In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“Forcing groups of teenagers to learn how to use deadly force is really weird and disturbing!” he announced, throwing another knife, and another, and then one over his shoulder. “Everyone has a choice, if they choose to make one, and I choose not to do this. The value of people does not rest on their ability to hurt others.”

Iconic

Luke rolled his eyes. “Elliot, beetles do not write songs.”

I love their dynamic. TTHIS is how you write enemies to lovers

Why are you upsetting me?” “Why are you upsetting me?”

These two are peak 14 year olds

Luke was extremely disinclined to discuss my first experience of a woman’s menses.” Luke stared ferociously into the middle distance, obviously trying to visualize himself somewhere else, having an entirely different conversation. Serene patted him on the back. “Perfectly all right, I should have had more respect for your delicate masculine sensibilities.”

I cannot handle this right now serene I love you

Elliot gave up on being nice. “Ugh, you’re the worst, leave and never come back.” Luke fell asleep instead. After about six minutes, there came a knock.

Otp

“You are wrong and stupid and wrong about everything,” Elliot said. “Someone save me from this conversation.” “Hi,” said Adam. “Do you mind?” said Luke. “Get lost,” Elliot told him.

The best bit

“I’m—I like guys,” said Luke, staring at his desk. “Romantically.” Elliot put his hand up so fast he almost dislocated his arm. Captain Whiteleaf was staring and nodded, possibly on stunned autopilot. “Since when?” Elliot demanded. Luke put his hand back up. “Since always.” Elliot put his hand up in retaliation. “That’s absurd.”

This is the funniest fucking coming out scene I’ve ever read. Literally why would you choose now Luke. Why. And the whole hand raising thing is hysterical

that Luke was not Elliot’s friend.

How are you so fucking stupid

“Where have you been?” demanded Luke. “Where did you go? I thought—I don’t know what I thought, you stupid, selfish, irresponsible—” “Hey, loser, why are you bothering me?” asked Elliot, happy to see him also. “I’m going to kill you,” said Luke. “I am literally going to kill you.”

Why are they the epitome of romance

unless you counted the letter of Serene’s Golden had returned with DRIVEL written over it in violet ink.

What an ICON I love him. Golden please be my friend

“You’re not a jerk,” said Luke, and smiled up at him. “I mean, you’re not always a jerk.” He hesitated, then added: “And when you are a jerk, I usually like it.”

Ideal romance. I love them

“Excuse me, sweetheart,” said Elliot. “Darling? A moment of your time? Sugarplum? Sugargrape? Sugarassortedfruitsandvegetables?” Luke did not even turn his head. “HEY, LOSER!” said Elliot. “Elliot,” Luke said at once, looking around and then jumping easily off his horse.

Oh my GOD. the epitome of romance