#this is ep one.. i might gif him in every ep.. we will see :]

[gf2bellamy]

hello!

I sent a request some time ago but not sure if you saw it 💞could you do one where the reader is the one infected with anthrax instead of reid? maybe they are already a official couple? or not- whichever is fine. Fluffy at the end 💞bonus points for Hotch worried for both of them

Thanks love!

anthrax — spencer reid

pairing: spencer reid x reader ( no use of y/n ) content warnings: reader is infected with anthrax , mention of being dizzy and exhausted , mention of fever, mention of nasal cannula, reader passing out , reader ends up in hospital a/n: hiii!!! i'm so sorry it took so long <3 also i rewatched the scenes on youtube ( instead of the entire ep ) so if i got something wrong i'm vv sorry !! hope you like this :)

Spencer frowned, mid-sentence, his words faltering. "What do—" He turned instinctively, expecting to see you beside him. But you weren’t there.

His stomach twisted as he spun in place, scanning the area. Derek was a few steps away on the sidewalk, wearing the same confused expression. You had been right there just moments ago.

Then Spencer's gaze snapped to the house. The front door was swinging shut.

He surged forward, reaching the door just as it latched shut. His hands pressed flat against the wood before he fumbled with the handle, rattling it frantically.

“Hey! What are you doing?” His voice wavered as he rattled the door handle, his hazel eyes wide with panic. He could see you clearly through the glass pane. 

Derek was right behind him now. “Open the door. What the hell are you doing?” His voice was demanding, but Spencer could hear the underlying fear laced in it. 

That’s when he saw it. 

The small, shattered vial on the floor. 

Tiny, glimmering shards of broken glass spread across the tile, barely catching the light. But Spencer didn't care about the glass—he cared about what had been inside of it. 

Anthrax. 

The realization hit him like a freight train. His mind, always so quick, always analyzing, now felt sluggish, as though he were processing everything in slow motion. 

The room you were in had been compromised. You had inhaled it. 

“No,” Spencer whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. 

His hands pressed against the cool surface of the glass, as if he could reach through it and pull you back to him. Derek muttered a curse under his breath, his jaw tightening, but even he knew—there was nothing either of them could do. Not right now. 

You swallowed hard, blinking up at Spencer. He could see the fear in your eyes, the resignation settling in. 

"I’m sorry," you murmured. 

A lump formed in his throat. His fingers curled into fists against the door. 

“Don’t. Don’t say that.” His voice cracked. “You’re going to be okay. We can fix this. We can—” 

Your lips trembled, and though you tried to smile, it faltered. 

Spencer had never felt so helpless in his entire life. His mind screamed at him to think, to find a solution, to do something.But for the first time, he had no answer. 

And that terrified him. 

You weren’t sure how much time had passed. Minutes? An hour? The room felt both too hot and too cold at the same time. Your head rested against the door, your body slumped slightly as exhaustion settled into your bones. You weren’t in pain, but you felt weak—like all the energy had slowly been draining out of you. 

Through the glass, Spencer was still there. 

He hadn’t moved an inch. 

Derek had tried—more than once—to get him to step away, but Spencer refused. His back was pressed against the door, his knees pulled up as he sat on the floor, staring at you like if he blinked, you might disappear entirely. 

“I’m not leaving,” he had said, voice quiet. And that was that. 

You exhaled softly, letting your fingers trace invisible patterns against the cool surface of the glass. Spencer noticed immediately. His gaze flickered to your hand, then back to your face. 

“You’re sweating,” he murmured, concern evident in every syllable. 

You gave a small, lopsided smile. “Yeah. I guess breathing in bioweapons does that to a person.” 

Spencer frowned. “That’s not funny.” 

“Little funny,” you teased, tilting your head to look at him. 

He sighed, but you could see the slight twitch of his lips, like he wanted to scold you and smile at the same time.

A comfortable silence settled between you two, despite the chaos unfolding around you.

“You’re okay,” he said suddenly, more to himself than to you. “Your symptoms aren’t progressing rapidly. That’s… that’s a good sign.” 

You raised a brow. “You’re diagnosing me through a glass door now, Doctor Reid?” 

His lips pressed into a thin line. “Actually, rapid-onset symptoms from inhalation of anthrax typically appear within a few hours. Since you’re only experiencing mild weakness and slight sweating, it’s possible that the exposure was minimal. And if that’s the case, early treatment should be highly effective—” 

“Spence,” you interrupted gently. 

He stopped rambling. 

Your voice was softer this time. “I know you’re scared.” 

His eyes darted away for a split second, but then he sighed and met your gaze again. “Of course I am,” he admitted. “I—” He hesitated, running a hand through his hair before resting his palm against the door, mirroring your position. “I can’t lose you.” 

Warmth spread through your chest, even as your body trembled slightly from exhaustion. 

“You won’t.” 

You weren’t sure if it was the truth or just something to comfort him, but you needed him to believe it. And maybe, just maybe, you needed to believe it, too. 

Spencer took a slow, shaky breath. “Just… keep talking to me, okay? Stay awake.” 

You smiled. “Only if you promise to stay with me.” 

His eyes softened, his fingers twitching slightly against the glass. 

“I promise.” 

Your body felt heavier now. The exhaustion was creeping in faster than before, and you could see the way Spencer’s expression kept shifting—his mind was racing, cataloging every symptom, analyzing every possible outcome. You knew what he was doing. He was trying to calculate how much time you had, how bad it would get. 

You couldn’t let him spiral. 

“Spence,” you said, voice softer than before. You blinked a few times, trying to focus, forcing yourself to sit up straighter. He immediately caught on, his hands pressing against the glass like he could hold you up through sheer willpower alone. 

“I’m here,” he reassured, but his voice was tight. 

You gave him a small, tired smile. “Do you remember our first date?” 

Spencer’s forehead creased. “Why—why are you bringing that up right now?” 

“Because I want to talk about something good,” you murmured, tilting your head slightly, “and because I want you to stop staring at me like I’m a math equation with a really bad solution.” 

Spencer’s lips parted like he wanted to argue, but then he let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. “That’s not how I look at you.” 

“Little bit,” you teased. 

He sighed, but his shoulders relaxed—just a fraction. “Of course I remember our first date.” 

You smiled, waiting for him to continue. He shifted slightly, his eyes flickering over you, still scanning, still worried. But he played along, just like you wanted. 

“I was terrified,” he admitted after a beat. 

Your brows lifted. “You were terrified?” 

“More than you could ever imagine,” he said, his lips twitching at the memory. “I had wanted to ask you out for months, but every time I got close, I chickened out. Then one day, you just—” 

“I made the first move,” you finished for him, grinning. 

Spencer rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. “You didn’t ask me out. You just—assumed we were going on a date.” 

You laughed, though it was weaker than usual. “Because I knew you wanted to. You weren’t exactly subtle.” 

“I thought I was,” Spencer muttered. 

“You were not.” 

His cheeks flushed slightly, and even though you felt awful, you still found the energy to appreciate how endearing he was. “Okay, fine. But that didn’t make the date any less nerve-wracking.” 

You hummed. “Yeah? What part was the worst?” 

Spencer barely hesitated. “When I spilled coffee all over my shirt before we even sat down.” 

You giggled, your fingers tapping lightly against the glass. “I remember that. You looked so horrified.” 

“I was mortified,” he corrected. “And then you just… laughed. Not at me, but—you laughed like it was the best thing that had happened all day.” 

You grinned. “Because it was adorable. You were so worried about being perfect, but I already liked you, Spence. The coffee disaster just made you even cuter.” 

Spencer exhaled a slow breath, his eyes studying you. The warmth of the memory had softened the tension in his face, but not entirely. “I didn’t think you could like me back,” he admitted quietly. “Not like that.” 

Your chest ached—not from the anthrax, but from him. 

You pressed your palm against the glass, mirroring his. “I always liked you. I was just waiting for you to catch up.” 

Spencer let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “God, I love you.” 

Your breath hitched, just slightly. Even though you’d heard those words before, they always felt brand new coming from him. You let them settle in your heart.

“Good,” you whispered, your eyelids growing heavier. “Because I really, really love you too.” 

Spencer noticed immediately. The slight droop in your posture, the way your blinks lasted just a second too long. His body tensed. 

“No, hey, stay with me,” he urged, his voice sharper now. “You have to stay awake.” 

You forced a smile, tilting your head against the door. “I’m still here, Spence. Just a little tired.” 

Spencer’s jaw clenched. He turned his head sharply toward the nearest agent. “Where the hell is the medical team?” 

“They’re almost here,” someone answered. 

“Not fast enough,” Spencer muttered under his breath before looking back at you. His fingers curled into fists against the glass. “You have to stay with me.” 

“I will,” you promised, though you weren’t entirely sure you had a say in it. 

Spencer sucked in a shaky breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “Tell me more about our first date.” 

You blinked up at him. “You remember it all.” 

“Tell me anyway.” His voice cracked. 

You swallowed, nodding slightly. “Okay,” you whispered, gripping onto his voice like a lifeline. “We got ice cream after coffee. You ordered vanilla.” 

Spencer exhaled a small laugh. “It was the safest option.” 

“And then I let you try mine, and you hated it.” 

“It was mango,” he scoffed. “It tasted like… tropical regret.” 

You giggled again, your body sagging just slightly more against the door. Spencer noticed. His fingers twitched like he wanted to reach through the glass and pull you up, hold you steady. 

“Keep going,” he urged desperately. 

You blinked. “We… we sat at the park for hours.” 

“Yeah?” 

You nodded sleepily. “You kept talking about stars.” 

Spencer swallowed thickly. “Because I wanted to impress you.” 

“You already had.” You smiled softly, the memory flickering in your mind like an old film reel.

"Do you remember the first time you told me you loved me?" 

Spencer's lips parted, his brows knitting together as he searched his mind. He was stalling. 

"You do," you teased, your voice barely above a whisper. "You just don’t want to admit how ridiculous it was." 

A faint blush crept up his neck. "It wasn’t ridiculous." 

You let out a weak chuckle. "Spence. You said it because you were delirious from a fever." 

Spencer groaned, tipping his head back against the door for a brief second before looking at you again. "It still counts," he muttered defensively. 

You grinned, the exhaustion pressing heavy on your limbs, but you fought to stay awake—if only to see the way his ears turned pink at the memory. 

"You were so stubborn," you mused. "You refused to admit you were sick, and then, the second I forced you to lay down, you grabbed my hand and just—" 

"I love you," Spencer murmured, finishing the sentence before you could. 

You blinked at him. 

"You didn’t even remember saying it the next morning," you reminded him, smiling despite the heaviness weighing down on you. 

Spencer huffed. "That part was unfortunate." 

"I don’t know," you teased. "I kind of liked getting to tell you that you'd confessed your love to me in the middle of a fever dream." 

Spencer let out a breathy laugh, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. His fingers twitched against the glass, his entire body taut with barely restrained panic. 

"Tell me more," he said suddenly. 

You blinked. "About what?" 

"Anything. Everything. Just keep talking." 

He was trying to keep you awake. 

You knew it. 

But you didn’t argue. 

You smiled softly and whispered, "Okay," before slipping into another story, your voice carrying through the glass like a lifeline. Spencer held onto every single word. 

At some point, though, Spencer had to move when the medical team came rushing in. You barely registered it—just the sound of frantic voices, the distant feeling of your body being dragged into motion. You were barely holding on, your eyes fluttering shut despite Spencer calling your name. 

Then— 

Water. Cold, drenching, shocking. 

You remembered that much. The hazmat team had hosed you down. There was vague, fleeting awareness—Spencer shouting at someone about being gentle with you, the sting of something against your skin, and then— 

You were drenched, clothes clinging to your frame, hair plastered to your face, looking equal parts miserable and very out of it. 

Then—nothing. 

When you woke up, everything felt… hazy. Heavy. Your body ached, your limbs stiff as if you’d been asleep for days. A nasal cannula rested under your nose, cool oxygen flowing through it, making each breath feel easier. 

You blinked slowly, adjusting to the hospital room. The beeping of monitors filled the space, and— 

Spencer. 

He was sitting in the chair beside your bed, staring into the air, his hands clasped together tightly. His eyes were shadowed with exhaustion, his usually neat curls disheveled, his clothes wrinkled like he hadn’t moved in hours. 

“Spencer?” 

Your voice came out hoarse, barely more than a whisper, but the second it reached him, he jolted upright. His head snapped toward you, his breath catching in his throat as he stood so quickly the chair scraped against the floor. 

For a moment, he just stared down at you, his hazel eyes wide, disbelieving—like he wasn’t sure if you were real or if his mind was playing some cruel trick on him. 

Then, in a rush, his hand was on yours, gripping tightly, his fingers trembling slightly. 

“You’re awake,” he breathed, like he had been holding those words in his chest for hours. 

You tried to smile, but your lips barely moved. “Hey, Spence.” 

He let out a choked breath, his free hand pushing through his hair, trying to keep himself together. 

“You—God, you scared me,” he whispered, his voice raw. 

Your fingers twitched against his, a weak attempt to squeeze his hand. “Sorry.” 

Spencer let out something between a laugh and a sigh, shaking his head. “Don’t. Don’t apologize.” 

There was a beat of silence, and then you gestured vaguely toward the hospital bed. “So… can I get a hug, or are you just going to stand there looking like a lost puppy?”

Spencer hesitated, his eyes flickering to the monitors and wires surrounding you. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

You rolled your eyes. “Spencer, I’m not made of glass. Hug me.”

That was all the encouragement he needed. He leaned down carefully, wrapping his arms around you in a gentle embrace. You sighed, melting into him, your face buried in the crook of his neck. He smelled like coffee and antiseptic, and his shirt was wrinkled beyond repair, but you didn’t care.

“I was so scared,” he murmured, his voice muffled against your hair.

You tightened your grip on him as much as your weakened body would allow. “I know. But I’m okay. Thanks to you.”

Spencer pulled back slightly, his brows furrowed. “Me? I didn’t do anything.”

“You stayed with me,” you said simply, your voice soft. “That’s not nothing.”

Spencer’s eyes softened, and he brushed a strand of hair away from your face, his fingers lingering for a moment. “I told you I wasn’t leaving.”

“And you didn’t,” you said, smiling up at him, though your smile wavered slightly as you noticed the dark circles under his eyes, the way his shoulders sagged with exhaustion.

You watched him carefully, taking in every little detail—the way his fingers curled tightly around yours, the lingering fear in his eyes, the exhaustion weighing down his entire body. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.

“How long?” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.

Spencer swallowed hard, his gaze flickering away for a moment before meeting yours again. “20 hours.”

Your chest tightened. No wonder he looked like he hadn’t slept.

“You stayed?” you asked, though you already knew the answer.

He let out a soft, breathy laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Of course I did.”

You let his words settle over you, the warmth of them sinking into your skin. Slowly, you turned your hand, just enough to thread your fingers through his. His grip tightened instantly.

“I’m okay,” you murmured, your voice steady despite the fatigue pulling at you.

Spencer exhaled shakily, nodding, but his eyes betrayed him—he was still scared.

“Yeah,” he whispered, squeezing your hand like he needed to convince himself. “You are.” And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he finally let himself believe it.

The door creaked open, and both of you turned to see Hotch stepping into the room. His usual stoic expression softened slightly as his eyes landed on you.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of relief. “How are you feeling?”

You managed a small smile. “Like I got hit by a truck, but… I’ll live.”

Hotch nodded, his gaze flickering to Spencer for a moment before returning to you. “You gave us quite the scare.”

“Sorry about that,” you said, your tone light. “I’ll try to avoid inhaling bioweapons in the future.”

Hotch’s lips twitched, the closest thing to a smile you were likely to get from him. “I’d appreciate that.” He paused, his expression growing more serious. “The medical team said you’re responding well to treatment.”

You nodded, feeling a small weight lift off your chest. “That’s good to hear.”

Hotch glanced at Spencer again, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the young agent’s disheveled appearance. “Reid, when was the last time you slept?”

Spencer blinked, caught off guard by the question. “I, uh… I’m not sure.”

Hotch sighed. “Go home. Get some rest. I’ll stay with her.”

Spencer shook his head immediately, his grip on your hand tightening. “No. I’m not leaving.”

Hotch raised an eyebrow. “You’re no good to anyone if you collapse from exhaustion. Go home, shower, eat something, and then you can come back.”

Spencer opened his mouth to argue, but you cut him off.

“He’s right, Spence,” you said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “You look like you’re about to fall over. Go take care of yourself. I’ll still be here when you get back.”

Spencer hesitated, his eyes searching yours for a moment before he finally relented with a sigh. “Fine. But I’m coming back as soon as I can.”

You smiled. “I’d expect nothing less.”

Hotch stepped aside as Spencer reluctantly stood, his movements slow and stiff. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead before straightening up and heading for the door.

Once he was gone, Hotch moved closer to your bed. “He didn’t leave your side the entire time,” he said quietly. “Not even when the medical team told him to.”

You felt a lump form in your throat, but you swallowed it down, nodding. “I know.”

Hotch studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You’re important to him. To all of us. Take care of yourself.”

You smiled faintly. “I will. Thanks, Hotch.”

He nodded once, his usual stoic demeanor returning. “Get some rest. I’ll be outside if you need anything.”

As he left the room, you leaned back against the pillows, letting out a long breath, as you fell asleep once again.

And when Spencer returned an hour later, looking significantly more put together and carrying a cup of coffee for you (decaf, because he insisted), you couldn’t help but smile.

“Miss me?” he asked, setting the coffee on the table beside your bed.

“Always,” you said, reaching for his hand.

[namelessgakusei]

Extra EP. 1.3 Conflagration

Devil May Cry x Reader Insert

Warnings: It's DMC. Based on the New Netflix Series. Spoiler warnings for the actual show. Not proofread.

EP. 1.2 COMBUSTION (prev.)

EP. 2.1 Lead us not into temptation (cont.)

Synopsis: Unbeknownst to you and Dante, there are people plotting to bring the two of you down.

Deep within the Whitehouse gathered various people of authority, united for the same agenda of addressing the strange Vatican City Bombing. Dr. Fisher explains that a network of terrorist demons might be behind the attack, a claim immediately questioned by the general of the military, saying that America shouldn't entertain such ridiculous notions. Suddenly, a voice cuts in, defending the doctor's claim.

Vice President Baines turned to the general to his left, the glare accumulated from years of tactical management visible in his face. "I assure you, he is serious."

Dr. Fisher continued his presentation, saying that demons are related but separate from humans when it came to the evolutionary branch, having tested the DNA left on the scene. He explains that they exist and are natives from another universe, a parallel plane to Earth. While the talk about their place of origins continued to escalate, Vice President Baines furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

Mythology exists to explain Reality, said the doctor.

Apparently, there exists an interdimensional rift that acts as a bridge between the two universes, although it has been blocked for millennia by a field of quantum interference. There had been natural disruptions that makes way for demons to pass through, but are unstable enough to only let lesser ones in, enabling them to blend in the crowd. The president sputters and struggles to keep up, asking what this all means.

"Which means the big demons are stuck on the other side." Dr. Fisher nods. When asked about his employer, the presentation changed to reveal the organization. "Dark Realm Command." The bright red color contrasted the black screen as the insignia reveals the rest of the name. "DARKCOM, as our PR department insists we call it."

"DARKCOM is an independent dimensional security firm, funded by private investments, such as my own." Baines' voice made everyone shift to his direction, understanding well on who has the real power within the room. The lull in the room was broken by a hurried employee who insists on making everyone see the contents of the tape he delivered.

The screen plays the last moments of the group of criminals who raided the Vatican City Museum, revealing the culprit behind the attack, the White Rabbit. He spoke of a name, Sparda, as he marvels at the sword. This ignites the curiosity of the doctor, having heard the name before. But what soon followed in the feed was the brutal deaths of the men and the Rabbit's taunting words. "The gates of Hell will open soon enough."

"To any sapiens wishing to join the celebration," It's clear that the Rabbit planned for this video to be found, as it's like he's speaking directly to the leaders of America. "If you want to catch a rabbit, find the hunter."

"Hope to see you all there♡"

The thief screamed in agony as the Rabbit continuously stabbed him, laughing manically as the man dies.

The president staggered to get up on his feet, still shaken from what he saw, saying that this is all too much to deal with. Baines assured him that this is all real. Hell is real. And this is the start of the Holy War that Humanity should win.

"I believe the demon is toying with us." Dr. Fisher's expression hardened, nodding to the executives in front of him. "Giving us a clue to its next move. We need to figure out who this hunter is, which can only mean..."

"A Demon Hunter."

Baines' posture straightened up as he barks a command, voice low like a storm about to hit. "Find every demon hunter you can. And bring them to me."

Paranormal offices were raided, hunters were captured, beaten up if they resist, as they were all brought together in interrogation rooms. Frauds were weeded out from actual hunters, but it didn't saved them from getting hurt here and there. No matter how much they fight, they were always asked the same thing.

Do you know the White Rabbit?

Finally someone spoke up. A man, tanned with dyed blond hair, asked for a cigarette in exchange for his information. He said he knows a guy, a broker for demon hunters and mercenaries, a hustler who feeds off the bottom of the bottom feeders. "Last time I saw him, he told me how he'd set up this job for a talking bunny."

"I didn't give him much thought, coming from a serial liar and a drunk." The chained up demon hunter smirked at the other side of the one way glass.

"But maybe he wasn't lying." And perhaps he wasn't, and if it adds up, it means the White Rabbit was operating in New York. "Give me a name." Baines glared back, although he knew that the man can't see him from the other side of the glass.

The club was crashed in by a SWAT unit, their black uniforms completely out of place under the colorful lighting, demanding the whereabouts of Enzo Ferino. People screamed in surprise but didn't budged, either too high or drunk to care, but their target wasn't. Enzo jumped over a table and bolted upon seeing the cops, passing through the dancing crowd, who weren't too pleased by his hurried movements.

He thought he was safe when the fire exit was on his sight, cackling at his escape from imprisonment once again, only to get a door slammed to his face. The staff member gaped as Enzo was apprehended.

Enzo woke up with a start, handcuffs on his wrists and an electric shock clip about to get connected to his skin. "Before we start, you should know that I'll tell you anything you ask me about any subject!" He sputtered, narrowly avoiding getting electrocuted. That seemed to work, as the clip was withdrawn, but it didn't stopped the information broker to try and get the situation "under his control". "Now, let's talk compensation—"

The clip was nearly shoved to his face.

"Alright, I'll do it for free! You guys should really learn how to negotiate properly."

"Tell us about the White Rabbit." Baines' voice boomed from the speaker. Enzo chuckled and started recalling the events of their meeting. "He showed up at my office with a job that needed expediting."

"And that didn't seem strange to you?" Baines looked like he was about to murder someone as he leans closer to the mic. "A six-foot talking rabbit." But it only made Enzo scoff, saying that in his line of work, it's only a slow Tuesday. "Some demons making noise over on the west side that he wanted clipped. Calling too much attention to themselves and whatnot."

"Why? What did it mattered to him?"

"Y'know, I saw the price he was offering and I must've forgot to ask." Enzo shrugged and grinned. "One thing about it that struck me as funny is that, he has a particular demon hunter he wanted me to hire." He grimaced, shivering at the memory. "Wouldn't take anyone else."

"Who?"

"Kid named Dante."

Enzo frowned after that, saying that he's a sweet kid. "Bit of a troubled past, though. You know how it is, Dad not around. Mom and twin brother brutally murdered by demons. Y'know, that sort of thing." Before grinning again with a, somehow, proud expression. "Got attached to my kid though! They're practically hip to hip! Can't separate them for too long, else they get antsy."

The last part was promptly ignored in favor of digging up information on Dante. Dr. Fisher successfully pulled out his file and began snooping for details they could use. "Dante. Last name unknown." His mugshot was unserious, picking his nose and not standing straight. "Looks like he also works as a standard hired gun. Oh! And if half of what I'm reading here is true, his capabilities are extraordinary."

"What else do we have on him?" Baines frowned while the doctor marveled at what he saw. "Anything that explains the Rabbit's interest?"

"Hmm. It is said here that he always works with another demon hunter regardless of any mission. And he's recorded going AWOL from five separate jobs."

"Why?"

"It just says... Ugh." Dr. Fisher looks disappointed. "Got bored?"

Baines frowned, and asked about the other demon hunter, making the doctor pull out another file. Dr. Fisher's eyes widened at your document, there you stood properly for a mugshot photo, only glaring too much at the camera.

[Demon Hunter PII]

Name: (Y/N)

DoB: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Address: 862 Divine Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11206

Sex: [redacted]

Nationality: Unknown

H: [redacted]

W: [redacted]

EC: [redacted]

HC: [redacted]

Skin: [redacted]

Prof: Hunting High Ranking Demons

[Document Title]

Demon Hunting Evaluation Report

[Subject]

Name: (Y/N)

Occupation: Mercenary, Demon Hunter, Information Broker

Affiliated Group: None

[Overview]

This report serves to outline the evaluation of (Y/N), a demon-hunting mercenary and information broker, in both their job performance and comprehensive performance.

[Contents]

- Successfully completed every mission using a variety of self-made guns inside their briefcase.

- Capable of dealing with multiple enemies alone with their physical ability and agility.

- Always accompanied with the Demon Hunter, Dante and vice versa.

- Often acts as a mediator between Dante and their team mates, keeping him in line and solving conflicts before it arises.

- Their great combat skills and quick thinking are well-acknowledged, but their mutual reliance to Dante showcases their codependency.

[Combat Experience & Skills]

- 10+ years of being an information broker

- 5+ years of demon-hunting experience

- Has an excellent reputation in the black market and the demon hunter community.

- Experienced in battles with various types of demons; specializes in tracking and documenting demons.

- Highly skilled in marksmanship and weaponsmithing.

- Outstanding crisis management ability in dangerous situations and great tactical knowledge

- Skillful with military weapons and firearms, creates makeshift weapons within record time.

- Specializes in close-combat.

[Personality]

- Level-headed and cautious

- Confident in their ability and power

- Constantly seen bickering with Dante, even in dangerous situations, but compliments each other in combat.

- Can be flexible and work together as a team to complete missions, but usually works with Dante.

- Sharp and observant.

[Remarks]

Unauthorized access to classified missions.

Reason: DANTE GOT BORED AND I WAS CURIOUS. Y'KNOW, OLD HABITS DIE HARD.

*Assumed to be referring to their occupation as a broker, further investigation is due to find out if there will be a leak.

[Evaluation Report]

Mercenary (Y/N) demonstrates distinguished demon-hunting abilities. However, they need to be able to operate independently.

Further caution needs to be exercised when interacting with them due to their tendency to dig into your background.

"This is quite the combination." The doctor beamed. "This must be the kid that Mr. Ferino talked about. If they are really attached to each other..."

"We could use them to lure Dante out." Baines narrowed his eyes towards your picture.

"I heard a rumor once about demons who were too powerful to cross over, so they learned how to project their consciousness into our world and possess stuff, poltergeist-style." Enzo's warden was the unfortunate victim of his ranting. "You ask me, that's what this White Rabbit is. A possessed kid's toy." The broker grins towards the speaker, which replies to him with—

"I didn't asked."

"Look, look, look, that's all I know. If you're after his location, I can't help you. I only saw him once." Enzo shrugged and groaned, but Baines assured him that they already know where to look, as a man with a rabbit head can only avoid surveillance for so long. This made the broker scoff, saying that there won't be any survivors even if they send a team. But Baines replied with a cold voice.

"There was only one."

Before he sighed over the mic, asking of what he knows about the Sword of Sparda. Enzo tried retelling the tale that everyone knows, about the demon that rebelled against his own kind and sided with humanity, but the vice president cut him off, demanding him to give new information. This made the broker raise a brow but nonetheless complied, having no choice, as he reveals the existence of an amulet. The doctor immediately went to work and realized that it was the missing piece of the puzzle, that it was the transmitter that enabled the separation of the two worlds and while the demon technology is medieval, their understanding of the quantum principles is far more advanced than Humanity in its current era.

But Enzo said that the amulet was split into two, so there will be no way for the realms to be open to each other without limit; so long as the amulet remains broken, so will Armageddon remain as just a myth. It didn't stopped the doctor from listing out the worse possible scenarios, however, before being silenced by Baines, saying that they won't let it happen as it is the DARKCOM's purpose.

Their divine charge.

To be the last line of defense against the Inferno.

The Vice President mulled over the fact that the Rabbit already have the first half of the amulet, only for the door to swing open, with a jittery soldier coming out of it. It's the survivor, the doctor says, Anders from the J-Squad. The soldier insists on having sensitive information that he just had to say it directly to Baines, concerning the Rabbit and the end of the world.

"I heard the Rabbit say something after he'd done this. He was pissed off, furious, sir. He knows where the other half of the amulet is, and he tried to get it back already. But his plan failed."

"He's gonna try again. Soon."

Baines narrowed his eyes at Anders, inquiring more of the plan that the Rabbit said. But the soldier shook his head, saying that he doesn't know that much, only something about hiring someone for a set-up job. "Whoever it was, that's who has the other piece, sir."

Realization dawned to both Baines and Dr. Fisher as they both turned to the yawning Enzo.

"Dante."

taglist!: @mischiefmanaged71 @tamashithe2nd @im-just-a-simp-le-whore @96jnie

[shana-reviews-tmblr]

From Truth Seekers to Mastermind: How we've reached the halfway point of Stoliz

While there are many things I would love to bring up about Helluva Boss S2 Ep11 Mastermind and the pay offs it gave throughout the season, I want to focus specifically on Stolas and Bltiz's relationship as that is the heart of the story.

As we know Stolas and Blitz had an arrangement which allows Blitz to journey to Earth provided every full moon him and Stolas got freaky in the sheets.

at first this was treated as nothing more than a condition that enabled Helluva Boss' story to be set in motion as Blitz and I.M.P's job requires them to go to earth to assassinate people for clients in hell.

and for the most part, Blitz treated it as just a condition of their agreement, nothing more, thinking Stolas was simply just a royal who liked getting freaky with the lower class and as he put it "loved getting raw dogged"

However come S1 Ep6 Truth Seekers we got a glimpse that there might be more to this as during BLitz's hallucination where his inner truth was being shown.

it was during this that we see Blitz's view of Stolas or rather his desire to want to love him as he sees Stolas in an almost "angelic" view point

but as we see, he is unsure

of himself? of their relationship? of Stolas?

we don't know, but this is a turning point where BLitz wants to believe "maybe we could be more?"

the episode climaxes (ha) with Stolas saving I.M.P, as prior to that Blitz and Moxxie were captured by humans and with Millie and Loona were trying to escape but were cornered.

After Stolas saved them, for a brief moment Blitz believed that Stolas might have actually cared about him because why else save him?

and for a moment we assume the same as Stolas asks Blitz if he is alright

...until Stolas makes it clear, possibly unintentional as unfortunately our Bird Prince still has his aristocratic upbringing still part of his personality, "if YOU get in trouble, "I" get in trouble, WE don't want that" which made Blitz feel that all Stolas cared about was covering his ass which then has him retreat back into his shell, believing what he thought about Stolas was wrong, that there is nothing going on...

Nothing except their agreement, and despite him giving Stolas a kiss and being playful, it's Blitz giving Stolas a "Reward" for aiding them but with no real meaning, just Blitz living up to their end of the deal and in this case, trying to placate Stolas to calm him down.

What could have been a breakthrough instead was just a brief glimpse that neither side would notice.

and then came S1 Ep7 Ozzie's

We were clearly meant to see Blitz and Stolas as the focus this ep and it would be one that further showed how their relationship was not as ideal as either of them might have thought, in fact it is the total opposite of M&M's

Where Mox and Mill were affectionate, loving, and stood up for and with each other

When Stolas and Blitz were confronted and ridiculed by Ozzie and Fizz; Stolas was mocked for how even though he had a family, he was messing around with an imp for pleasure

and it was here that Stolas coward down and hid behind a menu out of shame

Blitz taking notice and thinking this as, once again, Stolas not being concerned for him or seeing him as someone he genuinely wanted to be with leading to Blitz feeling that once again that golden angelic view ha had of Stolas crumbles and it further pushed Blitz back to thinking there is nothing more to them, there can NEVER be anything more to them, and Stolas just cares about getting his fix from Blitz.

which is why at the end, even when Stolas was genuinely trying to salvage the night and wanted to reassure Blitz he did care; Blitz DID NOT want to hear it, Stolas had his chance, and he blew it.

and the sad thing is, Stolas knows this and both of them are left heart broken because Stolas genuinely wanted to have something with Blitz, but his cowardice hurt the person he cared about.

Meanwhile, Blitz was left alone that night to cry, feeling more unloved than ever before and after seeing pictures of his past relations, remembering the close ones he lost, he sees the one of his mom.

the last person up to this point Blitz knew truly loved him.

and in Blitz's mind, there is no one who would, could or should ever love him.

From there we have many more events that involved Blitz and Stolas's relationship growing, from Western Energy, to Oops, and eventually leading to Full Moon

these episodes have a storyline that show Stolas is coming to realize he can't keep things as they are between him and Blitz.

Seeing Stars was a brief moment where they worked together but with trying to find Via, they couldn't really handle the events at Ozzie's and the aftermath as they had to prioritize finding Via.

But it's during Western Energy where it left Stolas thinking Blitz no longer cared for him or was possibly, and likely, still upset over what happened at Ozzie's, which we see supported by the LONG PARAGRAPH of text Stolas sent to Blitz in an attempt to try and salvage that situation and make amends.

this all comes to a head when Stolas enacts a plan to free Blitz from their arrangement so they could truly try to see if they do love each other or if not, Blitz can have a means to keep his business going and not be tied to him.

To do this he went to Asmodeus to make a case to get Blitz an Asmodian Crystal which would legally allow Blitz to go to Earth as Imps are not allowed to have access to that kind of magic.

Sadly things wouldn't go good for either of them, again, as during the Full Moon, Stolas presented his gift to Blitz and after a series of unfortunate misunderstandings and flops from both sides, Stolas and Blitz would break up, and following the events of Apology Tour, Blitz would come to realize that Stolas truly was in love with him and what he felt back in Truth Seekers WAS true, but because of his pride, anger, and self-loathing, he pushed Stolas away and now he lost the chance to be with someone who truly loved him and it tore him up inside that he may never be able to get that back or even say he was sorry for hurting Stolas...and that he might have to let him go.

on the other side of this episode, Stolas now had his own "Truth Seeker" moment as his song All 2 U has him now looking at his time with Blitz and much like how Blitz had his inner truth and view of Stolas while also seeing it be shattered after his rescue.

Stolas's view of Blitz, or more likely his view of how they might have had something, also shattered, that maybe it was all a lie Stolas told himself, much like how Blitz tried lying to himself.

But then S2 Ep11 Mastermind happens

and we get the make-or-break moment between Stolas and Blitz

As I.M.P is being accused of stealing Stolas' grimoire to get to earth, Stolas steps in and saves Blitz from execution, not only that he takes ALL the blame for everything, as Satan, who is the judge of Blitz's trial, will not kill imps who follow the purpose he made them for which is "being obedient" and since Stolas is claiming Blitz did everything because Stolas ordered him to, all blame goes to Stolas and Blitz is let off the hook for following orders.

In a single moment Stolas proved to Blitz he still cares about him, it's left up in the air for now if he still has feelings for him after everything that's happened, but make no mistake, Stolas DOES CARE about Blitz and seeing this himself, Blitz's doubts are dispelled, more so now he feels maybe him and Stolas can try again or that there is hope for them, because now Stolas is left powerless.

Without a home, title, or anything, save for his daughter who is now in her mother's clutches, Blitz is all Stolas has.

and Mastermind ends with Blitz thanking Stolas for saving his life and Stolas weakly replying "always"

a very stark contrast to what happened back in Truth Seekers where it seemed Stolas only saved Blitz to save himself.

and where Truth seekers ended with Stolas and Blitz making out, we get a softer, more affectionate, more sincere gesture between them as Stolas, weary from having his powers taken and having had to process everything that has happened and what will happen, rests while Blitz gives him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

Season 2 really did a great job building up to this moment and it feels earned, Stolas and Blitz's relationship at first was built on an agreement born from the two wanting something from the other, but as they both questioned how things were and had a series of events that further showed how wrong their situation was and that for them to genuinely have something meaningful, they needed to change

now here comes mastermind paying off the long wait for what is essentially the halfway point of Blitz and Stolas's romance, they ended the arrangement, they broke up, and now are on the path of rediscovering who THEY are as people while along the way will discover how THEY can be as a couple, because Stolas is now living with Blitz and the two will soon see how the other acts, how the others personal life is when they aren't around each other, it will be challenging and we may see more bickering like an old married couple moments they will have.

But this is why I love the writing for Helluva Boss, because it does understand and know how to set things up and give those things a pay off as I hope I have shown in this long, VERY LONG, thread about the evolution of Stolas and Blitz's romance.

[thatgenericwriter]

The Death Of Me || Jake Peralta

Paring: Jake Peralta x gn!reader

Summary: working at a karaoke bar that is a known hangout for mafia members was not an ideal job but a handsome newcomer might make it all worth it

Warnings: swearing, angst

Word Count: 1.5k

P.s. takes place during season 2 ep 1

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

The karaoke bar you worked at was a known hangout spot for a know Mafia family....but it was the only job you could get. It wasn't so bad you took care of them and they took care of you. They tipped in hundreds and were always nice to you. You knew what they did and you knew it was wrong, but you had no other option.

Everything changed, however, when a new guy showed up with your regulars. He looked nothing like the rest of the family, no dead look in his eyes, rather he looked excited to be here.

"Y/N! We need a round of shots for our new friend here!"

"Coming up!"

You send the new guy a smile before going behind the bar. Before he gets pulled into the booth, you make eye contact one last time and he sends you a smile that makes your knees weak.

'No you cannot get involved with him! He is obviously a part of the family and they are bad people.' These thoughts snap you out of your giddiness as you place the drinks on the tray.

"Okay! Who's ready for shots?!"

You pass out the drinks slowly getting closer to the new guy until you are right in front of him. He gives you his sickly sweet smile once more before opening his mouth.

"Hi, I'm Jake, and God you are beautiful!"

'Fuck'

After his introduction to you all those weeks ago, you knew there was no way you wouldn't fall for this guy. And you were right.

Jake had become a new regular at the bar and you couldn't be happier. Every time he came he would bring you a new gift. One time it was a beautiful bouquet of flowers, another was a matching jacket to the one you tried to steal from him the week before.

Along with the gifts, each visit brought even stronger feelings of attraction to Jake. You learned about his past life as a cop, about all of his ex-friends and the shenanigans they would do. The pranks, challenges, and overall goofiness that happened. But you also learned about how much he loved them.

When he told you about getting fired and about his friends leaving him, you couldn't help but hug him. Once he held you back, you knew that you were in deep.

Over the course of getting to know Jake, you also saw him changing to fit into the family. His appearance, actions, and words were beginning to match those of the people he surrounded himself with. Leading to you saying something to him one day as you sit on his couch in his apartment.

"I don't like your hair like that."

Jake looked over at you in mock offense, placing his hand over his heart and scoffing at you.

"Do you know how long it takes me to get my hair like this every day?!"

You roll your eyes at him and his drama queen reaction.

"I'm not saying it's a bad look on you. I just think your natural hairstyle looks the best on you."

He gives you his signature knee weakening smile before leaning in close to you. You feel his breath on your neck as he whispers in your ear.

"I'll stop if you say pretty please."

Shivers get sent down your spine and you look up at him as he moves back enough to see your face.

"Pretty please?"

You see something flash in his eyes before he launches at you, attaching his lips to yours. Almost desperately he bites and licks your lips until you give him what he wants and open your mouth. You let out a small moan that gets swallowed by Jake's mouth on yours.

Unfortunately, you have to pull apart for air. You sit panting and stare at Jake watching as he leans back onto the couch and runs his hands over his face.

"God, why are you so fucking hot?"

You let out a slight chuckle before moving to straddle his lap.

"I think it's you who's so fucking hot."

..........

After that night, you two could not keep being pinning friends. He officially asked you to be his girlfriend a few days after your "wild night" and you don't think you could have said yes faster.

All was going good until the night of Angie and Marco's wedding.

"Why are you so jumpy tonight?"

Jake looks over at you shocked before denying the accusation almost immediately. You give him a questioning look before shrugging it off.

When a group of old men that Jake seem to know come over he quickly whispers in your ear.

"Do not leave my side no matter what."

Shocked to stare at him before he is immersed in a conversation with the men. You do as he says, however, standing very close to him as he talks. He suddenly grabs your hand as a group of S.W.A.T officers raid the bar.

They grab Jake and start to drag him out the back door. He tries to fight them off screaming at them to let him go and for you to follow him.

Scared out of your mind you follow him out and watch as they throw him into a van. Before the doors close you hear him speak normally.

"Hey, Captin!"

It was a sting. He never got fired. He was playing everyone this entire time. He was playing everyone. He was playing you.

It all made sense now. Every time he would ask you about the family randomly, when he would stop talking about the precinct whenever someone would walk by, even why he started to date you. It was all to arrest them.

You had already started walking away when you hear Jake's voice yelling for you.

"Babe, where are you going?"

You turn around and he stops when he notices the tears in your eyes.

"How could you Jake? You used me to get information! You played with my head! I loved you! But all you wanted from me was to use me to get closer to the fucking mafia!"

"No! Wait! Y/N it's not like that! I~"

It was too late. You didn't care anymore. You were already walking away before he could say anything more. You hear him coming towards you before his name is yelled from the van.

You hear him stop before his footsteps start to retreat back to the van. You sob harder realizing that he didn't love you.

............

It has been two miserable days since the raid. Two days since your heart was smashed in half. Two days since you had seen Jake.

You have locked yourself in your apartment. Barley moving from your spot on the couch and you haven't stopped crying. You have tried so hard not to think about Jake, but it was nearly impossible. Everything reminded you of him.

His scent lingered on your pillows, his clothes left on your floor, and even the jacket you were wearing was gifted to you by him. It was impossible to not think about him. Especially when the people outside your door are talking about him....

'Wait what?'

You open your door to see four people huddled together.

"Uh.. Can I help you?"

They jump apart and stare at you dumbfounded before one of them flashes her badge at you.

"I'm Rosa. This is Amy, Terry, and Charles. We work with Jake and need to talk with you."

"No."

You try to close the door but a foot wedges it back open.

"Please just hear us out."

You look up at their desperate faces and sigh in defeat before letting them into your apartment.

...........

'Why am I here?'

You don't know how they convinced you to come to this stupid party, but here you are sitting in a booth waiting for Jake.

All four of them spent an hour convincing you that Jake actually loved you and wasn't just using you for information. Of course, you didn't believe them at first, but when they told you about how moppy and annoying he was being with his constant talk about you, you couldn't help but believe them.

So here you were listening to Captin Holt's speech waiting for your cue to reveal yourself.

"And with that, we have one last surprise for you."

Everyone parts to allow Jake to see you. The moment he locks eyes on you, he is practically tackling you to the ground in a bone crushing hug.

"I love you so much."

"I love you more, Jake."

He pulls apart enough to look at your face.

"Impossible."

You both smash your lips together in a heartfelt and emotional kiss... that is very quickly ruined by Charles hugging both of you.

"And moment ruined."

You giggle at Jake before giving him a quick peck on the lips.

"Let's get this party started!"

Everyone agrees and heads for the bar, but you stop Jake before he can leave.

"You look so fucking hot with the busted up lip and eyebrow by the way."

You give him a wink before walking towards the bar. You hear Jake groan while walking behind you.

"You're going to be the death of me."

[flwernyrvie]

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿!𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘀 𝗩𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻

ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢꜱ!: smut, mentions of pregnancy, possessive!Jacaerys, incest, Reader has long silver hair but dark brown eyes, a year younger than Jace, reader likes snakes, both characters are 18+!!

Pairings: Jacaerys Velaryon x sister!reader, mentions of betrothal to Daeron.

Author’s note!: This is also my first time writting here but I am currently writing on wattpad, its a Benjicot Blackwood x Velaryon!reader so check it out (@flwernyrvie).

Younger Jace!

Is definitely protective of you seeing how you’re the only daughter and only sister of theirs.

Would listen to you talk about your dreams and explanation of snakes and why they are so wonderful.

You two (including Luke) would always ride your dragons together.

Definitely would shield you away from the rumors about your parentage like how he do the same to Luke and Joffrey.

Would read to you about your favorite stories every night.

Spoils you in anyway he can. Like get you snakes from kingswood, or get your favorite flowers from the garden, etc.

Older Jace!

WOULD absolutely not let any men go near you, except of it’s luke or any of your brothers.

If someone did try and talk to you, he would pull you away from them making a excuse then would probably scold you for talking to another man and after the lectures he gave you, he would not leave your side.

He’ll probably glare at any men that would try to have an conversation with you and would tell them to fuck off in a nice way, (like the way he silenced Aegon in s1 ep 8?)

Of course Rhaenyra wouldn’t be too fond of knowing your brother is not letting you talk to other people and only to him and your siblings and would be rude to others when trying to have a nice conversation with you.

Of course this limitation of having the freedom to talk to people would affect you for finding a future husband but Jace doesn’t care about that because if your mother didn’t find any men to betrothed you to she’ll have to go to the obvious one, which is him.

Until your Grandsire announcement that you are to wed his youngest son, Daeron.

This made Jace angry that, that night after your grandsire made that announcement he marched his way to your chambers and fucked the living shit out of you. While whispering filthy things in your ear.

“How dare he betrothed you to him?” “Does he not know you belong to me?” “I’ll make him know.. we’ll make him know won’t we? Dōna mandia.” “Fuck we better stay quiet Issa jorrāelagon..” “You’ll give me my heirs, won’t you? Issa dōna mandia.” “Daeron will never make you feel this way, only I can.”

He didn’t stopped until the sun came up making sure his strong seed was planted on your womb, creating a life.

Jacaerys didn’t want to do that of course but he was desperate, desperate to have you, desperate to spend his entire life with you, desperate to have you be his wife and be your husband, desperate to make you happy knowing damn well their uncle cannot make you happy as he can.

One moons after that fateful night, your mother noticed how you’ve yet not bleed and is showing the signs of pregnancy. She brushed this off knowing you wouldn’t do such a thing but after another month went by she called you into your chambers to confront you.

You confessed and told your mother everything and Rhaenyra was not happy.

First of all, Jacaerys ruined you and he impregnated you nonetheless, second you are already betrothed to Daeron and was expected to marry him next year.

Daemon however found this amusing and even laughed at his step-sons boldness. He requested that you and Jacaerys should be married or else whispers might happen if not.

So that’s what happened, in less than a month you and Jace are married. You two of course had a secret wedding but when your grandsire found out Rhaenyra married you to Jacaerys he got mad but he cannot undo it now as you both already consummated the marriage.

Jacaerys however was more than happy at this. He gets to have you and you get to have him, a happy ending for all.

Seven moons later, you gave birth to your son Laenor. Two moons early to everyone’s shock.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Must you, Japan? has become Thank You, Japan

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

BL OLYMPICS! Week 3

This is my last week of passing out metals in various sporting events, as part of the weekly updates.

Aug 2024 Week 2

Ongoing Series - Thai

Century of Love (Weds Gaga) eps 9-10fin - There were a lot more unnecessary dramatic speeches than there was practical medical aid being administered. Very extra, boys. I wonder how long it took them to get that "birds meet hug" shot? Meanwhile, great grandpa‘s attitude that he knows best in every way is thoroughly annoying, and yet absolutely appropriate to his age. My great gramps (RIP), had he had the body of a 20-year-old, would behave in exactly the same self-righteous know-it-all way. The doctor is great. I would like him to get his own romance please? What happens when you are the villain in someone else's reincarnation story? There's a whole fanfic there. And yes I cried. I am a sap for this kinda thing.

Final thoughts:

This is a great little show about a young man who fell in love with a pretty girl 100 years ago, and when she died in his arms, he was cursed to live until he could meet her reborn self. Only this time around, she’s reborn into the body of a man. I love it when Thailand gets all up in its own historical business and reincarnation and shizz. I like this pair (it’s not DaouOffroad’s fault I didn’t enjoy most of their first series.) Daou’s wushu is pretty snazzy and we got a fun meet cute. (Erm... Remeet cute? Meet cute 2.0?) Plus this is a very PRETTY show. Despite some ham handed comedy moments, this ultimately has more in common with something like I Feel You Linger in the Air meets First Love Again, then (as one might expect) Until We Meet Again or The Director Who Buys Me Dinner. The leads turned in great performances, although Daou outclassed everybody else on that screen. It’s a good story and a great BL. I’m not sure this is going in my rewatch rotation, but I can’t find any major faults with it beyond a certain level of camp that is sadly endemic to lackorns. Also I’m going to give it credit as the kind of BL that one could safely recommend to lovers of melodrama and historical romance, without having to qualify it as “good for a BL.” It was, to put it succinctly, simply a VERY ENJOYABLE show. 

Under those auspices I really can’t give it anything less than a 9/10. 

Bronze in Fencing

My Love Mix-Up Th (Fri YT) ep 10 of 12 - It’s cute. They were cute. I enjoyed it a lot. I talk quite a bit about why they're using nai as a you pronoun here:

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans (Fri iQIYI) ep 6 of 8 - Honestly the side couple is truly stellar in this show. I wasn’t sure about them at first but now I absolutely love them. Not sure how they are going to resolve such intense dislike (from JJ) by the end of the series. But I’m interested to see them try.

Meanwhile, there isn’t anything else airing right now that makes me laugh as much as the behind-the-scenes from this show. Highly recommended.

Monster Next Door (Thai Thurs Gaga ) eps 1-2 of 12 - Oh it is so much fun. I’m particularly delighted that our musician is a drummer and I don’t have to listen to him sing... I hope. I’ve been waiting for Big to lead a BL forever. I’m disposed to enjoy this. We can all be confident in one thing, the kisses are going to be great. I like the side couple too, very indulgent daddy. While I am disturbed by the tortoise in the tiny tank, I love the extrovert friendship group. They remind me of my own college crew. It is a cute premise, but I will need them to actually be together in the same room, looking longingly at each other a smooching within the next couple of episodes.

YouTube served me both episodes 1 & 2, and I don’t think it was meant to. So this may be next week's review as well.

The Trainee (Sun YouTube) ep 6 of 12 - I wasn’t wild about this ep or where this show is going. But I enjoyed the language play. 

Gold in Linguistic Gymnastics

(my new favorite sport)

Sunset X Vibes (Sat iQIYI) ep 9 of 12 - Wow. Sam admitted it just out loud like that! Right after a betrayal? Balls on that boy. Worked on Yo tho. Too well, actually. I wish Yo had made him suffer and dragged him over the coals for a while. But I guess Yo really really likes him back. Meanwhile, the GL side plot also moved quite rapidly. A lot happened in this episode.

I Saw You in My Dream (Weds Gaga) ep 4 of 12 - Them ALL jumping into the water was totally ridiculous. It’s still a little slow, because it is a pulp, but I’m rather enjoying it.

Knock Knock Boys (Thurs Gaga) ep 12fin - Almond and Latte were cute. The breakfast with the four of them was funny. I did laugh a lot. Almond getting "first time" advice from his two resident gay dads (or at least trying to) was super sweet. Also I got a lot of smiley kisses. Nice final ep.

Ultimately how do I feel about this show?

A story about 4 boys of differing personalities who end up living together and pair up, falling in love. Slow moving and waffling, with some artificially generated family drama makes this a classic Thai pulp except that in general it's a smiley kiss of a show. It had plenty of good qualities like great communication and sexual rep (including toys, first time, safe sex, and sexual identities). The heat levels were on point and well executed, and the performances were good. It’s just that the script and the directing were lackluster, rendering it ultimately forgettable. Still, fine on a rainy afternoon with some camomile tea or whatever. 7/10 

Love Sea (Sun iQIYI) ep 9 of 10 - I’m getting some sort of PTSD from this show, It is making me feel like I’m the problem. Trash watch

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Cosmetic Playlover (Japan Tues Gaga) eps 1-2 of 8 - Anyone surprised by this jump in the standings? Yeah, probubly not. Anygay... this show is GREAT. Warped af but great. Lemme try to explain.

I actually said out loud during ep 1, "Well this is boundary pushing." By which I mean mine and everybody elses. But it’s Japan, *checks watch* it’s about time they turned out something edging into unpalatable and kinky. And because it’s Japan, I’m more forgiving than I would be were this show nested in the clumsy hands of say... Thailand. So actually this being me, and me being of questionable taste, I’m enjoying this show a lot.

You want me to list the ways? Sure.

Younger seme with grabby hands.

The younger one identified the elder gay as his personal property and it’s now: single motivation, on target, against all odds.

Uke cares about his work and not much else.

Seme cares about the uke and not much else.

Uke is gonna make this boy WORK for it.

That one particularly Japanese style of obsession that I actually adore.

Passes the sniff test!

I’m being reminded of that KBL Love Mate. Which I believe I enjoyed but no one else did. For exactly this set of tropes. Only Japan is better suited to handle them. For me this is a case of:

Must you,Japan? = Oh yes? Well, thank you very much, Japan.  

I Hear the Sunspot AKA Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 8 of 10 - enter the evil girl character. Yawn.

Takara's Treasure AKA Takara No Vidro (Japan Mon Gaga) ep 6 of 10 - It is what it is. 

It's airing but...

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 2 of 12 - I did not catch ep 2 before they took it down from USA YT. I don’t know why it’s down. Either they got a deal for distribution off YouTube or there’s some sort of scandal. Frankly, I wasn't particularly impressed with ep 1 so I’m not rabid to find wherever it’s gone or why. Still, perhaps someone will let us know the sitch in a comment? It's a me problem. I'm figuring it out.

Sugar Dog Life (Japan Sun ????) 10 eps - OMG a uni student who looks too young and a... COP. GAH. The subversion and kink of it all. Why can't I find it? Do I have to go grey?

4 Minutes (Thai Netflix/Grey) - A rich boy at uni suddenly gains the supernatural power to see four minutes into the future. I have a source, but I've decided to hold off and binge if it ends okay, since it's only 8 eps. I depend upon y'all to tell me if it's safe.

Meet You at the Blossom (China) - it's your funeral (or, more likely, one of the main characters'). You can argue but... statistics. You know my feelings on this matter. MY BLOG, remember?

In case you missed it

The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer IS COMING IN SEPTEMBER!!!! (Yeah this is gonna sit here until then)

Next Week Looks Like This:

Ooo, nice spread.

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Still Coming This Month!

8/12 First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) 12 eps - About a singer with stage fright and his timid fan stars Charles (H4 the puppy one) and Michael Chang (the youngster in My Tooth Your Love), plus side couple featuring a Thai actor Jame (Koh in Gen Y) and Liu Min Ting (of Guardian fame). What a damn tean. I can't wait. With thier powers combined!

8/13 Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues YT) 10 eps - supposedly Jinlo with air this on their YT channel. Stars August (Love Sick) so I'm excited despite Jinlo's poor reputation. From the trailer it looks like it's following the original pretty closely... just Thai style. GIMMEEEEE!!!!

8/16 The Last Time (Thai Fri YT) ? eps - Convoluted story of loss and possible reincarnation or something.

8/22 The On1y One (Taiwan Thurs Gaga) 12 eps - announced in 2023 this one has a high school set stepbrothers trope and is reputed to be high heat. From Taiwan! It's made for me. Based on a novel Mou Mou from the Your Name Engraved Herein folks, so it could go dark. Still, I'm very excited.

8/22 The Paradise of Thorns (Thai movie) theater release - Jeff Satur is back but this does not look like a BL (the gay lover's death is the inciting event). More in Goodbye Mother vein. Looks dark and dramatic. He opposite and extremely well known actor Toey Pongsakorn who has never done gay before.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENT

Linguistic flirting trope! One of my all time favorites. FANTASTIC. (I did keep hearing Gun yelling Papiiiiiii! in my head tho.)

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many tags.

[mrinafria]

I'll gladly let you kill me then.

-That promise, make sure you keep it.

So I think Daon's backstory is significant for us to understand a bit more about Han Daon as a character. He's got this huge scar from his childhood incident that he never really healed from. Also, he's no saint. We've seen him wavering in what he should/should not do more than once so far.

He knows giving police protection to criminals is a waste but still does it because it's the lawful thing to do. He wavers for a couple of seconds there when Kang Bitna offers to kill his parents' killer for him because the law cannot. From what I see, he's always walked on a thin line between what is right or wrong according to society's definition. He definitely has a violent streak in him; he's just never had to fully give in to that.

You bet he'd have ended up on the dark side after his parents' death if not for his noona who never gave up on him, turned him away, with her love and kindness, from a path that could have led him to darkness and uncertainty. Now that Detective Soyeong is gone, the person who showed him light is gone too. His only family after he'd lost his own, gone. And he's back to being that kid again who had so much unresolved hurt, trauma and angst against the law that didn't believe in him (a wound he still carries). Law that wasn't enough to give him his well-deserved justice. Back then, he had Soyeong who was a human and law abiding individual. Now, he has Kang Bitna aka Justitia, a demon who serves justice in her own way because she knows the human law is faulty. If Han Daon was guided to life and light back then because of Soyeong, would he then give in to death and darkness now, because he is already spiraling as it is and there's no one to bring him back to light?

Why do I feel Kang Bitna actually wouldn't want that? It was different back when she'd stabbed him, but the switch is flipped now, and I think she'd care very much about Han Daon's future and fate. The way she goes 'HAN DAON!' and 'Then you'll end up in hell too' and stares at him like she doesn't recognize this version of Daon--I've replayed that scene far too many times.

Because Bitna may say Daon's morality and tenacity to get to the truth is annoying, but I think she doesn't even know that she appreciates it, which is also why she gets so worked up every time she feels like Daon's faked his emotions or betrayed her with his words: she expects him to be on the side of truth and righteousness.

Even though we see her supporting Daon in the precap for eps 9 and 10, she might go out of her way and even risk her own existence to keep Daon away from darkness later, because now if something happens to him, she'd be the first one to cry.

A part of me also thinks Daon cannot go ALL the way with his revenge because he'd made a promise to Detective Soyeong to always be a detective first and do his job. It's his vengeance talking right now but once that wears off and reason kicks in, I don't think he'd want to kill somebody unlawfully, disrespecting the promise he made to his noona.

Or we could totally have a switch up with Bitna becoming the superego and Daon, the id. It'll be interesting to see if Bitna starts shifting gradually toward the 'unevil' side while helping Daon, having his back and protecting him. She might have to take Daon's life after all (deal with the Demon and all), but at a time when it'll hurt her THE MOST doing so. Maybe the power of Kylum can come to their rescue then, reviving Daon? It also makes me think if the 'Other Thing' you need for Kylum to work its divine magic is unconditional love/sacrificial love, where Bitna would have to willingly give up her life to revive Daon?

*cough* ^I take no responsibility for what I just said above thank you very much T-T

[heartbreak-hotel-35]

Give Me A Chance

Elvis Presley x Fem!Reader

No one would ever believe the high and mighty King of Rock and Roll could be so clingy. But I’ve seen it first hand. He just can’t seem to leave me alone. If this damn job didn’t pay so well I might just leave it. But I must say, having him on an invisible leash made me feel some sort of way. Some sort of way indeed… Do I truly hate him? Or am I just afraid I’m not as special as he secretly makes me feel.

Warnings: lil bit of cursing, pretty suggestive actions in this one… but no smut!

70s Elvis / International Hotel Elvis

• •—•• •••— •• •••

There was Vernon. Followed by Ronnie, James, and Glen. The Jordanaires. The Sweet Inspirations. The Colonel. Diskin. Lastly, there was Red with Elvis Presley walking right on his heels, like there was something to fear in the lobby. I rolled my eyes before turning my attention back to the computer, hoping silently that he had not seen me looking at him. Lest it inflate his already enormous ego. Just as I was about to stand and hide in the back office, a voice traveled effortlessly over the counter.

“See the show tonight, Honey?” He said. Honey. The nickname made my skin crawl. I kept my eyes firmly on the screen in front of me.

“No, Mr. Presley. I’ve been here for the last eight hours.” I replied plainly.

“EP, the girls are comin’ man. We gotta get you outta here.” Red said urgently. I saw Elvis wave him off in my peripheral vision.

“When you gonna come to one?” He asked, clasping his hands together and resting his elbows just inches away from me. At this point, I was growing extremely agitated with his presence. I turned my attention to him, trying to look past how sweaty and disheveled he looked.

“Unfortunately, Mr. Presley, your shows bring in so much business, that I will forever be stuck at my desk for every show you put on.” I told him. That sickening smirk appeared on his face at my words. He tapped his ringed fingers on the counter almost impatiently.

“Just say the word, Baby. I can get you into a show whenever you’d like.” He said, resting his chin in his hand.

“Bold of you to assume I want to attend one of your shows, Mr. Presley.” I said, my words dripping with venom. Elvis stuck his tongue out, glazed his bottom lip with saliva and nodded his head slowly. I bit the inside of my cheek, worried I may have sounded a little too rude. Before he could retaliate, the sound of hundreds of women’s screams poured in through the sliding glass doors. Red grabbed Elvis’ arm and pulled him away, taking my breath along with him.

I looked over to see our three security guards on duty holding the women back, telling them that if they came any closer there would be consequences. I sat back in my chair, rubbing my temples and brushing away the thought of him. Looking at the clock, I groaned in realization that I had another hour and a half before shift change. That meant more complaints, problems to be fixed, and endless questions of “where’s Elvis?”.

“You’re going to have to get used to him you know.” Lillian, my co-worker said. I shot her a dirty look.

“Easy for you to say. If the man sneezes you’d be there with a damn tissue.” I prodded. She scoffed and gave me a gentle smile.

“Did he call again last night?” She asked, grabbing a stack of papers and flipping through them.

“Yes. Of course.” I replied. “Only to say, ‘what’re you wearing, pretty girl?’.” I mocked his voice, adding a huff of disgust at the end. “Which is stupid, cause he knew I was sitting right here.” Lillian looked over at me with wide eyes.

“What’d you say?” She asked, sounding almost excited.

“I hung up, Lillian.” I stated harshly. “That’s incredibly inappropriate and unprofessional.” I hoped silently my cheeks had not grown red at the memory.

“Did he call back?” She was fully facing me now.

“No, surprisingly.” I told her. Lillian stared at me, mouth hung open in silent awe.

“Well, you’re way stronger than I would be in that scenario.” She admitted, hiding her face behind a paper she’d be gripping. I rolled my eyes and faced the computer again, reopening tonight’s guest list. My head was throbbing, my shoulders were heavy, and my chest felt tight with frustration and another feeling I couldn’t quite put my finger on. An hour and ten minutes left. The minutes seemed to be running like hours and it was making me nauseous. Then the phone rang. I picked it up without a second thought.

“International Hotel, Vegas.” I stated.

“Hello! Is Elvis Presley staying at your hotel tonight?” The woman asked. I bit my tongue so hard it nearly bled.

“Yes ma’am. He does have a residency here. But I’m not allowed to give any personal information.” I replied. I felt like a robot; programmed to repeat the same thing over and over.

“But he is there?” She pried. I stayed silent. “Hello?” More silence. Then she hung up. An hour and seven minutes.

—tiny time skip—

My eyes had grown dry with the amount of time I’d stared directly at the clock. Lillian had gone nearly an hour ago, leaving me to answer the phone and check guests in on my own. Elvis’ band had come down for dinner about thirty minutes ago, their laughs and chatter echoing from down the hall. But there had been no sign of Elvis. Five minutes left. I felt my body relax with every tick of time. The phone rang once more.

“Last one.” I told myself. I picked it up and spoke slow.

“International Hotel, Vegas.”

“Hey Doll.” The voice said. I nearly choked on air. I didn’t say a word for what felt like several minutes. Once I collected my thoughts, I spoke.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Presley?” I asked, remaining as professional as my sanity would allow.

“Elvis.” He said. “Please, call me Elvis. Just once, would ya, Honey?” He pleaded. Pathetic. I shut my eyes, hoping it was just a bad dream.

“What can I do for you, Elvis?” I asked again, adding emphasis on his name. He hummed in approval.

“Jus’ wanted to hear your voice.” He said. This had to be a joke. Yet, something in his voice led me to believe he was dead serious.

“Mr. Presley, this is very unprofessional of you. If you need something, please call room service because I’m,”

“Done for the night?” He finished my sentence. I swallowed my words and grit my teeth. “Why d’you think I waited to call?”

“Enlighten me.” I bit. There was a pause. I smiled to myself. He couldn’t. There was no reason.

“Let me buy you a drink.” He finally said. I shook my head.

“No thank you.” I replied with forced politeness.

“Please? I jus’ wanna talk.” He continued.

“Mr. Presley, I have no interest in talking to you. You have a hundred groupies in the lobby just hoping you come down looking for a damn towel. I’m happy to send one of them up. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m no longer on shift and I would like to go to bed. Have a good night.” Then that was it. I put the phone on the receiver, stood up, and walked to the office to clock out.

My skin was was hot. I could feel my heartbeat in my throat. My sight began to blur with frustration. It would be a miracle if I still have a job here tomorrow morning. I pulled the bobby pins from my hair, releasing the half up style I had worn all day. I walked down the hall, keeping my head on a swivel in fear of Elvis appearing out of nowhere. I made it to the staff only stairs, walking down to the employee quarters and unlocking my door.

Once I triple checked the lock, I pressed my forehead to the door, sucking in a breath of relief. I survived another day. I knew I was being dramatic, but I just don’t understand why he seems to be… obsessed with me. Running my fingers through my hair, I walked to my bed and reached for the remote, turning the tv on and letting it run whatever happened to be on.

Just as I began to undress from the days work clothes, there was a knock at my door. My stomach sank.

“Please, God.” I pleaded, crossing my fingers behind my back. I stood on my toes, looking out the peephole only to see a post-boy standing in silence. I unlocked the door and opened it, greeting him quietly.

“You’re out awful late.” I told him. He tipped his hat and handed me a dark purple envelope.

“I know, but he said this was urgent.” The boy said. My eyes widened.

“Who said?” I asked, a little too aggressively. Then it was the boy’s eyes that widened this time.

“Uh, he said not to tell you.” He replied, picking nervously at his finger nails. I mustered up a smile and held the envelope to my chest.

“That’s all I needed to know.” I said, the sarcasm practically drowning out the kindness in my voice.

“Good night, ma’am.” He tipped his hat again, and vanished into the darkened staircase. I shut the door, triple checking the lock again, then pushed my back to it, forcing myself not to scream.

“This is ridiculous. How did he know where to send this?” I asked my empty room. I tossed the envelope in the small trash can by the desk, and began to undress, just ready to be pajama clad and in bed. I was shaking my head the whole time, muttering nonsense to no one. “How?” A pause. “Why?” Silence. I threw myself onto the bed, shut my eyes, and tried to force myself to sleep. But it never came.

An hour went by. Two hours. Another hour. I slammed my hands on the bed, looking over at the red digits on the clock. It was like they were staring at me. Taunting me and my inability to push Elvis Aaron Presley from my mind. I ripped the covers from my body and stormed over to the trash can, grabbing the letter the post-boy had given me only a few hours ago. My hands were trembling as I reached for the bedside lamp, switching it on to read whatever he had written.

Then I froze. Gazing down at the unopened envelope.

“What am I doing?” I asked myself. “Why am I letting this bother me so much?” A question I had not spoken out loud until that very moment, sitting on my bed, fancy envelope from Elvis Presley in hand. Next thing I knew, it was opened, cream colored paper in my right hand while the envelope was set aside. I stared at the cursive words at the top, chewing my lip nervously.

from the desk of Elvis Aaron Presley

Those words sparked something in me. The man that every woman in the world wanted a piece of, took time to write me a letter. Using his very own stationary, from his very own desk. I don’t quite know what I was expecting to be written. But what was written was not at all what I was expecting.

Please come up and see me,

I need to tell you something.

Yours,

EP

Yours. That made my heart melt. How was it that I could hold such a grudge against him, just for existing. But because he signs a silly note with ‘yours’, I suddenly can’t resist? I shook my head, hoping that the curiosity would fly right out. But after about five more contemplative minutes, I folded. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to hear what he had to say, and be done with this whole mess. I rid my body of my pajamas, settling for a light blue lounge gown that sat at about mid thigh length.

“What am I doing?” I muttered, giving my appearance a once over in the mirror before grabbing my room key and going out the door. “What the hell am I doing?” I was now standing just outside the staff elevator, the sound of its descent making my heart thump faster. I stepped on, pushing the ‘private floor’ button, followed by scanning my key. It felt as though it wasn’t even moving. My knees were growing weak. I tried to retain my firm opinion of ‘not liking him’. But with every beep of the elevator’s climb, a little piece of me wanted him more.

“Stop it.” I demanded. “You don’t like him. You want no part of this.” It became my mantra for the rest of the ride up. The doors pulled open, revealing the navy blue and red walls of the private floor hallway. I stepped out, looking right and left, like it was a dangerous street crossing. Fiddling nervously with the charm on my necklace, I walked toward the door I knew belonged to him. Then there I was. Stood directly in front of it, staring as though it was a portal to another dimension. Part of me wanted to run. Run right back to the elevator and forget I even attempted to speak to him.

Then there was the other part. That little voice telling me I must be something special. The voice I’d been shushing for the last six months of his residency. The part of me that desired him. That enjoyed having him on this invisible leash. Like he was something I could play with. I chewed my cheek, drawing a coppery taste to my tongue that startled me. I raised my hand to knock, but just as my knuckles brushed the wood, the door flew open and there he was. He stood before me shirtless, damp and messy hair, with pajama pants sitting dangerously low on those rebellious hips. Elvis Presley. King of Rock and Roll. The man I loved to hate and hated to love.

“I knew you’d come.” He said lowly, pressing his palms on either side of the door frame. My mouth went dry.

“And how, might I ask, did you know?” I asked him, fighting to keep my voice steady. He smirked and looked down at his feet.

“I was bold enough to assume.” His eyes scanned my body from the floor up, locking onto mine and giving me a knowing wink. My mouth opened with the intention of words leaving it. But nothing came. He took a cautious step forward, his eyes never once leaving mine.

“Elvis,” I squeaked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“There it is.” He said, taking another step toward me. “Say it again.” My eyes began to water at the closeness he was creating.

“Elvis.” I said again, still unable to raise my voice. He smiled, his arms by his sides now.

“That’s it, pretty girl. Again.” He demanded, his tone remaining gentle. My hands were clasped together against my chest, my breathing growing rapid.

“E-Elvis.” I repeated. His head lolled to the side, his gaze still fixed firmly on mine. Then he bent down, placing his palms on his knees, like you would stand when scolding a child.

“Ain’t no other name needs to come out of that pretty mouth tonight. Alright?” He said softly, bringing his right hand up to brush my lips with his thumb. What was happening? Not even twenty-four hours ago I hated the man in front of me. But now all rational thought was clouded with him. I was overwhelmed by him. All I could do was nod in response. I found myself gravitating toward him. Reaching for him. Aching for him. Something dark flashed across his eyes and suddenly he scooped me up from the backs of my knees, holding me against his bare chest. I gasped, pressing my hands flush against his shoulders and looking down at him.

“What on earth are you,”

“Hush.” He spit, tightening his grip on the back of my thighs. My head was screaming at me to fight and get out. But my heart and the pooling heat in my stomach was crying for me to stay put. He closed the door with his foot and then pushed my back up against it, dropping me lower in his arms.

“Elvis.” I said, regaining his attention.

“Yea, Satnin?” He replied breathily, looking up at me with wild eyes. My senses were overloaded. The chill from his still damp hair. The warmth of his ribs against the insides of my thighs. The smell of his shampoo and aftershave. There was no hiding the blush rising on my skin.

“You… you said in your letter you had something to tell me.” I reminded. His eyes darted back and forth between my own, as if searching for the very thing he had been thinking of when he wrote to me. I trailed my hands along the expanse of his back, eventually tangling my hands in his hair. He rolled his eyes back just before closing them and shaking his head.

“Can’t think of it when I got you against me like this.” He answered with a slight chuckle. I couldn’t help but smile at the sound.

“Then put me down.” I suggested softly. But he only shook his head faster.

“Nuh uh.” He protested childishly.

“Do you do this to all of your one night stands?” I asked, growing slightly irritated. His eyes darkened at my words.

“You ain’t no one night stand, Baby.” He told me. “I want you here every night. I’ve always wanted you here. But you’ve been too stubborn to give me a chance.” His grip on me was tightening at every word. I had nothing else to say. The way he spoke. I believed him. His gaze fixed on mine once more. “Will you give me a chance, Honey? Please?” Elvis’ voice had grown quiet in an almost begging tone. His brows lifted and furrowed together in patient silence.

I stared down at him, taking a mental picture of the sight in front of me. Elvis Presley, holding me against him, pleading for a chance. I slid my hands down from his hair, dancing them teasingly along his back. Any thought that had any trace of hate toward him had vanished. Melted away in his surrounding body heat. Suddenly, I felt myself nodding.

“Y-yes, Elvis. I’ll give you a chance.” With those words, I had given away any control I had previously had over him. My vision cleared and I saw his eyes sparkle. Even in the engulfing darkness he seemed to glow.

“Bout time.” He said, his top lip curling in a sly smile. I felt his hand land on the back of my neck, his strength gently pushing my head down to be level with his. Then he kissed me. Just once, short and soft. “Mm.” He huffed, then pulled me in again. Another kiss, this one longer, still just as soft as the one before. I kissed back, bringing my hands up to interlace behind his head. Then he broke it again, staring up at me to gauge my reaction.

“Alright?” He asked, his breath ghosting my lips. I thought for a moment. Was it? What exactly was I feeling? I couldn’t figure it out. I was so enveloped in the many ways he was making me feel, that I couldn’t pick one I was feeling more than the other. I finally decided to just be with him and let him make me feel anyway he wanted to.

“Alright.” I said at last. I felt his body relax and then he quickly reattached his lips to mine, absolutely devouring them. It was a mess of tongue and teeth, his hands gripping the backs of my legs with a newfound strength. He began to walk away from the door, carrying me to I didn’t care where. As long as he was there with me. I was so focused on the way his lips felt on mine, I’d hardly noticed the silk sheets against my back. Only when Elvis pulled back did I note my surroundings.

“Look so pretty under me, Baby.” He whispered, pressing another quick kiss to the corner of my mouth. I ran my hands along the bed, letting the chill from the silk soak into my skin. He began to pepper my face a neck with loving little kisses before climbing further onto the bed, moving his knee to the inside of my thigh and pushing it forward, causing my legs to spread. I gasped softly at the movement, reaching up and placing my hands haphazardly on his back. I heard him chuckle, the vibrations against my neck causing a chill to run down my spine.

“You like that?” He asked, placing his left hand on top of my hip.

“Mhmm.” I answered faintly, brushing his hair from his beautiful blue eyes.

“What else you want me to do to ya, Satnin?” His voice was low and somehow even more seductive than before. I sat up just enough to press a kiss to his lips before answering.

“Anything.” I said simply. “Everything.” Elvis smirked and touched his nose to mine.

“Anything it is, Pretty Girl.”

[wanderlust-in-my-soul]

Currently Watching - April

aka The Masterlist

Because I love a good little list - in alphabetical order! 😊

Regularly updated during the month, latest update 30.04.2024

A little link to my favorite bl-tropes-collection 💙

I am happy about gif-requests 🌼

Here you can find all of my gifs.

Tracking: #josistag

At the end you can have a look at what we can expect in April with a MDL link and a link for a trailer (if avaible).

This is guaranteed to contain spoilers!

1. 25 Ju, Akasaka de 🇯🇵 (2/10)

They were fellow students and now they have to play in a BL together. One of them is two years older and popular. For the other one, this is his first big role and he needs it, so he is determined to to anything he needs to do, to be a good actor. Even when this means to find a partner and fall in love to be able to play the role perfectly. Why not try to be lovers with your co-star. All for the sake of the series of course.

2. Blue Boys 🇰🇷 (2/4)

This short series is quite good. I saw the first episode by chance and I was hooked, but lost it again, because I couldn't track it on MDL. Now it is up there. I hope these two can resolve their missunderstanding, with talking! But they are too hungry for each other...

3. Boys Be Brave! 🇰🇷 (2/8)

Enemies to lovers, but different. Jinwoo likes Kisub and Kisub knows this. But while Kisub gives his heart away to every person who hits on him and can't really say No to anyone, Jinwoo loves to build up his wall and hide behind a strong No. Their worlds collide, when Kisub moves in with Jinwoo, if he likes it or not. Great first episodes!

4. Cityboy_Log 🇰🇷 (12/?)

They are back and unhinged like before! Jihan and Jaejun met after a while because they were busy and it seems they had some catching up to do the night before. We get some daily vlogging, some cuteness and some jealousy, which wasn't that cute. But they are finally back and I am happy. The acting is still very good. There is no deeper story behind, just some idols, models and actors falling in love with each other and theit daily lifes.

5. Deep Night 🇹🇭 (3/8)

his is everything I was expecting, so it didn't disappoint, I guess. To be honest, I watch this for First. I guess he would have chemistry with a stick, soooo this is nice. And I hope the story, at least stays like this and won't get worse... Update: This show is a mess 😂 there is so much going on all at once and at the same time nothing really happens? It is so confusing, yet very entertaining. But Wela, my dear, it is totally okay to be pissed if one fucks with you, while you are so drunk you can't remember shit the next day... Just a thought.

6. Kare no Iru Seikatsu 🇯🇵 (3/8)

Kazuhito has no girlfriend and the ones he had, broke up with him, because they felt he likes someone else... Who might that be?... The story is simple, I guess? (But perhaps not that simple... The preview for ep 3 looks interesting.) Childhood friends are forced to move in together after spending time apart. One is a little bit naive and is trying to find out why girls breaking up with the most charming and handsome guy he knows and the latter is in love with the naive one and in the end they have their happy ending. I like it. I want to see their growth.

7. Love Is Like A Cat 🇰🇷 (10/12)

Who thought this was a good idea? Who wrote this? Who said cut at the end of scenes? Who thought this is be the way Mew should act? I cringe so hard and not in a funny way. This series is just bad. I keep watching because of this little bean. But I had to skip so many scenes in today's episodes, because it was just so bad! And I can't figure out if Mew just didn't want to be there and act or if that is the way the director wanted him to act... But the acting is bad. Bad choices everywhere. And the dialogues? Cringe... Why would a bean like Dae Byeol fall for Uno? Nope...

8. My Stand-In 🇹🇭 (1/12)

Okay, hear me out. I watch this for Poom and for Poom only. But the story lookes interesting, it was quite intriguing. I don't know why, but I cringed a bit too much at some scenes. But Poom is beautiful and that is all I care about. Yes, I can be this shallow!

9. Only Boo 🇹🇭 (4/12)

The cringe was so strong with this one this week! I had to pause multiple times, but at the same time I enjoyed it so much! Moo is so unhinged and I love him! But please! Don't let Moo's cousin become a possible love interest for Kang. I know we got this dream sequence this week, but there is something in the air between Shone and him... and I don't like it. The second couple... I felt really sad for them this week. Beeing in love with your best friend is never easy...

10. Unknown 🇹🇼 (12/12)

The story about found family, childhood trauma and struggling topped with a lovestory between "brothers". They aren't really brothers so I really don't care and just enjoy this forbidden and hurtful lovestory to the fullest. This is exactly what I hoped for! The longing, tension and hurting is so good! It is the aftermath of the shooting and Qian is still dealing with his emotions and his feelings for Yuan. The love between them is real and strong, but Qian is afraid and can't just let his heart decide over the head, yet. He loves Yuan, but is afraid what that means for them and especially for Yuan's future. And yet he held him back. He was the one reaching out in the end! I have said enough about them and this first part of ep 11 in my post. I love them. My heart belongs to them. I wish we had more developement between these two as a couple, but I still love them and I forgive this show the rush in the end, because I love it so much.

11. Word of Honor 🇨🇳 (20/36)

Those two flirt a lot and are a married couple. Everyone knows that. And I love and enjoy that! Overall this is such a fun watch and the different sects and intrigues are sometimes a little bit confusing, but interesting. I love this world of martial arts and I love how protective Wen Kexing is over Zhou Zishu.

Finished in April

Series

My Strawberry Film 🇯🇵

This is what I call a love triangle. And the fact that the screenwriters worked for Eien No Kinou or Jack o'Frost promised some heartbreak and teenage angst. And they delivered. I really like this series. And I felt so many emotions, especially for Ryo. And I really loved the ending. No fake relationship and no unrealistic confessions, just some teenagers in love and being friends. And I think Hiraku was such a sweet friend in this last episode. He apologized and he finally recognized Ryo's feelings for him. And I believe they stay friends in the future. It might be difficult, but a good friendship is worth fighting for. It has so much to do with respect and love for each other. It is a solid 8 out of 10 for me.

Koi wo Suru nara Nidome ga Joto 🇯🇵

The story about highschool sweethearts, who didn't have the chance to enjoy their young love, because of horrible family backgrounds. Their story is devastating and I am happy they found their way back to each other. The story was good, the acting was good, I am in love with Furuya Robin, which is nice, and the side characters were special (shoutout to Yuto!). I wish there was more "passion" from Miyata, but I guess it is due to his character. Overall it was a good watch and I enjoyed it! A good 8 out of 10 for me.

Jazz For Two 🇰🇷

I love bls about music and about traumatic pasts. The second couple has my heart. I just love them coming together. Usually I hate this bully-trope, but with them, I kinda enjoyed it. Perhaps because Jooha always looked like a hurting puppy. Overall the homophobia in this one is strong and I think it is interesting to see them deal with their own feelings. Internal and external homophobia is such a big thing in all their stories and I wish they had more time to show the developement from hating themselves to loving the other person and themselves. But in my opinion they made a good story and a good show. I like it very much. And what was that kiss in the end? Wow! A good 9 out of 10 for.

To Be Continued 🇹🇭

I really like this one! I read some comments that the reason they never got together was just stupid, but from their perspective I can understand why they reacted how they reacted. They were young and unsure what to do and what all of this meant for them and their friendship. What I liked about the show was the present and past scenes. We learned so much about their past and the scenes fitted perfectly. It was a really good series and I am glad I waited to binge it. Guess I come back to this one from time to time. Rewatch value is there. And those two have really good chemistry! A good 9 out of 10 for me.

Movie

Short Film

Dropped in April

We are 🇹🇭

I dropped this after the first half of the first episode. There are a few reasons for that. First, I need some shows to binge on lonely sundays. And second, I just don't feel like watching this one. It was so quirky for me. Not my kinf od humor right now.

Looking forward to in April

Love is like a cat - Trailer (Apr 1st)

We are - Trailer (Apr 3rd)

Memory in a letter - Trailer (Apr 6th)

Grey Shelter (Apr 11th)

Kare no Iru Seikatsu - Trailer (Apr 12th)

The Spirealm (Apr 15th)

Boys be brave! (Apr 25th)

25 Ji, Akasaka de (Apr 19th)

Kimi to Yukite Saku: Shinsengumi Seishunroku (Apr 25th)

My Stand-In - Trailer (Apr 26th)

Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otoko 2024

Knock Knock, Boys - Trailer

[babyangelsky]

My Favorite Expressions in Love Sea Ep. 8

That's it. That's my (late) intro this week.

But in all seriousness, although I was somewhat prepared because of the additional previews that dropped for this episode, I don't think it's really possible to be fully prepared for how something might hit you until you actually see it. And parts of it didn't hit great, lads.

Just know that I'm using the term 'favorite' from a mostly acting perspective for this week and probably next week too.

For my own sanity I'm starting off with Mahasamut's fond husband smile. Mostly because I can and I want to but also because we got see a lot of it this episode. The sweetness that I noted last week is still very present.

I was also very glad to see that Mahasamut has forged a very affectionate bond with Meena.

Mira, Viviana, you've got no business looking disappointed that your plans aren't working out the way you want them to and lamenting about it in voiceover when you keep playing these games with my girly. Things will progress if you're clear!

The sweetneeeessssssss.

Vivi makes the best faces when she's watching Tongrak and Mahasamut be sweet. She can't see the writing on her own wall but she can see it on theirs.

Viviana! It's not a competition! It's not a race! Where's P'Kit someone go get him and make him have a come to jesus with Vivi. She's even got Tongrak telling her that fiction ain't reality and that she needs to use her words.

Tongrak, you are gone for this man.

"Nonsense!" he says. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt anymore, is it, Harry? I do love the sibling energy these two have. They're the Spider-Man meme except they're both clowns calling each other out for not expressing their feelings.

It's Mahasamut sleeping peacefully like the angel he is while Tongrak wrestles with the fact that Vivi is right for me.

I expected a lot more smugness and vitriol from Prin given that she's scheming to destroy Tongrak and has done it with such gusto up until now but it says a lot that even she looks disgusted with what she's doing. She won't even let Jak touch her. Turns out even a hell witch has her limits.

But this man? No such luck.

He's making this face after being asked to destroy his child. Prin offered him five million (and possibly more) to hurt Rak and he looks happy about it. Giddy even. That's sheer malice. Absolutely beyond fucked up.

When your adorable teenage niece roasts you for not having any friends and coming to her for advice.

If "Bet." was a facial expression.

Who's the cat and who's the canary now, Khun Tongrak?

Mahasamut's got cartoon hearts floating around his head and baby girl is so done with him.

*holds on to this moment for a second longer*

I throw roses at Peat's feet every week for how fantastic his face acting is but don't think for a moment that Fort doesn't deserve them too because he absolutely does.

Mut's face was all warmth and smiles when he was alone with Meena, then it became more guarded and cautious when they were approached, then we landed at this when Meena confirmed that the trash in front of them was her grandfather.

Fort's face is naturally very sweet and soft. He's got the opposite of resting bitch face but the fact that he can affect one so well when it's so far removed from what comes naturally to him is all in the eyes.

Look at his gaze. His eyes are normally very sparkly but here they look flat and cold and you can barely see his pupils. These are the dead calculating eyes of a shark and they reveal more hatred than words ever could and that takes TALENT.

I have to give An props for that too because he's also very good at the shark eyes but he's using them in a different way than Fort is.

Look at this screenshot and tell me it doesn't feel like Jak is looking through Mahasamut instead of at him. I can't quite describe how his face emotes but doesn't show actually genuine emotion, it's very impressive and unsettling.

The only time it felt like Jak was actually feeling something was when he looked happy about fucking with Tongrak's life.

Save me, adoring smile. Adoring smile, save me.

VIVIANA! I KNOW YOU DID NOT JUST LET KAIMOOK LEAVE YOUR APARTMENT WITHOUT CHASING AFTER HER TO MAKE SURE SHE KNEW YOU KISSED HER AS YOURSELF!

LOOK AT HER FACE. QUIT FUCKING WITH MY KID AND MAKE YOUR FEELINGS CLEAR.

Microseconds were all it took to shift from the gentle loving look Mahasamut was giving a sleeping Tongrak to silent rage as he recalled the encounter with Jak. Microseconds.

Incredulous disgust. I'd lay bets that we all looked like this when we heard Jak say he wanted to fulfill his role as Tongrak's father.

PEAT HAS MADE THIS EXACT FACE AND I HATE IT. NINA MY BABY YOU'RE SO TALENTED AND IN THIS MOMENT I HATE IT. THEIR EYES ARE EVEN A SIMILAR COLOR AND CATCH THE LIGHT THE SAME WAY.

IhateitIhateitIhateitIhateitIhateit my tiny baby princess this is the look of someone so much older than you IhateitIhateitIhateitIhateitIhateitIhateit

Gone. Besotted. Utterly enamored.

How could anyone look like this

when their child is looking at them like this?

I hate how much Jak is enjoying this and there is absolutely no doubt that he is, it's vile.

It took me a very long time to get Chris Chiu's scream out of my head when I watched Unknown and it's going to take even longer for me to be able to look at An Oliver Poupart without feeling my skin crawl.

To end this on a high note, I'm going to point out that Mahasamut's shirt isn't just a solid color.

It's TEXTURED.

The straits may be dire but if nothing else, at least it looks like I'm clowning in the right direction. Let me know if you wanna be tagged in these weekly writeups!

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#34: The Trapped (1.04)

gif cred: @machonnes

Who knew it would take getting trapped to help Richonne finally let some of that tension between them get released 👌🏽...

After Rick basically breaks Michonne’s heart far worse than he tried to do in ep 3, the two still have to work together to make it past these walkers. And one thing about Richonne is that adrenaline-heavy activities always seem to bring them closer together..and also get them in the mood. 😌

So Richonne is in a hall taking a bunch of walkers out like only they can but then they both go for the same walker at the same time. A rare moment of Richonne being in sync but not in sync.

gif cred: @perryabbott

Michonne looks at Rick and says through gritted teeth, “I had this.” And then Rick is all snarly and defensive saying, “I had this.” And I was like if this man does not fix his tone. 🙃 He already has eight strikes at this point. Plus I was like…Rick, why are you having this annoyed energy with her, when you’re the one who has been doing the most hurtful stuff?? 😑

gif cred: @perryabbott

And then Rick wants to try it even more by removing his blade from the walker and splattering some of the gunk on Michonne’s face. Now y’all, this was nawt funny to me when I first watched it cuz I was so in my feelings. 😂

gif cred: @perryabbott

I quickly could see the humor people see in it of course, but when I was in the thick of my feelings during that first watch my extra self was like excuse me Rick, didn’t Father Gabriel go blind getting that stuff in his face?? 😑 Out here all willy-nilly with your wife.

Lol, I was all out of strikes to give at this point.

But, now watching this, I smile because these two are genuinely comedians together. 😂

Michonne looks at him ticked and says, “Really?” And fortunately, Rick has enough sense to know he was wrong for that when he says “Sorry” and then quickly scurries away to kill more walkers. That was cute I admit lol. 🤭 Rick looks like for a brief moment he finally realizes he tried it and is in trouble with his wife.

gif cred: @perryabbott

I also like the use of clashing red and blue light in this scene both for the visual and because I feel like Rick has been associated a lot with red light throughout TOWL and Michonne with more of blue lighting - i.e the difference in their lights during the tunnel scenes in ep 3.

And the way these red and blue lights are making purple here (fittingly, the color of royalty 👑) it’s almost like it paints the picture of how Rick and Michonne are clashing but still somehow on the verge of merging and coming back together. That might be an extra-as-hell observation but hey I told myself I was gonna try to write out every observation I have. 😋

gif cred: @figmentof

So then Richonne run up these stairs as the building continues to aggressively buckle and crack. A walker nearly grabs Michonne and Rick tells her to hug the wall with that irritated tone again and I was very much not here for that, cuz like why does it sound like he's scolding her or something? 🤨

I get Rick is also antsy cuz he’s not trying to have anything happen to her but still I feel like this was giving early season 3 Rick when he’d occasionally have that little posturing sternness with Michonne...and we’ve done come too far to be reverting back to that.

Michonne retorts, “I know that” cuz she doesn’t need the reminder. And then that huge chandelier comes falling down on them. That chandelier ends up being a blessing in disguise y’all, cuz Richonne needed something that was going to snap them out of this funk.

And whenever I hear Michonne still yell that concerned "lookout!" I’m just like aw even when Rick is being mean as hell she still looks out for him. 😊

gif cred: @ricksmarlene

After the fade to black, it’s shown that the chandelier has trapped Michonne’s leg so she’s stuck. I do like that the first thing we see is Rick right by her side tucked away in that corner with her because you know he probably was real panicked thinking this chandelier hurt Michonne and of course, he wants to try to fix it.

At first, you just hear their breathing and then Nat comes to his girl’s aid once again when Michonne uses his lighter to see better. Rick asks if she can move her leg and Michonne softly says, “Yeah it’s just trapped. If I can just…” and she tries to lift it but this thing is heavy and it won’t budge.  

gif cred: @nerd4music

Rick says, “Okay on the count of three” and they try to lift it together but it still won’t budge. They can see and hear walkers coming up the stairs and so Michonne shows that she too can make unserious statements like Rick when she says, “You should go.”

But that’s not even remotely an option to Rick so he doesn’t respond to that and just tells her, “Grab that. Handle those, while I get this thing.”

Michonne says, “Rick, how? There’s no time. You’ve got to go.” And I knew no matter what version of Rick this is, no version’s leaving her here to die. He’d rather die 1000 times himself than let that happen.

gif cred: @coolpartytimefan

There may be a part of Michonne that is genuinely telling Rick to go because she doesn't want the love of her life to die here on the stairwell if she can't break loose. But I also could see that, because Rick has been continually suggesting they have to just part ways and essentially never know each other's fate anyway, she might be feeling like 'What's the difference between leaving me here now or leaving me later?'

However, above all, she knew Rick would never just walk away from her here because they love each other and because - do I even need to reiterate it? - Richonne are...

I like how once again, Rick does not even address the idea of leaving her behind and just starts talking about how the bolts are holding this thing together. And when a walker comes Rick swiftly takes it out and then intently returns to trying to remove the bolts. Michonne turns some walkers into a kabob using her stick and when it gets particularly dicey Rick comes through to give her a knife to use. 

More walkers start making their way closer and so Michonne again tells Rick, “You’ve gotta go.” And this time Rick does respond to it and I love the response.

He just looks right at her and tells her, “That is never happening.” Y'all, I was so mad at him and then I heard him say this and was instantly smiling. This was a heartwarming line.😊

I like how Rick didn't just want to say 'that's not happening," but rather said 'that is never happening" because he knows there are literally zero scenarios where he'd ever abandon her in this state.

gif cred: @nat111love

Now, don’t get me wrong, I still felt some major apologies were needed from Sergeant Major Grimes after the gym scene, but it was nice to hear him say he'd never leave her here, especially because you know that’s what he was thinking in his head every time Michonne suggested he should go.

Rick immediately positions himself to be on the other side of her so he can shield her and take out the walkers. And Michonne is glad Rick was able to articulate that he’s never leaving when she says, “I just needed to hear that.” 

All along she knew telling him he needed to go was crazy and not something they’d ever do. She just needed Rick to see that. She turned this near-death experience into a helpful learning experience for him lol. And the lesson of the day: We don't leave each other behind. 😌

I love the way this episode uses Michonne being literally trapped by the chandelier to parallel Rick being trapped by the CRM. And just like Rick said he’d never want to leave Michonne trapped like this, she’s not trying to leave Rick trapped in his form of imprisonment either.

Honestly, Michonne should have a counselor certificate because all her methods this ep are slowly but surely helping Rick deprogram and see the light. 👌🏽

They keep trying to lift as Rick takes out walkers and eventually they’re able to get the chandelier off her together. I like how the only way it works is through Richonne working together and how with Michonne in a state where she can’t save herself, she’s able to have Rick here wholly determined to protect her. 😊

gif cred: @coolpartytimefan

And while of course for us we have no fear of either of them meeting their demise in this scene, it is technically a life or death situation and it’s nice seeing Rick be so committed to either saving his wife from this situation or dying trying.

gif cred: @nat111love

Michonne stands up and Rick again checks on her asking, “You okay?” Michonne looks in his eyes and says, “Yeah. Thank you.”

gif cred: @machonnes

And then the Rick we know makes a return as he softly and sincerely tells Michonne, “You never have to thank me ever.” 😭 I loved this line so much when I first heard it and love it every time since. 👏🏽🥹

I appreciate how much Rick feels like protecting her is not a burden or obligation. He literally feels that it’s his design to do so. So to Rick, thanking him for this is like thanking him for breathing.

And it’s just really sweet to me that Rick who is known to thank Michonne every chance he gets for everything, doesn’t even feel Michonne needs to tell him thank you once. Like he really said never ever. 🥲

gif cred: @nat111love

He knows and reveres the absolutely priceless gift Michonne is in his life and in each of his children's lives and that’s more than enough to him. So yeah that line was great. 🥰

And Danai knew what she was doing because I wasn’t sure how she was gonna be able to get Rick back in good graces after the gym scene but “that is never happening” and “you never have to thank me ever” were very effective in reminding of the lovable man Rick is underneath who he's been presenting to be the last 30 minutes.

As disappointed as I was with Rick's gym behavior, those two lines on the stairwell made me check myself and say let me not forget that at the end of the day...

He's not completely in the clear yet, but these moments were signature Rick Grimes, loving and being there for Michonne and it was refreshing to see that undying devotion.

That bonding moment of nearly dying together on a stairwell brings Rick and Michonne more in sync as they run upstairs and take out walkers. It’s nice to see them a bit more in unison. It’s like getting literally unstuck from that chandelier made them start to get a bit more unstuck with each other as well. 

Rick notes they need to go back to the room since that side hasn’t started bumping and shaking yet…but honey, it will. 😏

And it will all be because of Richonne and their much-needed, highly anticipated, long-awaited, so-hot-it-could-melt-your-screen, unforgettable moment of reconnection. 😌👌🏽 

[seriouslycromulent]

Now That I've Binged All of Mid-Century Modern ...

... here are just a few of my thoughts on the show.

Warning: Below, be spoilers! If you haven't finished the 10-episode season, please keep scrolling by. If you have watched all of it, then by all means, feel free to agree or argue with me in the comments.

Now on to my blatherings:

Here on Tumblr, we need an acronym or abbreviation for this series to use as a tag. Because if we put it under the #midcenturymodern or the #mid-centurymodern tag, we'll have to weed through all the posts about interior decor and Googie architecture. Not that I don't love Googie architecture. Might I suggest #midcmod. Although, I guess we can also use #desertqueens. I'm open to recommendations.

I love how quickly the actors on the series seemed to find their characters. Most new series take at least 3 or 4 episodes before the actors get comfortable in their characters and truly feel like they know who that person is (you can tell because it often shows in their performances). But with this cast, they pretty much found it after the 1st episode. Kudos!

God, I'm going to miss Linda Lavin. 😔 She was such a great balance to the cast. Not just in the form of estrogen or age, but in the form of perspective. Like in ep. 6 ("Maid Serviced"), where she checked the guys about hiring a housekeeper for his looks and not for his ability to do the job, I appreciated it when she said something to the effect: "At my age, you have to fight to be seen. And I'm not going to fight to be seen in my own house." Respect. You go, Mama!

At first, I wasn't really feeling Pamela Adlon as Nathan Lane's sister, Mindy, because I thought she was too young to play his sis. But it turns out she's only about 10 yrs younger, so it's not that weird at all. Plus, the more we saw them together, the more I liked them as a duo. Especially when he put her in a headlock in ep. 8 ("Sour Pickleball"). 😏

I saw some people here on Tumblr bristle at the portrayal of Jerry (played by Matt Bomer) as the dumb, handsome one. But I kind of love this for him. Bomer is usually pretty serious or sarcastic in most of the roles he's known for, so seeing him kind of play against type is a bit refreshing. And it's clear that his "stupidity" comes more so from being sheltered in his Mormon/ultra-conservative upbringing than from simply being not very bright. I say let him cook.

My favorite episode of the 10 so far was the one where they go to Fire Island. I think it's ep. 5 ("Hello, Fisty's"). I appreciated how that episode subverted our expectations. Instead of the guys enjoying an evening of sensual debauchery, they got to share a part of themselves that reflected the person underneath the façade. A sexual interaction was replaced with a heartfelt one. 🫂

I know it shouldn't have been as funny as it was, but when Mindy made Jerry cry at pickleball in ep. 8, I literally laughed out loud. I don't know what it was -- it could've been how Bomer chose to play the scene -- but that moment was absolutely hilarious. Again, I can see how this role is allowing us to see Bomer's skill at comedy a lot better than anything we've seen him do in the past.

Speaking of comedy, call me a filthy foul-mouthed radical, but I appreciate how the show doesn't tiptoe around swearing or sexual interactions. I'm sure some folks at home will be clutching their pearls when they hear the first f-bomb dropped on the series. And don't get me started when they openly brought up pegging like it was nothing. But I like that it's a series clearly intended for mature audiences in every sense of the word. In that respect, it reminds a little of Grace and Frankie.

I hope if we get more seasons where we get to see more guest stars that we know the cast has worked with in the past. I loved seeing Judd Hirsch, Rhea Perlman, Richard Kind, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson on the show. If they get another season, I can only imagine how many people will jump at the chance to guest star.

I pretty much knew I would like this series when I saw that James Burrows was an executive producer and director on the show. I don't think I've ever watched a TV series with his name attached where I didn't like it.

With that said, the one running theme/joke that I'm not a fan of is the mini-dance breaks the guys do every now and then. It was kind of cute in the pilot episode, but every time after that, I would kind of watch through my fingers. 🫣 Now, I don't have anything against characters dancing in TV shows or film, but far too often ... well ... they just aren't very good and I often wish they wouldn't. I know that seems bitchy, because everyone should be allowed to dance if they feel like it. And it's totally realistic that this group would dance around their own home if the spirit moves them. But ... they really aren't very good and I find myself desperately wanting them to be better so I don't have to cover my eyes. All of them have lovely singing voices. And of course, they're fantastic actors. But as dancers ... um, yeah 😬. Well, they're certainly dispelling the stereotype that all gay men can dance.

So now that I've nitpicked about the one thing I don't like about the show, let me share my thoughts on ep. 9. ("Here's to You, Mrs. Schneiderman"). I was really shocked that the writers included Lavin's death in the show in the first season. I'm sure they probably had to, but instead of just easing into it, they really faced it head on and I respect that a lot. And can we give it up to Nathan Lane for his performance in that episode? 👏🏽 He was genuinely heartbreaking to watch and he played every beat so brilliantly. I knew Lavin passed before the show could air, but I just assumed that she died after they had finished filming, and they were likely going to address it if they got a second season. So the shock that hit me when they dedicated an entire episode to her in the first season was 🤯. It was so wonderfully written and genuinely moving that it just made me adore the show even more. Certainly this episode is more sad and sentimental than the other episodes, but it was not without the right dose of humor at just the perfect moments to make it match the tone of the series. God, I'm going to miss her. 😔

Final thoughts:

Even though it's just a 30-min sitcom, I can't reiterate how much I think the show gave us the laugh so many of us need right now with everything else going on in the world. I know some folks feel like the world has stopped or should be stopping and every day should be about focusing on fighting the power and death to tyranny and all that.

But I know my anxiety and overall psyche appreciates a break from the constant fear of dread, doom, and despair that permeates my thoughts every day. A laugh, a harmless distraction, a moment to remind us of our collective humanity is very much appreciated right now -- at least by me.

Also, I can't speak for anyone else, but I like sitcoms that deliver laughs while also delivering a reflection of our flaws, quirks, and humanity back at us. And by the time you reach the 5th episode, I think the writers had clearly found that sweet spot where comedy, pathos and heart intersect. And I couldn't be more grateful. 🫶🏽

[pinazee]

He dead aka the Christine Baranski episode!

This was a nice little united moment between shawn and henry. But dont lie to your spouse! Thats just disrespectful man.

Iconic. Just iconic

Okay, ya’ll know Shawns my boy…but it was absolutely negligent to not share those paths with the cops. I mean, the guy was dying. He was banging that tree limb against the plane for at least an hour! Maybe they could have got to him faster if they’d shared this map! This might be the worst thing he’s done on the show haha

Gus just loves money man. Adding hedge funds to his niche interests, also, nice callback to his previous tennis interest

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE JOKES ON THE SHOW. Followed by the second best of the ep. These had to be james lines right?

St. Dwynwen was the welsh patron saint of lovers and its weird that shawn knows that but its even weirder that this latina is wearing it and not, like, the catholic saint valentine or even saint monica. Which means it was probably a gift from the dead guy. My point is, do you think henry taught shawn all the religious symbols, or was it something he picked up?

The line that christine baranski had that the family hides their jewishness didn’t really register to me as a middle schooler, but now im like damn. This is why you gotta rewatch stuff okay, the context changes!

You know whens a good time to catch a murderer? At the funeral for the deceased. No notes.

I…okay, this episode made me really dislike abigail. She said she would respect the boundary he set, even explained why he set it, and she completely ignored it and did what she wanted anyways. But then he goes to the dinner anyways, henry immediately says this:

And then her advise is…share your emotions? Clearly the problem is that henry doesn’t respect shawns choices, she even stated that herself. and if anything, shawns problem is he struggles to accept that henry can change or even has in some regards and thats whats keeping them locked in the same arguments over and over. shawn sees him one way and henrys pride and stubbornness makes him pout and say “fine, then i am that way.” But also, Shawn is the child, he does not have to be the bigger person in this relationship. Yes, for his own mental health, it would probably be better for him if he found a way to exist with his dad without getting upset or feeling like crap, but if henrys serious about building a better relationship himself, then he needs to strap on his big boy pants and stop criticizing his childs every move. I just 😤

…anyways, Abigail should have stayed out of it. I get that she was trying to help but then we didn’t get a scene of her apologizing, which she needed to do.

Sidenote: checking in with your partner… is that something people do? Just call to be like, hey still alive? Is that a gen X thing or??

P.S season 4 is the season of self acknowledgment.

[cheshitora]

Che my love, tell me about Kazutora's music taste. What does he listen to? What are his favorite bands? What was his first concert?

MARENAAAAAAA STOOOOOP!!! i've wanted to make a post like this for so long so thank you for this. i love my boy sm omg im gonna start crying. i have a short playlist for kazutora for my selfship to kinda give a feel of what he might like. but without further ado

i think kazutora has a preference toward pop punk/"emo"-esque bands. i put "esque" because not all of these bands i'm gonna list are really considered to be any of these genres but may have been at one point (for example, there's apparently a debate on whether or not my chemical romance is still considered an emo band). he does listen to other genres (because i do believe he listens to hip hop) but he keeps his music taste within his comfort range.

╰┈➤ my chemical romance

"that being said, he does for a fact listen to MCR. probably one of the most well known "emo" bands. his favorite album is "three cheers for sweet revenge"."

╰┈➤ bring me the horizon

"this is not an emo band but i definitely thought they were when i was younger lol. they're metalcore and i feel like kazutora does listen to some metalcore, which BMTH being his favorite specifically and actually one of his favorite bands ever."

╰┈➤ linkin park

"again, also not pop punk but c'mon, you can't tell me he doesn't listen to linkin park. almost every emo kid i knew was listening to "crawl" or "numb". he particularly listens to their "meteora" album and frankly, actually really likes "numb"."

╰┈➤ tokio hotel

"'monsoon' and 'ready, set, go' are imbedded in kazutora's dna. 'automatic' is another one of his favorite songs. he doesn't listen to them too much but their songs are too good to forget."

╰┈➤ dance gavin dance

"definitely also not pop punk, but i'm a firm believer that he LOVES dance gavin dance. their songs are so fun and obnoxious but when they get serious, they're so amazing. another one of his favorite bands and it's actually the first concert he attends since they don't tour often."

╰┈➤ pierce the veil

"how could i not say he doesn't listen to them? we all know he does. i think PTV also sits in his favorite bands list and his favorite album is "selfish machines" and his favorite song is "the boy who could fly"."

╰┈➤ thirty seconds to mars

"probably not a favorite band but he definitely listens to their "a beautiful lie" album. he had a phase where he had "the kill" on repeat until he got sick of it, so now he rarely listens to them, but won't skip if a song of theirs comes on lol. he really only sticks to the one album and doesn't listen to their newest stuff."

╰┈➤ afi

"i just know he loves AFI (so do i). "miss murder" is such a great band au song imo. it's most memorable song but i must say their "all hallows" ep is such a great listen, even if it's like four songs. but he loves their "sing the sorrow" album (though december underground is really close)."

as i look over these bands again, very few are actually "emo". some honorable mention bands include blink-182, all time low, sleeping with sirens, jimmy eat world (if he's feeling sad), the killers (oh he's so angsty i love him), rise against and the red jumpsuit apparatus.

che's final note :: marena, i hope i delivered. i really hope i did and to anyone else that sees this, this is just my opinion on some bands that tora listens to (my angsty boy i love him).

[aliceisathome]

Man I love Wandee Goodday - this is a grown up bl that's managing to be funny, sexy and informative without becoming preachy. They are repping for everything from mental health and vaccines to communication, consent and fun sex. There's a femme guy who's managing a gym, an ace psychiatrist who's designing sex aids, sensitive boxers, and no evil female character. All this and a villain we all want to the boxer to punch. It's glorious.

Anyway our 'fake' boyfriends continue to be incredibly supportive of each other but NO! DOC! You got that pic of you and Ter out of the bin and saved it. Poor Yak - he looked so content poking around your shelves. Gah. Now he thinks you're still into Ter. Please tell me you're not still into Ter Dee - he's just a toxic habit you've given up surely?*

Kao channelling the viewers in this convo with Dee, and throwing truth bombs as usual. Once again proving he is the true MVP of this series - now give him someone to cuddle dammit.

I'm not sure how Yak resisted punching Ter just now but I loved Cher's little mother moment.

Holy arms Batman.

Aaand I'm back.

Every now and again I forget that there's nearly a decade's age difference between Dee and Yak - Dee might be smart but, as Kao knows, he's a little immature emotionally.

I'm more shocked by the fact that Dee wore his Teeny Tiger gear to Ter's place than that he left the candles burning. What are you doing Dee? Why did you stay? That smug bastard is complimenting your tiger costume - the tiger costume you should be keeping for Yak.

Honestly I don't blame Yak one little bit - he waits for ages then finds Dee in his sexy tiger getup with a half naked Ter. Do we think Ter deliberately sabotaged his bathroom tap? Yes, yes we do.

Loved Kao here.

Noooo - the inevitable break up. Sometimes I hate the narrative arc - I'd be happy just watching another 5 eps of Dee and Yak just being boyfriends and snuggly and domestic.

And now we have the crying. You silly men, both thinking it's the other who doesn't really care. The reach for the comfort of the necklace that's no longer there? Gutted. Literally gutted.

And now I feel sorry for Taem as well - I thought she liked Mr Student Council. Ter, not so much - even if I believed the manipulative fucker. And of course he passed out so we didn't get to see if Dee would have given him his first kiss while we did see Yak decide not to kiss Taem.

Cher, my sassy little queen, I love you so much. Please give your big boyfriend a smack for us. He is an idiot.

And this is not how I wanted the first kiss - I wanted it to be joyful. It was a good kiss - a great kiss - but neither of them were wearing their colour and they weren't lit by them either. That's what I want to see - them dressed in their yellow and purple, bathed in their light and declaring undying love. Give it to me now!

Wandee Goodday has been a happy counterbalance to the sheer stress and tension of My Stand In. Except this week. Ter and Tong are cut from the same cloth and they both deserve to have the snot slapped out of them.

But because Wandee Goodday has been so delightful so far, this episode has hit me hard - I need to go and watch something tooth achingly sweet and cuddle my cat.

*much like me and cigarettes - I gave up years ago but every now and again I still REALLY want one.

NB the interviews, bts etc are excellent - I don't usually watch these but Great and Inn are so good in them. They're both older than other GMMtv newbies and haven't grown up with the company so are just brilliantly relaxed and playful with each other. It looks like some of the dialogue and action is developed and/or improvised by these two as well - they're very naughty and Golf just lets them go for it.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - The Heat is Rising

Sorry this late, blah blah real life actual job blah blah.

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

June 2024 Week 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

Wandee Goodday (Sat YT) ep 8 of 12 - Why is it so good?! It’s unfair. Cause I know pain must be incoming. Also... Yak moved to the "rao" pronoun for his confession! SO ADORABLE!!!!! Can you see me kicking my feet and squealing with joy on this side of the screen? Well I am. 

Sunset X Vibes (Sat iQIYI) ep 2 of 12 - I think I'm finding this show a lot funnier than the show is trying to be. The pose in the doorway. The sparkle pants. The creaking of the leather. It’s all hilarious. The foot massage. So silly. Simultaniously, full of thirst. Yay! I like thirst. Not entirely sure why he’s dicking him around and not dicking him out but hey the tension is fun. Also the shot staging is very good. Very yaoi. Lin going to have so much power in this relationship once he starts trying on seduction for size. All just to say, it’s good and I’m enjoying it.

My Stand-In (Fri iQIYI) ep 9 of 12 - you know I'm enjoying it a lot, so a surprise to see a Star Hunter beat it out? It's just MosBank are SERVING classic BL and I am a sucker for that kinda smut. Back to Stand-In...

It’s sad and a little complicated and interesting. And I’m still enjoying it very much. But this episode was mostly a rehash of information we already had been given, it was slow. Although since the acting is so good in this particular show, I didn’t mind it as much as I might have in a pulp piece, for example. 

My Love Mix-Up Th (Fri YT) ep 3 of 12 - I’m very much enjoying this. Not quite as much as I initially enjoyed the JBL version. But I’m liking a lot. There’s something particularly high school teen YA angst about this IP. Even more so than something like Make it Right or Love Sick. It’s just the cringe reactions and the constant embarrassments and the roller coaster of emotions that each character goes through in every scene. I forgot how exhausting it is to be a teen.

We Are Cute (Weds iQIYI) ep 12 of 16 - We Are Cute continues to be very cute indeed. Honestly Phum doesn’t need to flirt with Peem, Peem is already in love. The learning about each other is fun, but the fact that Phum still constantly communicates via kissing is great. I love that we have a couple whose love language is smooches. TanFang endgame is my favorite, I fucking LOVE them. But... NO SINGING. Worst fake band ever? Place docked in BL standing this week for that alone.

Love Sea (Sun iQIYI) ep 2 of 10 - It's fine I guess? Trash watch here.

Knock Knock Boys (Thurs Gaga) ep 5 of 12 - It’s ridiculous and they're very cute and I kind of don’t know what’s going on. But the young one getting his first dildo and skipping with excitement was utterly adorable. And it is the first rep we’ve got for such a thing in this genre. So good on you little pulp!

Only Boo! (Sun YT) ep 11 of 12 - Everything felt a little rushed and oddly paced in this episode. Not entirely sure why K came back to him. Anyway, I hope it’s all explained in the finale.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

At 25:00 in Akasaka AKA 25 Ji Akasaka de (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 10fin - I’ve made no secret about the fact that I haven’t been wild about this show.

Here’s a few things I enjoyed about the final episode: Uke initiated the sex scene!! Lots of tenderness. Long takes plus the absence of (and then very gentle introduction of) music. Unexpectedly high heat. Condom rep! The gayest bedroom layout ever. What I didn’t like: The absolute pinnacle of frustration for P'ABL on the other side of the screen wanting to grab the leads and shake them until their teeth rattled and scream "FOR THE LOVE, just TALK to each other!"  Oh but they are so cute and SO POLITE when the finally do reconcile! 

In conclusion:

A BL about the making of a BL where the famous one has a crush on the obscure one. It’s already been done.  Recently. By Japan. I would be tempted to say "better" but I didn’t like the first version either. At least this was less stalkery? Look, this show was fine. Just, in a word: cool, unengaging, and frustrating. OK that was 3 words. But they’re apt. A lackluster offering with a great ending. How to rate that? I despaired but ended up on 7/10 - do better Japan, I know you can.

Blue Boys (Korea YouTube) - it got its part 2, thank the BL gods, rounding this one into an 8 ep series. Still short (those eps barely scrape 10 min at most) but a solid little offering.

Charming reunion romance full of class + coming out struggles and great chemistry all of which was let down by a curtailed length. Had it just been given some legs, it could have grown wings and taken flight, but in the end it is simply too short. Still enjoyable and certainly worth your time. Cause ya don't need much of it. 8/10 RECOMMENDED

It's airing but...

The Last Time (Thai Fri YT?) - Convoluted story of loss and possible reincarnation or something. Can't find it.

OMG Vampire (Thai Sun ???) 10 eps - I've put the search on hold for a bit and y'all can let me know if it's worth tracking down.

In case you missed it

I mean you were under a rock on Tues Jan 18th Thailand's senate passed the Marriage Equality Bill. As of typing this, the King still has to sign it into law, but he's unlikely to veto. So it's a matter of time before everything is official. Thailand follows Nepal (2024) and Taiwan (2019). Both of those were judicial, Thailand's is legislative.

Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru 2 AKA Aki wa Haru to Gohan wo Tabetai 2 Haime! (Japan movie) - Continued the (frankly) lackadaisical story from part 1 and was meant to drop yesterday. We thought maybe Gaga, but nothing so far.

The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer released to Korean theaters 5/25. HoTae & DongHee, side couple from Unintentional Love Story are back! Same actors, same character names. I love them. Devastated this hasn't had international distribution.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Last of the June Releases

6/26 The Rebound (Thai Weds Gaga) - MeenPing are back in their 3rd BL together, a basketball based romance (Meen was a national basketball player, so yay for that). I like this pair better than most (I still do miss Meen with Est but Est has a fantastic looking new BL coming from GMMTV so yeah...) Anyway I'm up for a sports romance starring a man who, yah know, actually played that sport so... I'm game (pun intended).

6/26 I Hear the Sunspot AKA Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Japan Weds Gaga) 10 eps - A new series adaptation of beloved yaoi I Hear the Sunspot (first adaptation was feature film Silhouette of Your Voice 2017).

6/30 The Trainee (Thailand Sun YouTube) 12 eps- office romance between a boss/employee featuring OffGun. Taking over Boo's spot for GMMTV.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Lip touch! So sexy. So rare from Korea. Blue Boys.

I do love a meta call out moment.

Tiny idiots (affectionate)

Love their kisses. Such a great side couple.

All Wandee.

(Last week)

QUICK NOTE: I'm flying international back next weekend and the damn thing is gonna take like 72 hours or whatever insanity. Needless to say, I may not get to this round-up for ages. So don't panic, I'm not dead just sleeping.

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in it's infinite wisdom doesn't like too many tags.

There's these tricks, remember.