catlarks | SASO Crossover Recs

luckycricket33
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: Mostly, because it's art for a weird cross-fandom AU which I adore with all my heart. But more than that, Sarah's art is incredibly cute and always has a lot of personality; Kana's marvel over Kataoka's back tattoo is really precious, and all the details are great. The tattoo evokes the hundred poems from Chihayafuru, and have I mentioned Kataoka's glasses? Kataoka with glasses is important to me.

Title: Magician Kinjou & Magic Assistant Umi
Creator(s):

qingtian
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: The loveliest thing about Aozo's art is always the colors. Aozo has a gorgeous, painterly style, which in this piece trends toward incredibly vibrant blues and purples and reds. Aozo's art is also great at evoking mood; Kinjou's face is incredibly serene, juxtaposed against the quiet menace of the sword in Umi's hand. It's really nice stuff.

Title: Honoka and Kiyoko Have A Date
Creator(s):

kuriicurry
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: It's such a precious little comic! I love the framing of it, with the cuts of Honoka and Kiyoko's faces in the first two panels, then the dialogue, then the image of them on their date at the bottom. Their conversation is really cute, and the framing specifically on their blushing faces, on their mouths, rather than their eyes really conveys the mood of Honoka's confession.

Title: Nozomi & Miyuki Catcher Bonding
Creator(s):

sky_rose
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I really love the concept of it! Catchers are my favorite baseball-story archetype, and Nozomi would totally be a catcher cut from the same cloth as Miyuki. I love their matching little smiles laughing together, and I love Eli and Furuya off to the side, looking on in something like vague concern.

Title: Furuya & Imaizumi Soft Drink Models
Creator(s):

limesicle
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: It's just really delightful. The art is set up to look like a product ad, with the off-center framing and the focus balanced between the models and the awful slogan of, Are you thirsty? And Furuya and Imaizumi's posing is delightful, very incidental "oh, did you have a camera there?" like they'd been caught in the middle of something, which is exactly how I'd want to see them as models.

Title: Arakita and Kuramochi Bond Over Their Delinquent Pasts
Creator(s):

jujunghe
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love everything about this piece, from the concept down to every bit of its execution. I love the contrast between Kuramochi's thicker frame and Arakita's stick-thinness, not to mention their faces! Juju does really dynamic, wonderful expressions, and Arakita's irritation comes through incredibly well with how Juju has drawn him. Plus the Anti-Hero shirt is just a nice extra touch.

Title: Kuroda and Haruichi as a Team
Creator(s):

kusoelite
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love the intensity of this, with both Kuroda and Haruichi looking into the "camera." And Nana does such nice flat coloring, with a pastel color palette that's really lovely to look at. It gives the art a really fascinating mood, soft but also dramatic, especially combined with the body language of the figures.

Title: Oikawa and Miyuki Share a Snack Together
Creator(s):

prompto
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: The most delightful thing about this piece is the body language. Miyuki is spread-legged and smiling, everything about his posture telegraphing comfort. On the other hand, Oikawa sits far more primly, one leg crossed over the other, like he's choosing to remain alert, not quite at ease. I love it because their body language tells the story of what's happening: this is a first meeting, a little bit bumpy, but still a good time.

Title: Oikawa and Kise
Creator(s):

excedra_doodles
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: This artist has a really distinctive style, I love the way they do lineless stuff and the little bits of texture. And Oikawa and Kise both just look so happy. I love their smiles, and the little heart, and the weird ice cream cone creature in the background, it's a lot of fun.

Title: Niou Impersonates Kise
Creator(s):

winterstuck
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love this concept, and the execution! Niou copying "Mister Perfect Copy" and passing himself off perfectly as the original is a delight. Framing the picture as a snapchat photo is a lot of fun, as is the hilarious flaunting selfie angle Niou is posed at. Plus Winterstuck does lovely coloring, I love the shading on the jacket and the shadow falling across Niou's face as he removes the wig.

Title: Ryoma Stays At Toudou-An
Creator(s):

winterstuck
Rating: G
Major Tags: partial nudity
Why is this work awesome?: I love the mood of this picture and the soft-edged painting that contributes to that relaxed feeling. The expressions are also super great! Ryoma looks so sullen, slumped down in the water and scowling down into it, while Toudou is the perfect picture of relaxation, leaned back and with a blissful little smile on his face. The contrast between them is really delightful.

Title: Teshima Makes Tea for Atobe
Creator(s):

clearlykero
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I loved this prompt and I love how it's executed as an illustration, with the black and white and just a touch of color from the background. It rally contributes to the regal air that's likewise conveyed with their posturing; Atobe with arms folded and legs crossed, leaning casually on the table, and Teshima calmly pouring the tea, his other hand out to steady the cup. The details in body language are really great, as are the subtleties of their expressions. Teshima's little sideways glance at Atobe is really nice.

Title: Teshima is Tempted by Inui Juice: Modeled By Fuji
Creator(s):

luckycricket33
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love this conceptually, and I love the framing. Sarah's art conveys a very specific mood, between the grainy quality of the billboard ad and the darkened view of the alley Teshima is standing in: this is a man at the end of his rope willing to consider any solution. Plus there's the usual cuteness of Sarah's art; Teshima's body language might read of despair, but Fuji is smiling encouragement, the perfect soft drink ad.

FIC:

Title: Yakuza Enforcer Kataoka & Tattoo Artist Oe
Creator(s):

putsch
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: It's the actual most beautiful thing in existence? But no, seriously, this was everything I wanted out of "Kataoka is a young yakuza enforcer going to tattoo artist Oe (who's used to his kind coming through) for his first ink" and more. Their clever little conversation through poetry is full of so much warmth and intelligence and understanding, and the singular best part is Kataoka's insistence that the love poems Oe is choosing aren't for him, and her return of, "If you know both of them are love poems, maybe they are for you." It says so much about both characters in so little space and actually breaks my heart (with happiness) please, please read it, I beg of you.

Title: Oe's Romance With Yakuza Enforcer Kataoka
Creator(s):

putsch
Rating: M
Major Tags: yakuza au, minor descriptions of violence, implied sexual situations, implied death
Why is this work awesome?: I love the clever way this fic is constructed, between its use of poetry, time, and the back-and-forth telling of both Oe's current trouble and her relationship with Kataoka as it begins and leads to that current point. The build of their relationship is conveyed slowly, gradually, through tiny little moments that are themselves like the cards Kataoka leaves for Oe: snapshots to be consumed in single bites. I love the way it uses the poem that includes Oe's namesake, and I love that even though it's very much a story about a relationship coming apart as much as it's one about a relationship coming together, it ends on what is arguably a hopeful note.

Title: Karuta Fan Kataoka & Reader Oe
Creator(s):

kiyala
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: Kataoka is the classical Japanese lit teacher. Oe loves traditional poetry more than anything. What I wanted to see was the love both these characters have for the power of words and poetry and Kii delivers that perfectly, with crisp, deliberate prose which is a joy to read. The best part is absolutely the characterization; both Kataoka and Oe are reserved, dignified characters, written with a warmth that shines through their respectful attitudes.

Title: Rei & Momoe Drinking Buddies
Creator(s):

bandera
Rating: PG
Major Tags: alcohol mentions
Why is this work awesome?: The best thing about this fic is the setup. It positions Rei and Momoe as scouts, besides Momoe coaching, with Rei constantly snatching Momoe's potential players. I love that this allows them to bond over the thing they both love best — baseball, and the stupid antics of the teenage boys that play it. Coupled with Sisi's easy, smooth narration, this makes for a really fun fic. Not to mention the subtle reference to Kataoka in their conversation; that was surely just for me.

Title: Oe Sends Umi Kimono
Creator(s):

iwaizumemes
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love this fic for all of the implied history between Oe and Umi. It's full of a lot of great little details, like Umi's habits practicing her archery, and her awareness of Oe's habits when she's packaging kimono at the family store. The gift she sends along with kimono for Umi's family is a karuta card, and the choice in poem written onto it makes my heart swell with such fondness for how it likewise hints at a larger relationship beyond this little snapshot we're allowed to see.

Title: Magician Kinjou and Magic Assistant Umi
Creator(s):

psiten
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: Psiten has Kinjou's personality on lock, and that is hands-down my favorite thing about this fic. It's his personality that drives the story and allows for the framing where he might be looking for an assistant through auditions, but finds one instead through casual observation and appraisal. Kinjou is clever and in control in how he approaches Umi, who is likewise poised and professional (and hardly impressed). Seeing these two pros reading each other and having their little conversational dance is a delight.

Title: Tadokoro and Honoka and Bread
Creator(s):

underscored
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: This fic is super cute! Wei conveys Honoka's enthusiasm and joy in the simple things in a way that beautifully conveys her character; she just really wants really good bread, no matter the lengths she has to go to in order to get it. I love the thought of Honoka overwhelming even a "large" personality like Tadokoro's, and this story delivers on that through his crush on her (which is obvious to the reader, if not to Honoka). Plus the thought of what the rest of Sohoku would make of her is a lot of fun.

Title: Nozomi & Makishima as Seers
Creator(s):

krankran
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love this little fic for the worldbuilding first and foremost. It establishes this world where there are five kingdoms, a queen, and Nozomi as the queen's right hand and seer, painting its universe in broad strokes as told by Nozomi herself. I love the concept of Makishima as a seer foretelling doom and Nozomi as the one able to deal with that, and after reading this little bundle of possibility, would really just like to see them team up and address the threat.

Title: Oikawa as Furuya's Senpai
Creator(s):

hqqt
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love this fic first and foremost for Icie's Oikawa voice. It's a story very closely in his head, which means all of his assertions must be taken with a grain of salt: he's very much an unreliable narrator and I for one love those. Beyond that, I love the execution of the premise, I love both Oikawa and Furuya's characterization and the way that translates, for Furuya, from baseball into volleyball (wanting Oikawa to set for him, instead of Miyuki to catch for him? I'm so happy for that parallel). Despite his flaws, this is Oikawa in his element as the "good senpai" and it's a delight.

Title: Oikawa Investigates Whether Ryousuke is an Alien
Creator(s):

hqqt
Rating: T
Major Tags: body horror, insects, sports injury (minor)
Why is this work awesome?: This is such a fun fic, with a neat structure which really brings things together. It's framed as an investigation depicted in Oikawa's notebook, with him listing off his reasons for suspecting Ryousuke is of alien origin and recalling the scenes in which he learned those things about Ryousuke. Icie's writing is snappy and tongue-in-cheek, with really delightful characterization of Oikawa as the peppy but dogged underclassman set on ferreting out Oikawa's secret. Not to mention, the description of the final reveal is lovely (providing you like a little horror).

Title: Oikawa goes to Midorima's Rehab Clinic Rotation
Creator(s):

chiharu
Rating: G
Major Tags: sports injury
Why is this work awesome?: This fic is an absolute delight for all of the detail Chiharu puts into the worldbuilding and the backstory of the characters. Her voice for Midorima, Oikawa, and Iwaizumi is so natural and it's that clever characterization that draws the reader in (Midorima's narrative using Oikawa and Iwaizumi's nicknames for each other! Before shifting as he learns their proper names!). I love the way she uses Aomine to frame Midorima's cautionary tale to Oikawa, and I love that Oikawa is receiving this tale, that someone is attempting to prevent him from ruining his knee before it becomes too bad to be fixed.

Title: How We Land
Creator(s):

outstretched
Rating: M
Major Tags: sexual content
Why is this work awesome?: Clover's writing is always a delight, for the care she takes with every phrase and every sentence, weaving them together into an even rhythm where nothing is wasted. This fic in particular is lovely for the way it uses sex as a vehicle for character study, focusing on the ways bodies interact to show how these two characters relate to each other, each very guarded, each not being entirely honest. (The title is from a P.O.S. song of the same name which is recommended listening along with the story, but also reminded me of the "you spit, I'mma sit, we'll see where we land" line from "Aaron Burr, Sir" in the Hamilton musical, which made Oikawa's line of I'm perfectly satisfied toward the end hit home with an extra punch for me.)

Title: Violinist Oikawa and Conductor Miyuki
Creator(s):

iwaizumemes
Rating: T
Major Tags: kissing, suggestive content
Why is this work awesome?: I adore this fic for how quickly it gets going and how completely unwilling it is to relent. Right from the first sentence Oikawa and Miyuki are bickering about composers, and it's that dynamic that sets the tone for the whole story. Both Oikawa and Miyuki's characterization is a delight and the premise is exactly what I want to see with them: picking and prodding at each other, posturing but unwilling to give in. More than that, even in the small space of its telling there are a lot of great details; I love Oikawa's dedication, I love that he also plays piano, I love that Miyuki is interested in that. I would read so, so much more of this premise if I could.

Title: Oikawa Doesn't Kiss Miyuki
Creator(s):

hqqt
Rating: E
Major Tags: explicit sexual content
Why is this work awesome?: This is the fic in which Oikawa is a third year catcher on the Seidou baseball team rather than a third year setter playing volleyball, Miyuki is his second year kouhai, and they are having a sexual relationship. I love it for the way it lays out their relationship and the ways they're very similar to each other, and for the current of power running between them. I love all of the little details about the sex that translate into details about their personality, and how Oikawa's evasiveness regarding kisses is just the biggest and best example. It's really nice as a character piece even more so than as a sexy piece, and I love that.

Title: Miyuki Remembers Arakita's Pitching
Creator(s):

krankran
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: This fic is great for being an alternate exploration of Miyuki's middle school baseball years which also fits seamlessly into canon. While it's told from Miyuki's perspective, detailing his middle school baseball experience as much as Arakita's, it's even more interesting as an account of Arakita's years in middle school baseball, when so little of that is shown in yowapeda's canon. My favorite thing about it is that it's such a tale of ships passing in the night: as often as Miyuki watches Arakita's games, or almost plays his team, he and Arakita meet only the once.

Title: Abe & Furuya as a Battery
Creator(s):

athiefshome
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: The prose is gorgeous, giving the scene that plays out between Abe and Furuya just the right weight. It's full of so many clever, beautiful turns of phrase, and the rhythm of the sentences is so crisp and carefully composed. What I love best about it, though, is how intelligently it references both Abe and Furuya's backstories and the ways they rub at each other a little too roughly, sandpaper on places that haven't quite healed, without ever addressing the past straight out. This fic is really lovely as a character study and is so full of poignant emotion and great characterization, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Title: Kise and Miyuki as Models
Creator(s):

paracyane
Rating: E
Major Tags: sexual content, brief mention of cigarettes
Why is this work awesome?: I adore this story for all the careful posturing between Kise and Miyuki. It's an AU where they've clearly known each other (and worked together!) for some time, but where kissing and sex is something new for them, and a lot of the joy in reading it comes from picking apart just what sort of relationship they have with each other. All of the details are lovely, especially those pertaining to what they notice about each other, and the repetition of the dialogue "Why are you so nervous?" first from Kise, then thrown back to him later by Miyuki, was especially delightful.

Title: Teshima and Mitani Deal With Being Ordinary
Creator(s):

elucidatedlucy
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: I love the way Chess chose to come at this prompt, addressing what it means to be mediocre delicately, subtly. It's bittersweet seeing Mitani back to his old tricks playing Go in bars and making bets, but keeping hold of the things he's learned from Hikaru — adults are dangerous, and he's wary of them. That's why he chooses to play a game against Teshima, someone his own age who doesn't appear to be skilled, and that's something I really love, getting to see Teshima play Go, getting to see Teshima out of his element in yet another arena. I also love Akari's presence, and the painful little detail of her wanting to come with Mitani, but his not allowing it. This fic tells so much through what it doesn't say, and that's where it shines.

Title: Atobe Sends Teshima Tea
Creator(s):

yrindor
Rating: G
Major Tags: none
Why is this work awesome?: This fill is really interesting as a Teshima character study that comes at who he is from the side, in only the most glancing of ways. I love fics that assume all sports series are taking place in the same universe, and I love the casual way this fic talks about Atobe's captaincy and Teshima's awareness of Hyoutei Gakuen. It's a contrast between one captain and another conveyed through the gift of a tea set, one that Teshima ultimately rejects (the tea set or the comparison? both, I'd say), and I really like that.

Title: Agon Challenges Gang Leader Aomine for his Turf
Creator(s):

amisgurumis
Rating: T
Major Tags: violence
Why is this work awesome?: Come for the novelty of a cross-fandom AU, stay for the really snappy fight scenes. I love that this is set up with Aomine as the actual power behind his gang, but with Kise as the pretty, charismatic face of the gang, the one who can always get them out of a tight spot. Not so when Agon comes calling. Agon is as terrifying as he is in his own canon and with how much of a dick Aomine can be, it's pretty rewarding to watch him get trounced just when he thinks he has the win — while still leaving room to feel for him through his sympathetic portrayal.