#i'm literally buzzing with excitement about the sequel help!!!! dfghgfdsfghjfds

[non-un-topo]

So I’m re-reading The Steps by @flawlessassholes and ahh... I don’t think I can properly express how well written this fic is but I’m gonna try. (I know a lot of people have probably read it already but if you haven’t or if you’ve only read the prequels then please please go read it!!!! Indulge my obsessed ranting for a sec)

The thing that makes me geek out the most about this fic is the realism. It’s so, so detailed that I just get completely sucked into the story like I’m watching a movie and (as a Canadian who is not from Montreal but has visited) it makes me feel sooo cozy and at home. But the realism!! The characters are so well fleshed out and in-character, you really feel everything and go through their recovery with them. The way grief is explored in this fic is also exceptional (and I probably shouldn’t read it rn after losing someone so close to me but again it’s so realistic and heartfelt I can’t look away). Everyone’s grief gets explored in some way and I sympathize with all of them so easily, even (and especially) in the bad times (ex. grief causing Booker to act cruel sometimes without thinking).

The original characters (Booker’s wife Sophie + kids) are so well-written and complex I sometimes forget they’re not the canon versions?? Anyway I’ll pack it up but I just love this fic and all it represents. Thematically, it’s brilliant. The chapter organization is so clean and well done you actually go through recovery with Booker. The developing romance and close friendship between Booker and Nile is so natural and realistic (and their chemistry is absolutely endearing). Joe is so incredibly written and you really feel how much love there is between him and Booker even with all the pain... Anyway, that’s all for now I’m sorry it’s just so good??