This isn't what I was expecting, but that's largely because I didn't know about this arc in the manga. You have to love a mangaka who makes it so EASY to mess with her characters. ^_^
Lovely, and I especially liked Shinobu using Mitsuru to set up things for later when everything went back to 'normal'. Also, the bit with the photographs was priceless, and a great way of showing the similarities/differences at the same time. I want to know what Mitsuru wrote on the back of his!
Author's response
All right! I've found the "respond" link again!
And now I don't know what to do with it, except to say thanks so much for the comment. Oh, but yes, I totally agree that she is awesome. I mean, Cherrywood was only one of the nutty AUs she made for her characters. ^_^