#i’m gay but calling things my wife is funnier i feel

[serapheseraphim]

Wife spotted.

[oneokkombat]

I truly made this acc so I can ramble about my favs so I’ll start with random headcanons for my girlfriend Johnny cage <3

-> I believe he gets REALLY pissed when he gets called a “nepobaby” or something along those lines by the media because 1) his family wasn’t famous before him and 2) he is really prideful of the work he has put to get to where he is.

-> daddy issues..mommy issues…everything issues (it was obvious 😭) I do believe while he has complica feelings about it he does get along with his mom, keeps it very superficial tho. He definitely hates his brother and dad.

-> his parents divorced while he was a teen and it was MESSY part of the reason why his divorce with Cris crushed him so much was because he felt just like his dad

-> his family (including extended family) always had a very obvious preference for his brother, part of it is because growing up his brother was the more “charismatic” one and also he was doing excellent at school while Johnny struggling in most of his classes and he was an awkward kid.

-> also his family took his brother more seriously because he pursue “serious” careers while Johnny always wanted to be an actor.

-> part of me believes johnny was a child actor and that was probably the worst period of his life, he got taken advantage of not only by older directors and producers but also his own family.

-> all of the money he did as a child actor was never used on him, not even for important things, most of it went to payments for all the debts they had (courtesy of his dad) and the left over was focused on payment for his brother’s college since he was studying for becoming a lawyer (courtesy of his mother since “Jimmy is becoming a lawyer to help the law he’s priority”)

-> to elaborate more on his and his mom’s relationship: I do believe she later own realized her own mistakes although since she’s stubborn as hell she never properly apologized and also realized wayy to late so the damage is already very done. He still loves her dearly because she did showed more care to him than his dad, it’s just too complicated so he rather keep her at arms length.

-> since going through the burden of child acting, he have always advocated for them, when he has young co-stars he always treats them with respect and it’s even super friendly with them joking around and even offering them junk food or desserts. A popular backstage story about him is the time he work with a crew of teen actors and after a hard day of filming he took them to an arcade and paid for absolutely everything, till this day even after the kids grew up they still recall that story with fondness.

-> another popular story of his was when he stood up for a kid who was being treated unfairly by the studio of one of his films, stoping the whole production until the issue got solved and the kid was ok.

-> I just think Johnny likes kids man, he’s like the weird but cool uncle, he is lowkey afraid of being a father for the fear he will end up like his

-> in a funnier note, in his universe he was the one who said the legendary Tom hardy quote: “I’m an actor, of course i had gay sex”

-> bisexual Johnny 100% he’s not even officially out but everyone and their mother knows

-> he was in the “my wife and I saw you from across the bar” situation with a popular Hollywood couple but he won’t say who..

-> he met Cris when he was still a unknown actor, she was the producer’s assistant in the short film he was in, she was the first person who not only saw through his bs but also actually believed he was going to be a big actor one day, definitely one of his closest friends before dating. Unfortunately we all know how that ended..

-> I do believe some day long after their divorce Johnny does reach out and apologizes, they definitely never go back to date since she moved on and is genuinely happier with her new partner, but they slowly rebuild their friendship, at the end they were friends first and foremost.

-> Cris and him definitely gossip a lot after rebuilding their friendship, she constantly pokes fun at him once she figures who is his crush 👀.

-> he definitely has a big crush on kenshi, it’s almost ridiculous, sadly he is severely emotionally repressed (just like his man) and thinks kenshi deserves someone better than him he also still believes kenshi blindness it’s his fault for being too weak oops

That’s all for now!!

[twtd11]

Tumblr, it is time. It is time for me to tell you about this year’s lesbian hallmark-esque movie from Tello Films. To wit:

A Holiday “I Do”

Much like Christmas at the Ranch, which I talked about last year, this movie is, well, more charming than good. Also like Christmas at the Ranch, it takes place at a horse ranch. Or farm? Or stables? It’s never quite clear except that they make some money from giving riding lessons.

Somehow, as has been pointed out to me, the marketing for this film completely ignores the whole horse aspect of the movie. Maybe because they didn’t want the audience to think it was Christmas at the Ranch 2.0? Which is fair considering that is, in fact, basically what it is. Maybe Tello Films has a hook up with some horse people?

Anyway, we have our lead, Jane. Here’s the sich with Jane: Jane had big career aspirations but she met a boy, thought she fell in love, had a baby, then divorced the boy because she realized she was gay. She and the daughter moved in with mom when Jane’s dad died. I can’t remember the daughter’s name and IMDb isn’t helping me out here, so I’m just going to call her the kid.

The kid likes to say droll, sophisticated, self-aware things that sound exactly like what you expect a kid to sound like in a movie about lesbians made by queer people, but which have no relation to how kids actually talk. Yes, kids can be droll and sophisticated and self-aware, but this kid’s voice was 100% constructed by an adult who maybe hasn’t spent a lot of time around kids. I mean, I haven’t spent a lot of time around kids that age either, but I’m pretty sure they don’t sound like this kid. But still, the kid is funny most of the time, so it kinda works.

Back to the plot:

So Jane is alone and lonely and there’s an obligatory speed dating scene where we meet a bunch of stereotypical lesbians which wants to be funnier than it actually is. She goes home and laments her singlehood. But she can’t lament for too long because Jane’s ex-husband and his new fiancée are about to arrive in town. They’re in town to get married and Jane is in charge of the bachelor party. You see, the ex husband is also Jane’s best friend.

Here’s a question (which is never answered): if the ex-husband’s only connection to this small town is that his ex-wife lives there, why did he choose to have his wedding there? We never get an answer for that question.

After all of that set up, I finally get to introduce the love interest. Her name is Sue, and she’s the lovely couple’s wedding planner!

To facilitate shenanigans, the lovely couple goes off to the airport to pick up the fiancée’s parents and they get stuck there overnight because of the snow. This means that the bride isn’t there to taste the catering and do other things the bride should do before the big day (personally, I’d think you’d want to taste the cake and the catering more than a day before your wedding, but I’ve never gotten married so what do I know?) Jane, who is instantly enamored of Sue, happily fills in as the bride to taste various foods. They get side tracked with sledding and a mid day yoga break (who stops in the middle of their work project and is like, yes, I’ll go to a random yoga class now?).

There are several quirky side characters that play various parts in the plot. Some of them come off better than others. The evil banker who isn’t really evil because we’re undermining that trope, was particularly a stand out for me. She knew her job and she was totally in.

I’ll leave the conflict/climax/resolution to you, dear reader, should you feel the need to spend $7 to rent it. I feel like it was worth my money.

And in another parallel with Christmas at the Ranch, I spent most of the movie wanting the leads to kiss and then when they actually got to this kiss, damn it was awkward.

[damelucyjo]

I’m thoroughly miserable from a trip to the dentist so let’s make it worse! 😂

Episode 9 - La Locker Room Aux Folles

Well this is a delightful opening!

Spot on with the music choice, as always

Ted & Beard at Roy: one of us! One of us! 😂

I need to know absolutely everything about Beard’s life. It’s not a want. It’s a need.

Oh no, why did they change the angle of Beard ‘fainting’? Was funnier head on, I think

Poor Colin 🥺 (why did I really want to call him Greg? Who the fuck is Greg?? 🫤)

Sniffing clothes must be such a man thing 😂

Come on Issac, I know you’re angry but he’s trying!!

How fucking dirty are your socks, Dani, if Colin can smell them as soon as you’re near?! 😂

Oops 😂😂

YYEEEAAAHHHH!!!

🚨GIRLIE LUNCH! I REPEAT GIRLIE LUNCH!!🚨 I’ve missed them

You’re not supposed to… yet we all do it 🫣 I’m looking at you, Ted

*dramatic gasp* ‘So much blue’ 😂

Their relationship is so gorgeous. They’re fully cheerleaders for one another, and Rebecca is so lovingly maternal towards Keeley in just the right way 🥰

And here comes dadTed 😂

Yes, babe, sniff those biscuits. It’s not like you get them every day or anything

I love how everyone not at all secretly love Ted’s stories as absolutely nobody ever stops him from telling them 👍🏼

And of course Rebecca would flip her lid at the idea of him giving biscuits to anyone else (like Sharon) but Keeley is 100% fine 🥰

We all know money makes everything better. Great job, Ted 🫡 😂

‘Of course, Ted. Family first’ 🥹 beautiful

(There’s 3 people in this scene, but why does it feel like Rebecca & Ted barely take their eyes off one another…🫠)

These fucking lyrics 😂😂😂 and the girls just bobbing along to it

And Miss Rebecca, you’re face is being very wife-life right now. Just saying

‘Fuck no’ Roy, that is your boss! 😂

‘I mean, why can’t Ted do it. 😳 I mean, I’d love to’ 😂 he’s scared of Rebecca 😂 and she didn’t even have to speak!

‘I heard that’ SHES SUCH A MUM!! 😂😂

Mr Shelby. The more I see Jade the more I love her

THEY’RE SO BLOODY CUTE!! 😍🥰😍🥰

What does it say about me that the creepier and more of an arsehole Rupert is, the more I fall in love with Tony?? 🤔 Hmm

‘It’s worthwhile to meet you’ gagged! Oh she clocked him right away. Good for you Jade!!

He’s spouting his usual shit and she’s not falling for any of it. That is the face of an incredibly uninterested woman. FUCK HIM UP, JADE!! 😂

I fully expected that shot it reveal him watching them from that window 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

Oh what beautiful chaos! You just know this scene was a delight to film. Of course they’re having a passionate debate about guitarists, not football! 😂

Also you’re not fooling anyone by saying Joe is better purely because he’s from Kansas. Come on now, Coach.

It also perfectly highlights why we need more Beard 🫣

Hey now! Leave Stairway to Heaven out of this, man! I love that song!!

Beard at the door 😂😂

So true that the press care more about who is the best guitarist rather than football 🫡 journalism we actually care about! 😂

‘The guy from Cream’ 😂😂 they did that for Hannah! I have to agree with her though, Eric is a great guitarist!

Not gonna lie, I am surprised she even knew a rock band to name 😂

I, too, am sick of Roy being Roy. Brett has been wasted on the grump this season.

That’s what we want!! Give me all the Rebecca being Rebecca!!

So real of Leslie to cheer her walking down a hallway. He gets it

‘Get your hair arse into my office. Now!’ God, she’s got when she’s angry 🥵🥵🥵

‘Ooooo’ they’re all just a bunch of kids on a playground. I love it! 😂

Is his arse the only part of him that’s not hairy?? 🤔 That is a furry man 😂

Must be the pick on Richard episode 😂

‘That Ted’s son is failing science. Scandal’ Trent, you’re delightful and I’m sorry you’ve not been here the whole time! 😂

Going to Fairy Gay Godmother for advice. We love to see it 🥹

Henry’s poor teacher 😂

‘What the fuck is your problem’ ‘Wait, I know this one. You are!’ Rebecca, you sarcastic bitch. I love you! 🥰

This dynamic is absolutely gorgeous, too. I feel like Rebecca & Roy are maybe the only two who are fully real with one another without fear that they’re going to upset the other one. With Roy telling her she shouldn’t settle, and now Rebecca telling him he needs to figure out what it is he wants. I wish we had more of these two this season.

Hasn’t Nate got a team, too? Why does he always seem to be doing game play stuff alone?? 🤔 Or does he prefer it that way??

Rupert is disgusting. *insert clip of Hannah saying ‘I fucking love it’*

A guy’s night?? Don’t trust him, Nate! 🫤

Classic Chris & Arlo banter. I’m gonna miss it! 😂

Okay, so a spin off of Mae and the bar is actually what I want. Apple, you listening

Leslie, my boy, what is going on? Why you texting her when she’s right there? What did that text say?? I’m confused.

He was quick to jump in with that handshake stuff 😂 it’s been playing on his mind since they met, I’ll bet 😂

Issac, I know you’re angry, but you’re just being a dick now.

And moving your hand was such an arsehole move. Uncalled for, dude.

Uh oh, the girls are fighting 😳

Some more award winning ‘pretending to care about football’ acting from Hannah there. Nicely done 😂

This guy hand it coming though. Absolutely disgusting behaviour which, unfortunately, is very close to real life.

Okay, Leslie that really was the worst time for a joke, but I will say it did make me laugh 😂

I know it’s all for storytelling purposes, but the boys are right. It’s nothing new to them, So why have such a huge reaction now? These boys have such varied responses and reactions on things sometimes depending on plot point that it’s a little icky 🫣

Sam & Jamie have such a brotherly relationship now. I’m loving it!

Another callback to when Keeley entered the locker room and Roy didn’t want her there. Nice.

Them assuming Issac is gay because of his outburst is totally logical too. But it does kinda force Colin to say something, even if he feels he can’t yet, if he’s to step up for his friend 🫤

Them all looking at Jamie and him telling them he’s flatter is what? 📢GROWTH📢 Can you imagine season 1 Jamie in that situation?! 😳

Roy taking what Rebecca’s just told him and paying it forward to Issac 🥹 the boys are learning!

Fucking Will! 😂 you must just always assume he’s there someone because chances are he is 😂

I kind of love that they didn’t show Colin saying the actual words. It wasn’t needed.

‘You’re gay, big whoop’ exactly Dani. Big whoop indeed!

It wouldn’t be Ted Lasso without a folksy story that may not have anything to do with what they’re talking about 😂 Ted, all you had to say was ‘we do care. What we mean is it doesn’t change anything. You’re not alone’

Look at proud uncle Trent watching them all be amazing 🥹

HOW DO I FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE BOYS MORE AND MORE EVERY EPISODE?! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??

Okay Trent, he’s getting ideas for his book 👀 I’m excited! I’m loving your Dolly t-shirt too, btw 😍

He doesn’t have to hide anymore 🥹

Shut the fuck up, George. No one cares what you have to say

Go off, Mae! 😂 that is a woman you do not want to cross!! 😂

‘Not Claire’ these boys 🥰

Come on, Nate. You know exactly what Rupert is like. You’ve seen him with his assistant with your own eyes, for goodness sake. Like he was ever going to have a drink with you one on one. Be real, man.

Is this the end of his time at West Ham though? I hope so.

A ‘that’s what she said’ joke I’m not so many words? Okay then 🤷🏻‍♀️

Why would she give Ted talking points, Rebecca? You trust him now, remember

A Roy press conference is what’s I’ve always wanted 😍

And he’s using his time to tell a story, just like Ted. Brings a tear to my eye 🥹 GROWTH, PEOPLE!!

This episode really is just a PSA to football fans to keep their fucking mouths shut, and I love that.

‘Five o’clock shadow head’ ‘New Trent’ & ‘Goblin King’ are all why he needed to do more press 😂

He just wanted a hug 🥺

I knew this is what it all came down to, the fact that he was hurt his best friend didn’t feel like he could tell him. But he needed to hear Colin say that 1% chance scared the shit out of him. He’s rather they stay friends than live as his true self freely 🥺

‘The team knows. That’s enough for me’ ‘No one’s gonna say shit. I promise’ OMG I’m on my period and incredibly emotional right now. This scene made me cry just as much as it did the first time 😢

Him asking these question is so real 😂 I’m glad their friendship hasn’t been affected in the slightest.

And I agree, 1967’s Raquel Welch is *chefs kiss*

‘No. But you know I do, yeah?’ I MEANN!!!!🥹🥹

Another great song choice to end on, too!

Well that was another amazing episode!! We even got a little bit more Rebecca than we have since Amsterdam!! And angry Rebecca at that. What a win! 😂

Some absolutely great moments from everyone in this one, but I’m hoping Roy is going to start sorting himself out now and stop being such a grump. We’ve still got that scene of Roy, Keeley & Jamie from the promo to look forward to 🤞🏼

We’ve got Edwin Akufo back next episode which sounds like a delight, even with how he departed last time. My naive Tedbecca loving heart’ and knowing how much this show loves a callback, hopes that his visit involves inviting Ted to coach for his team. I’d love another scene of her telling someone, Ted in this instance, ‘I can’t make you stay, but I don’t want you to go’

[amandaklwrites]

TV Series Review: Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2019)

Genre: Historical Fiction/Murder Mystery/British Period Drama

Rating: 10/10

TV Show Review:

I. LOVE. THIS SHOW.

Pretty much this review will be me talking about everything I love this series, just a warning. I hope you love it too, so you can enjoy my blabbering and gushing!

I will do this review a bit differently, since it’s still relatively new, especially here in the US. I’ll talk about my general thoughts, and then I’ll do a “keep reading” when it goes down into spoilers for each episode.

So, here, for the spoiler-free part of my review:

Let me start out by saying that these characters make the whole damn show. Yes, the mysteries are great and all, but it’s the characters in this series, for me, that drives the whole thing. Eliza Scarlet is a masterful main character, and I love everything about her—from her determination, her willingness to fight the crowd to be what she wants, how she’s willing to admit some issues, that she still relies so heavily on her father after he passed away. Her humor is so incredible, and I think she’s just someone I wish I could be. Her feistiness is so wonderful. And then our Inspector Detective William “the Duke” Wellington is… one of my favorite leading men, fictional of course. I like that he’s overprotective of her (sometimes, to funny extents), that he does his job well and follows a lot of the right paths, that he doesn’t seem surprised by much of anything, and that he’s willing to fight even when he’s falling apart at the seams. And their relationship! They are so clearly in love with each other (probably have since that “chaste kiss” when they were teens…), they bicker like a married couple, and though they annoy the living hell out of each other, they would die for one another. I like that their relationship isn’t perfect and they take note of that in the show, but it feels real. It’s one of the most real relationships I have ever seen.

Moses and Rupert are such important characters and I LOVE their relationship with Eliza, their friendships that seem so different, but they just fit. I can’t go much into detail about either of them, or it will spoil entire plotlines of mysteries, but I will say that I love what the story does with their characters, how it gives them breaths of their own, that they become some of the most dynamic characters in the show with so much to them and that take a life of their own. That they feel real and important and interesting, and I love the representation. That’s all I’ll say about them in the spoiler-free review.

Now, the mysteries, were incredible. They kept me guessing through every episode, and I would have some feelings about things/people, but I wasn’t sure how it would get there. At times, I thought of the truth, but figured that they were going to trick me with it (my grandpa always told me that I have a brain for a detective, if I had some training, so that’s fun!). But still, they were so innovative and different from other mysteries that I had experienced. And I liked that each episode felt a bit different—we had a taste of ghost story feeling, even an intense thriller. They were really, really good mysteries, to me at least. And I do love me some mysteries.

Okay, so the costumes, sets and music. MY GOD. It was all SO BEAUTIFUL! Eliza’s clothes were magnificent and they had POCKETS!!! William was way too sexy in those clothes (can we bring those back??? We can leave out the discrimination that came with the time period, but let’s bring back the clothes at least!). Everyone had gorgeous clothes. And the sets were beautiful—those dirty, Victorian, coal covered streets… I loved it! (My mom says she’s not sure why I’m so in love with the dark atmosphere of the Victorian era, but I am!). The MUSIC. Can they just upload a damn soundtrack already? I need to listen to this music all the time! It sounds different and cool and I’m just so in love with it.

THE HUMOR! My god, I had never seen a murder mystery show set in another time that does humor so well. I love how they travel between scenes to make it funnier, the lines they say to one another. It makes me feel like these actors absolutely had a blast filming this show. They were so on point, and some of the funny scenes made me laugh harder than any comedy movie I’ve seen.

As you can see, I’m obsessed with this show altogether. I love it, and I want to watch it over and over. The vibe, the love stories, the characters, every. single. thing. is my jam. I know they’re planning a second season and I cannot wait for it. Ugh. My god. It’s wonderful.

So here ends my spoiler-free review. After this, I’m going to talk spoilers. So if you have seen the show and/or want to read the spoiler-y thoughts, please click on the “keep reading.” If not, see you around after your watch the show! It’s well worth it!

Let me start out by explaining more of my thoughts on the relationship between William and Eliza, because I worried that some of what I had said would give away possibly too much. So here’s that part:

The (hilarious) way that William mutters “oh jesus” whenever he finds Eliza waiting in his office, or the fact that Eliza calls herself his wife (or in one instance, something worse, but to save herself) to get what she wants also feels like a sly to personally agitate him. How that he would toss her into jail/into court when she went against things he said she shouldn’t do (though he released her/got her out at some point) never got old and even funnier to me each time. I told my mom, she was like a toddler—he couldn’t keep her in sight, so he had to lock her out. But I liked that she still argued with him despite it. Their back and forth was perfect.

I will say here, that I have seen people’s comments online how they wish that William was more on board with Eliza’s detective dreams and support her 100% much earlier on. And I get that, that he can seem like an ass at times. But honestly, I think he feels more realistic that he’s a little harder about it in the beginning. Trust me, I love this show and the way they play with characters and storylines, and that they are so forward (I mean, Eliza is so forward-thinking and modern, it’s amazing), but to me, if they made EVERYONE, i.e. William especially, it wouldn’t ground me into the time very well. I like that it was more gradual for him, to fully support her. And actually, I think for a man in the Victorian Era, with his position, he supported her as much as he could. Though he fought her on it at times, he eventually gave up trying to stop her. And I do think, in some respect, he was trying to protect her, because he does care for her. He was a man of his time, in his position, and he is changing. Can we at least give him that? Because, in all throughout history, it took a while for things to change. And it was men like William that started to understand, that started to recognize that, that helped make it happen. Plus, Eliza didn’t let him pull shit all the time, and she did fight him on it.

Now, I’m going to comment on each individual episode with my thoughts. I’ve never done this before so yay! Here it goes!

EPISODE ONE: Inheritance

I knew the weird uncle wasn’t the girl’s uncle. I didn’t expect that it was her husband (I should’ve!! We knew he was a cheat and a conartist!!), but I knew it wasn’t her rich uncle. I knew from the moment he came on screen—I remember thinking, this guy looks too young around his eyes. His beard and mustache look fake. So, I was right to an extent.

I can’t be the only one who was horrified to discover what the police did to women who worked as prostitutes or in dance halls—they could be arrested and searched for venereal disease? Seriously??? For men who were so obsessed with wanting their wives to “stay safe” and “be protected,” they sure were fine with flipping the case when it came to women that they would also gladly pay to sleep with? Why don’t they check the male clients who are PAYING for this industry. It was appalling and horrendous, and it made my skin literally crawl as they tried tying Eliza down to the chair.

On the note of that scene, Eliza calling herself William’s favorite whore to save herself is literally one of the funniest (though, darkly) things—especially in the next scene, when you see the two of them sitting in his office in silence and William is mortified, annoyed, and I think amused at the same time.

I loved how Eliza tricked that bastard husband—she set him up, AND she gave him laudanum to make him pass out? This woman knows what’s up!

Instantly from this first episode, I knew I loved this show and these characters. Eliza shows her charm and wit and humor and smarts. She’s skilled and I love her personality so much. Though I can see how she could be aggravating to others. William absolutely adores her. Rupert annoyed me a bit at the beginning, but by the end—when he asked Eliza to not marry him, I knew I would like him. And Moses! A Jamaican man brings in the race question of this dark, old world, but I love that he likes Eliza and finds her interesting. He’s terrifying, but I think he’s a good, decent man, he’s only trapped in this world because no one will let him be anything else. But he’s such a rich, interesting character.

EPISODE TWO: The Woman in Red

This episode brings in the reality of homosexuality in this world. That it has always been there (damn those bastards who think otherwise), but it has been hidden away. That men and women have to fear for their lives, and also marry people they do not want because they want to not be noticed. I loved finding out Rupert was gay—my mom called that one!—and the friendship he develops with Eliza. That he trusts her to tell a secret that could literally have him killed and ruined. And that Eliza doesn’t even blink, that she’s willing to keep his secret to the grave, and I cried when she basically told him that. It’s quite beautiful that Eliza even seemed to be grateful that he trusted her enough to give her that secret.

Which was used in interesting juxtaposition to the gay man, accused of murdering his lover, and his wife. I understand the woman’s hurt, that she loved this man and it turned out he didn’t love her in the same way. But that didn’t mean her willingness to let him die for a crime he didn’t commit was at all good or called for. With Eliza talking her down, to prove that the woman’s husband was innocent, I think proved that though she was hurt beyond reason, she did love that man who was her husband and didn’t want to see her die. It’s really a hard situation, especially during that time, when people were constantly shoved down their throats that homosexuality was bad. Not that I’m giving her a “it’s okay,” but I can understand the pain and confusion she went through. Especially because she pulled through.

Through this whole episode, we thought it was the wife that had murdered the lover (the other man). I was surprised to find out that he had killed himself, cut his own throat (which I had heard wasn’t possible to do—but my grandpa, who had worked as a detective, told me that is a myth people talk about, that it’s really easy to cut your own throat). That was a shock, and it made me so sad. That he was dying because he was unhappy, because he hated what he was, because of damn society telling him so. I actually started crying, because as someone who is bisexual, I would be condemned in this time during for openly being with men and women, though I couldn’t even compare to people who are gay or lesbian, because the situation is not the same. But I could connect, I could understand. And I hated knowing the pain all those people were in, that a man had killed himself because of what he was, and that another man had to live with that. It truly breaks your heart.

William’s response to finding out the dead man was gay was interesting. I thought his comment “in my line of work, nothing surprises you” funny, but also telling. He didn’t act disgusted, he didn’t mistreat the husband when they questioned him afterward. The show didn’t directly say his thoughts on homosexuality, but I got the vibe that he was “whatever” about it. Like he knew it was there, and he wasn’t condemning it publicly. That gives him credit, in my book.

Another great episode that got deep and beautiful.

EPISODE THREE: Deeds Not Words

Is this show just obsessed with getting right down to modern issues that were also faced in this time, but not as strongly discussed? Because I’m all for it! This episode was all about the suffrage movement. But I liked the take they did on it.

Yes, they spoke out about the treatment of women. That men, white men, controlled this whole world. But I also thought it was interesting that they made this main suffragette not the greatest person. It made everything complicated. Like, everything she said to Eliza made sense, and I found myself cheering with her. But she shot a man in cold blood, she was willing to bomb a whole building of men—even though it seems justified because of what their club represents.

I think this episode was discussing the balance. That there can be change, but when you attack the people who you are trying to change, it may not work in your favor. At least, that was the vibe I got. Not to stoop to their levels, to become just as horrible as them. Her ideas and words were great, but her actions were a bit… skeptical.

Eliza and William’s response were interesting as well. Eliza felt a passion for the cause, William thought it a bit extreme. But, to me, by the end of the episode, they had a common understanding, they had reached a comfortable middle. I think, this show was showing that was how change came. People seeing eye to eye, and then it spreading from there. Of course, William has faults, but I think he’s truly trying. Especially with each episode. And the more Eliza and he grow.

EPISODE FOUR: Memento Mori

We got our ghost episode! I wasn’t even expecting it, it was incredible! A ghostly image of a dead wife that had killed herself reappearing in photos? How wild and cool is that idea!

I didn’t know that the Victorians had a thing where they took photos of their dead loved ones, looking like they were alive (y’all, the Victorians were obsessed with death…), but it’s an interesting concept. Maybe even sweet. I get what they were trying to do, even if it did seem morbid. How I feel about it is, if it brings you peace, then go for it (as long as it’s nothing disturbing or harming anyone).

The twist was one I had a hint of but hadn’t expected the whole thing. I knew the daughter had something to do with it (how disturbed is this poor girl??), but I hadn’t expected that the mother had planned this before she killed herself because she knew the woman and her husband were already having an affair. It was interesting and a creepy twist, but I was all for it.

Still, I loved how we had moments of eeriness and the haunting feeling in the house when Eliza stayed over. I felt scared and freaked, and most people that know me know that I do not like horror. But this was the perfect eeriness, which I do love.

That scene from this episode where William screams at the poor telegram young man to give them the message or he’ll break everyone bone in his body and then being like “are you crying?” was the funniest thing I had ever seen. I laughed so hard that I couldn’t breathe. I mean, it’s terrible, but the way it was done was hilarious and amazing.

EPISODE FIVE: Cell 99

This episode was… dark. I liked that it was set in an abandoned prison, and my god, was it creepy as hell. I loved all the shots of William walking through gave me the chills.

This one felt like a thriller to me. How it was filmed, set up, how everything went down. Except for the hilarious scene when they are both so annoyed with each other (Eliza and William, that is) that they both scream in frustration is brilliant. But otherwise, it took a dark tone that made me feel like something was watching my back. Especially as that big, scary guy came walking down the stairs when William and Eliza were trapped, ready to kill them both. I was nearly screaming at the tv in utter horror.

My mom had called it—and I had a feeling—that Eliza’s father had been murdered, not just drinking himself to death and found in the gutter. And there’s a gang now? How interesting!

The masked man was strange, as well as the forger locked away. But he was shot and killed, and it confused me.

I have a strange confession to make: that whole time with William in his dress shirt (without the coat), with his arm covered in blood, was weirdly…. Hot? Please don’t ask me explain. I have weird things to me. But I think it was also hot that though he was hurt and bleeding, he was gearing up to fight that big, scary man to protect himself and Eliza. I like that kind of shit, so much.

This episode was twisted, and it left me with more questions than anything.

EPISODE SIX: The Case of Henry Scarlet

My mom knew William’s boss was in with the gang! I liked that they actually explored the reality of corruptness in the police force (my grandpa had personal experiences himself, and that was why he left), and they laid it all bare. Despite the things that we are learning in this present day, it’s always been there. Which is horrifying and disturbing. That these police who are supposed to protect us are willing to delve into the corrupt world to bring themselves more power and money. Because that’s what it boils down to, doesn’t it? Powerful men wanting more and more.

I liked that William was okay with the truth unfolding, and not fighting it, trying to prove innocence for his boss. To me, it made me feel like that he knew something was up with that man (just beyond not liking him). For his character, it made me think that he was one of those people that was actually good and good at his job, trying to do the right thing. Even if he got distracted and didn’t give Eliza credit where it was due, and fought some things, he was trying to do what he thought was right. He didn’t kill anyone, he didn’t go after anyone specifically. Though him and Moses had some standoffs because he wasn’t sure about the other man, he gave him some thanks and shook his hand. Which is huge for that time period.

I did suspect William’s buddy. I always felt like something was happening with him, and that he would be the perfect bad guy because he knew what was going on at all times. And it was proven right! Though it wasn’t any less terrible, William having to realize that his close friend at Scotland Yard as the bad, bad guy who killed their boss when things were turning ugly.

But Moses to the rescue! I loved that he swooped in, teaming up with Eliza, and taking the guy out! I love Moses so much, he’s one of my other favorites.

And their ending, with a promise of dinner, of love on the horizon was exactly what I needed.

Lasting thoughts:

Besides all the amazing storylines and characters they brought in, besides Eliza and William’s chemistry and relationship, to me, this felt like a story about a daughter and her father. We see flashbacks of Eliza as a child with her father, how he taught her his detective work, when that wasn’t something men did typically in that time, and how she would still talk to him after he had died. That though she had chosen this profession for herself, it was also some way to connect to her father. Something they had shared when she was motherless and only had him, and he gave her these skills and talents, helped her hone in on them. And once he had passed, she fought like hell to keep it, but make it her own. I liked that their relationship wasn’t perfect, but they loved the hell out of each other. She was a grown woman, who believed in herself, but she still turned to him—a ghost, a memory, or whatnot—when she felt at the bottom.

This series is incredible, perfect and just all around so masterful in so many different ways. I knew from the moment I heard about it that I would love it. And it turns out I was right, but even more than I had expected.

Now, I think it’s time for a rewatch.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #420

lol blaze it (i’m funny i swear)

In your opinion, which fast food place has the best fries? Without a doubt, Bojangle's. Good. Shit. Are there hurricanes where you live? Yeah, they're common here. What do you hate the most about yourself? I'd really rather not get into this right about now. What song are you listening to right now? "Beast of Gévaudan" by Powerwolf. What was your first concert? Alice Cooper. Also my only concert. What’s your favorite Johnny Depp movie? Alice In Wonderland. Who did you last say “I love you” to? My sister. Do you like pumpkin pie? Anything pumpkin-flavored is a hell no from me. Do you know anyone named Austin? Knew, rather. Do you know anyone who is having a baby? My friend recently announced she and her husband are having their second child in December. What was the last thing you cried about? Just PTSD. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? I like both, but I prefer chocolate. Do you think you are an argumentative person? Definitely not. How many deep dark secrets do you have? Two or so, idk. What was the spiciest thing you’ve ever eaten? Some wings at Buffalo Wild Wings with one of the hottest sauces. Wanted to die. ... Yet I continued to get that one whenever I went for years lmao. Who last called you sexy? I don't know. Would you class yourself as a good role model? In some ways, but in a lot of other ways, no. Are you scared of the dark? No. Do you have a motto? No. Who did you last see on webcam? The doctor that overlooks my TMS progress. Do you need a haircut? I need a trim for sure. How would you react if your mother told you that she was pregnant again? Well, considering 1.) she's way past menopause and especially 2.) she's had a complete hysterectomy, y'know... that's kind of impossible. She also hasn't been with a guy in many years, so she would have to be joking. You log into Facebook and see the red ‘1’ notification next to the message icon. Who do you want it to be? -___- Would you rather exercise alone or with other people? ALONE. You will NOT see me exercise in front of other people. What is the most difficult or involved video game you’ve ever played? The most involved is DEFINITELY World of Warcraft, and I guess you could consider it the hardest too, given some of the much more difficult things I've done in it. It itself isn't a hard game whatsoever, but you can pursue some really hard achievements. Ever watch the show Supernatural? If you have, then what’s your favorite episode? I used to love it, but just stopped watching eventually. My fave episode... Man, it's been too long to remember many. Probably one of the funnier ones. I remember I specifically liked the bit where they were in your everyday comedy show, as well as the one where I THINK Dean kept trying to prevent Sam from dying. I just remember the "Eye of the Tiger" bit that is pure gold. Ever heard of flavored honey? If so, what’s you’re favorite flavor? Oh, no, but that sounds good. Do you remember what your favorite show was when you were little? Yeah, Pokemon. Do you put anything besides cheese on grilled cheese sandwiches? Besides butter, which I think is pretty standard, no. When it comes to books, what do you think is the “perfect” amount of pages? Uh, I dunno. It depends on the book. I don't really care about page numbers. Would you ever be interested in going scuba diving? Yeah. Out of all of your friends/relatives, who would you say has the best vocabulary? Girt, probably. Are any of your fingers or toes deformed? What about the nails? I don't think so? When is the last time you cried? I was sobbing earlier today, fun stuff. Would you ever date somebody that has been divorced more than once? Most likely not. ESPECIALLY at my age. What are some stereotypically nerdy things that you like? Oh god. WoW, M:tG, big glasses, anime (does that count? idk really), video games... a lot of stuff, really. Have you ever attended a wedding that ended where the bride and groom didn’t actually get married? What happened? Y I K E S, no. That would be SO uncomf. What scares you the most about becoming a mother (hypothetically, if you don’t want to have children)? Actually raising it properly, physically and emotionally. Would you ever want a job in fashion? What would you enjoy about that type of job? No. Would you ever be a surrogate mother? No. What do you think would be the best and worst parts about being a twin? It'd be cool to have someone you feel an almost supernatural connection towards, but I'd also feel like I wasn't as "original" as I would be if I was born alone. Do you feel that your childhood was more rough compared to others around you? I mean it wasn't awful at all, but sure, in some ways compared to at least someone. How would you react if you found out today that you were actually adopted? Well today I'm a wreck, so don't tell me. I want to know that I wasn't lied to for 25 years. Have either of your parents ever cheated on one another before, that you know of? How would you react if you found out today that one of them cheated? I'm not entirely clear on this, but I'm 90% sure Dad cheated on Mom with his now-wife. Dad also accused Mom of cheating, but I HIGHLY doubt that's true. Do you like cleaning and organizing? Not really. How would you react if you found out you were infertile? If you don’t plan on having kids to begin with, what is a long-term goal you’d be crushed to find out was impossible to achieve? Fuck having kids. I'd be a terrible mother. So to answer the other question, I'll be pretty, pretty sad if I can't get permission to spread Teddy's ashes at Yellowstone. Would you take your dream job if it were out of the country? Well, obviously not considering my dream job is a meerkat biologist, and I'm not moving to Africa. Have you ever been robbed? No. Is anyone close to you an alcoholic? Not anymore. Dad was, but he's recovered. Have you ever dumped anyone? Yes. What kind of tea do you drink? I hate tea. Do you know anyone in a gang? No, and I hope I never do. What’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for you? Risk his fucking sanity and health to try to hold my fucked up self up. What is your orientation? Gay? Straight? Metrosexual? Anything other? Bisexual. I've kinda been questioning pansexual of the late, though. I don't know. Have you ever done anything really dangerous or illegal with friends? Not to my memory. Name three feelings you’re feeling right now: Regret. Hopelessness. Loneliness. And the reasons for these feelings? Take a wild fuckin' guess. How do you feel about your life right now? It's an actual dumpster fire. Is it easy for you to like yourself? Why or why not? Fuck no. Because there's just not very much TO like about me. Even on my good days, I see flaw after flaw in myself. What subjects come naturally to you? English, some aspects of science. What subjects do not? Math, economics, politics, history... Do you read more fiction or more non-fiction books? Definitely fiction. When I read a book, I want an escape from the real world. How has today been for you? BOY HOWDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What did you do? Went to TMS therapy. Sat on the Internet. Cried. :^) Are there any candles lit in the room you’re in? No. Are there any lava lamps near you? No. I want one, though. Do you like cats or dogs better? Cats. Are any of your friends a pothead? Yes. What’s a goal you’re trying to accomplish soon? Start losing weight again. That'd be pretty goddamn grand. Are you a high maintenance person? Definitely not. The last time you yelled as loud as you could, what was the reason? I was having a nightmare. Have you ever been heartbroken? For sure. Who did that to you? First Dad, then Jason. Did you go through an ugly stage as a kid? Boy, did I. The last type of sandwich you made or ate: A pb&j. The last time you spent most of the day in bed: Literally every day. I do just about everything in bed. Pathetic, I know. The last friend or acquaintance you made: Ummmm idk. The last thing you took pictures of: A hydrangea bush. The last time you were scared: Now. The future is terrifying, my friend. The last thing you looked up online: The definition of a word to ensure I was using it correctly. The last thing you disagreed with: So I've been watching John Wolfe's old stream of him playing Alice: Madness Returns, and he went on a total soapbox about smoking being okay essentially because we're all gonna die eventually from something, and I really disagreed with it. Does your house have a separate laundry room? No, just like a closet. Do your parents still help you financially? I'm still entirely dependent on them. Does your car have a backup camera? No. Have either of your parents ever been in trouble with the law? Not to my knowledge. Have you ever had a pet that lived to be really old for its breed/species? REALLY old, no. Teddy was definitely up there, but beagles have lived longer. What was the last strong scent you smelled? Lysol. Have you ever told someone to their face that they were ugly? Christ, no. Is your bed against more than one of your walls? No. Have you ever been attracted to someone’s parent? Don't think so? Have you ever pole danced before? No. Have you ever broken into someone’s house? No. Have you ever seen a live bat? Yes. What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a meal before? I dunno. Have you ever taken a woodshop class? No. How much time do you spend on Facebook, if you have one? Funny you ask, because as of today I decided to take a break from it for awhile. I've found it's nothing more than a breeding ground for envy and making me feel like a horribly incompetent adult. Has a teacher ever made you hate yourself/your work? I had one photography teacher in college that I was NOT a fan of. He was super, super hard on everyone, like to an unnecessary degree. We were students, not pros. Have you ever been on the barrier or front row at a concert? No. Are your parents supportive of you? Somehow.

[inheritorofmemories-archive]

So far in my Sense8 au: This is a gay only event (working title)

there's a cut because i got slightly carried away

Andy: Kazakhstan. Has learned the way of the blade and horse riding. She’s the big brain of it all, always have a plan. She fears nothing because once a pissed off horse ran over her and she got out with nothing. She has every gods by her side and she’s the most powerful of them. Her husband Achilles left her because he was sick and didn’t want to die with her watching him, that fucked her up a good deal, ngl. Tired tm even tho she’s the same age as the other.

Quynh: Vietnam. A certified prankster and the asshole everyone love because she’s compelling like that. Knows a martial art like Sun, but she has no qualm about gloating about it, because she’s good and the world deserve to know. Big pressure from her family to not show her sexuality and take after the company when all she wants is to be free and herself, kicking ass while looking good because she knows fashion. Will join Andy and they will live happily ever after as wives after years of yearning and chasing each other without putting too much intent because they’re not sure the other wants that. Peak lesbian representation. Quynh makes the first move because she’s tired of waiting. Will become an insta influencer only because Veronica Ngo’s ig kills me every time she posts.

Lykon; Kenya. The optimist, always seeing the bright side and cheering on other. A good sport that never let anything bring him down and is so resilient. It’s impressive how many time he gets up from awful stuff. Insanely good with numbers and science stuff, big fan of cinema too. There’s literally no info on Lykon in canon, so I’m inclined to give him Capheus’s nationality.

Yusuf: Tunisia, like Marwan. He’s the artist, was almost an actor but realized he liked painting more. He’s now an art professor in a college and has a somewhat successful career as an artist but he’s more interested in historical painting and trying old techniques for his researches than selling his artwork. Sometime does reconstruction of old paintings. The incurable romantic, the heart of the team, always see straight (lol) and try to do good. Very supportive and loving family that are behind him, but he won’t talk about the sensate thing because he doesn’t want to bring them any trouble.

Nicolo: Italy. A priest, will have a big surprise with Yusuf when all his suppressed gay will surge out of the closet he forgot he made in his head. Will get in an argument with Yusuf about art and religion and that’ll become their way of flirting for about a year. The other sensate will have random bit of arguing and obscure middle age  and renaissance knowledge sprung upon them at random time. Andy will get pissed first and have a mental sit down with them, telling them to have those arguments face to face and not in their brains. Nicolo goes to Tunis and fuck he doesn’t hate the guy, he loves him. Oops. He’s the moral of the team and can convince anyone of anything and manipulate anyone. Also really good at guilt tripping bad guys, that's Catholicism for you.

Booker: France. Forger, went to prison. Kinda like Wolfgang, but sadder and drunker and a widow too. Or maybe divorced but he talks about his wife like she died, making it 10x funnier, not sure what I want for him yet. Has sort of given up on life at this point, will refuse the cluster until he realize it’s a good thing. Will try to get better to not inconvenience the other with his shitty thoughts. Get along with Andy real good, and now Joe always has a buddy to watch the football match with, so it’s nice. First interaction with Nicky: a rediffusion of the ‘06 world cup final. It goes well (no it doesn’t). First interaction with Quynh: she’s in his home and call him out (damn bitch, you live like this?).

Nile: USA. She was a marine because of her father, shot on service and left with a honorable discharge. She works as a body guard in small gig to have money for college, she’s good at most practical skill anyone can have. Really close with her family, her mom will believe her and help her (kinda like Amanita’s mom in the show). Will get into college for her art history degree and will manage to have professor Al-Kaysani make a couple lectures there and every prof in her school will love her immensely because that guys is famous world wide for his work, how did you get him to come here? He’ll help her with her PhD and doctorate, she introduces him to Vine. It’s a fair exchange in his eyes.

Copley: England. Born in the USA but really an English man through and through. The Hacker, hacktivist like Nomi. Was CIA, leaked info on illegal us business and is now on their watch list, trying to take him out. Snowden and Micro from netflix’s punisher mixed if you will. Wife died of ASL; him, Andy and Booker have a monthly widowed club in their heads where they drink and talk about their deceased partners (if divorced!booker, he’s an honorary member but miserable enough so they let him in). It’s very sad and none of the other are allowed. After a few month it becomes: the most responsible of the cluster (again, honorary booker only) having a drink together and talking shit about the latest drama in the cluster. Immensely and perpetually tired of the collective lack of brain cells from the cluster, he’s the only one who has his geolocation off on his phone. Even Nile forgets it sometimes. Will become the “let me unplug your router to fix the problem” assigned person of the group.

.

Plot: So far, it’s found family shenanigans, getting together and the human connection of it all. Maybe with a side dish of Merrick bad guy if I feel like it needs angst (or a plot). Also, they’re around 27/28yo here, they’ve lived a bit already.

.

At first I thought: I’ll just use the series sensates and change the names but like, it really doesn’t fit. So they’re just another cluster, different from the 8/8 cluster. Also added Copley in the immortal gang because he now has an honorary positon in the team in canon so why not? It’s sense8, nor sense7.

And no cop, only reformed gouvernement employee who hates their old jobs because we’re not bootlickers in this house.

[alexsfictionaddiction]

12 of the best feel-good books

I think we could all do with a pick-me-up right now. We’ve been in some level of isolation for over a month and we’re perhaps being forced to accept a new normal. However, we’re still seeing frightening and tragic headlines all day every day (ration your news time, if you’re not doing so already), so of course, fear and hopelessness is going to set in. If you’re not used to spending time alone, loneliness is also a huge possibility but we know that books are a great source of solace in times like this. 

Maybe you want to do your own research and discover how far into the realms of science-fiction we’ve got. For you, I have compiled a list of the best books that pandemic fiction has to offer but if you’re looking for something more light-hearted, I’ve got the perfect tonic. Whether you need a laugh, to be comforted or to simply remember what life used to be like, here are some books that will help you escape the current face of reality. Above all, remember that it’s perfectly natural for your mental health to be suffering at the moment. Do whatever you can to look after yourself and stay safe.

1. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Remember when you could just move in with a stranger without worrying about keeping two metres apart at all times? Tiffy and Leon share a flat and even a bed but due to entirely opposite work schedules, they manage to not even meet for months after Tiffy moves in, only communicating via texts and notes left on the fridge. But Tiffy’s controlling ex-boyfriend and Leon’s innocent prisoner brother ignite a connection that is fuelled by basic human kindness and a touch of romantic attraction, of course! This quirky rom-com has been a bestseller for over a year now and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a celebration of love, friendship and the unexpected happiness that can come from taking calculated risks. Beth O’Leary’s second novel The Switch has also just been released, so there has never been a better time to read her debut!

2. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

A beautiful story of empathy, kindness and acceptance, Wonder has fast become one of the most popular and widely read contemporary middle-grade novels. Auggie Pullman was born with a facial deformity and he’s attending mainstream school for the first time but of course, kids can be staggeringly cruel to those who are different. Wonder kickstarted a global kindness campaign and spawned a film adaptation, which is one of the best and most faithful I’ve ever seen. It has already given so much to the world and I know you’ll get a lot of joy out of it too.

3. The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

Of course, not all sci-fi is doom and gloom. This is the first instalment in Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series and it’s laugh-out-loud funny. It follows a misfit crew of space travellers and their wonderful smile-inducing relationships. Celebrating the coming together of a variety of races, sexualities and personalities, it features a lot of loveable memorable characters who begin to read like dear loyal friends. If you’re looking for quirky, light-hearted sci-fi in a similar vein to Star Trek and Firefly, you’d be wise to start here.

4. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Arthur Less is a struggling writer about to turn 50 and the love of his life is engaged to someone else. To say that he’s not feeling too hot right now would be an understatement but he has been invited to a range of literary events around the world, so he does the logical thing and accepts them all. We can’t travel right now but with Arthur, you’ll visit Paris, Berlin, southern India, the Moroccan desert and Japan. You’ll also go on a journey of self-acceptance, learn how to love the life that you have and appreciate the time you have left. 

5. Hot Mess by Lucy Vine

It’s rare that a book makes me guffaw out loud in public but Hot Mess did exactly that, when I read it a couple of years ago. Ellie is a single woman who hates her office job and is absolutely nowhere near having her life together. However, she does have some great friends and a lovely relationship with her dad Alan, whose drafts of a romance novel are truly side-splittingly hilarious. We see Ellie through terrible dates, trauma confrontation and a quest for true happiness that is hugely satisfying. It has been described as a modern-day Bridget Jones but I found it much more relatable and actually quite a lot funnier!

6. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

It’s the first in a trilogy of novels that explore the trials and tribulations of finding romance when you’re genetics professor Don Tillman. Don likes facts, logic and reason and he applies all of these things to his latest endeavour, The Wife Project. He knows exactly the kind of woman he wants to marry but then he meets Rosie, who ticks none of his boxes and he’s forced to accept that perhaps true love doesn’t always follow the rules. Don and Rosie’s relationship is such a heartwarming, mutually beneficial one that will make you laugh and leave you with a big bag of warm fuzzy feels. 

7. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

There is a huge chance that you will have read The Hobbit but what better time to revisit a funny, charming favourite? Re-embark on the quest to retrieve Smaug’s treasure, take back the Lonely Mountain and make a plethora of fantastic friends along the way. As well as relating to Bilbo’s personal growth throughout the novel, I think the idea of facing epic threat and mortal peril in unknown environments and yet still returning safely home to a quiet comfortable life is the reassurance we need that this too shall pass. Of course, it will also be an intoxicating nostalgia trip, so there’s really no reason to not pick it up again!

8. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I read this over the Valentine’s Day period and was so enchanted by it. Gavin is a top baseball player for the Nashville Legends and he has recently discovered that he has never given his wife Thea a genuine orgasm and it’s threatening the relationship. So he does the logical thing and turns to his team mates, who actually double as a secret romance book club. They suggest taking a leaf out of a smutty Regency paperback to save his marriage -what could possibly go wrong? Funny, heart-warming and touching, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a rom-com with a difference.

9. My Pear-Shaped Life by Carmel Harrington

If you’ve spent a lot of self-isolation being wholly unproductive and perhaps not looking after yourself too well, you may be feeling that you’re simply not good enough. Especially if your social media is full of happy healthy people doing just about EVERYTHING. Meet Greta, a struggling actress who is used to playing the role of the funny, overweight girl in all areas of her life. That’s ok as long as she laughs with everyone else, right? But things have been pretty rough lately and it’s only when she hits rock bottom that she begins to realise that maybe things need to go a little bit pear-shaped sometimes. With joy and despair in equal measure, this new novel, populated with an array of wonderful characters, will teach you that true happiness comes from simply being you.

10. A Boy Made Of Blocks by Keith Stuart 

Eight-year-old Sam is autistic and struggles to make sense of the world. His dad Alex has also lost himself somewhere along the way and needs to change. Minecraft offers a place where father and son can rediscover their bond and put the family back together, block by block. I reviewed this incredibly moving, uplifting story when it was first released a few years ago. It’s actually inspired by Keith Stuart’s real-life experiences, which I think give it an extra dollop of heart-warmth! 

11. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

The entire focus of this fantastically written YA novel is on embracing your own personal uniqueness and on not being afraid to let it out. Michael is a mixed-race gay teen who has grappled with his identity for his entire life. On arriving at university, the idea of becoming a drag artist causes everything to begin to slot into place. Told in verse, The Black Flamingo will show you how your boldest brightest colours can shine through the darkest of times. Highlighting the power of words and challenging all forms of homophobia, whether it be external or internal, this is a book that I’m sure will become a staple of LGBT+ literature in years to come. As for now, it will simply inspire you to live your very best life, regardless of who tries to prevent it.

12. Reasons To Be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe

As the title may suggest, there is plenty to smile about in Reasons To Be Cheerful. It’s chiefly a coming-of-age novel about a young woman called Lizzie living in 1970s Leicestershire. She has just got a job as an assistant to a work-shy, racist dentist who is desperate to join the freemasons. Navigating this new position alongside a relationship with her alcoholic writer mother, a boyfriend who doesn’t seem terribly interested in her and a few unlikely friends, Lizzie’s life makes for some pretty amusing anecdotes. Whether it’s the simple retro setting or small cast of eccentric caricatures, there is something quite other-worldly yet familiar about it. There is a lot of detail that is relevant to the period it’s set in, including the blatant social prejudices that were so rife at the time. I am too young to have experienced 1970s Britain but it certainly feels authentic to what I know. I have no doubt that those that were there will get even more enjoyment and nostalgia from Lizzie’s life than I did. 

[queercapwriting]

So I'm closeted and I've known for little time and now I'm always anxious around my friends because what if I do something predatorial towards them ? I know lesbians and gays aren't predatorial but what if I do something like that ? Could you write something with Kara being scared to do something like that with Lena (and maybe they sort things out and get together) I hope you are feeling better that lately and that you know a lot of people love you and you are great and fantastic

She knows it’s ridiculous.

The predatory lesbian stereotype.

But it’s all over lesbian media - even media she knows and loves - and she knows it’s bullshit and another ridiculous human convention that she can’t bring herself to understand or accept.

But she spent her adolescence on this planet, and she’s internalized a lot.

She knows that, as a bisexual woman, she’s got that stereotype and then a few more. 

She knows that dating is a minefield even without all those horrendous stereotypes.

And she knows that she would rather navigate an actual honest-to-Rao minefield - complete with actual kaboom mines - than figure out how to date in the midst of... all this.

Because her big sister’s a lesbian - wow, so gay - and her best friend from way back when she started at CatCo is bi, and he’s trans, for crying out loud, and so is Nia, and she knows that in the group of friends, of family, that they’ve all cultivated together, no one would think twice about any of these ridiculous stereotypes.

But she can’t help what she’s internalized.

Especially as she stumbles her way through asking Lena Luthor out on a date.

Because she’s tried subtlety, and Lena apparently still thinks their brunches are something that girl-space-friends do. Not, distinctly, space girlfriends, but girls-who-are-friends.

And she’s tried complimenting her, and looking at her longingly, and she’s even pulled out a lip bite or two.

And Lena still... nothing.

Well.

Sometimes it feels like Lena is flirting back. Sometimes it feels like Lena’s gaze lingers too long and like her eyes flicker down to Kara’s lips more than gal pals would, and sometimes she can hear Lena’s heart racing much faster than it should be, just sitting next to each other, just with Kara’s arm brushing against hers, their knees knocking into each other’s at Game Night.

But still.

Neither of them say anything about it, so she can’t be sure.

She can’t be sure, so she needs to take more drastic steps. 

But if she does, will Lena feel like she’s taking advantage? If she doesn’t, in fact, like Kara the way Kara likes her, want Kara the way Kara wants her, fantasize about Kara the way Kara...

Okay.

Okay.

Calm down, Danvers.

Think it through.

She does what she often does, when she can’t figure out what to do.

She calls her sister’s wife.

“Little Danvers!” Maggie greets, and Kara is already teetering on the brink of her sanity, so she just... rambles.

Something she’s gotten from Alex, for sure.

“I want to ask Lena out, but I’ve tried to ask her out before and apparently she keeps thinking we’re just friends, and I love being her friend, Maggie, I do, I really do, she’s my best friend other than Alex, you know that, and I don’t want to wreck that or take advantage of that, but I’ve tried so hard and she keeps not getting it so I want to be more straightforward and no, that wasn’t a pun, I’m serious here Maggie, but what if she thinks I’ve just been biding my time and have only been being her friend so I can be manipulative and get her into bed with me or -”

“Whoa, Kara, hey, slow down, hey. Breathe, yeah? Breathing is good, even for Kryptonian badasses, okay? There you go. Listen. She’s not gonna trip over something and land up in your bed. More specifically, you’re not gonna trip her and put her into your bed. No one makes Lena Luthor do anything, and no offense, Supergirl, but you couldn’t manipulate anyone if you tried. You’ve got a hard edge, that’s for damn sure, but manipulating involves a level of smoothness that the Danvers women have yet to evolve.”

“I can hear you, Mags!” Kara hears Alex in the background, and she smiles.

“Put her on speaker if she wants,” she sighs, knowing this conversation is about to both get funnier and more serious.

“Hey Kara.” Alex’s voice is closer to the phone now. “First of all, congratulations on finally admitting that you want to fuck Lena Luthor senseless. Collectively, I think our friends owe me like three thousand bucks.”

“Not true, Danvers, we all knew this would happen.”

“Yeah, but I called the timing and the circumstances.”

“Um, guys. Still here and baring my soul asking for advice?”

“Right.” Kara smiles, feeling held by her big sisters even through the phone. “Kara, Maggie was right. You’re not taking advantage of anything. If anything, it’s the opposite: you’ve been so nervous about freaking her out and wrecking your friendship or whatever that you’ve been treading so lightly Lena hasn’t even noticed. Or she has, but, like you, she’s a massive bi disaster and has convinced herself she’s making it up.”

“Just use the word ‘date’, Kara. And not like, ‘brunch date’ in the same way we say ‘movie night.’ Context counts, kiddo. Okay? You can do this. And you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re in love with your best friend - classic, by the way - and you’re asking her to be brave with you and transform it into something else. That’s beautiful. I might cry.”

“She really might. I’d better go take care of her. With kisses and -”

“Ew, Alex, you’re still my sister, I don’t have to hear the rest.”

“Seriously, Kara. I love you.”

“We love you!”

“We do. And you’re amazing. You can do this, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Okay?”

Kara nods before realizing Alex and Maggie can’t see her. “Yeah. Thank you guys. I love you too. Okay. Bye.”

Lena is next on her call list.

But before she can take the requisite forty-two deep breaths and call her, there’s a knock on her door.

X-ray vision.

It’s Lena.

She almost flies out the window.

Instead, she humans her way over to the door and puts on her best smile.

“I want to date you, Kara Danvers. I love the friendship we’ve built and I’m terrified by the prospect of messing that up, but I’ve thought a lot about it and I honestly think that we could only make our friendship stronger, because I can’t be alone in feeling this way, can I? Because you and I, we -”

The rest of Lena’s words evaporate on Kara’s lips, on Kara’s tongue slipping gently but confidently into her mouth, on Kara’s breath in her ear, whispering how beautiful she is and how long she’s wanted this and come in and shut the door before they wind up naked in the hallway.

As it is, they barely make it past the kitchen table, but the couch will have to do for now.

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Hey steph do you have some soft/fluffy hospital fics ,if not fluff angst will do too .

Hi Lovely! 

LOL I’m laughing so hard at the wording of this ask: “If you don’t want to make me feel all gooey, just murdering me will be fine too” XD XD. 

Ahh, this would fall into my “Sick Fics” categories, which I have MANY of… so I’ll just.. give you a few of the ones I have where hospitals are the setting of the story, rather than a brief mention (uh, basically, I did a tag search and here’s what I found LOL LOL)

HOSPITAL FICS

Prayers by Jberry (M, 665 w. || H/C, Injury, John Whump, Fear of Death, First Person Sherlock) – Sherlock has never been a man who prayed.

Promises Kept by grannysknitting (K+, 844 w. || John POV, Hurt/Comfort, Friendship / Pre-Slash, Sherlock’s Violin, Worried Sherlock, John Whump, Post-TGG) – When they were in hospital, Sherlock made a promise to himself. Now he's keeping it. Set after 'Polygamous Marriage' but before 'Back in the Saddle'

Possessive by Fang323 (T, 850 w. || John Whump, Hospitalization, Possessive / Protective Sherlock, Friendship, Hurt/Comfort) – His John did not belong. Not here. Not in this blasted hospital. It simply was not logical.

Concussions And Good Old Fashioned Awkwardness by Belldere (K+, 894 w. || Humour, Hospitals, Mild John Whump, Misunderstandings, Platonic Relationship, Concussions, Not-Gay John, Possessive Sherlock) – When John lands himself in hospital... again, all he wants is to just get out of there as soon as possible, too bad his doctor has other ideas about where John may be getting his injuries. Good thing concussions make everything strangely funnier.

The Sidewalk by politewarning (K, 956 w. || Post-TRF, Angst, Friendship, Sherlock’s Birthday) – Standing on the sidewalk outside the hospital on the 6th of January to have a one-sided conversation with his dead friend was not something John had intended to make into a ritual.

Dismantle the Sun by Mount_Seleya (T, 965 w. || John Whump, 3G, Angst, Grief) – After a gunshot leaves John in critical condition, Sherlock holds vigil beside his hospital bed, slowly unravelling as the night progresses.

I Was Wrong by AllesandraQuartermaine (K, 1,496 w. || TGG AU, Friendship, Hospitalization / Injury, John’s Self Esteem, Sleepy Sherlock) – Sherlock and John have a conversation a few days after the pool face off with Moriarty. And John hears something quite surprising.

Giveaway Fic #9 - Angsty Sick Fic/Sherlock is Sick by ConsultingPurplePants (T, 1,734 w. || Sick Fic, Hypothermia) – The next time he awakens is even more chaotic. Two doctors are shouting at each other in the corner, and John is holding his hand so tightly Sherlock is worried he’ll break it. Part 9 of 1000 Tumblr Followers Giveaway Fics

Quite Contrary by Hollyesque (T, 1,805 w. || HLV Fic, Sherlock Whump / After Mary Shot Sherlock, Hallucinations / Flashbacks / PTSD, Hospitalization, Hurt/Comfort, Lestrade POV, ) – A short one-shot, alternate scene to Greg's hospital visit in HLV. Instead of Sherlock disappearing, Greg is faced with an unexpected reaction to a hospitalized Sherlock and winds up figuring out something that he really would have rather not known.

In Which Lestrade Looks in on Sherlock and Observes by Aztecwarfareandcrumping (K+, 1,833 w. || Lestrade POV, Friendship, Hurt Comfort, John Whump) – John's in hospital, which means Sherlock is, too. Lestrade takes it upon himself to look in on them.

BBCSH 'Poor Mary' by tigersilver (M, 1,839 w.|| HLV Fic, Canon Compliant, Sherlock Whump / Mary Shot Sherlock, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Pining Sherlock, Hospitalization, Missing Scene, Sherlock POV) – As the tin says above, this is a missing scene, set directly after Sherlock awakens in hospital after having been shot by his best mate's wife. Minor angst, some pining, nothing nasty; please don't be alarmed unduly.

The Doctor's Capable Hands by Totally-Out-Of-It (K+, 2,012 w. || Sherlock Whump, Doctor John, Hurt/Comfort, Hospitals, Anxious Sherlock) – Sherlock is injured during a chase. John sits watchful at his bedside in the hospital and wonders. He wouldn't leave Sherlock alone like this. Especially not if Sherlock wanted him to stay.

Crisis Averted by Spartangal22 (T, 2,188 w. || HLV Fic, Missing Scene After Confronting Mary, Canon Compliant, Sherlock Whump / Mary Shot Sherlock, Family / Friendship, Hospitalization, Sherlock POV, Holmes Brothers) – Lying in the hospital, Sherlock receives some surprising visitors, and manages to deal with two problems he's been having lately. A missing scene from HLV about a formal introduction that was never made and a visit that was never shown.

Domino by Deception's Call (K, 2,689 w. || Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Scared / Worried Sherlock, John Whump, Crying Sherlock, Hospital, Implied Caretaker Sherlock) – When John is injured on a case and is admitted to the hospital, those at Scotland Yard come to realize that perhaps Sherlock Holmes has a heart after all.

Waiting and Recovery by A Wandering Minstrel (K+, 3,173 w. || H/C, Friendship) – Lestrade waits for news of Sherlock and John at the hospital. Mrs. Hudson looks after her boys. Two companion pieces.

MR# 1430155 by blueink3 (T, 3,560 w. || Talks of Parentlock, Baby Watson, Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, Fluff and Angst) – John paces the length of the not inconsiderable hallway and glances at his phone for the tenth time since he exited the hospital room seven minutes ago. Sherlock’s last text was sent at 5:06pm. It is now 5:39pm. He should be here by now. After all, his daughter is 46-minutes-old and if John is going to share this momentous event with someone, it sure as hell isn’t going to be the woman who just gave birth to her. Part 5 of Tumblr Prompts

Memories Lost on Christmas Day by agnesanutter, PlainJane (G, 4,479 w. || Fluff, Hospitals, Worried Sherlock, Post-TRF, Christmas) – It's the day before Christmas and Sherlock and John are exactly where they need to be....

Carry On by Mazarin221b (M, 4,647 w. || 5 and Ones, H/C, Afghanistan, Frottage, Hand Jobs, First Time, Drunk John, Hospitals, Humour, Soft Sex) – Five times John didn't want to be carried, and one time he did.

The Refining Fire by Arwen Jade Kenobi (T, 5,451 w. || Post-TGG AU, Angst, Friendship, Alternating POV (Lestrade, Mycroft, Sherlock), Worried Sherlock, Hospital Recovery) – Fire can burn things to ashes, but it can also burn things together.

EMERGENCY CONTACT: Sherlock Holmes, RELATIONSHIP: n/a by blueink3 (M, 5,533 w. || Hurt John/3G, Fluff & Angst) – The first time John Watson’s emergency contact is called is the first time Sherlock Holmes finds out that he has the job. Part 1 of The Emergency Contact Series

EMERGENCY CONTACT: John Watson, RELATIONSHIP: Saint by blueink3 (M, 6,229 w. || Hurt Sherlock, 5+1, H/C, Caring John, Scars) – The first time Sherlock Holmes realizes he needs an emergency contact is the first time he mentally appoints John Watson with the job. John, of course, does not know this and neither does the local hospital. Part 2 of The Emergency Contact Series

BANG by ElvendorkInfinity (T, 7,016 w. || Post-TGG AU, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Worried / Scared Sherlock, Alternating POV, Whump, Hospital Recovery, Open Ending) – 'I should warn you,' Sherlock says, his voice steady and his eyes fixed on Moriarty. 'You are sadly misinformed.' And he fires. Prequel to M Is For Moriarty

With This Ring by Quesarasara (E, 9,121 w. || Est. Rel., Marriage Proposal, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Idiots in Love, Embarrassing Hospital Visits) – Sometimes even the best of plans go wrong. And sometimes wrong turns out to be exactly right.

The Dying Doctor by Transcendental Starlight (T, 11,258 w. || Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Sick John / John Whump, ACD Rewrite) – Loosely based off ACD's "The Dying Detective." Sherlock relives a case that should have killed him, but instead resulted in John being hospitalized for a deadly disease. Sherlock endeavors to catch the murderer, while attempting to envision a future without John Watson. No Slash.

Obsession by storylover18 (K+, 15,213 w. || HC, Case Fic, Friendship) - Dr. John Watson wakes up ill one morning but it is not the 24 hour flu he thinks it was. Soon he lands in hospital, quickly deteriorating and Sherlock must work to find out what has happened to his blogger before it is too late. Case!fic mixed with sick!fic / No slash.

The Yellow Poppies by SilentAuror (E, 34,952 w. || H/C, Nightmares, HLV Fix-It, PTSD, Trauma, POV Sherlock, Doctor John) – Sherlock is threatened and assaulted in the hospital immediately after having been shot in the heart, first by Mary, then by Magnussen. As he recovers at Baker Street with John and plans the attack on Appledore with Mycroft, he fights to work through the trauma caused by these two visits. Set during His Last Vow.

M Is For Moriarty by ElvendorkInfinity (T, 29,882 w. || Suspense, Mystery, Case Fic, Worried Sherlock, No Slash, Whump) – A figure at the end of the hospital bed; a needle in the dark...Moriarty has John, and Sherlock must follow the paper trail through London to find him before time runs out. Sequel to BANG.

Triage by scullyseviltwin (E, 51,612 w. || Character Injury, Introspection) – Sherlock’s mind goes exceedingly, devastatingly quiet and gray-blank. When he speaks it’s through a thick haze, it’s through molasses, he’s so disconnected from the words that it may as well be the unconscious shooter speaking.

[thelevelsman]

The Great Game + Five-Act Structure

me and @messedupsockindex did a TGG rewatch (i think we’re gonna do the whole show hell yeah hell yeah) and I did some liveblogging that turned into several metas on things i think are important in this episode, with the five-act structure being a Theme (though i went off on a real tangent RE: solar systems/framing and metaphors too). Read on if you dare.

First of all I learned that this was the first episode of the show that was filmed? I find that very interesting, I don’t know much about how to shoot a tv series, BUT if this was the first one that was ready to shoot, i wonder if that means it was the first one finished, and if it was the first one finished, is it because it’s The One that lays out the five-act structure of the whole show? 

link to @fellshish ‘s most brilliant meta here

another small spot of evidence for this “TGG is the layout for the whole show” theory is that lots of little shots in this episode are also in the title sequence (could be a coincidence if they did indeed film this episode first, but also maybe not)

Throughout this episode, we are shown an ongoing conversation between Sherlock and John concerning Sherlock’s lack of basic knowledge about our solar system. It effectively frames the episode - one of the opening scenes being their “domestic” (fight), and the penultimate scene (before the pool scene) being the infamous “I won’t be in for tea” / “I’ll get milk and beans” tragedy. I want to liken this episode-long conversation to a technique I saw in a different show. 

In this show (Masters of Sex starring the brilliant Michael Sheen and the formidable Lizzy Caplan), a man and a woman are having an affair with each other, but justifying it by saying they are simply “working” and that they’re not emotionally attached to each other (they’re sex researchers, so they “collect data” whenever they meet...it’s dumb.) Anyway, there’s a beautiful episode entitled “Fight” during which they are watching a boxing match in their hotel room while engaging in elaborate sexual roleplay with each other. While the boxing match plays in the background, they riff on what their lives would be like together if they really were the husband and wife duo that they pretend to be for the hotel staff. It’s intricate, and loaded, because you never know when they are acting within the roleplay, or talking honestly to each other about their feelings and pasts. They metaphorically duck and weave like boxers around their feelings and around each other. Their conversation often talks literally about boxing, too - The Fight is a tool through which the writers explore the characters’ bond for the viewer.

I see Moftiss using this same technique when I hear Sherlock and John going back and forth THROUGHOUT THE EPISODE about knowledge of the solar system. The first time they discuss it, you can feel John trying to understand why Sherlock comprehends things the way he does - why can something as basic as the solar system (or attraction) be allowed to slip through the cracks of his otherwise daunting intellect? And you can also feel Sherlock’s frustration with the way John perceives him - why should it MATTER if he doesn’t know the exact details of how the solar system (attraction) works - shouldn’t the fact that he knows it exists be enough, and if or when when he needs to, he can figure it out from there? They continue to explore the concept with each other as the episode goes on. 

Here, John has accepted that Sherlock doesn’t (or thinks he doesn’t) care about the mechanics of something as basic as the solar system (attraction). So he asks, why comment on it? Sherlock says even if he doesn’t understand it, he still appreciates it. Telling. 

In the final instance of this conversation, the penultimate scene of the episode, John tells Sherlock that maybe a little knowledge of the solar system might have come in handy after all. But Sherlock also has a point:

John’s knowledge of something so basic as attraction has been useless to him thus far. 

If we’re gonna accept food = sex, I found it funny that John was “starving” and he found a head in the fridge. John, there’s head for dinner, if you want it! Even funnier that Sherlock’s response to “I’m starving” was that he was researching saliva. (I don’t love the food=sex thing, I just don’t think it’s intentional, but I do feel like it’s a valid interpretation here that Sherlock is subtextually begging John to let him suck it)

I’m too tired to figure out what Mycroft’s dental appointment could possibly mean but both of us were like??? My half-baked theory right now (borrowing from M theory) is that the “dental appointment” was actually Mycroft getting the shit kicked out of him by Moriarty/Mary/whoever the mastermind is, so that Mycroft would plant the missile plan crime for Sherlock? 

okay so I never really realized this but Sherlock knows Jim is gay bc he uses hair product and then season 4 John has hella hair product....huh

Sherlock’s security outfit is queer coded but suddenly I can’t find any evidence of this I just...have it somewhere in my psyche that a police/security costume outfit like that was claimed by queer people and I can’t remember why?

For hostage number 3, the old woman, Moriarty (or whoever is on the other end of the computer) calls her “a funny one.” @messedupsockindex​ told me while we were watching about the midpoint of the five-act structure being the breakthrough, the point of no return, the point at which key knowledge is gained (from John Yorke’s Into The Woods, also brilliantly discussed here).  I can’t help but think of this seemingly offhand line as a tiny clue to the importance of series 3 of BBC Sherlock. (In case you didn’t know, the midpoint of the whole show, if there are indeed going to be fifteen episodes, is...you guessed it...the best man speech).

The last Greenwich pip case that is solved, a case in which we have a hostage on the other end of a phone, is the fake painting. The solution to this case is “the Van Buren supernova” aka part of outer space, seen from our solar system. As I’ve argued above, the solar system is a metaphor/framing device used in this episode to subtextually discuss the engine of this entire show - Sherlock and John’s relationship. How very telling that Sherlock, even Sherlock, very nearly doesn’t get to this solution. But, when he does...

(me reading about the five act structure and realizing series four is fake)

Moriarty’s last few lines - I find this whole scene to be absolutely vital to understanding the point of the whole show, but especially the last bit. 

There is probably already someone who has explained/noticed this but...the exchange that Moriarty is responding to, that happened before he re-entered the room, was Sherlock and John getting the closest they ever get in the WHOLE show to discussing the sexual tension/attraction between them (I think I’m again standing on the shoulders of the legendary M theory here). John has taken a huge leap in choosing to bring up what “people” might think about Sherlock ripping his clothes off in a darkened swimming pool. Sherlock responds jokingly but not dismissively, and the logical next step would be to discuss what they themselves think about it...until of course they are interrupted by this, by literally being held at gunpoint.

Moriarty’s lines here are apparently some pretty famous lines in ACD canon. I didn’t know the canon context, so it’s a little easier to just parse the lines in context of this scene. Moriarty wants to stop this discussion that Sherlock and John are about to have, and more broadly, whatever that conversation might lead to. He would try to convince them that they can’t be allowed to continue, but everything he has to say, all the convincing he could possibly do, has already crossed Sherlock’s mind (or both of their minds - it’s actually not specified who he’s talking to here). This is true because Sherlock and/or John are afraid to “continue” - discuss their feelings for each other - because of trauma and internalized homophobia. All the reasons that they shouldn’t “continue,” reasons that Moriarty could cite out loud, have already crossed their minds, probably more than once. I think this unspoken meaning makes so much more sense than taking Moriarty’s “you can’t be allowed to continue” to mean “you can’t be allowed to continue to solve crimes,” which is what it meant in ACD canon. And it’s a fantastic rework of an ACD canon line. 

So... the end, I guess. I probably should have split this up into different posts...

[kitwilsonsass]

okay things i have a lot of feelings about both good and sad and bad off the top of my head because everything is very whaaaat right now:

+++

THE GOSH DARN MOVIE STARTING WITH CLINT, ASSHOLES

thor just fucking beheading thanos fucking yes gore bitch

hulk bringing regular sized man more tacos idk it was just cute

KORG

“HAIL HYDRA” STEVE I HAVE NEVER LOVED YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT FUCKIN PLAY MY DUDE I LOVE YOU AND I LOVE THAT SEQUENCE FOR BEING SO MUCH MORE THAN A HALF ASSED RERUN OF THE FIRST MOVIE

and then CAPT VS CAPT / “that IS america’s ass”

AFOREMENTIONED JAMES D’ARCY AS JARVIS CAMEO though it raises some questions about enver gjokaj as sousa/that cop in avengers 1 again

also tony getting to talk to his dad was nice. really everything with tony was nice like i know he was played out but this was a good solid fucking well rounded character arc and a good out.

clint & nat fighting it out for who was gonna die like lmao predictable but the content i come here for let’s be real

everything rocket did while existing was good

nebula kind of being the key to things fucking up was a good twist honestly

wanda’s ‘you will’ moment was just fucking badass as fucking shit dude idk

the fuckin hammer moment my GOD suddenly age of ultron has value just for that fuckin payoff

just, in general, a character like ant man meaning something

also just the fact that capt/iron man/thor were the trio mostly fending off thanos since they were the original three going at it in avengers 1, again, nice call back

ANYWAY THIS BEING THE ONE SCENARIO WHERE THEY WON. CRAZY. ALMOST LIKE THEY SAID THAT STRAIGHT UP IN INFINITY WAR AND YET EVERYONE FLIPPED THEIR SHIT AND BLAMED QUILL FOR RUINING EVERYTHING AS THOUGHT IT WASN’T EXACTLY WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN HUH HUH???? HUH????? *glaring at fandoms*

*SOBBING NOISES*

tony with his daughter and him making the decision knowing fucking with time might save everyone else but cost him what he’s made with his family, even if that didn’t end up being the case

realizing where nat and clint were going.... lmao.... no fuck you

thor and frigga =((( love me some dead mama drama =(((

back to clint and nat uh lmao that super dramatically backlit head to head moment fucking kill me he should’ve never had a wife and a farm i will die by this sword if there’s one moment i should’ve had a stupid kiss it was this moment fuck my life

the second peter swung in to tony at the end... NOT AGAIN NO

sam getting the shield WEHHHHH

the signed credits of the og squad... wehhHHHHHHHHH

THE ---

half the population seemed more like 90% of the population with how fuckin desolate they made it seem in half those shots holy shit it was like 28 days later up that earth.

hulk looked really small. like really small.

i saw a couple effects/continuity in shot issues. nothing huge.

again nothing important but we had a mention of ronan in a movie ronin was in and man what a common name in this universe, even if clint was never officially called it himself.

“eat a salad” yeah, we get it, he’s fat and it looked silly. “take a bath” would’ve been funnier and more mom-like and... possibly less adr’d in sounding while we’re at it.

the girl power moment should’ve been cool but frankly i’d rather they just had more individual ass kicking moments than one shot where them being together in the midst of a massive battle field made no real sense and meant nothing.

oh yeah, great ‘first openly gay character’ too. like, really?

everyone kind of just showing up was great but also like damn they organized and bamfed across the world fast like how the fuck did they all know.

the steve ending was... i don’t know. i get it. it pulls the heart strings. i do *like it*. but i also feel like it goes a lot against what he’s done, and i don’t get how he can just happily live in an alternate universe knowing what could happen. it also pretty much went against every line of logic they used for the time travel? which is kind of a big problem?

ANYWAY i’m definitely forgetting A LOT but

very good movie very pleasantly surprised with some things i thought weren’t gonna be great when they started happening but ended up being gr8 (like the whole second time travel act). much emotions much watery eyes. may see again.

[ghoulgourd]

@gay4glimmer tagged all of their followers to do 21 questions and tag 21 people they’d would like to get to know better so yeet

nickname: i used to be called m&m all the time but not so much anymore, and my best friend calls me Quinn (i call her ivy lmao)

zodiac: Sagittarius

height: 5’7

last movie I saw: into the spider-verse

last thing I googled: i was trying to find a review for a face mask that claimed to be holo but couldn’t check so i just bought it anyway (it was iridescent 6.5/10)

favorite musician: prolly dodie

song stuck in my head: that one tik tok meme that’s like “would u take me to the west side” or whatever

other tumblrs: uh my old blog that’s technically my main

do I get asks: not really

following: 476

followers: 20 but my old blog was 108 which is actually why i made a new blog cuz none of those followers were active

amount of sleep: i... genuinely don’t know i sleep maybe 3 hours a night and then sleep all day once i get home and do it all over again

lucky number: 8

what I’m wearing rn: this large pj shirt but I’ve no clue where it came from

dream job: something in fashion! Maybe fashion journalism idrk rn

dream trip: Paris fashion week! @wond-las and i were just talking ab it lol, either that or going to Ireland

favorite food: i actually like salads tbh cuz there’s so many different kinds

play any instruments: i took four years of violin and am picking it up again, i know a bit of keyboard and guitar, and i sing uwu

languages: English, a teeny tiny bit of Italian and Spanish, and enough German to hold a conversation but I’m taking more of it so I’m tryna be completely fluent

favorite song: if I’m being honest or monster, both by dodie in her new ep Human

random facts: My bOdY iS iN ChRoNiC pAiN aT AlL tIMeS but it makes bone hurt juice jokes funnier so ya win some ya lose some eh? Also i really like yak and bison, they both make me really happy and make me feel at home somehow

your aesthetic: femme gay plant mom who lives on a farm with her wife and five yak

for tagging people: literally all my followers cuz that’s just less than 21 people but ig specifically @colliewolf @snaps-in-z-formation @amysavenue and @daughterofapollo8

[derpyslurpy-da-derp-master]

Ni No Kuni/Ni No Kuni 2?

Alrighty since they’re two games imma answer them separately.

Favorite character: Cassiopeia, the poor child mygod WHY ZODIARCHS WHY- 

Aaaaand Daddy Roland, my god I love this man he’s so cool but also is such a good dad to Evan and his backstory is so sad and oh my god imma do a cry

Least Favorite character: Tough call because I don’t outright despise any of the characters in Ni No Kuni, but my least favorite would prooobably have to be Phil. Like, this dude is such an ass to Oliver and Myrtle, Ollie boy you deserve better than this, you’re a good boy you can just be friends with Myrtle okayOh my god I despise Lofty so much. Ni No Kuni spoiled me with how fun and interesting Mr. Drippy is, Lofty’s over here being fairly bland while meanwhile Drippy’s over here being over the top beyond the sun and being filled to bursting with personality, like, the game would be so much funnier if Lofty was more like Drippy or had a strong personality at all

5 Favorite ships (canon or non-canon): Oliver x Esther (My god they’re so cute), 

Pea x Oliver (I now have diabetes from how sweet this ship is), Evan x Tani (EVAN LEGITIMATELY PROPOSED TO TANI AND SHE BECAME HIS QUEEN THEYRE SO CUTE- *explodes*) 

Bracken x Zip (oh my god their relationship is both so sad and so moving, like, Bracken was at her lowest point, she lost her leg and didn’t want to go on, then Zip made her a robotic one, he’s the reason she could go on. That hit me right in the feels.) 

Nu Bi x Fai Do (I can just imagine these two being cute as all hell with Nu trying to be withdrawn and meanwhile Fai’s being an excited puppy dragging him to the blacksmith so they can make stuff together, Nu tries to pretend it bugs him but he can’t hide his smile)

Character I find most attractive: Hm… I’d say… Huh this is tough… Probably Queen Cassiopia, she’s very pretty.Roland, duh. Like, I’m gay and every time I see him I’m just like ‘DAYUM that’s a handsome fella.’

Character I would marry: Imma pass on both ‘cause I got no answer for this 

Character I would be best friends with: Esther and Tani, 100% THEY ARE THE SASS MASTERS THEYRE SO FUNNY I LOVE THEM

a random thought: why aren’t these two games connected more it makes me sad also WHY DID THEY REPLACE FAMILIARS WITH HIGGLEDIES I MISS MY SHONKY HONKER

An unpopular opinion: Shadar’s tragic past doesn’t excuse what he did, he McMurdered and physically broke the hearts of SO MANY PEOPLE

Also Oliver shouldn’t have magically been okay after the splitting of his heart from Shadar’s that would’ve left so much emotional impact and ANGSTThe Kingdom Building and Skirmish systems are the WORST. I hate doing them but I gotta and it sucks!

My Canon OTP: Evan x Tani (Their post game outfits are of their lives after the game and Tani and Evan are dressed as Monarchs THEY GET MARRIED FOR REAL- *explodes again*

My Non-canon OTP: Esther x Oliver (make it cannon you cowards)

Most Badass Character: Cassiopea, like damn this girl kicks some SERIOUS ASS in the final battle, like, how many times have YOU cast a successful Nix spell? This gal does it every time and is the daughter of the Wizard king AND is immortal?! WOAH.Roland. Like, this dude found himself in a strange new world and he straight up SHOT one of Mausinger’s men in the face, like, Mister President is a badass

Most Epic Villain: Shadar, JESUS CHRIST HE HAS THREE PHASES AND THEYRE ALL TERRIFYING

Bastion, Zip’s Kingmaker. Jesus christ HES SO BIG AND SCARY

Pairing I am not a fan of: Swaine x Esther. …Guys. GUYS. ESTHER’S A KID.Roland x Anyone. …Guys… GUYS. HE HAS A WIFE AND A DYING CHILD.

Character I feel the writers screwed up (in one way or another): Marcassan. I wanted to use him, I really did, but he’s so far behind in levels and the other three are essential to my party, I can’t swap them!Lofty. GIVE LOFTY AN INTERESTING PERSONALITY 2K18

Favorite Friendship: Myrtle and Oliver, oh my god they’re so precious! 

Tani and Evan, they’re so freaking cute and funny together oml-

Character I most identify with: Myrtle (Crappy dad and used to have moderate depression, lacking courage)

Tani because I too am sassy as all hell and blunter then a baseball bat

Character I wish I could be: Pea, I wish I could be as happy as her and able to always see the brightside… I try but it doesn’t always happen. (also this picture hurts my heart because its the last you see of her who left these onions here)

Roland, he’s such a kind an patient man that also knows when it’s best to lay low and when it’s best to fight back. Then again, he’s this way because he’s like 40 or 50 or so, you learn these things through experience.

[sapphicscholar]

hi so I didn't know who to ask but in my psych class we're learning about adolescent psychology, & there was this unit on developing interest in relationships. It went way into detail on how the brain changes during that time, which was interesting, but ofc my gay ass couldn't relate. at the end all it said was 'it's different for homosexuals.' I guess I'm wondering if you know of any way to learn about psychology relating to LGBT people? srsly im thirsty for anything in academia I can relate to

(same psych anon) that was a pretty specific question so I guess like do you have any info or know of any links/ websites/places to learn about lgbt history and lives and stuff like that in an academic way? bc I love school & learning but I’ve always wanted to learn more about myself and people like me, but they never teach that in schools.

Oh my gosh SO MANY THINGS! Okay, so, the psych stuff is pretty outside of my knowledge but I asked my gf (she does the science in this relationship while my gay ass just reads a whole lot of books), and she recommends Helen Fisher and looking at the researchers at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality or the Kinsey Institute, as well as The Sage Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Studies (it’s an online resource a lot of universities subscribe to). But I’d also say that as far as thinking about developmental narratives, LGBTQ memoirs are a great place to start, especially since so many of them go through their own experiences of having to confront this heteronormative, cis-centric narrative that just doesn’t fit them and their lives. 

So some good queer history authors are: John D’Emilio (comprehensive, if a bit male-centric), Lillian Faderman (writing all about lesbian history, including more recent history; very well-respected; she’s got some issues in her scholarship that by no means discount it as a whole, but I’m happy to talk more about if you want), Michael Bronski (his Queer History of the United States is really accessible), George Chauncey (it’s just of NYC, but still fun), Estelle B. Freedman, Foucault (though it’s not quite “history,” it’s a kind of history meets theory of regimes of power and how sexuality got tied up in that), Martha Vicinus (I adore her), Valerie Traub (goes all the way back to the early modern period), and so many others who really focus more on niche history, so I won’t list them here. There are some web resources, but I know a lot of them are databases that are subscription-based. I’ll see what I can’t dig up in the next couple of days as far as free websites. I know they exist; it’s just a matter of having the time to look…

Okay, you didn’t specifically say you were interested in literature but bc I taught literature and think it’s a great way to learn about the history of a group, I’m gonna list some anyway and you can feel free to disregard!

Patricia Highsmith, The Price of Salt (or Carol, depends on the year it was printed) – you can also check out the movie! I find the two to be complementary (the book gives you Therese’s POV almost exclusively, whereas the movie shows much more of Carol’s story) 

Alison Bechdel, Fun Home is her graphic novel/memoir that’s really excellent, but the comic strip that sort of launched her as a public persona (at least within the lesbian community) was Dykes to Watch Out For, quite a bit of which is available for free online

Henry James, The Bostonians – one of the first recognizable depictions of a queer female character in literature (not really…I’d trouble that as a professor, but that’s how it gets taught in general, and it was one of the first books where even contemporary reviewers were quick to note that there was something “wrong” or “morbid,” which was 19th C. code for what would come to be understood as lesbian sexuality, about Olive Chancellor) – free online, though it’s James at his most….Jamesian, which means it’s not that accessible

The poetry of Emily Dickinson! It’s all free online. There’s a ton of it, though much of it isn’t obviously queer

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room – gets into bisexual identity in a way a lot of works don’t do; on the sadder side…fair warning 

Virginia Woolf! Especially Orlando or Mrs. Dalloway – the former has been called “the longest and most charming love-letter in literature” (to Woolf’s longtime friend and lover, Vita Sackville-West) and deals with the fluidity of gender and time; the latter has quite a few flashbacks to the brief childhood romance of the protagonist and her friend. Both of them are great, but Woolf, as a modernist, can have a writing style that’s difficult to get into at first (for instance, time really isn’t stable or linear, which is something I adore about her, but definitely takes some getting used to). They’re both available free online through Project Gutenberg

Radclyffe Hall, The Well of Loneliness – it’s a classic, in the sense that it’s one of those books people sort of expect you to have read if you do lesbian literature. It’s certainly an interesting story and told well, but it’s not even close to a happy ending and is rather conciliatory to prevailing norms (though even still it was taken to the courts under the  obscenity laws) - free online, though!

Sarah Waters – a contemporary novelist who writes almost all historical fiction about queer women! Some of her stories are better known (e.g. Tipping the Velvet), but they’re pretty much all great. Varying degrees of angst, but definitely an accessible read

Maggie Nelson, The Argonauts – sort of experimental in form (it’s fiction with footnotes!); it deals with a lesbian woman coming to terms with her partner’s transition and her own identity during the process 

E.M. Forster, Maurice – even though it was first drafted in the 1910s, Forster edited it throughout his life, and, given the subject matter, which was also autobiographical, and the prevailing attitudes at the time, the book was only published posthumously in the 70s

Colette’s Claudine series – it’s long (multi-volume) but sort of a classic – they’re all old enough to be free online, though the English translation is harder to come by 

Eileen Myles – lesbian poet and novelist – I’d recommend Inferno but some of her poetry is free online 

Rita Mae Brown – Rubyfruit Jungle and Oranges Are not the Only Fruit are both quite good, though, especially the latter deals with religiously-motivated homophobia, so I know at least my girlfriend, who dealt with a lot of that from her family, opted not to read it for her own mental health. 

Tony Kushner, Angels in America – this two-part play deals with the AIDS crisis in America – it’s been turned into a TV miniseries, a Broadway play, and a movie, some of which are available online

Really anything by David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs – both are gay authors who deal a lot with short stories (a ton of memoir/autobiographical stuff) – the former is a bit funnier, but they both have enough sarcasm and dry wit even in dark situations to make them fast reads 

Alan Ginsburg’s poetry 

Walt Whitman’s poetry (though it can be really fucking racist) 

Binyavanga Wainaina, One Day I Will Write About This Place – does deal with issues of sexual abuse as a warning 

Anything by Amber Hollibaugh (she writes a lot about class and butch/femme dynamics – quite a bit of her stuff has been scanned and uploaded online) 

Michelle Tea – was a slam poet; recovering alcoholic; fantastically funny and talented author and delightful human being if you ever get the chance to meet her or go to one of her readings

Randy Shilts, And the Band Played On – more a work of investigative journalism than anything, the work is a stunning indictment of the indifference of the US government during some of the worst years of the AIDS crisis, but it also provides a good bit of gay history 

Terry Galloway Mean Little Deaf Queer – deals with one woman’s experience of losing her hearing and navigating the world and the Deaf and deaf communities as a once-hearing person – she’s sort of acerbic and always funny;

Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex – grapples with intersex identity in a way that’s still far too rare in literature 

Theodore Winthrop, Cecil Dreem – just rediscovered about two years ago, this is one of the few pretty happy gay novels from the nineteenth century! Free online!

Leslie Feinberg, Stone Butch Blues – pretty clear from the title, but deals with a butch character’s struggles with gender identity (takes T to pass for a while, but then gets alienated from the lesbian community; eventually stops taking T, but still struggles with what that means for her) – Feinberg’s wife made it free online for everyone after Feinberg’s death (the book had a limited print run, which made finding copies both hard and expensive) 

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy – trilogy later adapted for film about an effeminate gay man (who also performs as a drag queen) and his life and family   

Oscar Wilde – his novels aren’t explicitly gay, but they often dance around it thematically, at least; his heartbreaking letter, De Profundis, which he wrote to his lover while imprisoned for “gross indecency,” is available online 

Anything by Dorothy Alison 

Audre Lorde, Zami: A New Spelling of My Name - great as a memoir and a cultural history  

There’s so many more but this is so my jam I suspect I’ve already rambled too long

If you’re interested in film, here are a few: 

Paris Is Burning (a film about drag ball culture in NYC) 

Fire – Deepa Mehta (it’s on YouTube in the US) 

Boys Don’t Cry – there is a lot of homophobia and transphobia in the film, so it’s definitely one you’ll want to be in the right mindset to watch (I, for one, have only watched it once) 

But I’m a Cheerleader – over-the-top mockumentary-esque film that satirizes conversion therapy and the Christian “documentaries” that claimed to showcase their successes (RuPaul is in it as well) 

Desert Hearts – one of the earliest films to leave open the possibility of a happy ending for the lesbian couple 

Hedwig and the Angry Itch – deals with gender identity and feelings of not belonging (also a fabulous musical) 

Philadelphia – about one man’s experience of discrimination while dying of AIDS 

There are plenty of lighter films, but I figure these tend to also talk more seriously about some issues as well

I don’t know if anyone but me made it to the end of this post, but there’s also so much fun queer theory out there that I won’t get into here, but I’m always up for giving more recommendations!

[wreathedwith]

How Not To Be a Boy book tour write-up

Brief write up of an event I attended where Robert Webb was in conversation with Victoria Coren Mitchell. Because they were both too cute about David Mitchell, “the elephant in the room”. It was a really fun evening watching two people talk who clearly like each other and get on well (and I got my book signed an’ all).

This is not everything that was discussed, nor is it verbatim.

VCM said at the beginning that RW's book is on its fifth reprinting already!

VCM also said at the beginning she had been “wanting to meet Rob for a long time and I'm pleased it's finally happening”.

RW's wife was in the front row of the audience (which mostly meant some guilty looks towards her occasionally when talking about certain parts of the book).

RW read out two extracts over the course of the evening: one part from towards the end of the book about the beginning of the end of his relationship with Jenna (reading Men are from Mars… and similar books, feeling absolved from emotional workload, playing Civ II), and the part about Will in Torquay.

(VCM referred to Ellis, who told RW to take Jenna to Milan to propose to her, as “David’s friend”. This reminded me that there’s an Ellis in Back Story – assume the same. His full name, as given in Back Story, is Ellis Wolfe Sareen, which is nuts.)

Back Story was brought up early on by VCM. (I think this was in the context of DM’s irritation that RW had suppressed his Lincolnshire accent, which would have given them a not-middle-class edge.) RW joked that he had “already outsold it”.

VCM mentioned in relation to this about her father in the 1950s, when it would have been far more common to do so, being born working class then going from a grammar school to Oxford, and adopting a posh accent and starting to wear tweed jackets in order to fit in with the establishment. VCM expressed fascination with RW doing something similar. VCM also contrasted her concerns when writing about her father, already famous, over not tarnishing his legacy, versus RW writing about people who weren't famous and whether he felt responsibilities around that. RW said that he did, and that everyone involved saw an early draft and okayed it. Occasionally people had said ‘really?’ about some aspect and it was taken out, but not very often.

RW, at one point: “Of course we were going to end up talking about flipping David the whole time.”

VCM segued at one stage into talking about DM's opinion on black tie (“My husband's theory on black tie is that the only good thing about being a man at red carpet events...”) and RW mimed irritation about her always going on about David and David's views. VCM moved on.

(Adorably!) VCM could barely get through without laughing – “this is one of my favourite things ever” – the story of DM intending to email a reminder to himself about calling RW (RW: “he needs some sort of app”) but accidentally emailing the message to Rob instead (mentioned by DM here). VCM: “It was nice! You knew you were in his thoughts.”

VCM: “In your best man speech at our wedding, you specified that you had never seen DM's penis. My question is: why had you expected to?” RW explained that he had meant that over the years (Edinburgh shows, touring etc.) they had shared a lot of “floors, or at least a twin bedroom”. But every time they shared a room, DM would “go off to the bathroom with his little bag ... and come back out resplendent in his burgundy pyjamas which, by the way, I know he still has.” (VCM seemed to indicate this was the case.) This is what happens, RW said, when “two people with vastly different ideas about nudity share a bedroom”. (For the record, RW asked the men in the audience to raise their hands if they had seen several of their platonic male friends' penises, and quite a lot of them did.)

There was some audience q and a time at the end, but a couple of questions were invited in the middle. The first question RW was asked was a good one: “When you're writing about sexism and stereotypes, how can you tell that a joke is working because it's about sexism, rather than being a sexist joke?” RW said that there was no formula and that it was something you got better at judging with practice, and you had to think about whether you could defend the joke if that situation ever arose. He also made an interested reference to Jimmy Carr (“although I like Jimmy”), citing Carr saying that jokes are a “holiday from morality” but RW personally wouldn’t subscribe to such an extreme view.

There was another, perhaps inevitable, question on why comedy is so sexist. RW for the most part abdicated from answering this, saying he was not qualified to answer and “if only there was a woman here to answer that” (although did elaborate somewhat, saying that although he didn’t do stand-up he thought women sometimes had to work a lot harder to command control over a room than a male stand up – he phrased it more carefully than that). VCM said “you didn’t ask [me]”, but said that the first time she went on a panel show no-one laughed, the second time a few people laughed and the third time nearly everyone did because people had realised it was OK to laugh. “And I didn’t get funnier; if anything, less funny.” Her explanation for this was that audiences get nervous when they see someone they don’t know, and far more so when that person is a woman. “It seems to be illegal to put on more than two women on a panel show at once,” VCM said, and that this could be solved by just getting on three or four women at once for every panel show for a couple of months, then everyone would feel fine about women, but it would never happen because of the first couple of months where it would feel awkward.

At one point, VCM said “Ten years ago, if anyone was to guess which one of Mitchell and Webb was not entirely heterosexual...” RW completely misinterpreted this and said “yes, it would have been me” (I guess he's thinking about... the cross dressing dancing? and similar) before realising what VCM had meant. “Oh yeah!” RW said, looking very amused. “People, some people, used to think David was gay.”

(This pretty much came up from some quarters, I guess, from the fact that DM appeared to have no love life to speak of and was successful but living with a flatmate in his late 30s. Now we know specifically what was going on, of course. But the thing is DM is... so straight. Like, hilariously straight. To the point of being terrified of women for a long time and also being quite apologetic in Back Story for not even being a little bit gay. Anyway, I found it amusing that none of that thinking immediately came to RW’s mind.) Further clarification on that side of things: RW said that “aged 16 to 22, I thought of myself as bisexual. Then that petered out. I blame Peter.” (“Ba boom! You've been waiting for a proper joke and that was finally it!”)

RW also said that sexuality was a spectrum and some people are quite happy at one end or the other, and others move up and down it. RW said he strongly disliked the idea that if you were attracted to twice the genders there was twice the temptation to cheat (“If you're going be tempted, don't get married! What are you doing?”). There was also a brief exchange between VCM and RW where VCM began suggesting and RW agreed that what you call yourself and how you feel about various genders fades away and doesn't really matter once you commit yourself to one person. (That's something I know not everyone would agree with, but I doubt he would claim to be making a more universal point beyond his own feeling.)

VCM did not soft-ball RW for knowing him, and asked him a really tough question at the end – essentially, what percentage of your father's mistakes have you made yourself, and how well are you doing overcoming them. (RW said that he thought he'd made about 30-40% of the mistakes. Can't remember exactly what he said to the latter, but it was something along the lines of not wanting to say exactly how well he was doing but that it was better than he had been and a work in progress.)