Family of the Heart
anonymous
January 23 2013, 02:19:41 UTC
It's always good to hear things from Ben's perspective.
About your take on Ben and Melanie. I have also noticed that these two have something very unusual in common. That being that their partners love Brian. Yet "Queer as Folk" never had a scene where the two of them discussed this situation. There was even a storyline where Ben and Mel were working with "The Center" together. But we got no scenes of them comparing notes on how they delt with Brian or anything of similar ilk. The show really missed an opportunity there.
Re: Family of the Heartsxysadie21January 23 2013, 17:25:29 UTC
I think Ben had great perspective that we didn't get to see often! I hope you enjoyed it!
I think they missed out big there, as well. I think that's why I had to put that part in there. Melanie and Ben would really be able to understand each other. I was writing a WIP where they have a great scene together. And a few people were like "You have such weird character combinations...like Mel and Ben." I thought it was just natural. It made sense and he could impart some of his wisdom on how he deals with it. And Mel would have dealt with it for so long, you'd think she would have gotten used to it. But I doubt it, really. Brian was such a force in their group - it seems like it would be difficult to just "give into" as an "outsider" like Ben or Mel. You know?
Family of the heart
anonymous
January 23 2013, 22:38:05 UTC
Seeing the qaf characters from Ben's point of view gives you a fresh view of them all. for instance, Mel really did have a lot in common with Ben. And maybe not just Brian. Ben's family wasn't discussed much. But isn't Bruckner a Jewish name?
About Brian and the "White Party". It was always odd that someone as in control as Brian would mention that he and Ben had been together at a party of that sort with Michael standing right there. Michael would have figured things out, even without the help of Justin. It's as if Brian wanted Michael to know. This whole situation may be one of the reasons why Ben and Brian are not very close.
Ted's insecurity is even worse that Michael's insecurity. And he was the most outspoken opponent of Ben and Michael having a romantic relationship. Wonder if Ben knew this?
Re: Family of the heartsxysadie21January 24 2013, 18:36:50 UTC
I think Mel and Ben had a lot in common that we never explored! And I never thought about Bruckner being a Jewish name. Is it? We never learned enough about Ben's family/past, don't you think?!
I think that Brian did it on purpose, without a doubt.
I don't know if Michael would have ever told Ben that Ted hated the idea of them for so long. But, look at Ted and Blake - you know? People change. And then change their minds. And Ted knew how people felt about Blake, too. And still did what he thought was best for him. So he could respect that, in the end. Don't you think?
Ted's insecurity was horrific. It made me SO uncomfortable at times!
Re: Family of the heart
anonymous
January 25 2013, 04:56:29 UTC
We really don't know much about Ben's past. There was no mention of his parents coming to visit Ben when he was hospitalized. I choose to think they came, but we just didn't see this. I also have to assume that he called his family when he married Michael. It is weird though. There is a story out there that kills off Ben's parents. This too is possible.
It does look like Brian wanted Michael to find out about the White Party incident. But I can't figure out why exactly.
Wish I had a dime for every time I muttered "Poor Ted" at the television screen.
Re: Family of the heartsxysadie21February 19 2013, 22:44:53 UTC
I always think about writing about Ben's past, about his family...but then I think - did I forget something that was mentioned? Did he ever mention siblings? I remember him mentioning sleeping with a girl. And that's really it. Where are his parents? Did he have siblings? Did I just miss that? I can't remember! I need to rewatch. But life is hard and I have no time. LOL
Brian did it for control. I am almost certain of it. He could have been hoping it would drive Ben away, too. Because I think he really enjoyed Michael longing after him. Even if he was never going to do anything about it. I could be wrong. But I don't think so.
God, Ted. He made me so sad for him, so often! heh.
Family of the Heart
anonymous
January 24 2013, 07:22:00 UTC
I was enjoying the Ben's eye view idea. Then you had to go and mention the Ben and Brian one or two night stand and got me distracted.
Ben and Mel do have a lot in common. But here's an evil thought. Mel has been dealing with the Brian thing longer. She might have once been just as accepting as Ben but became hostile over the years. Perhaps Ben will one day be more like Melanie. He was getting a lot less patient with Brian in early season five.
Re: Family of the Heartsxysadie21January 24 2013, 18:34:46 UTC
Haha! I'm sorry? (Not really. In fact, let me use one of my favorite icons for you, now!)
That is an evil thought. I think that you COULD be right. But also, Ben and Mel are very different, personality wise, I believe. Mel is more...up there and Ben is more...zen. And you are correct that Ben was getting less patient with Brian. BUT! I think the bombing and Ben/Brian bonding during it would make a difference.
In my mind? They always became friends in the end. Over their love for Michael. I can only imagine that years later? They would learn to love each other back, too! :)
...I may just be feeling really nice today tho. Hehe.
Re: Family of the Heart
anonymous
January 26 2013, 22:36:12 UTC
LOVE that icon! And on that subject. Wouldn't Brian and Ben's past make it harder for them to be friends? I doubt they think about it much. But I bet Michael thinks about it from time to time. Or maybe that's just me.
Mel and Ben ARE really different, so maybe Ben won't end up the same way. Still, Brian and Ben are also very different.
Re: Family of the Heartsxysadie21February 19 2013, 22:50:47 UTC
I think that, after some time, the idea wouldn't bother any of them. And Michael...oooh! I wrote a drabble about this once. About how even if Brian had had Ben before? Michael won. Because he got to wake up next to him every day, etc.
Ben and Brian are different in their demeanor. But they are both very strong men. And their love for Michael is pretty fierce. So they have similarities.
Family of the Heart
anonymous
January 28 2013, 05:25:46 UTC
Ben was very understanding of Michael and Brian's friendship. Many other, probably most other boyfriends would be threatened by their closeness
( ... )
Re: Family of the Heartsxysadie21February 19 2013, 22:39:29 UTC
That is why they worked. Ben wasn't going to try to tear Michael away from something he felt he needed. Which I think led to them being able to work the way they did
( ... )
Comments 15
About your take on Ben and Melanie. I have also noticed that these two have something very unusual in common. That being that their partners love Brian. Yet "Queer as Folk" never had a scene where the two of them discussed this situation. There was even a storyline where Ben and Mel were working with "The Center" together. But we got no scenes of them comparing notes on how they delt with Brian or anything of similar ilk. The show really missed an opportunity there.
Reply
I think they missed out big there, as well. I think that's why I had to put that part in there. Melanie and Ben would really be able to understand each other. I was writing a WIP where they have a great scene together. And a few people were like "You have such weird character combinations...like Mel and Ben." I thought it was just natural. It made sense and he could impart some of his wisdom on how he deals with it. And Mel would have dealt with it for so long, you'd think she would have gotten used to it. But I doubt it, really. Brian was such a force in their group - it seems like it would be difficult to just "give into" as an "outsider" like Ben or Mel. You know?
I ramble. Thanks for reading!
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About Brian and the "White Party". It was always odd that someone as in control as Brian would mention that he and Ben had been together at a party of that sort with Michael standing right there. Michael would have figured things out, even without the help of Justin. It's as if Brian wanted Michael to know. This whole situation may be one of the reasons why Ben and Brian are not very close.
Ted's insecurity is even worse that Michael's insecurity. And he was the most outspoken opponent of Ben and Michael having a romantic relationship. Wonder if Ben knew this?
Reply
I think that Brian did it on purpose, without a doubt.
I don't know if Michael would have ever told Ben that Ted hated the idea of them for so long. But, look at Ted and Blake - you know? People change. And then change their minds. And Ted knew how people felt about Blake, too. And still did what he thought was best for him. So he could respect that, in the end. Don't you think?
Ted's insecurity was horrific. It made me SO uncomfortable at times!
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It does look like Brian wanted Michael to find out about the White Party incident. But I can't figure out why exactly.
Wish I had a dime for every time I muttered "Poor Ted" at the television screen.
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Brian did it for control. I am almost certain of it. He could have been hoping it would drive Ben away, too. Because I think he really enjoyed Michael longing after him. Even if he was never going to do anything about it. I could be wrong. But I don't think so.
God, Ted. He made me so sad for him, so often! heh.
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Ben and Mel do have a lot in common. But here's an evil thought. Mel has been dealing with the Brian thing longer. She might have once been just as accepting as Ben but became hostile over the years. Perhaps Ben will one day be more like Melanie. He was getting a lot less patient with Brian in early season five.
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That is an evil thought. I think that you COULD be right. But also, Ben and Mel are very different, personality wise, I believe. Mel is more...up there and Ben is more...zen. And you are correct that Ben was getting less patient with Brian. BUT! I think the bombing and Ben/Brian bonding during it would make a difference.
In my mind? They always became friends in the end. Over their love for Michael. I can only imagine that years later? They would learn to love each other back, too! :)
...I may just be feeling really nice today tho. Hehe.
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Mel and Ben ARE really different, so maybe Ben won't end up the same way. Still, Brian and Ben are also very different.
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Ben and Brian are different in their demeanor. But they are both very strong men. And their love for Michael is pretty fierce. So they have similarities.
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