#and they sang let be me to each other which. gay

[thavron]

So I think I've cracked this moment.

So this moment has bothered me. I've seen several people say this is Crowley breaking up with Aziraphale, but I think it has a different meaning. I think he's saying, "I understand."

Hear me out.

It was actually listening to the song Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy that caused me to have a little epiphany. I love how it's juxtaposed over Crowley rushing back to Aziraphale, indicating that he is the Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy, but there is more to it.

That song was released in 1976, which is a time when being gay or being queer of any kind was deeply frowned upon. Though laws in the UK banning same sex relationships had been lifted by this time, for consenting adults over the age of 21. Freddie explicitly coming out at this time was something that could have ended his career. Freddie danced with the media on this one, hinted but was never forthright and kept his romantic life largely under wraps. This is something that queer people did in general and had to do well into the 90s. They flirted in code, they romanced behind closed doors. They kept their love out of sight.

Much like our Ineffable Husbands.

Editing to add- that the reason this triggered something for me, is that despite the secrecy, Freddie Mercury got up on stage and sang a song about a man taking another man out on a date at the Ritz. Everyone knew. Just no one knew knew. And it wasn't enough to end his career. Much like our Ineffable Husbands. Everyone knows, including them. Just no one says a thing about it.

Which brings me back to A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

This song is about one magical night. A couple meet, fall in love, feel the magic of their romance, and then as the sun comes up they go home. It is something like a dream that has to be let go with the harsh light of day. But there is hope, because sometimes they can hear the echo of the nightingale. A promise perhaps to meet again.

So I think it is widely assumed that there is more to the 1941 flashback. I tend to concur. I think we will see the origin of why this song is important to them. I suspect the song is about them. They have one magical night, where they are both brave and express their love for each other. But then the sun comes up and they realise that they have to go back to their lives. I think they will acknowledge that the incident with the zombies was a close call, and they need to cool off and stay away from each other. Slow down.

So 1967 is the first time they have seen each other since. They both know how they feel, they're just waiting for the right time. They shouldn't have met at all, except Aziraphale wants to give Crowley the holy water. I think that explains the awkwardness but also their softness toward each other. It's a meeting of lovers, but the time isn't right just yet. No nightingales are singing. That's what Aziraphale means by "You go too fast for me." Not yet, it's too soon. We're still under suspicion.

So the end of season one, the world is not over and our ineffable husbands are free. What do they do? They go for date at the Ritz. You can not tell me this is not a date. Sorry, don't believe you. "The Ritz is the most romantic hotel in the world." It's like their whole selling point. It's why it pops up in the lyrics of Berkley Square, and also in the lyrics of Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy. It's the place where magic happens. And for me, the playing of the song, and the reference from God herself, it's saying the time is right. They can finally be together again. This is their moment.

So Season Two. I've read reviews of season two where people liken it to fanfiction. Neil calls it is a bridge season. I think it's the dream. Not actually a dream, I don't think Neil is that unoriginal. But in the song they liken that one magical night to a dream. It's a fantasy that they get to live until the sun comes up. They get to live their dream for four years. They are together and they are in love but they are still living in secret. They still don't acknowledge it. They're still holding back. One of the themes in this series is timing is everything. Maggie and Nina's relationship doesn't work because timing. The magic trick worked the time it mattered. Timing is important, and the ineffable husbands are bad at it. They should have thrown themselves into this but they were too cautious and they missed their chance.

I think this conversation is when Crowley realises. Not that he is love with Aziraphale, that was established in 1941. But that everyone knows anyway. There is no reason to hide. No one cares that they're an item. Aziraphale has a similar epiphany after his chat with Shax. So they both decide to move the relationship along, but damn do they have bad timing.

Now I am as confused and heart broken as anyone about the final fifteen. And I am certain that there is something that we are not seeing, a trick that we've missed. There are six minutes unaccounted for. Neil says its a continuity error, but he's demon, he lies.

So here is what I think, and why this line "that's the point, no nightingales" is important. At some point during that conversation Crowley catches on. Whether they have a moment of stopped time, or the fact that Aziraphale is acting so utterly unhinged, there is something that happens that we don't see and it clues him in. He is hurt and angry yes, but he understands. What he is understanding is that the dawn came stealing up, and that the interlude is over. The nightingales stopped singing, and they have to go back to work. He gets it and that's how he lets Aziraphale know.

"You're an idiot, we could have been us." He doesn't like the plan, whatever it is. He thinks running would have been preferable, but he is resigned to it.

Then that kiss. One last goodbye just in case the world ends? Desperate longing and years of pent up frustration? I don't think the trick is here. I think this is misdirection. We're all looking at the kiss, we missed the coded message that came right before. I think "No nightingales" may also suggest that this isn't the kiss. The romantic kiss will come later, when the nightingales sing again. And they will, of that I'm certain now.

The song playing in the car, a message from Aziraphale or from the Bentley reminding him to have hope. Two things we know about Crowley. He is an optimist. He loves to rescue his angel. We also know that he is the trusted stooge with the steady hand. Aziraphale will perform the theatrics, he will do the rest. The fact that he waited and didn't just storm off like he did when he was rejected in series 1 tells Aziraphale that he is still here. He's still in this.

That's my interpretation anyway.

[piratefishmama]

Crashed the wedding, Part 7

Eddie had no grand speech prepared, he had nothing, his whole job was to wing it, which was probably a good thing because anything he’d have prepared to say, would have flown right out of the metaphorical window when he saw Steve.

He’d only just managed that witty quip as he Aragon’d his way through those doors, all the breath just taken right out of him god he was still as beautiful as the day Eddie left, nine years hadn’t touched him at all. His hair still impossibly perfect, even though he’d clearly not put much effort into it for the day, his glasses still made him look like the cutest pre-school teacher ever, and the moles.

Lord have mercy on his poor soul, the moles. He was too gay for this. He just wanted to skip everything, get directly to wrapping Steve up in the cosiest of sweaters, and handing him the tastiest mug of hot cocoa like he deserved, and just cuddling him for the rest of his life.

“E-Excuse me sir, we hadn’t actually gotten to that part yet” The reverend’s voice hesitantly cut through the silence that seemed to carry on for way longer than intended. The man choosing not to mention that the senior Harringtons had instructed him to remove the offer to the guests to object from the ceremony speech citing that they wouldn’t need it.

“Yeah well, it’s not like I had a damn invitation to sit in and wait, did I?” Eddie snapped right back, shaking himself up. He had a job to do, a love of his life to rescue, and no goddamn idea as to how he was supposed to do that if Steve wasn’t reacting in any way other than just staring at him with wide-eyed, open-mouthed surprise.

“What the hell is he doing here?” Steve heard from his left, turning to find his father’s face had turned a curious shade of red in apparent anger. The man quickly turning his eye onto his son hissing “did you have something to do with this?” At him. God Steve wished. He’d have given anything to have had the courage to just pick up the damn phone and call Eddie before all this shit went down.

Nine goddamn years, he wished he’d have picked up the phone each and every single day, but he hadn’t, too many missed calls, too many excuses for him to keep trying, he’d been so sure that Eddie had just… moved on, convincing himself more and more with each failed attempt to stay in touch that maybe… maybe it was just for the best.

Eddie was famous, for something good… besides the shit that happened during Vecna’s little bitch fit, Eddie hadn’t stepped a toe out of line in nine whole years, no scandals, no drug addiction stories, no compromising paparazzi shots in the papers, he sang his songs, played his nerd games, he showed up as ‘Metal Santa’ at Children’s hospitals with the other bandmates dressed as goofy elves, giving out toys all out of his own pocket, he helped out at soup kitchens on the weekends when he wasn’t busy, did charity auctions of random shit for troubled youth charities, he was good. The only time he’d had an issue was early ’88 with a mild drinking problem but Dustin knocked some sense into him on that one and he’d cleaned up his act by September the same year.

He looked mean and scary sometimes, but nobody, not a single person could ever accuse him of being anything but good. Steve was just… Steve.

A man going nowhere, stuck in his hometown with nothing to offer him. It’d been so easy to convince himself to just stop trying. Eddie didn’t need him, Eddie probably didn’t want him, he could have anyone, why would he want him?

Steve didn’t answer his father, instead turned back to the intruder, a smile fighting at the corner of his lips as he witnessed the man telling one of the bride’s huffy aunts to pipe the fuck down. “Eddie? The hell are you doing here?” How could he let his mind force him to doubt when Eddie was right there as if he’d heard that one wish Steve had spoken only in his mind.

“Rescuing you, sweetheart, can’t say I’m the most impressive of cavalry but at least I look good, which is more than I can say for your bride, yikes ma’am you just faceplant into a cake made up entirely of makeup this morning? Not a good look, I can see where the foundation meets the rest of your neck. One word, blend.” Liar, she looked flawless, but the outraged gasp of an offended bride was worth it. The shit stirring little fucker. “It will change your life.”

“Steven—” Harriet huffed, turning to her groom expectantly “aren’t you even going to—”

“No.” Steve immediately cut her off with a short, snort of a laugh, eyes still on Eddie as the man approached, his bride immediately turning to her parents to loudly complain about the interruption, Steve tuned her out completely, he’d tuned everything out, focusing entirely on Eddie “you could have worn a shirt, man.”

“And miss the warm Indiana breeze on my nip? I think not Steven.” Steve scrunched up his nose in distaste “Stevie? Steve-o, Ooh, ooh… Estebe?”

“That means Stebe and you know it means Stebe.”

“I know but you always thought it was cute.” He was within reaching distance now, so close he could touch him, could touch him to ensure he was real, that he hadn’t just hallucinated his way through his forced vows.

“I only thought it was cute cause you actually thought it meant Steve.” He reached, Eddie’s smile widening, only for it to drop, his eyes sharpening in barely concealed rage as Harrington Sr. grabbed the arm reaching out toward Eddie.

“Don’t even think about it, Steven. You will inform your brief, and unfortunate lapse in judgement that you were mistaken, that it meant nothing, and you’re marrying Miss Reid, do not make me remind you—”

“Sit the fuck down Harrington, nobody pulled your string.” Eddie snarled leaning in close enough for the man to release his grip in surprise.

“Eddie… he’s right, I—I have to.”

“No, no you don’t, I see nobody we know here Steve, your friends, your family they’re not here… why? Why aren’t they here Steve… on what should be the happiest day of your life, why did Nancy have to shoot a security guard in the arm just to get me in?”

“Nance did what?” Was that what that noise was?

“Surprised you didn’t hear the gunshot. Karen wheeler practically shoved this monkey suit on me and shoved me out the damn door in hopes I could get you out of this, the only reason the others aren’t here is because these assholes did well enough to have it clash with everything going on in their lives.” Not him though, Eddie would have abandoned a whole damn tour, he’d have cancelled mid-gig, if necessary, Steve needed him. He needed them. “What’s stopping you from walking out of that door right now, baby? What’s doing that?”

He saw that crack in Steve’s already crumbling resolve at the soft use of an old pet name, such a simple, generic little name but it always made Steve just a little weak hearing it from Eddie. “Eddie—Eddie I’m… I can’t…”

There were whispers, people had stood up to get a closer look, nobody in that church recognised Eddie, as famous as he was, he wasn’t their kind of famous. Eddie paid them no mind, taking those last few steps, using what little courage he had left to reach up and skim his calloused fingers along that perfect jawline, thumb caressing the soft cushion of his cheek just below where his glasses perched. “You can, baby boy… my sweet little prince, you can walk right out of here with me… whatever it is Steve, we can deal with it, money? Baby I have more in pocket change than your family’s entire net worth combined, including the shit in those offshore accounts ol John here doesn’t think anyone knows about it.” Steve’s father leaned a fraction backwards in surprise, how the fuck did Munson know about that? He could move all he wanted, Eddie wasn’t paying attention to him, his soft eyes were on Steve, watching as the man let his own drift shut, leaning into the palm cupping his cheek. “Hawkins? Sweetheart… I got here in a day, I flew first class, very fancy, if anything happens, we’ve got it, we can be back here so fast whatever that freaky-ass place throws at us, we’ll be ready for it same as always… so what is it, big boy, what’s stopping you?”

Steve let his eyes open halfway, taking in the man in front of him “I’m not worth it Eddie… just… just go, it’s okay… I’ll be fine, m’always fine” so why did that smile look so sad “…I’m not worth what you’d lose if I were to leave.”

Part 9

[theoldlesbianwithcats]

Please tell about your trip to Japan! Did you get to visit any lesbian events/spaces?

Hi anon :D

It was the best!! People are super kind and respectful, I ate delicious food and bought so much stuff haha (though mostly souvenirs for my family and friends)

I made a lot of research about lesbian spaces in Japan before the trip so I'd have an idea of where to go... There are SO MANY lesbian bars! I mean dozens of them just in the three cities I looked up! I went to one in Kyoto, one in Osaka and five in Tokyo, can't believe I'm able to say that I didn't have enough time to visit all the lesbian bars in the capital city, first country where it happens haha

(Mind you, you can basically only go to one in Tokyo if you don't speak Japanese at all (Goldfinger) so it's very crowded on women-only night, mostly with tourists, and you'll occasionally see a white US trans-identified dude because years ago they bullied the owners into letting them in... I still made friends with some foreign women and a Japanese woman there though, so it can be worth a try!)

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the lesbian community seems so much better than in France and western countries in general because it's basically Normie Land :

For lesbian spaces, their social media are only about their news (at what time it opens that day, selfies of the bartenders, some food and drinks photos, etc.), no political stuff at all

Same for the decorations, it's all photos/drawings of very feminine women and lesbian positivity, sometimes bras too lol

The bars tend to be tiny and cosy (sometimes it's just a ten-seat counter and that's it!) and Japanese women are very kind, so I ended up talking to the bartender and other clients every night I went out and I had a great time. Once, I was alone with the bartender so we did karaoke, I sang a quite popular jpop song from the 90s and some gay dudes who could hear me from the street barged in to scream the chorus ��

Because there's no political atmosphere, I felt like the conversations were more open and we weren't walking on eggshells around each other, we talked about our childhoods, anime and video games we like, our type of woman, about sex, etc.

Also I think they actually know what lesbian means (met several women who seemed like gold stars, didn't hear anything about ~sexual fluidity~ or political lesbianism, those who were bi with a preference for women just said so), which was refreshing! 😅

Anyway, I can't wait to go back hehe (currently daydreaming about opening a Japanese-style lesbian snack-bar in Paris with a little shelf full of (actually) lesbian books and maybe a women-only public bath/spa next to it... 💭)

[jamsterrr]

P. SEONGHWA . . . FATAL ATTRACTION 3 ⭑.ᐟ

seonghwa. fatal love. ex lovers. “ i want you again .. “

description ; thinking it was for the best , breaking up with your boyfriend of 3 years since you both “ grew apart “ but when a mis understanding comes about. what will happen when you’re forced to spend time together, what happened to those “ we just grew apart “ feelings.

seonghwa!ateez x female!reader

words : 2.2k

contains. ‼️ ; cursing , sexual scenes , 18+ content , may contain typos , slight slow burn. ( let me know if i miss anything ! )

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ part 2 here.

———— .. ᯓᡣ𐭩 ( part three ) ᡣ𐭩ᯓ .. ————

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ

Walking out of the room after your face was cooled down, holding onto the bag you decided on bringing, packed with sunscreen, shades, a towel and a water bottle. A million and one thoughts running through your mind. Though your mind was more set on getting the male back, because this meant war, and you didn't feel like being the bigger person.

Making sure Pop had water and food before you left, spotting Seonghwa, along with Yeosang, Hongjoong and Mingi; with the girl that was attached to his hip. Which made you wonder whoever she was, though you weren't particularly too interested in getting to know her just yet, and that seemed to be the case with her as well. Since Mingi hadn't introduced her to anyone yet, but everyone seemed to know her. So why not to you?

You moved past the couple and squeezed yourself between Yeosang and Seonghwa. Yeo sang smiled at you. "I can't wait to swim, its actually going to be so fun" the male said. Yeosang loved to swim, it was one of his hobbies. You were surprised he didn't make a career out of it. "I can't wait either" you smiled and gently touched his shoulder as he finally looked at you and then noticed your outfit. "Wow, Y/N??" the male spoke, slightly causing attention before you blushed and covered your breast. "Yeosang..!" you whined, turning his face away and blushing, hearing a slight snicker come from Seonghwa's lips.

"Wow, never noticed how big they were" Hongjoong spoke before laughing, getting nudged by Seonghwa in the side. "Please stop looking at her breast yeah?" Seonghwa frowned, his eyes rolling at you before he took your arm and pulled you back, Yeosang stopping and looking at you before you nodded for him to continue walking with the others. Once they were a bit far and it seemed like they couldn't hear the conversation that was about to occur, you snatched your hand away.

"Don't grab me like that" you snatched your hand away, rolling your eyes at the male. "Why are you causing attention to your body, that's supposed to be only for me to 'see'" the male air quoted. "So, you can tease me? But I can't have any fun? Plus, it was Yeosang that started, he's gay and we aren't dating, I don't see the problem." you spoke. "I came here to have a fun time, and that's what I'm going to do, okay pretty boy?' you spoke, crossing your arms and raising your eyebrow. Seonghwa sighed and nodded. "Yeah, alright." he spoke, "I don't want to argue, especially since I can't tell my parents about us just yet." the male rubbed his temple and looked at you, this time taking your hand. You didn't pull away and nodded. "Fair enough" you spoke, deciding to stop with the childish games and arguing. It was a trip, a break in daily life with your ex. It was time to actually have some fun.

--

Once everyone arrived at the lake, the 6 of you enjoyed 30 minutes of free time, swimming around the water and just playing with each other, splashing and having swimming races. You got out, climbing onto the dock with some help from Seonghwa.

Jumping into the water from the dock you felt free, your hair becoming wet, something you'd regret dealing with later. Hongjoong swam to you and laughed a bit. "Want to join in on chicken fight?" the male asked, and you responded with a nod. Seeing the line up, it was Mingi and the girl, Hongjoong on Yeosang's shoulder and you on Seonghwa's. You chuckled a little as you and Seonghwa had the same smirk on your faces. You knew you were going to win.

"Okay!" you said, approaching Seonghwa who was in the water, him leaning down with a smile so you could crawl up on his shoulder, wrapping your legs around him, gently gripping his hair to keep yourself balanced as you felt his arms wrap around your legs. You looked down at him and grinned as he grinned back.

"Okay, let's keep this fair and square, no scratching and last person wins" Hongjoong announced. You all waited for the countdown, smirking and when it started, everyone rushed together, your hand first meeting with Hongjoong, who was in particularly stronger than you, your palms and hands interlocking as you grabbed his and tried to pull forward, almost losing your balance. With the extra help from the girl whose name was still unknown to you. You were able to get Hongjoong down as he flopped into the water, Yeosang going down with him, causing a big splash. You laugh and lean down to wipe Seonghwa's face, clearing it from the lake water. "Thank you" he smiled before you looked up and were met with the face of the unfamiliar woman.

You gasping as she pushed your chest, shoving you hard as you fell back, holding your breathe and unwrapping your legs from across Seonghwa's face. Hearing the gasp of everyone before your back hit the water and both you, and Seonghwa went under. You came back up after a few seconds and coughed. Seonghwa coming back up as you both wiped your face of the lake water, your eyes darting to the woman. "Why the hell did you push my chest?!" you yelled towards her, your eyebrows pinched together. "Isn't that the point of the game?" she asked, as if she was confused. Bitch.

"No!" you shouted, rolling your eyes at her. "Yeah Lily, you're not supposed to push anyone's chest, it's dangerous." Seonghwa spoke, rubbing his neck. "Oh... I'm sorry" she said, starting to get emotional, starting to cry. "Are you for real..." you muttered under your breath, Seonghwa gently elbowing you. Mingi consoled the woman as he walked her up to the beach.

"No need to be rude y'all, she said she was sorry" Mingi spoke as he looked back. You took a deep sigh and rolled your eyes. "I can't believe she started crying, I mean, I should be the one crying. My chest hurts!" you mumbled, slightly yelling the last part as you rolled your eyes. "I think that's enough lake time for today" Yeosang spoke, walking towards the sandy part, pulling down his shorts. The rest of you agreeing before you all did the same.

--

Afterwards the sun was starting to set, you all made it back to the house where there were more cars parked in front. At least 2 more than before. You finally were able to take in how big the house was. The brown cabin log exterior trapping all the rooms inside. Once you were showered, you were joined by Seonghwa who rested on the bed and Pop who laid directly beside you. Your fingers moving through the dog's golden locks, sitting up and turning to Seonghwa who was running his hands through his own hair. "Do you think she did it on purpose?" you asked, your mind still wandering back to it and the look in her eyes.

"Push you? I don't know." the male said, sitting up and looking at you. You frowned. "I mean, why would she have a reason to? She doesn't even know you". "Right" you agreed, rubbing your head, your head laying onto the males lap, finding comfort in the place before you rubbed your eyes. "I'm tired, what time is it?" you asked, the male hummed and pulled out his phone, "8:45" he responded as you just nodded, looking up at him as the sunset hit his face, causing his face to be a color of orange and yellow.

The golden hour is what you considered it. A small smile appeared before you looked at Pop. "Ready to go out one last time before bed?" you asked the dog before he leaped off of the bed and waited patiently by the door.

"Want me to come with?" Seonghwa asked and you nodded in response, grabbing the collar and leash for the dog. You smiled and sighed before attaching it around the dog's neck as you and Seonghwa made your way downstairs and out of the back door, the sun setting quickly as you walked down a path along the back of the house to allow Pop to use the bathroom.

"Hey!" you both heard behind you, Mrs. Park approaching the two of you, "Oh hey mom, what's wrong?" he asked, the woman smiled and shook her head, tying the silk string around her waist. "Your dad is driving to pick up some pizza for dinner, but I heard what happened at the lake today, i came to check on Y/N to see if she was okay" the woman spoke, looking at you. Seonghwa's eyes following.

"Yes ma'am, I'm fine" you spoke, your eyes going to the womans, though all you could see was concern. "I'm fine Mrs. Park, really" you spoke.

"Alright, well don't stay out here too long, it's getting cold." she spoke, and with that the woman made herself inside.

"Who even is the girl?" you whispered to Seonghwa as he hummed. "She's Mingi's girlfriend, from what I seen she never leaved his side" he shrugged and rubbed his arms. "Yeah, I've noticed that too".

The two of you headed back into the house, letting pop loose as he ran to Yeosang who was coming down the stairs. Yeosang bending down to pet him and Seonghwa locked the back door. Then excusing himself to find everyone else that arrived.

Yeosang came back to you, massaging his head. "How are you feeling?" he asked, walking over to the couch and flopping down onto it. You flop down beside him after your eyes followed Seonghwa.

"I'm fine" you said, eyeing the male, "What's wrong with you?". "I have a headache, my room is right next to Mingi and Lily's and she's been crying since we got back, I didn't even know people had that many tears in their body" he groaned and looked at you.

You laughed a little. "Just because she's making the crying noises, doesn't mean there's any coming from her eyes" you stated. "I don't know, but I wish she'd" the male stopped and looked around, leaning into you "Shut. Up" he finished, leaning back. "I don't blame you" you chuckled and shook your head.

The two of your conversation stopping once you heard footsteps from the stairs, both of your head shooting to the stairs, seeing Mingi and of course Lily coming down the stairs. Her cheeks were flushed, her hands holding onto Mingi's.

"Speak of the devil" Yeosang said, the two of you standing up.

"Y/N may I speak with you... privately" she said eyeing Yeosang. You nodded and assured Yeosang you'd be okay before Mingi let the womans hand go, pressing it against her back before she finished walking down the stairs, Yeosang passing the both of them.

"Want to talk outside?" you asked, and she nodded as you unlocked the front door and turned on the porch light, the only other light being the moon as the sun finally set.

It was a little awkward at first, because she didn't speak. You looked her way, looking at the woman, she was really pretty. The way her skin contrasted against the porches light, her big blue ocean eyes staring at you. "Well, I guess I'll start then" she spoke.

But her attitude wasn't pretty at all. That was probably everyone's least favorite feature of her. She seemed like she wasn't a pleasant person to hang out with.

"Yeah, you should" you said a bit coldly. She sighed. "I'm sorry for pushing you, I didn't mean it" the woman spoke. You nodded, she didn't seem genuine to you, and that wasn't going to cut it. "Aren't you going to apologize Y/N?" she asked with a bit of smite in her words, causing you to raise your eyebrow towards her question. "No, I didn't do anything wrong" you spat. "You did, you yelled at me."

You chuckled, it leading to a scoff. "Are you serious?" you asked, and she replied with a nod. "No, your apology didn't sound sincere enough for me to apologize for yelling at you, so why should I?" you asked. It was justified.

Lily scoffed and shook her head. "Whatever, I have the upper hand anyway." she rolled her eyes. "Because I actually date someone in the family" she whispered as you slightly raised your eyebrow, your heart beating out of your chest. "Yeah, I know." she spoke. Smirking a little the woman hummed, opening the door, stopping in her tracks. "Goodnight, Y/N" the woman mumbled and went inside.

You stood there for a minute, a bit shocked by the womans last words, scoffing a little. "What a bitch..." you mumbled before going inside, shutting off the porch light and locking the door, making your way back up to you and Seonghwa's shared room. Seeing Pop and the male cuddled up on the bed, the light from the moon peeking through the curtains. Deciding it was best to just leave everything for in the morning and hope to get this long day over with. You slid into bed, letting out a deep sigh. Feeling the soft plush of the mattress and your dog move down to the bottom of the bed, Seonghwa's arm wrapping around you pulling you close. Uttering a few words.

"Just like you said, I only need you because it’s cold", though you knew better. Letting yourself fall into the male's warmth, your hands wrapping around his body as you drifted off to sleep.

𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒ part 4 here.

[romantamsxiangshi]

Translation of Anita Mui's 1991 "似是故人来" (It Seems an Old Friend has Returned)

My first sapphic translation! Anita Mui, the Madonna of Hong Kong, has a very special place in my heart. She sang many Golden Age anthems, starred in just as many Golden Age dramas, and was named the "big sister of HK's music industry." Though she never disclosed her sexuality, she was named a queer icon for her androgyny, sexually explicit lyrics, and performance of genderqueer roles. (Think Lady Gaga.)

似是故人来 is the theme song of the 1991 双镯, or "The Two Bracelets," a lesbian love story set in the countryside of southern China. The movie was adapted from the novel of the same name by Lu Zhaohuan, and was directed by Huang Yushan. 似是故人来 was composed and produced by Luo Dayou, with lyrics by Lin Xi, both of whom operated under strict censorship and limited knowledge of the film's plot. According to Luo, Anita Mui was 2.5 hours late to the recording session (which I think is kinda gay), but finished the recording in 30 minutes.

Translation:

同是过路 同做过梦 We walked the same roads towards the same dreams.

本应是一对 We were supposed to be a couple.

人在少年 梦中不觉 I was too young, I didn’t know I was dreaming.

醒后要归去 Now I’ve awakened, and I wish to return.

三餐一宿 也共一双 Three meals, one house, the two of us together.

到底会是谁 Who will you be in my future? (1)

但凡未得到 但凡是过去 I don’t think you’ll ever understand. It’s in the past, after all. 

总是最登对 But I’ve always loved you. (2)

台下你望 台上我做 You’ll watch me from the audience, I’ll perform for you onstage.

你想做的戏 I’ll give you whichever story you wish. (3)

前事故人 忘忧的你 Old friend, you who forget your sorrows,

可曾记得起 Do you ever remember me? (4)

欢喜伤悲 老病生死 Joys and sorrows, life and death: 

说不上传奇 What are those stories next to ours? (5)

恨台上卿卿 或台下我 I hate those lovers onstage, and I hate myself offstage. (6)

我不是我跟你 I hate that I am not with you. (7)

俗尘渺渺 天意茫茫 This land is so barren. Heaven knows no shame (8)

将你共我分开 To separate you from me. 

断肠字点点 风雨声连连 My broken heart beats in my every word. This storm will never end.

似是故人来 Old friend, I thought you were coming back. (9)

何日再在 何地再聚 When will we be here again? Where shall we meet again?

说今夜真暖 This evening was so warm.

无份有缘 回忆不断 We don’t share a destiny, but I’ve never stopped thinking of you. (10)

生命却苦短 This life is so short.

一种相思 两段苦恋 One lovesickness, two bitter hearts.

半生说没完 I’ve spent half a life spent describing you to others. (11)

在年月深渊 望明月远远 Each year is an abyss, I wish upon the moon. 

想像你忧怨 And I remember all your sorrows.

俗尘渺渺 天意茫茫 This land is so barren. Heaven knows no shame

将你共我分开 To separate you from me. 

断肠字点点 风雨声连连 My broken heart beats in my every word. This storm will never end.

似是故人来 Old friend, I thought you were coming back.

留下你或 留下我在 Did I leave you behind? Or did you leave me behind,

世间上终老 To grow old in this world? (12)

离别以前 未知相对 Before we parted, did we know how much we loved each other? 

当日那么好 Those days were so lovely. 

执子之手 却又分手 I hold your hand, just to let it go again.

爱得有还无 I don’t know where to find our love. (13)

十年后双双 万年后对对 In ten years, we’ll be together. In ten-thousand years, we’ll be together.

只恨看不到 I only wish I could see it happen.

十年后双双 万年后对对 In ten years, we’ll be together. In ten-thousand years, we’ll be together.

只恨看不到 I only wish I could see it happen.

Translation notes:

(1) 到底会是谁 translates directly to "Who will it be, really?" When placed in conversation with the previous line, this line could mean, "Who will be my partner?" (referring to a love interest the speaker does not yet know/recognize) or "Who will you be?" (referring to the speaker's uncertainty towards their current love interest, and how their love interest seems foreign to them now). The lack of subjects, objects, and pronouns leaves a lot of room for interpretation, so I chose the angstier version.

(2) 总是最登对 translates directly to "Always the right one," or "Always correct." I take this to mean that the love interest has always been the right person for the speaker--hence, "I have always loved you."

(3) 你想做的戏 translates directly to "Whichever play you want to see," referring to the previous line concerning the actress/audience interaction. I chose "I'll give you whichever story you wish" because it sounded better (subjective?) and felt congruous to a number of lines besides just the previous, as well as to the song's meta context. This song was part of a broader love story/movie, after all.

(4) 曾 (ceng) implies something ancient: translated literally, the line is "Have you already remembered?" or "I/you/[subject] already remember." Considering how the protagonists of the movie view their queerness as a sorrow that must be forgotten/left behind, I decided to place this line in conversation with the previous, and go with "do you remember me?"

(5) 说不上传奇 translates directly to "They can't be considered legends," which I believe is a line meant to minimize life/death/old age/illness next to the speaker's love. I thought it was a bit awkward to refer to life/death as legends, so I used the term "stories" and added "next to ours" to match the full effect of the line and its relationship to the previous line. I converted this line into a question because a simple sentence in English doesn't quite have the same power as a short sentence/fragment in Cantonese. Questions do, though, because they feel more accusatory.

(6) The 卿 of 卿卿 (qing qing) can be translated any number of ways: "ministers (of the law)", "wives/ladies," or "lovers." There's a certain heterosexual rigidity implied in the word, which I think any English translation loses.

(7) 我不是我跟你 is the line that confused me the most, because it defies both Chinese and English grammar structures. I tried translating it literally at first: "I am not me with you," or "I am without you," or "Without you, I am not me," before deciding to go with the laziest route. Let me know if there's a better translation, please--I'm still confused.

(8) 天意茫茫 translates to "Heaven's will is wild and vast." The original line implies unknowability, but I used a pretty heavy hand in choosing the word "shame" instead. My academic justification is that shame, accusation, and frustration echo throughout this whole song, and my translation pays tribute to that. My honest justification is that I liked the angst.

(9) There is no object in this line--the speaker just says, "I thought an old friend was coming back"/"It's as if an old friend is coming back." But I liked the addition of an object.

(10) 份 (fen) could mean "to share" or "to separate" or "to share by separating" (e.g. splitting food between people). In this case, I thought it would sound strange to write "splitting a destiny."

(11) 半生说没完 translates to "half a life is not enough." The speaker doesn't clarify what they need the time for: whether to spend with their lover, to talk about them, etc. "Describing you to others" was a big creative liberty of mine, but it's also something that feels very sapphic, and emphasizes the speaker's loneliness.

(12) 终老 has the implications of taking care of one's parents when they are old: a duty, and an emotional labor. Growing old alone, without anyone to take care of you, is a very sad thing in Chinese culture.

(13) 爱得有还无 also translates to "I don't know whether this love exists" and "I don't know whether I have this love." But considering the importance of location, and the importance of journeying/coming/going, I chose "where to find."

[ghostboy-art]

Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy

By: Queen

anytime i refer to them as gay I mean that with our silly human terms. obviously. an angel and a demon dont apply to our silly little terms.

im so gay :>

this is filled with typos and ramblings. i wrote this at 2:00am. apologies.

this is a surface level rant on my part. honestly if i had the time and research skills id look up the context of why this was written and how its been used in media up till this point. honestly i might. either way its fairly surface level.

This song is heard when Crowley is going back to Aziraphale in season 2 after he found out about the book of life erasing thing. After listening to this song I have to say. THIS IS AMAZING. obviously the song is good its queen.

Crowley's songs are always queen songs and given the title and given Aziraphales regular dress and general pop culture knowledge i think we know who the “good old fashioned lover boy” is.

This is obviously a romance song but similarly to “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.” the lyrics fit their relationship so nicely!!! (as well as being an absolute bop. LISTEN TO THIS GODDAMN SONG. i like the part at 1:44. so cheery!!!)(also this is why Neil Gaimen is AWESOME such small details in the fucking SONG a fucking BENTLEY plays.)(its like 1:09am and im still up after not getting sleep last night and prob none today so ima go on tangents like this hehe)

“Dining at the Ritz, we'll meet at nine

(One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine o'clock) precisely

I will pay the bill, you taste the wine

Driving back in style, in my saloon, will do quite nicely

Just take me back to yours, that will be fine

Come on and get it”

like come on man. “Dining at the Ritz” its Aziracrows THING. their whole routine is dine at the ritz, Aziraphale eats and crowley drinks copious amounts of alcohol, Crowley is always seen paying the bill (or doing something of the sort), they drive in a cool fucking bentley (with a James Bond bullet hole window screen insert), and they go back to Aziraphales bookshop. and the “that'd be fine” matches Aziraphales general attitude when inviting Crowley back to his place in the 1st season and in older flashbacks. Now thats the most obvious. there are many other examples of lyrics that very conveniently match to them.

“Say the word, your wish is my command”

throughout history when Aziraphale and Crowley met up they did favors. whether it be making Hamlet successful, performing magic on the west end stage, getting holy water (“You go too fast for me Crowley.”YOU MF AZIRAPHALE WHYYYY) or magicing away some paint on a very old well kept jacket. they always do things like this for each other. focusing solely on Crowley's perspective he, throughout history, has always been the one to accept Aziraphales requests with little to no complaints. (until Armageddon i suppose)

even in season 2 he lets Aziraphale use his bentley. Although there is some bickering there, he still lets it happen. He doesn't sell books while Aziraphale is away and he even carries them around (the sleeve garters are a whole other thing in this scene)

now realistically the “good old fashioned lover boy” is, im sure, referring to both of them. also the song just feels gay. just listen to it. its gay. i swear.

Now. not saying it matches perfectly. obviously it doesn't but even the GO fandom links the two pieces of media on occasion(see second link). they are inexplicably connected, whether its false pattern recognition (i have currently forgotten the proper term for that. T-T) or intended by mr gaiman i think its so intriguing that the songs picked to play fit so nicely into the deeper narrative. this. is good media

“Write my letter, feel much better

I'll use my fancy patter on the telephone”

Essentially means smooth talking on the phone. Which you have to admit Crowley does to Aziraphale quite often. And Aziraphale writes letters. honestly its cute. specially im thinking of season 1 when Aziraphale is writing a note to Crowley while they are on the phone. its later in the season in the last ditch rush to stop the antichrist.

I used the bit of lyrics that fit them the best in the beginning of the rant. and time for my least convincing point. the vibe just fits them so well. the slightly old school beat with simple romantic lyrics. Its not anything overtly sexual. just the simplicities of romance. IT FUCKING FITTSSS!!!!

There is so much more but i dont want to make this 10000000000000000000 paragraphs long and i have other good omens stuff i want to rant about:>

just my opinion on a silly song that appears for like a minute in the show!

[greatsaladavenue]

Replies to anons

I’ve heard Imagine ofcourse but I do like more solo stuff post Beatles by Paul and John then by George. Sorry Mom.

 Been a Beatle fan longer than I haven’t, my Mother is the Beatle fan, her favorite has always been George, and really super-stans him.

 She has seen Paul in concert but I have never heard a Paul post- Beatle song before 2022! Or John – aside of Imagine and, Live and let die and them christmas songs.

 Solo: George-”All things must pass album + When we was fab, All those years ago , Got my mind set on you.

Paul – McCartney, Ram + Tug of war, This one, Little lamb Dragonfly, , However Absurd, No More lonely nights.  John –Plastic ono band + Dream9 ,Working class hero, I know, I know, Mind games, Beautiful boy.

  Ringo – Photograph, Back off boogaloo, Midnight Vienna.

 My favorite is John because even before I knew anything about the Beatles or who wrote or sang what I liked John led songs. I still do. Don’t think he’s better that the others. In my world they where better together and neither was really better than the sum. I know what he did, I know he is bad and all that. Guess what I don’t really care.

 I have a type in looks and john fit there. My Dad and brothers are the musicians in our family but Dad and is more a Elvis fan, (he + a brother died some many years ago but see it's Paul in me talking of them ) my brothers likes them too but they are more hard rock/metal fans. (in music I have the 70-80's metal genre ! the favourite band I Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. GEORGE usually gets my vote post-Beatle look as favorite looking Beatle, old man is RINGO!

 I grew up in the late 80/90’s when rock music started to really to go down and rap took over. "Harry Potter" was huge, It was nice to be part of something like that but then Rowling happend... I even had a short boy band period. Eminem was the biggest artist on the planet. I like 80’s and 90’s rap too. I pretty much like older music and a big fan of 80’s pop music too, Prince, Michael Jackson. I really love music and not just the Beatles along with some other artists and bands has more song that I like or has grown on me with time. I guess it’s true that older music was better.

I sort of feel a bit lonely with my Beatles  nobody around me IRL cares or think they’re overrated. I can agree that sometimes the beatles fandom can be a bit too much with the ”The Beatles did eveything first” and hate other acts who also was very important for music. Ofcourse it matters that the Beatles was white, ”sic” as most of the fanbase.  I have so many favorites and I love that I do.

McLennon is what really got me into the fandom. I’m straight myself but I’d never like want to fuck a 80 + year old man but I would be a Beatle groupie back in the days and don’t care which one I would do all of them. However I don’t really care what and if something happend between them I just see what i see, I hear what I hear. J+P are not straight

 I’m a mclennon thruther they where in love with each other! They where gay for each other. I don’t push Mclennon on anybody but here on Tumblr I do. I don’t think I believe eveything I read here is true, I also think many trolling this fandom and some seem to make fun it and comes off as a bit offensive to them as IRL queers. I can understand why Paul’s not coming out. I wouldn’t either in this or as part of the older fandom.

However I’m all for RPF, Yaoi, Yuri and femme the hell out of them. They do have that humour. Also they did all of it themselves, Iol, meaning if they didn't act this way we wouldn't be here. And I don't mean it as famous people they get a queer card.

I’m happy to continue reading your fics and fortcoming posts here. I really am!  I’ll probably keep my existence here as a re-blogger  because Beatles fans aren’t always nice about "us nutcases here" ( but it's better here than on other forums) and too many trolls end up here on tumblr mclennon. all the Beatles have haters and super-stans. Both is just as bad in my opinion. I love them so much, all four of them so much I don’t really have a favorite in Beatles, JOHN still gets my vote I'm a John -girl but they are still so connected. I do like more John-Beatle-songs than by the others tho and was super gorgeous.  

McLennon is my secret sin. I can’t unsee it or explain in any other way. There's a hole missing in the Beatles history as much as in their lives (J+P but also George how he was "left out" tho Paul and him knew each other before. Wouldn't Paul be saying more insane stuff about him too?) things would fill the blanks with McLennon! How can people not see that is my biggest issue. But far too many still today would say like if you got kids, has a wife, has sex with girls, you can't be gay. Yes, they both married women. but Well.. It's mind-blowing. They were so into each other.

My favorites Beatle songs and solo also keep changing all the time:

But The Beatles: Albums: From With the Beatles. Rubber soul and the White album.

 A day in life is a masterpiece.

I also end up listing Happiness is a warm gun, Something, Here, there eveywhere, Across the universe, Help, I will, All my loving, And your bird can sing, Tomorrow never knows etc!

McLennon: Again!

I absolutly believe it was was real. They where in love. The end goodbye. Sex yes they had sex in many ways. But whatever, when how they did it or talked about it or kissed? I'm sure some of the answers is in fan fiction lol. Reality is worse than fiction. Lol. But sometimes  I don’t think they never thought it was a big deal, like it was part of a song to Paul or whatever, and John’s did something to do with glasses. Like that's not me, this is me look at me. No i don’t know but quite often I just think it’s exactly what they are saying and didn’t label it. Other times I think they knew perfectly well what they did and they made own words so only they would know. Now we have Paul's sane but !? version for 40 + years vs John's bat shit craze -like 6+ years. of course it gonna shape our version of them and what happend between them.

 I do think whatever happend in the end John left and walked out of it how, when, why again is another story. I honestly don’t think he ever was secure of anything in his life and Yoko didn't help. I can't or more like don't want to believe eveything that is written about her tho. But the way she looks at him in the beginning she did love him then and there. She has at least made good things too for the fandom, made hits herself, worked for peace and less guns etc.

Paul more like gave up. I don’t blame or think India caused it but it deffo did not help! But neither did think of themselves at least at that point that they would try to claim anyhing of course Paul wanted a family and John knew that. I don't really see how they could have "solved" in any other way. At that time.

I have more thoughts about it. Here's when my mind keep changing. Whos missed who the most? who's more depressed? Woah don't forget it also WAS and IS tough to leave friends and bandmates behind, please do include that. Not everthing is gay either! But I’m pretty sure more than we know knew about it or at least thought the same thing.

They where ALSO friends, brothers,close,bandmates and shared this magic connection with George and Ringo. Sometimes I believe they got jealous of each other’s closeness, especially post beatles and they did tried to re-create this with other people too and this is perhaps the most telling, besides quotes, interviews,pictures, videos and songs. Yeah many songs are about that and each other.

 I don’t push away the idea of other ships happening in the band or other male lovers but if it was only them, to either of them it may have add to some of the confusion. So I don’t hold that against it. Actually I don’t really care much about their lives or families outside of the Beatles. Lol. Neither of them.

My favorite Beatle girl is Cynthia. I just think she’s beautiful. And the only girl who didn’t marry a Beatle-Beatle. I don’t really think John would have stayed that long if he didn’t at some point love her. Or any of the other he "kept around but left behind".

[nellie-elizabeth]

What We Do in the Shadows: Pride Parade (5x03)

What an episode, holy shit.

Cons:

I can't think of anything I'd change about this one! I guess I'll repeat my comment that the Guide doesn't have a ton to do. The joke seems to be that she's superfluous and ignored, but she does feel superfluous to me, so it's just not that funny.

Pros:

Where to start? The Nadja plot thread was hilarious. All of the physical comedy of the doll inside vampire-Nadja's body was a delight, I was laughing out loud at so much of this. And then the grotesqueness of Colin and Doll-Nadja both inhabiting vampire-Nadja's body? The duet they sang at the pride event? I don't even have anything coherent to say about any of this, it was just hilarious all the way through. The ending gag of Lazlo deflowering doll-Nadja who is possessing vampire-Nadja, along with Colin, with vampire-Nadja inside doll-Nadja egging them all on... I mean, what other show can you think of that would ever do something as batshit insane as this? It's incredible.

The main plot is about Sean running for comptroller, and planning a Staten Island Pride Parade to try and help get more support from the LGBTQ community. He comes to the gang because he knows they're all part of that community and he wants their advice and to get them involved. Lazlo takes things to the next level and volunteers to make the float and help to host, clearly jazzed about the idea. I love that we've gone from implied queerness early on to just full-throated, "yes, everyone in this house is super gay". We even have Nadja saying that "we all fuck each other" which seemingly canonizes the implication that has been made at several earlier points in the show. There's even that ending moment where Nandor and Guillermo walk in on the rest of them having sex, and Guillermo turns to leave, and Nandor says "are you sure?" as he seemingly prepares to join in as well. My goodness.

I've always said Guillermo is my favorite character on this show, and he remains that, but Lazlo really does take a close second. I loved his enthusiasm for the parade, his silly costume, and most of all I love the experimenting with Guillermo. Now that he knows his big secret about being bitten by a vampire, he's determined to find out all he can about his condition. They run all sorts of tests together, which prove that Guillermo is certainly a vampire of some sort, but seems to have a lot of limitations in that regard. He's not compelled to count all the spilled rice the way Nandor and Lazlo both are, he is able to go out in the sun, but he does successfully levitate something, and he can grow bat ears and small wings, even if they are useless. And his sweat is vampire sunscreen, meaning Lazlo is able to enjoy the daylight for a while!

It's... charming, the way Lazlo seems to be invested in Guillermo, wanting to discover this mystery and also potentially protect him (and Nandor) from the pain that would come if the truth came out. He could just tell Guillermo's secret and let Nandor deal with it however he likes, but he legitimately seems to care.

Which, of course, drives Nandor crazy. The fact that Nandor is openly jealous when Guillermo seems to be spending so much time with Lazlo is hilarious to me. We've come so far from season one, when Nandor admitting that Guillermo meant anything to him would have been absurd. He plans to fly into space to prove that he can, and when Guillermo asks if he's doing it to impress him, we see Nandor being interviewed, seeming to scoff at the suggestion, before ultimately admitting: "yes."

And of course he does succeed, before falling immediately back to Earth in a fiery crater, thus showing up naked to the Pride Parade, triumphant at last. I loved Guillermo's shock as he rushes to wrap Nandor up to cover his nudity.

And then we get the final little parade bit at the end, everybody dancing and enjoying the music. The shot of Guillermo holding up his little sign, and seeming to get into it despite himself, was the cutest fucking thing. We'd heard earlier that he'd never been to Pride before, so seeing him be able to celebrate who he is actually warmed my heart quite a bit!

I honestly have no idea where we go from here, this show is so insane that I can't predict whatever craziness they'll come up with next. I'm ready for more shenanigans between Nandor, Guillermo, and Lazlo, and I'm eager to see how things will go when Nandor learns the truth!

9/10

[mikuni14]

2022

2022 is over, what a weird and interesting year it has been for the BL world! 🤡

A lot of series, that I didn't expect anything special from turned out to be unexpectedly great for me. However, many series that I expected to be miracles turned out to be just avarage or even meh 🤷‍♀️

I haven't finished a lot of series. And to me that was the most surprising thing. Even those that I watched with some kind of interest, I just eventually... dropped or fastforwarded. Basically - after a week's break, I just didn't watch the next episode. This had rarely happened to me before 🤔 so I guess it’s a sign of something, idk (too many series? too many mediocre series that can’t keep my attention?). Anyway, I tumblr-watched many dramas, as in, I checked the gifs, read the reviews and that was enough...

So here’s my little summary:

✨Favorite, most rewatched BLs, a comfort food for my soul:

Semantic error

Oh! Boarding house

(and those started in 2022, if they maintain the same quality:

My School President, Never Let Me Go, The New Employee)

✨Very good series, but without high rewatching value:

My Secret Love

My Ride

Kabe Koji

About Youth

Eternal Yesterday (which, although subjectively ended badly, objectively kept the high quality until the end)

The above series started well, AND ended well. They just either maintained high quality from start to finish, or even their quality increased with each new episodes.

✨Shows that started well but either flopped, or clearly had no idea how to finish, or ended flat or did something really stupid in the finale that ruined the whole show for me:

Ghost Host, Ghost House - until the first half of the episode 7, it’s a 10/10 show, after that, this series doesn't exist for me, so angry with that one

The Miracle of Teddy Bear - I hate the finale SO MUCH, the rest of the episodes are 10/10, again, so angry with this one

Enchante had a chance to be a great show, what a waste..

Old Fashion Cupcake ended a bit anti-climactic, although otherwise the series is GREAT!

KinnPorsche - sort of? I mean, I LOVE Kinn and Porsche, but since the last few episodes kind of lost their focus on them, it stopped being that interesting..

✨2022 had another amazing thing, which was couples that had spectacular chemistry, or some great scenes together (quite often on shows that were otherwise weak plot-wise or simply boring for me, that I wouldn't normally watch, if not for that one couple). These definitely include:

Kevin and Pluem (GHGH) - who went beyond any scale in terms of naturalness in the relationship (which the show ignored in the end with a stupid, forced breakup)

Kinn and Porsche - forever the most beloved soft husbands, the best relationship on and off screen, Mile and Apo my beloved 💖💖💖💖

Jang Jae Young and Chu Sang Woo from Semantic Error, as well as ->

Moon Seol Won and Kim Ceol Soo from Oh! Boarding House - both couples prove, that Korea can also make a  BL, in which the guys are clearly into each other :)

Phayu and Rain from Oh! My Sunshine Night - in one show a couple I hate (sorry OhmFluke fans) and a couple that literally blew my mind

Nuea and Toh from Secret Crush - again, chemistry off the scale

Khoa and Dung with Mr. Cinderella - I love them for their naturalness and playfulness

Sky and Paitong from La Cuisine - had the same effect on me as Phayu and Rain, an unexpectedly hot couple in a very average series (their kiss in the car? woooooooow)

Dan and Yok from Not Me - my GOD but I was obsessed with them - until about the time they kissed for a first time, then their arc became so terribly stupid

Shogun and Maitoh (Why you..) - a very nice romance, Maitoh is gay from the start, which was a nice thing, also what I loved is that they ended up as a couple, I was so sure that Maitoh would end up with Shogun's rival "as a reward" for his long pinning

✨Untapped Romantic Potential - couples that could be:

Mon and Saint from Our Days

Porsche and Vegas - hehe, sorry guys but for me Vegas had more chemistry in the scenes with Porsche (or even with Kinn) than with Pete 🤷‍♀️

Kei and Yaku - they were a couple in every sense of the word - except being an actual couple

✨I can't resist writing who was the most pleasant for me to look at 😏:

Jang Jae Young (Semantic Error)

Nuea (Secret Crush)

Phayu (Oh! My Sunshine)

Kinn, Porsche and Vegas

Kei (KeixYaku)

Gun (My School President) that smile

Mork (My Ride) that dimple

Nekoyashiki (Kabe Koji) beautiful lips

Palm (Never Let Me Go) beautiful lips

Baek Eun Kyu (Tasty Florida)

✨It was also a year of some really nice kisses :) Can’t even chose which one I liked the best, but let’s say:

Nuea and Toh at the camp

Phayu and Rain on the beach

Kevin adn Pluem their fist kiss, Kevin sitting on Pluem ;)

Sky and Paitong - their one and only kiss

Kinn and Porsche - all their kisses, but especially bathroom scene kiss form ep 7, so emotional

all kisses from Semantic Error and Oh! Boarding House - there were just few of them, but all of them felt so right

Nuer and Syn at the club

✨And finally, my favorite yaoi to read:

Payback

Shutline

I probably forgot half of stuff I watched, but then again, 2022 did spoil us with a lot of BL series. I wish all of us, that 2023 will be even better in this matter and provide us with multiple new obsessions! 👨‍❤️‍👨👨‍❤️‍👨👨‍❤️‍👨💖💖💖 Here, have a cute boy as a good charm!

[iamfruitie]

I'd like to thank @madpatsimp for inspiring and encouraging me to write this lil thing Here's a sleep-deprived Mad flirting with Mare because he thinks he's dreaming, Mare's having a lil gay panic and Phantom being...himself about it -----------------

Mad had this bad habit of getting involved in a project and forgetting about basic necessities until the work got done. Sleep was the first thing to go, endless hours of work, staring at a screen and using every part of his brain until it would eventually slow down to almost a halt and turn him into a dizzy mess. A sleep-deprived Mad was an…interesting Mad since his thoughts made conclusions a rested Mad would never do. 

And right now, those thoughts convinced him he was lucid dreaming. 

Everything felt strange, foggy, like a dream, when in reality, the poor man needed some sleep that lasted more than a five-minute cat nap. 

“The realistic ones are always the weirdest,” Mad said as he looked around his workroom. He’s had dreams like this before, putting him in this room but with a twist. The twist hadn’t been found yet, but he was waiting for something to happen. 

“Mad? Are you still in here?” Mare asked as he came into the room. He was dressed in his sleepwear, which was just a pair of comfortable pajama bottoms. 

There it was. There was the twist. 

This was one of those dreams.

He could tell because Mare seem to look even more attractive than usual. The pants were on his hips lower, and everything just looked so much…nicer.

“Mare~” Mad sang with a giggle. 

He always felt so guilty after waking up from one of these dreams. He shouldn’t think of his friend this way but at the moment, he didn’t care. He couldn’t control his dreams, he didn’t even know he knew half of the things that would happen in these dreams…he’s been around Phantom and his mouth too much. 

“I think someone needs to go to bed.” Mare sighed. 

“You are so nice, Mare,” Mad said as Mare started walking over to him. 

“I know.” Mare chuckled. 

“You’re so nice and smart and funny and talented.” Mad started rambling, and Mare turned his chair so he was facing him. 

“Thank you.”

“And you’re so hot.” Mad’s comment got Mare to freeze and his eyes to go wide in shock. “I really like your arms. They’re so colorful and muscular.” Mad swayed forward and touched Mare’s arms, running his hands along them. 

“They’re-uh-what?” Mare was not expecting this at all. Where in the world was this coming from?

“They’re nothing compared to your chest and…” Mad’s eyes went to Mare’s chest and down to his stomach, hands moving to feel the parts he looked at. “I wish I was this confident while awake. My brain always gets in the way.” 

“While awake?” Mare was paralyzed as he stared down at Mad’s hands. 

“Yeah. Conscious me gets too scared and worried and flustered about anything that involves you. My face should be permanently red with how much I blush at seeing just the smallest bit of your skin. Even now, I’m…I’m still blushing at this.” Mad chuckled at himself, and his cheeks were indeed pink with a flush. “You’re just so…good with everything. I like talking with you and hanging out with you…I just like you in general, and I could never say any of this to the real you.” 

“Let’s…let’s get you to bed.” Mare swallowed before scooping Mad out of his chair. 

“Okay.” Mad leaned against Mare. Mare could tell he was definitely out of it since Mad would always complain about being carried or told to go to bed. 

After putting Mad in his bed, tucking him in, and turning out the light, Mare went to the kitchen where Phantom was munching on a late-night snack. 

“You look like you saw a ghost,” Phantom commented when his twin seemed to be in a daze. 

“Mad thought he was dreaming. And he confessed that he likes me.” Mare said. 

“Fucking, finally!” Phantom nearly shouted. “It was getting so annoying watching you two pin over each other so much.” 

“We weren’t-we aren’t-” Mare stammered out a weak protest. 

“Oh, please! Go fuck your nerd and save me from the agony that is experiencing you two staring at each other’s asses while doing nothing about it.” Phantom went back to his snack. 

“I’m not going to fuck him.” Mare said. 

“He is a little out of it right now, fuck him in the morning after he’s slept. A good railing is a great way to start the day.” Phantom did a little shimmy. 

“Could you not-” 

“Tell me I’m wrong, and you don’t want to fuck that man brainless. I dare you to lie to me.” Phantom laughed when Mare just groaned and walked away from him. “You know I’m not wrong!”  

“Fuck off!” Mare called.

“Save that for Mad!” Phantom called back, and his laugh got louder when Mare only cursed at him more before they got cut off by the sound of a door closing. 

[save-the-data]

My Top Ranking 30 BL’s couples of the year 2022...

Whilst compiling this list I noticed a few similarities between the couples chosen; that being not many “gay panic” or “closeted gays” like in previous years In fact a lot of these characters were either established gay characters from the first episode, as well as less of the “gay for only him” troupe. Most of these couples were in a supporting, not necessary toxic relationship, with not a cheating plot in sight but some miscommunication and stupid decisions for drama, Another difference is the setting, from high-school aged boys to business men in suits. We are finally getting good older male characters and storylines. But overall the reason for the top couples came down to chemistry between the actors and how supportive each couple was towards each other in their own carved out world. 

Note 1: eligibility for the list is the drama had to be completed by the end of 22. Note 2: Only the top 5 are ranked, the others are mentions. 

Vee x Mark (Love Mechanics). 

It’s Love Mechanics. It’s YinWar. It’s Vee and Mark as characters that came to life. Enough said, waited two years and finally they had their moment. Now quickly give Yin and War another drama, either as a pairing or solo work. 

Tarntatch x Lomnaw (2 Moons 3: The Ambassador)

A very big surprise, considering was going to skip the drama since it seemed like every other run-of-the-mill Thai BL, however not the characters of Tatch and Lom who made the drama. Tatch, in particular I loved as a character cause although he was put on a pedestal for being handsome he is actually very insecure and spends most of the time getting Lom to see his self-worth and supporting him. Not to mention the boys flirting game was on point and when drama did come in the form of Lom’s cousin disapproval both were like “well we don’t care” and just continued to live in bliss in their own world. Relationship goals. 

Thian x Jiu (To Sir, with Love)

This was a soap-opera in name; with OTT acting, very dramatic storylines and cartoonish villainy but what made the drama was the chemistry between the two leads and the best sibling-love-bromance ever in a drama. The drama was carried with the grounded love story between our star-crossed lovers. Rumour has it that the actors will be pairing again in something darker in the new year, hopefully this is true. 

Ploeng x Yu (My Coach)

They might have only been supporting characters, but damn if I didn’t love their story and easily one the best coming out scenes in the Thai BL history. Once again this was a couple that came to the realisation of their feelings naturally and slowly progressed into a relationship. There was a little bit of a nudge nudge wink wink with the green-eyed-monster but overall the way Ploeng just announces to the team and whole world he is in love with Yu, like its no big deal, is my favourite moment of the year. 

Kamol x Kim (Unforgotten Night)

This final position was hard, cause so many good dramas could have gone here. Let’s start with Unforgotten Night, which was a hot disaster but like a car crash happening couldn’t advert my attention and naturally my love for the characters, storyline and actors made me love this drama. Couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve re-watched this during the year (too many). 

Jang Jae Young x Chu Sang Woo (Semantic Error)

Another country that delivered on this year was South Korea, between Blueming, To My Star 2 and Happy Ending Romance, to name but a few it was a hard choice but ultimately the script and chemistry of the co-stars made Semantic Error stand out, ever slightly. What Korean BL’s are known for is storytelling, and Semantic Error did that the best and also chef kiss to the height difference. . 

Nozue x Togawa (Old Fashion Cupcake)

Japan BL’s are best known for their authentic slice-of-life storylines (and melancholy in some cases) and that was on display with Old Fashion Cupcake. They also win with more mature-themed BL’s like office romance and older couples. Everything about this drama from the pining, to the realisation, to the acceptance was beautifully shot and acted. Such is this polished miniseries that left you wanting more. 

Tlemai x K (Nha Harn the Series) White x Sean (Not Me)  Yok x Dan (Not Me) Mon x So (Our Days) Nuea x Toh (Secret Crush on You) Khaojao x Sky (Secret Crush on You) Phob x Phat (Something in My Room) Vee x Dome (You’re My Sky) Yuma x Sakura (Kimi no Koto Dake Mite Itai) Kang Seo Joon x Han Ji Woo (To My Star 2: Our Untold Stories) Vegas x Pete (KinnPorshce) Xu Qi Zhang x Ye Guang (About Youth) Hyeong Da Un x Cha Siwon (Blueming) Koichi x Mitsuru(Eien no Kino) Kevin x Pluem (Ghost Host, Ghost House) Han Tae Young x Cha Jung Woo (Happy Ending Romance) Takara x Amagi (Takara-kun to Amagi-kun) Prapai x Sky (Love in the Air) Akk x Ayan (The Eclipse) Sho x Maito (Why You...Y Me) Nut x Neung (The Miracle of Teddy Bear) Jung Woo x Choco (Choco Milk Shake) Yashiro x Kenta (Kamisama no Ekohiiki)

[thefreeblog]

Hi! I’m not sure if you’ve been asked this before but, what are your top 5 BL’s that you watched this year?

Hiya anon! No I don't think I have made a post about it yet.

I started watching BLs mostly in 2022 so all of them I have watched are this year. If I pick my top 5 it will turn into my top 5 ever. Instead I'll stick to BLs released this year, so it's kind of closer to your question.

My criteria is 1. Good acting 2. Rewatch value 3. Story/script

So here it is

1. Old fashioned cupcake: This takes the top spot unquestionably. I like simple stories made impactful by good acting and some solid direction. Special mention to how day to day routines are used to further the narrative. The dessert dates, Togawas undeniable attraction towards Nozue San, Nozue San being aware but denying himself the worth he is. It's all so well done in just short 6 episodes. It also ticks all my favourite tropes age gap, height difference, mature characters, younger one being the pursuer, running for your love and food as love language. I couldn't think of even one thing which I disliked in this show. Overall just outstanding little series.

2. Triage: This show was such a sweet surprise. Other than gay romances what I like is good suspense and this show delivered on this. It was intriguing and kept me guessing. The script was tight without any loopholes. All the actors were amazing, the whole medical setup was believable. Its handling felt similar to MOD( I think author is same for both novels) but it was way way better than MOD on the suspense side and also quite believable. All the stories going in parallel and how they interwined was well done. Despite its genre believe me it's absolutely re-watchable.

3. Semantic Error: Super production values. It's such a treat to watch. It's also so close to the Yaoi way of telling stories. Grumpy computer science nerd pursued by a super loud, carefree campus artist hottie. Classic enemies to lovers. How they fall for each other is worth the watch. I also loved how they included neuro divergent aspects of Sang woo's life and due to which how he approaches love or intimacy. This kind of depiction is quite rare in mainstream media let alone in BLs. I can't explain to you in so many technical terms but when I say, each scene is very carefully choreographed, its not an exaggeration at all. It really is good with its camera angles. On top of that, good acting and direction have a made simple run of the mill BL story outstanding and so so likeable.

4. Kinn Porsche: This should be no surprise if you follow me. But this is way down the list because though it is the series which pushed me in the BL world, the story had many many loopholes. Also I was not a fan of their comedic bits. In some cases the mafia set up didn't look believable but KP hands down takes all the points in the acting department. Also the VP storyline is something I have rewatched so many times, I have lost the count now. This would have been outstanding if they would have really gone for the jugular and kept it mafia throughout without trying to achieve the mid between romance and mafia. I immensely enjoyed watching it while it was airing. I was super into the story all throughout till the last episode, where it kind of fell flat for me on the story department. But nonetheless it's still one of few favourites to rewatch for so many reasons.

5. Secret crush on you (SCOY) : I love this show solely based on what it stands for. Traditionally BLs and Yaois have super masculine characters and their stories whereas the more femme or less aggressive characters are on the side or used for comedic bits. Which is not realistic is it? This BL showed us that these side characters deserve to be the main characters in their own stories revolving around their worlds. And it delivered, big time. At times it does get too sugary or candy flossy(even the uniform was so outrageous 😂) but Toh/Jao/Daisy and their insecurities/issues are so so relatable. Their little friendship group is best. And their boyfriends too. Nobody can change my mind about Sky and InTouch are the best boyfriends from all of the Thai BLs ever. Though it's too cringy at times but never because of the cast or their acting. They all did such a splendid job on this super out proud and loud show. It definitely deserves at least one watch by everyone. Literally, keep your minds open and watch it, you wouldn't be disappointed.

Special mention to Between us, because when that ends it's gonna be one of my favourites too.

So that's my list anon. Let me know what you liked this year.

[kate2kat]

Hey there

Not quite/almost a question: I didn’t want to clog up your comments on ao3, but I did want to respond to your last there. I am pretty much obsessed (still) with those initial three or four scenes in 2007 of Bill and Frank, and how the dynamic between them develops - particularly as there is very limited dialogue.

Re: specific point, I had also wondered about the“dramatic” behaviour Frank exhibits, and I consider it is a marker he’s putting down for Bill, to see if he picks up on it. Considering the amount of work and attention that has clearly gone into the acting choices in this show, the way Frank drops his hands - and is that a slight hip-jut? - is pretty telling. (I’m not suggesting Frank’s exaggerating it, just - as you say - not hiding it. Which ofc raises all manner of other issues for the character, in terms of trust.)

That that is Frank’s intention is, I think, more obvious at the dining table, in that single expression he has, which Bill can’t see, after the “no, you do”, and Bill has turned away in confusion.

Sorry - that turned out to be even less of a question than I anticipated. (And by all means, feel free to ignore this complete non sequitur. I honestly shan’t be offended)

I could think about these two and talk about them for a long long time, I assure you!, so thanks for continuing the conversation.

I love the subtlety of both their acting in these first scenes together as they signal and feel each other out. It’s so powerful, from a narrative point of view, that they are both middle aged by the time they meet in 2007. They would both have been adolescents in far less open times, times when gay people had to signal to each other carefully, and sometimes heightened flamboyance was part of that (it was when I was young). Bill is, I think, wholly unexperienced at interacting with other gay men. I think Frank clocked that, but he's gently flirting, nevertheless. Both signalling to Bill who he is, but also letting Bill know: I see you, I see that you and I are alike in this one crucial way at least. And think how powerful that would have been for Bill! Before the world ended, I picture him wistfully looking at gay culture in distant places, in magazines and porn, perhaps, and feeling that it was something he wanted to try out, but certain he would never fit in or be welcomed, for reasons to do with other aspects of his personality and world view. Imagine the jolt of (dimly perhaps) realising that Frank is flirting with him! I wonder how much of the way he sang the song was him consciously signalling back: you have seen me, I see you, I won’t reject you.

And god yes, how trusting Frank was, to signal himself to Bill while Bill was still pointing a weapon! I think he was very very tired, not just in the moment, but from the preceding four years of struggle and sadness. We never learn who he may have lost, but he’s not a loner like Bill, he’s ready to risk quite a bit for connection. Maybe even to risk it all, had he been wrong about Bill?

And finally (though clearly I have not done thinking about them), I think for Bill at least, he had a far far better life than he ever would have had, had the world not fallen apart. He got to live a long time with a man he loved, who loved him, without the judgement and stress he would have felt (and probably imposed on himself) in the world as it was before. He was proved right! He was prepared! He gained a purpose! And he had a long, happy relationship. (I’ll just have a little weep now).

This is a conversation sparked by my The Last of Us fic A long time lonely

[libidomechanica]

The lofty walls, and faces pale

A ballad sequence

               1

So oft as pure ignorance     perplexing way, your tears, till held Juan sleeping, with tears. That bonie     face you shall rise and root

up the neck of you,—and wandring     her house. With all the whole wreath, you nearly sank behind her,     bynd with retching single

souls had run their eyes had places,     one by one so by tilth and grace by no means can those lamping     eye; but he’s growin’

yet. Birth the medicines for they     mix in one sigh the might have but from delicately wed;     I am not so safe

for his daughter, died despair o’erwrought:     you purchasing one, the figures, and what a stake, or     were force, but faith: we can,

the rocky isle; and in its breasts     must feelings have loved me kindness done, shall know the will, and     see, ’ quoth he that high to

his own case, attempred sprites     goe visit her best she is a stone, more by night a sum     of yours, hath bred hys smart,

but I cannot silent traces     of the tough ones that suit the gently encage, that they toil’d,     and in your braine again,

and dancing, or in his grave, derives     it not. Of whose applause I must leave no one that so     they also get a son.—

And there, his noble ends. There pride     the clock thee of which there to-morrow, this strong youth and later     light: but who shall get.

               2

If you permissions, match’d in tears.     But we find the grave, and never way wither’d like Achates,     faire countenance—round the very weakness we would have     done much more would take such precise in these have look’d the second     ran away: agayne

my wrong: we served in twelve books; each     to every science as a magic sights, for Love. They heard     of a pleasanter than an enormous room for his parent’s     fall. They only add them lie, to make her selfe doe make:     and thou shalt not be

pathetic, but the old connection     to shonne: for some Zephyr caught may thee more I fynd their arms,     seems the watch’d, they sang; and many a morsel for the moon’s?     Finding no custom of thee. Underneath the destroyer     yet have three present made

her presence out of sacred bowre.     And put new stings to my Propertius. Her form withdrew itself,     who sat apart the outlet the young and Breath and roll     the Gods in great fame, and muttered catalepsy’. As they     do? ’Re things doth run his

glory in Mens fall, the tenth Muse,     ten timely grange; rapt from our brighter than the treacherous     hate! Fare there survive in spinning! And crown and her eyes; and     they are free from me now, and yet she did not to force describe     it, though love’s delights

thy mystic leaf has perish’d, plunge     for him, at last, to glide, like coarsest clothes against all rules     for any overmuch; i, the distances seem’d almost     a patriot’s shame, this inquisition, to fight themselves     away. A quiet as

the sea is not much sense of one     whose minds comprehend all their course, pass’d: her guilefull net,     in hollow heart to moue; if he wept at length of years she     next December. That a tight themselues to scorne base thing.     At least ’s a single

inky whisker. The worst: never,     as I believe not weigh’d upon the grief that for shore just     were eggs, and delight, and lash with such sights, the well know—no     more, and look on Simo’s mate, and call the express of thy     beauty bound, the totem.

               3

Let not my properly accept     a better to have known her like a new one, remoue. Me dy.     When all thee after step.

               4

Came, some by a private tutors. And the bag of     their fountain roe, with blessing, Baba, when their AEneids, Iliads, and then we maun part that     the wrong. Tis as the sun your semblant trew. And, light as I sail to see again, my luve’s     like this, and whispers to the Morning

brevity. Why dost though her to think and all     that holds a bee, for one replied them all as spotted: ocean warring gainst female love     as we descends this the gay, and who should haue err’d in the nighest reached the other who     was a fine examples of Grecian

girls, black old negro’s confidence in the happy     bells, do you know solitaire? Nor runlet tinkling with morning, my sweet self dost go, since,     exceeding sagely from the hopes of alarming child’s mouth opens thick with pasted-     on leaves, and he, he knows what we just

when the tangle him to his complaint? The shepheards     God of her breast he turns once more;—the door, which I doo admyred to view of hell’s in     the dust of changed to satirize or flatter; wives in love and in mystery, and     purgatives, by some aqua-vita.

               5

No wing of the past, a soul     contrary effect; but three or four times before god shut the     woodbine blows so much to

quote; you started them dresses from     time to cause the soul? But now unpunished is. Not I. He     mutter’d, omitting sways,

yet is, was square, because to grieve,     Deare Heart in pain, and every kind of the song i’ve been sent     thenceforth, thought ungather’d

round her well! My light on earth and     bliss in glance the truths transgressions fit. In pleasure lost his     minute. All the down, unloved,

thought it would not be a dumpy     woman. His royal penchanter’s night, had past the chaste     liaison of the type she

smiled no more to see a lady     of Shalott. But those old niche in the gods in sky, that sunset     glow, and hopes of foul

disease; he did not rail without     sometimes in white and Minerva when shall the bitch in them     cause to proue your shore, resting

down he looks are finish’d eye,     or dress was made a home of living smoke, dark yew, that nether     with all the record

with one word to say how, nor can     I indeed. And when we call these have been still vouchsafe my     plain—oh might hath gives no

record some glancing, which like cherubs     drawn the absent wrong’d four grave; because, no doubt vast eddies     in your chance doth smiles,

that cannot under heir might ail     the thinks my friend, too, of air, to be alone in law. And     scandal’s my aversion.

               6

Their nuptial to thee my true loue what I do to     the time of words are scatter’d the Widdowes daughter, vie withal to guide-books, rhymes, touch     the same; what proper way which comforted her hew: she had loved, thought of womankind, although     the moon the mask of seed, and moves about the bee, that gaine eternall peace on the     wind or ruffling shoal and heard no sound

the imagined it vnto glasses abstract it give     your trouble I beheld what reason I’m so melancholly mindful of the apple,     and sky were the town; found a lodgment. And she what I was borne: and wishes, of whose race     of his youthful joys the fly pursue: night and daughter’s heart’s best brother claim another,     barter, or sea, the sweetness from a

learned into the waste the Shadow cloak’d from the     bank of kisses; the kindly face where once more sure at heart unclosed and look through all     climes, as most, a name, Don Alfonso was with dark her maid relies to place of rest by     that finer, simple meant by the garden- gate; a kind of party strife, although it is     the enormous room for Death, they carried!

Most glorious lightly promise did the can     reaches that passenger e’er pukes in, turns up more disagreeable an ancient form     that I, considerate Hotspur on the beech: we heard about the yellow; of azure,     pink, and his wife, his brief bright road to evil; the bud will received thee beds of sloth; nor     shuddered aloud, like glorified work

to time came murmur’d, as I have prey; although hidden:     which? And Syrinx daughter. No doubt upon most dauntless ills, the spite; ring into Johnson’s     way, and waving, we find a strongly it repayre. So long in wealth, the fruit without     its thorny; and which I fain would breakers thought it againe, and wade in vaine bubbling child,     assume theirs, not mine! A dim red planets

the blindfold sense, good appetite. Juan wax’d in     golden afternoon, a faint dying sways, yet is, was he,—though so much delight, the wet     leathern caps, and Odysseys, were one not here; perhaps the sky for ay from the public     approbation I expect? Him in his hearth, all those pains, for a scapegoat. Full of sleep,     and let this world. When he will not see

them, and pitying and Breath and round her fair large     blacks and much more; or, crown’d with Florian, unperceiving in their sakes—that he that fitted     well, helpe me to pleasant scandals made them fray: agayne my forces late discover     the Parliament, of air; and soda- water through page and places the lash to Baba:     but her own aversion as now; day,

mark’d of by the just enough to set a ringlet     curl’d, the chalice of bamboo and sometimes lovely plight, that atmosphere of Love, call to     giggle. The prey of worthy most, tis to the greater could do nae man but that did your     selves without a shadowy mood; I was made about his hands. Come away: the story     of their years that every little than

such madmen’s father bloodless dash of billows; paced     therewithal an answers, Let one rude wind constant eye, delight: the listen, so long     date. What which once each calumniated queen attendant,—one young, and saffron, daggers at     the labouring seal’d book to life, and some odd thought hers gave them onward from Saint Bartholomew     we had got: to feel that count

the silent be, my heart endears—that Juan slumber’d     lots; the eyes so filled with cold hearts; they must thy sight; he loves to strike no more to get up     part of men. A fresh from him escapt away: but mine owne decay we’re made three dead, of     whom too cruel. But that lighten all light: but somehow, this odd travelling it was base as spoile,     and coming up a branches loud;

and show’d its power and green; who broke and blacks were     missed or mocked; the night nor day had signs or fortune fly which makes it because their fashion,     and Cowslips, as she ought; but all within the oak but more; no longer, and their deep     desire what to me? She said, as true! The gems entangled in a barre again, and their     desperate doors have done, since Adam

linger late footing thought o’ Mary Morison.     Flowers, the Shadow sits a look back over the cabin-window of a little while     we breath: I think once more sober Muse— come, let’s go and leap the recreant traitors seek the     empty airless air: but he, more modesty she shall not as idlers do, and take off     our count bad what may begin, shrinks from

a handsome suit of clothe the mother, when the distance     lay under the game from the barren bush flits by her silence, still too true. This short     my day, I admired, yet lost ere you they more a life with false and free, who had power,     and have seen while I with inward state is tost with it, Follow, follow’d at last death     left side or song, thy sire increace.

               7

Remarkable at times a day.     Some corpses grinning, but in the good with guifts are gone and     Fancy lives the works because

he please,—the more than all so     forecast they who studies fervently the sheaves, and teach him     oppression of a close

implide, with mares; his revel may     surcease. Full before growing, or worthy tride, t would upbraid,     and new, hived in

Greece, the downs a rising fire. Dove,     with one of mine. Special person through they country and lay     down by that forged a name?

[samsconcertreviews]

The 1975 Still... At Their Very Best - Grand Rapids, Michigan 11/22/23

This was my second time seeing The 1975 on their Still... At Their Very Best tour.

Dora Jar was their opener and I really enjoyed her performance. She's super fun and has an amazing stage presence especially for an opener.

The set alone is absolutely beautiful. The stage is set with what looks like an apartment. There is a spiral staircase, roof, multiple levels, a street light, windows, and walls amongst various furniture and lamps and decorative pieces. They also have a different custom poster for each night of the tour, each one created by various artists in different styles. They always have the poster of the night displayed on one of the apartment walls.

The show itself starts with an introduction of everyone on stage. Sounds of foot steps and knocking on the door happen and (from what I remember) Adam opens the door and Matty walks in. Matty plays "The 1975" (BFIAFL) on the piano as the camera pans to each person on stage to introduce them. It is such a classy opening and the song itself is amazing.

They then lead into "Looking for Somebody (to Love)", "Happiness", and "Part of the Band". At the Grand Rapids show they debuted "I Couldn't Be More in Love" which was a complete crowd favorite and unexpected entirely. They then played "Oh Caroline", "I'm in Love With You", and "A Change of Heart". "A Change of Heart" is specifically beautiful because they split the stage with lighting one side a purple pink and the other a green blue. Polly sings a portion of the song.

We then hear "An Encounter" played which changes the vibe of the show and enters a section with more of their older songs. "An Encounter" always leads into "Robbers" which is insane to hear live. The stage is lit very warm an orange which I thought was an interesting choice for that song. The next song was completely unexpected. Matty typically does a song sitting on top of the roof. In Grand Rapids he sang "Undo" which is one of my absolute favorite songs by them. It was ethereal to hear it live and especially in such an intimate way. This section of the show ends with "About You" which is from their most recent album. Once again, Polly sings a portion of the song and it is gorgeous!

Matty's Nightmare is the next section of the show. He comes to the B-stage which is essentially a square of grass on a high platform. I was lucky enough to have seats almost right in front of the B-stage. A replica of his naked body rises from below and he lays next to it. There are many interpretations of what this means but overall I just found it very beautiful no matter what the true meaning is. After a while, the body lowers back into the ground and instead a microphone rises. Matty then plays an acoustic version of "Be My Mistake". Things got a bit blurry at this point for me because I was so in awe at the fact that he was right there. At some point he leaves and Polly begins singing "Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America". This is a newer addition to the show.

The last section of the show is so fun. It starts with "If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)" which is so upbeat and fun to dance to. They then play "TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME" in which the screen flashes different colors, along with some lyrics. It was an amazing number to see live. We then hear "Heart Out", "It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)", and "The Sound". Matty always asks the audience to jump during "The Sound" (usually telling everyone they look gay if they don't). They then play "Somebody Else" which is my absolute favorite song of theirs. It's so painfully beautiful and surreal to hear live.

The next song was "Girls" which was a complete surprise. Sometimes they take audience requests for a song, but this time they just played "Girls" and I could not be happier. It was the first song of theirs I ever listened to and I dreamed of hearing it live someday. Matty read the lyrics from the book titled "The 1975 Girls". The next song is "Love It If We Made It" which was also so surreal for me as it has been one of my favorite songs. Unfortunately we didn't get Matty doing the dance for the chorus, but it was still amazing. The second to last song is "Sex" which was also incredible to hear live after listening for so long.

The final song of the show is "People" which I found was a very interesting choice. It's so unlike almost any of their songs as it's a lot of screaming in a way? I don't know how to explain it, but it's so different from anything else. They typically will play it on the B-stage (Matty, Ross, and Adam), but unfortunately for me they played it on the main stage. It is such a cool way to end the show with everyone just going absolutely nuts.

Overall Matty didn't talk much during the show other than accepting someone's wedding invite and flirting with some firefighters in uniform. It was still an electric concert and one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life. Such great music and musicians!