know by heart?

“You teach me now how cruel you’ve been — cruel and false. why did you despise me? why did you betray your own heart, cathy? i have not one word of comfort. you deserve this. you have killed yourself. yes, you may kiss me, and cry; and wring out my kisses and tears: they’ll blight you — they’ll damn you. you loved me — what right had you to leave me? what right — answer me — for the poor fancy you felt for linton? because misery and degradation, and death, and nothing that god or satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will did it. i have not broken your heart — you have broken it; and in breaking it, you have broken mine. so much the worse for me that i am strong. do i want to live? what kind of living will it be when you — oh god! would you like to live with your soul in the grave?”  — wuthering heights, emily bronte (i could choose so many from this book but this is the most underrated one in my opinion and deserves more recognition).

“I will love you forever, whatever happens. ‘til i die and after i die, and when i find my way out of the land of the dead i’ll drift about forever, all my atoms, ‘till i find you again. i’ll be looking for you, will, every moment, evert single moment. and when we do find each other again we’ll cling together so tight that nothing and no one’ll ever tear us apart. every atom of me and every atom of you... we’ll live in the birds and the flowers, and the dragonflies and pine trees, and in the clouds and in those little specks of light you see floating in sunbeams... and when they use our atoms to make new lives, they won’t just be able to take one, they’ll have to take two, one of you and one of me, we’ll be joined so tight...” — his dark materials (amber spyglass), philip pullman. (don’t talk to me, this quote makes me actually ache)

“I wanted to tell them that i’d never had a friend, not ever, not a real one. until dante. i wanted to tell them that i never knew that people like dante existed in the world, people who looked at the stars, and knew the mysteries of water, and knew enough to know that birds belonged to the heavens and weren’t meant to be shot down from their graceful flights by mean and stupid boys. i wanted to tell them that he had changed my life and that i would never be the same, not ever. and that somehow it felt like it was dante who had saved my life and not the other way around. i wanted to tell them that he was the first human being aside from my mother who had ever made me want to talk about the things that scared me. i wanted to tell them so many things and yet i didn’t have the words. so, i just stupidly repeated myself, “dante’s my friend.”” — aristotle & dante discover the secrets of the universe, benjamin alire saenz.

“There are many beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”— little women, louisa may alcott.

“And so i try to be kind to everything i see and in everything i see, i see him.”— a little life, hanya yanagihara.

hardcover or paperback (paperback for general reading and hardback for special editions!) | buy or rent | standalone novels or book series | ebook or physical copy | reading at night or during the day | reading at home or in nature (i love nature and want to be able to read outside but i cannot be in nature without being hypervigilent of bugs so wouldn’t be able to concentrate) | listening to music while reading or reading in silence | reading in order or reading the ending (i also used to read the last line of a book first for a long time but i started to piss myself off when it wasn’t vague enough) | reliable or unreliable narrator  | realism or fantasy | one or multiple POVS | judging by the covers or by the summary (i can’t help it, i love pretty covers) | rereading or reading just once.

TV AND MOVIES

fave tv/movie genre? disaster/post apocalyptic, drama, sci-fi, documentary, occasional fantasy. i’m pretty on board with most things, other than horror but even that has some exceptions.

fave movie? titanic, shaun of the dead, little women (1994), eternal sunshine of the spotless mind, wuthering heights (2009 tv movie), portrait of a lady on fire, practical magic, the greatest showman, finding nemo, the grinch (2000).

comfort movie? finding nemo, little women (1994), shaun of the dead, all my favourite christmas movies which are too many to list.

fave tv show? friends, charmed, golden girls, gilmore girls, the walking dead, new girl. currently: 911.

most rewatched tv show? friends. i watch it almost every day and it would be impossible for me to count just how many times i’ve watched it from start to finish.

5 fave characters? all the friends on friends, piper halliwell (charmed), tara chambler (twd), glenn rhee (twd), maddie buckley (911).

tv shows or movies | short seasons (8-13 episodes) or full seasons (22 episodes or more) | one episode a week or binging (i’m conflicted because i miss the event of catching a show every week but at the same time once you binge watch you can’t go back) | one season or multiple seasons (but shows need to know when to stop) | one part or saga | half hour or one hour long episodes (depends on my mood) | subtitles on or off | rewatching or watching just once.

tagging: @bettyhofstadtdraper / @kubrickking / @koningen / @urispatty / @marmaladepotion / @mixye + anyone else that wants to do this, feel free to tag me to read :) !

[anna-kendrick]

What are your top five roles of Anna Kendrick by the way she's like one of my favorite actresses she is so amazing ❤️

ok these are the roles i think she did best but NOT my top five for favourite roles.. however they are similar

1) darby carter (love life) easily her best role to date imo.. if she could do that with a script that was only deemed "okay" by critics, imagine her with a script that's considered good.. the power

2) stephanie smothers (a simple favor) my second favourite character of hers!! and my fav movie (obviously.. my @..) again this was only deemed an "okay" script by critics but she killed it! there were so many layers to stephanie and it wasn't like love life where we saw through years & episodes, it was a movie so less time timeline wise and length wise yet she still managed to show so much growth and make an unlikeable character likeable and someone to root for.

3) beca mitchell (pitch perfect.. but like literally the first movie we can forget the others for a hot sec) like asf, beca as a character was originally so much more unlikeable than anna made her to be.. i know this one is like.. a common choice probably just bc it's her most known role, but i truly believe her shoot to fame after pp was due to her ability to make you feel whatever she was feeling as a character, and to get you to relate to her.. she's so good at what she does and beca's growth is, and will always be, my favourite performance from anna

4) natalie keener (up in the air) um hello oscar nom?? i don't even have to say that much about this one bc everyone knows.. i know some ppl would put this higher but it's been years since and annas honestly grown so much since then and i truly believe she's gotten 100x better than her performance in up in the air.. now for a role that will give her the critical praise again 🤞🏼🤞🏼

5) eloise mcgarry (table 19) ugh the dramatic acting!! i loved this little movie so much and the emotion she was able to portray, especially in the boat scene & the mirror scene, UGH!!!!!!! i love love love her so much and again this is a case of her just taking the script and going a thousand steps beyond.. GIVE HER A BETTER ONE IM BEGGING

and for my top 5 fav characters:

1) beca mitchell

2) stephanie smothers

3) darby carter

4) cathy hiatt

5) eloise mcgarry

[catcorsair]

I was wondering what your favourite fictional pairings/ships are? I love your blog and think we have similar tastes 💕 (I'm always on the lookout for new books/films to consume haha)

Hi! I'm really only active in the PotO fandom, so my only real "ship" is my standby E/C (although I'll read Erik with literally anyone) but these are some other relationships I appreciate in other media:

Dean Winchester and everyone he loves ;,,)

Ten (The Doctor)/Rose (and Eleven/Amy Pond, Eleven/River Song)

Spike/Buffy

Lestat/the world (but especially Louis)

Snape/Lily (and Dumbledore/Grindelwald, and Voldemort/literally anyone)

Heathcliff/Cathy

Lizzie Bennett/Mr. Darcy

Morozko/Vasya

.... and, shamefully, the main couple on just about every buddy cop show, especially the supernatural ones. Call me basic but I LIVE for buddy cops

There are a million more but my brain isn't cooperating right now. I read more than I watch TV/Movies, so here are some random book recs! (Besides those for the ships listed above.)

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, by Susanna Clarke

Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh (and everything else he writes)

The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins

Les Liaisons Dangereuses, by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

The Bone Clocks, by David Mitchell (or anything he has ever touched or even glanced sidelong at, because the man is a god)

Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy

Paradise Lost, by John Milton

Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman

The Signature of All Things, by Elizabeth Gilbert

The Priest, by Thomas M. Disch (tread carefully)

The Miniaturist, by Jessie Burton

The Nature of Monsters, by Clare Clark

Madame Bovary, by Gustave Flaubert

The Monk: A Romance, by Matthew Gregory Lewis

Tess of D'Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy

The Sorrows of Young Werther, by Goethe

Justine, by Marquis de Sade (tread carefully)

(I read cozy YA fiction series sometimes to unwind, and recently I've really enjoyed the Grishaverse, the Winternight Trilogy, the Folk of the Air Trilogy, and the Shades of Magic series, which all feature very ship-worthy couples!)

I could probably continue listing forever, especially getting into the classics, so I'll restrain myself... I would have tailored this list better if I knew who you were, (I tried to keep it very broad) but hopefully you see this, Anon!

<3

[doof-doofblog]

"... Till There's Absolutely Nothing Left!"

Monday 28th September 2020

Good evening everyone! Hope you've all had an enjoyable weekend! As of today I will back being up to date with my blog posts. I'm looking forward to seeing what this week of episodes have in store! Let's not waste any time and jump right into it!

Tonight's episode started with Max still looking for Ian, Max is wanting to get his hands on his money, he's already fuming at Ian for dodging him and ignoring him. Ian has come up with excuses upon excuses to Max for not being able to get his money to him urgently. As Max leaves after having a word with Kathy, Ian is seen peering behind the door-frame, as if he's been hiding from Max, which we know he is - he's avoiding him like the plaque! Ian is such a weasel isn't he? Why doesn't he just grow a pair and admit to Max the truth, it's only a matter of truth before all his secrets come out!

Meanwhile, Gray and Karen are catching up at the club. Karen informs Gray that Mitch is currently sleeping at the salon as he's not welcome at the house for having doubts about Gray. Gray tries to ask Karen not to act harshly on Mitch, as everyone is still grieving for Chantelle. Karen can't believe he's sticking up for the man who's basically accused him of murder, it's then she turns to him and says "You're such a good man!" ... the only thing my brain is saying is "If only you knew Karen, if only you knew!" Ooooo I can't wait for Gray to be found out, it's going to be SO good when he finally gets seen for the murderer he truly is!

Oh yes! At the hospital, Denise is still watching over her biological son, Raymond. Ellie seems to be surprised that Denise is back visiting him, as they chat she informs him that Raymond made it through the night and he seems to be slowly recovering. Denise is visibly relieved, Ellie also seems surprised by her reaction. -  I'm not 100% sure what to make of Ellie, it's been revealed she's going to be a type of villain? I have my speculations about this current storyline, I'm really excited to see where it's going to go, but something tells me it'll be a battle of who gets custody of the young child. I think, perhaps, Denise will try and get Phil on side - if she tells him everything she knows about the adoptive family passing away, Phil will probably do the right thing and help Denise get custody of her son. But how is Phil going to act when he learns about Ellie and what will she do to get in their way? - Ellie asks Denise if she'd still like to help out and Denise insists that she'd love to, she's instructed by Ellie to get some new pyjamas for the young boy, Denise is only willing to do whatever she can for the boy so she goes off without hesitation. As she leaves, Ellie looks really suspicious - why would Denise want to help? Is she just being a good Samaritan? Or is there more to it? (Oooo I can't wait to see when Ellie finds out who Denise actually is!)

At the club, Mick walks in on Frankie taking pictures of Ollie, at first it seems only friendly and as if she's doing no harm, of course Mick is a little suspicious as Frankie barely knows the child. But it's when he grabs the camera without her looking and takes a look at the photo's, he realises there are quite a lot of photo's of Ollie that she's taken, plus also ones of other family members. When Frankie realises, she makes the excuse that it's Street Art Photography that she's doing. Mick does seem very uncomfortable at the fact that he's been photographed without his knowledge, he asks Frankie is kind of polite way to not to post them on social media and maybe to delete the images, mainly because Linda would feel uncomfortable about it. Frankie promises to do as he asks, but surely his mind must be racing? Who is this girl and why is she taking photos of him and his family?! I've heard some kind of rumour that perhaps Frankie could be Mick's secret daughter, but I'm not 100% sure whether to believe it's true, I mean, it could be - but who knows?!

In the cafe, Stuart is visibly excited to be marrying Rainie, both Callum and Ben are watching on as he's happily smiling as he's having a conversation on the phone with his future wife. I thought it was cute, personally, after so long of being such a dark character, Stuart is finally getting some happiness - and I think he bloody deserves it, as does Rainie! As they're saying their goodbyes on the phone, Ben makes a silly comment to Callum "A tenner says this marriage doesn't last as long as this goodbye!" - It's lovely seeing Stuart all smiley! When he finishes the call and turns to the boys he starts talking about how weird it feels, him getting married and then Callum moving in to the Mitchell's, it's then Ben says that he'll be a Mitchell now he's living under their roof! It's funny as all these one liners comes out, I'm thinking to myself, he's pretty much there now after what he's doing to Phil! As Stuart leaves after reminding Callum of his Best Man duties, Ben again makes a comment of Callum and his Dad being best mates, it seems as if Callum comes clean to his boyfriend, he reveals that he and Phil have been chatting a lot recently, plus he reveals the big news about Phil offering him a job to work on the family firm side of things, Ben is clearly surprised and perhaps confused to hear this news.

In the laundrette, Kathy and Bobby are picking up their clothes from Linda, I just want to say that I absolutely loved the moment when Linda couldn't remember where she had stored their dry-cleaning - B for Beale or C for Cathy, only for it to be under K for the correct spelling of Kathy! I don't know why, I just thought it was brilliant! As she finds the clothes, she overhears Kathy and Bobby talking about Ian's money problems, Kathy informs Bobby that Ian needs this new contract otherwise he wont be able to pay Max back! Linda knows the situation regarding Max and his money, is she going to do the right thing and tell Max? He deserves to know what's happening and what's happened with his share of the restaurant. I kind of hope she does.

Back at Ruby's, Denise and Jack are catching up. He questions Denise on where she has been, she claims she's been shopping and the thing she bought she's planning on taking back anyway. Suddenly Jack's phone rings and he excuses himself to take the call, as he moves to one side, Denise watches as Phil makes his way into the club and sits by the bar. Will she tell him the truth about his son? Next minute, Isaac and Sheree are seen in the club corridor, they appear to be talking about Isaac's run in with his boss about the allegation of him using drugs, as they both walk in they see Denise on the other side of the club, and then Phil sat at the bar. Phil is the one to break the silence and makes a snide comment about him coming to see his dealer. Isaac isn't wanting to hear another word, it's only then that Denise gets involved in the conversation and reminds Phil that's he's not as innocent as he makes out, claiming he doesn't his granddaughter to be taught by a druggie, when he was addicted to crack a couple of years back. She basically insults the Mitchell family name, accusing them all of being criminals! Isaac, Sheree and Jack watch on in disbelief as Denise stands up to Phil! It's a pretty brilliant scene I have to say! Something tells me though that Denise is only doing this because of being reunited with her son, Raymond, who Phil just so happens to be the Father of. As she leaves the club, she appears to be holding a gift bag, we see that it's a set of boys pyjamas that Ellie asked her to buy for Raymond, she then suddenly decides to bin the clothes and walk away.

Back at the Mitchell household, Ben is looking like he's wanting answers from Callum, he wants to understand what his boyfriend has been asked to do. Then suddenly it clicks, he realises that Phil has asked Callum to perhaps get him inside information about what the police are looking for and what they might want. Ben can't understand why Callum would risk losing his job and his future if he was to do what Phil was asking him. He explains to his boyfriend that he is good and that is one of the reasons why he loves him. It's then that Phil walks in, Ben wants answers now! Why is he bringing his boyfriend into this? Why is he making Callum do dirty work? Phil explains to him plain and simple, it's good for business and he's part of the family now, which is why it will work! As Callum and Phil both leave the room, Ben is stunned!

Back at the Vic, Karen is drowning her sorrows in a pint when Kheerat walks in. She tells him not to even think about causing any more trouble, he tries to defend himself, whether it was right or wrong, he cared for Chantelle. He loved her. Karen asks him to picture Chantelle if she was to hear their conversation, she'd hate everything that was happening. Kheerat pauses for a second, thinking that actually what Karen is saying is true. He agrees, he apologises to her and promises not to say anything again and peacefully leaves her with her drink.

At the Beale's house, Ian is looking ready for his meeting, he greets Charmaine and welcomes her into his home. At first, she feels perhaps his house is a little bit unprofessional, as she's after a catering company, you'd think the restaurant would be a better place. Ian insists that she enters his living room where there appears to be a dining table very elegantly displayed with cutlery and dishes. It's then Ian introduces Bobby to Charmaine, and she is instantly aware of who he is. She reveals, much to Ian's surprise, that Bobby and herself had been emailing about a charity named The Lucy Beale Foundation, which Bobby has designed and created himself. Ian's shocked and his ears are ringing as Charmaine admits that Bobby had her reaching for her cheque book, he instructs Bobby to get themselves some food and invites him to join them both for lunch.

Meanwhile, back at the laundrette, Max is opening up to Linda, revealing that Jack is wanting to be a proper family with Denise and the kids, he's worried that Jack might end up asking him to move out. He reveals he's contemplating going to New Zealand to go and see Lauren and Louie, even promised little Abi that he'd take her, once Ian returns his money to him. As Max is revealing all this to Linda she can't help but look guilty, she tells him not to get the little girl's hopes up. Instantly, that doesn't sit right with Max, why would she say such a thing? Why would Abi be disappointed? He moves in on Linda and can see that she's hiding something, he asks her why she's looking so guilty, she backed into a corner, she can't let him think everything is okay when truthfully it's not, she lets out a sigh - will she tell him what she knows?!

Back at the Beale's, Bobby is talking confidently to Charmaine, explaining how much he had to rebuild his life and how much he wanted to focus on turning such a tragic event in his life, to potentially something positive. Charmaine is truly touched by Bobby's honesty and asks whether Ian will match her donation to the charity, Ian insists he will but turns the whole subject back on to the catering contract. She says that she can see how much it means to him, it's then that Ian starts to take advantage of Bobby's idea and - I don't know whether you guys think so too - but does he actually lie saying he's doing it to honour Lucy?! Or is he just playing at her heartstrings just so she'll sign on the dotted line?! Bobby is clearly annoyed with his Father for making such a claim, just then Max storms in - (Linda has told him everything then!) - Max storms in on their meeting and bellows to Ian that he knows he's been lied to for weeks, he's stolen his share of the restaurant, his life savings and he wants them back!!

Back to Denise, we can she's on the phone to Ellie, explaining that something has come up regarding the little boy's pyjamas. Suddenly, Jack walks in on her phone call and she hangs up almost immediately. Jack is already realising that something isn't right with Denise, he asks who it was that she was talking to on the phone, but she brushes it off saying it wasn't important. It's then Jack is asking her for answers, asking why she let rip on Phil earlier in the club, she explains she was trying to stick up for Isaac. Jack informs her that that is not their fight and they don't need to get involved. Denise apologises and reassures him that there is no need for her to speak to or even go near Phil Mitchell ever again!

Meanwhile, back at the Beale's - Max is keeping quiet as Charmaine apologises to Ian and states that she can't do business with him after what has been revealed. Once again, Ian is trying to worm his way out of the situation, telling her that him and Max had an informal loan arrangement in which the terms have been disputed. Max isn't having anymore of Ian's lies! As Charmaine leaves, he reveals he knows about him using his money to buy the Vic! Max instructs him to sell the pub so he can get his money back - I don't know whether you guys noticed, but as Max and Ian are arguing, Bobby is seen counting under his breath, quite tensely squeezing or pinching the side of his arm - is this a coping mechanism? Can he not handle confrontation and big arguments at the scene of where his sister died? Max almost goes lashing out at Ian, as he does so, Bobby shouts at them to stop fighting! Ian tries to calm the situation, he explains to Max that they will find a solution, but not in this current situation where everyone is shouting to have their say.

I'm not 100% sure where Mick and Linda are staying right now? To me it looks like Kush's old apartment, or it could be Ted's old apartment? Who knows? I know I'm wrong, so if anyone could shed some light on where Mick and Linda are currently living, I'd appreciate it! Anyway, Linda admits to Mick about telling Max everything she knows about Ian buying Sharon the Vic with Max's money. He jokingly calls her a "Grass!". As they both get comfortable on the sofa, Mick opens up about his concerns about Frankie taking photos of Ollie. He explains to her that she had taken pictures of the family from a distance, he tells her that Frankie told him it was art, but should they be worried? Linda seems pretty unfazed, she suggests that that is what teenagers are like nowadays, taking pictures of people and things and calling them art. Which, to be fair, is kind of true?! It's clear to tell that Mick is unsure, only time will tell exactly what Frankie's obsession with Ollie and the Carter family will be.

The final scene of tonight's episode, I feel was an absolutely brilliant one! Ian walks into the Queen Vic cellar and realises the light isn't working. As he goes to grab some alcohol, we can see Max lurking in the shadows. He softly speaks to Ian and slowly approaches him, now Bobby isn't around they can carry on their conversation from earlier on. Ian is now finally backed into a corner as Max gets closer. Ian proposes to pay Max back in instalments, at first Max sees that as an insults, why would he agree to that?! But then Ian confesses, it's the only way he'll be able to pay him back the full amount. Max looks to floor, nods and agrees to the arrangement, but he gives Ian one final warning, if he missing any payment, then he will come for him!!!

I think it's finally about time that Ian got what was coming to him, let's just hope he'll be able to pay Max back every penny. What do we think tomorrow's episode will have in store?! I hope you enjoy this post and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your evening. I'll be back tomorrow folks! Goodnight! xXx

[mybeautifuldecay]

Private Tutor. Chapter Seven: Woe Is All I Possess.

Part One. Part Two. Part Three. Part Four. Part Five. Part Six. 

Anonymous said: Can these two in The Tutor do the naked pretzel already? Hwat!

Getting there, anon, getting there. A wee bit of slow a burn. 

I hope Sunday is treating everyone well...here’s part 7, enjoy <3 

Kicking at the dried mud that lined the pavement, Claire wandered aimlessly in the dark. The credit card (the only one in her own name) burned a hole in her pocket as she considered simply booking herself into the nearest hotel for the night. Pure stubbornness kept her walking onwards though. It didn’t matter that it was *her* card, Frank could still track her spending and the moment she checked into somewhere, he was sure to turn up and she was in no mood to face him again.

As the night slipped on, Claire walked herself out of her small neighbourhood and closer to the city centre. It was clear where her feet were taking her, back towards The Mitchell, but it was certainly closed by now. She sighed. With no mobile phone she had no way to contact anyone. Jamie had given her his mobile number and Claire’s heart skipped a beat as she realised that it was scrawled messily in her own handwriting in the back of her Moleskine.

The trouble came with finding a working phonebox, she was still in a mostly residential area and the advent of mobile phones had virtually decimated all of the red BT boxes that used to litter the streets.

“Shit.” She cursed openly as she trudged onwards.

It was the lights of a pub that caught her eye as she remembered Jamie saying something about his uncle, who managed the pub somewhere in the city. Walking with more purpose now, she headed into the outskirts of Glasgow until she managed to find a phone box that seemed to actually have a working landline hooked up to it.

Dialling the number she held her breath as she waited for him to answer. It rang out for quite a while but just as Claire was about to replace the receiver when a familiar voice answered.

“Hello?”

He sounded sleepy and Claire immediately felt bad for waking him.

“Hey, Jamie, it’s Claire,” she said holding the old phone close to her ear, “I didn’t know who else to call...I mean,” she continued stumbling over her words, “I *have* nobody else to call.”

“Dinna apologise, lass,” he said, sounding more awake now, “what’s wrong? Do ye need me to come and get you?”

“I--” she began, not knowing what to say now she actually had him on the phone, “I’m close to the library. Frank and I, we had a row and I walked out. I just left. I’ve been walking around for hours not really knowing what to do. I know I can’t go back to the house and I can’t book into a hotel.”

“Ye dinna need to be alone, Claire, tell me where ye are and I’ll come and get you, aye? Dinna fash.”

“I’ll walk to The Mitchell and meet you there.” She replied, the nervous butterflies in her stomach easing at his suggestion. “And Jamie?”

“Aye, Claire.” “Thank you...for this.”

“Nay bother.” He said, smiling as he replaced the phone and grabbed his car keys.

--

Claire had been silent for the entire journey back to Jamie’s flat which sat above the public house. The patrons of his uncle's pub were still drinking away when they pulled into the car park.

“This is me. Murtagh’s running the late shift tonight so we can go straight upstairs if ye like, or we can go for a wee tipple? Whatever ye fancy, Claire. Have you eaten?”

The questions bubbled over as Jamie took the keys out of the ignition and turned to Claire who was still sat, stoic, in the passenger seat. Wanting to give her time to relax, Jamie hadn’t worried about her being quiet on the drive over but curiosity was getting the better of him now they were sat in the empty lot.

“A drink would be perfect. I don’t think I can sleep just yet.”

Nodding, the pair exited the car and walked the short distance to the entrance of the pub. Jamie opened the door, letting the warm air waft over them as they found a small table away from most of the action.

“It wouldna usually be this busy but the football was on earlier. It always gets quite jolly…” he said diplomatically as Claire looked around, glancing at the more than inebriated clientele of the bar.

“Jolly.” Claire echoed, chuckling under her breath. “Great description.” Her shoulders sagged a little as she sat back in the comfy booth.

“Whisky?” Jamie asked, taking a punt on the type of drink she might like.

“God yes.” She replied, a large smile forming on her face at the suggestion.

“Anything ye like in particular?”

“I don’t mind too much, just no single malts.” She said, winking as she twiddled a beer mat between her fingers.

When he returned, Jamie had two tumblers in his hands and a bag of salt and vinegar crisps between his teeth. Placing the doubles on the beer mats and the crisps on the table, he sat beside Claire and pointed over to the heavily bearded man behind the bar. “That’s my uncle Murtagh. Him and his wife, Suzette, bought this place outright a few years ago. They work really hard to keep business booming. Susie cooks in the kitchen mostly and I help when I have free time - in return, Murtagh lets me stay in the flat above.”

“It’s close to the university and the library,” Claire noted, “a very good deal, I’d say.” Holding her glass up, she clinked it against Jamie’s before slugging back the amber liquid in one shot.

“Christ, lass,” Jamie exclaimed, his eyes wide, “if ye keep that up I’ll be carrying you upstairs in an hour when yer legs go from under ye!”

“Are you saying you think I can’t hold my booze, sir?” She returned, a naughty glint in her eye as she held up her now-empty glass. “Because I can assure you, Jamie lad, I am very...adept...at drinking. Bring it on, Fraser.”

--

“Ye have to tell me,” Jamie said, his voice steady and sure with no hint of the huge amount of alcohol he and Claire had just consumed, “what de ye and...erm…”

“Frank,” Claire interjected, nudging Jamie’s side. He knew Frank’s name, Claire was certain, but the more drunk they got, the more playful and daft Jamie became. It was like a breath of fresh air to be out having fun instead of stuck in a stuffy old hall, mansion or Masonic lodge, surrounded by consummate professionals talking business and quaffing ridiculously small glasses of port.

“Aye, that’s the fella. Ye and Frank, what did ye fight over?”

“I’ve spent too much time being his trophy wife, the mostly silent woman on his arm. I’m fucking sick of it.” She replied, her jaw clenching with anger as she thought back on their heated argument.

Taken aback by her swearing -he’d never heard her curse before- Jamie spat a mouthful of whisky back into his glass and spluttered until he’d regained himself once more.

Claire quirked a brow, clinking her wedding ring against the crystal tumbler as she placed it back on the table and grabbed another crisp from the dwindling packet that Jamie had opened out onto the varnished wood that separated them. “He came home early. We had an engagement in the diary and I’d gone out for the afternoon, I didn’t even check so I had no idea and when I finally came back he was waiting for me. Frank lives his own life, he goes to work, buggers off for weeks on end to events and then expects me to be at home like a good little wife. But he didn’t even have the decency to tell me when he was coming back, never mind the funding dinner he’d arranged. So I told him where he could shove his patriarchal bullshit attitude...and left.”

“Yer so brave, sassenach.” Jamie returned, his eyes growing heavy as the pub grew quiet around them. Most of the drunken football fans had filtered away throughout the last hour but Claire and Jamie had been so lost in one another that they’d failed to notice Murtagh locking the front door and sneaking off to bed.

‘Brave?” She replied. “Or stupid?”

Jamie shook his head and placed his hand over hers, rubbing the backs of her fingers with his own. “Definitely brave.”

“For so long I’ve been plodding along, all *woe is all I possess…* like Cathy in ‘Wuthering Heights’ and when I came home to Frank’s bad attitude, something in me just snapped.”

“He doesna ken what he has.” Jamie whispered, his head bending closer to Claire’s as she shifted closer to him.

“We used to love one another, I think.” she sighed, closing her eyes as she tilted her head. She could feel Jamie’s breath now as it fanned across her face and immediately forgot what she was trying to say, her mind thinking only of Jamie and what he might feel like pressed against her.

“I can stop…” Jamie murmured, his mouth coming dangerously close to hers, “I dinna want to, but I will.”

“It’s alright,” Claire replied, her free hand coming up to cup his jaw as she ran her fingers through the short bursts of stubble that had grown in throughout the day, “because I don’t want you to stop either. Is that wrong?”

“Nah.” He sighed. “No’ wrong at all.”

“Good,” she said before her lips moulded to his, stealing the rest of the words from her mouth as his tongue caressed hers - neatly fitting one to the other in the dim light of the West End family pub as the grandfather clock in the corner chimed midnight.

[iliketoeatmyself]

ED BOOKS

I stole this from mpa (because I wanted to save it) but I’m going to highlight those I’VE READ... also I might add some others as time goes... 

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (it was a good read!)

Solitaire by Aimee Liu * (Considered first anorexia memoir. Thus, there are points when EDs aren't completely understood, but still totally worth the read. Available through KU.)

Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain by Portia de Rossi (it was really good and real tbh)* (One of my faves! A memoir that really captivated me)

Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia * (Really is what it says on the tin and so much more. This memoir captures the darkest parts of EDs and is done very logically, stabilizing itself with facts that are intermixed by the chaos of EDs).

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (Romance)

Thin by Lauren Greenfield (Nonfiction elements. Like the TV documentary of the same name, but of course, the book has more details.)

The Best Little Girl in the World by Steven Levenkron (NOT like the movie. Based on research of EDs in figure skating and gymnastics.)

Perfect by Natasha Friend

Purge: Rehab Diaries by Nicole J. Johns

Skinny by Ibi Kasliky

Loud Girl in the House of Myself: A Memoir of a Strange Girl by Stacy Pershall

Gaining: The Truth about Life After EDs by Aimee Liu (same author as Solitaire)

Identical by Ellen Hopkins * (Written in same manner as her other books, which is basically more like a poem than traditional novel format. LOVE this book and recommend the authors other, non ED books)

Letting Ana Go by Anonymous

Massive by Julia Bell

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen (Romance)

Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

Thin by Grace Bowman (memoir)

The Disappearing Girl by Heather Topham Wood (Romance, KU)

After the Strawberry by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Purge by Sarah Darer Littman

Beautiful Me by Natasha Jennings

Hunger Point by Jillian Medoff (it was okay, the sister of mc has an ed)

Pointe by Brandy Colbert (Very dramatic. Deals with sexual abuse and also kidnapping in addition to an ED. Still not sure how I feel about this book, but a read that is very interesting, especially for those who like reading all things ballet. Also, this is nice because a black girl is not only a ballet dancer, but also has an ED, which is not portrayed enough!)

Looks by Madeleine George

Kessa by Steven Levenkron (I'd say this is probably for younger readers, but hey, you're never too old to read any book in my mind!)

My Sister's Bones by Cathi Hanauer * (Really liked this book and it isn't necessarily because of the ED part of it. I just like the whole feel and author's style)

Parperweight by Meg Haston

You Remind Me of You: A Poetry Memoir by Eireann Corrigan

Chalked Up: Inside Elite Gymnastics' Merciless Coaching, Overzealous Parents, Eating Disorders and Elusive Olympic Dreams by Jennifer Sey (Wow, that's a mouth full!)

Believarexic by J.J. Johnson

Feeling For Bones by Bethany Pierce

More Than You Can Chew by Marnelle Tokio

A Dance of Sisters by Tracey Porter

Gravity Journal by Gail Sobat

Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle (A memoir written with her mother)

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (Haven't read this in a long time, but I remember liking it)

A Trick of the Light by Lois Metzger * (One of my favourites! About a male with an ED.)

Starved by Michael Somers (Another good male ED novel)

Reckoning Daze by Michael Beaulieu (Currently free kindle edition is available)

Thin (Sharing Spaces Book 3) by Alicia Michaels (This is part of a romance series and is the third book. This one focuses on the ED character, but there are hints to the ED in other books. You don't necessarily need to read the other books in the series and can figure things out without reading them first. I actually read this book before the others)

Cake Dreams: A Memoir of Survival by Hoyt Phillips * (Another male ED book. Great multi-faceted portrayal of EDs and general metal illness. Available on KU)

Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming * (It's been a while since I've read it, but I recall there being an ED. The book does not focus on the ED, but it is thrown in there, adding to an already fascinating, interesting read.)

Nothing by Robin Friedman (Another male ED book)

Lighter and Weightless (books 1 and 2 of Begin Again Duet series) by Gia Riley (Romance and available on KU)

...And All Shall Fade to Black by Layla Dorine (Gay Romance, male with ED, available on KU).

Still Water: A Boys of Bellamy Novel by Ruthie Luhnow (Gay romance, male with ED, available on KU)

Four Weeks, Five people by Jennifer Yu * (A male wannabe rock star with an ED. He is 1/5th of the main characters who all have other mental disorders and have been sent away to camp to help with their various mental illnesses).

Phat (Escape From Reality series) by Taylor Henderson (Part of a series. KU)

Life-size (no, not like the Lindsey Lohan movie) by Jenefer Shute (Available through Kindle unlimited)

Love Struck (Star Struck Series) by Amber Garza (Romance series. KU).

Fake Perfect Me by Cari Kamm (KU)

Out of Breath (Exposed Series) by Hazel Kelly  (KU).

The Kaitlyn Chronicles series by Elaine Babich (Series, for younger readers. KU).

Please Don't Go by Elizabeth Benning (A bulimic sent to a residence to recover and teams up with anorexic former enemy in hopes of escaping)

Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen * (very great!! I loved this one, it’s not only about the ed, but human nature and emotions) (A classic novel that everyone interested in metal health should read).

Do or Die (Fight or Flight Series #4) by Jamie Canosa (Romance series. KU).

Hungry: One Woman's Battle and Victory over Anorexia and Bulima by Jessica Skinner (The title pretty much says all you need to know. KU).

My Perfect Little Secret by Rebecca Coppage (KU).

Anorexic: The True Story of An Anorexia Survivor Who Found Love by Anna Paterson (This is romantic, but I wouldn't call it romance. KU).

Balance of Control by Stephanie Nance

Running in Silence: My Drive for Perfection and the Eating Disorder that Fed it by Rachael Rose Steil

My Not-So Secret by B.P. Morrison (KU).

26 Beats per Minute by Dez Wilder (Male with ED. Memoir. KU).

Summer Fades by Amanda Bews (KU).

It's Never Enough (Book 1 in Never Series) by Susan Soares (Series. KU).

Restricted: A Novel of Half-truths by Jennifer Kinsel * (KU).

Chrysalis by L.A. Field, Gary Thaller * (KU).

A Slow Fade by Brooke Melius (KU).

All We Ever Wanted: Unmasking the Silent Battle by Alexandra Wnuk (KU).

Life Hurts: A Doctor's Personal Journey Through Anorexia by Dr. Eliabeth Mcnaught *

A Fork in the Road by Rebekah Wilson (KU).

Skin Deep (Stolen Breaths series) by Pamela Sparkman (Romance Series. KU).

Feeding the Heart (Heart Series) by Marion Myles (Romance Series. KU).

Anorexic Annie by Sarah Burleton * (KU).

The Downside of Being Charlie by Jenny Torres Sanchez * (Male with ED, the ED is not a huge part of the book, but also deals with family dysfunction, which I always find interesting).

The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller * (This is very interesting. Male with ED. Deals with super powers! Though, it could just be the ED causing the protagonist to think he has powers, but I'll let you be the judge!)

Skinny Boy: A Young Man's Battle and Triumph Over Anorexia by Gary A. Grahl

It Was Me All Along: A Memoir by Andie Mitchell * (about binge eater who lost weight)

Safety in Numbers by Brittany Burgunder *

Skinny: She was starving to fit in... (False reflections book 1) by Laura L. Smith (Currently free kindle edition is available).

When You Fall by Alex Karola * (through Wattpad. Not finished yet, but is a great read!)

Inner Hunger: A Young Woman's Struggle Through Anorexia and Bulimia by Marianne Apostolides

Empty: A Story of Anorexia by Christie Pettit

Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder by Nadia Shivack

Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz *

All Good Things Die in LA by Anhoni Patel *

Jane in Bloom by Deborah A. Lytton (Another one for younger readers. Still, a nice read)

Gravity Journal by Gail Sidonie Sobat

What I Lost by Alexandra Ballard *

This Impossible Light by Lily Myers (told in verse)

Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot (the girl has avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder)

Beautiful Bodies by Kimberly Rae Miller * (this is a KU book and is a fairly new release as of 7/28/17. It is about disordered eating and chronic dieting, not a full blown ED; however, I still enjoyed it and recommend it).

Shattered Image: My Triumph over Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Brian Cuban * (KU, male memoir detailing ED struggle and primarily his struggle with BDD)

Sugar by Deirdre Riordan Hall (KU)

Empty Net (Scoring Chances Book 4) by Avon Gale * (gay romance about bulimic hockey player)

Heavyweight by MB Mulhall (Male protagonist)

Just Jack by Shaun Powell (KU, male protagonist)

Don't Call Me Kit Kat by K.J. Farnham (for younger audience definitely)

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxanne Gay (BED)

Skin and Bones by Sherry Shahan (Male protagonist)

Skinny Me by Charlene Carr

Wrists by Jay Broderick (male protagonist)

Unicorns and Rainbow Poop by Sam Kadence (male, gay, romance)

Bare Roots by Molly S. Hillery (KU)

Grip by Adex Garza (KU, male. Deals with morbid obesity)

Rita Just Wants to be Thin by Mary W. Walters (KU)

Taint by Jude Nicholas (KU)

Fasting Girls: The History of Anorexia Nervosa by Joan Jacobs Brumberg

13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad

Hunger Pains: The Modern Woman's tragic Quest  for Thinness by Mary Pipher

The Stone Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Pretend We are Lovely by Noley Reid

Stick Figure by Lori Gottilieb

Diary of an Exercise Addict by Peach Friedman

The Anorexia Diaries by Linda Rio

Feed Me!: Writers Dish about Food, Eating, Weight, and Body Image by Harriet Brown

Insatiable: A Young Mother's Struggle with Anorexia by Erica Rivera

How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love by Ken Baker (about a girl who goes on a reality TV show to lose weight. Fun read)

Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder by Nadia Shivack

Perfect: Anorexia and Me by Emily Halban

Losing it by Sandy McKay

Fragile by Nikki Grahame

My Big Fat Disaster by Beth Fehlbaum

Thin Ice by Niki Settimo (romance)

Unfiltered by Lily Collins (not solely a book about ED, but the topic is mentioned throughout)

Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins (coming out on August 7, 2018)

Staving in the Search of Me by Marissa LaRocca

Feast (True Love In and Out of the Kitchen) by Hannah Howard

The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paolo Giordano (the mc is anorexic but it’s not focused on it only. This book is about two outcasts who connect to each other and its effect of it in the course of their lives)

The Vegetarian by Han Kang (it’s very good and wild. It also tackles on feminism and societal issues as well)

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki  and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami (it’s a great book. The ed is not the main point but there is a character suffering from one)

[lostfirefly]

Bugust. Day 25. "Rain." Buggy x OC (I'm not sure about the quality of my stories, but this prompt is like a personal challenge, haha. Plus, this's my way to distract myself from the reality)

Catherine sat comfortably in her favorite chair, gazing out the window as the rain pattered softly against the glass. The cozy warmth of the mug in her hands, filled with rich, creamy hot chocolate, was a welcome contrast to the gloomy, overcast day outside. The rhythmic sound of the raindrops and the muffled ambiance of the world beyond her window created a soothing, almost meditative atmosphere. Catherine's eyes followed the movements of a familiar figure hurrying down the sidewalk - it was Buggy, scurrying home, no doubt eager to escape the dreariness of the weather.

"My blue-haired love!!!" She squealed and, wrapped in a shark pyjama run to meet him, putting on the hood.

"Damn, it's cold and rainy out there." Buggy grumbled as he opened the door.

"My Buggy Bear!!!" Catherine happily waved her flipper.

He burst out laughing. "Hi, Cathie Shark! I brought your favorite chocolates, bu-u-ut before I give them to you, I would like to see your beautiful face."

Catherine squealed, stomping around happily and removing the plush head from her pajamas.

"That's better! Hi!" Buggy came closer, leaned over and kissed her cheek.

"What are you doing? You're all wet!!" Catherine squealed, covering her head again. "Don't touch me until you've got some dry clothes. No, no, no!"

"Oh, my princess is not pleased." Buggy chuckled and went into the bedroom.

Catherine followed him, asking how his day was going. She leaned against the door jamb, watching as Buggy began to remove his wet t-shirt and stood before her in his pants.

"Like what you see?" Buggy winked, noticing her gaze.

"What? No! I mean, of course, yes. I just.. I was wondering.. Can I ask?" Catherine flicked her fins.

"Sure." Buggy took off his pants and looked at Catherine. "I bet you're all red under your shark pyjama right now."

"You're disgusting, Buggy! So.. Why you don't get weak in the rain? Or in the shower?" Catherine came closer and gently ran her fin down his back. "So in a river, lake, or sea you sink like a stone, but you can walk in the rain. That's weird. Why is that?"

"How should I know, I didn't make the rules for this fucking devil fruit." Buggy sighed.

"It's not fucking devil fruit." Catherine hugged him from behind with her flippers. "This chop chop thing made you cool." She placed her head on his back. "You're cold. Cathie Shark wants to keep her beloved clown warm. I made hot chocolate. I just got pizza and hot dogs. You want chocolate and hot dogs?"

"Do we have marshmallows?"

"Of course we do, my love." Catherine stroked his head.

"Damn you, Catherine Mitchell. I'm a big, scary man, and you got me addicted to hot chocolate and marshmallows. What have you done to me?"

"Don't grumble, my big, scary man. Put your shirt and pants on, stop seducing me and take me to the kitchen."

Buggy sighed, pulled his t-shirt on, and padded back. Catherine squealed and jumped on top of him, kissing him on the cheek and asking him to carry her into the kitchen.

"Thank you, my hero!" Smack.

"Will you ever stop doing that, woman?" Buggy rolled his eyes and carefully to throw Catherine off himself.

"No!" Smack. "I want, and I kiss you." Smack. Smack.

Catherine jumped off and ran to make him hot chocolate. The rich, comforting aroma began to fill the kitchen, a welcoming contrast to the chilly, wet weather raging outside. Glancing up at the window, Catherine watched as the raindrops steadily increased in size and frequency, cascading down the glass in thick, heavy rivulets. 

"The rain intensified. I'm glad you're home." Catherine put a glass of hot chocolate with marshmallows on the table. "I don't want you to get hurt. Beca--" Catherine noticed Buggy start to laugh. "What so funny, clown? I'm serious! I'm worried about you!"

"I can't be serious with you while you're in this fucking thing. Have you seen yourself from the outside?" Buggy poked Catherine with his finger gently. "Nothing's going to happen to me because of the rain." He sipped his chocolate. "Wow, it's delicious. What's in it?"

Catherine took off her shark hood and sat down on the chair. "My mom used to put some star anis and a little cinnamon in the chocolate. I was at the market today and bought it. I'm thinking of my parents a lot this month." Catherine exhaled. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I'm.. Kinda.. Well.. I'm interested in hearing, you know, stories about.. you know...when you have a family." Buggy signed heavily.

"I hate it when you say that, my love." Catherine started stroking his hair. "You have a family. It's small, and it's just me, but you have family now." She listened to the sounds of the rain. "Do you hear it? It's gotten even stronger. You know, the rain reminds me of a story. When my parents were still dating, mom was thinking of breaking up with dad. I don't know the exact reason, to be honest, she never talked about it. So they're standing at the bus stop in the pouring rain and mom told him that it's not going to work out. Dad suggested her try to start over, but she walked away. She almost broke daddy's heart. But mom came back to him two days later because she found the jewelry box he made for her at home. Dad had clumsily scratched the phrase "now and forever" into the lids." Catherine exhaled. "That box was decorated with a lilac tree on top. And when they made up, the first thing mom did was make him hot chocolate."

"With star anise?" Buggy ate one marshmallow.

"No, she put that in later." Catherine chuckled. "You know, when I was a kid, I thought hot chocolate was a bitter drink, so my mom started putting anise in it. And I started liking it. It's kind of our family drink." Catherine placed her head on Buggy's shoulder. "I sometimes think, what if they hadn't gotten back together? I can't imagine how dad felt at the time when mom wanted to break up with him. Can you imagine? A man who seemed hopeful to you leaves you in the rain."

"Yeah, I can imagine." Buggy sipped his chocolate and sighed.

Catherine thought for a second and kept her gaze on him. "Oh my god! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to!"

"Meh."

"I'm sorry." Catherine immediately hugged Buggy's arm. "It still hurts, doesn't it?" She said quietly and took his hand. "Honestly, I want to rip his heart out."

"Do it in that shark pyjama, please. I'd love to see it." Buggy chuckled and sipped the chocolate again. "I'm fine. Really."

Catherine hugged his arm tightly. "You know, I would never leave you in the rain. Even if I'm standing in these shark pajamas, soaking wet."

"Don't say that, cotton candy." Buggy wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "There's a lot of things that happen in life. A more successful man will come along and take you away."

"But you're going to chase this man away?" Catherine looked up at him. "I don't want to go anywhere. Can I stay with you? Please!"

"I don't mind. We have fun together. I don't even talk about sex. I'm good at this, right?" Buggy laughed and kissed her head.

"I hate you! You know how to ruin a romantic moment, pervert." Catherine gently slapped him on the shoulder.

"Cathie-pie." He said quietly.

"What, my Buggy Bear?"

"Do we have pancakes?"

[goalhofer]

Top 10 Songs Of Each Year 1955-1969.

1955

10. “The Ballad Of Davy Crockett” by Bill Hayes.

9. “A Blossom Fell” by Nat Cole.

8. “Unchained Melody” by Al Hibbler.

7. “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams.

6. “Unchained Melody” by Les Baxter.

5. “Learnin’ The Blues” by Frank Sinatra.

4. “Love Is A Many Splendored Things” by The Four Aces.

3. “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” by Mitch Miller & His Orchestra.

2. “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets.

1. “Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White” by Perez Prado & His Orchestra.

1956

10. “Sixteen Tons” by “Tennessee” Ernie Ford.

9. “My Prayer” by The Platters.

8. “The Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant.

7. “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley.

6. “Just Walking In The Rain” by Johnnie Ray.

5. “Memories Are Made Of This” by Dean Martin.

4. “Rock And Roll Waltz” by Kay Starr.

3. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley.

2. “Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley.

1. “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” by Doris Day.

1957

10. “Bye Bye Love” by The Everly Brothers.

9. “Banana Boat (Day-O)” by Harry Belafonte.

8. “Little Darlin’“ by The Diamonds.

7. “Young Love” by Tab Hunter.

6. “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” by Elvis Presley.

5. “Singing The Blues” by Guy Mitchell.

4. “Tammy” by Debbie Reynolds.

3. “Diana” by Paul Anka.

2. “All Shook Up” by Elvis Presley.

1. “Love Letters In The Sand” by Pat Boone.

1958

10. “Tequila” by The Champs.

9. “Nel It’s Only Make Believe” by Conway Twitty.

8. “Bird Dog” by The Everly Brothers.

7. “At The Hop” by Danny & The Juniors.

6. “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley.

5. “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)” by Domenico Modugno.

4. “When” by The Kalin Twins.

3. “Patricia” by Perez Prado & His Orchestra.

2. “It’s All In The Game” by Tommy Edwards.

1. “All I Have To Do Is Dream” by The Every Brothers.

1959

10. “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” by Paul Anka.

9. “(Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I” by Elvis Presley.

8. “Dream Lover” by Bobby Darin.

7. “The Three Bells” by The Browns.

6. “The Battle Of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton.

5. “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” by The Platters.

4. “Petite Fleur” by Chris Barber’s Jazz Band.

3. “Tom Dooley” by The Kingston Trio.

2. “Lonely Boy” by Paul Anka.

1. “Mack The Knife” by Bobby Darin.

1960

10. “Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters.

9. “He’ll Have To Go” by Jim Reeves.

8. “I’m Sorry” by Brenda Lee.

7. “Running Bear” by Johnny Preston.

6. “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini” by Brian Hyland.

5. “Theme From A Summer Place” by Percy Faith & His Orchestra.

4. “Cathy’s Clown” by The Everly Brothers.

3. “Stuck On You” by Elvis Presley.

2. “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” by Connie Francis.

1. “It’s Now Or Never” by Elvis Presley.

1961

10. “Hit The Road, Jack” by Ray Charles.

9. “Little Sister” by Elvis Presley.

8. “Big Bad John” by Jimmy Dean.

7. “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson.

6. “Blue Moon” by The Marcels.

5. “Michael” by The Highwaymen.

4. “Runaway” by Del Shannon.

3. “Hello, Mary Lou” by Ricky Nelson.

2. “Surrender” by Elvis Presley.

1. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” by Elvis Presley.

1962

10. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley.

9. “I Remember You” by Frank Ifield.

8. “Let’s Twist Again” by Chubby Checker.

7. “Stranger On The Shore” by Acker Bilk.

6. “Telstar” by The Tornadoes.

5. “The Twist” by Chubby Checker.

4. “The Loco-Motion” by Little Eva.

3. “Good Luck Charm” by Elvis Presley.

2. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles.

1. “Speedy Gonzales” by Pat Boone.

1963

10. “From A Jack To A King” by Ned Miller.

9. “Bossa Nova Baby” by Elvis Presley.

8. “Hey, Paula” by Paul & Paula.

7. “Return To Sender” by Elvis Presley.

6. “Sugar Shack” by The Fireballs.

5. “Rhythm Of The Rain” by The Cascades.

4. “Telstar” by The Tornadoes.

3. “Sukiyaki (Ue O Muite Aruko)” by Kyu Sakamoto.

2. “If I Had A Hammer” by Trini Lopez.

1. “(You’re The) Devil In Disguise” by Elvis Presley.

1964

10. “Hello, Dolly” by Louis Armstrong.

9. “Dominique” by Soeur Sorire.

8. “House Of The Rising Sun” by The Animals.

7. “Baby Love” by The Supremes.

6. “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” by Manfred Mann.

5. “A Hard Day’s Night” by The Beatles.

4. “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles.

3. “She Loves You” by The Beatles.

2. “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison.

1. “I Want To Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles.

1965

10. “I Feel Fine” by The Beatles.

9. “Wooly Bully” by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs.

8. “Yesterday” by The Beatles.

7. “I Got You, Babe” by Sonny & Cher.

6. “Get Off Of My Cloud” by The Rolling Stones.

5. “The Last Time” by The Rolling Stones.

4. “Downtown” by Petula Clark.

3. “Ticket To Ride” by The Beatles.

2. “Help!” by The Beatles.

1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones.

1966

10. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles.

9. “Day Tripper” by The Beatles.

8. “Monday, Monday” by The Mamas & The Papas.

7. “19th Nervous Breakdown” by The Rolling Stones.

6. “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones.

5. “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles.

4. “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles.

3. “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles.

2. “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’“ by Nancy Sinatra.

1. “Strangers In The Night” by Frank Sinatra.

1967

10. “Let’s Spend The Night Together” by The Rolling Stones.

9. “Ruby Tuesday” by The Rolling Stones.

8. “Massachusetts” by Bee Gees.

7. “Penny Lane” by The Beatles.

6. “Something Stupid” by Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra.

5. “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees.

4. “The Letter” by The Box Tops.

3. “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles.

2. “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” by Procol Harum.

1. “San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers)” by Scott McKenzie.

1968

10. “Judy In Disguise (With Glasses)” by John Fred & His Playboy Band.

9. “Fire” by The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown.

8. “I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You” by Bee Gees.

7. “Lady Madonna” by The Beatles.

6. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding.

5. “Hello Goodbye” by The Beatles.

4. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones.

3. “Delilah” by Sir Tom Jones.

2. “Those Were The Days” by Mary Hopkin.

1. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles.

1969

10. “Crimson And Clover” by Tommy James And The Shondells.

9. “Oh, Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers.

8. “Come Together” by The Beatles.

7. “Something” by The Beatles.

6. “Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In” by The 5th Dimension.

5. “The Ballad Of John And Yoko” by The Beatles.

4. “Sugar Sugar” by The Archies.

3. “Honky Tonk Woman” by The Rolling Stones.

2. “In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus)” by Zager And Evans.

1. “Get Back” by The Beatles ft. Billy Preston.

[docrotten]

THE BLOOD ON SATAN’S CLAW (1971) – Episode 148 – Decades of Horror 1970s

“I am ready to return, but understand, I shall use undreamed-of measures, to conquer the evil.” If by “undreamed-of measures” the Judge means a BF sword, he ain’t wrong. No one dreamed of it. Join your faithful Grue Crew - Doc Rotten, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, and Jeff Mohr - as they claw their way through the folk horror classic, The Blood on Satan’s Claw(1971).

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 148 – The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

In 17th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshipers.

IMDb

  Director: Piers Haggard

Writers: Robert Wynne-Simmons (original screenplay); Piers Haggard (with additional material by)

Selected Cast:

Patrick Wymark as The Judge

Linda Hayden as Angel Blake

Barry Andrews as Ralph Gower

Michele Dotrice as Margaret

Wendy Padbury as Cathy Vespers

Anthony Ainley as Reverend Fallowfield

Charlotte Mitchell as Ellen

Tamara Ustinov as Rosalind Barton

Simon Williams as Peter Edmonton

James Hayter as Squire Middleton

Howard Goorney as The Doctor

Avice Landone as Isobel Banham

Robin Davies as Mark Vespers

Godfrey James as Angel's Father

Roberta Tovey as the coven member who lures Padbury's character to her death (uncredited)

Milton Reid as Dog Handler (uncredited)

The Blood on Satan’s Claw is frequently mentioned alongside Witchfinder General (1968) and The Wicker Man (1973) as a seminal film in the folk horror subgenre. Daphne describes it as super 70s and she loved the creepiness of the woods and the environment. The film’s amazing title captured Bill’s attention but unfortunately, his first viewing of The Blood on Satan’s Claw was a version in which an essential scene had been cut. Having since seen the complete version, he believes it to be an interesting film worth seeking out. For Chad, The Blood on Satan’s Claw had some unique ideas, in particular how the demon was reconstructed. Jeff found The Blood on Satan’s Claw to be quirky and the story to be a bit uneven but he thought the effects were excellent, especially when some devil’s skin was removed from one of the characters. Doc finds The Blood on Satan’s Claw to be very disjointed, making it hard to tell the protagonist from the antagonist and to stay interested.

Whether you’re a fan or not, you owe it to yourself to check out The Blood on Satan’s Claw. As of this writing, it is available to stream on Shudder and will be available on physical media as a part of ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR [BLU-RAY BOX SET] due from Severin Films in December 2021.

Gruesome Magazine’s Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode in their very flexible schedule will be Dario Argento’s The Cat o’ Nine Tails (1971), chosen by Bill! Be sure to join us for that one. 

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans:  leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

Check out this episode!

[eternalravendreamer]

Every Voltage MC is Special Now Because I Say So - BMP 1

Note: I am not a master on every character's routes and trivia. I made these up because I’m tired of boring MCs with no unique traits

Wilfred’s MC: Loves camping! She’s very experienced at it, so she would invite him out and totally amaze him. They’d stay in a cabin the first time, to help ease Wilfred into the idea (also because Claude was absolutely scandalized by the idea of his Prince sleeping on the ground, sleeping bag or no). But MC made sure Wilfred got the rest of the big camping staples, like a bonfire, s’mores, nature trails, etc. It’s not exactly his thing, but it makes him happy to see MC so excited. (Also, he totally didn’t stare at her ass when she was setting up the fire, nope)

Keith’s MC: Plays electric guitar! Can shred with the best of ‘em. He’s too stubborn to ask her to teach him, even though he really wants to. She calls her guitar her “baby”, much to Keith’s confusion (”Oh yeah, you haven’t met my baby yet!” “YOUR WHAT”). Sometimes she’ll play some more laid-back tunes for Cathy and he can’t help but fall a little bit more in love with her.

Roberto’s MC: Absolute. Meme. Trash. She tries to act formal towards him when they first meet, because…well, he’s a Prince. But after getting comfortable with him, she accidentally lets a meme slip and Roberto gets fucking WHIPLASH turning towards her. (”DID YOU JUST SAY A MEME” “Oh god what have I done”). He’s so excited that MC’s sense of humor is similar to his!! She knows so many memes!!! He’s more sheltered than he acts, so she has to explain some of them, and even manages to prank him a few times (”Hey Roberto does your kingdom have updog?” “Hmm I don’t know. What’s updog—wait.”). They totally reenact vines with Alberto.

Joshua’s MC: a mural artist! At first he looks down on it, assuming that it’s just illegal graffiti. But when he sees her work for the first time, a project for her college, and he’s astounded. It’s a true work of art, taking up a whole wall, and she’s explaining about the materials she used and what the image is meant to represent, and what inspired it, and there’s so much light in her eyes. At that moment he can’t help but think “this person is amazing”. He commissions a mural for a public building from her soon after.

Glenn’s MC: a hardcore animal lover. She studies animal sciences and dreams of working at a wildlife sanctuary or zoo. At the moment she interns at a small wildlife veterinary center, where her main job is feeding orphan babies. She shows Glenn all her “kids” and he’s amazed how well she handles all of them. She even lets him help with some of the more domestic animals, while she feeds things like bear cubs, wolf pups, and vulture chicks.

Edward’s MC: a stress baker, but not just simple stuff. No, she goes all out. Almond macaroons, red velvet cupcakes, two-layer buttercream cake (with matching fancy piped icing), double-chocolate fudge cookies…she bakes and bakes and bakes until she runs out of steam. Edward walks into the kitchen and doesn’t know whether to be impressed or concerned (in the end he’s both). She goes even more overboard whenever she does it at the castle, and often has to apologize to the chefs for using up an ingredient or two.

Yakov’s MC: dyes her hair all sorts of colors. She takes a gap period between bleaches to let her hair recover, but her hair is dyed for the majority of the year. When Yakov meets her, she’s a redhead. The next month, her hair is purple. He had no idea there were so many varieties of hair dye! And you can even mix them to make different hues! A lot of people give MC flack when she’s pushed into the public eye, claiming her hair is too nontraditional and that it makes her an inappropriate choice for the Prince’s lover. The next day Yakov shows up to a press conference with half of his braid dyed a literal rainbow. They have no further harassment (well, at least not about the hair dye)

Zain’s MC: it freaks him out - his MC has almost inhuman night vision. One night while staying at Nobel Mitchel, she wakes up at like 2 a.m. for a drink of water. Since she can see pretty well in the dark, she doesn’t take a light or anything with her. On her way to the kitchen she freaks out a security guard. In the morning Zain has to deal with rumors of a ghost girl walking the castle halls without a light. MC thinks it heckin’ hilarious

And now the butlers, because DAMMIT VOLTAGE WE WILL PAY YOU SO MUCH MONEY FOR THEM

Butler Luke’s MC (not to be confused with KBTBB’s Dr. Luke): you know those old ladies who always have sweets in their bags? That’s Luke’s MC, only not old yet. She has a seemingly endless supply. Strawberry hard candies? Check. Chocolate balls? Yep. Lollipops? In every flavor! Luke is amazed. This girl has an entire candy shop in her purse, fully stocked. All anyone has to do is mention being hungry, having a bad taste stuck in their mouth, or being sad, and out comes the goodies.

Yu’s MC: to his surprise, she’s a fairly well-known movie and film critic. She writes professional articles, maintains a blog for more casual reviews, and even makes YouTube videos on occasion. Honestly, if it wasn’t for his job making him too busy for movies, he probably would have found MC again years earlier. Movie dates are common, though she makes sure to let him know she isn’t just taking him to movies for her work. He enjoys hearing her talk about the production side of things, and certain plot points. He makes note to buy DVDs of all her favorites for stay-home dates.

Claude’s MC: she makes handmade stuffed animals. She keeps some of them, and originally Claude found her hobby very childish. But the majority of her plushies she donates to charities - hospitals, orphanages, and homeless shelters, mostly. Sometimes she’ll sell a couple of them so that she can donate money to the causes as well. She never keeps the money for herself. Once Claude learns this, he feels bad for looking down on her, and tries to show interest. MC makes him a stuffie of his own after they start dating.

Alberto’s MC: “Uh before I move into the Castle can I go home to get my lizard?” “Your what now.” Yep, Alberto’s MC has a pet lizard, which she loves dearly. He’s confused, to say the least, but at least it’s not messy (until he finds out what it eats). After awhile, he gets attached to the little dragon, too. When the heat lamp needs replacing, he finds the best one for the species. He slips the little pal some treats when it’s been good. MC has to stop him from setting up an elaborate habitat for the smol scaly friend. And if Prince Roberto even tries to take some of it’s crickets for a prank, he will face two very protective reptile parents.

Jan’s MC: beep beep fuckers, this MC has a moped, and Jan unironically thinks that it’s AWESOME. I’m talking those Vespas you see in NYC, like Emmy Altava from the Prof. Layton games had. It’s her main source of transportation, so when she has to live in the Castle, she gets concerned about her ride. Jan asks her to teach him how to ride it, and when he rides passenger behind her on it he makes sure to hold onto her a little tighter than he actually needs to, just to be closer to her. They get matching helmets because they’re cute like that.

Louis’ MC: cutie with glasses! She has poor eyesight, but nothing too serious. Just nearsightedness. Since her lenses aren’t all that thick, she’s able to use cute and stylish frames, though they tend to be cheap and break easily. Louis enthusiastically gushes whenever MC tries on new frames, making sure to detail how they compliment her eyes or face shape. He doesn’t think she’s cuter or prettier with or without them, but rather that MC with glasses and MC without glasses are both uniquely beautiful.