#lyx talks

[skxtchyghost]

cuteness aggression but with a knife

"you're so cute i need to stab you"

[lyx-writes]

☆𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳☆

Fairy Tail

One Punch Man

Persona 5 (Original only)

Persona 4 (Original only)

Persona 3 (No FemC content and characters at the moment, I've only played Reload)

Trauma Center (UTK, UTK 2, and Second Opinion)

Beyblade (Burst and Evolution only)

Telltale's The Walking Dead Game (Seasons 1-4)

Coffee Talk (1 and 2)

[lyx456]

Magnus Protocol episode 8 thoughts:

-not gonna lie i didn't understand anything from the beginning of the statement and a bit aftet that so I will have to google translate it later probably

-from the things I got tho: WOOOOO LIMINAL SPACES BABYYYYY

-the statement was pretty creepy I always liked the lonely parts in previous ones so it was fun to hear something similar again

-I didn't check the trigger warnings this time so the cannibalism took me by surprise

-I would too jump out of a window rather then get eaten alive so based

-Alice my beloved

-okay so we still don't know wtf is Gwen supposed to do now after the promotion got it

-Colin got a mental health leave?? Didn't expect that good for him

-HOLY FUCK GERRY SOUNDS SO HAPPY IT ACTUALLY MADE ME TEAR UP MY BOY 😭 like I am going insane I think hearing him talk about painting and laughing and crap broke me

-also hello Gertrude I did not expect to hear you like at all for some reason (Gigi is a sweet nickname i guess you better treat Gerry well here or i swear to god)

-I knew some stuff from the arg so no surprises there about the experiments and Gerry and Sam being part of them

-I FUCKING KNEW IT CELIA IS SO NOT FROM THIS WORLD SHE KNOWS CRAP

- GEORGIE 🥰

[xqueenmakesyoucrazy]

Impactful. Never done before. Yet timeless class. Who else can do it?

Liu Yuxin for GQ China Part 2

(source: LYX weibo)

[artistfaery]

I'm so glad I didn't share my twst fics back in the day bc I'm rereading them and they are. Something.

[gizkasparadise]

2023 wrapped: cdrama edition!

taking a page from @dangermousie and doing an overview of all the cdramas i watched this year (i'll do one for kdramas later)! listed in order of least favorite to most favorite. favorite =/= objectively best/most well-made. just the ones i had the most fun watching.

15 have a crush on you. oh dear lord. this drama should be a case study for what happens when a bad drama has charismatic actors and they keep you trapped hostage. i watched this whole damn thing hating every minute of it on behalf of the poor female lead who definitely deserved better. the ending? absolutely batshit, and not in a fun way. one of the weirdest, worst endings ive seen since with you

14 back from the brink. too kitschy for me, i didn't last long on this one (i think 2 eps lol).

13 gone with the rain. i wanted to like this one because i love sean sun and troll general is exactly what i want out of life. but i didn't like the weird daydream asides, constant animal noise sound effects, and i found everyone kind of off-putting in a non-watchable way, so i peaced out really quick--ep 4ish

12 here we meet again. i love janice wu. i continue to try out her dramas hoping for something to grab me again. this one was pretty boring/too focused on the work element and not the rest of it.

11 exclusive fairytale. i have a secret weakness for youth-to-working-life dramas, so tried this one out. flat, not a lot of chemistry, and very color-by-numbers. the show was clearly made to vehicle jun, and that's okay, but not my thing

10 the starry love. i wanted to like this one because the side characters were fun and i loved the male lead/prince of heaven and all his awkward "please leave by 9" energy. but it bored me overall and unlike most folks i had no interest in the demon secondary ship. i dropped around ep 10

9 my journey to you. it kills me to rank this one so low because it was my most anticipated cdrama this year, but i just couldn't get into it. the pacing was too slow for me, and i couldn't stand how everyone talked to each other (long. pauses. and then. staring. and then. whispers. always the. whispers). i dropped this around midway

8 the love you give me. the chemistry between the leads was cute and it was a decent modern romance. started losing me around the midpoint when the paternity reveal hit and the ML got way into boundary crossing because of it

7 circle of love. objectively not a good drama. in fact, a toxic and batshit drama that has probably made me a worse person for watching it. but gd did my messy ass enjoy the trainwreck.

6 road home. you really got to be in the mood for this one, but it's a nice, understated and slow melo romance. but def not a bingeable show since it takes its time with everything

5 wonderland of love. another drama that i dont think is objectively great, but two competent schemers/martial artists trying to one-up each other is like ship catnip for me and this was a show that lived or died by its ship. surprisingly tame for the screenwriter, and had a happy ending! popcorn watch.

4 till the end of the moon. me and this drama were in a bad romance, which i suppose is thematically appropriate. i hated parts of it, i was super invested in others. the post-dream human arc was giving wuthering heights tragic obsession incredibleness. even with its flaws, i think most of cdramaland is in agreement that lyx/tantai jin stole the ML competition this year. great gowns, beautiful gowns

3 story of kunning palace. i adored the characters in this drama! even when the plot was losing my interest, everyone was cast so well and had so much charisma that i stayed pretty hooked from ep 10ish on. absolutely loved the mean high school theatre director wreck that was xie wei, as well as the other (imo) true love interest of the show, princess leyang. the desperate speech about being like iron is gonna live rent-free in my head

& then 1&2 are way ahead of the others for me this year/a very close race between them!

2 a journey to love. i love this drama so much!!! i have not skipped or speed watched a single scene which for me is a huge feat! great character work across the board -- even the side characters have a lot of nuance and interesting dynamics between them. beautiful fight scenes. great ost. one of the best, most balanced main couples ive seen in a show. it's gonna break my heart in a few eps when it ends, but i'll be happy about it

1 lost you forever (s1). this drama came out of NOWHERE and the vicegrip it had on me while it was airing!!! my favorite FL this year (although a journey to love's ruyi is a close second), and just a ton of fun while also being quietly devastating in parts. i loved how lived in and tired the FL felt, enjoyed the various flavors of mess from her love interests, and enjoyed how extra it could go while still giving us really grounded and complicated characters. this drama gets extra points for converting me on several actors i did not think that highly of before the show.

overall, despite how many i dropped (lol writing it out made me realize i dropped so, so many), cdramas delivered for me this year! my top two are on my short list for favorite dramas, period. everyone go watch a journey to love and lost you forever if you havent yet!!!

AWARDS

Favorite ship: definitely goes to ruyi and yuanzhou from a journey to love. it's just nice to see a couple that mutually supports each other's murders

Favorite FL: xiaoyao from lost you forever with ruyi from journey to love as a very close runner-up. i am here for this year's theme of competent, jaded ladies trying to reclaim their lives

Favorite ML: objectively, tantai jin from till the end of the moon should win this, but story of kunning palace's xie wei was just so entertainingly grumpy, petty, and unhinged which is a winning combo for me.

Favorite 2FL: princess yang ying from a journey to love. she's doing amazing and im proud of her!!

Favorite 2ML: technically third male lead, but xiang liu from lost you forever was my favorite to watch and had the best tuxedo mask exits

Best Cast: a journey to love, i literally adore all of them, even the ones i hate

Best Blood Cough: tantai jin, you beautiful bastard who needs a bib

[ab--n]

Chapter 1: Shifting and Moping for Lost Hope part 1

After having less than the recommended number of hours of sleep, I went to tell DK my conversation with Chocomonio. Him obviously being concerned.

“So what you’re saying is that this ‘Chocomonio’ person told you that two rooms have vents that connect to each other. I supposed that makes sense. Dero and Celeernyx did mention a way of transportation…”

“Okay I’m getting tired DK, Who are these people?”

“Verin, calm down. They're also Participants.”

“Ugh, Yeah sorry. I just feel like absolute trash.”

So one day until the poison kicks in and kills everybody but us four…. Wait.. didn’t Monodoo say that two rooms will be unaffected?

“DK… are you aware of how many rooms there are?”

“At least four.”

“Two rooms will be spared of poison.”

“And we were put in groups of four… 16 in total”

As silence falls between me and DK. we’ve come to a horrible realization.

What if Monodoo makes us continue killing each other?

“HEY!!! Archie found something. Looks like a key! Come here, Dolly and Archie will be waiting!!” Dolly yelled, thank god she was here. Morale would have dropped much quicker if she wasn't.

“We’re coming!!... Come on DK”

“... I’ll be following.”

Without DK I ran to where Archie and Dolly were. As I looked over them I saw a red key. It looks off though, Like it was taken straight out of a children's book.

“I found it near the monitor, It appeared overnight.”

“Dolly can see that. It wasn't here yesterday.”

Maybe Monodoo put it there? But how can he get in here? I have too many questions and no answers.

 “Let's use the key already! Dolly wants out of here!”

“Dolly, please wait! For all we know it could be a trap!” Archie pleaded.

“Well we don't know if we dont try!!”  

“Fine… let's go to the door first.”

Archie,Dolly and Me went to the door locking us here. It really doesn't make sense, I mean a key looking like it was stolen from a cartoon can open an attack proof metal door?-

*CREAK*

“….What?! How did it open?” I yelled.

“Look, Verin I don’t know either! The key looked really fake so I thought it was a trap!” Archie tried to explain

“Yay, The door opened! Wait for Dolly, Dolly will get Sir Dragon Knight!”

.....

So… we are out? 

.....

“DOTTY, I SWEAR TO NOVA, OR VOID OR WHOEVER, JUST STOP BOTHERING BLOSSOM DEE!!”

I turned my head as I saw 12? Maybe 10 more people come out of metal doors like ours, they must be the other participants.

“Okay! Dolly is back with DK! Hmm? Who are they?”

Suddenly DK pops out behind her.

“Those are the other participants Dolly, now if you will excuse me, I need to talk to somebody.”

"DK... Are you ok?" I questioned

"Yes, Now please leave me alone..."

I don’t know for sure… but DK is acting weird, I should leave him alone for now though. Maybe one of those guys that he mentioned wanted to talk?

Can I talk to Chocomoinio? I can see what it looks like now.

“Dolly, Archie. I also got places to be- Dolly, where’s Archie?”

“Archie went to Fylass, Dolly also wants to talk to someone soooo… Buh bye Verin!!”

And Dolly ran off, I wonder who does she want to talk to. But now’s not the time, I got to find Chocomonio!

As I traversed through the small crowd, then I heard a shout..

“Yo Veri! Where are you?” A familiar voice

“Choco? Is that you?” 

“Yep, and I’m right behind ya!”

Excited, I turned around quickly to see… a Yellow cat-like lady in a royal looking kimono, Not really what I expected…

“HI!!!!!!..Hmm? Oh ya fell for my facade? Wait let me turn back.”

Suddenly a blackish goo covered the lady and transformed into a small puffball with pink hair and lots of eyes…that are also pink.

“Here I am in all my glory! Sooo.. how’s it been going?”

“Not the best. I’m also confused… I mean did everyone get those weird keys?”

“Yeah, Techno found ours when she was on night watch. I have no idea where she is. I think she also switched ‘bodies’ with Lyx”

Man, there are so many names to keep track of. And why did Choco do air quotes when referring to those two guys switching bodies?

“Hey! while the more mature guys find out whatever is happening, wanna explore and talk to the others?”

“What about you Choco?”

“I’ma annoy Blossom with Dotty. Those two seem to hate each other, Weeeellll maybe only Blossom hates Dotty. Welp, I’ll be taking my leave now. See you later Verin.”

Okay, I’m a bit far behind the social game. I should introduce myself to the rest of the group-

“Hey! Rotten orange peel!” A girl a bit shorter than me ran up to me out of breath. She looks like Knuckle Joe. I wonder what he's doing right now.

“Have you seen a blind purple bat-like girl with a broken leg?” She seems desperate…

“Jill, please don't refer to the girl as ‘Rotten orange peel’!”

“I Don’t Give A Shit, Vibrato! I’m trying to find Bliees!”

I.. should leave these two to argue, I’ll go find others to introduce myself to.

______________________________________________________________

Oof, sorry if this seems rushed. its been a stressful two months. part two will be coming soon I hope.

@monsterhatdoodles

@moon-mage

@loaflovesdoodling

@george228732

@ceoofmetagala

@cauliarty

@smaaenart

@ilikesillythingswooo

I think thats everyone, if I didnt tag you and your character is in this part then please dm me!

[plantsarepeopletoo]

Only Friends Music EP5 (part 2/2)

Part one covers the first half of Ep5, or you can find other episodes on my pinned comment.

This is a series of posts taking a closer look at the music of Only Friends. Reminder: Playing with the music is like body language, it moves with the conversation. Verbal says something either through lyrics or something like a song title.

[2/4 cont.]

Song: Miniboss by Lasse Lyx Scene: Concert, girl comes up to talk to Ray Type: Vocal, Playful

Starts as Sand says “You never paid attention to me” and continues playing without the guitar while Sand and Ray banter. The conversation is another hint that Sand has been watching Ray before they met. Or at least Sand has been paying attention to Ray. “If it wasn’t my glorious kindness for giving you a ride home that day, you wouldn’t even have spared me a glance.” Sand brings up the savior thing, and Ray makes a joke about giving generous tips to Sand. But Ray’s real test is money, with the music dispersing when Ray offers to give Sand money for the beer, and starting up again as Ray nods and lets Sand pay.

Song: Flo by Molife Scene: Girl talks to Ray at the concert Type: Vocal

Ray just goes with the flow and is polite to the girl talking to him. The song stops as Sand rejoins him with the beer. I wanted to add both pictures because of the difference in smiles.

Song: Night Love by JEKD  Scene: Song sung by band at concert Type: Vocal

Lyrics in the show:

I see you passing by, walking through the night And you are so beautiful, standing under that light Meeting you tonight, is it coincidental or fated But the loneliness we both share has now been sated On this dark night, I just want to keep you by my side On this long night, I fear someone might change your mind  I need you right now, let’s make the night mean something Night love, baby, it’s nightlife It’s about you and me in a sexy night Night love, baby, it’s nightlife Only you, my sexy lady

Another Thai song for Ray and Sand, another song with loneliness, another song with fear of someone else. Sand is fearing Mew and Ray’s relationship, even as Sand spends more time with Ray, building their relationship on uncertain and unspoken grounds. They’re building a sandcastle, easily kicked over or washed away by the waves.

[3/4]

Song: Minimal Meaning by Marten Moses Scene: Top and Mew hold hands in front of the host stand. Type: Verbal

Starts when the host glances at Top and Mew holding hands. Mew views it as judgment from the host, third time this song has played this episode. This is the second time this song has told us about Mew’s insecurities, and once with Top’s feeling of unease. 

Song: And So It Begins by Across the Great Valley Scene: Mew “Sees” Top with his other senses Type: Vocal

Mew lets go of his senses completely and just sees Top as he wants him to be. Mew’s Top is more expressive, smiles more, and seems softer.

Song: Window With A View by Sleepaway Camp Scene: Parking garage Sand talks about his dream Type: Vocal

Lyrics in show: 

One more night in my head Stirring up dust and kicking cobwebs Looking for a light I’ve never known Will be it be out in the wilderness or will it be homegrown

Lyrics not in show:

One more night with the dead I’ve been spending more time with them than the living And if you’re just the company that you keep I’ll stay where I am for eternity I don’t know If something’s going to come my way I don’t know But give me just a little taste ‘Cause I need something To hold onto I need more than just a window A window with a view And all this looking out Is just a symptom of a heart filled with doubt ‘Cause when I start looking in I can’t tell the end from the beginning I don’t know If something’s going to come my way I don’t know  But give me just a little taste I need something To hold onto I need more than just a window A window with a view

Sand is stagnant, kicking cobwebs in his head. He's doubtful, unable to take a step play for an audience, he's holding onto Ray even though he's afraid because Ray offers him a (ray of)light, a taste of something different.

This episode is all about Sand living his life by what he needs far more than what he wants, how every minute of the day is important and used to the fullest to save for the future and survive in the present. But this episode, and this song are about how that’s not always enough, “I need more than just a window, [I need] a window with a view” Sand is looking for something more, hope for the future and the dreams he thinks about in the quiet moments. Sand sits there with Ray and tells him of his dream and the song speaks of his uncertainty mixed with his need for something more, a whisper of a dream, a ray of hope.

Ray, in episode 6, accuses Sand of not caring about singing, that he only wants the money. Which is not completely wrong, and it isn't completely right. Sand does care about singing, but he's using it to live, and seems content with the money it brings in. He doesn't want to lose what he has in order to possibly start perusing a bigger dream. Sand doesn’t dare to take that next step and dream that he might play at those festivals.

The song ends when Sand yells “Huh” in the phone call and his real life intrudes on his dreams once again. 

Song: รักคุณเข้าแล้ว I’ve fallen for you by Micro  Scene: Ray sings on stage for Sand Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard and translated by the show [lyrics in brackets translated by me]:

I’ve fallen for you  I’ve truly fallen for you They say I’m unamicable Truth is I’m just shy around you I’ve fallen for you Now I’ve gone and fallen for you [It’s hard to flirt with you  I don’t dare take the risk I want to look again]  I look at you You turn around You nearly knock me off my feet I’ve fallen for you 

Ray has used singing and music to try to express and process his emotions and feelings in the show before, and this time he chooses this song to sing to Sand. He’s getting as close to a confession as he can right now, Ray’s been the one pushing their relationship to this point, and Sand’s been drawing lines in the sand (sorry?). Sand's trying to protect himself from Ray, but at the same time enjoying being around Ray. But this last line, defining who they are to each other, is the scariest line to cross. And one of the most important if they want to to fix their foundation.

A lyric that isn’t in the show is “Maybe I’ll sing a song to let you know (how I feel)” which is what he seems to be doing. Ray is uncertain, unable to move forward, but enjoying the past few days he's had with Sand. While Ray is up on stage singing this song, Sand’s mom figures them out and asks “I don’t think he’s just a friend” and Sand looks like he was going to deny it before he rethinks and says “I guess not, let's wait and see.” 

Song: With You It’s Different by Blue Topaz Scene: Mew and Top hug in apartment Type: Vocal

Mew sees that Top has posted their picture to Instagram, with the caption “One day with broken glasses kid”. Top says he never has posted anything like that with anyone before, and the music starts after Top hugs Mew and asks him to stay over. It’s the third time this song has played, second in this episode.

[4/4]

Song: The Faintest Touch by Howard Harper-Barnes  Scene: Top and Mew kiss Type: Vocal, Playful

While they kiss and awkwardly take off their own clothes, there is no music, which makes it a little more awkward to watch. The music that plays after Top asks Mew if he can see it disjointed and has no melody. Which given the themes of this and previous episodes about sight, senses, reading people, being high, and being bewitched, makes me wonder if the question should be “Are you bewitched by me?” 

As Top steps in closer to Mew, and the disjointed music settles into an orchestra piece right before Top says “I love you” and they kiss again. As Mew sits on the couch, the first notes of The Faintest Touch plays.

Song: Forbidden Love by OTE Scene: Sand’s house Type: Vocal

No lyrics in the show:

Laughs came so easily tonight You’re aware I’m prepared to keep you tight ‘Cause everything you did tonight I swear in every sense you did it right I’d like to keep this piece of mind Don’t wanna lose myself now In forbidden love My heart mends so easily tonight Just get it, get it right Gimme some now, gimme some more  (x4) Love felt so real to me tonight I’m aware I have to prepare to lose it right I like to hang with you Don’t wanna get into  Forbidden love Laughs came so easily tonight Just get it, get it right Gimme some now, gimme some more (x4) Forbidden love(x4)

Song plays at the scene change, sounding like it’s coming through a radio. Ray is on Sand’s balcony, and Sand gives him an edible. Even though there are no lyrics in the episode, they’re worth looking at. In the first verse, “Laughs came easily tonight,” It's easy for Sand and Ray to be together, they want to keep this relationship as it is, it feels good. It’s still forbidden love, Sand has told Ray multiple times that he can separate love and sex, that they should stay friends. Ray and Sand keep coming back to this forbidden love.

Love felt so real to me tonight I’m aware I have to prepare to lose it right

Song: Drifting Away by Mama Zula Scene: Boston, Nick, Sand, Ray party Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard in show: 

How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you

Full song lyrics:

Give me something Something good I'm wasted on the thought of you Head is spinning, I can't move Smoking eyes In a groove  No, I Can't can't get you of on my mind You're still Still, still with me all the time How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you Drifting away (I am) Drifting away Wasted youth Wasted love Once filled with potential but I wasted it I'm wasted on the thought of you Don't know how to cut me loose (Cut me loose) Can't can't get you of on my mind You're still Still, still with me all the time How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you How long will I have to wait How long have we been too late Now I wish that we never met So that I didn't have to try to forget you Drifting away (Now I'm) Drifting away Drifting away Drifting away

They edited the song, so the lyrics during the party ask the question: how long does it take to forget someone? It’s too late to have the conversation that they should have had, their relationship is too fragile. Boston wouldn’t be able to kick their sandcastle over and ruin everything. 

Themes of fading away have been around since episode 3, with Don’t Let Me Be This Way, played in the scene with Ray and Sand eating Sand’s railroad rice.

Oh God please don't Don't let me be this way, I Can't breathe, I can't I can't communicate, I Find every way To start another day and How many more Cycles before I Fade?

Then there are two mentions of fading away in Falling Through from Sand and Ray's motorcycle ride earlier in the episode.

You said that an angel will illuminate the sky But my reflection is slowly fading out In the vision of you and I … You said you were sorry but I know you had to leave And maybe that’s why I’ve been fading out At least that’s how I feel

But now, now we have the wish for the feelings to go away, wishing these feelings never had happened like in Tell Me Something New from the Sand and Mew kitchen scene at the beginning of the episode. 

In the last scene of this episode, Ray is going to watch their relationship drift away, unable to find the words to fix it.

Song: Trouble by Trouble The Eastern Plain Scene: Ray and Sand in bed Type: Vocal

Lyrics heard in show are edited:

You wait, but still it’s Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now

Full lyrics:

Oh hear, the ocean is near Where you dug a hole And buried my fear And we, scattered like trees Sometimes in line But I’m down all the time You wait, but still it’s  Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble Too late, it’s all Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now Arrive late at the scene Nothing makes sense  Don’t know what you mean You can’t put all things aside There’s no way out and  God knows I’ve tried  For better, or worse it’s  Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble So save your tears it’s  ‘Cause it’s trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now You take all that is left Nothing to mourn And no looking back A sigh, we’re caught in the wind Where our story ends Another begins You wait, but still it’s Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble  Too late, it’s all Trouble by trouble by Trouble by trouble now

Song starts after Ray says happy birthday to Sand’s back. Sand has turned away, verbally and physically turned away from Ray and their fragile cracked relationship shatters. The words Sand has been dreading this whole time were thrown into his face, in a stronger relationship Sand would have the courage to ask Ray what Mew means to him. If they had fixed the foundations before, they would be able to talk.

Ray sees no way out, Sand sees nothing to mourn.

---

Thank you for @rocketturtle4 for editing and advice. Thank you @shouldiusemyname for being supportive!

Here's a link to my pinned comment to see other episodes. Thank you for reading!

[darkandstormydolls]

In honor of national siblings day, here’s Leonora and Alexander being siblings! This scene occurs several years before the actual main story, when they’re both still dealing with the aftermath of their parents’ deaths

Leonora eased the door to the living room open. “Moo? I heard you were in here.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here.” Alexander was sitting in the middle of the loveseat. Leonora thought he looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulder; he was slumped in on himself, head resting in his hands.

She settled into place next to him. “Are you alright?”

Alexander laughed bitterly. “Alright? Leo, I just lost my parents and now they’re asking me to take on the task of being responsible for the safety of the entire. Damn. Magical. World. I’m flippin’ fantastic.”

“You don’t have to be angry about it. I’m trying to help.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m having a rough time, okay?”

“You think I’m not? I lost just as much as you did.”

“Yeah, well, you’re…”

“I’m what?”

“I don’t know! You’re ‘Leonora Lamia, youngest necromancer the world has ever seen’ . I’m ‘Jacob and Camille’s kid’. And now you’re off in the Hollow doing whatever it is you do and I’m here with the weight of the Fires hanging over my head.”

Leonora was quiet for a moment. “That was uncalled for. We’re both struggling.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry. I just don’t know how to go through this.”

“Yes, well, let’s take it one step at a time.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing! I ‘one step at at time’ed my way through the funeral and I don’t know how much more I can handle!” Alexander buried his face deeper into his hands. “I keep thinking that I’m feeling overwhelmed and I want to talk to Mama about it but she’s not here.”

“I know. I know it’s hard. But I’m here. I know I’m not the same, but I’m here.”

“I just don’t know what to do! There’s so much.”

“Well, let’s break it down. You need to choose your circle, right?”

Alexander nodded.

“Alright, that’s one thing. And then we need to go through Mama and Daddy’s things. That’s one other thing. And that’s really just two things, right?”

“I guess. But two really big things.”

“They’ll seem smaller once you get started. Now, first things first; you don’t need to pick twenty people out of thin air. There’s still nine left over from before. And you know them. They’ll help. And you know more about the procedures for this kind of stuff than you think.”

“Will you be one of them?” Alexander asked hesitantly. Leonora shook her head.

“No. I belong at the Hollow.”

“Please? Leo, I need someone I can trust.”

“You can trust Lyx and Aino, right? They’d be better at this kind of thing. And I know you want necromancers to be involved again, but I’m not going to be one of those people. Someone who doesn’t share our last name deserves to be involved.”

“But I don’t know what to do.”

“Would it help if I made you a list? Of some of the people I think might be a good fit?”

“Yes please.

“And I’ll help you clean everything out. Can’t have you getting sentimental over every old dish towel or something anyways.”

“Really? You sure you don’t have too much to do back with your necromancy and things?”

“You know how seriously they take death there. Neither of us will be expected back at the Hollow for a month at the least. And besides, you’re my baby brother. I’d do anything for you.” Leonora paused and considered this for a moment. “In the ‘murder’ or ‘giving up an organ’ sense, of course. Not letting you finish my dessert.”

Alexander gave her a half smile. “Still your ‘baby’ brother? Really? Haven’t been updated to ‘younger’ yet? Or even ‘little’?”

“Never. You’re just a little baby.” She ruffled his hair affectionately.

“I’m a fully grown adult. Soon I’ll be the holder of what just may be the most powerful object in the Fires.”

“Still a baby. Forever and ever.” Leonora stood up. “Now, can we try and get at least one thing done? Look through one bookshelf?”

“Alright, fine. Maybe I can manage one.”

[deng-yi-deng]

As long as my wishlist is for drama roles I'd like to see LYX play, after tteotm I have to say... Dramas barely deserve him. Otter knows wtf they're doing.

What I really want to see him in is a movie. With live audio (not dubbed) directed by a serious(tm) director with a coherent, meaningful, hole-free plot.

I don't care if I sound like a snob. There's nothing wrong with cdramas. They are fun. But his skills are way beyond what a drama needs.

Oh... my BFF in my head says... You're only saying that because of how cute he is!

No, I say. No! I told you before I never thought he was cute until I realized how much his acting affected me (but also he is cute.) I'm saying this because you can see what his character is thinking in every closeup. Because he analyzes even the (to me) boring characters to find a hook, and makes them sympathetic. God, if you described yuan shuai to me I'd think he was a villain (cough cough investment banker) but somehow he's also a good boss? And a pitiable low-eq overachiever who despite expectations can change his mind? Gah I'm almost talking myself into watching lie to love just to see what he does with chestnut boi (cheng xiao is like mothballs to me, he is the flame, I am...a bug in this analogy.)

The scene in tteotm after he and Susu both (separately) jump off the boat, and she's found him half dead, she's roasting a fish, and points her stick at him to threaten? he weakly bats a little stick at her bigger stick? That was improvised! By him! how much psychology of his character shows in that little movement - defensive, resigned, oddly playful because he knows she's not going to kill him? Gah.

Anyway, thanks for coming to my drunk Ted talk.

In conclusion, Luo Yunxi.

[oathofkaslana]

DID I NOT TALK ABT F.•LYX GENHSHIN KITS HERE….

[skxtchyghost]

i need to put him in a blender

[mmmcheetos]

Lmao what if the siblings catch LYX talking to MGY like "did you know he can carry a carriage?? A whole carriage???? How cool is that?????? He used to be a bully of a child and now he's prince fucking charming, hello????"

🐉

yes yes yes !! that's so perfect skjfsdkjfsdk they'd be overjoyed to realise their wingmanning (?) worked !!

[thegreymoon]

Till the End of the Moon

It definitely beats talking to any of you!!

This drama is exclusively The LYX Show as far as I am concerned, everyone else is awful, including Li Susu. I hope he gets to kill them all. 

***

NO SHIT.

Isolated, mistreated, humiliated, abused. Lady, have you got a brain? 

***

He’s the most beautiful 🖤

***

I’m sorry, but I don’t find her ridiculous behaviour either endearing or funny.

This scene was supposed to be comedic relief and all I did was roll my eyes.

***

Here for him and his beautiful face alone!

***

An angel 😭😭

***

Oh, baby 😢

***

NOOOOO, HE SLIT HIS NEW COAT!

***

YES, BABY, GET ANGRY, GO UNHINGED!

***

Sweetheart 😢 Such a small bit of kindness, and he’s already so attached!

***

His face is unreal 😭😭

***

Oh, sweetheart 😢

He tries so hard to stay alive and all they do is abuse him. I can’t wait for him to start killing. 

***

His face 😭😭

***

Really? In front of the crows?

Enjoy your untimely demise! 

***

LMAO, that came sooner than expected!

Good beasts! Now do the rest!

***

I love the Junior Martial Sect uncle!

He and his cats can live, but Tantai Jin is welcome to wipe out everyone else!

***

Chu Wanning!!

***

LMAO

Considering that Li Susu is also not very smart, Ye Xiwu must have been a complete moron. 

***

Oooh! The bland sister is about to become interesting!!

***

LMAOOO

***

Gorgeous place!

***

It is canon!

Not only does he look good, he also smells divine! 

***

Yes, lady, we fully understand. 🙏

[whimsical-demises]

Greetings, incarnation. You have entered the Etherealle.

Will you grace this Aeon by entering?

Titles: Yi, Lyx, Acheron, Cocytus, Eris. Custard, probably.

INTP + Ennegram 4

She/Her and taken, obviously.

[Constellation, Ethereal Demises, looks at you.]

As an Author, Artist(?), Avid gamer, and Aeon, I post a little too much about everything.

My posts will mostly consist of: Honkai Star Rail, Wuthering Waves, ORV, HNK, SynthV, Voltron, anything when I remember. Currently into: JJK, ORV, Link Click.

DMs and Asks open. I talk a lot if you want to hear about my thoughts.I also have a pretty bad memory. Haters DNI.I use a cars sideblog. @platypus-custard for it. My blog theme changes a lot sorry not sorry. I was user . WhimsicalDemises on Q

[plantsarepeopletoo]

Only Friends Music Ep3 (2/2)

Part one covers the first half of Ep3, or you can find other episodes on my pinned comment.

This is a series of posts taking a closer look at the music of Only Friends. Reminder, Playing with the music is like body language, it moves with the conversation. Verbal says something either through lyrics or something like a song title.

[3/4]

Song: Many Lies Scene: Boston and Nick in Boston’s car Type: Vocal

Some Lyrics:

It's too many lies, too many lies It's too many lies, too many lies It's too many, It's too many, It's too many, Ask 'em a real question, yeah, I bet it's all lies, They won't cross that line for a fact, that's offsides,

Song starts when Boston says “Do you like Top too?” cementing Nick’s suspicions of Boston and Top. He sits quietly, listening to Boston talk about how great Top is, then asks if Boston likes Top and the bassline starts.

Boston stops, says No, he doesn’t like hotness. He likes cuteness like Nick.

Music changes after Nick says “I know” in response. Nick stops Boston from leaving, “what if people ask what we are to each other, what should I say?” “What else can you say? Friend, of course” The snare and hi hat start.

Boston caves, becoming soft to appease Nick. Telling him “You can call our relationship whatever you like” Here Nick seems to look right at the camera for a moment. Nick places the bug while Boston is looking right at him, but not seeing him.

Nick can even be seen subtly rolling  his eyes as he gets out of the car. This is when I knew Nick's sulking was on purpose, he was able to plant the wiretap and get Boston to relent. All the while Boston has no clue.

Song: Good Look by Lasse Lyx Scene: Ray comes to talk to Sand as he’s setting up Type: Vocal

Full Lyrics:

Caroline Don't cry baby it's no concern Oh, touch and go Is what I know but I can learn I don't wanna cause trouble I got a real nice attitude I won't fuss I won't struggle It's all very well now, it's all very good It's fun to pretend and we probably should But when I get up the lights come on So take a good look, 'cause soon I'll be gone Yeah, take a picture baby if you wanna last long All time, good high, don't ask me why 'Cause when I get up, the lights come on So take a good look, 'cause soon I'll be gone Yeah take a picture baby if you wanna last long All time, good high, feels good, my mind It's all very well now, it's all very good It's fun to pretend and we probably should 'Cause when I get up the lights come on So take a good look, 'cause soon I'll be gone Yeah, take a picture baby if you wanna last long All time, good high, don't ask me why

Song plays while Ray walks up to talk to Sand as he’s setting up, and continues until Ray walks away, with the lyrics “All time, good high, don’t ask me why”. 

Ray is there to feel good for now, and Sand is being swept up with him, even as Sand tries to slow everything down. They’re stuck in their cycle, circling each other, not acknowledging their feelings for each other or to themselves. 

Their relationship feel like a play, with a script that might have slight variations, but still is basically the same. Once they stop playing their part, however, the theater lights come on and suddenly they need to face reality. 

But right now, It feels good.

The song continues to play through Ray and Mew’s conversation too, with Ray and Mew’s conversation centered on Sand and how Mew can see the feelings Ray has yet to acknowledge. Mew and Ray have also been playing their parts as friends for the past few years. The song abruptly stops when Top walks up.

Song Caught you at the perfect time Scene: Top joins Mew and Ray and asks who hired the band. Type: Verbal

Lyrics in the show:

Damn feeling lucky about my own streets Us two in these sheets Diamonds at my feet Caught up in these talks  Circling my head top Should have been more cautious 

Lyrics continue:

Now I got what I wanted Many have been here before Made it out of love and more Like when I found a kodak store I can't stop I want it all Listen up I'm caught in you I need you to tell the truth Remember why you wanted to Remember that I said it was you Caught you at the perfect time  I was watching it and then? You know what you gonna do But I can never be your friend Got me waiting clear of lies Girl you got me so upended You know what you wanna do So I can never be your friend I’m a man and a man don’t weep Gonna term that eat your greens  When you thought you fucked but you do be clean Then you come to the bed and you love real dirty [unknown], you’re real keen Bring it, let me get your juiciest piece can’t remember when I had to say please The sharks at the club never had no boundaries How’s it gonna be, want to eat these [unknown] Where we gonna, you gonna need these calories Giving me a treat, To refill these batteries Then you’re on my bed, on your knees, there’s no other dream Oooh It ‘s sneaking up on yoooou There’s nothing you can dooo Cause things about to boom 

This song is interesting because it plays across interactions with a wider range of characters. The opening notes of the song are played over Ray’s disgruntled face at Top’s arrival, and the lyrics come in over Top’s haughty smile “Damn feeling lucky” only a few moments later as he stares at Ray’s disgruntled sigh. The song continues to play as Top glances sideways, see’s Sand, and his expression abruptly changes, the first verse plays over Sand giving Top the middle finger and the line “should have been more cautious” plays quietly as we switch back to Top and the lyrics fade out while the song continues to play behind Tops complaints about the band and Ray’s clear annoyance. The timing of the song continues to feel very intentional as the chorus music comes in as Ray defends his choice of band (“Caught you at the perfect time…But I can never be your friend”)

Given the parallels the show continues to draw about Ray and Top’s rich boy backgrounds (and EP4 Spoilers: drug & alcohol addictions) a song about feeling top of the world while spiraling out of control feels rather fitting. Though parts of the lyrics also feel like they could be hinting at Ray&Sand, Top&Mew and Top&Sand dynamics as well.

@rocketturtle4 Thank you for this section, and the help with the lyrics.

Song: Love by Paradox Scene: Pool Party Type: Vocal

Lyrics as translated by the subtitles in the show:

Oh dear love, please look my way Sometimes we meet on a painful day You stepped in and hugged me gently Oh dear love, my sweet pie You’re beautiful, my heart is lifted up high Sweetheart, where you at, oh dear love, I want to see you so bad

When Sand sings “You stepped in and hugged me gently,” We see Ray and Sand looking at each other. But the camera changes focus to Boston over Ray’s shoulder during the “Oh dear love, my sweet pie” Boston sees Sand singing to Ray, and knows that Ray might be finally getting over Mew. He realizes he needs to get into Ray’s head fast.

Song: Bake That Pie Scene: Boston comes to talk to Ray about Mew Type: Vocal

Boston decides it’s time to push Ray to act and when he leaves Nick to join Ray, Bake that Pie starts. He hits Ray where it hurts, pretending to be sympathetic about Ray’s crush on Mew. He tries to convince Ray to act fast, telling him if he waits Ray will “be just a side character who comes in and comforts him.” Boston the chaos fairy is sowing little toxic Kiss People In Their Sleep seeds.

Want to add, this whole party, Nick is holding on to the bag with his headphones in it, and adjusts it when he notices Boston looking at Ray. Nick doesn’t react much when Boston leaves him, he just watches, probably listening if he can. He's educating himself on how Boston moves with his "friends"

Song: First to fall Toby Tranter Scene: Boston shows Top the picture of Mew and Ray Type: Vocal

Song name suggests that Top is the first to fall to Boston’s manipulation. 

Who’s next? 

Song: We Will Never Die by Par Hagstrom Scene: Friends closing up the party, Type: Vocal

Lyrics in the show:

I remember when we said everything would happen And we knew we'd never fail, we would never die Wanna forget myself again so that can everything can happen Will you please call me by my name and tell me little lies? We will never die (x4) On an island in thе shade, the city is on fire Kissing water from your face, the sky is in your eyes Don't wanna forget a single day, couldn't really happen Will you please tuck me into this straight and say that we won't die We will never die We will never die Ooh, ooh, it's cold around Ooh, ooh, we're losing ground, yeah Ooh, ooh, they will forget about us Ooh, ooh, as if nothing ever was

While Boston and Nick talk about Nick going home, “Will you please call me by my name and tell me little lies? We will never die” are some of the lyrics that play. 

“On an island in the shade, the city is on fire.” Plays when Mew comes to put his arm around Ray. Mew is in the shade while Ray is on "fire". It’s easy for Mew to tell Ray to go after Sand, it’s easy for Mew to say he wants Ray to be happy. For Ray, this is probably pure pain. He isn’t ready for any of Mew’s advice. “Will You please call me by my name and tell me little lies?” Plays when Mew says “I want you to be happy”

So we’ve got parallels between Nick wanting Boston and Ray and Mew, they don’t want their relationship to die (even though it never really started.)

The song abruptly ends When Top says “I’m just taking my boyfriend home”

[4/4]

Song: (Stay) True by Lars Eriksson Scene: Ray and Sand make out in car Type: Vocal

Lyrics in the show:

No matter who or when or what will others say Just find your way And try to stay True And that's not a place where you would like to go I've got cigarettes and brandy Which could come in handy If you just help me loosen up my hand grenade’s fuse Baby don't refuse My truth

Full Lyrics:

Low I'm feeling low Want you to know I ain't got much to show Livin' on slow Gon' creep into my snail shell Until the spring liberates me from my winter hell I've got camels and candy I can be your daddy If you only let me creep into your prison cell Hey baby, can you tell? I'm not a criminal Your choice is seminal I want you To stay true To what's right for you No matter who or when or what will others say Just find your way And try to stay True Let's speak alone Stand in your own Try not to show This life has shone Try not to glow Way down below, oh It's a lot of woe And that's not a place where you would like to go I've got cigarettes and brandy Which could come in handy If you just help me loosen up my hand grenade’s fuse Baby don't refuse My truth Is up to you now, to choose I want you To stay true What's right for you No matter who or when or what will others say Just find a way And try to stay True

Two things, we have the bribing to keep a person to stay, the pleading for them to choose to be with them.

The second thing is weaker, the line “To stay true to What’s right for you, just find a way to stay true”. This could be Ray and Sand being asked to actually do what’s right for them. To go below the surface and to look past the bribes and sex, to actually address their baggage. But since the “what’s right for you” isn’t in the show, this might be too much.

Either way, "you you just help me loosen up my hand grenade's fuse" is a hell of a way to describe having sex with someone you really shouldn't be with.

Song: Goodbye Virginia by Sture Zetterberg

Type: Vocal

Lyrics not in show (except for “Goodbye Virginia”)

Cigarettes on the table Dirty plates on the stove I don’t know if you know where to start But I know where you’d like to be I’m afraid that I’ve lost you ‘Cause you’re hiding from me Yeah, it shows that it’s cost you a lot To be like the rest of us To be like the rest of us I’ve been waiting so long for the storm to arrive I know that it’s in you I know that it’s in you Dancing away with the world in your eyes Oh goodbye Virginia Goodbye Virginia (Ooh) Got your feet on the table And you’re wigglin' your toes You got eyeballing down to an art And it’s working too well, indeed I need someone to talk to When you’re hiding from me Soldier on and just walk through the rain And be like the rest of us Yeah, be like the rest of us I’ve been waiting so long for the storm to arrive I know that it’s in you I know that it’s in you Dancing away with the world in your eyes Oh goodbye Virginia Goodbye Virginia

The song starts with thunder, like the thunder that played when Top left Mew to go to Boston. It’s a sign.

Ray chooses Mew in this moment and Sand feels lost and hurt. He doesn’t know Ray’s connection with Mew, and in EP4, we get it, but Sand still will not. Right now Sand feels like he’s competing against Mew, and later we know he’s been through that before with Top. 

The whole song hurts a lot, but I wanted to highlight two parts: 

I’m afraid that I’ve lost you ‘Cause you’re hiding from me Yeah, it shows that it’s cost you a lot To be like the rest of us

Ray’s mentally ill, he’s living in a house that has not been redecorated since his mom passed. His knowledge of music doesn’t seem to have expanded past his mom’s collection. He’s even using her coping mechanisms. It costs Ray a lot to be able to cope with life and be like the rest of everyone else. 

And the second part:

You got eyeballing down to an art And it’s working too well, indeed

Song: K-sEx by Hank Lotion Scene: Boston and Top in the car Type: Vocal

Not much to say about it other than the song title is very on point and purposeful. And we get more thunder as Top decides to kiss Boston back.

Song: Bird Cry by Iso Indies Scene: Flashback Nick and boston in the car/ Nick listening to Boston and Top Type: Vocal

Lyrics start during the flashback in Boston’s car, and we’re shown Nick planting the bug. 

I’ve been listenin' to birds cry I've been viewin’ from a bird's eye Swear I always keep my third eye open I'm focused If it's real, you know it's gon' come back This that season, but this no come back If you let go, then please don't run back 'Cause if it ain’t love, then we don’t want that

First verse, in the context of the show, a metaphor for spying, being “educated”. The second verse along with the tweets are JoJo and the writers begging Nick to let Boston go.

--

Thank you for reading this far! Quick recap.

We've got Nick's songs turning from mostly wordless techno to HipHop or K-pop. He's begging Boston to see him as He sees Boston as his replica.

Boston's songs are still mostly wordless.

Top and Mew got more songs that sound happy but the words are not. Top and Mew look like they're doing fine, on the surface.

Ray and Sand are stuck in a cycle, each acting out their own parts to the play.

Thank you @rocketturtle4 and @shouldiusemyname for editing and sound lyrics!

Here's a link to my pinned comment if you want to see other episodes!