why did you name the bird swift? what am i missing here
Oh, good question! I'm going to use some info from @bulletprooflarry's tattoo masterpost and then add my take on it.
___________________________
"January 23, 2013:
Handshake (Harry) - LS
Butterfly (Harry) - LS
Large bird on arm (Louis) - LS
Paper plane (Louis) - LS
78 (Louis) -LS
This was just 2 days after the got back from Japan and just 2 weeks after the end of Haylor. I think it’s clear from Louis’ references to “it is what it is” as early as October that the butterfly and “it is what it is” tattoos were planned for several months. But to start the process so soon after Haylor and the loveliness that was Japan seems especially poignant. They made it through the darkest months together. The tattoos almost seem like a brand. "
_____________________________
The bird (that he's refered to as "just a fat bird" and "oversized piegon") is actually a specific type of bird.
A Swift
We also go the paper airplane that day.
Which is also a Haylor thing.
If we assume their tattoos were not random, then this tattoo session appears to be a major moment of personal expression. The bird (swift) + paper plane combo feels too intentional to be a coincidence, especially right after Haylor ended. If we take Louis’ words at face value—that their tattoos represent memories—then this could be a way of marking survival, endurance, and love that persists despite obstacles.
