Dear M/M Rares Writer/Artist...
Hi there, and thank you for coming to read this letter! I'm a huge shipper, so I'm really excited about this exchange! Can't wait to see what you create - please just try to enjoy yourself, and I'm sure to love the end result :)
In terms of fic, I love first-time/getting-together stories most of all - but I also love established relationships, so honestly, it's all good! I'm not all that into pure PWPs, but I'm all for sex scenes if that's where the story leads you.
For art, I love seeing the characters being happy together. Perhaps doing something silly and laughing, or just playing around with each other. This can be as domestic and mundane as doing the dishes together and splashing water on each other, to dancing and stepping on the other's toes. Sweet moments, like embracing while sleeping, are great too. I also love hurt/comfort, both emotional and physical. Like one character holding the other while they cry, or protectively clutching their wounded lover.
Aside from that, the things I like are all over the place - so I'll list a few for you below. Keep in mind that there's no reason for you to worry if the stuff I mention aren't what you had planned! I'm only writing this to give you a general idea of what I'm into, you know? So please don't feel like you must include any of these. That said, here we go:
♥ Characters who are unflinchingly loyal, including betrayals that are actually done for the sake of the other.
♥ Protectiveness - especially if the one being protected is quite capable of taking care of themselves, and/or isn't used to someone caring like that.
♥ Unrequited love and longing that ends up not being that unrequited after all. UST is great as well, especially if finally resolved.
♥ Stoic characters opening up and revealing feelings they normally wouldn't; the strong-and-silent type showing unexpected vulnerability.
♥ Moments where one character is completely out of it (due to sleepiness or being wounded or whatever), but is still aware of the other just being there; a comforting and safe presence.
♥ Characters who share a "I understand what you need without having to be told" bond.
♥ Lonely characters finding companionship.
♥ Casual or unconscious displays of power, skill, or strength.
♥ Names! The use of last names in general, but also when characters start off calling the other by their last name, then slowly slip into more familiar terms. Doesn't matter if it's in the heat of the moment, like in the presence of some danger - or just a case of letting their guard down, maybe while drunk or exhausted. I also love the use of nicknames and pet names, i.e. both unique ones and more generic stuff (everything from "buddy" to "darling").
♥ Differences between lovers - height, age, etc.
♥ Playful sex. That's not to say I don't enjoy tender or passionate sex, but there's just something about two characters being so at ease and comfortable around each other that they're able to joke and laugh while making love.
♥ Rescues, whether it's a matter of life and death or simply being woken from a nightmare.
♥ One character passing out, and the other having to carry them (to safety, bed, wherever) while internally panicking.
♥ Rivalries, both of the friendly sort and the more antagonistic kind.
♥ Desperate kissing in the rain. DON'T JUDGE MEEE~
And on the flip side, things I don't want:
★ Sad stuff involving animals (death, cruelty, and so on).
★ Focus on social issues.
★ Crossovers.
★ Crack.
★ Meta.
★ Alternate Universe. I like AUs sometimes, but these fandoms are all rare so I'd like to get fic/art of them as they are (but what-if/Canon Divergence is perfectly fine).
Now then, here are my actual requests:
First Blood | Rambo
Samuel Trautman/John Rambo: First off, if you've read the original book and the two subsequent novelizations, feel free to incorporate however much you want from them. The plots differ a bit, but in terms of characterization I pretty much consider them to be the same canon. But uh, there are some things I'd rather not have you include, obviously - i.e. keep Trautman away from shotguns!
I'd love to see something set after the third movie. It's not that I don't like the fourth one, but in this particular case I'd prefer if you could just ignore it. I like to think that Rambo and Trautman stayed together after driving off into the sunset leaving Afghanistan. They make such a great team (just look at how they instantly fall into a confident rhythm when they're breaking out of that Russian prison, or the deleted scene where Trautman spots for Rambo when he's struggling with aiming the Dragunov), not to mention that they care very deeply for each other - and I honestly think they both want to stick together. Hell, take the second book for example - at the end when Rambo says he's leaving to live day by day, Trautman replies by asking "You want some company?"
One of the things that gets to me the most about Rambo, is how hard he is on himself. He pushes himself to the utmost, completely heedless of the damage he inflicts on his own body. Like that scene in the third movie, where he cauterizes his wound in order to be able to keep fighting. Or, in the third book, where he's basically killing himself trying to get everyone to safety. He can't see straight because he hasn't slept in days, and subsequently berates himself for being a "lazy bastard". (One of my favorite parts comes here too, where Rambo wonders just how much longer he can keep going, and then grits his teeth because: "For Trautman? Forever.") I'd love to see a moment where Trautman tells him to take it easy, and just shows that he truly cares. Maybe that seems OOC to you, but I honestly don't think it is. Trautman never hesitates to go out of his way for Rambo's sake, and judging by some of the things he says - "Seems like bailing you outta trouble's getting to be a lifetime job for me." - he's quite at peace with it, as well. And when Rambo is playing that tank-versus-helicopter game of chicken, Trautman pretty much panics. He yells at Rambo to get out of there, and then actually starts running towards the vehicles, thoroughly ignoring his own safety. And the look on his face when the explosion clears and Rambo crawls out of the tank...!
I love that Trautman calls Rambo by his first name. He's the only one that does, and I think it might actually mean a lot to Rambo. I also love that they both have such a good sense of humor! They manage to crack some dry, kinda self-deprecating, ironic jokes throughout the series - even when facing insurmountable odds, showing that they understand each other well enough to be able to do that.
Another thing I love about their relationship is the complete trust they have in each other. Rambo says it straight out; telling Trautman that he's the only one he trusts. Trautman, on his part, shows it. He does so more than once, but take the first movie for example - Rambo is clearly unraveling, yet Trautman fearlessly confronts him and even goes so far as to wrench the rifle from his hands.
If you'd like to tackle something a bit different, how about something set pre-canon? I could totally see them having an arrangement during their time in Vietnam, a no-strings-attached sort of thing; using sex as a way to find release and get away from the war for a moment, however brief. I could also see it turning into something more - perhaps with Rambo wanting to keep it going even after they've returned home, which might spook Trautman. Rambo even says he tried to get in touch with Trautman, without success, something that quite possibly contributed to him going off the rails. Of course, I realize that's a very detailed prompt; in no way am I trying to shove a specific plot at you! I'll be thrilled no matter what you choose to write/draw, so if you have an idea of your own? Please go for it!
Fly, Daddy, Fly
Hajime Suzuki/Sunshin Park: I love everything about this movie; from the father-daughter bond, to the guys in the bus. But most of all I love the relationship between Sunshin and Hajime. I ship them like crazy, to the point where I could analyze the smallest of details at length - I won't do that though, so don't worry ;)
I think it's pretty clear that Sunshin is really quite lonely. It's something he probably wouldn't admit, especially considering all the rumors that circulate about him. I feel like he probably thinks it's better that way; it's easier and less painful to just stay isolated, however much he might actually wish he had someone to talk to. So the way he slowly gains respect for his pupil, and how that morphs into genuine companionship, is just wonderful to watch. Look at his secretly happy smile right after Hajime gives him the rock, for example! Hajime on his part has absolute faith in his teacher ("I... believe in you."), while also coming to deeply care about him.
I'd love to see something set after the movie, because certain aspects of the ending simply break my heart. Please tell me they retained their friendship and still spent time together! I'd also really love to see a moment where Hajime is able to protect Sunshin, as per the request in the tree scene.
I adore Sunshin's fondness for Enter The Dragon, and how he incorporates it into his teachings. And I love how Hajime, who hasn't even seen it before, immediately goes out and buys it. One of my favorite scenes is when Hajime turns the tables on Sunshin, at the amusement park. It always makes me smile, the way he's all cocky about it, when he teasingly quotes Sunshin's favorite movie back at him. It shows just how well they've come to know each other (not to mention the fact that Hajime apparently watched it closely enough to even be able to do that, which I think speaks volumes).
As much as I love the two of them, together, Hajime is married. I don't like infidelity, and I also think it'd be completely OOC for Hajime to betray his wife. So I'd prefer it if their marriage had ended amicably. Just please don't make Yuko the villain; what little we saw of her I did like. The same goes for Haruka - I loved her to bits, and I think she'd try to support her father no matter what.
I should also mention that for Sunshin's name, I'm using the romanization from the DVD. But I don't mind at all if you'd prefer to write it Soon-shin or some other way!
Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man
Harley Davidson/Marlboro | Robert Lee Anderson: There's just something about this movie, y'know? If it's on TV late some night, I usually end up watching it - even though I have it on DVD and VHS *thumbs up*. I love that it has a little bit of everything; action, drama, comedy, philosophy, and oh, can't forget that it's also sci-fi (the billboard for Die Harder V always cracks me up). I love the juxtaposition between Harley, the leather-clad biker, and Marlboro, the worn and scruffy cowboy. Marlboro has a quick temper and has no problems speaking his mind, except for when it comes to feelings or his past. While Harley looks tough and hard as nails, but is actually very calm and patient - this is especially evident in the scene where he gently instructs Marlboro on how to hot-wire a bike, despite the way Marlboro snaps at him for it.
I've always gotten the impression that Harley was secretly, miserably, madly in love with Marlboro. I mean, he returns to town after being away for two years - that he spent "thinking" - and it just so happens to be Marlboro's birthday? Yeeeah, I find it very hard to believe that that's just a coincidence. Later, when Sally comes on to him in the bar and begs him for a ride home, he looks genuinely annoyed and unhappy about it, and keeps glancing up at Marlboro. When Marlboro subsequently asks to borrow his bike, he gives in even though that means Sally's proposition kinda goes out the window. Then, in the morning, instead of being in bed with Sally, Harley tracks down Marlboro to cook him breakfast. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Harley is also very in tune with Marlboro, like when picking up on his mood during the heist celebration. I love the way he pretty much ditches the party and saunters over to Marlboro, giving him an inquisitive look and a soft little "Hm?"
I always find myself snickering over the fact that their hotel room in Las Vegas only has a double bed. And Harley, instantly plopping down on it and saying how they should get some rest - before launching into an anecdote of how he lost his virginity! Marlboro says some suggestive things too, like when trying to teach Harley how to shoot ("Don't yank it, it's not your dick."). Basically they just seem very comfortable around each other when it comes to talking about sex, which makes me wonder if they ever fooled around. Maybe they had sort of a friends-with-benefits/fuckbuddy thing going at one point, or maybe they somehow fell into bed once - or several times - yet never spoke about it.
Even at their worst, after the hotel blowout (I don't wanna call it a fight because it was pretty damn one-sided; Marlboro exploding and Harley just taking it), they still care deeply for each other: Marlboro goes back to the room to warn Harley, even though he could've gotten away scot-free otherwise. And Harley tries his best to get Marlboro to jump off the roof, even trying to reassure him by getting him to hold Harley's hand, aww! I love that he knows just what buttons to push when Marlboro refuses; getting him angry with that little smack and by cursing him out. Marlboro yelling "I hate you, Harley!" all the long way down is too great.
The ending gives me additional fuel to my notion of Harley having unspoken feelings for Marlboro. The way he asks "Wanna come with me?" all soft and vulnerable, with a hopeful little smile, is just...! *clutches heart* Then saying that he shouldn't have asked because Marlboro never says yes, implying that this is an old story between them. And the way Marlboro looks at him as he says that, all intent and searching, and then as soon as he looks up Marlboro lowers his head, avoiding eye contact, before telling Harley to take off. They both seem really torn up about separating, and looking like there's a million things left unsaid between them. I probably don't need to say this, but I'd sure love to see them meet up again - and hopefully manage to stick together, this time.
Magnum PI
Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV/Jonathan Quayle Higgins III: One of the best TV series ever made, quite possibly my absolute favorite. It's just such an amazing series, on so many levels. It has a perfect blend of seriousness and humor, action/adventure and quiet moments, romance and friendship, etc. And the characters, especially the four main ones... They're all fantastic and I love seeing the strength in their relationship. But none more so than Magnum and Higgins, needless to say.
I see so, so much subtext in their relationship. Hell, I'm almost tempted to use the word soulmates, however silly that may sound. They're often at each other's throat, saying some really hard-hitting things - but deep down there's genuine respect and caring. And when push comes to shove they understand each other's feelings and know just what to say/do. A good example of the latter is in "Distant Relatives", when Higgins - instead of countering Magnum's angry outburst - realizes that something is seriously wrong. Even though Magnum is crying and asks to be left alone, Higgins launches into an anecdote which ultimately ends up easing the pain.
I also love how teasingly playful they can be with each other, and their banter is just wonderful. The suitcase scene in "Who Is Don Luis Higgins... And Why Is He Doing These Terrible Things To Me?" is one of my absolute favorites.
There are so many amazing and important moments between these two throughout the series. Everything from Higgins writing a testament and leaving Magnum his model bridge (and the way he says Magnum's name while writing is just...! *flails incomprehensibly*), to Magnum faking an illness to get locked into quarantine with Higgins in order to protect him. And of course, "Limbo", where Magnum is dying and it's Higgins whose voice he hears, calling him back. Then there's all of "Paper War" and "Pleasure Principle" and - I could go on and on, as you can see!
To round things off, have a choice quote from Magnum himself: "Sure, I know, it's crazy to refer to whatever Higgins and I share as friendship, but it is. We fight and bicker like an old married couple, but somewhere, mixed in with the jibes, is a funny kind of mutual trust."
The Silent Flute | Circle Of Iron
Cord/The Blind Man: This is one of my favorite movies; I never get sick of watching it. It's not only visually stunning, but also has some real depth to it. It's funny, thoughtful, exciting, and - I honestly cannot praise it enough! I'd love to see something set after the movie, about the further adventures of Cord and the Blind Man. And, uh, right off the bat I want to encourage you to name the Blind Man - provided you want to, that is! He has a name in the original script, but since the finished movie is quite different I don't mind if you'd like to call him something else.
I love how Cord latches on to the Blind Man almost immediately, all smiles and easy promises. The Blind Man, on his part, has a sharp tongue - but I think there's no mistaking the obvious fondness and affection he develops for Cord. The banter between them is wonderful; definitely one of my favorite aspects of the whole movie.
Their roles as teacher and student are obvious, but I'd be excited to see a moment where Cord is able to teach the Blind Man something. Doesn't matter if it's something small and silly, or hugely important (related to their deepening relationship, perhaps?) - I just think it'd be very interesting to see a reversal of roles. Or maybe the reversal can come from something a bit more dramatic? Like, for example, a moment where the Blind Man is in danger somehow, and Cord comes to his rescue. The latter could go many ways - serious and angsty, with hurt/comfort and desperate love confessions prompted by a near-death situation; or lighthearted and humorous, with them bickering every step of the way (since I can't imagine that the Blind Man would be gracious at having had Cord swoop in to save him).
I love how pivotal the Blind Man's music becomes to Cord. In the confrontation with Changsha, Cord is losing - then he, alone, hears the flute. He's grounded by it, and manages to prevail. And Cord knows damn well who it is that's playing it, which I think signifies just how important the Blind Man has become to him. Even much earlier, in the waterfall scene, you can see how utterly delighted Cord becomes when the Blind Man shows up again. That brilliant smile of his says it all, I think.
In the beginning, Cord stands alone. He is his own man, by his own choice - he needs no one, and no one needs him. But he grows as the movie progresses, in more ways than one. I think his character development is really great, and I'd like to see him continue to evolve under the tutelage of the Blind Man. To be honest, I'm not certain if they'd stick around and offer guidance to future Seekers... I almost think they'd be more likely to go off and wander the land. Maybe they experience adventure and fight intimidating foes, or perhaps they simply settle down and enjoy life? Wherever your story/art takes them, I'll be eager to see it!
----
Aaand that's it! If anything is unclear or you have something you'd like to ask, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Anonymous commenting is on, so please don't hesitate.
Finally, thank you again for writing/drawing for me ♥
In terms of fic, I love first-time/getting-together stories most of all - but I also love established relationships, so honestly, it's all good! I'm not all that into pure PWPs, but I'm all for sex scenes if that's where the story leads you.
For art, I love seeing the characters being happy together. Perhaps doing something silly and laughing, or just playing around with each other. This can be as domestic and mundane as doing the dishes together and splashing water on each other, to dancing and stepping on the other's toes. Sweet moments, like embracing while sleeping, are great too. I also love hurt/comfort, both emotional and physical. Like one character holding the other while they cry, or protectively clutching their wounded lover.
Aside from that, the things I like are all over the place - so I'll list a few for you below. Keep in mind that there's no reason for you to worry if the stuff I mention aren't what you had planned! I'm only writing this to give you a general idea of what I'm into, you know? So please don't feel like you must include any of these. That said, here we go:
♥ Characters who are unflinchingly loyal, including betrayals that are actually done for the sake of the other.
♥ Protectiveness - especially if the one being protected is quite capable of taking care of themselves, and/or isn't used to someone caring like that.
♥ Unrequited love and longing that ends up not being that unrequited after all. UST is great as well, especially if finally resolved.
♥ Stoic characters opening up and revealing feelings they normally wouldn't; the strong-and-silent type showing unexpected vulnerability.
♥ Moments where one character is completely out of it (due to sleepiness or being wounded or whatever), but is still aware of the other just being there; a comforting and safe presence.
♥ Characters who share a "I understand what you need without having to be told" bond.
♥ Lonely characters finding companionship.
♥ Casual or unconscious displays of power, skill, or strength.
♥ Names! The use of last names in general, but also when characters start off calling the other by their last name, then slowly slip into more familiar terms. Doesn't matter if it's in the heat of the moment, like in the presence of some danger - or just a case of letting their guard down, maybe while drunk or exhausted. I also love the use of nicknames and pet names, i.e. both unique ones and more generic stuff (everything from "buddy" to "darling").
♥ Differences between lovers - height, age, etc.
♥ Playful sex. That's not to say I don't enjoy tender or passionate sex, but there's just something about two characters being so at ease and comfortable around each other that they're able to joke and laugh while making love.
♥ Rescues, whether it's a matter of life and death or simply being woken from a nightmare.
♥ One character passing out, and the other having to carry them (to safety, bed, wherever) while internally panicking.
♥ Rivalries, both of the friendly sort and the more antagonistic kind.
♥ Desperate kissing in the rain. DON'T JUDGE MEEE~
And on the flip side, things I don't want:
★ Sad stuff involving animals (death, cruelty, and so on).
★ Focus on social issues.
★ Crossovers.
★ Crack.
★ Meta.
★ Alternate Universe. I like AUs sometimes, but these fandoms are all rare so I'd like to get fic/art of them as they are (but what-if/Canon Divergence is perfectly fine).
Now then, here are my actual requests:
First Blood | Rambo
Samuel Trautman/John Rambo: First off, if you've read the original book and the two subsequent novelizations, feel free to incorporate however much you want from them. The plots differ a bit, but in terms of characterization I pretty much consider them to be the same canon. But uh, there are some things I'd rather not have you include, obviously - i.e. keep Trautman away from shotguns!
I'd love to see something set after the third movie. It's not that I don't like the fourth one, but in this particular case I'd prefer if you could just ignore it. I like to think that Rambo and Trautman stayed together after driving off into the sunset leaving Afghanistan. They make such a great team (just look at how they instantly fall into a confident rhythm when they're breaking out of that Russian prison, or the deleted scene where Trautman spots for Rambo when he's struggling with aiming the Dragunov), not to mention that they care very deeply for each other - and I honestly think they both want to stick together. Hell, take the second book for example - at the end when Rambo says he's leaving to live day by day, Trautman replies by asking "You want some company?"
One of the things that gets to me the most about Rambo, is how hard he is on himself. He pushes himself to the utmost, completely heedless of the damage he inflicts on his own body. Like that scene in the third movie, where he cauterizes his wound in order to be able to keep fighting. Or, in the third book, where he's basically killing himself trying to get everyone to safety. He can't see straight because he hasn't slept in days, and subsequently berates himself for being a "lazy bastard". (One of my favorite parts comes here too, where Rambo wonders just how much longer he can keep going, and then grits his teeth because: "For Trautman? Forever.") I'd love to see a moment where Trautman tells him to take it easy, and just shows that he truly cares. Maybe that seems OOC to you, but I honestly don't think it is. Trautman never hesitates to go out of his way for Rambo's sake, and judging by some of the things he says - "Seems like bailing you outta trouble's getting to be a lifetime job for me." - he's quite at peace with it, as well. And when Rambo is playing that tank-versus-helicopter game of chicken, Trautman pretty much panics. He yells at Rambo to get out of there, and then actually starts running towards the vehicles, thoroughly ignoring his own safety. And the look on his face when the explosion clears and Rambo crawls out of the tank...!
I love that Trautman calls Rambo by his first name. He's the only one that does, and I think it might actually mean a lot to Rambo. I also love that they both have such a good sense of humor! They manage to crack some dry, kinda self-deprecating, ironic jokes throughout the series - even when facing insurmountable odds, showing that they understand each other well enough to be able to do that.
Another thing I love about their relationship is the complete trust they have in each other. Rambo says it straight out; telling Trautman that he's the only one he trusts. Trautman, on his part, shows it. He does so more than once, but take the first movie for example - Rambo is clearly unraveling, yet Trautman fearlessly confronts him and even goes so far as to wrench the rifle from his hands.
If you'd like to tackle something a bit different, how about something set pre-canon? I could totally see them having an arrangement during their time in Vietnam, a no-strings-attached sort of thing; using sex as a way to find release and get away from the war for a moment, however brief. I could also see it turning into something more - perhaps with Rambo wanting to keep it going even after they've returned home, which might spook Trautman. Rambo even says he tried to get in touch with Trautman, without success, something that quite possibly contributed to him going off the rails. Of course, I realize that's a very detailed prompt; in no way am I trying to shove a specific plot at you! I'll be thrilled no matter what you choose to write/draw, so if you have an idea of your own? Please go for it!
Fly, Daddy, Fly
Hajime Suzuki/Sunshin Park: I love everything about this movie; from the father-daughter bond, to the guys in the bus. But most of all I love the relationship between Sunshin and Hajime. I ship them like crazy, to the point where I could analyze the smallest of details at length - I won't do that though, so don't worry ;)
I think it's pretty clear that Sunshin is really quite lonely. It's something he probably wouldn't admit, especially considering all the rumors that circulate about him. I feel like he probably thinks it's better that way; it's easier and less painful to just stay isolated, however much he might actually wish he had someone to talk to. So the way he slowly gains respect for his pupil, and how that morphs into genuine companionship, is just wonderful to watch. Look at his secretly happy smile right after Hajime gives him the rock, for example! Hajime on his part has absolute faith in his teacher ("I... believe in you."), while also coming to deeply care about him.
I'd love to see something set after the movie, because certain aspects of the ending simply break my heart. Please tell me they retained their friendship and still spent time together! I'd also really love to see a moment where Hajime is able to protect Sunshin, as per the request in the tree scene.
I adore Sunshin's fondness for Enter The Dragon, and how he incorporates it into his teachings. And I love how Hajime, who hasn't even seen it before, immediately goes out and buys it. One of my favorite scenes is when Hajime turns the tables on Sunshin, at the amusement park. It always makes me smile, the way he's all cocky about it, when he teasingly quotes Sunshin's favorite movie back at him. It shows just how well they've come to know each other (not to mention the fact that Hajime apparently watched it closely enough to even be able to do that, which I think speaks volumes).
As much as I love the two of them, together, Hajime is married. I don't like infidelity, and I also think it'd be completely OOC for Hajime to betray his wife. So I'd prefer it if their marriage had ended amicably. Just please don't make Yuko the villain; what little we saw of her I did like. The same goes for Haruka - I loved her to bits, and I think she'd try to support her father no matter what.
I should also mention that for Sunshin's name, I'm using the romanization from the DVD. But I don't mind at all if you'd prefer to write it Soon-shin or some other way!
Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man
Harley Davidson/Marlboro | Robert Lee Anderson: There's just something about this movie, y'know? If it's on TV late some night, I usually end up watching it - even though I have it on DVD and VHS *thumbs up*. I love that it has a little bit of everything; action, drama, comedy, philosophy, and oh, can't forget that it's also sci-fi (the billboard for Die Harder V always cracks me up). I love the juxtaposition between Harley, the leather-clad biker, and Marlboro, the worn and scruffy cowboy. Marlboro has a quick temper and has no problems speaking his mind, except for when it comes to feelings or his past. While Harley looks tough and hard as nails, but is actually very calm and patient - this is especially evident in the scene where he gently instructs Marlboro on how to hot-wire a bike, despite the way Marlboro snaps at him for it.
I've always gotten the impression that Harley was secretly, miserably, madly in love with Marlboro. I mean, he returns to town after being away for two years - that he spent "thinking" - and it just so happens to be Marlboro's birthday? Yeeeah, I find it very hard to believe that that's just a coincidence. Later, when Sally comes on to him in the bar and begs him for a ride home, he looks genuinely annoyed and unhappy about it, and keeps glancing up at Marlboro. When Marlboro subsequently asks to borrow his bike, he gives in even though that means Sally's proposition kinda goes out the window. Then, in the morning, instead of being in bed with Sally, Harley tracks down Marlboro to cook him breakfast. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Harley is also very in tune with Marlboro, like when picking up on his mood during the heist celebration. I love the way he pretty much ditches the party and saunters over to Marlboro, giving him an inquisitive look and a soft little "Hm?"
I always find myself snickering over the fact that their hotel room in Las Vegas only has a double bed. And Harley, instantly plopping down on it and saying how they should get some rest - before launching into an anecdote of how he lost his virginity! Marlboro says some suggestive things too, like when trying to teach Harley how to shoot ("Don't yank it, it's not your dick."). Basically they just seem very comfortable around each other when it comes to talking about sex, which makes me wonder if they ever fooled around. Maybe they had sort of a friends-with-benefits/fuckbuddy thing going at one point, or maybe they somehow fell into bed once - or several times - yet never spoke about it.
Even at their worst, after the hotel blowout (I don't wanna call it a fight because it was pretty damn one-sided; Marlboro exploding and Harley just taking it), they still care deeply for each other: Marlboro goes back to the room to warn Harley, even though he could've gotten away scot-free otherwise. And Harley tries his best to get Marlboro to jump off the roof, even trying to reassure him by getting him to hold Harley's hand, aww! I love that he knows just what buttons to push when Marlboro refuses; getting him angry with that little smack and by cursing him out. Marlboro yelling "I hate you, Harley!" all the long way down is too great.
The ending gives me additional fuel to my notion of Harley having unspoken feelings for Marlboro. The way he asks "Wanna come with me?" all soft and vulnerable, with a hopeful little smile, is just...! *clutches heart* Then saying that he shouldn't have asked because Marlboro never says yes, implying that this is an old story between them. And the way Marlboro looks at him as he says that, all intent and searching, and then as soon as he looks up Marlboro lowers his head, avoiding eye contact, before telling Harley to take off. They both seem really torn up about separating, and looking like there's a million things left unsaid between them. I probably don't need to say this, but I'd sure love to see them meet up again - and hopefully manage to stick together, this time.
Magnum PI
Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV/Jonathan Quayle Higgins III: One of the best TV series ever made, quite possibly my absolute favorite. It's just such an amazing series, on so many levels. It has a perfect blend of seriousness and humor, action/adventure and quiet moments, romance and friendship, etc. And the characters, especially the four main ones... They're all fantastic and I love seeing the strength in their relationship. But none more so than Magnum and Higgins, needless to say.
I see so, so much subtext in their relationship. Hell, I'm almost tempted to use the word soulmates, however silly that may sound. They're often at each other's throat, saying some really hard-hitting things - but deep down there's genuine respect and caring. And when push comes to shove they understand each other's feelings and know just what to say/do. A good example of the latter is in "Distant Relatives", when Higgins - instead of countering Magnum's angry outburst - realizes that something is seriously wrong. Even though Magnum is crying and asks to be left alone, Higgins launches into an anecdote which ultimately ends up easing the pain.
I also love how teasingly playful they can be with each other, and their banter is just wonderful. The suitcase scene in "Who Is Don Luis Higgins... And Why Is He Doing These Terrible Things To Me?" is one of my absolute favorites.
There are so many amazing and important moments between these two throughout the series. Everything from Higgins writing a testament and leaving Magnum his model bridge (and the way he says Magnum's name while writing is just...! *flails incomprehensibly*), to Magnum faking an illness to get locked into quarantine with Higgins in order to protect him. And of course, "Limbo", where Magnum is dying and it's Higgins whose voice he hears, calling him back. Then there's all of "Paper War" and "Pleasure Principle" and - I could go on and on, as you can see!
To round things off, have a choice quote from Magnum himself: "Sure, I know, it's crazy to refer to whatever Higgins and I share as friendship, but it is. We fight and bicker like an old married couple, but somewhere, mixed in with the jibes, is a funny kind of mutual trust."
The Silent Flute | Circle Of Iron
Cord/The Blind Man: This is one of my favorite movies; I never get sick of watching it. It's not only visually stunning, but also has some real depth to it. It's funny, thoughtful, exciting, and - I honestly cannot praise it enough! I'd love to see something set after the movie, about the further adventures of Cord and the Blind Man. And, uh, right off the bat I want to encourage you to name the Blind Man - provided you want to, that is! He has a name in the original script, but since the finished movie is quite different I don't mind if you'd like to call him something else.
I love how Cord latches on to the Blind Man almost immediately, all smiles and easy promises. The Blind Man, on his part, has a sharp tongue - but I think there's no mistaking the obvious fondness and affection he develops for Cord. The banter between them is wonderful; definitely one of my favorite aspects of the whole movie.
Their roles as teacher and student are obvious, but I'd be excited to see a moment where Cord is able to teach the Blind Man something. Doesn't matter if it's something small and silly, or hugely important (related to their deepening relationship, perhaps?) - I just think it'd be very interesting to see a reversal of roles. Or maybe the reversal can come from something a bit more dramatic? Like, for example, a moment where the Blind Man is in danger somehow, and Cord comes to his rescue. The latter could go many ways - serious and angsty, with hurt/comfort and desperate love confessions prompted by a near-death situation; or lighthearted and humorous, with them bickering every step of the way (since I can't imagine that the Blind Man would be gracious at having had Cord swoop in to save him).
I love how pivotal the Blind Man's music becomes to Cord. In the confrontation with Changsha, Cord is losing - then he, alone, hears the flute. He's grounded by it, and manages to prevail. And Cord knows damn well who it is that's playing it, which I think signifies just how important the Blind Man has become to him. Even much earlier, in the waterfall scene, you can see how utterly delighted Cord becomes when the Blind Man shows up again. That brilliant smile of his says it all, I think.
In the beginning, Cord stands alone. He is his own man, by his own choice - he needs no one, and no one needs him. But he grows as the movie progresses, in more ways than one. I think his character development is really great, and I'd like to see him continue to evolve under the tutelage of the Blind Man. To be honest, I'm not certain if they'd stick around and offer guidance to future Seekers... I almost think they'd be more likely to go off and wander the land. Maybe they experience adventure and fight intimidating foes, or perhaps they simply settle down and enjoy life? Wherever your story/art takes them, I'll be eager to see it!
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Aaand that's it! If anything is unclear or you have something you'd like to ask, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Anonymous commenting is on, so please don't hesitate.
Finally, thank you again for writing/drawing for me ♥