#there aren’t many funny haha moments in young royals

[shameless-notashamed]

Young Royals 2x04

[jillianallen14]

Spirk fanfic rec

Some amazing Spirk fanfic to bless your dash because I’m falling in love with this shit all over again (this is like the 10th time this has happened lol):

Entering Orbit:  Jim escapes to Iowa to avoid the media frenzy following the Narada incident, but a late-night miscommunication results in Spock turning up on his front porch; rated m; 30,957 words

Papers in the Roadside:  Non-Starfleet AU. Jim owns a small bar in Chicago, keeps on picking up strays and taking care of everyone no matter how hard it makes his own life. Spock is a journalist writing feature articles for the Chicago Tribune; he depicts the world with uncanny skill, but hides more than one personal drama and is possibly under surveillance from the Vulcan royal family. They meet by accident just before their lives start to spin out of control; rated e; 49,637 words

Take Refuge in What You Know:  AU - Kirk has moved into a apartment/house and wants to get to know his neighbors. He meets his neighbor Spock, a loner who suffers from extreme agoraphobia. Kirk thinks he's beautiful enigma; rated e; 120,334 words

Listen, this is not only my favorite Star Trek fic of all time, it’s also one of my favorite fanfics in general. It’s right up there with Text Talk and The Shoebox Project from the HP fandom, which if you’ve read, you know are incredible and frankly life-changing. And this fanfic changed my life. The description the author gives doesn’t do the beauty of this fic justice. I suffer from agoraphobia and Spock’s depiction as an agoraphobic man was probably the most well-researched, sympathetic, empathetic, caring, realistic portrayal of what it’s like to be agoraphobic that I’ve ever witnessed in fiction. It made me cry like a child because I had never felt so seen and understood. This writer is incredible, and this fic is incredible. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an AU, which I’m usually pretty wary about, but it barely even feels like an AU. It just feels like Jim and Spock. The author’s understanding of both of their characters’ is perfect, like just a spot-on portrayal of who they are. This fic genuinely helped me accept who I am and helped me understand that I am capable of & deserving of love. If you don’t read any other Star Trek fics (and you def should read more Star Trek fics because they’re amazing), then let this one be the one you read. I dare you not to read it three times in a row like I did.

Observations:  First Officer Spock comments on life aboard the Enterprise and his service under Captain James T. Kirk; rated m; 500,000+ words.

So the author of this fic actually did a thing where they made this fic into two books (similar to what The Shoebox Project authors did many years ago in the HP fandom). They don’t get any money from people buying the books; the cost is just to go towards producing the books. This fic is the equivalent of two LARGE novels. We’re talking 600 pages & up. It’s a huge fic. Now, that being said, I read it in one day. ONE DAY. It’s that good. This is another one of my all-time favorite fics, though not quite as dear to my heart as the one I listed above. It’s focused on AOS, and tbh, I forget that what happens in this book isn’t actually canon. Like it’s so well-told, it just feels like it’s now part of the timeless story of Kirk & Spock. The “professional” Star Trek writers would never be brave enough to do what this author does with Kirk and Spock, though. This fic will make you angry, will make you laugh, will make you cry. It has such a good grasp on every single character. It also shows the love between the crew of the Enterprise, which is always a treat, and it’s beautifully done in this fic. It has a sorta-enemies-to-lovers arc between Spirk and an enemies-to-close-friends arc between Spock and McCoy that is beautifully done and fleshed out. This fic is definitely a journey to go through, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s extremely slow burn, and you will want to slap both Kirk and Spock (and McCoy) upside the head at certain points lol. 

Of Coffee Beans and Green Tea Leaves:  The progression of a relationship, through Coffee Beans and Green Tea Leaves. Basically, it’s an AU where Kirk works at a coffee shop to pay his way through school, and Spock visits often. rated t; 16,429 words

Love, love, love, this fic. It’s cute, it’s in character. They have kind of a rocky start together, so it’s got a little bit of that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy i-hated-you-but-now-i-love-you-marry-me vibes to it. I’m a sucker for that, if you haven’t figured that out by now lol. It’s really good, and a really enjoyable read. And it’s not too long, if you’re in the mood for something on the shorter end of things.

 Please Don’t Touch the Vulcans:  The "yes" is out of Jim's mouth before he can think about it. Jim is chipper about having time off for the holidays. He asks everyone if they want to spend time together but sadly, everyone ditches Jim over the holidays because they have plans. McCoy visits his daughter, Nyota visits her family, and everyone splits. Not knowing Spock has feelings for him, Jim doesn't even bother asking if he wants to spend time together figuring he has something to do. Something cute, romantic with the boys spending time with one another and confessions; rated m; 17,690 words

Super cute and has lots of Sarek, which idk about y’all, but I’m always a fan of. Sarek and Jim kind of get to know each other a bit, and it’s cute. Sarek knows about they’re in love before Spock & Kirk know lol. If I remember correctly, there’s also some appearances from everyone’s favorite: Old!Spock! You also get a little bit of jealous and protective Young!Spock. So you’re in for a real treat with this one. 

The Ren shat’var Trilogy:  A split-second decision changes Jim's life forever, as he enters into a bond with Spock in the face of certain torture. Enemies to the Federation emerge from unlikely places, and the command team must contend with unexpected threats, as well as challenges within their own intense relationship. In this three-part series, the Enterprise races across the galaxy to confront the unknown, and Jim and Spock discover the true significance of their unprecedented connection; rated e; 184,411 words

Textual Attraction:  Valentine’s Day does not bring up pleasant memories for Cadet Kirk. But the serendipitous switch-up of his cell phone with a particular Vulcan professor’s will make his day far more interesting –and romantic. Perhaps some new memories can be made! 15,900 words

SO GOOD. Just SO good

Spaceman:  Academy AU. Five times Spock realizes he's attracted to a barista at the academy spaceport, and one time he decides to do something about it. rated t; 3728 words

Short, sweet, funny. You’ll love it.

Subtext: Texting your Vulcan first officer in the middle of the night is never a good idea. Especially when you have an obsessive crush on said Vulcan.The holidays are approaching and Jim is left entirely Spockless aboard the Enterprise when his First takes shore leave on New Vulcan. After some midnight pining, Jim sends a text he instantly regrets. That is, until Spock responds and willingly continues their textual communications to an inevitable conclusion; rated t; 13,032 words

Cute, sweet, funny. It’s a texting fic. I think you’ve probably figured out I love those. This one makes me laugh so fucking hard. Like actually laugh-out-loud-omg-did-i-just-snort kind of funny. Spock is great in this one

All Spock Wants For Christmas:  While Jim is away on a delegation mission, he panics about what to give Spock for Christmas. With help from Bones and Uhura, and in between some spam texting with Spock, Jim realizes he already has the perfect gift. And all it needs is wrapping paper and a bow; rated t; 11,966 words

And here we have another cute, sweet, funny texting fic. Sue me lol

The Morning After:  Jim convinces Spock to take shore leave with him on Risa, hoping the time together will help re-solidify their bond of friendship after some recent tension. Meanwhile, Spock convinces himself he's on Risa for one reason and one reason only, to prevent his wayward captain from getting into trouble. After a passionately illogical night of Romulan Ale and chocolate infused liquor, everything changes when Jim wakes with something other than a hangover filling his head. Something he's sure neither he nor Spock can handle. Because if Jim knows anything for sure, it's that his messed up thoughts belong nowhere near Spock's clean, ordered mind; rated m; 50,381 words

HAHA. This fic fucking cracks me up. You’ve got drunk boys pining over each other & not realizing it. You’ve got accidental marriage. You’ve got bed sharing. It’s great, it’s cute, it’s funny. 

Take This Sinking Boat (And Point It Home):  In which Spock pines, Jim isn’t stupid (except he kind of is), and Christopher Pike has had enough of this bullshit; 6698 words

Pike is great in this one, and it’s super, super funny.

Extracurricular Activities:   Spock returns to the Academy from a tour of duty to find an intriguing cadet captures his attention; rated e; 15,433 words

Veritas: Basically, Kirk and Spock are on trial because the Federation thinks they are emotionally compromised by each other, which is putting the lives of their crew in danger. They have to convince a court they’re not actually in love with each other. They think the claims are bullshit. They think it will be easy to prove that they aren’t in love or emotionally compromised, damn it. It isn’t; rated m; 186,80 words

This one is so, so good. A real gem off of Fanfic.net. I remember it was actually one of the first Spirk fanfics I ever read, and it blew me away. The progression of their relationship is really well-done and interesting. It has star-crossed lovers vibes and has some really emotionally intense moments in it, especially for Spock. 

A Habitual Affection:  Living in 1930s New York with the Vulcan you're secretly in love with is no simple thing. But Jim never liked anything simple. And then, the big snowstorm hit...; rated t; 7998 words

A beautiful TOS fic about one of the gayest episodes of Star Trek. Love this one. 

Atlas:  Between what was and what will be stands James Tiberius Kirk, in all his fractured patchwork glory. Because saving the Federation was only the beginning; rated t; 135,529 words

A beaut. Really great characterization, and the progression of Jim and Spock’s relationship is really well-done.

[gabenathreversebang]

GabeNath Reverse Bang 2020 Masterpost

Lady in Blue

When Gabriel akumatizes Audrey again, it goes awry and backfires on him. When he, Ladybug and Chat Noir are compromised, Nathalie decides it’s time for her to take matters into her own hands.

Fanfic, archived Art, archived

Changing Hearts and Changing Tides

The Agreste boys and their plus one, Nathalie, have decided to spend the week in a cabin by the coast. While Gabriel tries to mend his fractured relationship with Adrien, Nathalie is more or less there to keep the peace, but she soon finds herself out of her depth. With emotions shifting as frequently as the tide can the trio band together and take strides towards the future, or will they be swept out to sea and left hanging?

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Your Sword and Shield

The last time the Graham de Vanilys showed up to the Agreste mansion, they proved they are not to be trusted. Nathalie should have known Amelie would go to treacherous lengths to get under her skin. After a tense confrontation and the shocking reveal of a new villain, Nathalie must step into a new role to protect the one she loves.

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A Moment of Reflection

After a particularly upsetting defeat, Gabriel is feeling like it might be time to throw in the butterfly brooch and move on. Nathalie tries to encourage him to continue but even she has some reservations about the idea. The two have a heart to heart over some brandy and learn things about each other.

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well, of course i’ve tried lavender

K O E L N @archekoeln you think, i didn’t know mayura was the type to resort to something like this? but you’re wrong, because now you’re being carried like a sack of potatoes above paris and, 3/11

K O E L N @archekoeln well, the view’s nice and all but you’re also in the arms of a villain??? 4/11

K O E L N @archekoeln you also think, how is she so strong??? because you know you aren’t as light as a feather (haha i’m funny) and her arms are skinny af, but you know, magic i guess 5/11

or

An online thread about Mayura sparks something in Gabriel. And as her boss (and friend, and villainous partner, and her something), isn’t it his job to… to do what exactly? Well, even he doesn’t know.

Fanfic, archived Art, archived

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Superheroes, in daily life, usually remained hidden. Men and women, bestowed with god-like powers, living among those whose only powers remained in their knowledge and talents. One of these heroes was Mayura, a peacock-themed superheroine with the power to create new life. As more laborers were going on strike, Mayura’s efforts to keep the economy from deflating were more crucial than ever. Because of her, livelihoods were kept intact for the destitute. For the corporate overlords, however, she was the bane of their luxurious existence. But what does this mean to Gabriel Agreste?

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Broken Arrow

Ordinary innkeeper Nathalie is plagued with visions of a captive Gabriel, begging for help. She sets out to recruit his son Adrien, the Demigod of Love, to aid her in freeing Gabriel from Emilie, the goddess of beauty. But Nathalie doesn’t know the secret that Adrien keeps from her that may tear them all apart.

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Gabriel’s Inferno

Nothing seemed to predict how it all would end, and yet it had to have been obvious. It had been weeks since Mayura’s last appearance and he didn’t even let her go out to fight in person, but a broken miraculous doesn’t get carried away by precautions once it’s activated. With Nathalie balancing between life and death, Gabriel will have the opportunity to fix things or lose himself forever in a hellish battle that will overcome all nightmares.

Fanfic (English), archived Fanfic (Spanish), archived Art, archived

If I Could Turn Back Time

Gabriel and Nathalie obtain the rabbit miraculous and travel into the paths of time as Velveteen and Mayura, with the goal of preventing the chain of events that would lead to Emilie’s death. But on their way to Tibet, they encounter surprising visions of possible futures that leave them questioning what is possible and what they really want.

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This is Hallowe’en

With All Hallow’s Eve hanging over their heads, the Agreste household gets wrapped into celebrating Samhain. With Gabriel and Adrien following Nathalie’s knowledgeable path, they can not fail, probably. This moderately functional family will honor Emilie Agreste in the best ways they can.

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Malleable Fates

A red thread starts materializing around Gabriel’s finger nearly two decades after he’s already found his soulmate. As he and Nathalie devise a faultless plan to finally win Ladybug and Chat Noir’s miraculous and bring back his wife, Gabriel fights the onslaught of confusing feelings brought about the mysterious reappearance of his soulmate string - including the sneaking suspicion that his soulmate maybe isn’t who she used to be.

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The Splintered Soul Staring Back At Me

In the aftermath of the battle and a brief hospital stay, Nathalie is safe at home. Her recovery has been a bit stagnant, but she’s been granted leave from work and the miraculous is finally fixed. Things can only go up from here, right?

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With the Flap of a Butterfly’s Wing

It only took one little thing, the barest of moments, for Duusu to feel their love, and decide that they had to do something about it. Which was how Duusu ended up roping Nooroo into trying everything under the sun to match up their two stubborn holders.

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The Orders He Defies

After her husband’s death, Nathalie Sancoeur fell into deep despair. Determined to bring him back, she set her goal on obtaining the Black Cat and Ladybug miraculous, using the power of her own one. All her attempts for the last year, however, were futile. Should she remain careful? Or should she let it all burn, as her assistant Gabriel suggests she should? And is the goal even worth its price?

Fanfic (English), archived Fanfic (Ukranian), archived Art, archived

Royal Pain

Nathalie liked to think that she would make a pretty good king. If she had been born as the opposite sex, anyways. But as the facts were, Princess Nathalie Sancoeur had a duty thrust upon her that she would rather have not, all things considered: to be married to a foreign prince, in order to bring good fortune to her family and kingdom, and bolster their strength should the rapidly-cooling relations with one of the neighboring countries turn into a full-blown war. It was enough to make her gag every time she thought of it.

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Dancing on Broken Glass

It was Lila that almost reduced Paris to rubble.It was that conflict that caused an irreversible change to two miraculous holders.It was that change that brought them together.

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Anagnorisis

«Define Hubris»

Gabriel never considered how much a Deus Ex Machina would cost.

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Worth

It’s been seventeen years since Nathalie and Gabriel sat in the cramped studio working hard to get the brand off the ground, and now he can’t help but reflect on those long-forgotten years.

Before Emilie. Before Adrien. Before the money and fame.

As he looks at her across his desk… he wonders if it was all worth it.

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A Witch’s Desire

Gabriel Agreste was a peculiar man, who was known around town both as a famous fashion designer and a powerful witch who was able to read and control minds, though he never used that second power unless there was a real emergency. Heck, he barely even used the first. But after losing his wife, Gabriel becomes desperate to do anything he can to bring her back, even that means using his powers for evil, or tracking down a mysterious powerful witch who had disappeared many years ago, with the power to bring the dead back to life.

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Not a Minute of Peace

Even though the akuma wants to shackle them, the Collector and Catalyst have more freedom than Gabriel and Nathalie ever had. They may be criminals turned into prey, but they enjoy the hunt. There is only one thing they are running from.

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Revision

Nathalie made the wish.

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The Woman With The Golden Feathers

The annual Bourgeois masquerade comes at the right time for Gabriel. In a moment of personal uncertainty after his discreet divorce, he will find the possible answer in a mysterious lady with golden feathers.

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Time and Time Again

The stress of being a young designer trying to make it in the fashion industry is taking its toll, and Gabriel’s and Nathalie’s marriage is slowly unraveling.

They’ve stood the tests of life since their first year of university, but when everything comes crashing down, Gabriel finds himself stuck reliving the day it happened. Failing and falling, time and time again with every passing ‘day’. Why is he here? How can he stop it? The answer lies in a choice as to what matters more: his career or the woman who has stood by him through it all.

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Clarity

A year after Hawkmoth’s surrender, Gabriel asks Nathalie to join him to gaze at the stars. While she waits for him, she contemplates the empty space left by the removal of the portrait from the foyer hall. Growth ensues for them both as they learn to just be by each other’s side.

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C’est la Vie; C’est le Ballet

After the death of his wife, upstart choreographer Gabriel Agreste is looking for a new star for his ballet, Miraculous. Hard to please and willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of the show, none of the auditionees fit his artistic vision…

…except Nathalie, a former prima ballerina turned ballet instructor. She’s stoic and very dedicated to her craft, but there’s a reason she stopped performing four years ago and it has dangerous potential.

Through the trials and triumphs and betrayals that run hand in hand with the world of ballet, Gabriel and Nathalie begin to find something more in each other’s company, and perhaps the seeds of new beginnings.

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I’m Praying (There’s Saving)

It was to be Gabriel’s first party on Olympus, but little did he know it would also be the last. Not only for him, but for everyone. In the blink of an eye everything changed, sending the god of nature and his newborn son to take refuge with the Queen of the Dead. They thought they were safe, but even the depths of the underworld couldn’t escape the King’s wrath forever.

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[cresswellvaneck]

Can you write No. 1 AKA soulmates AU for either Cresswell or Wolflet because your writing is honestly so beautiful and makes me cry tears of joy!

Okay so this has been sitting in my inbox for forever now (I’m so sorry) but as it’s summer now and I don’t have school for a few months, I’ll be doing fic requests again! So here is the long awaited (at least by me anyways haha) Cresswell Soulmates AU! 

Thorne dragged a towel through his damp hair and wiped down the foggy mirror. He smirked at his reflection and pointed finger guns at himself in the mirror. He turned slightly to catch a glimpse of his soulmate tattoo on his right shoulder blade and sighed. Of course the fates had to give him and his soulmate a silhouette of a naked woman as their matching tattoos. While he wasn’t exactly complaining about the tattoo itself (I mean what guy doesn’t want to wake up to a hot, naked woman every day? He’d asked himself) but rather complaining about its repercussions.  Everyone had made fun of him in school, and his parents were absolutely mortified. They’d even tried to have it removed, knowing full well that soulmate tattoos were permanent, no matter what.

He figured that the girl with the matching tattoo wasn’t too pleased to have a naked woman as a permanent fixture on her body. “I guess I’ll find out when I meet her,” he told himself with a sigh.

--

“Gah! Why can’t I just have a normal tattoo like you, Cinder?” Cress groaned. “I mean come on! You and Kai have a cute crown on your wrists, and then Scar has the moon and stars on her ankle! That’s not fair!”

“Okay, Cress, if you’d just tell us what yours was, then maybe we’d know if it was actually that bad,” Cinder replied.

“No. It’s too embarrassing.”

Cinder put her head in her hand, “Okay, well at least tell us where it is. I mean how are you supposed to find this guy, if you won’t tell anyone what--or where--it is?”

“Yeah, come on Cress.” Scarlet chimed in. “Please?”

Cress hesitated. “Alright, fine. But you aren’t allowed to push me anymore. I’m going to tell you where it is. And only where it is.”

Scarlet and Cinder shot each other a look. “Fine.” They agreed.

“Well…it’s on my shoulder blade…” she Cress admitted.

There was a moment of silence as the other girls processed this new information.

“…pleeeeeease!” they begged. “We won’t tell anyone! We promise! Just tell us what it is!”

“Tell you what what is?” Thorne interrupted, as he strode in the door.

“Nothing!” Cress practically yelled. She blushed as the other three in the room shot her weird looks. “We were talking about nothing,” she stated more calmly.

Her crush on Carswell Thorne was absolutely massive, and he’d made it apparent that he’d had a thing for her as well. But as they lived in a world dictated by a stupid, starsforsaken tattoo, they couldn’t do anything about their mutual feelings. She hoped that whoever was lucky enough to have a matching mark with Thorne would be good for him, and she hoped against hope, that whoever was stuck with the same wretched tattoo as her, wasn’t a total creep.

She snapped out of her reverie, realizing that she’d been staring at Thorne. He wore a sad smile on his face, and shrugged as if he knew what she was thinking about.

Cinder and Scarlet shared a knowing look and decided to change the subject, recognizing the hard feelings that had come with the topic of tattoos and soulmates. “So what’s for lunch, Thorne?”

“I know I was supposed to cook, but is take-out cool for everyone?” he grinned sheepishly.

Scarlet glared at him, while Cinder let out a relieved sigh, “thank the stars. You are a terrible cook anyway Captain.”

Cress giggled.

Thorne turned to Cinder, “I’ll have you know that I am fully aware of my lack of skills in the kitchen, but,” he grinned, “I make up for that with my exceeding skills in the bedroom.”

Cress felt the sudden rise of heat to her cheeks and itched to turn away. Cinder on the other hand, decked him, with her cyborg hand no less.

“OW!”

“Shut up, it didn’t hurt that much.”

Before Thorne could get in another word, or Cinder another blow, Scarlet stepped in and handed each of them a plate of food. “Stop bickering, or I’ll have to put you on time out.”

“We’re not children,” Thorne protested.

Scarlet gave him The Look and he immediately apologized.

Cress turned to Cinder and spoke, “Can you believe tomorrow is you and Kai’s fifth anniversary? Are you ready for tonight?”

“I know. It feels like it’s been way shorter than that,” she sighed dreamily, “I guess time flies when you’re having fun. And yeah, we’re ready for the party tonight. I really hope no one comes though. Except for the Rampion Crew, of course.” The last part she said with a grin.

--

“Oh my stars, Cress you look fantastic!” Iko squealed.

Cress let out a slight giggle, and replied, “stop it Iko. You always look wonderful!” She looked over at Emilie and said with a wink, “you’re one lucky lady.”

They all shared a few minutes of catching up, then Cress let the other two girls go meet everyone else at the party.

Cress was always in awe of Iko because of the choice that she’d made. The law dictated that your soulmate was also to be your future spouse, but Iko had fallen in love with Emilie before she’d met her soulmate and decided to remain a fugitive in order to stay with her girlfriend. The two of them had been dating for three years, and getting over the hurdle that they’d never be able to marry had been a huge ordeal for a time, then they realized that as long as they were together, that would be enough.

Cress glanced over at Thorne who was laughing it up with Winter and Scarlet (Jacin’s scowl indicated that he didn’t find Thorne’s joke that funny) and sighed. She wished that she could have the guts to tell the government to screw it, and be with who she wanted to be with—that being Thorne.

Kai’s arm around her shoulder snapped her out of her self-deprecating train of thought. “Hey, Cress! How’s it going?” His smile was practically blinding he was so happy. Cress plastered a fake one to match on her own face.

“Kai! Happy anniversary!”

“Thanks! I can’t believe it’s been five years!” he sighed happily. “So what’s new with you? Any luck finding your soulmate?”

She winced, eliciting a regretful look from Kai. “I’m sorry, Cress. I didn’t mean to bring it up. I’m an idiot.”“No! No, you’re not, Kai,” she said with that once-again-forced smile. “It’s perfectly fine. I’m just glad to be here celebrating with you and yours.”

Kai laughed uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah. Sorry again.”

Cress brushed it off and changed the subject (a skill she was getting increasingly better at these days). “I thought Cinder said she didn’t want that many guests?”

“Well, with me being the emperor and all, I’m obligated to invite all of New Beijing’s aristocrats to events like this. The job does have its perks though,” he said gazing lovingly at his wife.

“Go on, Kai,” Cress said with a nudge to his shoulder, “I’ll be fine.”

Kai thanked her with a parting hug and walked over to where many of the guests were listening to Cinder telling the epic story of how the ‘Royal Lovebirds’ had met.

Cress grabbed a flute of champagne from one of the circling wait staff, and sipped as she watched everyone. She watched as all of the couples began dancing as the music grew louder. She watched as Iko and Emilie started feeding each other strawberries and giggled. Winter and Jacin were doing a sort of square dance, Winter taking the lead, and Jacin actually seeming to be enjoying it. Scarlet was barefoot and standing on Wolf’s feet as he led her awkwardly across the dance floor. Cress saw Thorne standing at the side chatting—and possibly flirting—with a few other people, and lost her nerve.

She drained her glass and quickly set it on the nearest table, and ran to the bathroom.

As soon as the door clicked behind her, she dropped to her knees sobbing.

--

Thorne was sick to death of listening to all these people gush about Cinder and Kai. Of course he loved the two of them, they were two of his best friends. But he couldn’t stand it when other people, especially these aristocrats, thought they knew the royal couple better than he did. And when they talked about how the two had met—as if they had anything to do with it!

He rubbed his hand angrily through his hair and politely excused himself, before he started yelling at anyone.

He scanned the crowd, looking for his favorite blond, but no luck. He asked Emilie and Iko if either of them had seen Cress, but no they had not. Maybe she went home? He checked his watch but it was only 7 o’clock, so she mustn’t have left yet.

A member of the wait staff approached him and said, “are you looking for that small blond woman?”

“Yes!” He said with a bit too much enthusiasm. He schooled his features and replied, “yes. Did you see where she went?”

“She ran off towards the washroom. She looked quite upset.”

Thorne realized how hard tonight would have been for her, especially with him there. He thanked the waiter and hurried off to find Cress.

--

Cress was backed up against the door, hugging her knees to her chest. The tears just wouldn’t stop coming.

She wiped her nose and her thoughts tumbled through her brain, never ceasing. She thought how silly she was behaving by locking herself in a bathroom and crying over a boy. A boy she had never even met no less! She was still young—twenty-four years old—so she had plenty of time to meet her soulmate. Her soulmate with a ridiculous tattoo of a naked woman on his shoulder blade. That then spiraled her thoughts to whether or not she would even like her soulmate. Would she luck out like most of her friends? Or would she end up with someone who was a complete jerk to her? Like Liam was to Iko.

That idea brought on a fresh wave of tears.

Cress then heard a soft knock on the door behind her.

She leapt to her feet, sniffed, and called out as cheerily as possible, “I’ll be out in a minute!”

She began to wash her face at the sink when Thorne’s voice came through the door “Cress? Are you alright?”

She gulped, her eyes brimming with tears yet again. She inched towards the door and unlocked it, then took a few steps back, leaving plenty of space in the room.

The door opened slowly, and Thorne came into view. Worry painted his features.

She couldn’t help as the tears slid down her face. “Thorne,” she sniffed, “I know it’s stupid but—”

Before she could finish, his arms were wrapped tightly around her. Cress choked back a sob and gripped the front of Thorne’s shirt, as he stroked her hair and murmured, “it’s not stupid at all, Cress.”

She let her tears fall freely.

--

By the time Cress had finished crying, the two of them were both on the floor. Thorne’s arms were still wrapped around her, and she clung to his shirt like a life line.

She tilted her head up. “Thorne?” she asked, her voice raw from all the weeping.

“Mhmm?”

“Thank you. Thank you for being here.”

He kissed the top of her head, “of course Darlin’. I don’t like seeing my favorite girl upset.”

Cress sniffled. “But I shouldn’t be your favorite girl. I’m not your soulmate…”

He looked down at her, sadness in his eyes. He breathed, “I wish you were.”

If Cress had had any tears left, she would have started again. Instead she asked, “what do you think they’re like? Our soulmates?”

He shrugged. “If yours is anything like how Liam is to Iko, I might have to engage in some fisticuffs.”

She giggled.

“No, I’m serious. You don’t deserve anyone but the best,” he insisted.

“And you’re the best, Carswell?” she said through another giggle.

He flashed her a grin, “of course I am. I did save the world, after all.”

Cress shoved him playfully, and they both laughed.

They sat in silence for a while, smiling, remembering all the good times they’d had together, with the Rampion Crew.

Thorne broke the silence, “so where is it?”

“Where is what?”

“Your tattoo.”

Her face warmed, thinking about how embarrassing it would be to have Thorne, the guy she was crazy about, learn of her provocative tattoo. “It’s on my back,” she muttered, telling a half-truth. “What about yours?”

“Shoulder.”

She hummed. “I don’t think you’ve ever told me what it was.”

Thorne laughed. “I’ve never actually told anyone what it is. The only people who know are my parents…and the doctors that they had to try and remove it.”

“Is it that bad?” she asked, knowing full well it couldn’t be as bad as her own.

He paused. Then asked, “Do you want to see it?”

She nodded hesitantly.

“But you have to promise not to laugh.”

“I promise,” she murmured. Her mind racing a mile a minute, as Thorne unbuttoned his shirt. He slipped out of it, and was left in a white undershirt. She tried to stop her eyes from roving over his where the thin material covered his well-sculpted torso, but she couldn’t help it. She flicked her eyes back up to his face, and saw his wry grin.

“You ready?” he asked.

She nodded again, biting her lip.

He turned, easily sliding on the tiled floor.

Her hand flew to her mouth as she saw the shape that she was so familiar with, that she detested so much. The silhouette of the woman’s head and torso were clear on his skin, and she could see the outline of the legs through the white of his undershirt.

He slid back around to face her, still smiling, but more sadly this time. He looked worried when he saw the expression on Cress’s face. “Is everything al—”

Cress was on him in an instant, knocking him onto his back. She crashed her lips onto his, and he let out a sound of half-surprise and half-delight. He placed his hands on her shoulders and moved them back into a sitting position, breaking his mouth away from hers.

She looked at him slightly confused, then giddily, and started “Thorne, IamsosorryImeanttosaysomethingbutIwas--”

“Slow down there, Darlin’” he laughed.

Her face was on fire, but she was so happy, she could care less. “Thorne—Carswell,” he blushed when she called him by his first name, “I—we—you’re my soulmate!” she cried out, stammering.

He laughed, unsure of what to say, or how to feel.

Cress turned her back to him, “Carswell, unzip my dress.”

He thanked the stars she couldn’t see his face, because it was tomato-red. “Uh…” his voice cracked, “Cress, I—”

“Not all the way, just the top part. Go on, it’s alright.”

He got to his knees and leaned forward, placed one hand on her shoulder, and the other on the zipper. Thorne swallowed. He pulled the zipper to about midway down her back, revealing her freckled skin underneath.

She grabbed the right sleeve of her dress and shoved it down. His heart caught in his throat. He saw the silhouette stark against Cress’s pale skin. He grinned from ear to ear. He leaned forward, and kissed her shoulder blade, all along the tattoo. He relished in the fact that Cress was shivering from his touch. He moved back slightly, allowing her to pull her sleeve back on, and he zipped up her dress without being asked.

She turned back around, shyly tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

Thorne couldn’t keep the smile off his face as he looked at her. He moved a bit closer to Cress—to his soulmate—and whispered, “it’s you.”

--

After an hour or so of kissing, of making up for lost time, and many ‘we were so stupid for not knowing’s, the two finally emerged from the bathroom. Holding hands. They walked back into the main party room, and got more than a few curious looks, from their friends and strangers alike. They had plenty of time to explain later, but they just wanted to be together in that moment.

They made their way to the dance floor, their smiles never receding, and danced. Thorne’s arms wrapped around Cress’s waist, and hers around his shoulders.

Thorne looked into Cress’s clear blue eyes, and asked, “remember when you asked me if destiny had brought us together?”

Cress giggled, and said “yeah.”

“Well, maybe I was wrong. Maybe it was destiny.”

“No, Captain,” she winked at him, “’I’m pretty sure it was Cinder.’”

Hope y’all enjoy! Please let me know what you think!

[cloudbattrolls]

A Triplicity of Jades

Rivali Tescin || OLSC HQ || 14 sweeps || Present Night

-- twitteringTailor [TT] has begun trolling insightfulProvision [IP] ! --

IP: I’m working.

TT: Aren’t you always? That or practicing your frown in the mirror.

IP: Unless you have something to say, goodbye, Vannyn.

TT: Wait, wait, wait, just let me 

IP: You have thirty seconds.

TT: Come join this chatroom I found!

IP: You messaged me about something like that in the middle of the work night.

TT: Message me back when you get off or I hide your makeup in the worms, you uptight slurry-stirrer.

-- twitteringTailor [TT] has stopped trolling insightfulProvision [IP] --

You scowl at your screen as you turn your huskphone off. Having a monster as a roommate is extremely inconvenient, and you can’t count how many moments have passed when you wish you’d never left the cavern. 

“Heeeeeeeey, Rivaliiiii!”

Kokora struts into your office, high heels tapping against the hard floor, and you sigh internally even as you keep your face polite and respectful. 

It would figure the only other castemate you have here besides the abomination is a barely-dressed girl with none of the dignity a jade should have.

As usual, you keep your gaze steadfastly on her face, no matter how many adjustments she makes to keep her chest in prominence.

“Does miss Tulais need me?” You ask, mild as water. 

Kokora toys with her braid and flops down in the office’s other seat, a cheap plastic one, as she puts her heels on your desk. Her eyes glow their usual pink as she yawns, stretching her arms out and cracking her wrists before she lets them lie loose over the metal chair arms.

“Rina said to meet her and Benral in the conference room in twenty, yeah. Whatever! What I really want to know is...are you seeing anybody?”

You wonder how much trouble you’d get in if you just threw her out, but the girl is a powerful psiionic, despite what an airhead she is. As a baseline troll, you don’t have any natural advantages besides a superior vocabulary.

“May I ask why you want to know?” You counter, bland but with an edge of impatience. You unsubtly wave your pen, indicating the paperwork you were just doing.

“Nothing weird, don’t get your panties in a twist! There’s gonna be a perigee’s eve party for the company, and all the highbloods already have dates.” She complains, sticking her tongue out briefly. “So I - ” 

“You’re too young for me.”

She laughs.

“You cannot be more than eighteen! Like, no way.”

“You’re what, ten?” You reply coolly. “I’m fourteen.”

She actually snickers and bounces up to lean over your desk, elbows out as she cups her head with both hands, beaming at you with that insufferable crooked grin.

“I’m twelve, babe. And what are you - quadless? Probably, since you seem like you never get laid. At least not often enough to loosen you up.”

You roll your eyes at her amateur attempts to rile you. No matter her age, her immaturity would never allow her to be an option.

“I’m not interested, and I’m sure there’s someone who will be thrilled by the fact that your rumblespheres half hang out that excuse for a shirt.”

“Too easy.” She says dismissively. “They’d drool over me the whole time, which is sweet, but super boring. You play so hard to get, I’d almost think you didn’t have any shameglands at all.”

A snort of laughter escapes you.

“What?” She says, playful as she scoots a finger along your desk before you swat it away with a stapler.

“You aren’t my type.”

“But I’m so cute.” She pouts, in a way that probably gets plenty of trolls’ bloodpumpers throbbing, but does nothing for you.

“Please leave my office. I need to get ready to meet miss Tulais.”

Her pout turns into a sly smile.

“Come with me, or I give the dirt on your roommate to Rina. I bet she’d love to know how they’re threatening one of QPIN’s top trolls.”

You blink. What has the monster done now? 

“I didn’t know anything about that. Vannyn’s foolishness is their own. If you think I care if they’re punished, you’re quite wrong.”

“Too bad Rina will believe me if I say you did know, and you helped them get to Nott.”

Your eyebrows raise as you put your pen down, turning fully to face her.

“She can’t be stupid enough to believe without any proof.”

Kokora smiles, and snaps her fingers in a shower of pink sparks, creating small letters of black carbon from the oxygen and nitrogen around her before releasing them and letting them fade back into air.

P R O O F  I S  E A S Y

Damned psiionics.

“Going to a party without a pretty troll at my side would ruin the whole night. I can’t just ask someone ugly and boring.” She giggles.

"You’d know that if you ever actually had like, friends, or anyone who put up with you for longer than fifteen minutes unless they needed something.”

Her barbs are as wrigglerish as her attitude. Is there anyone who actually finds this attractive? It seems impossible.

“What if I get a date before the party?” You retort.

She laughs in your face, shoulders shaking in what you’re sure is an exaggerated fashion.

“Try it! I can’t wait to see what happens.”

“If I get one, you let this drop.” You state, arms crossed.

“I’ll believe it when the moons turn white, so sure. If you don’t get one, you have to kiss me in front of everyone.”

“Fine.” You say, already knowing how to get out of that one. Faking illness is easy.

As will be getting a date. You can bribe someone easily. But first you’ll have to find a plausible troll.

You sigh, and run to meet Karina, already planning the text you’ll be writing after.

-- insightfulProvision [IP] has begun trolling twitteringTailor [TT] ! --

IP: I need to get into that chatroom. Kokora is blackmailing me to go to the perigee’s party with her, but if I can persuade someone to come with me, she’ll let it go.

TT: haha what.

TT: why is kooky koko doing that? I know she’s a tad loony, probably because of her psi, but that seems extra weird.

IP: Funny you ask, since it’s all your fault.

TT: Hey, I never hurt a hair on that girl’s head!

IP: The Nott incident. 

TT: oh that little shit.

TT: darn, why is it always the ones you most expect.

TT: She doesn’t really have that much on me, though. Even if she was eavesdropping, I didn’t do anything illegal; the girl I’ve got dirt on is yellow.

IP: And QPIN, you stupid parasite.

TT: I’m multiple parasites, thanks, and the Empire doesn’t give a royal fig what happens to QPIN. Especially after what this girl did. You’d want to cull her if you knew.

IP: Do you have a thinkpan, or did your wretches eat it all? QPIN is still far more powerful than OLSC, and they could crush us easily if they found out you were threatening one of their people.

TT: Oh, Rivali, Rivali, Rivali, QPIN has other things to worry about than little old me. She won’t even tell them I’ve got a knife to her throat, or she’d have to tell them what she did.

TT: Bigger question is why koko cares.

IP: She doesn’t, she just wants to toy with me for some tiresome reason.

TT: would it kill you to go with her? I know she’s a few knives short of a full set, but get her drunk and she’ll start hitting on everyone else. problem solved.

TT: what does she even think she can do to me. 

IP: Tell Karina, who wouldn’t be remotely amused or care it was a yellowblood.

TT: I mean, I know that’s a casteist defense, but I like not being thrown out and hunted for the twentieth time, so morals slide to second place priority.

IP: How utilitarian of you.

TT: Don’t tell me you suddenly care about lowbloods.

IP: My total of how many I’ve eaten is still at zero. 

TT: oh, go lick an icicle. 

-- twitteringTailor [TT] has stopped trolling insightfulProvision [IP] --

-- twitteringTailor [TT] has begun trolling insightfulProvision [IP] ! --

TT: and here’s the chatroom link, you asinine ingrate.

TT: join.me/chat/23454

-- twitteringTailor [TT] has stopped trolling insightfulProvision [IP] --

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Boku no Hero Academia 22 - 23 | Grimoire of Zero 8 | Royal Tutor 9 | Kado 8 | Tsukigakirei 8

Boku no Hero Academia 22

I never saw that “meteor shower” coming! BnHA keeps the surprises coming, eh?

Hey, he used Uraraka’s name! He’s serious now!!!

I gotta admit Denki and the other hero trying to defend Uraraka only because she’s a girl is an outdated idea (but the patriarchy demands I only get irked about this a bit), but defending Uraraka because she’s almost out of commission is something I can understand.

Oh, the tough realities of herohood…the suckiness of failure…I gotta touch on this more in Half-Paid Heroes. Better pay attention!

It’s kinda clear Shouto vs Izuku is gonna get cut off by the time limit, but it’s interesting to note that there are 2 rivals close to Midoriya. Normally a shonen hero only has one fixed one.

Boku no Hero Academia 23

I’ve seen people comment a tonne on episode 22, so episode 23 should garner a lot of attention too as the highlight of this season.

I always thought by saying Shouto could be a hero, it implied his mother could no longer be one. Why? Possible trigger warning for this, but I think it’s “enduring Endeavour’s abuse”.

The bandage on Uraraka’s face reminds me that BnHA is good at consistency.

Poodle girl, who tried to defend Uraraka last ep, is still in the crowd. Another good touch of consistency.

This is rare – Bakugo’s introspective and showing off why he’s top of the class simultaneously.

Looking at this from a strategy point of view, Deku still has his legs, potentially his head if he wants to risk it, (uninjured) parts of his arms maybe, or overexerting his arms again. If he gets very creative, maybe his torso. It still looks like Todoroki’s going to win nonetheless, even though he seems to be showing some signs of fatigue too.

I thought he’d overexert his arms again, but I guess I never thought of the more logical path, which would be “overexert the fingers again first”, huh?

That threw me for a bit. 1) Todoroki never says “now I’m angry”. He’s the cool guy, to make a lame pun. 2) That’s a cliched line only bad guys say. Then again, it could be a “you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back” moment.

Ice is powerful. So powerful, there aren’t many ice Pokémon, and I originally planned to have an ice-skater be the 6th ranger in Half-Paid Heroes, only to find that since I kept restructuring the lineup, the skater became too OP. (Also, because Half-Paid Heroes used to be a strictly girl-turns-into-magical-boy affair, the 6th ranger - Yuki - was a great big hinge on what came afterwards, so I’ve struggled with the storyline now that I’ve given it a more workplace SoL baseline.)

I always thought ice was also a salve to some extent, but with more destructive power comes a lessened ability to heal.

Todoroki looks like Bakugo now. Guess it can’t be helped, seeing as “explosions” are associated with “fire”.

“Such a doting father.” – I laiughed, because we just found out that’s blasphemy. It’s ironic, to use the proper term.

Block rubble is a sure sign that this is a sakuga fest. Wowee, last time I saw block rubble was ConRevo (as far as I can remember)! Thank you, BONES!

Hmph. Fanservice. If you like Shouto’s fanservice here, you’ll definitely like Free!, but I’m neutral on it. 15 year olds shouldn’t be so muscular…sure, it’s part of a hero’s job to be muscular if they’re physically fit, but fanservice of 15 year olds ain’t my thing, y’know?

Grimoire of Zero 8

I’m of the idea that Albus is a dude for commentary purposes, but I’ve seen lots of comments across the ‘net saying Albus is a girl. It seems this episode will get rid of whatever misconceptions I have about Albus’s gender once and for all.

When the wolf says she is closest to Him, who’s “she” exactly? Sorena? Sorena’s granddaughter?

The wolf is behind the main trio at the end of the OP…!

I get the feeling this stitch-up scene is just for some manservice on the wolf’s part…but at least it holds some revelations for those that don’t want manservice of the muscle kind. (In terms of bishonen, I don’t dig Dragon Ball or Free!-style muscles anyway. *shrugs*)

That is one young grandmother…but dangit, why was the wolf hot as a man???!!! (It’s distracting, and I already have too many husbandos…but he’s only hot when he has his clothes on.)

Wuh…? Just when I decide he’s worth staying for, I find out his name…and it’s Holdem? Like, Texas Holdem?

Sometimes belief is all one needs to fight for a cause, Holdem my previously-handsome man.

Grimoire of Zero is lucky its CGI is only noticeable when the show is paused…

“Who knew he was Sorena’s granddaughter…”

From the pronouns used in the subs, it seems that even the subbers believed Albus was a dude and stuck to their guns even after the explicit revelation.

Royal Tutor 9

Fancy gakurans…if you already have a gakuran lying around, it’s pretty easy to cosplay the princes, I guess.

Why are those guards so excited?

This thing just went all ACCA-shaped. That’s not a bad thing, I’m just saying guns are normally used at the climax of shows like this, like in ACCA.

I think the “I am a grown man” jokes are getting a lil’ old at the business end, but that’s because when I see drama I expect consistent drama.

The camera scene was so ludicrous that I ended up laughing anyway…

As an action writer, that butt-kicking Heine did was perfect (albeit a tad slow). Then again, this show’s specialty is a SoL-style pace and I wouldn’t change that about it.

That trick Ludwig did was basically what Alciel did in Hataraku Maou-sama!, but because it was compressed into a shorter amount of time, it had little to no payoff.

“The stupid-seeming fellow is right.” – I never thought Maximilian seemed stupid…

I noted Fuchs said, “Take me away,” which is a very interesting point.

Well, now we really can’t neglect Heine’s past. Get hyped, Royal Tutor fans!

Kado 8

Shunina’s reading something called Ningen Manzai. According to this website, Ningen Manzai is about a god from space who comes to earth and becomes human…then something about angels and another god. Even if you don’t learn the entire synopsis of Ningen Manzai, the book is very relevant, ain’t it? Also, Shunina’s using his seahorse bookmark from last ep, which is cute.

The discussion on Sansa reminds me of the Porygon incident…

“Hail to Humanity”? So that would mean…the title is actually Ningen Banzai…

It’s Kado Skype, powered by Wam. That…that’s great! We can finally see Wam being put to use around here.

As someone who’s studied IT, I understand Gonno’s words on networks well.

Google Satellite. Yep, it exists.

Kado is unintentionally hilarious sometimes, like the “Dad! Dad!” bit there. The chestnut bit I found vaguely disturbing but that was because Shindo looked like he was gasping for air. For the “Dad! Dad!” bit in particular though, Kado’s gone all Summer Wars and that’s why it’s funny.

These jellyfish are really lifelike…but you get a sad feeling from this “date” scene. As if suddenly the staff finally give us a look into why Saraka is correct…you feel like this is all just an “all according to zaShunina keikaku” thing, and suddenly you see the tower known as humanity was knocked down as soon as Kado came.

So Saraka’s saying…the tale of Kado (the show) is a tragedy? Well, that’s a new take on this whole scenario…hey, wait. So Ward and Gonno (to a lesser extent) are the evil ones here?

Grumpy Gonno…haha.  

Does SETTEN need to learn how to “not be evil”, as per its inspiration’s philosophy? Hmm.

It’s Shunina, on a TV show, like a celebrity. The world is evolving in ways I thought were unimaginable.

Is it possible to watch Sansa because of peer pressure, because Shunina could be seen as a “cool” guy? I wonder…

LOL, so you’re going to get him to talk with drinks? I can’t imagine a drunk Shunina…but I can understand that with drinking culture, it’s probably the right way to go to get closer to someone. (Even if that “someone” is an anisotropic being.) Shunina may not understand “food” after all.

As much as I love the alien dork, he’s getting more and more sinister as the show goes on. From what I’ve read on Kado all over the ‘net, people have distrusted him since episode 1, but hey. That’s what we’re here for.

Shinawa was absent yet again, thank goodness.

The round object in the preview (it looks like a white sphere surrounded by blue chunks) is probably a Nanomishein, knowing this show.

Tsukigakirei 8

Welp, we’re finally back to Dazai after referencing Souseki.

Huh? That part with the dancing guy with the mask has gone from live action to animated…so it seems like the staff of Tsukigakirei give an effort now.

The OP seems to evolve more as time goes by, which is interesting. A few eps ago, the sheet only said “title” but the title of this work that’s evolving is called 13.70. However, it seems to be by Azumi Osamu, and not Kotarou. (Or maybe that’s just a penname of Kotarou’s, based on his love for Dazai?) 13.70 is 75 mai (sheets) long.

Love is hard to describe, and I guess when you love someone it’s hard to put into words because of that.

Is the video going slower or did the animation budget get cut in half?

I’d assume “hayashi” refers to the rice.

So it’s not my imagination…the budget got skimped on! You can tell because they did the same almost still scene thing twice this ep.

Noting how dark the potato is, I’d say it’s sweet potato (purple).

Ahahaha! So that’s where the potato mascot come from. They’re sweet potatoes then…now I get it! (It’s just that when you say “potato” on its lonesome I think of the one you make ordinary chips out of.)

Now that we know Kotarou’s birthday, I know she’s going to buy him a present. That’s what anyone would do…and of course, I was right.

That shot of windchimes from the OP. I like it, but I know it’s recycled from there.

Well, for all the budget skimping they’ve done, they’ve churned out some really good festival shots. They’re so lifelike.

I didn’t think geta were annoying enough to give you blisters. Guess I was wrong.

You’re so stealthy, Akane (sarcastic).

Finally, here are the development we’ve been waiting for. Unfortunately, they’re paired with some really bad off model shots. Fortunately, they bother to give us the first kiss.

The fortune tags both say “I wish to be together forever.” (<-paused specifically to translate before subs came up)…CR tells me I was pretty bang on with my translation.

This ep’s ED convo is just a lovey-dovey couple fighting and saying “I love you more. No, I love you more” sort of thing, so don’t bother.

I got bored of these a few eps back, but since I have time right now, I went, “Why not?”.

Well, as much as I dislike the humour in these, I have to admit the moral in the Aira one was pretty good.

Well, finally Sakura gets some happiness. Good on her.

I don’t think I’ve seen a girl being called ippiki before. Ippiki is normally used with small animals, like dogs or cats.

The Roman and Ryouko (Sensei) ones are the worst of these, I just can’t ship them because the age gap is about 10 years. That’s a little too big for comfort, y’know?

That “Kotarou’s Parents” one actually made me laugh. It’s also a good insight into characters that don’t get developed much in the series. If I were an author (which I am, I just haven’t got any properly published books out there yet – the closest book I do have out there has no words…*hides in corner of shame*), I would have bonus content more along these lines.