#dltext

Air Groove hating Rudolf's jokes is actually a misconception; the mood down is because Groove is upset at herself for having difficulty understanding and not laughing at them. And by the time she does realize, it's too late, the opportunity has already passed, and it'd be awkward to bring it up again.

Fun fact: in the JP version, Air Groove actually uses "anata" (あなた) to address Rudolf here. This makes Rudolf the ONLY recipient of it, while she defaults to either "omae", "kisama", or someone's name when talking to anybody else.

It's notable because Groove always takes particular care to call Rudolf "President" as a show of respect (especially in public/among company), so to break away from that and use a more familiar form of address is certainly not helping their case of beating the Already Married allegations. "Anata" is often used by a wife to refer to her husband, and the penultimate line is something you'd say when you're lovably nonplussed by a dear's antics.

Oh sure, an excuse to ramble!

Like Tier

TachyCafe: Before Cafe's Career solidified it, I categorized their dynamic as "unexpected comfort and familiarity under the guise of curiosity and tolerance". That was the initial impression I got; their scenes with the shared room have a quiet intimacy to them, framing Cafe "coming home" to Tachyon after a long day. And then later I see that Cafe is literally Tachyon's favorite person above all else: it's notable how madly she's into Cafe because it's such a far cry from her overall detachment to most things. Tachyon doesn't act like that towards anyone else. It's wonderfully poignant how Tachyon uses honorifics (mostly "-kun") for everybody (Trainer-kun, Guinea pig-kun, even Pokke-kun and Dantsu-kun) EXCEPT Cafe. That really highlights how special Cafe is to her. Like, Scarlet is her IRL daughter, but Tachyon still uses "Scarlet-kun". Isn't it obvious who her preference is? And on the other end, Cafe was the first to approach Tachyon after she noticed how everyone else avoided her because Tachyon is weird and off-putting. Between Tachyon's glass ankles and Cafe's combined chronic fatigue and schizophrenia, Tachyon's chatter about sharing an intrinsic mutual understanding gets recontextualized into both of them finding comfort and solace in each other because they're kindred spirits. And despite what some think, the relationship isn't one-sided: Cafe is the first to notice that Tachyon's run was different. As much as she tolerates and avoids her shenanigans, Cafe still cares enough to notice the littlest things about Tachyon. She even willingly sits next to Tachyon and brings her coffee just so she wouldn't feel cold when it's raining.

NariAma: Aside from their IRL story being a tragic doomed romance that never came to pass, I think it's interesting how Brian doesn't really give the time of day to anyone aside from her sister and Hishiama. And even then, she doesn't always listen to Hayahide either; Hayahide frets over Brian's poor diet, but Brian staunchly refuses to change it, only making an exception when Hishiama makes bentos for her. But also, Brian calls Hishiama “Ama” ("Ama-san" in JP), when she calls Air Groove "Empress" or uses "aitsu" in JP (roughly "that guy") to refer to Rudolf. That's what I mean--the noticeable ways in which she treats Hishiama differently than how she normally treats everyone else. There's an unfiltered kind of rawness there. Something primal. Hishiama's Career also focuses a lot on Brian, ultimately culminating in Hishiama proclaiming to the world that Brian is HER rival, when the world was despondent over Brian's injury. Brian loses the IDGAF war whenever it comes to Hishiama (immediately volunteering to taste test for her and criticizing Fuji's impersonation of her), even if she pretends otherwise. Another case of obvious favoritism.

SiriNaka: Oh my god they're roommates. But for real, I do enjoy how playful and strangely sincere their dynamic is. From what I've seen, Sirius looks out for Nakayama and indulges her, adding a personal touch to their nightly games by wagering all sorts of "punishments" for losing. Nakayama enjoys thrills and the unexpected more than anything else, and what better way to fuel that fire than with someone as audacious as Sirius? One of the reasons why Sirius likes her is because Nakayama isn't "easy"; she doesn't acquiesce nor capitulate to Sirius, whose personality and demeanor make it hard for people to go against her. And Nakayama can see through Sirius's BS posturing. Also, I'd have to see how it's globally translated, but some of their interactions sound homoerotically suggestive, like Sirius telling Nakayama not to get fished by anyone other than her, showcasing how possessive Sirius is. They are--I say with affection--my favorite yaoi Uma ship.

Krisario: I saw a clip of Kris S almost fainting at the thought of asking Cesario out on a date and I was sold. They even have a CG of them meeting in a church in what is portrayed as some sort of fated encounter! But I like how both of their primary motivations for racing align with each other, in that Cesario wants to become a foundation for future generations while Kris S wants to revolutionize the JP racing scene (despite being an "outsider"). Their tenderness is very palpable when interacting, feeling warm and secure with each other without really knowing why. It feels very "reincarnation romance", or even potentially soulmates, sharing an unfamiliar affinity with a supposed stranger.

PokeFuji: I really liked their interactions in BOANE. I'd already witnessed Season 2 TeiMaku, so I had no real need for anymore rivalships. The quiet, supportive, mentor-like dynamic Pokke and Fuji had caught my attention more than what was advertised to most; the nighttime conversation in their yukatas? Pokke made Fuji’s lost dreams come true. And then Fuji came out donning her racewear to cheer Pokke up? The camerawork when they were talking to each other through the leaves under the tree was highkey romantic.

FolkCap: I don't have much to say on the Revolving Carousel of Oguri Yuri (other than March being her first and Tamamo's general dynamic with her), but Folkqueen initially caught my attention because of the IRL inspiration being a doomed romance, similar to NariAma. Oguri had a crush on Horlicks, but never got to mate with her, due to factors such as cost and his progeny not being successful racers. So I like the idea that Uma Oguri can at least get to be with Folkqueen for a little while, even if it might not be forever. Folkqueen having a complex about being perceived for who she is, and then for Oguri to be the one to view her in a way she's been wanting to be seen? That's cute... and Oguri's always been awkward, but turns up the adorableness when interacting with Folkqueen (asking for her number!)

Bonus OTP Tier

RudoGuru: Haha wow, there's a lot I have to say about them, but I'll try to keep it concise. They're the mature type of "agony of restraint" relationship you find relatable once you're 30+ years old and care so much but have to grapple with aspirations, responsibility, vulnerability, self-sacrifice, duty, pride, and self-control. I don't believe when people say they're only shipped because they're Emperor and Empress. They mesh well together because they share similar ideals, and Air Groove is basically the only person who's willing to help Rudolf achieve her dream to create a world where all Uma can be happy. There's a certain subsect of people who view Rudolf's aspirations as less valid than others and deride it as egotistical and lofty (ever since Sirius's introduction with people siding with her over Rudolf), which makes it even more important that Air Groove is irreplaceable and the most capable person to help Rudolf flourish without compromising either herself or her dream. That matters because all of Rudolf's contemporary peers rejected joining her. Rudolf compares herself and Groove as the earth and sun to cultivate a world where Uma can thrive and excel. And Groove reciprocates the sentiment by wanting to be the sun who inspires the earth to reach for the sky. It's so important that Groove, a technical underclassman to Rudolf, doesn't treat Rudolf as some unreachable, infallible idol on a pedestal; she very pointedly treats Rudolf as Just Another Umamusume, someone who Groove aims to inspire, as she strives to become an Umamusume who can inspire anyone. This is reflected in how Rudolf was manning the student council entirely by herself until Air Groove ran against her for the presidential position--someone who openly challenged her on her own playing field.

It sucks when people whittle Groove down to a mere follower or a glorified secretary to Rudolf who hates her jokes (she doesn't!). The point is that Groove is neither--she simply believes in Rudolf's goals alongside her own, thus they walk the same path together. So much of their dynamic emphasizes them as partners who reign each other in. Look at their respective Careers and see the care and mutual respect. Groove isn't a blind yes-man; she isn't afraid to go against Rudolf's authority, especially if it concerns Rudolf's well-being. Groove is only ever disagreeable when Rudolf is trying to shoulder the entire world when she has others who can help her, but Rudolf is stubborn and doesn't want others to suffer, because she cares TOO much. Groove is never mean-spirited when she chides; it's always coming from a place of care. That's why Rudolf said that she would never trade Groove's scoldings for the world. Meanwhile Rudolf has hints of possessiveness ("my esteemed right hand") and overprotectiveness (her behavior after Groove collapsed), but that can clash with Groove's pride. I think it's so sweet how attentive they are to each other, but are blind to their own needs. They both overextend themselves for others and have to be reminded that they're not alone, they have a partner who's willing to ease their burdens. And that's precisely why they're good for each other.

TeiMaku: My disclaimer is that I'm a fan of the anime version of Teio, McQueen, and their relationship much more than the game. Rivals who were destined to cross paths ("Teio can run to the ends of the Earth" vs "McQueen can reach the height of Heaven"), but fate itself tried its hardest to keep it from happening. Teio's dreams got shattered again and again, and McQueen offered to become her new goal. But then McQueen gets diagnosed with an incurable ailment that makes it impossible for her to keep her promise to Teio. Teio decides to flip fate off and create a miracle herself for McQueen. My interpretation at the end of it all is that Teio now suffers recurring fractures, so while neither of them can run at full capacity anymore, and thus their fated rivalry will never happen at full peak, they still have each other. It's a bittersweet ending. All that and more is why I consider Umamusume Season 2 to be a sports romance between them.

Aww thank you, but while yes I do draw, I don't think my analyses are particularly insightful, at least not any more than others who are much more eloquent and can convey their thoughts better. I just ramble.

But I'm glad you like them too! HoshiHaru is very cute and I'm honestly surprised I took to it as much as I did. I didn't go into Ato expecting to ship anything, to be quite honest. I mean, I saw a lot of Mio/Haruka when it first came out in CN, but I didn't pay any attention because I was more curious about Hoshiguma, who is one of my faves since I started playing around launch. And after reading Ato, I can see why Mio/Haruka is a thing, but of course, true to my brand, I latch onto the one that's rarer in comparison.

Although that can also be fuel for HoshiHaru because you can read Mio's antagonism towards Hoshiguma as a mix of wanting to test her strength and jealousy over Hoshi protecting Haruka better than she could. Mio stating that their feud has nothing to do with Mifune helps support that interpretation.

I like the dynamic and chemistry HoshiHaru have; Hoshiguma started out pretty indifferent to Haruka, but she still offered to protect her, a complete stranger, someone who didn't even know her name. Offered to be her guardian. "As long as I'm here, no harm will befall you". Hoshi has no particular attachment to Kajimachi, but she sees this poor girl having the worst day of her life and still chooses to extend a hand out to her.

Every single misfortune getting piled onto Haruka: chased by the yakuza, getting betrayed by Mio, etc. and here comes an Oni she thought was yet another curse upon her. But after getting over the initial trepidation, she comes to realize that this Oni is more like a green knight. As the events unfold, they gradually gain a better understanding of each other. Mitsukue/Kajimachi/Higashi hasn't been Hoshi's home in a long time, and Haruka was deceived and exploited for most of her life there. I think that's something they can bond over. And you can see how the dynamic steadily shifts as the story moves along--from Hoshi's relief that Haruka isn't hurt--

--to this scene where she princess carries Haruka (while Moriuchi gets wrecked) and offers her advice on patching up, thinking Haruka's the kind of gal who cares about her appearance.

One of the most iconic scenes is when Haruka loses her cool and directs her outburst at Hoshi over the death of Hasuke, which takes Hoshi aback, which was notable to me because Hoshi is usually very collected and I don't really remember any other instance of her being shaken outside the divorce. Haruka then opens up about her past, including her real name. Something that's of note is that she then asks to go see the fireworks with Hoshiguma, someone whom she just met. Already that's how safe she feels with her. Girl did a 180 and fell hard.

Hoshiguma is a kind, protective, and reliable pillar, and something I've thought about and spoken with friends before is how her efforts aren't really... appreciated? Taken for granted? Or rather, it feels like she gives more than she gets, if that makes sense? Within the LGD group, it often feels like it's not reciprocated, which I suppose isn't a surprise considering 3 out of the 4 are emotionally stunted and/or tsundere to varying degrees.

So to meet someone like Haruka, a sweet girl who's emotionally open, who recognizes Hoshiguma's efforts to keep her safe (despite not knowing each other for very long), and wanting to help her in turn once she's able to get back on her feet? I think something like that feels very new, even novel, for Hoshiguma. I just really like the idea of Hoshiguma having someone who'd make the first move, and is earnest with her feelings. Someone who shows her appreciation and be the one to chase after her, for once.

Lastly, Hoshiguma enjoys motorcycles and, while I can't remember what exactly was said, Hoshi did tell Bagpipe something like "you're my kinda girl", referring to women who are down to throw hands. Haruka has a scooter she rides and knows how to perform maintenance on, and smashed a guy's face in for killing her plant. Damn, you're halfway there, Haruka!

I'd like to read some sort of follow-up (or fic, who can I commission?) where Haruka travels to Lungmen to see Hoshiguma again. Haruka's E2 promotion line, like c'mon...

Bonus: The Stand By Me MV has some lyrics that could fit Hoshiguma in retrospect after experiencing the story, because Haruka spends most of Ato being chased down and harassed by the yakuza and Hoshiguma was the one who stayed by her side throughout the bulk of it, looking out for her.

It's noticeable not only because of the event itself pushing it, but it also lends to the tragedy since not even a twin bond helped them to truly understand each other. If your sole reason to live was another person, is their happiness also yours? When you're scared of their love, how do you show yours?

My main takeaway is that Eblana is like a sapphic, more selfish/self-centered Lelouch. Loughshinny is her Nunnally (and Suzaku). Except Eblana doesn't care about the world or Tara. She has no grander aspirations for other people. Just Reed. She did it all for Reed… only she never asked what Reed wanted. She, in her arrogance, assumed she knew, and Reed, for myriad reasons, couldn't object.

Eblana's desires are what she determined to be Reed's desires. In her twisted affection, Eblana undoubtedly traumatized Reed, and Reed's conflicting feelings of love, hate, and fear as a result: "something's deeply wrong with her, I'm the way I am because of her, but without her, we wouldn't have survived…" is sad. Eblana was ecstatic that Reed was finding her own independence, but to what extent does her love help when it also drove Reed to a point where she wanted to commit suicide as a means of escape?

The tragedy is that their actions drove them further and further apart. Especially so in Eblana's case because she honestly believed she was helping Loughshinny. Eblana used Reed as the crutch for her own existence. And it's poetic because growing up, Reed was forced to be Eblana's shadow, but unbeknownst to her, Eblana willingly chose to be Reed's shadow.

TL;DR My controversial hot take is that I wholeheartedly support siscon Eblana -> Reed, because it makes too much narrative sense and is way more satisfying and interesting compared to the usual braindead vapid Doctor pandering character assassination. You legit cannot separate Eblana's codependency with Reed--it's an integral part of her character in order to keep her recognizable. Eblana is Evil and Hot because she loves Loughshinny so much. She loves her so much that she committed atrocities for her sake, despite Reed never asking for it.