#her ss and speed are amazing...

[eggplantgifs]

Kaoruko Wada: Titanic » 2025 Junior World Championships

[seeingivy]

ribbons release

actor eren x f!reader

**part of my method acting series

content: happiness for once. until it is not. ronnie's love for foreshadowing strikes again.

an: not a fan of this chapter, but we digress. read it and do not kill me if you don't like it.

song: not explicitly mentioned, but this chapter reminds me of about you by the 1975. ratty healy, I hate you but you ate on this one thing.

previous part linked here

--

“I ju-just sent my loc-location, Eren.” 

“I got it, Y/N. I just need you to hold on for ten more minutes, okay? Can you do that for me?” 

“Y-yes.” 

Seattle is famous for rain. You understand that all too well now. After what you’ve counted as twenty-seven minutes - from when you went to take the trash out to the mailpost you’re hiding behind now - you’re all but soaked. Drenched. 

Your phone is blowing up with texts, the rain is only getting harder, and the mini black dress and ribbon in your hair do no favors to keep you warm. You slide out of your call with Eren and quickly scan through the messages, buzzing so loud they’re blocking Eren’s voice. 

reiner: so, so proud of you always!!! stop being a big famous pop star and go back to being the little twerp who needs my help killing spiders on set :/ 

levi: I love you too, kid. And on a real listen, we really do love the album. 

armin: ann and i are smelling a triple threat on the horizon. love you to the moon and saturn <3

connie: i was accidentally pooping while i listened to dorothea for the first time and i think the combination of those two things at once gave me like a really visceral reaction. im not ok. u are amazing. 

mikasa: u are givg me aneurysm. pls don’t forgor to call me the scnd ur okay. 

erwin: Call me ASAP. 

erwin: Not urgent. Just feeling emotional about my little Canadian reaching hearts all over the world. 

king of bitches (maybe: ryomen sukuna): Fluff shit indeed. Blow me a kiss when you beat James for Album of the Year. 

danny: where is the album release post? it’s almost been half an hour. 

You have bigger problems at the moment. Like the frozen piece of fabric you’re wearing. You should have named the album sweaters or scarves or something. Then at least you’d be warm. And blend in with the paparazzi. 

Fuck.

“W-wait, Eren. Y-you ca-n’t b-be the one to get me.” you murmur, shivering through your teeth.

“Do you want to stay with someone else? I know nice people here. My neighbor is in her late forties and has like two middle school aged girls that are really nice. They’d take care of you, I promise you can trust them and-” he rambles. 

“N-no. I want to st-stay with you. But pa-papara-zzi. S-send ss-omeone e-else.” 

“Paparazzi? Why are-?” 

“Er-eren.” 

“Would it be that bad if it was me? Like it has to be someone else, Y/N?” 

“Y-yes.” 

“I have someone in mind. She’s leaving right now, okay?” 

Eren’s sound is muffled over the line now, which has you digging your phone into your ear to catch the ends of what he’s saying. 

Blast the heater….butt warmer on before she’s in the car….bring it up and I will kick your freeloading….

“Y/N?” 

“H-here.” 

“Good. I’m sending her. Don't get upset, this is the best I could do, okay? I-I promise she’s actually nice. You can trust her and-and I’d never send someone who would do something bad.”  

“O-okay. I t-trust you. J-just get me ou-out of th-this, please.” you whimper, praying to god the rustling behind you is a rabbit and not the group of them finding you. 

“I’m trying sweetheart, okay? She’s speeding. She’s on Main and Third, three lights and she’s there.” 

That’s when you see it. The flash of the camera. And hear five consecutive clicks right after. You look around the periphery, before you see two of them, two tall guys speed walking closer to where you’re hiding. 

So you do the only thing you can. Stand up and run instead. 

You scramble up off the pavement, hiking your dress down, and keep running down the block. Climb up the gates, knock over trash cans to block the way, anything to stop them. And when you look back, after who knows how long, you realize they’re gone. 

And sit flat on the messy pavement, finally lifting the phone back up. Only to realize Eren’s no longer on the line because your phone is dead. You drop it straight into your lap and dig your hands into your head, covering your ears to stop the pounding sound of the rain from getting any louder. 

God. Just breathe. Whoever is coming to get you is on the way. They’ll come get you and then you’ll be out of this mess. 

You hear three resounding clicks and a flash of a light to look up at two different paps, two girls this time, getting a straight on picture of you. And all you can do is put your head down in your lap and cry. 

They already got the picture. There’s no point in trying to run out of it anymore. 

“Y/N.” 

“Pl-please. I’m b-begging you. You already got your picture and can ss-spin it into whatever you want. I-I’m still a person, please. Just let me go.” you respond, the tears blinding your sight of vision. 

You feel a towel being wrapped around your shoulders and soft hands lifting you up by your arms. And then all of a sudden you’re in a warm car, being sped out of the neighborhood past the groups of paparazzi in between the houses, and not directly across from them having your picture taken. 

You’re in a car. You’re okay. You’re leaving. You’re okay. 

You lean back and breathe hard, phantom sobs still racking out of your chest, trying to register that you’re almost there. Safe behind closed, triple locked doors. 

“D-did you tell Eren?” 

“Yes. He’s not far, we’ll be there soon, okay?” 

“Okay. T-thank you. I’m Y/N.” 

“Lana.” 

You turn your head to actually take in the driver this time, to be met with the Lana you feared. Ricky’s ex-girlfriend, Lana. She has short brown hair - entirely different from her long, beachy waves from the Girlfriend incident - a pointed nose and a very clenched jaw. 

“Th-there are more blankets on the floor. I pumped the heater pretty hard, but I’ll turn all the fans your way. And anything you could possibly need is being rushed to the house for you, so just don’t worry, okay?” 

“I appreciate it. Thank you for coming to get me. I-I” 

“Please don’t thank me. I just-” 

She takes a harsh intake of breath and turns to give you a look, her mouth upturned. 

“He locked you out, didn’t he?” she whispers. 

“Yeah.” you respond. 

“What did you do?”

“I told him I didn’t like him back.” 

She turns her head towards you, a look of confusion on her face. 

“It was a PR thing.” 

She snorts. 

“Your managers must hate you.” 

“I’m starting to think they just might.” 

“Well. Don’t feel bad. Not for a fucking second. Just because he likes you, doesn’t mean he’s entitled to you reciprocating back. You like who you like. And if I were you, I wouldn’t stop liking a guy like Eren for a skeeze like Ricky either.” 

You lean against the glass, hot air blowing in your face, as you take in her expression - so enraged, so exasperated, so furious that it gives you a chill. But when she looks over and gives you a halfhearted smile, you see the pained expression there too. 

That’s when you pinpoint it. Lana reminds you of Historia. 

“I’m sorry.” you respond. 

“For?” 

“You knew he locked me out. He must have done it to you too, no?” you whisper, the tension in the air delicate. 

She swallows hard and clenches her knuckles on the steering wheel, eyes laser focused on the red light shining on her face. And beyond the original striking features - her sharp jaw and nose - you see the softness too. The dimples, the wrinkles near her eyes, the light brown freckles. 

“I wanted to take time off from acting. It-I did a role that was really traumatic and I just needed a break. And he was just about to go on tour and he wanted me to come to support. Like a little cheerleader.” 

“So he locked you out?” 

“For two days. He-he’s just. A lot of the fame stuff got to him when he was really little. And now he’s got this convoluted sense of self-image and it just- I don’t know. He’s got problems.” she responds. 

“I’m sorry. Really, that’s-” 

You stop talking, words failing you. And maybe it’s the way your head was frozen ten minutes ago and it’s being melted now, or that the picture they took is going to leak soon, or that there is no good thing to say to something shitty like this. It only took him three months to turn on you, which you’re guessing is generous now. She must have infinite patience for putting up with it for an entire year. 

“In a weird way, I’m glad it’s me and not Eren. You- this does something for me. Making sure you’re not out there for two days, it-it helps me.” she whispers, looking over to give you a smile. 

“I really appreciate you, Lana. Thank you. And I-I’m not mad at you for the Girlfriend thing. You had every right to do that.” 

“Y/N. I have every right to drag Ricky James’ name through the mud. But not yours. And I- shit. Please don’t tell Eren we talked about this. He’s going to kill me.” 

“Why?” 

“He told me that if I brought it up, he’d kick me out of his house. I kind of stay there because I-I hate living in our townhouse on set because of how toxic it is and he was nice enough to offer. And he made it very clear that I have to pick you and make sure you’re okay, not make you uncomfortable or anything. We’re here to take care of you and-” 

“I brought it up. I’ll deal with him if he gives you a hard time. I used to be really good at that type of thing.” 

“I know for a fact that you could tell him to twirl in the air like a show pony and he’d do it.”

“I’ll test the theory and let you know.” 

She laughs, giving you a smile which you warmly return. Your phone buzzes in your lap, finally revived, and you send a quick message to Mikasa and Jean before shutting it off. 

“I-I didn’t know that it was going to go that far. I knew the song and that we were just going to sing it. Let people speculate it was about you. I-I didn’t know they’d have a girl who looked like you OR bring Eren up on stage. And Eren didn’t know anything about the song or the performance at all - they, they set him up.” 

“Why would they do that? I mean, they got horrible backlash in the entire thing.” 

“They thought people would like it. And they severely underestimated how much people love you. And they did it because, Eren- he. He doesn’t follow rules and-” 

“Follow rules?” 

“I’m saying too much. He-he’s going to get mad. Ju-just rest, okay? You’re okay now, we’re two minutes from the neighborhood..”  

You give her a questioning look, which she returns with a dismissive shake. Stubborn - she’s Historia alright. You lean back in the chair and reach for the music nob, twisting it on. Only to be met with the Teletubbies Theme blasting through the car and a very flustered Lana turning the knob off. 

“Fuck.” 

“Teletubbies?”

“I-I can explain.” 

“Please. I’d love to hear it.” 

She drums her fingers on the steering wheel as the silence hangs in the air. 

“Okay. Maybe I can’t explain.” 

“No need. I appreciate versatile music taste in prospective friends. Especially classics like this.” you respond, cranking the music back on. 

“Friends?” 

“Don’t be silly. Not exaggerating, but I think you quite literally saved my life a few minutes ago. You’re like the La-La to my Dipsy.” 

“Lame. You’re more of a Tinky-Winky. And anytime. We girls stick together, right?” she responds, reaching for your hand and giving it a squeeze. Like Eren. 

Did she learn the hand squeezes from Eren? Is he squeezing her hands? They live together so …are they dating? 

“We’re here.” 

You nod, appreciative of Lana more than maybe any person on god's green Earth, as she pulls into the driveway and helps you out of the car. It’s only after sitting that you’re realizing your legs are so bone dead tired that you’re barely moving on your own. 

You move past the hood of the car as Eren walks into the garage, immediately beelining towards you. His hair is long again - it’s always changing every time you see him - and he’s all wound up with tensions sitting in his shoulders. His hands are warm and cupping your face, yanking the cold towel off and replacing it with a warm one. 

“Hey. You-you nicked your face, Y/N. And you’re freezing, you-” he whispers, brushing his fingers across the skin near your eye that stings on touch. 

Lana holds the door open as he leads you in, arms aggressively moving up and down your shoulders and his face all pinched up in concern. 

“You’re good to go? I put your stuff out by the door.” Eren says, gesturing to Lana. 

“Is she leaving?” you ask, looking up at Eren. 

“Yeah. Don’t worry, it’ll be just us. And I’m sure Mika and Jean will drop everything to fly out for you tomorrow, I can tell them if you need me to and-” 

“Well, don’t make her leave. She shouldn’t stay on that stupid set just because of me.” you respond. 

Eren looks over and glares at Lana, who is now wide eyed and giving Eren a sheepish smile. Fuck. He asked her not to talk about that. 

“Lana.” he says, in a warning tone. 

“Eren. Chill out. I didn’t even-” 

“You’re so full of yourself, you know that? You- she got drenched and the rain and you were talking about set?”

“It’s not like that! It just came up and-” 

“Oh, for sure. You just happened upon it like you were a villager walking in a town square. Ooh Y/N. You just got drenched in the rain and chased by paparazzi, but more importantly, the girls I work with are super bitchy.” he responds, mimicking her voice. 

“You-it wasn’t like that! You’re so aggravat-” 

“Eren. Leave her alone.” you ask, looking up at him. And you’re sure you must look horrible because he immediately stops when he looks at your face again and signals for her to leave, which she’s receptive to. 

“Okay. Lana, text me when you’re there. And check if you were followed on your way out.” Eren says. 

Lana stops and holds both of your arms at your biceps, hands soft on your skin. 

“Do call me if you need anything, okay? Especially Ricky related. Whatever you do, I’ll back you up, Tinky-Winky. ” 

“Thank you, La-La. I’ll take you up on that.” you respond, giving her a warm smile. 

“Oh god. No. No, you don’t get to be friends now. Fuck no, Lana. Please stick to the geriatric grandmas you play Scrabble with.” 

“You’re just mad they beat you at mahjong last week. Because you’re a prissy loser.” 

“And you’re-” 

You jab Eren in the side, signaling him to stop, as they both nod and she slides her way out. From the way he’s arguing, the look on his face is so similar to the one he gives Connie when they argue, you know they could go on for years if they got the chance. 

“Fuck you, Eren.” 

“Eat shit, Lana.” 

She flips him off as the door clicks shut behind her, the lack of her presence making you suddenly aware of your breaths. And of Eren, warm Eren rubbing into your shoulders and concerned green eyes staring into yours. 

“I like her.” you whisper. 

“Me too. Don’t tell her that though, she’s got an ego problem.” he responds.  

You laugh, which has him smiling at you, and suddenly you’re sobbing. And on cue, Eren has his arms around you, his touch warm and his voice oh so soft that it kills you. That you haven’t seen him in two months. And haven’t talked to him for longer. 

“Eren.” 

“Hey, hey. Don’t cry, it-it’ll be okay. I- we’ll fix this, okay? I’ll call Levi and Hange, whoever you want, they’ll all come and-” 

You reach up, tangling your arms around his neck as he keeps nervously talking, trying to hold you closer even though it’s not physically possible. And he’s just so- 

So familiar that he feels like home. 

“You’re breaking my heart here, Y/N. Please stop crying, I-I’ve got you, okay?” he murmurs, straight into your skin as you nod, trying your best to even out the sobs still leaving you. And slowly but surely, the stream slows and your breath evens out enough to get at least a few words out. 

“Okay. Okay, okay. I’m okay.” 

“Y/N?” 

“Hm?” 

“As much as I like holding you, you’re freezing. Take a shower first and we can do this all you want, okay?” 

You pull back, wiping the tears off your cheeks and giving him a nod. He gives you a small smile, before placing his hands on your shoulders and leading you down towards the bathroom. And you don’t miss all the posters and pictures he has on his walls - one from each season of Attack of Titan, a few of him and Armin, and even one of him and Lana flipping off the camera together. 

He pushes you into the bathroom and immediately turns on the shower all the way to the hottest setting, before turning around and putting his hands on his hips. 

“Towels, clothes, shampoo. There’s soap in there already and take as long as you want. Sit in here for three days if you have to just- do-do whatever you have to do and-” 

You pick up the bottle of shampoo, the lavender scented Pantene, the one that you’ve been using since you were fifteen. And you know, you know that Eren’s atrocious ass uses a three in one hair and conditioner so it’s not his. 

“Eren.” 

“Hm?” 

“Did you just happen to have the brand of shampoo that I use?” 

“N-no. Those are Lana’s.” 

“Then why are they unopened?” you ask, giving him a smirk. 

He glares at you, before rolling his eyes and holding your face. And now he’s leaning so close, so close that your lips are only a few feet away from yours, when he talks. 

“You know why you can’t make fun of me for keeping a spare of your shampoos in my house?” he whispers, green eyes burning in yours. 

“Why?” you whisper back, stomach lurching. 

“Because you’re actually here. I knew you’d come back to me.” he responds, giving your cheek a pinch before walking out. 

And when you watch him walk out, giving you one last smile before he shuts the door, you can’t help but roll your eyes. Typical Eren. Funny, irritating, and soft all in one. 

He’s the same as you left him. 

--

You pad out of the shower, Eren’s hoodie and sweatpants ridiculously huge on you, as you follow the sweet smell into the kitchen. Eren is leaned over the counter, sliding vegetables into two bowls of ramen as you walk in. 

“Hey.” 

“Hi. Took a while. Thought you died in there.” Eren responds, pressing his hands to your skin to test how warm they were. 

“I almost wish I did.” you respond, laughing. 

Except Eren doesn’t find it funny and instead he’s dropping the utensils and standing at your side. 

“Y/N.” 

“I was joking!” 

“Nothing about that was funny. Don’t ever joke about that.” he responds, rummaging through the drawers at your side before pulling out a little tube of gel. 

Eren taps the top of the counter, which you jump onto, before he takes his place in between your legs. His hands are focused on reading the instructions, forehead all scrunched up in concentration.

“What’s that?” 

“It’s like this…scar ointment or whatever. Helps things heal better, I want to use it on that cut on your pretty face.” he responds, twisting it open and squirting some on his finger. 

He brings his hands to your face, eyes intently focused on your cheek. You hiss the second his finger makes contact with your skin, the tingling sensation catching you off guard. 

“I’m sorry sweetheart, I know it hurts.” he whispers, smothering the cold gel down the side of your eye. 

“I-I fell on the pavement. My knees are pretty bad too, Eren.” you whisper, which he nods at. 

After he finishes, he’s carefully sliding the ends of your pants off and carefully placing the ointment on each of the jagged marks on your legs. And you eye the bowls of ramen at your side - knowing instantly that the one without mushrooms is yours - and reach for the food. The broth is so warm it soothes the aching feeling in your throat, still seasoned to perfection the way Eren always makes it. 

“Eren.” 

“Hm?” 

“Can I ask you a weird question?” 

“Sure.” 

“Are you and Lana dating?” 

He looks up from your leg and gives you a devilish smirk. And then starts laughing. Like full on, crouched over, tears from his eyes laughing.  

“Okay. It wasn’t that funny.” you murmur, rubbing your hands against the warm bowl and frowning. 

“Oh god, Y/N. Jesus-” 

“It’s a normal question! She lives with you, you trusted her to come get me, and you guys have a picture together in the hallway.” 

“Are you jealous?” he asks, standing up and leaning straight into your space. 

“Absolutely not.” 

“Are too.” 

“Am not.” 

“You don’t need to get all embarrassed. Watching you kiss Ricky James made me want to break something, preferably his neck.” 

You swallow hard at the mention of Ricky again, the thought of him and what happened was so far away because you were with Eren. In his space, in your shared bubble, after so long. And he catches on too fast because he’s already profusely apologizing. 

“Hey. I didn’t mean to bring him up, I-I’m not trying to push you into telling me what happened it’s just-” 

“No. No, Eren. It’s okay. I know. I-” 

You breathe in hard and put the bowl of ramen down and reach for his hands instead. You keep your eyes focused on them - on the little mole on his left hand, the feeling of his knuckles underneath your fingers, and on him squeezing your hands three times before you start talking.  

“Ricky and I were faking the relationship for PR. Since London Boy and all that, it was Danny and Sareen’s idea. That-that’s why I stopped talking to you, I-I felt bad. And I was ashamed that I was even doing it, I-I don’t know. The Little Women press and all that, it would just get people to stream and talk. Make me a triple threat. And then today, I- He told me he liked me. And I said I couldn’t do that right now. That I don’t like him back. I went to take out the trash because it was so awkward and then I was going to go home but he- he locked me out. And when I asked to come back in, he repeated the same words to me. That he couldn’t do that right now.” 

Eren lifts your hands, still locked with his, and presses a kiss to the top of your knuckles, as you continue. His lips burn your skin, still. 

“I was out there and it-it was cold. And then I heard the cars and I saw seven paparazzi trucks, right on the porch. Ricky, his address isn’t leaked. No-no one knew I was there or that he was but they all showed up, right when I was out there and-” 

“He called them, didn’t he?” Eren asks, his tone so harsh, so unyielding that it almost doesn’t sound like him. 

“Yeah. And I ran, for so long. I- they got a picture. A few, I know they did and I was just so, so scared that I was going to be out there forever, that I was all alone and they were just going to-” 

Eren reaches forward, wrapping you in his arms for what feels like the fiftieth time tonight, but you welcome it. Focus on his heart beating under your ear, running your fingers over his fish tattoo on his bicep, and on his soft, steady breaths. 

“Eren.” 

“Hm.” 

“You didn’t say anything. What are you thinking about?” 

“What I’m thinking isn’t productive for you to know right now.” 

You look up at him, giving him a questioning look. 

“Drop it, Y/N.” 

“No. Tell me. I’m sure you’re mad and all but-” 

“Mad? I’m fucking furious, I’m livid. That he fucking locked you out and left you in the cold. You-you could have been seriously hurt. You are hurt. And not only that, the fucking paparazzi. You-you ran in the cold, you fell, you can’t stop crying and-and- I’m going to kill this asshole when I see him next because it’s his fault you’re feeling like this.” 

“Eren.” 

“No. Shut up, Y/N. I’m being serious. I-I don’t like seeing you like this and don’t tell me not to. He hurt you. It’s that simple.” 

You deflate, knowing Eren too well to know that he won’t drop this. Especially when he’s overly passionate, deep in the feeling right now. 

“Okay. But can you just be here for me right now? I need you here and not all….tense and mad. B-Be soft. And warm.” 

He stops, the frustration in his forehead dissolving as he takes a breath and smiles at you. Not fully, but it does the job. 

“Okay. I can do that. Let’s watch Fruits Basket. And then go to bed.” 

“You hate Fruits Basket.” 

“But I love you. Enough to watch your weird bestiality adjacent show and pretend to like it.” 

You smile and he reaches forward to pinch your cheeks. 

“Look at that smile. There she is. There’s my sweet girl.” he whispers, voice all tangled in his throat. 

--

You wake up to an empty bed, Eren’s side cold. And you pull his hoodie on before padding downstairs to find Eren’s phone pressed to his ear. He gives you a wave and points to the plate - a mix of eggs, french toast, and fruits - perfectly placed to perfection. 

You give him a smile and he walks off, taking the phone with him. You frown as you watch him disappear, jabbing your fork through the cantaloupe. 

What is he talking about that’s so important he doesn’t want you to hear? 

You jump off of the stool and quietly pad towards the direction he walked, hiding in the hallway. He’s leaning against the wall, staring at the picture right across - one of Levi and Hange kissing your cheeks at the vow renewal - and angle yourself to hear his words. 

“Is he okay?” 

“I’m glad. You tell me if you need anything else, okay?” 

“Okay, Coco. I missed you too, yeah?” 

Who the fuck is Coco?

He hangs up and you immediately scramble back to the kitchen, trying your best to stay inconspicuous as he comes back and gives you a smile. It doesn’t reach his eyes, the expression on his face almost tired. 

“Hey sleepyhead. You okay?” 

“Mhm. Food is really good, Eren.” 

He gives you a smile as he sits at your side, eyes focused on you as you eat your food. He places both of your phones in front of you, and you spot yours with nearly a hundred notifications. But when you reach for it, Eren grabs your hand in the air and locks it on his own instead. 

“Just-wait. Eat first.” he says, his tone hollow.

You turn your head to the side and take in Eren’s expression, downtrodden and uncharacteristically unexpressive. The complete opposite of Eren yesterday - moony eyes and soft smiles. 

“Eren.” 

“Y/N. If I ask you to do this for me, can you trust me and listen?” 

“No. You-what’s wrong? You’re being weird.” you ask, reaching for his hand. 

He looks over, the look indiscernible, as he leans forward and presses a kiss to your cheek. 

“You-I took care of most of it, okay? Levi and Hange are coming. Just, don’t panic. You-it’s okay.” 

“Eren. You’re scaring me. Just tell me.” 

He takes a deep breath, cracking the knuckles in your hand as he nervously talks. 

“You-your pictures leaked. The ones of you running last night. And-and people started speculating really fast - wondering why you were running and crying on the night your album released instead of celebrating it. And-and then Ricky, he tweeted a bunch of things.” 

You pale. And reach for your phone, which Eren stops again. 

“They’re lies. Obviously. You don’t need to read them, not yet. And Lana told me she’s ready to back you up, whatever you want, when you need it. But, that’s not-” 

“What, Eren? Just spit it out.” you respond, frantically. 

“They- Ricky’s fans are mad at you. They’re sending you death threats.” 

“Oh.” 

You deflate, staring at the cold mess of breakfast on your plate. Death threats. Hate, you’re no stranger too. Of people commenting on your looks, how bad your singing is, how lame you are. But wishing you were dead? Full on, unbothered and cursing your existence? 

“And not just you, but your family too.” he whispers, watching your face fall. 

Your family. Your parents, Colt, Falco-

“Excuse me. What did you just say? 

Eren doesn’t respond and the tears fall immediately from your eyes, hot and angry as he reaches forward, immediately swiping them away. His expression's pained, he knows this all too well.

“I sent your family a security detail. Don’t worry. Colt was only minorly injured and-” 

You stand up and grab Eren’s shirt, bundling the fabric into a fist in your hands, as you glare at him. 

“Injured? What the fuck do you mean injured, Eren?” 

He sighs, lifting his hands to move yours, and hold them. You’re still clenching hard, so hard you’re sure you’re drawing blood, but he’s doing his best to uncurl your hands as he talks. 

“They threw a brick through the window. And the glass, Colt was sitting right there. I was just on the phone with Falco, he said he’s doing better. The security detailing has medical so you don’t have to worry about that again and they’re both okay and-” 

“No part of this is okay, Eren! Quit saying it’s okay when it’s not! They almost killed my brothers.” 

“Y/N.” 

“No. No, this is horrible, Eren. They-they don’t do any of this stuff. Falco’s barely thirteen. And Colt - he’s going to college. He’s not a celebrity, he’s not a singer, he’s just a student. How is he supposed to go out after this? Why- how is it supposed to be normal? And now, they’re going to be like us. They’re going to feel like they’re trapped in this fucking suffocating ass fish bowl and everyone’s watching and laughing at them and they just-” 

“Y/N. Stop. It’s not going to-” 

“Falco’s too soft for this. He’s just a kid, Eren. I can’t- no. This isn’t fair. Eren, they didn’t even do anything. They’re literally just related to me, they just love me and they’re getting hurt because of it. You- you’re probably getting dragged in the mud too. Everyone who helps me gets subjected to this, loving me comes with this big thing behind me and I can’t even keep people who get it with me. I let you go when you were the only person who understood and I messed it all up and got myself involved with Ricky James of all people and-” 

“Y/N. Stop. Please."

You sit flat on Eren’s floor, head in your hands, and cry, teardrops falling straight onto the floor. And Eren’s sitting there with you, with your big mess of jumbled feelings and mistakes, and trying his best to help you with it. 

That’s how Levi and Hange find you two, after pocketing the spare key Eren told them about. After he insistently called them and payed for a private jet, going on and on about how Y/N needed them. And here you two are, despite their original conceived notions that you two were fighting, on the floor, in each other’s arms. 

“Some things never change, huh?” Hange whispers. 

“Yeah. They keep fucking crying every time we see them.” he whispers back. 

--

Between Levi and Hange - Jean, Mikasa, and Connie who make it out that night - and Eren and Lana, they fix things. Most things. 

Ricky’s narrative about you is clear cut - half-true and half-fake. Your team forced him to date you and defend you for PR purposes, after the Girlfriend incident. There was an agreement that you two would write certain songs, make certain appearances, and support each other. 

But then Ricky turns the gate. Says that you’ve deeply, severely hurt him. That you led him on, that you used him to boost your own ego, and that you were dangerously obsessed with fame and not him. That you were all things - heartless, fake, that he doubted if you were even a real person. A glorious pop-star, empty and hollow on the inside.

And people jump on it fast. Citing the fact that you would throw away your friendship with Historia to be famous, that you stopped dating Eren when he stopped being successful, that you can go to tours but not to Mikasa or Jean’s birthday parties. 

The worst part? Ricky lied, but the things they pointed out were true. Every mistake you make is on display and that people make it a point to draw attention o it. That you really were in too deep, too deep into pleasing Sareen and Danny, and being a triple threat that you forgot that they were all there too. 

Eren, especially. Sweet, sweet Eren who saved you, who held you when you needed him. 

You look over at him and Lana, the two of them very aggressively debating how to use their last turn of their daily Wordle, and feel your heart deflate. 

You dropped the ball. You’ll never make it up to him. 

Lana, in her infinite kindness, has chosen to share her own story, as a corroboration for yours. That Ricky taunted, mocked, and harassed her the entire time they were dating. That you're anything but the things he says. Because she’s had enough and she’ll do it to help out her Tinky-Winky. (Much to Eren’s dismay, he hates that you’re both becoming closer as time goes on.) 

And to complement the announcement, Lana asked for one thing. To go out in style. You wrote a song with her and promised her that she was going to be the lead actress in the music video. A girl rage moment, like The Man. Danny and Sareen approve the move, making no comments or concerns about anything else that happened, and ask to be involved when the time comes. 

You sit on it for a few days. Till you’re ready. But where you are now - with these people - needs to stay for a little longer. Before you brace everything again. 

“Yo.” 

You smile, opening up space for Connie on the couch for you. 

“Hi Con.” 

“Deep in your thoughts there, princess. Thinking about how your album is about to go Multi-Platinum?” 

“No. Just the entire thing.” you respond, frowning. 

Connie rolls his eyes, reaching forward to squish your cheeks way too hard. 

“Ricky, when I catch you, Ricky-” Connie says under his breath, 

You snort, reaching forward to push Connie off. You focus back on Eren and Lana, who are now pulling each other's hair and a nice string of insults, as Mikasa and Levi brew their tea, entirely unbothered in the back. 

And when the screen in front of you flashes, when your third album goes Multi-Platinum after a week of being released, they’re all climbing on you. Jean and Mikasa are hollering in the back, Connie and Lana are jostling you in the air and pressing kisses to your cheek, and Eren, Levi, and Hange smile at you, the three of them enveloped in their own hug, across the way.

You split your separate ways at the end of the week, when you’re ready. Connie, Jean, and Mikasa return to set, Lana and Eren are gone with the wind, and Levi and Hange disappear again. 

When you sit on your plane back home, it sits in. How lonely this entire thing is. How a week full of your friends who love you only happened because of this sickening thing. That it's not a given, that they're presence is only in the bad times and almost never the good.

Your phone buzzes in your lap and you pick up your phone to read the notification. 

eren: don’t be a stranger. fish like to swim in schools, not alone. 

It’s something that rings in your mind, time and time again. When everyone else wins the war, when you keep performing and letting them take and take, for the sake of the work. For the art, for your dream.

And when you give up acting, singing, and dancing at the end of it all and make zero intentions to ever do any of this again, the question still bothers you.

If fish like to swim in schools, why did Eren push you so far away? Why was he so intent on swimming alone? Where you couldn't follow?

eren: I'm not saying that for you. and I know that this is selfish but...

eren: I need you just as much as you need me.

.

.

.

Fucking liar.

--

next part linked here

taglist:

@k0z3me @kayleegomez @yihona-san06 @bsenpai @sweetenertea @mykyoon @violetmatcha  @rebeccawinters @cutiejg @bokutosthings @bookwrmm @mblrrr @wheredidmycrowngo @somethinginyoureyes7 @chilichopsticks @okaystopwhore @you-always-made-me-blush @itzmeme @firelordazulaaaa @whoami-72 @g-ghostly @intimacywithceline @erensmoodygf @cocomellxn @princess-ackerman @jaegerfiles @cacapeepee @squirrelspoetry @rui-0836 @moonmalice @invisible-mori @sofiasber @bbybeeb @timetobegone @tee4str @ttokki2 @leave-rae-alone @ec3lipsy @officialsimpp @gojojang @yookayyo @lordbugs @multiplefandomthings @iobeyfandoms

[thatastrobae]

A ‘what if’ for y’all on this beautiful Tuesday morning

I really don’t wanna start no shit, but I just have to know…how would the fandom react if Miles and Gwen had traded places? The movie would still be amazing, but how would the discourse look if things went like this…

It was Miles that was forced to leave his universe because he messed up so bad; and in turn, the citizens of 1610 labeled him as a criminal. There is a warrant out for his arrest and when Jeff and Rio find out his identity, they don’t fully trust him because he's been lying about being Spiderman for so long. Jeff thinks he’s fallen down the same path as Aaron and Miles’ defenses fall on deaf ears.

Then in comes Miguel and Jess who give him the opportunity to join the Spider Society, build on his skills, and see all of the spider people he'd missed in the past year- everyone except for Gwen because in this "what if" she's the anamoly. Peter Parker was supposed the be Spiderman of Earth-65, not his love interest who was destined to 🎲 in said reality. So now Miguel refuses to even touch that dimension cause if she still ends up 🎲ing like the others, then Earth-65 will have no Spiderman to protect it. Otherwise things are pretty chill there; GhostSpider isn’t demonized but Gwen is still having trouble making friends. She’s missing Miles and is struggling to cope with Peter’s death.

Situation presents itself where Miles gets to go on a mission on Earth-65 to keep tabs on a villain. The only condition being that he can’t visit Gwen- which he disregards of course. They swing around Chelsea, NY, share a moment on the GWB…yada yada yada. The thing is, Miles is lying to Gwen by omission. He knows that Captain Stacy is running on borrowed time and he knows that Gwen is an anomaly who was never supposed to be Spiderwoman and she might 🎲 if they fall in love. The evening goes on and he chums it up with her dad (who he knows will end up on a mural soon) then takes his leave. Gwen- who’s curiosity is piqued at the mention of the Spider Society-knows Miles is hiding something so she gets the ‘ok’ from George (who is the best dad in this au) to follow him and she wastes no time.

Shit pops off in Mumbattan and because she’s ignorant to canon events, she saves Gyatri and Captain Singh and ASM-90 is interrupted. Jess is pissed, but Gwen’s not worried cause she knows she did the right thing and if this ‘Miguel O’Hara’ guy has a problem he can say it to her face. So despite Miles’ discomfort and Hobie’s dissuasion, she follows Jess to the SS anyway (low key excited she finally gets to see what Miles was talking about).

At Nueva York, she meets some more cool Spider people and bumps into old friends(it’s kinda weird how they’re all a part pf this taskforce except for her, but whatever). Miles is shitting bricks right now cause he has an idea of how things are gonna go down- still he says nothing, and tries move the group along.

The time comes for Gwen to finally meet Miguel and he holds nothing back when telling her why she shouldn’t have saved those civilians. Gwen stands ten toes down on her actions until Miguel debriefs her on ASM-90. Now knowing that her father’s life is in danger, she refuses to accept the fact that she can’t save him. She looks around the room for support from her friends: Peter, Peni, Ham and gets nothing but guilt ridden glances and silence. What stings a bit more is the fact that the boy she cares about the most isn’t 100% on her side here. Even as she finds herself running for her life from a mob of Spider people trying to detain her, Miles is still on the fence- yet leaning more towards Miguel’s side. He even gives Jessica an advantage by pulling her motorcycle up to speed with her. He catches her as she's falling, eyes filled with sorrow and remorse, but it changes nothing. Her instinct tells her to cut the web. Gwen didn't know if he was helping her or capturing her and she’s pretty sure Miles didn't know either. As said before, it changes nothing.

Suddenly, they’re on a high speed tram and an irritated, adrenaline filled Miguel finally catches up to Gwen. He choke slams her onto the tram and Miles and Peter are right behind them telling him to calm down, they don’t do much else to stop Miguel. They don’t want her to get hurt, but that doesn’t mean they’re on her side. As Gwen struggles against Miguel’s hold, he drops another bomb on her. ASM-121:

“That spider shouldn’t have bit you! Your friend, Peter was supposed to be Spiderman. He wasn’t supposed to die, that was your destiny! If you disrupt one more canon event, your universe will collapse and i’ll have to pick up the pieces”

This knowledge nearly destroys Gwen and the fact that all her friends knew about it, stings more. “Gwen, this if for your own good!” Miles calls out. For her own good? How? Who decides that? Gwen had no idea. In fact, Miles has been all over the place since he came to visit her. Lying about the smallest things, apparently it’s because he was hiding this from her. She knows about his situation at home, but the matter of fact is that she can’t trust him like she thought she could.

Gwen is able to fight Miguel off and escape, but not before giving Miles one last “goodbye”. Tears in her eyes and faith in him and their relationship crumbled to bits.

Film ends kind of the same way, Miles bands together a team of Spider people to right his wrong and save Gwen. Gwen is trapped in a dimension where she and her father are memorialized.

I skipped a lot but you get the gist. So with that image in your mind, how inclined do you feel to defend Miles’ actions? Would you confidently say he did nothing wrong? He didn’t mean for things to get this far, he didn’t wanna hurt her, he just didn’t want to face what was waiting for him back home. Are you defending him within an inch of your life? Is he a victim? Do you think that Gwen should just swallow her feelings of hurt and betrayal to understand where he’s coming from? The trust is gone, but is she obligated to give him the opportunity to rebuild that trust? Is he still entitled to her affections? Can you see how her feelings for him would change (even just a little)? Would you be disappointed in her if she decides not to be in relationship with him after everything is said and done? Please contemplate this and be honest. What if the roles were reversed? 🤔

[girlwithamissingpearl]

I finally did it. I streamed all 6 episodes of Outlander season 7. I’m not saying I was disappointed but…

First of all I immediately re-watched episode 1. And I’ll tell you why. Streaming 5 seasons of Outlander while reading or listening to all 9 books has made it difficult to separate the book from the show. Like many I discovered Outlander during Covid and was immediately addicted. I started reading the books but found I would get impatient and speed read throughout the book looking for Jamie and Claire. When I started listening to the audio versions it was a completely different experience. Also a humbling one as I started losing count of all the words I had mispronounced, and context I missed speed reading through each book. Naturally I started to notice where the series stayed true to the books and when it didn’t. I’ll use book and season 1 as an example. I watched the series first then read/ listened to Outlander and very slowly book JF and CF became series JF/SH and CF/CB. For those who haven’t spent 40 hours or so listening to each book, take it from me, you get things mixed up.

Fast forward to Season 7. Remember book 9 was released during the long drought so I was already decades ahead of where the season started. Plus I already had favourite scenes I was looking forward to watching. The reason I felt I had to immediately rewatch ep 1 was because I felt they tried to tie up too many story lines in an hour. It felt rushed to me because I was comparing it to the book and parts that were changed or not addressed. Fortunately by episode 6, all was well in Outlander land.

A few points:

For the first time I really enjoyed watching SS as Briana, especially during her scene with JF/SH by the stones

I thought the casting of Rachel and Denzel Hunter were very close to the book version

Casting CV as WR was perfection. At times I could really see a strong resemblance to SH. The scene where Rachel shaves William, in the light, his profile, jawline and clear blue eyes are so close to the book version but also SH as JF. Even off camera based on sm the way they are athletic, extreme sports, love of music, build etc. Totally believe they could be father and son. By music I mean CV can and SH wants to play😉

That said I can’t believe we have to wait to see the father/son reunion. I don’t believe that they have even done any press together

I wish my hair could grow as fast and long and lovely as CF. CB just gets better with every season. She just never ages. Perfection as CF. Love that WR referred to her as a curly wig general!

With so many stories, timelines, time travel and new characters JF sort of becomes a supporting cast member at times. The screen time with JF/CF is great to see but not given the time to let us enjoy the magic of previous seasons. But the love is still there.

Finally SH as JF. I was a bit teary watching the scenes at the stones and I’ll miss young Jemmy. Again I really want to see father and son together. As for his acting, SH has become JF. I know we joke about his 5 acting things, but even in limited scenes with no dialogue his performance is powerful.

Now if I could just sit back and enjoy the rest of the season without trying to compare it to the book, look for clues as to the future of J &C and what that blasted last page of book ten will reveal. Until then, thank fuck for great pizza, wine and twizzlers. And of course the amazing gals that put up with me in my small corner of the fandom😉

[zahri-melitor]

Okay I have opened March Solicits. Reactions as I go (and I'm feeling salty today):-

Chip I am trusting you to land this ZEA storyline. Also Zur!Tim is when? I am still hotly anticipating the possible fallout from that.

If Harley is back on Suicide Squad is she leaving Birds of Prey? Please?

(Also hot take but I think we're past the need for Harley to be on Suicide Squad. Part of me perked up at Black Alice and Clock King on SS, but eurgh. Harley)

Is there anything more eye-rollingly boring than "Bruce Wayne origin story" at this point?

Batman & Robin continues to look fine

I'm reminded I need to find time to sit down and start Ram V's 'Tec run.

"What's wrong with Nightwing" (I cover my mouth and laugh) anyway this looks very Tom Taylor levels of stakes.

I woke up to the Barbara discourse so I was already spoiled on this, but... sigh. Kelly Thompson not understanding the need for BoP to have someone in the troubleshooter/research role is hmmm a flaw. I am giving the team some leeway still though, as I DO think they're doing good Dinah content.

Outsiders: ...you know I actually have no clue what DC has done with Nocturna since the 2011 reboot apart from the fact she's apparently back. She's Kate's ex? (who isn't at this point??)

I'm again reminded that putting Poison Ivy on my longlist to read is probably a thing to do.

Red Hood: The Hill - "in their civilian lives, seeds of jealousy begin to drive a wedge between Jason and one of his oldest friends". Now don't get me wrong, actually developing Jason having his own cohort is something that is so necessary, but...it's intensely funny to me to see a book pretending Jason has a civilian life and longstanding friends. Go on.

World's Finest: look, I trust this team but you know what I don't need in my life? "the first meeting of Joker and Lex"

...oh damn, PG don't do this to me, that story concept looks halfway okay? Though it would still be funnier to hear about the team of Kara and Karen, ACTUALLY.

The Flash: you know what? I'm still enjoying Si Spurrier on this. Jai and Max sounds like an AMAZING team up actually.

Speed Force as a title is confusing me in that it's not only a mini, it's a mini that's actually keeping abreast of continuity around it for the characters involved. What is this? post-Crisis? (Keep this energy up)

I'm sorry, Wonder Woman is looking worse and worse. That cover makes me HUGELY uncomfortable. (the flag actually even more than the sword)

Sinister Sons remains looking SO BAD

I acknowledge that Amazons Attack is a bad rerun of a bad event, but also Mary Marvel is in it and I love Mary soooooooo (even though I know it makes other people mad)

The Green Arrow situation has been heavily canvassed, but my personal complaint is, in a slow meandering storyline to start with, we are at issue...10? and we finally get 4 women all at once? Why is Mia arriving with this group? Why are they all together? Why are any of them talking to Waller, particularly current Waller, let alone working for her? Why issue 10/12? (sings the 'devaluing women in Green Arrow again? Is it Tuesday?' song)

The old JSAers minis final issues - yeah that looks fine

CREEPER IN SHAZAM??? What??? The Creeper in a wacky hijinks book? This could be very fun but wow is that a tonal dissonance.

Blue Beetle *whispers* I'd actually be cool with Ted retiring from active hero work again. It's a good look on him.

Ape-ril - BANANA SCENTED COVER????? I feel this has gone underappreciated

I am, actually, excited for the Barda DCInk book. Though I wonder how much of the Furies backstory is going to get softened for it.

I still can't believe they're reprinting Dixon Nightwing AGAIN, in a 1024 page trade paperback. Why not collect Grayson? Why not finish out the Robin and BOP Dixon collections instead? WHY AS A PAPERBACK BRICK with all the downsides of both TPBs and Omnis and none of the benefits of either format?

[delulu-with-wandanat]

I have read a fic that gave me an incredible idea: SORCERER SUPREME NATASHA ROMANOFF and since then I have been obsessed & infatuated. Now imagine this Natasha vs evil Scarlet Witch (the 1 from DSMOM), this creates joker-batman esque parallel, a bit toxic, real proper enemies to lovers dynamic I have been yearning for wandanat No offense to Dr Strange but Nat would be a better sorcerer supreme & more suitable opponent to the Scarlet Witch ( redeemed hero vs corrupted hero, plus they are actually close as friends unlike with Dr strange therefore more stakes), imagine the mind games, the back and forth, cat &mouse chase, the tension,... considering how Wanda was manipulative and gruesome in MOM and Natasha had been there and done that, It would be incredible and tense.

Now the premise: Nat is from another earth (earth 007 bc nat loves Agent 007), discovers the sanctum sanctorum back in the winter soldier era, then becomes the SS, this speed runs the events of the infinity saga, and for some reason they would need the soul stone; nat and Wanda get chosen to retrieve it thus Wanda dies there. Also our main wandanat were just friends so are the wandanat of that universe. She notices Wanda dream walking in her universe, and immediately senses the danger Wanda is, also her earth is aware of the multiverse like the illuminati world, so she put herself in an individual quest to track down and stop the SW , it's then they clash and the fable starts. This needs massive rewrite (a better version)of the mcu, specially MOM & wandavision, for that I have to rewatch all of it, read the comics too, and the cherry on top is that I don't even write ( it took 2 hours just to send this). Anyways what do you think of this? And if someone wants to do it, be my guest

HOLYSHIT I LOVE IT WTF??

Let me know when you write it, this is fucking incredible- Yes this would need a massive re-write, but done right it would be absolutely fucking amazing! I really hope you explore and decide to write this, just know I'll be first in line with all them kudos XD

[crystalelemental]

Sync Pair Retrospective - Hoenn VA (Common Pool)

And the other aspect of the Villain Arc: the commons.  Looker was finally added to the game, fulfilling my personal wish for his presence, while Courtney defied the odds and was added as the first team admin.   For some reason.  So, how did the new general pool additions do?

Looker Badly, moving on.  ...okay fine.  He did get Poison Zone from H!Iris, and he now can partner with Emma, but his "partnership" with Emma is that he has a better poison rate to let her Buddy move take over.  Looker's so incredibly sad as a sync pair, I'm kinda mad about it.  I don't know why they did this to him.  Like you couldn’t make him Tech?  Give him some kind of poison and debuffing focus?  It had to be a shitty Strike pair?

Looker is so bad that Roxie can outperform him.  ROXIE.  A common, who just received her EX, is stronger than Looker, a 5* pair.  Grid expansions cannot come fast enough, but given how late he was added, it’s far more likely that Plumeria will get one first, and eclipse both.  Looker may as well be bottom of the barrel at this point.  As far as general pool goes, Looker does not offer much, and it’s...very distressing. Courtney Comparatively, we have God-Queen Courtney, who some argue is the best general pool unit in the game.  They're wrong.  It's Lucian.  But Courtney puts up enough of a fight I'd consider her #3.

Courtney's big defining feature is Ground Zone.  Previously relegated to limited pairs, Zone effects were wildly coveted, and having it show up on a general pool was insane.  DeNA were pulling out all the stops to get you to spend on everything before the anniversary event, so man, whatever they had planned was going to be amazing (*agonized internal screaming*).   Courtney also packed a Ground-type sync nuke, with a decent Bulldoze DPS on it, and potentially perfect self-setup.  Moreover, she had Defense Crush.  Pre-mega evolution, it only had a 30% chance, while post-mega was a 100%.  This was a glorious effect that paired her perfectly with every known Ground-type damage dealer, as literally all of them were physical.  Also, note the Def/Spd debuffing again.  Three sync pairs in under a month.  Is that not weird to anyone else?

Her drawback?  SLOW AS DIRT.  Courtney's gauges are horrendous, and with a three-bar move, this is really bad.  Any team she's supporting needs to pack a lot of gauge control, or there are going to be problems.  And guess what Ground types suck at!

As a Zone setter, Courtney lives and dies by the strength of her same-type partners.  They all do well, but many, like Maxie and SS Giovanni, are so slow as to be catastrophic without speed-boosting support.  Ingo is a godsend for many, but Maxie actively doesn’t work because of the weather conflict, and until Lyra gets an expansion that hopefully improves her bulk, it’s not looking good for either of them.  Cynthia’s the winner of the type.  Relatively fast, loves Ingo, boosts her own speed under Sand.  The expansion really just highlighted that they were going for Cynthia favoritism.  Shame about her Lodge pair.

The intervening year hasn’t seen much change for Courtney.  Naomi was the first specially offensive Ground type in the game, but even then, Naomi’s so frail and aims to clear quickly, so Courtney remains her best partner with Ingo.  Victor showed up with secondary typing, and I imagine they’re able to do something together, especially with his Ground-type Max Move hitting all opponents.  Speaking of, Rose is coming in with similar, albeit much stronger, Max Move potential as well.  So that’s fun.  There’s also the new Raikou Legendary Arena.  It’s pretty easy, but Courtney is notably well equipped to counter its entire stage.  The big loss was SC Lyra.  Ground Rebuff should have been the next step in Courtney’s evolution, but Lyra is also slow as dirt with poor gauge management, so as far as helping allies?  It’s still not a valuable partnership.

Ground hasn’t really taken off.  There aren’t many pairs that function with Ground-type damage specifically.  Courtney does well as her own damage dealing, being the most competent of the generally available pairs.  Low bar, but she clears it nicely.  The problem for Courtney tends to come with her partners.  Gauges plague Courtney’s existence, and until she gets a really helpful speed-boosting support pair, not much will change.  There’s Sonia, I guess, but one point of team speed per hit taken isn’t exactly solving her issues, you know?

[simthorium]

The SS Olympia was all set to take off from Pleasantview. Alysia, Aiden, Jesse, and Alicia were ready to start their first cruise and excited to enjoy their vacation together.

“Bring it in, man,” Jesse said, reaching out to tickle his brother-in-law. “Oh, wow,” said Aiden, awkwardly squirming away. “Didn’t know you were a tickler.” “Oh yeah,” said Jesse. “Tickling’s huge in my family. It’s how we show love to one another.” “You can’t just say ‘I love you’ or do hugs?” Aiden asked.

Soon it was time to board the ship. Jesse and Alysia headed out to the deck. “Look at this view,” Alysia said with a sigh. “I’m so glad we’re doing this. I feel like it’s been years since I’ve been able to just unwind.” Jesse wrapped his arms around his wife and brought her into a big kiss. “You deserve it, sweetie,” he said.

“Are you guys sure playing poker is how you want to relax?” Jesse asked, looking at his cards. “I feel more stressed out than ever.” “See, this is how we do things in our family,” Aiden said, winking at his sister. “None of that tickling nonsense.”

Later that evening, before the ship left the dock, the cruise passengers headed up to the top dock for an elegant dinner. “Look at us,” Alysia said with a smile. “A bunch of old coots at a fancy dinner.” “Hey, we’re a bunch of fancy old coots at a fancy dinner,” Aiden said.

“This was a wonderful idea, Alysia,” Alicia said. “As your almost name-twin, I’m so proud of us for being on the same page about us needing a getaway.” “We really married into such a cool family,” Jesse said. “That being said, being an old coot, even a fancy one, is making it hard for me to stay awake.”

“Ok, ok, let’s speed this up then,” said Alysia as everyone at the table raised their champagne glasses for a toast. “To a great vacation.” “To being fancy old coots,” said Aiden. “To our amazing family,” said Alicia. “To going to be early!” Jesse exclaimed.

The four lifted their glasses and clinked them together in the night, just as the ship left the dock.

[gameinfoxtbr]

Idle Champions Tier List 🌟

Valiant based on the fame of Dungeons & Dragons Idle Champions Tier List is a comprehensive game that is both appealing in its narration and intricate in its game mechanics. That is why no matter if you play League for the first time or you are a professional it is important to familiarize yourself with the tier list of champions. In this guide, it’ll be easy to understand the various tiers of champions for better choices on which characters to incorporate in the formations.

1. What is the Idle Champions Tier List? 📚

The Idle Champions Tier List is a list of heroes with which you can see how effective champions are in Idle Champions of Legends and how useful they are. Champions can be divided into different classes and from the highest S- level up to the lowest which is F- (Never feat). This is true because this Idle Champions Tier List is revised frequently with latest new entries and changes in the balance.

GameInfoX About Idle Champions Game: This strategic game challenges players to form the best team of champions to complete various quests and campaigns. Players must master formation strategies and learn to use each champion’s unique abilities effectively.

2. SS-Tier: The God Tier Champions 🌟

The SS-Tier champions are the strongest and can fulfil diverse functions on the battlefield. They can be the true support and the foundation for almost any formation, everyone would agree with that mentioning the abilities of champions and their compatibility. - Avren: An that may be the master buffer having a stacking mechanics which could improve the entire team performance by quite a margin. - Krull: Although nerfs Krull has remained a best pick because of his depuffs and gold locating factors. - Briv: he is one of the Rosalind’s fastest characters and is good both at tanking and healing, so is indispensable in every team of very high level. These champions should be the ones that you focus your time in the defending and attacking by leveling up and equipping them with the best gears that are available in the game since they should be the ones to help you conquer even the most challenging stages.

3. S-Tier: Amazing Champions 🌠

S-Tier champions are very efficient and efficient can be the center of many successful teams. - Baeloth: His revive mechanics make him one of the most unusual support champions, who is capable to bring a turn in the battle. - Penelope: DE buffer with sustained abilities that provide depuffs to enemies and boost the offense of the supporting character’s allies. - Nova: Despite the fact that the Nova’s tank is not as powerful as others, she is still useful in a team because of her support abilities.

GameInfoX This Core creates great support and is rather versatile in terms of position depending on the formation process. Idle Champions Game Guide: For more detailed strategies and tips on using S-Tier champions, check out this comprehensive guide.

4. A-Tier: Very Good Champions ✅

A-Tier champions are stable and robust and can do well under a number of conditions when properly teamed with others. - Zorbu: A Life Steal/Damage Over Time weapon that is particularly effective in the mid-part of fight against his most favored ‘targets’. - Gromma: An OK support character with semi-usable face control that can be useful in most cases. - Widdle: Widdle is the best for placing speed buffs as she is the specialist in boosting the efficiency of the team and its speed. Such champions are safe picks and can be perfectly used to tune up S and SS-Tier champions to create a powerful triumvirate.

5. B-Tier: Above Average Champions 👍

B-Tier champions are decent performers who can be useful in specific formations or scenarios. They are reliable but may not be as universally powerful as those in higher tiers. - Makos: A solid supporter with gold-finding capabilities, Makos is ideal for gold farming runs. - Nahara: Offers speed but lacks significant damage output, making her more of a situational choice. - Dungeon Master: Provides a mix of healing, gold-finding, and support, though he is often outshined by other champions in the same slot. Strange champions are used when the first choices are not available, or when a certain plan is to be developed. Idle Champions Game Codes: Don’t miss out on the latest game codes for rewards like gold, chests, and rare gear that can significantly boost your champions' effectiveness.

6. C-Tier: Average Champions ⚖️

They are mediocre in performance; they are the C-Tier champions. It may have some nice skills but in general it’s much weaker than the champions of the higher tier.

GameInfoX - Binwin: A position over power who just isn’t the champs of his tier, but somewhat feasible in the low levels of the game. - Nixie: Bares acceptable support and damage but her utility is somewhat significantly affected by the content level. - Tyril: It is quite effective especially when the enemy has transformed into a bear form but weaker compared to powerful tanks that you get in the game. These champions can still be helpful, for instance where other strategies have not been effective or during the first stages of implementing change.

7. D-Tier: Below Average Champions 🚫

The D-Tier champions are weaker usually they are used when no other better champions can be employed in the game. - Xander: Boasts a relatively low potential impact and is consequently superseded by more powerful advocates as soon as feasible. - Lucius: Lacks ability to provide decent buffs, and that puts him into the category of not very useful in most of the formations. These champions are comparatively not suggested if you are not trying out specific and particular tactics. Idle Champions Developer: Codename Entertainment, the developer behind Idle Champions, is known for frequently updating the game and making balance changes to keep it interesting and fair.

8. E-Tier: Pretty Bad Champions 😕

This list shows that E-Tier champions are woeful and should only be utilized only when there are no better options. - Ishi: She is an entertaining champion but plainly illustrates what one needs to do in order to be able to play with other champions of similar rank. - Viconia: Comparison of her abilities when dealt with other champions in the same position shows that she provide a poor or low level of healing and support. Such champions are often neglected because they have no great application and are generally rather weak.

9. F-Tier: Never Used Champions ❌

Mastery in F-Tier is the weakest skill for the game. The former is almost never implemented by them since it has relatively low skill levels and efficiency. - Ezmeralda: Offers very little utility and brings moderate harm which makes her one of the worst champions in the game. - Wulfgar: Always being pushed to lower ranks by other champions, he is usually used as a last hope. These champions should be avoided unless it can be helped. Idle Champions Latest Update/News: Stay updated with the latest news, updates, and balance changes to keep your strategies effective and your team optimized.

10. How to Use the Idle Champions Tier List Effectively 🛠️

Knowledge and the effective use of the tier list are necessary to be effective in Idle Champions. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

GameInfoX - Focus on Higher Tiers: They will Prioritize leveling and gearing SS and S-Tier champions to ensure a strong foundation for your team. - Experiment with Formations: Try different - different combinations to find the best synergy and maximize the effectiveness of your higher tier champions. - Adapt the New Content: Keep an eye on updates and new champions, as developer release the new heroes it will shift the tier list and create new opportunities for strategic gameplay.

Conclusion 🏁

The Idle Champions Tier List is a valuable tool or list or details for players. Who actually looking to optimize their teams and tackle the game's challenges effectively or Improve there gameplay. By understanding each champion’s strengths and weaknesses, you can form a powerful and balanced team as we defined above who is capable of conquering even the most difficult quests. Try to stay updated with the latest game news and balance changes to keep your strategies sharp and your improve your gameplay. Thank you for reading our Idle Champions Tier List Article. Word Count: Approximately 1200 words Read the full article

[tricobicofriend]

Copy pasted discord rambles about a katana & shuriken version of "o sole minnie" under the cut! Originally this was going to be a "minnie is k&s's best friends" plot, but since watching 3 musketeers i decided to ship her w katana, so this can just be reimagined as the original plot but w shuriken as a wingman(wingtoon?).

OKAY SO I HAVE WHAT I THINK IS A RLY FUN IDEA FOR A &S REWRITE OF THIS EP

Katana & Shuriken are both paddling the boat? Or one of them paddles & the other plays romantic music on a violin? Anyways, they see Minnie, & she's carrying like a dozen plates at once, on her ears, tails, arms, elbows, & whipping them out to customers with light-speed & incredible precision

Katana & Shuriken are amazed by this & stop to watch it, resulting in the passengers getting knocked off their boat. The rest of the episode is them trying to impress Minnie by attempting to balance various things like she did but failing &/or getting knocked off balance by that hippo lady.

Instead of writing "ciao belle" ("hello beautiful") they write "ciao fantastico" ("hello awesome") in the sky?

instead of simply smiling(romantically??) before pulling a whole table & spaghetti out of her basket, Minnie winks playfully & deposits the same thing (w/out the romantic candle, ofc.)

bonus old ss sketch of their designs for the short :)

[automotiverelics67]

1967 Chevrolet Impala SS

Could it be??? Yes! It is! A true '67 Impala SS in all of its glory! Well... Past glory at least this guy has clearly seen better days. When a little birdie told me about this car quite a while ago with big claims of an SS Impala just left to rot in the woods with plenty of parts left I just knew I had to go and see for myself. So with a very generalized location I set out on my trusty Yamaha and went hunting. And after a lot of driving in circles through the woods and a bit of walking I stumbled upon it, the fabled Impala. "Surely this can't be it" I said to myself, expecting something with a little more life left in it than the heap that lay before me. But, sure enough, that was her. I identified it due to the bumper shapes that my '67 Bel Air has at home. I quickly found a small gap where the door would've been and decided to climb inside and to my amazement the Super Sport badge still remained on the car- something I took for myself before I left. This car was painted Bolero Red at one point and had the black vinyl bucket seats as well. It came with drums on all four corners and a 12 bolt rear axle. The engine and transmission were long gone. Now, even though this is an SS that doesn't mean it was king of the road with a hulking 427 V8 and 4 speed manual. Often dealerships ordered high trim cars with the normal engines because those sold better. Nonetheless, I can't say I was lied to because it is indeed a '67 SS left to rot... I just expected a little more is all. Cool find!

[saucyafg4799fan]

YA'll! THAT SEASON FINALE OF LORE OLYMPUS!!!! IT MAKIN' ME ACT UP!😤

Ok I know I'm late but as many of you can already tell I read the last episode, so I gotta this out and spoil alert for whose didn't read it. 

FIRST OFF after ep 205, I knew some badass shit was about. to. go down. And I'm a firm believer that with great badassary comes a great soundtrack. So with the speed of Hermes himself, I quickly put on Pomegranate Lips by Derivakat and started reading ep 206. If you haven't listen to it...well, you're about too. Put that on, re-read the chapter, I promise you won't not regret it. (Also I just used Kronos bitch@ss instead Hades in the song). 

SECOND My sweet baby Persephone, IT WAS HER TIME TO SHINE AND GIRL SHOWED OUT!

Look at this Queen energy💅! I'm so proud of her! She was amazing! Kronos didn't know what hit him!

Actually more like ate him. Eh tomato tomahto.  🤷‍♀️

THIRDLY! Everyones awake! Especially the roast queen herself Hera. I missed her and her sass so much. But getting back on track, everyones okay, even Zeus.

Honestly, not even sure how I feel about that one 🤔 but he's tried to make amends so I can't say I completely hate it. 

And Tartarus wants Kore to visit him 🥹 and she said she will 😭 (maybe they could have game night or something) 

AND FINALLY...

🎵THEY'RE REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!!!🎵

Folks this whole series has been a rollercoaster for me, from beginning to end. So I'm gunna cry from happiness or go pay for the next chapters idk. Thank you for listening to my ramblings.

[jewels2876]

Here We Come A-Wassailing

HBC Winter Wonderland is still going on! Here’s more of Dad!Bucky for @the-ss-horniest-book-club​

Word count: 271

Warnings: none - until you listen to the linked song 😂

divider by the awesome @firefly-graphics​

“Bianca!” You yelled in the direction of her room. “We’re waiting!” You heard her muffled voice as she approached. “Bianca?”

Your daughter appeared with her phone to her ear. She glanced up at you and rolled her eyes before turning back to her phone. “I gotta go. Some lame caroling thing with my family.” She paused. “ ‘Kay, bye.” She rolled her eyes again but this time with a smile. “My friends are SO dramatic.”

You inwardly sighed with relief at her statement. “Are you ready?” You did a once-over of her leggings and tunic shirt.

“Oh yeah!” Bianca ran back to her room and up with amazing speed, throwing a vest around her shoulders and tucking her phone into a pocket. She ran a hand over her hair, pulling the bit of hair tucked into the vest out. “You guys can’t harmonize without me.”

“We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” You all finished with a flourish to polite clapping.

“Was that the LAST house?” Spencer whined.

“My feet hurt!” Shawn announced.

“More!” Rebecca giggled.

Bianca rounded up her siblings and turned them around, towards home. “As the oldest, I say we are officially done but…” She paused for dramatic effect. “When we get home we have to sing to Mom and Dad their favorite song!”

Rebecca grabbed her sister’s hand while the boys groaned. “What’s their favorite song?” Rebecca asked. Bianca giggled and leaned down to whisper it in her ear. “Really?”

You groaned as Bucky chuckled and pulled you into a side hug. “I never should have told them about “The Twelve Days After Christmas”!”

[figureskatingandrainbows]

The Skate Canada SP was waaaay better than SkAm, maybe because no one was skating with an injury? Although I’m pretty sure the women landed more triple axels than the men....

Nathan was either going to have a fantastic skate or another really bad one, and he decided to go towards fantastic. His 4Lz was a little shaky, but everything else looked good. I like the program, although the choreo isn’t as memorable as some of his other programs. There was a lot of two-foot skating as well, which is weird, since Nathan’s skating skills aren’t the best in the world but they’re good enough that he can handle more complex material. Although he did skate right after Jason, which doesn’t help.

Jason was AMAZING. He was on fire and deserves every single PCS and GOE point in the world. Sinnerman is a work of art, and he scored a 94 with no quad. That is true testament to his quality and magic and grace, and I am 100% fine with Jason Brown: Skate Canada silver medalist.

Keegan was also amazing. His knees are made of rubber, because how else does he save his wonky jumps? He has so much heart in his skating, and his k& c was SO FRIGGIN CUTE. Also, his spread eagle? *chef’s kiss* Gorgeous.

I’m glad to see Makar and Evgeni do well in the SP, although I know it won’t last in the free. Props to Evgeni’s crazy 4S save and Makar’s crazy 4Lo. Also, a moment of silence for our fallen man Roman, and Team Japan’s 3As at this event.

The women were absolutely bananas. And so was the PCS. 

 Mai Mihara was stunning, and underscored on PCS because she skated first :( I'm so glad to see her back and happy. Even though her jumps are tiny, they're rotated, and she still has lots of speed out of them. 

Karen was also stunning, although her combo was not. Her spirals are to die for, but her and the 3-3 are not friends this early in the season. 

 Wakaba! Wakaba! Wakaba! She looks so confident and happy! Not a fan of the program, but she skated so well! I can't wait for her free. One of the standouts for sure. 

Alysa was another standout. Even though the 3A was under, the rest of the program had so much speed and power and confidence. I love the music, and Alysa has really improved in skating skills and quality. 

Alena looked really hesitant on her jumps. They were all a little rusty, and she wasn't near her old level of performance. Also, the music was a weird cover and cut. At least she landed the 3A and looked happy at the end. 

Tuktamysheva is incredible, and I adore her so much. She really fought to get out that combo, and her 3A looked as good as ever. Her PCS was waaay too high. The only category she deserves above an 8.5 for is PE, which she is very good at, but her especially her SS mark should be way lower. She still deserves second place, just not so high a score. A 76, maybe? 

I like Kamila lot. She has loads of natural talent. Her spins and flexibility are incredible. She's a solid performer and has good jumps, although her combos are a little wonky. She creates beautiful moments in her programs thanks to her flexibility, so Dani G actually did something right! Her PCS was still too high, but she was nice to watch and I'm glad that she landed her 3A. But her costume... can she skate in some gorgeous black lace creation, instead if a salmon-colored burlap sack? Blech. 

Sui and Han OGM 2022! They are gorgeous in so many ways, and had a really solid SP. I'm happy to see Sui is healthy and they're not too hindered by injury. 

James and Radord seem really disconnected to me, especially Eric. He looks very flat and distracted while skating, and never interacts with Vanessa. I'm glad MT/M are ahead of them, and had a much better skate here than at Finlandia. 

Pavliuchenko/Khodykin were HILARIOUS. The program was literally ever single Italian stereotype ever. They skated well, but I'll just leave you with this.

[livvynka]

The Vacation (Kamilah & Amy) - Part 2

Warning: SMUT. I’m not native english speaker, feel free to correct me (i would be actually glad).

1100 + words

Tag list: @fal-carrington @samanthadalton @vonda-b-real @drmmyrs @straightlikewetspaghetti @blaine-hayes @lizielasyd @mrskamilahsayeed @millasayeed @ntoraplayschoices @ilove-kamilah-sayeed @kamilah-is-queen @rhonda-sayeed @queenkamilah @domakir @kwaj115 

Please consider following these people. They are talented and their blogs are great! If you want to be tagged or do not want to be tagged anymore, please, contact me.

And thank you for your support. I appreciate all likes, reblogs, comments. You are all amazing!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters, they are property of PixelBerry studios!

.

.

.

Last part:

Amy:

“And I was always thrilled to make out on airplane… I think I need help with something in toilet… Care to join?”

Amy smirk at Kamilah and slide her hand to Kamilah side. Kamilah raise an eyebrow. Kamilah eyes flash in red for second.

Kamilah:

“Lead the way.”

Amy stand up and pull Kamilah by hand. Amy look in every direction so noone cant see them when they enter the toilet. Kamilah turn to door and lock them.

Amy push Kamilah against the door. Amy’s hand wondering at Kamilah belly.

Kamilah:

“Hmm, my dirty, dirty girl.”

Kamilah tries to escape, but Amy hold her hand above her head.

Amy:

“Shh… This trip is about making you feel good. Starting…”

Amy unbutton Kamilah’s pants and slightly touch her abdomen. Kamilah gasp, lean her forehead to cold material of the door. Try to gain some self-control... Amy turn Kamilah around, so she can face her and kiss her hungrily. By one hand still holding Kamilahs hands above her head and with other…

..

..

..

With other hand squeezing Kamilah’s side. Amy move to Kamilah’s jaw line, continues to Kamilah’s earlobe and bite hard. Kamilah arch to Amy with the growl.

Kamilag:

“When i take my hands to you, you will ... - aaah”¨

Amy tease Kamilah’s center thru her pants, lightly and yet it drives Kamilah crazy.

Amy:

“I very much hope so. But now...”

Amy pulls Kamilah out of her pants and underwear, throw her blazer to ground and rip her shirt in half. Than trace her nails over new revealed skin.

Kamilah shudder and her eyes change to crimson red. And said with shaky voice.

Kamilah:

“Amy just fuck me, I can’t handle this anymore.”

Amy:

“Alright my love”

Amy sink to here knees, pul Kamilah’s legs apart, let one of Kamilah’s leg relax on her shoulder. Then she start workship Kamilah. She suck her, lick her... Circling around Kamilah’s clitoris. With her hand squeezing her butt, another hand press on Kamilah’s stomach to hold her still.

Kamilah moan loudly, Amy stop and look at Kamilah directly.

Amy: “

You need to be quiet, in other way they ban us for next flights.”

Kamilah:

“We’ll see who’s gonna be .. - jeez -us --ss”

Amy enters two finger inside Kamilah and move her mouth to Kamilah’s vulva again. Teasing one of her nipple.

Kamilah start to tremble uncontrollably, pant heavily. Hands on Amy’s shoulders. Hold her firmly, she will leave bruises for sure...

Than Kamilah explode, two times in row... Throw here head back and bite her tongue. Amy uprise and kiss Kamilah. She whispers.

Amy:

“I love you soo much.”

When Kamilah catch here breath again she grabs Amy and lift her to the near sink. Amy let out a surprise moan and pull Kamilah to close the distance, legs tangled by her sides. Kamilah smirk on that move. She doesn’t hesitate and undress Amy completely. Kissing the path of nude skin of Amy’s. Amy grab her by chin and connect their mouth again. Kamilah smile into the kiss and than suck Amy’s bottom lip.

Kamilah: “

So horny and demanding...”

She’s merciful and give Amy what she wants. She slide her two fingers inside Amy. Amy roll her eyes when pleasure begins be hard to take. Kamilah fasten the pace a lick Amy’s nipple. With other hand teasing her clitoris. Amy start to shake and let out moan. 

Kamilah:

“What were you saying about not being loud?

”

She smirk at her wife. It was her lullaby. Watching Amy’s body shaking with the climax coming, hear her moans, when Amy says her name. It thrills her.

She pumps in Amy with unnatural speed. Amy cursed and bite into Kamilah neck with her fang fully out. She feed from Kamilah, but she does not care. She would give her anything.

Kamilah add the third finger when she feels Amy’s gonna fell of the edge any second.

Kamilah:

“Let go my Queen.”

Kamilah’s soft voice was the last string. Amy’s vision went blur and she shout hers wife name.

Amy: “Ka- Kamilah!”

Amy fell in Kamilah’s arms and giggle.

Amy:

“You are going to be dead of me. I love you more btw.”

Kamilah gives Amy sweet kiss and help her wife get dressed again. They go back to their seats.

Kamilah:

“That was something else. I need to say I start liking to fly in economy class.”

Amy:

“I wonder the reason behind it...”

She smiles at Kamilah teasingly.

Kamilah:

“You are right, we need this. And I do everything in my power so we enjoy this time. I want you to show you some places in Prague too. Maybe we can even extend our vacation.”

Amy:

“That would be perfect, I don’t really care where we go, I just want to be with you.”

Kamilah tangle their fingers and lean against Amy’s shoulder. Amy pets her head gently.

Amy:

“Maybe not everywhere. I don’t like Japan or ´Island of Death´.”

Kamilah chuckle.

Kamilah:

“Nor Japan or ´Island of death´ stop me to try to make you happy every second of our life.”

Amy: “

You know I will do everything in my power to make you happy too? You are the dearest person to me, and I’m nothing without you.”

Kamilah:

“For me you are everything...”

They both fall asleep when one of the fly attendant come and wake up Amy.

Fly attendant:

“Miss, pardon me, for waking you up, would you like to eat something? Here is the menu, we have some Czech and American possibilities for food. We will come in few minutes to take your order.”

Amy:

“Thank you, we will let you know.”

Amy:

“Kami, baby. Wake up.”

Amy kiss Kamilah’s nose and brush her fingers across her cheeks. Kamilah open her eyes slowly.

Kamilah:

“What's the matter? I was enjoying my sleep.”

Amy:

“We can try our first Czech food together, look.”

She handle the menu to Kamilah. Kamilah still leaning against Amy. Kamilah looks at the menu with reluctance

Kamilah:

“Do we need to eat this? We can eat when we land.”

Amy stomach rumbles. Kamilah sigh.

Kamilah :

”Alright let's have. Ermm. What is this? Ghulagshdsad soap”

Amy chuckle. And say with humor in her voice.

Amy:

“It’s now actually not bad food. And you can pronounce it ´Goo - laash´. Well, with consideration we are on airplane and the food in economy class is far away matching the real Goulash from country local restaurant...”

Kamilah:

“Fine, let’s have it.”

Soon, after they order it with Czech beer, Goulash arrive. Kamilah look at the soap with caution.

Amy:

“Do not worry. It’s stew of meat, almost everytime from beef or veal and vegetables, flavoured with paprika spice. Try it.”

Amy practically shove the spoon in Kamilah mouth. Kamilah eyebrow quirk and she look at her wife with annoyance. She let Amy feed her. She eventually like the ´Ghoulash´ food or whatever is that.

Kamilah:

“It’s spicy but acceptable.”

She took a spoon from Amy and eat almost whole bowl. Amy rise a eyebrow at her and giggle.

Amy:

“So its ´acceptable´ you say. Let me buy you real Ghoulash when we are in center.”

Kamilah with full mouth.

Kamilah:

“Uhm, yes please.”

After another 7 hours airplane land in Prague. It was night already. Amy hide yawn behind her hand.

Amy:

“Hmm, let’s get to our apartment to freshen up, and we can go for short walk.”

Kamilah take Amy’s hand and kiss her forehead.

Kamilah:

“Sure my love.”

...

...

...

PART 1

[crystalelemental]

Sync Pair Retrospective - Sygna Suit Morty

About a year ago now, DeNA surprised all of us with a sudden pivot into caring about Golden Week.  I sure didn't expect it.  And I don't think anyone expected what we actually got out of it.  Morty, with a shiny Ho-oh.  I think this was only the second time we got a shiny form of something in the game, barring eggmons, so it was still a pretty fresh concept overall.  And with such an unexpected combination, holding the rank of both PokeFair and Weather Support, reception must have been incredible, right?

Maybe if you don't know shit about the Pokemon Masters fandom.  Supports are always downplayed at first.   Always and forever.  Morty was considered downright bad by some, because he's an awkward defensive support that buffs slowly, and didn't help with offense, which is the only thing that matters, you know?  It's why Aura Cynthia is actually super bad and no one should pull for her over Ash or Red.

Well, like every other time this cycle repeats, it took like two days for the tune to change drastically, as everyone who got him went "Oh wow, this dude's amazing."  Fun fact: I actually held off too.  I forget why, I think it was just low gem count or something, but I doubled back when the Johtrio went well and god what a relief to have pulled him.

Morty pretty immediately solidified himself as one of the best sync pairs in the game.  Like, for context, there were people legitimately arguing that he was better than SS Kris when she dropped.  They're wrong, but they weren't far off. Morty's bulk was nothing short of exceptional, with unbelievably strong defenses for something that didn't need to mega evolve, defense boosting, Potion, and passive healing every action under Sun.  He's one of those units that turns a team functionally immortal.  And despite complaints that he was bad at offense, he did supply crit rate and speed, which is a very nice set of skills to have for strikers.

The tradeoff was having poor performance on his Atk/Sp Atk boosting, getting effectively only +1 on first application of Sun.  He could get a second stack at 3/5 with the right node, but to be honest his grid is so loaded with other, better tools, that you kinda just let his allies be self-sufficient in that regard.

Speaking of grid though, good lord.   It's immaculate.  2/5 is what I've been running, and I legitimately don't think he needs much more.  Sunny Disposition, MPR on trainer move and Sun, Master Healer on Potion.  Sure there's MPR on Potion and the coveted Vigilance, but like.  He's so good, even at this level.

The thing is, I could talk a lot about what Morty's good at, but the bottom line is he was uncontested in his role.  No other support manually sets Sun.  His only competition in this role is base Lyra, whose buffing kit is exceptionally strong on offense, but she lacks the same defensive backbone and drops pretty constantly. If Lyra gets a grid expansion (which, to be clear, she does not need), then Morty might be in trouble.  But PokeFairs are also getting it, and they're getting two, so give it a bit and he'll be right back at the top.  His role as a Sun-setting support is just unquestioned, and supremely valuable.  His particular kit also assists basically everyone.  Blaine, Ethan, Hilda, and Serena need that crit rate, but can boost their offense.  Anni N gets to save a lot of turns boosting.  Later additions like SS May loved that one extra point of crit to cap offenses for her first sync a turn early, and SS Hilda literally needs for nothing but defense and speed.   Everyone was perfect, but few as thankful as SS Red.

SS Red vs. Leon was still somewhat of an ongoing discussion at the time.   Anni N was better than both, but was a Tech, so by Striker discussion, it mattered. SS Red won with SS Morty, because Morty's Sun compression freed up team compositions, and SS Red was offensively self-sufficient, while Leon needed more help.  Lucian was the immediate coup de grace.   Debuffing special defense of opponents is tremendous, when your roster is filled with options like SS Red, Serena, Blarcanine, Anni N, and Leon.  All the big names are special. Sure you double-dip the speed boosting, but since both are relatively slow, it just hasted full access to something like Silver's Inertia.

The other was the combination of SS Morty/SS Lyra.  Grass-types largely run on Sun as well, and Morty is the only option that permits both Sun and Grassy Terrain at the same time.  You want full power SS Erika or SC Sonia?   You're running Morty.  And in both scenarios, he's giving speed, which is the most critical aspect of their kit to bring.  Hysterically, even for options like Mallow, who definitely needs more of the Attack boosting, SS Lyra had him covered.  There were no flaws in this core.

But somehow this was not enough.  Because the universe would bestow another gift upon Morty as Johto's Chosen, in the form of a sync pair scout most reviled. Variety Scouts are a hated thing, but absolutely nothing is funnier than Eevee Lucas.

Remember how I said Morty solidified SS Red as better than Leon?  Yeah, not anymore.   Eevee Lucas bursts in with team special attack buffs, status immunity for the team, special defense debuffs like Lucian at 3/5, and the ability to set Sun every sync, which was all of them since Leon sure wasn't using it unlike Red, who needed to mega evolve.  In this one addition, Leon was back on top, with one of the most insane synergy teams I've ever seen.  Seriously, think about Morty for a second.   Vigilance and Sunny Disposition on grid, Status Immunity thanks to Lucas, and he's still got a lucky skill free.  Morty is the most invulnerable sync pair when it comes to shenanigans.  He is having none of it, and is constantly boosting both bulk and HP with like every action.

However that's not to say that Morty didn't suffer.  As a generalist, his application was defenses and crit. Yes, the speed buffs and healing too, but those were incidental against the backdrop of his core function as an immortal being.  And, well...Aura Cynthia.

When it comes to defensive play, you will never get a bigger stat wall than Aura Cynthia.  I mean.  We will.  Powercreep.  But at present, she's unrivaled.  If you're looking for a general option for survival, immediate max bulk, Double Potion MPR, recovery in multiple ways, access to Gauntlet checking gimmicks like Paralysis and Impervious, and can even buff crit rate, but then also throws in stacks of moves up next and gauge acceleration?  Yeah, outside of his specified niche, Cynthia just won.   Morty could not compete with how defensively unstoppable Cynthia is.   And so, Morty became hard locked into his niche as a Sun setting support, bearing the blessings of Fire and Grass, unopposed.

At this point, I would like to pull back the curtain, and express that I finished this on 4/24/23.  You know.  The day before datamine.  My thinking was man, Morty is in such a specific niche now that there's no way anything happens that actively challenges him.  WHOOPSIE DOODLES

Sygna Suit Acerola with the steel chair.  Having both Grassy Terrain and Sunny Day, Acerola aims to compress both SS Morty and SS Lyra into a single pair. The staggering thing is, she kinda did it.  Acerola offers immediate capped crit for the team, a buddy move that can cap attack for the team, and perhaps most significantly, stacks physical moves up next.  That last component is critical. Acerola supports every physical Fire and especially Grass striker, probably better than Morty himself. Because moves up next is ridiculous.  To make matters worse, because of the compression of this role, she can even bring SC Steven.  Who packs rebuff, SEUN, even more stacks of physical moves up, defense debuffs, attack debuffs for Mallow, and even Restrain effect for Selene, all at the same time, while also having a 3/5 grid node to add flinch.  The combo of SS Acerola and SC Steven is unparalleled for physical damage dealers broadly, let alone under the same field effects as Morty.

Even so, Morty still retains the advantage for specially offensive Fire and Grass types thanks to Eevee Lucas and SS Lyra.  And his sustain game is far, far superior to Acerola's, which has merit.  To say nothing of having MPR on Sunny Day, which Acerola lacks, causing potential problems in Gauntlet.  Morty met his match, but he's not out of a job because of it.  In spite of taking a few big hits from his competition, Morty's still flying high as one of the best supports in the entire game.