#they already remind me so much of bea I was like omg I have to draw this

[reallysleepymermaid]

Just bestie things

Bonus

[talesofafangirlwithadvr]

April 2021 Picks

And we’re back with the end to another month. April! Wow! Lots more great picks to talk about this time. Lots of new ones to the list too. So, let’s dive in!

Spoiler territory ahead!

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER

or should I say Captain America and the Winter Soldier

I just finished the finale last night, so it felt right to start off with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. I really enjoyed it and I feel the episodes got stronger as the series went on. Each one felt like a mini-movie and I was upset it was over and had to wait another week for another one. I think the finale was my favorite. Especially the reveal of Sam as Captain America. I love his suit, his speech and the montage of everyone watching him. The last part of the episode was definitely my favorite and one I can watch on repeat. I loved seeing happy Bucky and him goofing off with the kids in Louisiana. He deserves so much happiness as he has now accepted he’s no longer who he once was. Bucky and Sam’s relationship is fantastic and I can’t wait to see it more. I know there’s a possibility of a second season and they have to be in a future MCU movie. Regarding the villain, I feel I was confused for most of the show as to what their objective was. I’m curious if this is because they had to reshoot parts during the pandemic. I also am mad with Sharon. Like what happened with her? She is definitely the true villain of the show. I also don’t love that we haven’t seen the end of Walker (but Wyatt Russell did a fantastic job). I also loved Torres and I hope he becomes the next Falcon. Definitely so different vibes from Wandavision, but just as good!

THE IRREGULARS

This is a show that more people need to be talking about! It was SO GOOD! I feel like I heard some buzz about it when it first came out, but not much after. It follows the teens featured about who live on the streets during Victorian London. The leader of their group, Bea gets approached by Dr. John Watson (that’s right...as in Sherlock and Watson) to take on a case that has more supernatural qualities. The story takes off from there. I think the group dynamic was fantastic. There wasn’t a character I didn’t like and each one brought something else important to the group (which they even bring up towards the end of the show). [I’ve watched a few cast interviews since finishing the finale and they seem like they get along really well in real life too.] There is a kind of love triangle, but it didn’t bother me and was over fast. I did like both combinations though. Lots of twists and turns along the journey. I have no idea if there will be another season, but there should be. It didn’t end on a major cliffhanger, but definitely ended in a way where it could continue nicely. Come on Netflix. 

HBO’S THE NEVERS

From one show set in Victorian times to the next. The Nevers just premiered on HBO and HBO Max earlier this month. It follows an ensemble of characters, similar to other HBO shows, ranging from characters who are called “the touched” to men in government who are against them. Being “touched” means they have a special talent or power, which can range from healing to speaking other languages, being extremely tall, or being an expectational inventor (I seriously love Penance. I just don’t know how to explain her ability). Amalia True and Penance Adair are two of the main characters and they help bring in others who are touched to a remodeled orphanage that is a safe haven for people like them. Of course there are those who are against them existing. This seems to be at least two groups as someone is abducting and experimenting on some of the touched, but we don’t know who they are...yet. I love the fusion of a historical setting with a fantasy element. I am very excited to see where the show is headed. I also love seeing so many of my favorite British actors on the screen together.      

ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND

Time for a throw back. Fans of ABC’s Once Upon a Time might remember the short lived spin off following Alice in Wonderland (and some of Aladdin). It only lasted for one season of 13 episodes, but I remember loving it and I am so happy I can rewatch it on Disney Plus. It reminds me of why I enjoyed OUAT so much and I think this show deserved another season or more crossover with the original show. (Luckily the Knave got that opportunity.) I think it should have aired as a summer show or when OUAT was on hiatus, this way more fans would have tuned in. It is something I’ll believe forever. 

Anyway, I’ll stop ranting now... I love Alice. I think she’s a badass and a fierce warrior. If you follow some of my posts on my other blog, Lydia-yougowith-Stiles, you’ll know that I love a warrior romance and Cyrus and Alice fit that perfectly (even if they are apart for much of the series). I also love Alice’s hair and outfits. Everything about her is cool. Her relationship with the Knave is one of my favorite friendships ever. I think they balance each other out so well and how they spend most of the journey together. Back in the day, I totally shipped them, but now I definitely don’t. (Even though I don’t love Anastasia.) This is definitely worth the watch if you’ve ever heard of Once Upon a Time or not. There is very cheesy CGI especially for 2013, but once you get pass that you’ll love it. 

ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST

It was on a longer break than I expected, and I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would (which I know doesn’t sound good for a show), but I am still loving all the episodes this season. It feels like there are more musical numbers, which I love. Mandy Moore is killing it with the choreography. There are so many amazing moments. I also was a big fan of the newest glitch episode. Everyone is so talented and I also like that we’ve started to hear from more like Jenna and Tobin. Leif has become one of my favorites. I don’t love the new neighbor next door, but I think we’re done with his storyline. I’m not loving the Zoey love triangle, but I do like her with either Simon or Max. She seems really happy with Simon now. (FYI: I haven’t watched the most recent episode yet. The glitch one was my latest.) Can’t wait for more!    

KUNG FU

CW’s newest show this month was Kung Fu, which I just learned was a reboot. It follows Nicky who returns after 3 years to her home in San Francisco. Her family has mixed feelings as she has had no contact with them for the last 3 years. She is now a Kung Fu master and warrior, out to avenge her mentor’s death and stop a villain from acquiring mythical weapons. The show gives me Arrow vibes every time I watch it. It has similar flashbacks each episode to an earlier time in Nicky’s life. While Nicky’s mission is different, the style just gives me early seasons of Arrow vibes, which I am not complaining about. It stars Legacies’ Alyssa Chen, who I didn’t love on Legacies, but instantly fell in love with Nicky. I think she’s a bad ass character and love how she’s fighting for the underdogs on the streets of San Fran, while also taking down a bigger evil. The love triangle is heating up and I’m definitely team Henry (even though there’s some mystery there). I think he’s great and once again we have an awesome warrior romance. They balance each other so well and it’s only been like 3 episodes. Now they’ve also been sleuthing together and it’s just amazing. 

NANCY DREW

Are you sick of hearing me talk about CW’s Nancy Drew? I hope not because I’m going to fangirl again. I LOVE THIS SHOW SO MUCH! I can’t wait till Wednesday comes and I tune in a little after it starts, so then I can fast forward on my DVR. Then when the episode is over I basically start it all over again and watch select scenes that were awesome. (More specifically, they tend to be Nancy and Ace scenes because I love them and we’re entering so much angst I don’t know if my heart will be able to handle it!!!) 

I’ll say it a thousand times: THIS CAST IS EVERYTHING! Their dynamic is amazing. You can have any match ups and it’ll be a great time. There is not one person I don’t like. I was so upset that there wasn’t a new episode last week (especially because it was my birthday). I loved the last one with the Hardy Boys and that Nace reveal! OMG! I’m so sad that Grant has left again because we barely had him, but I feel he’ll eventually come back. He has to. I loved the ending when he spoke to Thom by signing to him. (My heart!) I seriously can’t say enough great things about this show. It is not your typical CW show and deserves more love and views. So happy a third season has already been confirmed!! 

LAST NOTES

Just started Shadow and Bone on Netflix and am loving it! I’m sure I’ll have an entire post dedicated to it when I’m done. (Currently going to start episode 6.) I have no background on the universe or the books (just what my sister is filling me in with as we watch). I definitely plan on reading Six of Crows after this!

So what are you enjoying? Let me know. I’m always looking for more shows to add to the list! Can never have enough. 

[purplesurveys]

1147

Have you ever overflown a bathtub? Hmm, I can’t remember ever doing that.

Why did you ignore the last person you ignored? My new manager, Kata, messaged me a bunch of links to EXO’s videos to get me into them – I looooove that she’s friendly and we vibe super well so I have a feeling will be close soon enough, but I’m still a bit shy so I ignored her for a bit while I was thinking of a reply haha. I’ve since gotten back to her, though.

What's your favorite pizza place? Yellow Cab’s pizzas have never failed me. Mama Lou’s is good too, but they don’t deliver to my area so I haven’t had their pizzas and any of their food in over a year now.

What was the last stupid thing someone talked you into believing? That we can stay friends. I believed it for a while and it was so mentally and emotionally deteriorating for me, so I did the right thing and let go instead.

What's at the top of your to do list in life? Save. I’m superrrrr frugal with my money and hate spoiling myself. I’d rather enjoy everything in the future once I feel like it’s right to settle down.

What's a song that would describe your life at the moment? What Type of X by Jessi. Maybe not my life, but the song certainly matches my mood these days.

Do you ever scream at inanimate objects? Occasionally, if they’re not working or if I accidentally hurt myself with them.

What was the last thing that you shared? I just had lunch delivered to Angela’s place as a surprise, if that counts. I got her chicken wings and these chocolate chip cookies she’s always wanted to try. It feels really nice surprising people with gifts; I might start making it a habit :) I have to credit my director Bea for it - she’s been having food delivered to mine and Kata’s places recently and I just want to pay it forward.

What smell/s can you absolutely not stand? Fruits. We constantly have a stock of oranges because my parents and sister like having them after dinner, and the smell is nauseating. Spoiled food is also high up on my list, and the general smell in Manila is also very foul. Go to other places in the Philippines if you’ll ever visit!!!

Do you ever eat leftover pizza cold? Yessssssssssssssss. Idk why but I find it really good? like even if I eat it straight out of the fridge.

Where are you the most ticklish? The sides of my stomach and around my neck.

Would you put your life in danger to rescue someone? Someone absolutely important to me, yes.

When you're wanting a midnight snack, what do you normally get? I usually don’t really like the snacks we have in our pantry so unless I already had food delivered earlier in the evening I just let the hunger fade because I don’t like having food delivered that late anyway.

Which cartoon character would you want to keep as a pet? Buster from Toy Story. Or Maximus from Tangled but in dog form, because I don’t know how to care for a horse.

What color best represents you? Something peaceful like off-white, or a pastel shade.

Do you like marshmallows? I hate them.

What is your favorite flavor of candy cane? I also don’t like candy canes, or candy in general. Too sweet and I can always feel how unhealthy they are whenever I have to have them.

Do you have any shoeboxes full of old photos/letters/other memorable stuff? My mom has several plastic bags filled with photographs over the last few decades. As for me, I don’t own any memory boxes; but recently, I’ve been sticking up notes from my friends and co-workers up on my corkboard.

Are you in any way double jointed? Nope.

Have you ever considered a career in music/acting? Never. I never liked singing in public and I’ve never considered acting.

When was the last time you felt seriously embarrassed? A few days ago when I accidentally turned my camera on during a work Zoom meeting while I looked completely unpresentable. Luckily I knew I clicked the button and immediately un-clicked it, but my video still showed up for like 0.001 seconds lol.

Have you ever liked a song, looked up the lyrics to it, then hated it? I don’t think I’ve gone so far as to hate it. I have felt slightly disturbed upon hearing the lyrics of some songs I’ve taken a liking to though; and Cherry Wine by Hozier certainly ticks off this box.

Which is worse for you: being hot, or being cold? Hot, which is why living where I do doesn’t work with me well for the most part.

What would be the icing on the cake for you this Christmas? Get nicer gifts for my loved ones. I was able to get everyone presents last Christmas, but given that I had just received my first-ever salary then, I wasn’t able to go all out as much as I would’ve liked. I’d love to spoil my loved ones even more for next Christmas.

If you had the opportunity to live forever, would you take it? Probably, as long as I was guaranteed to live comfortably. I’d love to see how else technology can continue to improve.

Have you made someone happy today? I hope so, when I got Angela food earlier.

Do you generally watch a lot of television? I do watch my favorite shows a lot, but not on television. Most of my content I already consume online.

If your bedroom walls could talk, what would they most likely say? They’d probably go over all the shit I had to go through and the ensuing breakdowns they’ve had to watch from me over the years.

What's your favorite Christmas song? It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, because it makes me feel festive.

Did you ever really believe in Santa Claus? Only for a brief moment when I was introduced to the concept, but kid-me never bought it because he never showed up.

Do you like the band Relient K? I’ve heard of the band name but I’m largely unfamiliar with them.

Have you ever seen a movie that was better than the book it was based on? Maybe, but for the most part I usually find the books to be better.

Do you like quesadillas? Yes, omg and with jalapeños and cheese *chef’s kiss*

Did you like the show Invader Zim? Nope.

Do you think tomorrow will be a good day? I feel like I’ll be sullen because it will be Sunday again, but I still plan on making the most out of it.

Do you ever talk to yourself? A lot.

Whose butt did you last slap? Idk, probably my ex.

Do you think that chivalry is dead? I don’t think so, but I also think it’s a bit outdated.

What's the greatest/most influential song you've ever heard? That’s a lot of pressure on a song... as much as I don’t really like The Beatles, I’d say Hey Jude has been pretty influential.

What's the weirdest thing you've seen in a grocery store? Not sure. If I had thought something I’ve seen was the weirdest thing ever, I would’ve taken a photo.

What is true love to you? Sacrifices.

Do you like chocolate milk? YES, lactose intolerance be damned.

Have you ever bought yourself a present on Christmas? Not yet. I hope to be able to this year!

Have you ever been on a mechanical bull? Nope, but I’d definitely get on one if I find one here.

Do you prefer to pull off band-aids slowly or quickly? Slowly. Actually, I prefer running water over it until it just slides off.

Have you made a mistake in the past week? I am constantly making tiny mistakes at work.

What was the last weird thing you said to someone? Idk, I feel like all the conversations I’ve had recently didn’t involve any inside jokes or general weirdness.

Have you ever met any bands/band members before? I got to work with one - Redd is the drummer for a local band but he’s since resigned to work with another company.

Have you ever sat on a copy machine and made copies of your butt? No. I’ve never even used a copy machine.

Are you a camera whore? Not at all, I hate posing for the camera.

Have you ever purposely dropped someone's toothbrush in a toilet? Never even considered it.

What kind of mood are you in right now? A little sad because it’s the weekend and I can’t even do my weekend coffee shop trips anymore because Covid cases are experiencing another surge (9000 cases a day!!!), protocols are everywhere again, and my parents already told me I can’t go out...those moments were my rare time alone where I can take walks and reflect and whatnot (and not to mention experieince air conditioning for a few hours), so it sucks to have to be stuck at home again. There’s not much to do at home to begin with, so now I’m just stuck in a cycle of taking surveys and finding videos to watch on YouTube.

What was the last thing someone told you that had you at a loss for words? I was ranting to Andi about how I started despising Diane from BoJack Horseman the moment she flipped out over Mr. Peanutbutter gifting her an entire library. I get where she’s coming from, of course, “understand people’s love language” and all that; but I felt like the very hostile reaction was super uncalled for and it reminded me a lot of my relationship with Gabie – I liked giving and giving, but it was either 1) never enough or 2) apparently the wrong way to show her love, and I was always the one punished for it in the end. I told Andi that because of my experience with her, I don’t even feel like giving a library (metaphorically speaking) to any future significant others anymore because of how hard I had it with her. 

Anyway, they gave me some advice about it and in the end they told me, “One day, someone will tell you, “Thank you for your library.’” It was very beautifully put and I struggled to find the words to reply.

What's something that always makes you smile, regardless of what’s going on? I’m not sure there is such a no-fail thing.

What was that last thing that you bought online? Food for Angela.

Do you enjoy riding around town looking at Christmas lights? Yeah, but the general mood for last year obviously wasn’t super festive and there weren’t as much lights, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen my village all decked out.

Is there someone that you're mean to for no good reason? No, that’s terrible.

What was the last thing you got out of the freezer? The coffee ice cream that I bought from Leigh yesterday! It’s crazy fucking good and I already feel a repeat order coming through.

Are you currently reading anything? No.

What's a good book you'd recommend? I don’t read anymore. I know child/teen-me would be very disappointed.

[fairrryprose]

1. both. preferably a good mix of plot and character. sometimes i can give grace to a weaker plot if the writing is really good hehe

2. hmmm... i have a nonfiction book called "how to be alone" that i bought for the title while in quarantine, but i haven't read it yet

3. most recent book that i've finished reading is Venators: Magic Unleashed by Devri Walls. i liked it, but since this game is hard-pressing me to find something i disliked, i guess i'd say so far the main female protagonist Rune doesn't have as much development as the male protagonist Grey in my opinion, and so i don't care much for her, nor her relationship with her twin brother Ryker. but i have a feeling it'll develop better in subsequent books

4. listen.... controversial but.... i loved the Percy Jackson movies. i was a PJO kid since i was like 10, and of course i read the books first and definitely think the books were and are much better, but the movies are so fun and iconic in a trashy way. like so bad they're good, so i love them okay

5. um... depends. if it's a book i've already read, i'll gladly let them take it. i'd prefer only lending books to friends whom i know will take care of my books though (since i'm really fussy about keeping them in good condition, like not breaking the spine, not dog-earing etc.). but generally my friends don't ask to borrow my books.

6. i enjoy it for the most part, just that i don't feel as if i have the intelligence enough to fully appreciate poems. and i also just like pretty words and things that resonate with my lived experiences. also, having been a literature student, and also someone who writes occasionally but mostly in prose. i'd say my relationship with poetry is complicated. tl;dr i just think i'm not the right person to fully appreciate all poetry as i do prose

7. probably all the popular booktok ones 😩

8. the after series, 50 shades, anything along those veins LOL

9. i truly don't remember hahaha

10. omg i don't remember either... although someone did once tell me i reminded them of anastasia grey 😭 soo um ??

11. i don't know about marginalized, but i just wish more people read books outside the bestsellers. like more small-press, indie, self-pub, etc books. like just go to the library and wander around and pick out any book thay catches their eye.

12. probably something to do with fairies. and it'd probably be small and intimate, about reading fantasy, or just buddy reading.

13. for Venators: Magic Unleashed,

fast times // sabrina carpenter

dirty little animals // bones uk

who hurt you // role model

nate growing up // labrinth

killer // poutyface

say hi to my demons // dounia

wrong // max ft. lil uzi vert

the monster // heather evans

welcome to the playground // bea miller

(can you tell i love first kill and arcane and euphoria 🙈)

14. probably goddess of love by p.c. cast lmao. not something an 11-year-old should be reading. but i was in my mythology phase thanks to PJO and thought it was just another harmless greek mythology book :')

15. i don't often reread 🙈

Deeper Reading Ask Game

Do you prefer character or plot-driven stories?

What's a nonfiction book you bought solely for the title? Something that you might not have been interested in before, but you sure are now.

What is the last book you read? Even if you loved it, what is ONE thing you disliked about it?

What movie adaptation do you enjoy just as much or more than the book?

Do you let your friends borrow your books? Why or why not?

What is your relationship with poetry? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?

Which popular author can you not stand?

What author, book, or series do you refuse to read?

Who was your first literary crush?

What was the first time you saw yourself in a literary character? Did you enjoy it or did you feel like it hit too close to home?

Is there a marginalized author that you wish more people read?

If you could create your own book club, what would it be called and what would it be about?

Create a short soundtrack (5-10 songs) for the last book you finished.

Did you ever read a book as a kid that once you were done with it you knew you probably shouldn't have read it? Why did you think so?

If you reread books, which book has changed every time you read it?

[whatdoyouexpectthistime]

Out of Office... actually a surprising lack of drama: Miho and Jazz

Conversation written with Jazz = @hifftn

Of course Miho had a perfectly serviceable office, but after the last couple of days and what had occurred before that… it wasn’t that she didn’t WANT to go into the office, and she certainly wasn’t avoiding Selina, not even Jazz – despite her text message – it was more maybe that Miho hadn’t really intended on having to change the business plan.

She was thrown, not that she would say it aloud, nor did the studious expression on her face betray it. Her planner was open at her right hand, her laptop open before her, mobile phone to the left and two empty cups of what might once have been skinny cappuccinos behind the screen – there were two test drives in her schedule at the end of the week.

“Fuck,” she muttered under her breath.

Selina was still out of commission, and it wasn’t like Miho could ask Jazz to cover the date scenarios because she was in love with Kuni, even if she couldn’t admit it to herself.

When her mobile phone beeped a text message, somewhat grumpily Miho picked it up, and in that moment her expression changed. Whatever it said made her smile and tap out a quick response before putting the phone back down, noting Jazz’s message there in her history.

“Yeah, this is going to hurt,” she exhaled – a sigh but not one of frustration this time.

Though her lips were pursed, and her eyes wandered to her left hand – she would have to tell both Jazz and Selina, and she fully expected to cop a serve.

“You’re nuts,” she told herself, shaking her head, but her expression was wry. “But… worth it.”

Nuts maybe, but in love just the same, and for a change, she’d been the weak one – which she didn’t really like.

“Need to get back to being a bitch,” she smirked, then looked over her shoulder for a waitress – she needed MORE coffee.

Another busy day was lying before Jazz when she hurried into the café to get a quick whatever with lots of caffeine and sugar to go on her way into the office. After that date with Yu she was thrown off the track, struggling to find her footing again. It shouldn’t be too hard, right? She had managed before. There were also good things happening, Riki Yanase had called her, told her that one of the profiles she had sent him had piqued his interest. Good. She had to get some matchmaking done, that kept her busy and seeing the happy couples almost didn’t hurt at all.

“A triple espresso to go, please,” she said to the barista with a smile before she glanced around the café, just to spot Miho sitting on a desk. Why wasn’t she in her office? Why hadn’t she been there at all for – Jazz wasn’t even sure. A day? Two? Well, now was the chance to find out. She took her cup and paid with a smile, thanked the barista and made her way over to Miho’s table.

Which is entirely – so coincidentally – when Miho had turned her head, just in time to see Jazz approaching.

“Ooo-kay,” she murmured, and may even have looked uncharacteristically nervous?

Anything is possible.

She tried, however, to pretend like the last proper conversation they’d had, had been an argument – though yanno, Miho was totally in the right – and smiled a blithe smile the moment she made eye contact.

“Morning,” she greeted.

Yep, that passed for casual.

Miho even shoved some of her crap aside on the table so Jazz had somewhere to put her coffee down – so thoughtful.

After having worked together for so long, and having known even longer, Jazz could tell that Miho wasn’t exactly thrilled to see her. It wasn’t that Jazz was completely over the moon either, but they were both adults and should be able to act as such. Especially since Jazz had been thinking a lot in the last few days.

“Morning. Are you coming to the office today? There’s mail for you,” she said and sat down, although there was a lot she wanted to ask that had nothing to do with mail or even work.

Well, maybe it was a bit work related, after all she had seen Miho with a client in a situation that wasn’t exactly professional. And Miho knew, at least if she had checked her phone ever since.

“There is a rumour circulating that I might manage to make it to my office before lunch,” Miho smirked – typical Miho bravado. “I need a secretary. Do you think Selina would go for that? I mean, for what we end up charging clients to cover your missing panties, surely that’d pay a secretarial wage.”

The waitress arrived, hearing the words ‘panties’ and ‘wage’, but she managed not to look too puzzled.

“Another skinny cap for me please,” Miho smiled at her, and the woman departed.

Distraction gone.

Jazz huffed in feigned indignation.

“Just so you know, last time I actually managed to get back WITH my panties on. But I think Selina will give you hell. Remember how she reacted when we joked and said we needed an intern?”

Selina had a lot to prove and running a successful business seemed her way of coping with some things. Not that Jazz was keen on failing, but in the end she could always go back home if everything went downhill.

Miho was certain there was no downhill, and shit, maybe… MAYBE… Selina would have to seriously consider that intern now, since there’d soon be two less people to complete test drives.

Yes.

Two.

Because regardless of what was going on in Miho’s own life, she hadn’t stopped plotting Jazz’s happiness, whether Jazz was/would be happy about it or not. That really isn’t a contradiction.

The issue at that moment, however, the one they were busily dancing around most indelicately with obviously contrived idle banter, was not really about Jazz at all.

“Sorry I didn’t answer your text,” Miho apologised, and actually looked down at her planner, away from Jazz’s face.

Apologising was difficult for Miho, it REALLY was.

“FYI, I WAS on my way out - the elevator wasn’t my idea, and for a change of pace, all that happened in there was… an uncomfortable ride to the roof bar.”

But damn, Miho couldn’t hide the tweaking of her mouth. It wasn’t a tell that she was lying, just that the memory was, perhaps, not ALL uncomfortable.

Jazz tilted her head slightly.

“It’s fine. I guess you were – busy.”

She had to fight her own grin because she had a very good idea what had kept Miho busy. Or rather, who. The only thing she didn’t know was if Miho had simply broken a rule, or if she had scorched the land and salted it to make sure there would never again grow something on it – figuratively speaking.

“I have lost a client that day, by the way. He paid his bill up to now, but… well, it looks as if he had to sleep with someone else before he realized how much in love he was already. That was awkward.”

She chuckled dryly.

At this Miho seemed genuinely surprised.

“You? Lose a client? That’s rare,” she agreed with a slow nod. “He must really be in love with whoever she or he is to walk after all that money spent.”

Well that didn’t ring a friggin’ bell at all.

When the waitress returned, there was a brief reprieve, and Miho smiled and thanked her, before lifting the cup to her lips to lick up some of the chocolate dusted foam.

“And well… it’s funny you mention losing clients really…”

That sentence kind of trailed off a bit as she hazarded a sip of the hot liquid.

“Yeah, but as long as he’s happy now,” Jazz shrugged and a small smile played on her lips. It was all about making people happy after all.

And then she froze.

She stared at Miho, back at her hand that held the cup.

Back at Miho’s face.

“Holy shit…” she muttered and put her own cup down.

“Miho, that’s – what is that?” Jazz pointed at the glittery ring on Miho’s hand.

Miho’s cup lowered slowly to the table, and she too stared at her left hand.

She remembered the exact moment she’d stopped wearing her wedding and engagement ring after her husband’s death; it hurt, even now, sharp and tearing, and she grimaced. There was no regret in placing this new ring there of course, but it did remind her, constantly in fact, of something she had sort of wanted to forget.

The pain that is, not the lover she’d lost.

“Right, I DID lose a client, but I gained a ahh… fiancé,” she declared, pinching her lower lip between her teeth before looking at Jazz again. “Didn’t think I could just, text you back with a, ‘having a great time, getting married lol’,” she added.

For a second Jazz was speechless, a very rare occasion. She could only stare at Miho. But then a huge grin appeared on her face, the excitement bubbled over and Jazz squealed, actually squealed, loud enough to attract attention from other guests in the café.

“Oh my god! Miho, that is – I’m so happy for you!” She hugged Miho tightly, ignoring the struggle.

“Lemme see.” Without waiting for Miho to actually react Jazz grabbed her hand and studied the ring.

“God, it’s huge. And beautiful.” After a quick glance at Miho’s face she added: “And I don’t even want to hear that his other accessory is also huge and beautiful. But I want to hear everything else. It’s this cop, right? Are you-“

Jazz’s expression grew serious now. “Are you sure about this? I mean… you know. Are you okay?”

Clearly Jazz’s momentary speechlessness gave way to this verbal torrent, and it first squished the breath out of Miho, then tried to sweep her away with questions and all this bubbling excitement Miho herself hadn’t yet really come to feel.

Too much to sort out. Shit, parents to meet.

Still, she smiled, because suddenly there seemed to be no more tension between them.

“Jeez, you’d think I’d asked you to be bridesmaid or something,” she muttered, “which I’m not going to, since that implies you have a choice, which you don’t – nor does Selina not that she knows yet either… ahh… am I okay?”

She thought on this for a second, letting Jazz scrutinise the ring up close.

“Apparently it was his grandmother’s.”

Then glanced at her phone. Goto’s text had been one word.

‘Dinner?’ And that had been enough to make her feel all warm and fuzzy and ‘omg so Notebook in love’, it almost made her sick, or maybe just the narrator.

“Yes to the big and beautiful other accessory whether you want to hear it or not, and yes to the cop part.”

There her smile turned wry.

“As for am I sure, am I okay…? I wouldn’t have said yes if I was unsure, that would just be cruel – truth is…”

… truth is, unlike yourself deluding ass I actually managed to admit to myself I loved him…cough… not that Miho would say that and ruin the moment.

“… the truth is we were already falling in love, every, appointment and the only thing really holding me back wasn’t office protocol but fear, fear of going through what I already know is hell. But you know, maybe I figured denying myself happiness is also hell.”

Yeah, that was a WAY more subtle message – good job Miho!

“It’s really beautiful… and his grandmother’s? Damn, that guy knows how to go for the kill, huh?” Reluctantly Jazz let go of Miho’s hand.

“Selina doesn’t know yet? Hm… better tell her soon. You know she doesn’t like to be left out. More importantly, haven’t you still some clients? You can’t do the reports anymore , that much is certain. We might have to reschedule some appointments but I will take care of that, no problem.”

She still grinned, completely happy for her friend.

“Ha! You know that Sel and I have been event planner, so no need for you to get a wedding planner. We will plan the perfect wedding for you, just you wait! And we have to go out and celebrate this! Oh, and we have to meet your fiancé. Sorry, he won’t get you before he has convinced us that he’s worth it. So much to do…”

For a second she remembered that there wasn’t much time for all this. In a week Jazz would leave – and she hadn’t told Miho yet.

“Jeez girl, slow down,” Miho laughed. “This isn’t a shotgun wedding, it’s not happening tomorrow, so there’ll be heaps of time for you to go nuts, not that I’m much for a big deal to be honest.”

The whole rescheduling of appointments bothered her of course.

“As for rescheduling, I can manage. In fact, I’ve already gotten a hold of Kyobashi to let him know we’ll probably be looking for a couple of extra test drivers; they’ll need to be skilled up, but that’s no biggy – he can do most of the ‘grunt work’ so to speak. The clients I have who have indicated they wished to participate in the date scenario, well, I’ll tell them myself it’s off the cards, and that I don’t need it to find them their happy match – if they want to argue then really, I think that says they were just looking to bend me over some furniture or something.”

She snorted.

“Everyone wants that of course, but not really the right mindset for a guy looking for a wife, right?”

Jazz frowned. “You know that wasn’t why we came up with the idea in the beginning. It was to make sure that our FEMALE clients get the best possible consulting and won’t have to go through meaningless dates and horrible sex like we did back then. And until Kyobashi can recommend us someone who can take your place in these test drives – not that I think ANYONE could take your place – I still can fill in. Although my schedule is a bit tight the next week…”

She bit her bottom lip. Should she tell Miho now?

“How about this? I take over your clients if they insist on the date scenario and you try to find a match for that café owner on my list. You know, the young guy that kept me up all night. He has rejected every single offer I have made him so far.”

That was a good deal, at least in Jazz’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, love, but if you think I’m going to let you sleep with any of my clients when you haven’t sorted your own shit out, you’ve another thing coming,” Miho snorted. “I don’t want you being that client you just lost, then really regretting it. I’ll deal with my clients, this is my doing, and if need be, I’ll refund them from my own pocket. If you want me to take over the final stage for café guy though, I can totally do that.”

She then narrowed her eyes on Jazz.

Lip biting, uh huh.

“So what gives?”

“Awww… you have this hot guy in your portfolio… oh well, let’s not argue about that now. We should go out for drinks to celebrate. Tell Selina already so we can have a small party tonight. Or tomorrow, I don’t care. As long as I get some cocktails soon I’m fine.”

Jazz simply ignored Miho’s last question.

“I have another appointment soon, I better go to the office now. Will you accompany me or rather come later?” She grabbed her cup and looked at Miho expectantly.

Stubborn versus stubborn.

“All my clients are hot, but really? Misdirection? Come on Jazz, think you’re the only one who can tell when her friends are saying everything?”

Miho closed her laptop over and placed her planner on top.

“You know I learned some interesting sadist techniques from this one client, and I’ll torture you to get answers if I have to,” she added with a wicked grin.

“You would torture me for fun, so don’t you think you can scare me.” Jazz shrugged and waited for Miho to gather her things together.

“But you are right, I have to get my stuff sorted out. That’s what I’m doing now actually. Get the apartment renovated. Get the divorce done. Ai wants me to come and tell his parents but I think he can manage that on his own.” Jazz huffed a dry laughter. As if he would really manage anything like that.

“I – I think I need some time off. Without clients and work and – you know. So next week I start some extended holidays but I will be there for any wedding talk you need.”

“You want time off but you also want to take on my clients?” Miho laughed. “You know all three of us are pretty messed up.”

Shaking her head, she slid all the things into her bag and pulled the strap to her shoulder.

“Have YOU told Selina?” she then asked, pausing to chug half her cappuccino before beginning to walk. “Me off date scenario duty and you out for, how long?”

Jazz laughed.

“Can’t help being greedy. A girl can get everything she wants after all, can’t she?” Well, maybe not everything.

“Sel knows. She doesn’t know how long exactly, but to be honest I don’t know either. She wasn’t really happy about it as you can imagine. And I think when she learns that you are out of business she will really need some alcohol. Or sex. Maybe both.”

After a short moment Jazz gathered all her courage.

“Can you do something for me? If – if he’s still your client, can you find someone nice for him? I know I messed that up and I know it’s not fair to drag you into this, but I can’t do that on my own. Or at all. I – I might be away for some time. Enough time to make good on your promise. Or your threat, whatever you want to call it.”

Hadn’t Miho said she would find someone for him within 3 months? Jazz only wanted him to be happy in the end. She couldn’t be any more selfish right now.

“It was a promise of course,” Miho replied, stopping on the pavement just outside the café. “Are you running? Is that hat this vacation is?”

Ya – Miho shifted back into tough love mode. Still, that promise-threat about finding Kuni a wife? She meant to do it, and in fact was already working on it.

Jazz shook her head.

“No, not running. More like – letting go. Making a clean cut and try to start again. You know how that works. I can’t drag around some of the stuff any longer. Might even sell the apartment, I don’t know yet.”

They reached the office building and Jazz was grateful, she didn’t know what else to tell Miho now.

“Go and tell Selina. She might be angry at first but she will be really happy for you. We both are.”

With a wave she went off into her office.

 After telling Selina about her shiny new commitment, Miho flopped down into her comfy office chair and took out her phone. She didn’t call Goto, after all, he had his own work during the day which really didn’t allow him to take calls as freely as Miho’s job did. Instead she shot him another text, apologising for having to cancel the dinner date she’d agreed to less than an hour ago.

When her phone rang in her hand she was surprised, but smiled and answered.

“Maybe I should have called you after all,” she said in greeting, leaning back.

“You just caught me at a good time,” Goto told her, a smile in his voice. “Miss Mann took our news well then?”

“Better than I thought she would,” Miho admitted. “No drama at all except perhaps for her super level of excitement and the declaration that she and Selina will be planning an extravaganza of a ceremony.”

Goto chuckled, and it put warmth in Miho’s cheeks.

Jesus Miho, you’re not seventeen anymore.

But the sound of his laugh was so pleasant and genuine, she just couldn’t help it.

Got it bad.

“Is that what you want?” he asked – a genuine question not fearful of the answer.

“A huge fuss?” she sought in clarification, but didn’t wait for it. “Nah – though you know, this is your first marriage so, if you want to go all out I’m fine with that too. Just, no white for me.”

“You in white is hard to imagine,” he mused, and immediately Miho guffawed.

“Are you trying to suggest, Mr. Goto, that I’m somehow not pure enough to wear white?”

“Ah no, no of course not,” Goto rushed, in full and flustered retreat. “I just meant, you know that… you…”

“That I couldn’t possibly be pure, because what woman who makes a man moan like I’ve made you moan, could be?” she offered lightly, knowing full well where ever he was taking the call, he was blushing furiously.

On the other end Miho heard some shuffling, like he was switching the phone to his other ear.

“If I start thinking about that right now, I’ll be in trouble,” he admitted, and now Miho laughed.

“You have your own office right? I could always swing by and help get you out of trouble,” she offered – in no way innocently.

“You are trouble,” he asserted, and she could tell he was shaking his head. “And you can wear whatever colour you like.”

“I feel like we’re jumping the gun just a little with ceremony preparations, when I haven’t even met your folks,” she chuckled.

“We should do that, soon,” he stated, and now he just sounded happy. “But your text made it sound like work’s a bit up in the air for you right now?”

“Yeah, Jazz is going on ‘extended vacation’, but you know when she suggested she might sell her apartment, that makes it sound a whole lot more permanent,” Miho replied. “Which makes it difficult for me to get her and Mr. Aikawa together. I’m going to really have to get my plot on.”

“You sure that’s what she wants? What he wants?” he asked, and Miho was already nodding before he’d finished.

“Yes and yes, without a single doubt,” she affirmed. “She’s having trouble seeing beyond her baggage – familiar story I know, but if I can see the light, then I’m going to shine it the hell into her eyes until she opens them and sees it too.”

“Remind me not to get on your bad side,” he joked.

“It’s bound to happen at some time or other,” she acknowledged. “But you’re cute, so that’ll work in your favour.”

“Do you think, maybe, you could come up with a more masculine descriptor?” he sighed.

“Why? Are you insecure about your manhood?” she questioned, then grinned like an idiot. “Because you shouldn’t be – your manhood is…”

“Miho!” he interrupted, and she let it go.

“Okay okay. Anyway, I’m sorry for redacting my yes to dinner. I want to see you but by the time Jazz and Selina are done with me, it won’t be pretty.”

“Now that is something I can’t imagine,” he said affectionately. “But, if you need someone to hold back your hair, I’m your man.”

“Yeah, I guess you are,” she smiled, exhaling. “We should definitely catch up tomorrow.”

“Dinner at my place?” he offered. “I’ll even tidy up.”

“Ha ha, you know I know you’re shocking at that.”

“The effort should mean something, surely,” he responded.

“Yeah okay, we’ll see,” she snickered. “Seven-thirty?”

“Perfect,” he agreed.

“I’m going to wear white lingerie, just so you can see how well you think it works,” she added cheekily.

@nitelotus @smutmylifeup @smile-smile-ichthys @mirandaflamel @blexsar

[the32ndbeat]

describe your mutuals as types of youtubers

man, i’ve been seeing a lot of these around! thank you anon for sending me this ask, this is gonna be interesting XD ( also p.s i love your brain, i’d never have been able to think of asks like that )

here goes!! ( i’m relatively new on tumblr so if yours is completely inaccurate i’m sorry lmao )

kara ( @heyy-sicheng​​ )

for some reasons i can see kara doing family vlogs

kinda like shaytards!

she just seems like such a sweet and family oriented person

the aura she has is just so warm and lovable

and that instantly makes ppl feel comfortable in her presence

talking to her is just so easy fr!

idk if this makes sense but you know how romance dramas or movies they always have that one senior who everyone just loves and they’re known for their kindness?

i think that’s how i’d describe kara

i haven’t even been on here long

but i feel like i can already tell her most things ^^

laid back and easygoing vibessss (is that even a thing? if it isn’t i’m making it a thing)

dee ( @atbzkingdom​ )

dee is definitely one of them beauty gurus imo

no, not the james charles sort

maybe jenn im but a darker ver?

she screams classiness and high end tastes

and also she’s so pretty i-

to me, dee’s got a very unapologetic personality and i love the boldness she projects

i feel like i’m talking to a really cool older sister when i’m talking to her

and she does photography too! so i’m thinking she’s got a good eye for aesthetics

which most beauty gurus have

emma ( @jopping-to-my-kpop​ )

hmm i think emma would be one of those meme youtubers or maybe a regular in REACT

like jenna marbles or memeulous ( if you haven’t heard of him pls go watch his vids, i love him omg )

ppl live to hear her opinions on diff things

bc they’re just so interesting

and the way she says them is so funny and savage

especially when she throws shade talks about ppl like danielle cohn ( no offense if you’re a fan )

i feel like emma is a very strong minded and opinionated and i rly rly like that about her

don’t be intimidated though

she’s actually super super kind and i’m so glad we’re mutuals :’)

bea ( @chaoticdeobi​ )

ok bea, i’m getting strong booktuber vibes

her works are *chef’s kiss*

i’m still in awe, i love her writing (i’m also very hyped for neoz party omg)

she seems super well read and the scenarios she writes are so creative and cute???

galaxy brain for sure

i can totally imagine bea doing book recs and everyone just drinking in whatever she’s saying bc she’s legit

she could talk about a book on pickles and i’d listen to her all the way

extremely sweet, bookish girl next door vibes

think mackenzie lane!

clarie ( @passionfruithyuck​ )

clarie would imo do great as a study youtuber who vlogs about college/uni life

like paigey or unjaded jade on yt

homegirl knows like 4-5 languages?

like HOW?!! that’s super impressive

100% an intellectual

i feel like she’s someone who is very dedicated to her craft (ie writing) and puts in a lot of effort in whatever she does

very chill aura!!

extremely friendly and good natured

supportive too, she’s someone you would love to be close friends with

amber ( @moondustaeil​​ )

i think amber would do great as a lifestyle vlogger

ok so hear me out

i think ppl would love to know more about her as a person

bc her personality is so alluring and appealing ( that sounded kinda weird but you know what i mean )

and you just want to get on her good side

i look up to her ><

tbh i was kinda intimidated by her at first but after talking to her, it’s like why would i ever think that

she's so nice!!

and her personality is very attractive to me

anie ( @mjlkau )

another booktuber for sure ^^

anie’s fics are always well written

and the concepts are always like from another world altogether

like seance? sign me the hell up

super likeable and precious!!

exudes this rly lively aura imo

which is honestly so refreshing

she’s very open and outgoing

and i want to be like that too someday, pls teach me your way anie ><

leyna ( @jensungf​ )

i think leyna could be a diy youtuber

like maybe bethany mota?

idk why but like to me, there’s something about diy youtubers

they all seem very warm and gentle

like they could be the mom friend in their friend groups

seems like she would be amazing with children

and they love her because she just gets them and she’s just make ppl feel so at ease talking to her

very genuine person and i love talking to her!

sunny ( @neocitybynight )

idk if sunny games but i feel like she could be a great at running a gaming channel

like maybe iHasCupcakes + JaidenAnimations ( i know that’s not a gaming channel but idk i get reminded of jaiden when i think of sunny )

to me, gamers are just so cool and they just have this rly spunky aura to them

and that’s what sunny is

she’s also very amiable, relatable af

i can totally see her playing some horror game on her pc in a dark room and just have a few cups of coffee next to her

being completely unfazed by whatever is going on

that whole aesthetic just seem so much like sunny idk why

also she’s a film major

how cool is that?!!

whoa that was longer than i expected! i took about an hour and a half to answer this lol and it’s like 12am now welps