#the heart killers episode 3

[thequeenofsastiel]

I keep watching that sex scene between Fadel and Style in ep 3(for pure and analytical reasons, no other, promise), and I find the kissing aspect of it interesting. For me, and a lot of people, there's something very intimate about kissing. It's why sex workers generally prefer to not kiss their customers(I sure as shit don't), and why people who have one night stands will often not want to kiss the people they do it with(Wandee for a fictional example). But Fadel straight up kisses Style during their sex. Like, a whole lot. Which makes me think that on some level Fadel had already started to develop emotional feelings for Style, not just sexual ones.

Idk, maybe I'm reading too far into it and Fadel is willing to kiss anyone he has sex with(though I strongly get the impression that he isn't the kind of person who does one night stands). But I think I'm on the mark.

[reijamira]

Why hasn’t Fadel told Style about his former lover?

In episode 5, Style asks Fadel if he had a lover before, and Fadel lies and says no.

Why lie? Fadel was honest enough to tell Style about his murdered parents (which surely was painful for him to talk about).

Why not tell Style that he had someone special before? Was it because Style would have asked too many uncomfortable questions? Would it have been too painful to answer them? Because Fadel still is not over it, and the grief counseling group isn’t really for his dead parents, but rather for his ex?

Then it got me thinking just HOW much did Style get from that conversation between Keen and Fadel in episode 3?

I think Style, at the least, did overhear this last bit. So, he knows there was someone. Just not how much that someone meant to Fadel.

I wonder when this will come up again and how. Is Fadel’s ex dead? Or was he threatened by Mother to leave Fadel. Then, will he come back and cause trouble in paradise? (Imagine if he indeed came back, and Fadel has to decide between his ex and Style. And our precious, kind Style tells Fadel, it’s ok to get back with his ex, Fadel loves him, they should be together. All the while Style’s own heart is breaking! 😭🥺)

Or, on a completely wild and evil guess, was Fadel’s ex maybe hired by Mother to make Fadel fall in love with him, before he left him, just so that Fadel would realize, in this life, it’s better to stay alone because you are alone?

I have no idea where the show will take us. All I know is that I’m obsessively invested in FadelStyle and I don’t want them to hurt! I want my babies safe and sound (same goes for KantBison). I’m not ready for the shit to hit the fan. I have no coping mechanisms for the drama and the angst that will hit us soon. 😱😭

[reijamira]

Jesus, that wet look! THIS ship kills me.

THE HEART KILLERS | EP 3

[secriden]

Just going to cry again (see: my previous post about the parallels between the storage room scene and the abandoned factory scene) about parallels and juxtapositions in the store room scene vs the one in Styles bedroom:

Both these scenes have such a tone of desperation and are characterised by an overflowing of emotions, but in drastically opposite directions.

(Note, some of what I say in this post directly relates to concepts and themes I talked about here, so it may not wholly make sense without that context.)

The scene in the storeroom is filled with frustrated desire. Fadel kisses Style because he wants Style's body and also wants to take his frustrations at Style out on his body. He doesn't need to look Style in the eye (and in fact very intentionally only does so only in small snatches) because this isn't about a connection as much as it is about a release. Fadel's kisses come fast, hard, and are intended to bruise more than to adore.

But episode 5's scene is filled with much more quiet and tender sort of desire. Style is kissing Fadel so much more slowly and purposefully. He keeps looking back at Fadel, checking in to see how he feels and whether Fadel is enjoying it. Everything Style wanted in Episode 3, he now gives to Fadel here, pours the secrets of his knowing and choosing Fadel anyway into the way he presses his lips onto Fadel's skin. His kisses linger, they carry a weight but are not gentle, and contain meaning that Fadel's kisses couldn't in Episode 3 because in all honesty they were relative strangers back then.

There's also the way there's such a ferocity and carelessness in the way Fadel starts the encounter in episode 3 that is juxtaposed beautifully by the slow, tender, almost hesitant way Style slides his lips onto Fadel's. Both of them are in such different headspaces, between these episodes and its especially evident in the way they care so much more about the other person's comfort and how intentionally they showed that to the audience.

There's hunger present in both scenes but what this hunger is focused on is so drastically different. In the storeroom, they're both mainly focused on a physical release; its primal and visceral but lacked emotional resonance. Fadel gives Style what he knows Style wants (that hint of danger, with the hand on his neck), but its not because he really cares about what Style wants on anything more than a physical level. In Style's bedroom, however, Fadel is drunk (intentionally and by his own design) and desperate to open himself up to Style on an emotional level. Meanwhile, Style wants that desperately too, but knows that Fadel shouldn't because of his own terrible secret. So this kiss is what they both will allow themselves - an honesty and a hunger for this deeper connection they can only share in act but not in words.

In the storeroom, Style wants Fadel to want more than his body but knows (or thinks) he can't push for it yet, so he remains passive, lets Fadel do whatever he wants, lets him turn and shove and place Style how he wants because at this point, this is all Fadel will give him. Here, Style is passive in spite of what he wants. But in the bedroom, Fadel is passive because it's what he wants; he wants to let Style do whatever he desires to and with Fadel's body. He wants to lay himself as bare as he possibly can, which is only physical, and so he does.

And because the encounter in Episode 3 lacked that emotional connection, the focus is merely their respective releases. There's a sense of two people trying to find pleasure and 'finish' while remaining emotionally disconnected despite actively having sex with each other. Because in some ways, they didn't really need each other in that moment to get there (there's actually a lot of truth in what Fadel says about it being easier to just jerk off alone). In sharp contrast, the scene in Episode 5 isn't focused on the destination but on the journey. Style is taking his time and Fadel is letting him - Style is choosing to worship Fadel's body, with his fingers, with his lips, to respond to his vulnerability with gentleness and tenderness and adoration. The goal has stopped being about finding a release, it's about allowing both these men to revel in the giving and receiving of pleasure.

The point of these scenes is to show to us the ways in which Fadel and Style have grown to care for and, dare I say it, love each other in ways that are so purposefully portrayed by showing the nature of their physical connection. Because the ways in which these scenes are the same and yet so wholly different showcases how their touches are now no longer merely tied to their senses any longer, but also to their hearts as well.

[cornflowershade]

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦 | 𝗘𝗣. 𝟯 —𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙬𝙤, 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙡. 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩.

[stormyoceans]

the second style walked out of that pool alive he knew fadel was never gonna be able to hurt him AND THAT'S ROMANCE TO ME. HIGH ROMANCE EVEN

[reijamira]

Where is the scar and that tattoo?

🥃🔪🔥

[thequeenofsastiel]

I enjoy how when Style pulled Fadel's hand up to his neck, Fadel's hand automatically opened to grasp it.

[scrumptiousstuffs]

Coincidence???? Or not?????

Source: @/lilyssoldout Twitter

The Heart Killers, Ep 3

[theblspot]

Did you know they use heavy metal to torture prisoners so they confess? If I was the warden I wouldn't do that. What if it was me? What would you do to torture the truth out of me?

[reijamira]

Hahahahaha why did I miss this? Have to pay attention to this scene on my rewatch. It seems like Khao got startled for real there.

Bison's reaction to Fadel throwing his belt at him

[miss0atae]

BL Fashion in The Heart Killers (EP 1 - 3): Kant's fashion style.

I wanted to create something like a fashion magazine page with The Heart Killer signature colors but it's not exactly a success. I had fun, that's what matter.

I want to do it for the other characters too.

[these-emo-thoughts]

I need to scream about how great the acting is in TKH. Everyone is doing amazing, but there's one scene in particular that has a hold on me. Specifically, Kant and Bison's bed scene in episode 3. Kant knows that seducing Bison is part of his job, and he's willing to go the extra mile to do it right, including using underhanded tricks to end up in Bison's house, but he 100% did not realise what he was getting into. Because who would have thought this cute and adorable little waiter is 1) a killer and 2) a bondage enthusiast? How was Kant to know such a thing?

And reality (and Bison) slaps him in the face real quick at the end of Ep 3. I want to scream about is how fucking much I love Kant's reactions to this development. The hesitation on his face as he glances over to where Bison is tying the rope around his wrists; the uncertainty in the way he stutters "y-yeah" when Bison asks him if he's ready; his disbelief when Bison yanks open his bedside drawer and brings out the whip and blindfold; the way he tries to smile for a split second before he is once again consumed by the shock of what's going on; the wince when the whip is dragged up against his face - I Kant can'ttttttt 😩👌

The cherry on top of all of this is the ominous music in the background and how sweet Bison still is. The juxtaposition between the innocent and unassuming Bison (who we must not forget was wearing a shirt with Jesus' face printed all over it) and the dark techno-choral music playing over their encounter is utterly delicious.

I fucking love this show. I can't wait for the next episode.

[reijamira]

Gosh, the man that you are, Fadel. Style, you are so lucky! 🧨💣🫠🔥

You should have seen when he put those guys in their places. Damn. Those three guys sure had their asses handed to them.

[firelise]

[secriden]

Style in episode 4 made me soft in a way that I truly did not expect. I’ve used the word “guileless” (def: innocent and without deception) before to describe him but I don't think that has been shown more clearly then in this episode.

He tries to be manipulative and lasts for all of one single morning and then comes running to Fadel the second he hears about Fadel asking about him. He's so excited, so exuberant at the thought that Fadel misses him, so happy that his little (terribly obvious and juvenile) plan worked.

Which is why I think he was genuinely taken aback when Fadel only had harsh words for him as a reply (this is not a criticism of Fadel; in this he has been consistent. Doesn't mean they weren't hurtful though). Look at the way Style's grin slowly dies. Watch the way he straightens and backs away a bit, like he wasn't expecting the clawed swipe of Fadel's dismissal.

But Style is resilient. He's tenacious. We see him rally and steel himself to resume his pursuit: because Style is nothing if not determined to hold on to the thinnest thread of hope that he's breaking through Fadel's shell. And can I just take a moment to get emotional about Style offering forgiveness even when Fadel hasn't asked for it?

This, though. I do think this was uncalled for (this is a criticism of Fadel). You can make the argument that Fadel has tried honesty and blunt rejection and it hasn't worked, but I would have respected Fadel more if he'd stuck to his guns and kept rejecting Style in the same manner. Especially when everything else about his character shows he's actually very up front and direct. With Bison, with Kant, hell even with himself.

Fadel is mocking Style's clear and wanton desire for him. Look at the sardonic little grin Fadel gets right before he says, "You won't ever get what you want." Consider the way he was touching Style with that gentle, focused intensity; how he cuts up his shirt and tears it open and leans in close in a way that suggests purposefulness while having zero intention of seeing it through. Fadel knew what he was doing and he did it on purpose, to hurt.

And you can see that Style is genuinely hurt here. I think he has always been prepared for Fadel's rejection, but not his cruelty. Not Fadel making sport of him and his very real emotions and desires. Because Fadel has been rude and condescending before, but he's never been contemptuous like he is here.

And I wonder, partly, if this is because both times we see Style and his dad, his dad is scolding/chiding/correcting him to some extent. Perhaps that's just how they interact. Or perhaps, as implied by the way Style sarcastically said "Thanks, dad" as Fadel drives away in episode 1, Style doesn't enjoy the way his father scolds him and always has criticisms or corrections for him. Perhaps Style just wants to be accepted for who he is, especially by the man he is starting to have real feelings for.

Edit (after Ep 5): I'm so sorry, Papa Style, I did you so wrong. ;u;

@lazzarella made a post recently about Dunk's phenomenal acting in this scene (among others) and I concur so hard about how intense and scorching and "both fiery and steely" Style's anger feels in this scene. He's furious and wounded and you can see it in his gaze, the tension in his jaw, the way he bares his teeth up at Fadel when he says "...punch me in the face? Go on!"

And honestly, he is justified. Fadel's incredulity has no basis here: he stooped back to using public humiliation, something which Style very pointedly has not engaged with since his conversation with Bison in episode 2. Every instance of approaching Fadel since then has clearly been aimed to involve himself in Fadel's private life*.

*Yes even or maybe especially the support group in episode 3. Because while Style may have been treating the whole thing too lightly, all of it is directed privately to Fadel with his secret looks and winks. As far as the other support group members are concerned, Style was a somewhat overdramatic new member that had no connection to Fadel.

But what Fadel did by cutting up his shirt and sending him out in shame regressed them back to their early dynamic, which was far more antagonistic.

This is why Style lashes out at the support group again. Look at the anger simmering in his eyes. The way he makes direct, insistent eye contact with Fadel as he speaks, returning again when he talks about feeling used. Style, overall, is a character that doesn't take anything too seriously so it's almost shocking to see him this visibly angry and so pointedly challenging Fadel in a space where Fadel cannot easily brush him off.

But even now, even in all his rage and hurt, Style is true to himself and his heart. He doesn't want revenge or an apology, he wants Fadel to acknowledge that the thing between them, fragile as it is, matters; that what they did meant something to the both of them.

And this is why I was so broken about Style offering forgiveness without Fadel asking for it earlier: because all it took was Fadel admitting that he missed Style for him to unreservedly offer reassurance and safety for Fadel's heart. There is nothing ambiguous about what Style says at the jeep: he makes his own intentions clear by offering certainty, taking responsibility, promising the very commitment he was asking Fadel for.

He makes himself vulnerable to and for the man who literally just mocked and humiliated him that morning. Style really just let all his anger go immediately like that.

And no, I don't think he was doing all that for the car. This is just how Style talks. He has a flair for the dramatic, and this was the perfect way to reveal his news to Kant. But look at how delighted, how filled with boyish glee he is while he tells Kant the news about Fadel agreeing to be his boyfriend. Consider the way he reacted in the moment: the joy in his voice and the wonder in his eyes when he said "Really? We're dating now?", the way he covers Fadel's cheeks in a hundred butterfly kisses.

Also, a thought that occurred to me - could this be Style's first relationship? We know from episode 1 that he sleeps around, but there's seemingly no mention of a previous serious/committed relationship so far. His dad seems surprised to hear Style is seriously pursing someone. Could Fadel be the first person to capture his interest for long enough that Style developed actual feelings?

Which is also why his fear is now so visceral. He is genuinely terrified of Fadel, but I don't think it's just because he's realised how dangerous Fadel is (after all, he's known that to some extent since he watched Fadel break a man's arm with his thighs). No, his fear stems from the fact that Fadel now has reason to hurt Style.

In the face of the betrayal of his own trust, Style answers Kant's plea to friendship and entangles himself with Kant's lie willingly... and thereby forfeits all rights to the safety he was so confident of in the middle of the woods by an abandoned factory. Because now Style knows that if Kant gets found out, it won't matter that Style didn't intentionally mislead and take advantage of Fadel's vulnerability in the forest. Because he still chose Kant over Fadel here, and that makes him undeserving of the open door he asked Fadel to give him.

Style is incredibly transparent in all his thoughts and emotions and this is why I say that Style is guileless: he is incapable of true deception. His heart is too close to the surface, his desires too obvious, his thoughts too clearly broadcasted on his face.

He is the perfect foil; not only to Fadel (who until this episode held everything so buried inside his chest that we only understand his true feelings in snatches of memories or moments when Fadel is certain that he is truely alone) but also Kant (whose deception, whilst cracking under pressure, is intentional and calculated - thinking about that bowling alley accomplice right now - in a way Style never could be).

And this means that any success on his part in the upcoming episode(s) in deceiving Fadel is going to fall on either Fadel's own willful blindness or the suspension of disbelief the genre requires of the viewer -- but it won't be because Style is actually any good at playing the role now that he knows the full truth.

This is why my heart breaks for Style. Because Kant forced a burden on him that he was in no way prepared to bear. And eventually Style will have to choose between his loyalty to Kant and his burgeoning feelings for Fadel and, regardless of his choice, the narrative demands that Style sacrifice a piece of his own heart in the process.