#One 'cupcake' and she's doomed lmao

[mandareeboo]

Oh, girl, you got it BAD.

[moldisgoodforyou]

james and julia

this is for u james anon :) also let’s hope the tags work this time lmao 

___

“What’s up with the boys lately?” Julia asked Sophie after a stall in their conversation over ice cream. The six of them hung out occasionally, mainly when they went out, and Sophie loved the way they all fit together so seamlessly. She easily fit in with the boys and Rafe could hold his own hanging with the girls (probably thanks to his sisters), so it was no surprise that all of them together was always a fun time.

“Hmm. Nothing special, really...oh, James is getting back to dating. I did a complete overhaul of his Tinder the other day.” Sophie told her.

“Back to dating?” Julia cocked her head.

“Yeah, and his girlfriend broke up after three years a few months ago. Something about her not being able to handle long distance anymore, I don’t know. He took it pretty hard. Obviously.”

“Poor guy.” She commented, sitting back in her seat, thinking.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and my idiot boyfriend suggested he needed to get over her by getting laid.”

Julia snorted. “Lovely.”

“Right? Anyways, James went on a date after like a month and I’m pretty sure he came home and was miserable for a straight week, so I’m glad he’s kind of moving on. I don’t think the guys ever really liked her, but you know how stubborn people can be about high school relationships.”

______

After that conversation, Julia swiped through her Tinder that night, more purposeful than ever. It didn’t take long for James’ profile to pop up, and they two matched right away. She sent him a teasing message - funny seeing you here - then immediately cringed at her choice of words. James replied with an equally teasing tone, and the two texted for a while that night - and two nights following.

The group all went out that weekend and there was an awkward tension between Julia and James, but Sophie couldn’t quite place why. Instead of being the class clowns of the group like normal, they were both unusually quiet, not really contributing to conversations. When Sophie leaned over to Rafe, whispering her observation, he furrowed his brow, not having noticed a single thing.

“I’m gonna go get another drink, anyone want something?” Julia asked at the end of the night, raising her empty cup. “Yeah, I’ll come with you.” James stepped up, following her through the crowd to the bar. After they both ordered their drinks, standing shoulder-to-shoulder so they could fit in the tightly packed space, he broke the silence first. “So.”

“So.” Julia echoed, raising her eyebrows.

“Can I take you out?”

“That’s awfully forward of you.” She commented, smirking.

“Sorry, out of practice.” He offered a cheeky grin back. “Dinner tomorrow night? At that Mexican place on ninth, I’ll pick you up.”

“Sophie’s gonna kill me.”

“That’s not an answer.” James nudged her arm with his elbow playfully, sliding cash across the bar to pay for both their drinks. “And Rafe will probably kill me too, but hey, at least we’ll go down together.”

Julia hid her smile in her cup as she took a quick gulp, more for confidence than anything. “Or we could get out of here now. It’d probably take them a while to notice...”  

“Now who’s being forward?” He smirked, then glanced over to where their friends were, blissfully unaware. “We’ll have to -”

“Go out the front, I know. Yours or mine?” She grinned, taking another long drink and willing herself not to shudder at the cheap vodka.

“Mine, I’m closer.” He knocked back the rest of his beer, then offered his hand. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” Julia nodded, accepting his hand. “I still want that date though.”

He laughed as he leaned closer, making her shiver as his lips brushed against her ear. “You got it.”

Meanwhile, Rafe and Sophie were starting to get suspicious. “What do you think they’re so held up for?” She asked, pulling out her phone to text both of them separately. Rafe shrugged. “Friday night, we know it’s always packed here.”

“Ahh.” Sophie nodded in recognition, showing the group her phone with individual texts from each of them with a half-assed reply about meeting someone. Allie grinned. “You think it was that guy on Tinder she keeps texting?”

“Maybe. Wait, is this the first time -?”

“Hell yeah it is.” Rafe grinned, high-fiving Colin and Sophie rolled her eyes. “Well, good for him, I guess. Hope it’s a nice girl.”

_____

The next night, both Julia and James were getting ready for their date at their respective houses. Julia had refused to spill any details, claiming ‘a lady doesn’t kiss and tell’ when Sophie begged for the story. Colin and Rafe had snagged a few cupcakes and spare gel icing from the house chef, eloquently writing Congarts on the Sex - misspelling and all - as a present for James. He had laughed and snapped a photo, but didn’t tell much, just that it was a fun night and she left right after.

“Skirt or the jeans?” Julia held up both options with her turtleneck sweater, glancing in her closet for shoe choices.

“Depends on what sweater you’re going to wear.” Sophie stood and started rifling through her closet, shaking her head as she pushed multiple hangers over.

“What do you mean! This sweater is fine!”  

“Yeah, for church, not a date with someone who’s already seen you naked!” She retorted, pulling out a v-neck sweater instead and a sleek leather skirt. “You want this, with the white boots. Trust me.”

“You’re the worst.” Julia grumbled, but took the clothes and changed anyways. “Should I curl my hair?”

“Hm...no. Not worth the effort. Are you planning on hooking up with this mystery man again tonight, do I have to go to Rafe’s?” Sophie handed her a lipstick to match the outfit.

“Um - uh, probably not -” Julia stuttered, racking her brain for a solution. “You know, when was the last time you two went out?”

“We went out last night.” She raised her eyebrows. “Are you nervous?”

“Going out with all of us doesn’t count. I meant on a date.” Julia took a breath, pleased with her distraction, and smoothed the color over her lips.

“Um...” Sophie trailed off, thinking. “A couple weeks, I guess, I’ve been busy. Where are you going, Rafe and I will go and stake out the date for you.” She grinned. “We’ll be subtle, I promise.”

“You and Rafe have like half an ounce of subtlety between you two, combined.” Julia snorted. “Make him take you to that new restaurant, the one that was in the student paper.”

Sophie thought it over for a moment, her smile faltering. “It’s kind of expensive.”

“Your ability to forget your boyfriend is rich is impressive.”

“Jules.”

“I’m serious! Plus he gets so excited when he can take you out, it’s kind of adorable.” She pressed. “It’s not like you’re doing anything else tonight.”

“Yeah, he kind of does.” Sophie agreed - Rafe loved spoiling her as often as possible, even though she was still getting used to it. “Can I at least get his name?”

Julia had prepared for this question, at least. “It’s Jack, and no, you don’t know him.”

“Ugh, a J name.” Sophie shuddered jokingly, shooting a text to Rafe.

“Yeah, his only downfall.” Julia laughed, albeit a little forced as she thought of the main reason the two of them were probably doomed.

___

Meanwhile, Rafe was hyping James up for his date, blasting rap music way too loud as he ironed his clothes for him. (“Because no one fucking appreciates a well-pressed pant around here,” Rafe had argued, snatching James’ wrinkled clothes out of his hands.) “You kind of did things backward with all this.”

James shrugged. “Guess so. It was her idea.”

“The date or hooking up?”

James grinned as he accepted his freshly ironed shirt from Rafe. “Hooking up.”

“You should be careful though, you know? I mean, you shouldn’t launch into all this so quickly, take it easy.” Rafe told him a little warily, just wanting the best for his friend.

“I know, I know, it’s casual.” James reassured him.

“So...are you gonna need the room? It’s kind of early for dinner.”

“Uh...I mean, I’m not sure...”

Rafe’s face lit up as he received a text from Sophie and he eagerly shot back a reply. “Never mind, looks like I have a date night tonight too. Where are you taking this girl? If you’re going to that new place, I’ll see you there.”

“No, just the Mexican restaurant on ninth. Not pulling out all the stops.” James laughed, shaking his head at Rafe’s sudden mood switch. “Sophie’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

“I...yeah, probably.” He decided against a rebuttal. “But she’s finally letting me take her out on a nice date, for the first time in ages, so I’ll take it.”

“Didn’t you go to the art museum downtown a couple weeks ago?” James asked, grateful for the conversation topic changing.

“Yeah, and it turned out she had to go for one of her classes and do a few sketches. I swear she can’t go three seconds without being productive.” Rafe shook his head, though he smiled fondly as he talked about her.

“Fucking simp.”

“C’mon, you’re the romantic, you know it’s love.” Rafe grinned and James rolled his eyes as he grabbed his keys and headed out the door. “I’m leaving, have fun.”

“You too! Text me if I have to go to Soph’s!” Rafe called after him.

_____

After Rafe and Sophie’s dinner, Rafe insisted on taking her to a swankier bar downtown by the restaurant instead of their normal college spot. When she paused, calculating in her head and reaching for her phone to check her budget app to see if she could swing expensive cocktails, he grabbed her purse and slung it over his shoulder. “On me, angel.”

“Everything has been on you lately.” She protested, holding her hand out expectantly for her purse.

“Good, so it’s how it should be.” Rafe shot her a grin and took her hand as they walked down the street. “You should have brought the navy purse instead, the black kind of clashes with my outfit.”

Sophie snorted, giving in. “Didn’t think you’d be wearing my accessories tonight, my bad.”

“Ah, but you should never assume.” He pressed a kiss to her temple, glancing in the window as they walked to the door - and did a double-take, spotting James. “Hold on, is that -”

She turned and followed his gaze, seeing Julia opposite James at a dimly-lit back table through the bar. “Holy shit.”

“Do you still want to go in?”

“Yes, we’re going to go interrogate -” She tugged on his hand, pulling him into the bar as Rafe leaned back. “Soph, maybe we shouldn’t -” He hissed, but she ignored him, walking right past the hostess’s stand.

“Ma’am, all our tables are reserved -” The hostess called toward Sophie, but Sophie turned on her heel and shot her a sweet smile. “That’s alright, we’re meeting friends.” She tugged her hand out of Rafe’s and strode over purposefully as he followed quickly behind. Once she made it to their table, she just stopped short of slamming her hands on it, both the drinks rattling a little.

James glanced up with nothing but fear in his eyes. “Oh, Sophie, nice to see you here -”

“What the hell is going on here?” She demanded, shooting glares at both James and Julia. James slunk back a little in his seat, while Julia just winced.

“Actually, yeah, I’d like to know too.” Rafe chimed in, sliding into the booth next to James as Sophie did the same.

“I told you they’re both off limits, James.” Sophie pointed an accusing finger at him. “Did you somehow forget my one rule? Literally just one?”  

“To be fair, you don’t speak for me -” Julia started, only for Sophie to whirl on her. “You! You were being so sneaky when you normally spill every detail - I should not know how big every single dude you’ve hooked up with is -”  

“Wait, you two hooked up? Julia’s the mystery girl?” Rafe made the connection a moment too late, then threw his hands up in exasperation. “Dude!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” James apologized quickly. “But if we’re pointing fingers, it was her idea -”  

“James!” Julia sighed, shaking her head. “Oh my god, I knew this wouldn’t work.”

“You said we could keep it a secret!”

“Not from fucking Sherlock over here!” Julia snapped, jamming her thumb toward Sophie.

“Was it worth it?” Rafe interrupted the argument, stepping on Sophie’s toe gently to hopefully put out some of the flames in her eyes. She only kicked him in the shin in response.

Both James and Julia shared a glance, debating their answers. “Honestly?” She asked.

“Yes, honestly.” Rafe nodded, sending a warning look to Sophie to keep her quiet.

James hesitated, not wanting to hurt Julia’s feelings. “I mean, I think you’re really nice -”

“Yeah, and the sex wasn’t bad -”

“Oh my god, please don’t even start there.” Sophie mumbled, her face twisting at the thought of her friends together like that.

“And I think you’re pretty -” James started again.

“But there’s nothing there.” Julia finished for him, offering him a quick smile. “I think we’re perfectly fine as friends, but that’s it.”

James nodded in agreement, relieved she felt the same. “Yeah, exactly. No hard feelings.”

Sophie let out a slow exhale. “Alright. I mean. You’re sure? Because if there’s really something, I can, like, chill out. Probably.”

Rafe smirked. “I’d say your entrance here contradicts that.”

Julia laughed, breaking the tension. “I’m sure. We were just talking about his ex before you interrupted, so I don’t think anything’s going to happen.”

Rafe shoved James’ arm, shaking his head. “That’s the one topic I told you to avoid.”

“We actually were having a decent conversation, if you two don’t mind? The least I can do is get you another drink, Julia.” James laughed, pushing him back aimlessly.

“...Fine.” Sophie stood, shaking her head. “Just as friends, though.”

“Just as friends.” Julia promised, sending her a grateful smile.

As Rafe and Sophie left, he let out a loud laugh as soon as they exited the bar. “Jesus Christ, Sophie. James looked like he was about to piss himself, he was so scared.”

“Good! She’s off limits! I warned him!” She exclaimed.

“I know, it’s like incest.” Rafe shuddered and slung his arm around her shoulders, walking with her to find another bar. “But hey - you think Allie and Colin might be a good match?”

“Rafe Cameron.”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”

taglist: @whoeveniskendall @kkmaybank @karsinner @outerbanksbro @outerbankspreferences @randomficsandshit @sunshineitsfine44 @jailcalledlife @tovvaa @moniamaybank @illbesafeforyou @dontjinx-it @freddymaybank @jjmaybankzz @g4bster @oopsiedoopsie23 

[wetalkinboutbooks]

New Year, New Review 🤩

A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

Summary: The long-imprisoned jinn are on the attack, wreaking bloody havoc in villages and cities alike. But for the Nightbringer, vengeance on his human foes is just the beginning.

At his side, Commandant Keris Veturia declares herself Empress, and calls for the heads of any and all who defy her rule. At the top of the list? The Blood Shrike and her remaining family.

Laia of Serra, now allied with the Blood Shrike, struggles to recover from the loss of the two people most important to her. Determined to stop the approaching apocalypse, she throws herself into the destruction of the Nightbringer. In the process, she awakens an ancient power that could lead her to victory--or to an unimaginable doom.

And deep in the Waiting Place, the Soul Catcher seeks only to forget the life--and love--he left behind. Yet doing so means ignoring the trail of murder left by the Nightbringer and his jinn. To uphold his oath and protect the human world from the supernatural, the Soul Catcher must look beyond the borders of his own land. He must take on a mission that could save--or destroy--all that he knows. (Taken from Goodreads)

Our Ratings:  

 → Geena:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 → Kae: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: The final instalment of the Ember Quartet had us crying in the metaphorical club. It’s exciting, terrifying, and probably the horniest book in the series and we loved it!

~Spoiler-full discussion below~

The Good:

→ Elias and Laia

Geena: In the final instalment of the Ember quartet, Sabaa deprives us of an Elias POV and slaps us with the Soulcatcher instead… He’s very much an ‘emotions are bad’ type of dude, the opposite of Elias who always had so many… but both of them are so angsty? The Soulcatcher really likes to beat up trees when his memories from when he was Elias resurface which was so emo to me. Despite being possessed by Mauth he is also such a coward, especially around Laia, because Elias’ feelings for Laia scare him and every single time he is like *running emoji*. We were surprised that Sabaa let him remain the soulcatcher for so long, every chapter I was like ‘Okay, maybe this is where Elias breaks through…’ but no.. Elias remained buried UNTIL their night in the cabin… the Soulcatcher was like ‘k I’m out’ but ONLY for ONE NIGHT and that still makes me scream.. The Soulcatcher was like ‘you kids are too horny for me, I’m gonna take a nap for a bit and let Elias take over bc Jesus.’ 

Despite it all, the Soulcatcher’s chapters were enjoyable albeit painful because this man was so duty bound, like even Elias wasn’t that dedicated when he was a Mask. But near the end, when we finally get the chapter that starts with Elias…. Ngl I cried a little, and immediately wanted to reread the whole series (I feel like Sabaa did this on purpose to torture us). I want to fight Sabaa though, like she did an amazing job showing how Elias’ conscious and the Soulcatcher’s conscious were constantly fighting one another, and how Elias’ memories of the people he loved ultimately fuelled the Soulcatcher’s actions… even though the Soulcatcher was like ‘I’m doing this for the ghosts’ like okay… no ghost told you to keep protecting and kissing Laia but you still did it…  

Kae: Okay, so Geena summed up my boy Ilyaas pretty damn well. Also, we LOVE HIS ETHNIC NAME IN THIS HOUSE. But um, YES. Elias was a sad boy ™ the whole time while fighting his emotions and ultimately losing. It was so PAINFUL as a reader, seeing all of  his chapters except the ONE say ‘Soulcatcher’. But when it finally said ELIAS again, I too, started to cry. Because he was BACK. 

You can all thank the power of Laia’s determination to seduce Elias back to himself, because our girl was NOT giving up. She said ‘you gonna get this coochie, dammit’ and in the cabin, Elias was like ‘well i’ll be damned. I sure as hell am. I am BACK BAYBEEEEE’

Geena: Sabaa Tahir said horny rights like ksjdnfdsjknfsdk

Kae: AUFVAHLHVKJ. BUT YES. In the end, love won. And so did sex because everyone was doin it or TRYING to do it. I guess when the world is ending, you only get one last time to uhh…. Have a good time. So they made sure they did lmao 

Now, let’s get into Laia. 

Laia. My sweet little cupcake. My mug of tea with too much honey. This girl has been through literal hell and back, and yet, she kept going. She NEVER gave up. Laia woke up in book 4 like ‘Today i will commit crimes. Helene and I crave violence’ and they both just started kicking ASS and I LOVED THAT. I was really happy to see the progression of Laia and Helen’s friendship and how they genuinely grew to like one another and see each other as besties. They both deserved a girl friend and I’m glad they found a friendship within each other. 

Laia is the bravest character in this damn book. She went from poor scholar, to slave, to hero and she was brave because she had to be. Laia is strong and took on their entire world. She had help, but she did a lot of it alone and that takes some real guts. She is the most genuine, sweetest, bravest girl and I love her. <3 

Laia also single handedly brought the Ilyaas back from his Soulcatcher shit. During this whole book she was just like ‘You know what? I think I’mma go mess with Elias’ emo ass today to see if I can get him to kiss me or something’ THEN SHE PROCEEDED TO SHOW UP AT THIS MANS HOUSE (realm or whatever) BUTTASS NEKKID. And he saw her and immediately flew the hell out of there it was TOO MUCH and he LIKED IT but couldn’t admit it. 

Geena: You know what I love about that whole scene was like earlier she was like ‘He’s a lost cause idc’ and then Darin was like ‘Elias wouldn’t give up on you if that happened’ and Laia was like ‘you’re right, he would show up stark naked and try to seduce me back to my body’ and she did just that...

Kae: SHE DID. SHE SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT! Like, her entire mission was to bring Elias back while also planning on taking down the Nightbringer. But she was straight up like ‘okay but not before i get my man back through SEDUCTION’. Ugh, the mango scene?  Superb. 

Geena: Laia is hands down one of my favourite book characters to exist. Her journey from the first book being a scared girl with a missing brother, to being the face of a revolution… like the GROWTH. Like Kae mentioned, she and Helene end up as BESTIIEESSSS, and I was surprised at how natural they seemed. Because we went from them hating each other to close friends, but despite not seeing their development, it came off so natural? So, I loved that! 

Kae covered Laia’s character pretty thoroughly, she was both a horndog and a bad bitch. Like this girl has pretended to be a Slave for the Commandment to travelling a desert by herself and facing off a squad of Jinn… In retrospect, Laia is a unique case, she’s allowed to be kind and caring and doesn’t have to be a fighter type to be strong. She’s not the chosen one, which this book made clear, it could’ve been anyone to fight the Nightbringer… but only Laia was strong enough to love him AND defy him. And I just love her a lot… she was very much an anime protagonist with the power of love, family, and friendship… anyways I love her and that’s all I have to say

→ Helene 

Geena: The way I ended up liking and rooting for Helene this book? Came out of left field. To be honest, in previous books I didn’t feel much for her other than ‘stop chasing after Elias and Laia pls.’ But this book I wanted her to win, especially with the fight against the germanic-esque invaders. She goes through substantial development, no longer seeing Scholars as slaves and taking their opinions seriously.. Like Laia, Musa, and Darin were all a part of her crew. A stark difference from Book 1 Helene, who thought Scholars only had one role in the world and that was slaves. 

Helene… like Laia… really has the Ember equivalent of hot girl summer with Harper… all the time she spends denying it she is like *jumps on him the chance she gets*. The bath scene… Helene’s power was turning her tortuer into her MAN… But also Sabaa said that ‘yes she has changed, but she has to repent for her sins’ and that’s why Helene is basically left alone at the end (save for Laia, Elias, and Musa). 

Kae: So not gonna lie, I never actually disliked Helene. I saw her as the flawed character she was in the beginning. During her cat and mouse chase with Elias and Laia in the beginning, she would piss me OFF because like, that’s your BEST FRIEEEEEND. JUST STAAAAHP. But also, it was him or her and her family's death, so I get it. But I always saw potential in her to be better. And thank GOODNESS she went through all that character development. Because she was a damn menace in the beginning. 

Also like Geena mentioned; Helly and Harper finally hooking up? I swear the heavens opened up in that moment because EVERYONE could feel their tension. LIKE JUST DO IT ALREADY. You can’t fight love, baybeeee

Watching Helly grow as a person was really rewarding as a reader. Like Geena said, she went from hating scholars to being like ‘hmm, maybe my opinions are shitty?’ and straight up changed.  I also feel for her because she lost her ENTIRE family and like, honestly? I would’ve given up. BUT SHE DIDN’T. She’s a literal fighter, bred for this shit. So she FOUGHT. And I was really scared she was gonna get murked because y’all know Keris’ tiny evil ass doesn’t have a chill button. And when they were fighting? I was like LAWD PLS DON’T  TAKE HELLY. But instead he took Harper *upside down smiley face* SO THAT WAS FUCKED UP AND I WASN’T READY FOR IT. But a piece of me knew it was coming. 

The Bad:   

→ Darin and Harper

Geena: As Kae mentioned… Harper kicked the can in this book :’( His eventual fall came from loving and caring for Helene too much, which left him open and gave Keris the chance to stab him. Harper was basically Helene’s heart outside her body, and when he went down so did Helene. I had had a feeling when Book 3 ended that Harper wouldn’t make it, but I WASN’T HAPPY ABOUT BEING RIGHT FOR ONCE… Harper had finally met his brother (Elias) and hadn’t even had a chance to meet the real Elias and talk to him about their father or other sibling stuff. LIKE OF ALL CHARACTER DEATHS… AND THERE WAS A LOT… The other one that came out of left field was fucking Darin of Serra… DARIN… THE ONE DUDE WE SPENT TWO WHOLE BOOKS SAVING… DEAD WITH A SNAP OF HIS NECK!! I WAS SO MAD

LIKE SABAA HAD US THINKING HE WAS GONNA BE SAFE, SHE GAVE HIM A LIL GIRLFRIEND AND EVERYTHING BUT THEN SHE GOES.. AND KILLS HIM?? JUST LIKE THAT?? Then we had to read the scenes where Elias helps both Darin and Harper pass over into the afterlife and I was just *cries angrily* 

Kae: Well, THAT was sad. Have you ever just like, felt your heart break into a million tiny irreparable pieces? That’s how I felt when Darin and Harper died. Because like, they were both trying to save the women they loved. Darin to Laia, (foolishly so against the Nightbringer) but I would do it for my little sister too. And Harper with Helene against evilass Keris. Dude, that shit just sucked. It hurt to read. It hurt to imagine the girls feeling the pain of their deaths. They were both such good men. And DARIIIN. 

Darin didn’t have to go out like that, man. It was such a harsh death. No last words. It was just over and his body was just gone. I wish Laia would’ve been able to talk with him at The Waiting Place at least one last time. But it is what it is. I hated to see both of them go. Especially since Darin pretty much sparked this whole series. 

Sure, Laia, Helene, and Elias were the main characters. But Darin was the spark that started the fire. And he didn’t even get to see it’s flames extinguished. 

Geena: He was the ember in the ashes… literally like Sabaa uses that for Elias and Laia but it applies to Darin the most

Kae: LITCHRALLY gonna get teary eyed over here. Our boys deserved better :( 

Conclusion 

Geena: This was not at all a disappointing end to the series we’ve followed closely for so long. The different plot points and character arcs were tied up nicely, and Sabaa Tahir showed us once again why she’s one of the best fantasy writers on this side of the Milky Way. We didn’t even bother including a ‘The Ugly’ section because we loved it too much ksfmsd. The only qualm I’d have with the end was the empire remaining, Helene recognized the Scholars as equals but centuries of pain isn’t easily forgotten you know? SO THAT’S WHY I THINK WE DESERVE A SEQUEL SERIES… BUT I DIGRESS… OVERALL, I loved this book and the ending for all the characters ESPECIALLY FOR OUR GIRL LAIA <3

Kae: YES. I AGREE 100% WITH GEENA. It was such a beautiful end to the series. Sabaa is  GENIUS and her storytelling is phenomenal. I loved every little surprise she’s hidden in all of the books. ESPECIALLY WITH COOK BEING ALIVE? I DIDN’T SEE THAT SHIT COMING AT ALL. LIKE HOLY SHIT? So Laia had some remaining family afterall, and I think that’s very sweet. I’m really sad to see the series be over with and Geena and I are both *~HOPIIIING~* for an epilogue or some little crumbs or SOMETHING with the gang and how their lives ended up into middle adulthood or something. 

Geena: I would literally take a single paragraph… Ms. Tahir…. Blease…

Kae: But yes, in conclusion, Laia has a heart of gold and we LOVE HER. She’s brave and strong and smart, and was the only one out of THOUSANDS to stick for herself and defy the Nightbringer, and save the whole world. Helene has come a long way and she developed beautifully as a character. And Elias. Ohhh, Ilyaas. His continued self sacrifice and bravery and love still helped him live in the end and I think that’s beautiful. 

[beachytablecloth]

@zukkadads ♥ tagged me to post some wip's, so here are some snippets :))))

i'm tagging anyone who'd like to do it !!!

from a heart's a heavy burden which hasn't been updated since november bc i suck:

*warning for referenced canonical child abuse in this first one*

“Stop it!” He almost screamed, and a terrible part of Zuko wanted to break down the bars and grab his father’s face the same way Ozai had done to him all those years ago. Wanted to take that smug, condescending smile and burn it away. Wanted him for once to feel the way he had made Zuko feel, and was continuing, even now, to make him feel--so small, so insignificant--like a stone caught in a thunderous tidal wave. Like a rod waiting to catch lightning.

“Stop pretending you care about her!”

Because that was the truth. Ozai did not care, not even about Azula. He held no remorse for the ways he ruined his children, nor for the atrocities he inflicted upon the world. He would rot in prison for the rest of his life firmly believing he’d been right to burn his son, to sharpen his daughter into a vicious weapon, to stop at nothing to gain the power he felt he deserved.

There was something so horribly unfair and unjust about that, and something in Zuko broke--because hadn’t there always been a small part of him that still dared to hope for the opposite? Hadn’t he told Ozai, when the war had just ended, that his time in prison might make him regret all the wrong he had done?

Hadn’t he hoped, for one tiny moment, at thirteen, that the hand coming to meet his face would be one of comfort, not pain? Hadn’t he hoped, for three long years, that if he could just be better, his father would care? That Ozai would… love him?

from my fic for the siblings prompt of gen week late to my own event lmao:

He’s not sure he really believes Azula belongs in a prison. Not after the way she’d been during their Agni Kai. He’d never seen her like that—out of control, out of her mind.

He’s angry. He’s hurt. Azula’s lied to him and manipulated him and tried to kill him, Spirits, and yet, the most overwhelming emotion he seems to have when he considers Azula these days is sadness.

A deep, aching sadness that has him constantly comparing the girl, shrieking and sobbing and chained to a grate, to the one he’d chase, giggling down the beach on Ember Island.

from a modern au childhood friends to lovers yuetara fic that i just need to finish already:

“I like your hair,” Katara says, smiling between bites of cupcake.

“Thanks,” Yue says, licking chocolate icing from her thumb. “My dad let me get it bleached. Mom says he’s just trying to be the cool parent now that they’re divorced.”

Katara giggles into her cupcake, a little embarrassed at Yue’s bluntness. Zuko’s the only other person she knows whose parents are divorced, but he never talks about it.

“Anyway, I wanted my hair to be like moonlight. Or snow. Something to remind me of home.”

and from a zukka apocalypse au that is turning out waaaay sadder than i thought it would:

They’re all inevitably doomed, and yet, as Sokka clicks the TV off and sits in silence in his small living room, the last rays of sunlight fading behind him, something like relief begins to bloom between his lungs. The feeling should be concerning, should stir some vestige of self-preservation from deep within Sokka’s being.

The truth is: this is the lightest he’s felt in years.

He doesn’t call him, won’t have to.

For once, Zuko will call first.

[lightsandlostbells]

Druck season 2, episode 6 reaction

I’m slightly behind on the Druck reactions, though not for lack of interest, just lack of energy. Going to try to catch up because do I ever have feelings about this season.

Episode 6

Clip 1 - Good morning starshine

We see the flat’s bathroom and is that shit on the toilet seat????? Or barf???? Whyyyyy Druck whyyyyyyy. 

Mia comes into the bathroom, glowing, happy, but the peaceful moment is interrupted by Hans lurking in the tub telling her not to open the toilet seat. He says he’ll clean it up in the moment, but he does not seem to be well, to say the least.

Okay, it’s puke, which is like … marginally better than poop.

Hans is clearly hungover and has vomit around his mouth. And over the side of the tub. Thanks again, Druck. They’re really just going for the disgusting things in the flat’s bathroom this season, aren’t they? If Mia moves out and Matteo moves in, you know they’re all doomed.

Mia happily says she’ll clean it up, perky as a blonde Snow White, and Hans immediately recognizes the difference between Mia yelling at him to wipe up urine off the toilet seat versus this morning angel volunteering to clean up someone else’s vomit as if she were offering to taste-test cupcakes.

Of course it’s because Mia is high off last night’s kiss. She’s gonna clean up puke, make Hans some tea, and offer encouragement as he drags himself out of the tub. Love keeps lifting her higher and higher.

Alexander texts her good morning. Mia teases him about not recognizing the number or knowing who he is, he teases her back about thinking it was Sara’s number, they exchange pleasantries. It’s an adorable interaction. Mia is on cloud 9. So you know, let’s see how long that lasts!

Clip 2 - Alexander the actor

LMAO, we get a stalker shot of Mia coming out of her place to her bike in the morning, and of course it’s a car that drives up to her, and of course it’s Alex’s car.

They have some banter about his Porsche and he suggests they carpool for the sake of the environment, he teases her for being a hipster, it’s cute. He jokes about having kids and Mia is like, later? I wanted to start right away. To which he says he disapproves of condoms anyway, and like, don’t ruin this banter, dude. Don’t remind me of your past selfishness in not wanting to use condoms with other girls. Or maybe it’s better that I don’t forget about it.

Alex mimes zipping his lips and throwing away the key to indicate that they’ll be discreet at school. Some dude honks at Alex for blocking the way with his car, calling him names. And Alex takes the time to be extra as fuck and show off the skills from his improv classes and gets out of the car and pretends to pick up the invisible key he threw away. He doesn’t drive away until he’s gotten the key and unzipped his lips. JFC. Why is that so charming? I completely get why Mia has feelings for him despite her brain telling her it’s a bad idea, despite knowing of some awful things he’s done. No offense to any William fans, but he seemed like the kind of guy who, if you went to dinner with him, you’d have a lot of awkward silences and end up faking an emergency text message. I would totally go to dinner with Alexander and watch him do these impromptu performances.

Clip 3 - Listen to Sam FFS

Mia and Hanna are doing homework. Hanna isn’t into it. Mia is also not into it, for different reasons.

Hanna tells Mia that Jonas tried to kiss her on Friday, but Mia is so distracted looking at Kiki’s throwback picture of the girls at the cabin for NYE that she doesn’t even notice. Hanna has to text Mia when she’s sitting right next to her to get her attention, heh.

Mia wants to know why Hanna didn’t tell her and it’s because Mia has been gone and distant lately. Mia looks pained and she leans into Hanna and whispers something to her, no prize for guessing what she says.

Mia looks pained while Hanna asks about the Alex kiss, but also a little glow-y. She knows it’s a bad situation, she puts out the obligatory statement but she hates him, but she can’t completely keep her fondness under wraps. Neither of them buy that Mia really hates Alexander anymore.

In a spectacularly bad bit of timing, Hanna asks what about Kiki just as Sam enters their usual study room. I’m in awe of how Sam’s green lollipop matches her lipstick. Which do you think comes first: the choice of lipstick or lollipop? Or the nails, which are also green? Or does she decide the color first, and then everything must match? That seems most efficient.

While Mia says it’s nothing at first, Sam asks whether it has anything to do with Mia’s secret meetings with Alexander. Sharp cookie! She manages to guess that Mia and Alex really have a thing, and Mia asks to keep it to herself for now. Sam is like, duh, Kiki will lose her shit if she hears. Hanna says Kiki seemed to cope with the Alex thing well and Sam says no, she only pretends like it. Kiki feels like shit but she knows Mia is tired of Kiki whining and talking about Alex all the time, so that’s why she’s not talking about it. OUCH. OUCH OUCH OUCH. Man, that hit me surprisingly hard. Sam says Kiki admires Mia so much and sends her tons of messages about everything Mia does, just to rub it in my emotions more.

Mia looks miserable and like, I feel for her buuuuut all of this is deserved and she needs to feel this.

Sam says it’s not serious with Mia and Alex, is it? And when Mia doesn’t answer but the answer is clearly yes, Sam just sighs in exasperation. I feel you, babe. Oh to be a Sam on the edge of all this constant drama.

This scene hurt a lot. I loved Sam just calling Mia out and not sugarcoating it; I like that Kiki does seem to have someone firmly on her side in this situation. Not that Sam is anti-Mia or anything, just that she realizes Kiki’s side of the situation, much like Hanna is more Mia-aligned, I think, as Mia’s closest friend. And I don’t love that Kiki is only pretending to be OK because she doesn’t want to annoy Mia, because if she’s really hurting she should be able to talk to people about it, but that was a really sharp bit of insight and had such a big impact on how I viewed the situation. We already know that Kiki really loves Mia and values her opinion. We saw that she was hurt when Mia gave her a generic gift for Christmas, we saw that she was upset when Mia tried to insert herself into Kiki’s life and confront her about her eating disorder and her exercise and the plastic surgery. Kiki was defensive but I think it really hurt her that this was coming from Mia, because she looks up to Mia and Mia clearly disapproved of Kiki’s behavior. She knows that Mia is sick of hearing about Alex from Kiki, which must really sting Mia, because it’s a reaction that Mia herself has created. Mia made it so Kiki was unwilling to let out her true feelings, she made it so Kiki is apparently putting on this fake happy face. That must make Mia feel even more like shit, on top of everything with Alexander.

Clip 4 - Workout tips with Kiki

Mia meets Kiki on the field to run in the morning.  Mia wants to talk to Kiki, and I thought she was going to bring up Alexander, but it seems more like she wants to test the waters and check in on how Kiki’s doing.

Kiki assumes that talking to her is the newest strategy for Mia to prevent Kiki from working out, and that’s just a little line and a joke, but I think it says SO much about how Kiki sees Mia right now. Mia is someone who is inherently judgmental and wants to interfere with Kiki’s life. She’s someone who sees a lot of problems with Kiki’s behavior and is on a mission to meddle, so when Mia says she wants to talk, Kiki jumps to an ulterior motive. And listen, Kiki has a lot of flaws as a human being, I realize that she’s not a pleasant person and people dislike her for valid reasons, but this makes me feel for her. This is why I like her as a character if not necessarily being a great fan of her as a person, if that makes sense - she makes sense to me as a character. This type of vulnerability feels very real. I think Druck has put a lot of thought into her characterization and into the Mia-Kiki relationship.

Mia suggests stretching but Kiki’s like, lol no. They run laps, Mia trails behind Kiki, the distance between them getting wider and wider. A funny sight gag as well as a nice representation of their conflict and Mia leaving Kiki out of the loop.

Mia has to stop, she’s out of breath and panting. She’s got a stitch in her side and her feet hurt after 10 minutes. I FEEL YOU, DARLING. I have never been Mia harder than in this clip. Lmao, the difference between Mia who gets out of gym claiming to have her period vs Kiki who’s swimming in an ice cold lake in the morning.

Kiki tells Mia to do exercises while doing other activities, and Mia jokes you can do “push-ups on top of your lover” and Kiki’s like sure, can you find me one? And lol, Mia has to step back after that. TOO REAL. 

Kiki just does the splits like it’s no big deal. Wow. Okay. Color me impressed.

Mia asks how Kiki is doing, if she’s OK, and Kiki’s like, why wouldn’t I be OK? It’s been 30 days since Alex dumped me, why would I still be whining about that, it doesn’t make sense! Hahaha! Mia’s face tells us she thinks this is bad news and that Kiki’s just bottling up her feelings. Makes me sad that Kiki is downplaying her emotions to Mia, who’s supposed to be her friend. It’s OK to still be upset, Kiki has very legitimate reasons to feel hurt. She doesn’t have to force herself to be fine if she’s not.

Kiki says she doesn’t want to know who Alexander is with now, which is even worse news and of course the worst thing Mia could hear. I feel like not telling her now made it an extra sting later for Kiki, though. Like she must realize afterwards that Mia was feeling the guilt with suddenly wanting to work out and check in with Kiki, but she still kept this secret that she knew would hurt her.

So Mia did not tell her about Alexander. I think she wanted to know how Kiki was genuinely doing before she told her about Alexander, but that’s still no excuse for continuing to hide it from her. If Kiki was feeling like utter garbage and said so, what would Mia have done? How is she supposed to tell Kiki about it after that? Mia wanted to know if Kiki was okay not just out of concern for her friend, but to alleviate her guilt - to know that when she did tell Kiki, it wasn’t going to be a big deal for her.

Clip 5 - Mia and Alexander are the epitome of discretion

Heh, the time card is upside down! We see Hanna is upside down and glimpsing the world that way, so it’s a fun, fitting gag. This clip aired January 31 which is Backwards Day. I love that we had this little cheeky moment.

Hanna’s upset because she saw the IG videos of Jonas and Matteo playing table tennis, and now Jonas is smoking pot even in the mornings before school, and he’s drinking more than ever. Hanna says she’s worried about him, and Mia tells her it’s not her job to take care of him. I appreciate that she said that, because I’m worried about Jonas as much as anyone, I love that guy. And I love Jonas and Hanna together! But I don’t want Hanna to feel pressured into, say, getting back together with him just to keep him sober, or to blame herself for what’s happening with him. Ultimately that’s his responsibility. 

Mia has to leave Hanna, though, and go meet up with Alex. He’s standing in a nook of lockers … is there a door?????? I don’t think so. CHILDREN, BE SMART ABOUT THIS, FOLLOW YOUR HEART BUT TAKE YOUR BRAIN WITH YOU.

They make out until they hear a sound. Let’s be real, when you’re making out in a space like that, where anyone could walk by, it’s not about being secretive, it’s the thrill of not getting caught.

Alex asks her how long this will remain a secret and Mia suggests she come over later that night. Mia looks so dreamy and happy when she looks at him, geez. It’s funny if you realize they’re so busy staring into each other’s eyes that they don’t even notice Mia’s lipstick violently smeared over their mouths as if they were sucking blood from each other’s necks. 

After Alex leaves, Mia goes out with her lipstick FUCKED UP, smeared everywhere. Luckily she runs into Leonie and Sara and not, say, Kiki.

Leonie asks Mia a question about the ads for the book, and then she and Sara stare at Mia looking like she ate somebody’s heart. When she asks what’s up, they’re like, no reason, LMAO. That is not an A+ move, ladies, give Mia break and maybe a tissue, but I’m not gonna lie that it made me laugh. 

Clip 6 - And no one watched Harry Potter that night

Alex pours some wine for Mia and sniffs it before drinking. Was that genuine? Or was he putting her on? Mia snorts but dials it back; Alex smiles a bit. I think it was a real moment showing what class he comes from, but that he has a sense of humor to recognize it’s ridiculous.

They’re looking for a movie to watch. Mia wants to watch something you can watch over and over, which, let’s be real, is the best thing to watch when you know you’re probably going to be making out during the movie. He suggests Harry Potter. 

I love that they didn’t have the same HP movie in mind. Literally no set of opinions on this planet is as intense and divisive as people’s Harry Potter opinions.

I find it very charming that Alexander mentions Sirius Black, and then they start making out as if HP is bedroom talk, because look, I can moan and groan about various aspects of HP and JKR all I want, but ... same.

Someone rings the doorbell. Dinner! OH SHIT IT’S AMIRA. She’s a delivery girl and she tells Alex not to tell anyone about this. Goddamn. I don’t think anyone in the fandom called this as her big secret. Pavel is her boss. Just as an aside ... she’s looking cute in her delivery gear.

And of course Mia gives herself away that she’s chilling at Alex’s. You can see Amira thinking goddammit, I wish I just walked in on a drug deal.

Now all the girl squad knows EXCEPT Kiki. What a total mess.

Amira chews out Mia and says it’s going to get revealed, WTF is she doing. She’s right and she should say it.

Before Amira leaves, Mia says Amira could’ve told them about this, too. Which is nice in the sense that Amira can open up with her friends, but lol, this secret is not anything like Mia’s in terms of causing friendship damage.

Mia sits back on the couch with Alex, but there’s space between them. The mood is clearly ruined, for good reason. Mia takes a drink of wine. Probably need to finish the bottle, dear.

The song: “You just made the worst mistake / And you’ll regret it darling” Well ... yeah. 

Clip 7 - And no one ate dinner that night

We see Kiki at Mia’s flat, while Mia and the roommates zip around her in fast forward preparing dinner, and Kiki just sits there and watches. Interesting directing choice, I guess to emphasize how Kiki’s out of the loop? She showed up and is sitting still, they’re busy, it shows both how she’s the outsider, not just in the flat but in terms of knowledge. Like it’s very interesting to me how they film her from behind, at the table, while the other three are lined up at the counter. When Han leans forward and interacts with her directly, that’s when it slows down because she’s brought into the circle. She looks a little confused or anxious as she sits there, not like she’s just chilling having a good time drinking wine and talking to the others. And showing her sitting at the table watching them emphasizes how she’s the guest of honor at this dinner. Mia’s being a thoughtful friend cooking for her, she’s expecting a nice evening with Mia. It’s not gonna go the way she thinks. 

Linn asks why Mia never cooks for them and Hans says Mia has to BE there to cook, she’s always gone in the night. Mia glares at Hans because holy shit is that information not going to go down well in a few minutes. 

Kiki wants to live in a flat sharing situation so she can cook and hang and talk about everything with her friends. This bit also adds to the beginning of the clip, the feeling of separation - like Kiki desires what Mia and her roommates have, she’s the outsider looking in at them. I wonder if we’ll ever get insight into her home life? Does she feel she lacks this warmth with her family? Hans is like “talk about everything, we’ve heard so much about you,” and that gets another look from Mia. Hans sure loves dropping hints, doesn’t he. In turn, Mia hints that Hans and Linn are supposed to leave. She manages to kick Hans and Linn out, but only after Linn tells us she gets nightmares from ginger. Is that a real thing or a Linn thing? I looked it up but all I found about foods giving you nightmares were about junk food, dairy products, or carbs.

Kiki was chill with them staying but she also likes it just being her and Mia, she likes that they’re spending so much time together, and ohhhhh nooooooo. Kiki thinks so highly of Mia and she’s going to realize that this time spent with her was Mia trying to alleviate her guilt. 

This looks like a date, dude.

LMAO RIGHT AFTER I WROTE THAT Kiki is like, should I be worried? Mia, panicking: “Why?” Kiki: “Is this a date and you really want to hook up with me?” IF ONLY

GODDAMMIT, right after she asks that Mia looks stressed, Kiki is like, are you bi or not, and WE DON’T GET AN ANSWER. By now I know the show addresses it, but I don’t blame people for getting stressed at these little halfway non-answers.

When Mia starts to tell her, you can see Kiki’s mood change from “I need to tell you something” when she’s more open to becoming harder and less pleased as soon as Mia mentions “last week at the party.” She just knows what’s coming. She saw Mia and Alexander together, she’s heard Sam mention how they were always together, she had her suspicions, and she knows what Mia is about to say will involve her and Alexander.

Mia is upset and tearful as she tells Kiki about Alexander being interested in her and how her feelings toward him changed. Kiki seems like she’s shut down in a no-nonsense kind of way, jaw clenched. Clearly it must be upsetting for her to hear this, but she’s not like acting out in an emotional way, she’s sort of holding it together while Mia starts to cry. 

Mia says that she feels horrible and no guy is as important in the world as their friendship, but I don’t think Kiki is convinced. Mia says when Kiki wants her to stop contacting Alexander, she’ll stop, and OH NO, MIA, NOT LIKE THAT. Kiki catches it too, “contacting,” that there was more than just a kiss. Kiki finally has an outburst and says that Mia has always said Alexander is an asshole and too good for Kiki, but he’s good enough for Mia? I mean ... yeah, something deeply hypocritical about disapproving of your friend’s FWB every change you get, and then hooking up with him yourself. Especially considering how Mia has judged so many of Kiki’s choices, to the point where Kiki locked up her feelings about being dumped just because she knew Mia was sick of hearing about Alexander ... and then Mia goes behind Kiki’s back and gets with Alexander? It’s not just about Alexander, but about what this says about Mia thinks of Kiki, the lack of respect she has for her, possibly that Mia doesn’t care for Kiki like Kiki cares for Mia, enforced by other aspects of the season.

Mia asks Kiki to tell her what to do and she’ll do it. Kiki says to leave him alone, Mia says OK. I really cannot fault Kiki for this. Yeah, it’s not like she should control who Mia sees, but Mia has come to her and put this burden on Kiki’s shoulders, and it’s more about Mia’s feelings than Kiki’s, IMO. Of course Mia cares about Kiki, but what Mia is looking for here is an answer to her problem. I think what she wants is acceptance/forgiveness/permission so Mia doesn’t have to feel bad anymore, but also, it’s possible that she wants Kiki to tell her to break up with Alexander so the choice isn’t on Mia - Mia can break up with him and feel like she’s doing it for a noble cause, because I think Mia does have doubts about being with him, both because it’s Alexander and because of her past experience of getting close to her friend’s brother. Moreover, she wants the choice taken out of her hands, so it’s not Mia’s fault what happens next. And I don’t think this is fair to Kiki, for Mia to present her heart and happiness to her and put her in this position of having to tell Mia what she should do. Like, accept Mia and Alexander’s relationship so Mia can be happy, at the expense of Kiki’s own feelings? Or make Mia miserable by being the bad guy and telling her to break up with him? Absolutely not fair.

Kiki says she better leave and she does, without any drama. The acting was excellent in this scene, both of them sold the hell out of it. 

I thought the clip might end here, with Mia crying and contemplating what she has to do, but next we see Mia showing up at Alexander’s. She just walks in and talks off her coat and shoes and flops on the bed. He sits behind her and she pulls his arm around her. Oh boyyyyy. Mia. What u doin.

What I thought might happen after I saw this clip was that maybe Mia thought it’d be like a “last night” sort of thing, where she’d spend one more night with Alexander and then break up with him in the morning. That obviously didn’t happen, because Mia didn’t do what Kiki asked.

I don’t think Mia is like ... obligated to follow Kiki’s orders. Of course not. But she put the request to Kiki, asked her while crying what she should do, tell her what to do, and then when Kiki gave her an answer she didn’t like, she ignored it. I thought she might use the excuse to break up with him because of her own doubts about the relationship, but I think hearing Kiki say the words made her realize how much she didn’t want to do that, and that’s why she needed to head over to Alexander’s that very night. 

But it is shitty of Mia to tell Kiki she’ll do something and then not do it. It’s shitty of her to hide it from Kiki and the others. This isn’t the way to handle it. 

Also, I think Mia telling Kiki over this fancy dinner that she cooked herself was kinda the wrong move? Not that any way would’ve been easy to tell her. But there’s a sense of maybe Mia trying to overcompensate and even butter up Kiki, like it would’ve been less awkward if Mia just sat her down somewhere private and told her. Have one of those Skam bench talks. Kiki also thought this dinner was going to be a sweet bonding gesture and it turns out Mia was planning on telling something that would hurt her. Additionally, Mia did the thing with the exercising earlier this week, asking to work out with Kiki which is a very unusual occurrence. So she delayed telling Kiki then, and she made it seem like she wanted to hang out just to hang out. 

Social Media/General Comments

Alex continues the joke from one of the clips, where he pretends to be texting Sara and then he ends up asking to meet up with Mia but Mia says no, she has to study. He asks if she’s ghosting him but she says no, she would like to hang, but she wants to take it slow. And the conversation ends with <3 once Alex confirms he will NOT in fact be meeting with Sara and copying her boobs. Their banter is pretty enjoyable.

As seen in the clip, Kiki did a throwback picture of the girls on NYE, tagged #BFFS #CREWLOVE #FOREVER and I was like … that sure was passive-aggressive. Or pointed? Guilt-tripping? I think she really did suspect something was happening with Mia and Alex and she’s remembering how she said she could trust/rely on all of the girls on NYE, and that was a “subtle” reminder.

Hanna and Sam text about the drama after they talk with Mia, lmao. Poor Sam says she never has drama and Hanna says good, she doesn’t want it! Poor Hanna, she still has drama now with Jonas even after they broke up.

Kiki asks the girls to go to the movies, but they’re all busy. Amira has “family” (borrowing the old Isak excuse, I see) and Mia doesn’t even explain herself, which makes sense because she was having a movie night with Alexander. But you know, she didn’t even bother to lie.

After Mia and Amira find out each other’s secrets, Amira texts her saying she knows it’s hypocritical but please don’t tell anyone about her job. I mean, I guess it’s hypocritical in the sense that Amira doesn’t want Mia to keep her own secret, but Amira’s secret has like ... no effect on the other girls. They’re not going to get mad and personally hurt that Amira has a job, she’s not doing wrong by them, whereas Mia’s secret will hurt Kiki (and cause a lot of drama among the girls). So I don’t think Amira’s being very hypocritical at all.

Amira doesn’t want her family to know that she has a job. They want her to focus on school. Amira wants money to go to Australia after graduation and her parents won’t pay for it. That’s really cool. I’m so skeptical about getting a S4 since the characters will be graduating, but maybe we can get Amira’s travel adventures? Amira goes to Australia and meets a handsome guy named Yousef down under?

I love that Mia is all “I wouldn’t have expected that from you” (about Australia) because it shows that people are constantly underestimating Amira, eh?

I love that cute picture of Mia in a bathrobe with a towel wrapped around her hair that Alex took.

Hanna texts Matteo about Jonas smoking pot and being worried about him, and Matteo is worried, too. But he tells Hanna not to do anything or it’ll make it worse. Because, well, Jonas’ pot smoking and misery are Hanna-related. Matteo says he will take care of it. 

Not to get super personal but this storyline is bringing back all kinds of memories for me, because I had a close version of this happen to me in real life. I wasn’t the Mia or Kiki, I was the Amira. Two friends of mine started dating behind everyone’s back, because another friend had well-known feelings for one of them and Friend A who had initially been trying to hook up Friends B and C then started dating C herself. And like Amira, I randomly found out about their secret relationship, though it wasn’t because I delivered food to them, but because another friend and I drove past A and C holding hands in a Walmart parking lot at 11 pm. Just driving through the lot, looking for an empty space, going to buy a stapler, and we see our friends happily walking our way swinging their hands together. The world went into slow motion as they walked past the car and we looked directly at each other with looks of horror. In retrospect that’s hilarious, but it ended up causing so much teen drama simply because they hid it from everyone, whereas if they’d been upfront it probably would have been fine. And also, as Amira says: something like this always gets revealed. It’s just the way of the universe. So it’s been a little surreal watching this as someone a little older and (hopefully) wiser.

Feel free to explain German culture/translation details to me if I missed them.

If you got this far, thank you for reading!

[thelastmorozova]

Title: Murder Eyes and Wedding Cake

Pairing: Steve Rogers/Bucky Barnes (pre-relationship)

Summary:  “ Steve’s first impression of his new neighbour is the large and fluffy ginger cat being thrust unceremoniously into his face.”

Crack. Glorious crack. I don't even know what this trash is. It's 6:30am and the ramblings of an insomniac who wanted to try her hand at some Stucky. Maybe I'll continue it if people like it, lmao. Credit to Ginge, the large, ginger fluffball in my life. And to Kirby, his evil twin who most definitely inspired this story.

Steve’s first impression of his new neighbour is the large and fluffy ginger cat being thrust unceremoniously into his face the second the door opens, along with a stream of fairly desperate words. “You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but I have been awake almost twenty- three hours trying to perfect this fuckin’ cake and this little traitor just decided that he wanted to take a bite outta it while I was in the john. Look after him for an hour, wouldya?”

Steve stares for a long moment, attempting to take in the torrent of pleading. “I’m… uh…” Steve runs a hand awkwardly through his hair, dislodging the mechanical pencil from behind his ear. He catches it before it topples to the floor. “I’m allergic to most cats-?”

The man whines almost plaintively, pulling the now squirming tiger of a cat into his broad chest. “Really? Oh shit, I’m sorry. You’re not going to suddenly drop down and start dyin’ are you?”

“No, I just kind of… go red eyed and start sniffling.” It’s not a nice sight. Steve recalls the time he discovered his allergy; on the way home from school aged six and a ginger moggy that decided to rub itself up against his leg. When he’d leaned down and petted the purring cat, it had all gone downhill from there.

Cats. Cats. Why did it have to be cats? At least he isn’t allergic to dogs. …yet at least.

“Ah, fuck.” The man closes his eyes in something akin to defeat. “I’m doomed.”

Steve appraises his neighbour closer now that the cat isn’t blocking the view; to his credit, the man does look suitably desperate with his shaggy dark brown hair escaping the haphazard bun at the back of his head and his eyes smudged with tiredness. He also stares because oh shit, his new neighbour is something fine. Even if he is currently half crazy from fatigue. He has the whole… sexy murder eyes thing going on. The black sweatpants his neighbour wears are dusted with flour, as is the matching long-sleeved t-shirt and…

Is that a unicorn apron-?

Oh yes, it is. Steve takes in the sight of the baby pink apron; a prancing cartoon unicorn takes up most of the space upon its chest, surrounded by frosted cupcakes that he guesses are supposed to be stars. At first he thinks the unicorn is riding the rainbow beneath it, but upon closer look he realizes that the unicorn is actually farting it out. Along with the cupcakes. (Fully frosted? What an achievement!)

His neighbour follows his unblinking gaze and groans, raising the cat to cover his face momentarily. “My apron got ripped. I’m borrowin’ a… friend’s at the moment. A female friend I feel I should clarify.”

“It’s a free world,” Steve shrugs. “I’m not judgin’ you by your apron choices. Steve, by the way. You just moved into 7C?”

“Yeah-” he grins and tucks the grumbling cat under his left arm with a jostle and extends his right, Steve taking it briskly. “Call me Bucky. And this little shit is Voldemort.”

“Hey there Bucky. And uh… that’s kinda a cruel name for a cat, don’t you think? Does he commit murder or something?”

Bucky laughs darkly, glancing down at the cat and reaffirming his grip. Steve swears that its eyes scream bloody murder when his neighbour swoops a hard kiss down upon its fluffy head. “Yeah, well, His Dark Lord earned it barely outta kittenhood. You’d call him by his old name and he’d hiss and spit at you somethin’ crazy. The scars I have, man…”

“Oh, he was called Tom?” He says it without thinking.

A low warning hiss emanates from the ball of ginger fluff and Bucky groans, closing his eyes. “You’re not supposed to say the name, Steve. Now ya gotta watch out for his army of pure-blood alley cats.”

Steve laughs before he can stop himself, eyes flicking from the glowering cat to his owner. “You baking for a party?” Bucky really is quite beautiful in a rugged way. Upon closer inspection Steve spies a smear of red frosting upon his jaw, mingling with the light shadow of stubble upon his jaw line. Was it so terrible for him to want to lick it off when he’s barely known the man five minutes?

He shakes his head, raising his free hand and forcefully shoving the stray strands of hair behind his ear. “Nah. It’s for a wedding. I own a bakery, y’see. Family business and I handle the wedding cakes.” Bucky shrugs a shoulder.

“That’s cool. The bakery nearby?”

“A block over. There’s an apartment above but I let my sister have that. Too close to the workplace, y’know?  She’s always usin’ me as a guinea pig for her failed experiments. And she’s always up at the crack of dawn working on something or another.”

“Seems like you are as well” Steve points out. It is 7am after all. He wonders vaguely how the hell Bucky even knew that he was awake. Perhaps he had been all around the complex trying to shove his cat into someone’s arms all morning? That was an amusing image. He would pay good money to see 8A’s reaction.

“Sadly true. And on that note-” Voldemort yowls as Bucky flips him up a little so he can check the shiny metal watch upon his wrist, a low groan slipping from him. “Yeah, I gotta get this icing done before ten. Guess I’ll just put this one in the toilet, shut the door and stick some earphones in to drown out the death screeching and apologize later with sausage.” Bucky flashes him a wide grin and Steve returns it instantly, feeling like an utter fool. “Sorry for interrupting you. I’ll see you around, Steve.”

When Steve leaves the apartment to grab his mail that afternoon when he finally finishes up editing a panel, there’s a small cardboard container with a single black frosted cupcake inside waiting just outside the door. The piped icing design upon the top is in the design of the Dark Mark, but instead of a skull there’s a glowering cat instead. He laughs there and then within the corridor, causing old Mr. Voss to shoot him a disgusted look as he passes. You-Know-Who and I send our apologies for disturbing you – B the note scrawled upon the slip of paper reads. When he turns the note over, there’s a hastily written P.S.

Come over at 6pm? The wedding got called off (the fuck?!) and I have a two-tiered red velvet cake to get through for dinner. It comes with beer and a movie. Voldemort swears he’ll remain at the other side of the room with his sausages.

Steve reckons that he’s going to like this guy. Even when he ends up crawling home from eating way too much red velvet cake.

[steviesays]

I agree with that post about the criticism of TLJ vs other films. What did you think of TLJ overall?

oh my god an anon asking me my opinion this is the most exciting thing thats ever happened to me

ok but for real though here we go buckle down folks this is probably going to be long as hell

overall like many Star Wars fans I was unfortunately a bit disappointed with tlj and was shocked with the direction that rian johnson decided to go with both the characterizations of our faves and the plot (both of which I’ll get into in a sec). however this doesn’t mean that this was a BAD movie. I enjoyed the film. yes I said it. I have many major critiques but while I was sitting there watching it, there were moments that I felt deeply for the characters, moments that I wanted to jump out of my seat, and the ending built up to a promising looking sequel that I’m definitely going to watch and tbh thats all that really matters in a movie.

now on to all the parts I didnt like lmao

as for the characterization of most of the main characters, the ones that stuck out to me the most and the ones I’ll get into here are Luke, Poe, Hux, and I want to talk a little bit about Rose. Luke is the one that hit me the hardest because Luke is the OG. everyones number one. LUKE MOTHERFUCKING SKYWALKER. now, my main complaint is the same one that most other people have, he’s too pessimistic and his actions at his Jedi school just dont make sense in the context of his character. how could the person that couldn’t even kill Darth Vader raise a lightsaber to his own nephew? who hadn’t even really done anything yet? as what, a preventative measure? when kylo ren was the first to tell this story in the movie I was like theres no fucking way hes bullshitting but when it turned out to be true???? I was literally taken aback. Luke’s explanation for it as a split second thought was the only way to bring this to the very edge of my believability, but even then, it was very difficult for me to wrap my mind around the character whose whole being is based on forgiveness and finding a way when all hope is lost even thinking about doing something like that and then just giving up when all of it is over. I was actually talking about this moment with my brother (we had a two hour long conversation about Star Wars after he watched the movie that I will also reference when I start talking about Rose) and we both agreed that this moment was a bit forced. he put into words something that I was trying to say all along and it made so much sense, in the movies they were trying to show how kylo ren’s sense of distrust and his anger towards Luke and his family came to be and instead of doing it right by showing it happening in small, subtle actions they decided to just have one huge obvious physical manifestation of betrayal and tbh it was lazy and bad characterization and thats what all the fans saw when the saw the movie and what mark saw when he first read the script

sorry that was long now on to my homeboy poe

I honestly feel like poe was demonized too much in this movie and made to look like some kind of lost kid playing soldier and it really annoyed me ??? like he was one of the top commanders of the resistance and to just have him completely thrown to the wayside like this in this movie just felt like …. why was he even in it? to get everyone killed? same with Finn and rose and honestly while I’m here let me talk about her too since I was going to bring her up later. I might get hate for this but rose honestly felt like a filler character to me. I just dont get any type of differentiation from her than from the rest of the resistance other than the fact that she now has a bit of a backstory. theres nothing particularly interesting about her character. shes just there. I feel like she had a lot of potential and it was just kind of wasted. I also thought the kiss at the end with Finn was ULTRA forced. like they were fine as friends but there was no romantic undertone until that moment like where did it come from and why? it was just there all of a sudden. now heres where my brothers commentary comes back into play because he really enjoyed tlj. he thought the romance was necessary and that it worked. keep in mind this is a straight, single, 25 year old man thats never been in a long term relationship. I think this has a lot to do with how people of different perspectives interpreted this movie. what does everyone else think because so far, on my dash everyone has been SILENT on that kiss. keep in mind im a kylux blog so I follow a lot of that side of the fandom but I do follow a few light side blogs too although many are caught up in the reylo stuff. I really dont think a romance arc is necessary at all but if its put in I want it between characters that actually have good romantic chemistry like Finn and poe or maybe Finn and Rey im holding out for kylux but I know its not happening lmfaooo

anyway onto the last person I want to talk about my cupcake domhnall

now hux hasn’t played a very big roll (seemingly) in the series so far and it was great to see him on screen more in tlj but good god at what cost. in the first movie he was calm cool and collected, a respected general that took shit from no one, and in this he was the joke of the movie taking hits from cringe-worthy jokes and just generally looking the opposite of what he did in tfa. it was honestly kind of hard to see because hux was one of my favorite characters in tfa and domhnall is one of my favorite actors (if you cant tell by my blog) and its just going to be weird to see where they pick him back up again in episode 9

oh my god I just realized I only talked about the characters and haven’t even gotten to the plot yet go grab some popcorn or something I have a lot more to say

first I want to talk about how this movie was set up as a whole. it was separated into three different storylines from the very beginning, Rey and Luke on the island, the resistance’s fight with the first order, and Finn and rose’s plan to invade the first order by themselves. I didn’t like this because it just made it feel too messy and very long. this whole movie was supposed to take place over a matter of a few days, but as it was jumping back and forth, it would be on a scene with Rey and then it would jump back to the resistance and I would be like damn theyre STILL doing this. tlj was a decently long movie but sitting there it felt like it was three hours+

In addition to that, I feel like a way they could have avoided this would be to cut out Finn and rose’s part, include them with the rest of the resistance instead of giving them a side plot that was doomed to fail from the start, and work with that. I really dont understand why it was necessary to separate them at all. their plan didnt work, they got most of the resistance killed in the process, there was no solid reason for them to go on this little adventure other than what? character development? if thats your excuse there are better ways to do it

ok this is the part that I was 1000000000% confused about. Carrie’s death. they had it. they literally had a scene with her dying. they had it ???? and then they Jesus’d her back to life ??????????? I was sitting in that theater WASTING MY TEARS because KYLO FUCKING REN COULDNT PULL THE TRIGGER AND THEN MY MOM DIED and then she lived ?????????? I have honestly never been so confused in my life. if I could have a time machine I would go back to that moment just so I could see the look on my own face because I know that shit was ridiculous. how the fuck is jj going to deal with this in the next movie though? rian LITERALLY had a scene with carrie dying in it. USED IT IN THE MOVIE. said nah fuck jj abrams he can figure this shit out on his own. and brought that bitch back to life. like honestly how much do they hate each other because I really didnt understand the magnitude until I watched that scene.

I cant think of anything else major I want to talk about right now but this is already ridiculously long anyway so if anyone has any questions they want to ask me my ask box and messages are always open!