Yeah, that's why I only read it one volume at a time, with space in between.

As far as epic confessions of love...have you noticed how Otae and Kagura are more badass than any male in the series, and are deliberate "stuff you"-s at all the shounen that creates the "gute fighter girl who isn't" and "sweet martial arts sisters/dojo girls" who can supposedly fight but aren't allowed to? I think even I'm scared of Otae. (Kagura is still young enough to distract with cute things.)