#this is probably the first and last time i will use that tag. it feels weird and wrong.

[wwinterwitch]

choosing ─ bucky barnes x reader x ava starr

summary: you started to fall for bucky almost as soon as you met, but it's impossible to pretend like you completely got over your complex feelings for ava. pairing: bucky barnes x fem!reader, ava starr x fem!reader word count: 7.6k tags: bisexual!reader, poly dynamics (nothing happens between bucky and ava tho), new avengers featured, angst and fluff, comfort too i guess, happy ending, kissing, proofread but this story changed a lot so some pronouns might be all over the place because it used to be an oc fic rather than x reader oops so keep that in mind!

a reblog and/or comment is always appreciated!

main masterlist | marvel masterlist

The chemistry between you and Bucky is undeniable. There's something about the playful banter and the stolen glances here and there when one of you thinks the other isn't looking that makes it painfully obvious. You two aren't just co-workers or friends.

You were somewhat aware of Bucky's existence before getting involved in all of this mess. You have heard a few things about the tragic fate of Steve Rogers' best friend and his path of redemption. The former assassin becomes a struggling politician.

But Bucky probably didn't know much about you before the team was formed. How could he? You’ve been keeping an extremely low profile most of your life. That's how you keep a good reputation in your line of work. You’re good at disappearing and making people disappear. One of a kind, as the Kingpin used to remind you. He was the one who recommended you to Valentina before you officially cut any ties– from one shitty employer to another.

There was something there from the moment the two of you met, after you and the others managed to escape that death trap Valentina had set for everyone. An unspoken thing that somehow was too loud to ignore.

Perhaps neither of you wanted to acknowledge it at the time. Perhaps you thought nothing would come out of it. Perhaps you were way too focused on the life-or-death situation involving The Sentry to really pay any attention to your growing chemistry.

Bucky can't even remember the last time he has felt anything remotely romantic towards someone else, his love life being as much of a failure as his work as congressman so far. But that vacancy in his heart was something he had become used to at that point, because he simply didn't have the energy or time to care.

As for you, you have also grown accustomed to being alone, coming to terms with the idea of it after so many years in this line of work. You tried exploring the idea of having a partner but it just didn't work out the way you expected. Eventually, you figured it would be better if you didn't have those distractions, and you didn't want to put someone in danger by dragging them into your shitty life because you were selfish enough to keep them around.

But that was before. Now, you're apparently stepping up as 'The New Avengers', and that changes everything.

You all live together at the old Avengers Tower, which means you and Bucky started spending a lot of time together. There are plenty of nights where you have stayed up just talking about whatever you and Bucky feel like sharing with each other, seeing far beyond the harsh exterior you two present to the world.

This newfound proximity has made Bucky realize how painfully large that empty spot in his heart truly is, and it has shown you that it's okay to be a little selfish sometimes.

The banter is just straight up flirting at this point and pretty much everyone in the team knows what is going on– including her.

Ava has been oddly unfazed by it, and even when you should probably be relieved that she doesn't seem to care, it's impossible to deny that such indifference hurts.

It's almost pathetic to think she was one of the main reasons why you were holding back from even allowing yourself to process your attraction to Bucky in the first place, thinking you owe it to her after all these years. What a slap in the face it is to realize how little everything meant to her.

Your relationship is anything but simple. You met through Valentina, working on a few assignments together here and there but nothing too serious. Eventually, you started to get closer, but you were never an official couple– in fact, you’re not entirely sure Ava even wanted to be your girlfriend in the first place. She just needed someone to rely on and you were there to provide the comfort and companionship she's been craving for a very long time, absolutely tired of being (and feeling) alone.

You gave her a sense of purpose she thought she'd never be able to find...or so she said, because it looks like she never gave a fuck about whatever it was that you two had.

But perhaps you not working out was for the better. The situation just wasn't ideal. You had a lot of work at the time and many things to figure out on your own. Too unavailable. You would avoid any interaction that differed from a friendly or professional exchange to avoid getting into a situation where you might not know how to escape safely when it inevitably leads to failure. Ava would say something like "I've never felt this way about anyone before". And then you let her in. And then Ava would disappear. It was an endless circle– one of you would say something outrageous before avoiding contact for weeks.

Would it have worked now that you're in a far more stable situation? If Bucky never showed up, would you be together now? Ava's behavior seems to answer those questions right away. Perhaps you not working out was for the better.

You have come to a point where you wish Ava would just ignore you. That would mean that perhaps she cares at least a little bit. Instead, she acts completely normal. She simply does not care that the girl who (supposedly) 'gave her a sense of purpose' is getting closer to someone else. Not happy, not upset...just nothing.

Her indifference evidently pisses you off, because you genuinely thought that what you had was special...it was to you, at least. It’s frustrating to think back on all of those instances when you almost dared to take that extra step…to suggest that you could leave your lives as Valentina’s little helpers behind and just try to figure things out on your own. You genuinely thought that you could’ve had your chance to finally be together.

That explains why you struggled to admit to yourself that you were developing feelings for Bucky, or why you were reluctant at first to let your connection develop even further. It was only when you realized Ava never truly cared about you that you finally understood it was pointless to maintain any sense of loyalty. You let go of the guilt of developing feelings for someone else– feelings scarily similar to the ones you were developing towards Ava before everything was suddenly over between you.

Still, even when you should feel at peace with it, knowing you’re free to explore your feelings for Bucky, you don't feel okay at all. If anything, you just feel conflicted. A part of you wants to focus entirely on Bucky, but another part of you is still trying to understand how Ava is so nonchalant about this when she used to stroke your hair in the middle of the night as she thanked her for changing her life.

Any reasonable person would expect that someone with such claims would give a fuck, right?

The whole situation is confusing. You know you really like Bucky. The feelings you have for him are real and exciting. He has proven to you his intentions are sincere and genuine, and he's not afraid to express his feelings for you.

But even then, you can't deny you still care a lot about Ava. You wish you could magically forget about what you went through together, but you just can't let go of those memories. You never got a proper closure. Never quite figured out why you could never make things work. It’s impossible to let someone go when you don't fully understand the reasons why you should let them go in the first place.

These thoughts invade your mind from time to time, torturing you with the uncertainty of it all. This is definitely one of those days where you’re fixated on it. They distracted you at your training session this morning and haunted you in the shower later. Even now, as you’re walking towards the kitchen, is all you can think about.

To your luck, you bump into each other, just as Ava is trying to leave the kitchen and you’re trying to walk in. Again, you wish the other woman would just completely ignore you, or perhaps look at you with eyes filled with disappointment and betrayal. You just want her to do something. Anything to let you know she cares.

“Bob brought everyone donuts this morning, if you want some," she says extremely casually, pointing back at the kitchen before intending to continue walking.

Donuts were the breaking point, apparently.

"You've got to be kidding me, Ava."

"What?" she asks, acting genuinely confused.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Her expression changes almost immediately, jaw tightening just enough and her eyes darkening. Her face is a reflection of the uncomfortable situation she's about to endure. The inevitable conversation she knows she can't keep avoiding.

"Could we go somewhere more private?"

You don't say anything back, which Ava takes as a silent agreement. You start walking towards the elevator, immediately hitting the button that would take you to the rooftop. It's highly unlikely anyone is up there now. They're mostly up here when they want to watch the sunset or just sit underneath the stars and chat until one of you is tired enough to fall asleep (that's almost always John). 

You reach the rooftop, walking towards the small balcony area that all of you set up as a team. Each of you has a designated recliner because Alexei suggested it. The area is decorated with tons of plants that you and Yelena take care of. Ava hanged a few fairy lights on the wall. Bob tends to forget a book or two up here that somehow always contributes to the decor. Bucky claims he got a free candle at a market once and decided to keep it here (everyone knows he probably bought it intentionally but just won't confess it). Oh, and John brought a pillow from his bed once and it's still here for some reason. The entire place is painfully theirs, everyone contributing to it being what it is now.

"Alright," Ava says as soon as the two of you walk closer to the balcony, crossing her arms across her chest. "What is it?"

You scoff at her question. "Really?"

Ava clearly doesn't like your demeanor, getting more and more defensive, frowning slightly. "I just don't know what there is to talk about, to be honest."

"There's everything to talk about!" you correct with obvious exasperation. "Do you have any idea how confusing it is to see you act so normal about...about everything?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Are you having a hard time?"

There's a brief silence between you. You look back at her with evident conflict, feeling a knot tightening at the pit of your stomach. Ava looks extremely upset– exactly the face you were expecting to see after all these weeks of receiving absolutely nothing from her.

"I just don't understand why you don’t talk to me about how you feel."

Ava avoids looking at you now, eyes glued to her boots as she starts to mindlessly pace around the rooftop. "Because I knew it wouldn't have made a difference," she replies, almost cryptically, a weak smile adorning her lips. "I mean, I wanted to talk to you– truly, I did, but then I realized." She pauses just briefly, almost hesitating to admit what she's thinking about out loud before continuing. "I realized the way you look at him."

The comment has a far bigger effect on you than you would've ever imagined. It's particularly difficult to hear it when Ava looks so...peacefully defeated by it. Like she has come to terms with it.

"As soon as I saw that, I knew I had to stay quiet," she continues, her weak smile never fading. "I can tell Bucky cares about you a lot. You deserve to be with someone like that– someone who doesn't run away when things get too overwhelming. Someone who gives you a lot more than what I can offer."

"Please, don't tell me what I deserve," you say almost immediately. It's a nice sentiment, but you hate to hear it. "I'm the one who should decide that."

"Haven't you already made that choice?"

You get even more upset, letting out a tired sigh at Ava's inability (or perhaps reluctance) to understand just how cruel her silence has been.

"All this time, I thought you didn't care. I just assumed whatever we had was meaningless to you and that it didn't matter if I moved on."

She doesn't say anything at first, simply looking back at you. Smile fading, frown reappearing. Perhaps the gravity of her behavior is just starting to sink in. The idea of her possibly being chosen by you, flaws and everything, until she decided to walk away like many times before.

"How could you–?" she tries, voice breaking slightly at the end, feeling extremely vulnerable at this point. "How could you think that?"

"Because that's what you showed me, Ava! I can't read your mind. You didn't talk to me."

"And why didn't you talk to me?" Ava's voice sounds more desperate now, pointing a finger at you and then to herself to emphasize her words. "I just stood there and watched as you and him got closer and closer, and I had no idea what was going on," she continues, visibly shaken up, finally letting out all of her pent up emotion. "I watched him hugging you. I've heard the two of you laughing together. I’ve had to deal with everyone in the team cracking silly little jokes about the two of you. I noticed you look at him like nothing else in the room exists. And all I could do was watch."

Another silence. Ava is taking a seat on her designated recliner, hands covering her face as she lets out an exasperated sigh, not anticipating she would get this emotional. You stand in the same spot you’ve been the entire time, but as soon as you hear Ava quietly sobbing, you immediately walk up to her.

"I believe we can agree we both have trouble communicating," you start in a soft voice, kneeling to be closer to her height now that she's sitting. "I'm sorry."

Your heart sinks when Ava dares to look at you, revealing her teary eyes. "I'm sorry too," she whispers weakly, feeling incredibly vulnerable right now. She stays completely still as the girl in front of her delicately wipes her tears away. "I really don't want you to think that what we had didn't mean anything to me. It meant everything."

"I know," you reply, trying to comfort her in any way possible. She shouldn't torture herself about it right now.

Before she can stop herself, Ava is reaching for your hand, giving it a light squeeze while offering a sad smile. "I really want you to find the happiness you deserve, you know? Even if it’s not with me by your side."

It's impossible to try to come up with an answer to that right now, too overwhelmed and confused to think. Could you truly be happy if that means never exploring your connection again? It doesn't feel quite right when you try to imagine it.

Before you can say anything, Ava finishes wiping her tears away all by herself. "I'd like to be alone now, if that's okay," she says in a soft voice, showing how distraught she is.

As much as you would like to stay, maybe keep talking about the situation until you reach some sort of conclusion together, you can tell Ava is emotionally exhausted right now. The amount of sharing she has done right now is more than enough, especially considering that it's been very difficult to get her to open up in the past without her completely closing off.

"Okay," you nod, right before standing up from the ground to head back to the main floor.

You’re standing all alone inside the elevator, feeling the knot in your stomach tightening as you try to hold back your tears. You feel completely lost now, knowing whatever you choose won't keep you truly satisfied. You don't want to let go of Ava, but it'll crush you to have to end what you just discovered with Bucky.

Your guilt is eating you alive, and it's getting more and more difficult not to burst out crying. How could you be so selfish? How did you allow this to happen? Ava doesn't deserve it. Bucky doesn't deserve it. And you certainly don't deserve them.

After that emotional encounter, you spent most of the afternoon locked inside your room, away from everyone. You were in dying need of some alone time to think and truly process your feelings. You know you’ll have to make a decision, heart shattering into a million pieces at the idea of losing one of them.

The rest of the group quickly started to notice your sudden absence, starting to get increasingly concerned.

"Is she really not gonna come down?" John asks the entire group as they all gather around the dining table.

"Perhaps she's ill?" Alexei guesses with evident concern, shrugging. "Although I talked to her this morning and she seemed fine."

"Yeah, we were training today and she seemed fine," Yelena chimes in. "A bit out of it, maybe. But overall fine."

Bob briefly points at the untouched box of chinese takeout near him on top of the table. "I can go upstairs and check on her. See if she wants something to eat."

While everyone voices their concern regarding their friend, Ava quietly eats her fried rice as she avoids joining the conversation. From the opposite side of the table, Bucky watches her cautiously, finding her silence a bit strange. She's not exactly the most talkative person in the group, but she’s not this quiet either. 

"I can go," Bucky says rather suddenly. As soon as he speaks, Ava looks up at him, only to immediately look back at her food when she notices his analyzing gaze upon her already.

Bob quickly hands him the box containing your food, before closing another extra box for him to take upstairs. "I saved her a few dumplings too," he says with a soft smile, silently hoping that little gesture might make you feel better in case you need it.

Bucky grabs the boxes before heading to the elevator, making his way to your bedroom. He could see a faint light from under the door, indicating you’re probably still awake.

"Hey," he says cautiously, hearing no response. "Is it okay if I come in?"

Nothing. Just silence.

"Everyone's worried about you," he tries again. "Please. I just want to make sure you're okay."

For a second he thought you weren’t going to say or do anything, but he's gladly surprised when you finally opened the door. He takes note of how you look, immediately noticing your puffy red eyes and vacant expression.

"What happened?"

Instead of answering, you just wrap your arms around his torso for a much needed hug. He doesn't know what to do at first, holding a box of chinese takeout in each hand.

"It's been a very shitty day," you simply say after a few seconds of you just hugging in silence, moving back and towards your bed as Bucky walks further inside your room.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

You hesitate at first, shrugging lightly. "You're going to hate me," you reply, still being painfully vague about the entire situation.

"I highly doubt it," Bucky comments with a smile, trying to ease the evident tension that surrounds the entire interaction. Contributing further to it, he hints at the two boxes. "Here's your food. Bob saved you a few dumplings."

You immediately smile at that, appreciating your friend's gesture. It's particularly nice considering last time they ordered chinese, you shared your adoration for dumplings with Bob. It was really just a random comment, but it looks like Bob remembered it.

Bucky takes a seat on your bed, right next to you. "Talk to me."

You have no idea how to even begin to express the complex web of thoughts that have been running through your mind the entire afternoon. How could you even express how you feel without hurting his feelings? How are you supposed to explain you have feelings for Ava and him without sounding like a selfish prick who can't seem to choose between them?

Then, suddenly, Bucky speaks again. "Does it have something to do with Ava?"

You don't reply– not verbally, at least, but Bucky's suspicions are immediately answered by your expression. A mixture of surprise and guilt, not expecting him to bring her into the conversation.

Bucky smiles again, unsure on how to approach this topic. "I've noticed a few things...I wasn't sure, though. But if it helps to ease your mind, I don't...I mean, I don't really mind."

You can't take it anymore, eyes filling with tears as you shake your head. "I feel awful," you mutter. "You don't deserve this. I can't believe I've been so selfish. I'm really sorry for creating all of this mess and dragging you into this."

"You didn't drag me into anything," he quickly replies, wrapping an arm around you in order to comfort you. "And you don't need to feel sorry. You did nothing wrong."

"But I did," you argue, a fake and ironic smile on your face as a few tears start to stream down your cheeks. "I should've been more considerate of yours and Ava's feelings. I should've been more considerate of my own feelings too, instead of ignoring what was going on."

You take a much needed pause, trying to control your breathing as more tears trail down your face, barely able to face Bucky, feeling way too ashamed to do so.

"I really do like you, Bucky. I like you so much, it's actually starting to scare me," you whisper, but Bucky can't exactly focus on your endearing words when you look so broken. "I shouldn't have been so selfish to allow us to develop more than a friendship when my feelings for Ava– as confusing as they might be, are very much there still."

He takes a second to think about your statement, not exactly knowing what to think. "So...you regret what we have?"

"No, of course not!" you quickly reply, moving back to properly look at him. It’s already crushing you, but you know the best decision would be to establish some distance if you want to truly clear your head and figure out your feelings. "I like you and I like what we have...but I can't ignore what I feel for Ava. I think I still have to figure out where she and I stand, and I don't think it's fair to put you through that."

Bucky is once again quiet, which only makes you increasingly more nervous. Silence is the worst answer. You would much rather watch him get upset and say something back at you.

What comes out of his mouth next truly shocks you. "I don't mind that you have feelings for her."

"What?" is all you could muster, beyond confusion.

"I mean, your feelings for her don't immediately invalidate your feelings for me, right?" he says, trying yet again to approach the topic very cautiously. "I don't think you're obligated to choose."

He couldn't possibly be implying...

No. Not a chance. He can't be.

But is he?

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

Bucky offers you an awkward smile. "I guess I'm just trying to say that I don’t mind being with you if you want to figure things out with Ava at the same time," he says with a light shrug.

He really is implying it!

You would've never imagined Bucky would say this. Not in a million years. You never even considered it to be a possibility. 

The only option you had ever considered was choosing, but you never stopped to think if there was a way that the three of you could make this work. The more you familiarize yourself with the idea, the more it helps to ease your inner discomfort. Perhaps part of the problem with choosing was that, deep down, you really didn't want to choose.

Not choosing makes sense. It feels right. If Ava is open to this idea, this might actually work out.

"Only if you feel comfortable with that," Bucky clarifies shortly after, because you’ve been quiet for way too long. "If it's not, I'll understand we need to take a step back from this."

You snap out of your thoughts, wiping the last few tears away. "No– it’s just…I was just thinking about what you said," you explain your sudden silence. "I actually think I'd like to explore that idea." You can’t help but smile at the mere thought of being able to freely explore your connections with the two of them without being forced to choose.

Bucky smiles back at you, reaching for your hand. "Really?"

"Really," you reply, inching closer until you’re practically on top of him, letting out a soft giggle when Bucky is fully pulling you into his lap. "I'll have to talk to Ava about it, though."

"Sure.".

There's a brief pause, and you’re unable to hold yourself back from inquiring further about this topic. "Where did this even come from?" you ask, wrapping your arms around his neck as you get more comfortable sitting on his lap.

Bucky shrugs. "I don't know. It just makes sense to me, I guess."

You nod, the answer seemingly enough for you. It makes sense to you too now that you have thought about it. Perhaps there’s not really much to explain when the idea simply makes sense.

Without really thinking much about it, he moves your hair to the side, just enough to expose more of his neck to him. He starts caressing the side of your face with his fingers before leaning closer, placing a few tender kisses on the side of your neck, trailing up to your jaw before finally meeting your lips. You return the kiss almost immediately, feeling the familiar butterflies you get whenever he’s around, smiling as soon as you break apart.

Bucky places a quick kiss on your forehead before speaking again. "You should eat."

"Can't I stay here on your lap a little longer?"

It’s the way you say it that has Bucky grinning, shaking his head as you giggle at his reaction. "Don't," is all he says about that, giving you a gentle pat on your upper thigh as a silent way of telling you that you should stand up. Just as you’re about to argue, he pats your thigh again.

You finally do as told, standing up to grab one of the boxes and the chopsticks to begin eating. Bucky gives you another short kiss on top of your head before leaving the room, immediately in the search for Ava.

Downstairs, he could hear the thundering laughter of Alexei even before he reached the dining room. The atmosphere around the table is cheerful. It's been a few months since Valentina’s announcement, and the group starts to feel more and more like a family. But Bucky still struggles to comprehend how he went from living in an empty apartment in D.C., to the Avengers Tower surrounded by people he would've never imagined he would learn to care for so much– and that they would care so much about him too.

"How is she?" Yelena asks as soon as she notices Bucky. The entire table stays quiet as they turn to look at him for updates. "I hope she’s not up there you did something wrong, because I swear I’ll kick your ass if you don’t behave."

He immediately throws both hands up. "I didn’t do anything. Relax."

"So the relationship is going well?" John asks, more as a way to tease his friend rather than to genuinely ask the question.

"Yeah, it’s pretty good."

"You two are a wonderful couple!" Alexei exclaims, genuinely happy that two of his best friends and teammates are together. "You know, I sensed there was something going on between you from day one."

John sighs. "So you have said every chance you get."

"No, but it’s true," Bob intervenes. "You two are very cute together."

Bucky doesn’t really know what to say, feeling a bit uncomfortable for having all the attention on him. "Thanks guys."

Yelena can only roll her eyes at the exchange. "We get it. Romance is awesome or whatever," she adds, not really caring much about it at all, wanting to go back to the original topic. "How is she?"

"She's okay. Just feeling a little exhausted," is all Bucky would share for now. The team seems satisfied with the answer, although Yelena does give him a warning look before they all resume their previous conversation.

Bucky notices Ava is still staring at him, trying to decipher if he knows more about the situation. It's clear to her that he does, as soon as she watches him shortly tilting his head to the side, hinting for her to follow him.

The group barely acknowledges what is going on, too focused on their rant about infamous movies they should definitely watch tonight. Ava stands up from her seat, following Bucky to a small lounge room nearby, away from the rest.

"What happened?" she asks, sounding incredibly defensive like she did earlier with you.

"I think you two should talk."

"Did she tell you anything?"

Bucky gives her a soft smile. "I know enough to understand you two should talk."

Ava finds this extremely confusing, squinting her eyes at him. Why is he deciding to offer his opinion on the matter? Even when she hates to admit it, the gesture is almost upsetting. You’re drifting away from her because of him. Sure, Ava hasn't been the best at handling your previous relationship– you weren't exactly perfect either, but if Bucky wasn't in the picture...perhaps you two could've figured it out by now.

She hates to think of her friend as an obstacle that stands between her and the literal woman of her dreams. It's also very conflicting, because she cares for him enough to also wish him happiness, even if it means she has to let go of you in order for him to achieve it.

"Why are you doing this? Why would you talk to me about it?"

"Because I care about her. And I also care about you. I don't want either of you to be hurting."

"But you must be feeling at least a little conflicted," she insists, not understanding how he could be so incredibly okay about this entire dynamic. "I mean...we both have feelings for her."

"Yeah, I don't really see that as a competition."

Ava frowns almost immediately. "Rude."

Bucky chuckles softly at her reaction. "That's not what I meant."

She appreciates that he’s somehow trying to lighten the mood, deciding to contribute to it. "Good, because clearly I'm a far greater catch than you."

"I wouldn't go that far," he replies, making her smile. "But really, what I meant to say is that I don't think she has to choose between us."

Ava is definitely more confused now. His last statement sounded almost like a cryptic invitation and she wasn't quite sure how to feel about it.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she asks, having the idea very much present in her head, but still needing further confirmation that he really is implying such a thing.

But Bucky doesn't say anything else regarding that, and instead just reminds her, "You should talk to her."

Needless to say, Ava is immediately making her way upstairs to your bedroom for a much needed clarification on what is genuinely going on, glad to see the door half-open.

"Can I come in?" she asks before even peeking inside.

"Sure," you reply from inside. Ava walks inside the bedroom, noticing the empty boxes of the chinese takeout on top of your desk. You were probably starving after being locked up here in your room, immediately feeling even more guilty because your conversation is the reason why you decided to do that in the first place.

You’re laying on your bed, immediately standing up when Ava walks in. The little notebook in which you were previously sketching is quickly placed on your nightstand. "Would you like to sit down?"

You offer her to sit on the bed, but Ava is still feeling a little too cautious, so she chooses to sit on the chair by your desk instead. Pérhaps her fears are unjustified, but she can't shake the bad feeling that things between you might end for good tonight. Perhaps that would explain why Bucky seemed to be so calmed about this situation. Perhaps he knows you'll choose him anyway.

You take note of Ava’s behavior, your mind completely blank now, even after spending minutes rehearsing a speech to properly approach this situation. You don't remember a single word of it.

All you decide to do for now is apologize once again. "I'm so sorry about the way our conversation ended."

"You have nothing to apologize for. I didn’t handle it well either. I think we both need to work on our communication skills."

"Yeah, and I'd really like for us to communicate right now."

A brief pause. You’re trying to figure out if Ava is really up to that, while also trying to control your growing nerves. Ava notices your analyzing eyes on her, nodding. "Alright, then. Let's communicate."

"Okay, so...I had a conversation with Bucky."

There it is. Ava feels as if a bucket of ice cold water has been pulled over her head. She should've known better than to admit something was going on with her. She should've stayed quiet and allowed you and Bucky to build your relationship in peace while she suffered about it in silence. In her head, it's a much better destiny than having to sit in front of you while she hears you say exactly why you prefer Bucky over her– oh, and Bucky...how deeply she's despising him right now...

But she tries to calm herself down as soon as that avalanche of thoughts starts to invade her mind, fully aware that it comes from a place of fear, causing her to feel that sudden urge to run away again. The same urge that cost her losing you in the first place. It’s the worst possible way of dealing with her emotions.

Deep down, she knows she needs to get some sort of closure regarding this relationship. Having the opportunity to hear you and to be heard by you until there's nothing left unsaid. Perhaps that's the only way to truly move on from what you had and maybe (in time) learn to be friends.

And Bucky...how could she possibly begin to despise someone like Bucky? She's grateful to have a friend like him.

"Yes..." is all Ava has to say at the moment.

"And I– I think that conversation changed my entire perspective," you continue. For once, Ava feels more hopeful about the outcome. "I was really conflicted about having to choose because I care so much about both of you. And after talking with Bucky, I realized that maybe I don't necessarily have to choose. And not choosing shouldn't be a bad thing...if the three of us agree it isn't."

Oh, Bucky was really implying what she thought he did earlier.

Is it a bad thing? The idea doesn't sound too bad if Ava truly thinks about it. She wants to figure things out with you, just as much as she wants the two of you to have the chance to continue your relationship. Is it really impossible for two different people to have such a strong connection with the same person? And for that person to feel connected with both? One bond doesn’t necessarily cancel out the other one.

But still, is something new to her that she hasn't really thought about before. She hasn't stopped to think if it'll suit her and her relationships. 

"So...what you're basically suggesting is for us to try to work things out, while you continue dating Bucky."

You look almost embarrassed, even when you shouldn't feel like that. It's just part of communicating. If Ava says she doesn't feel up to it, you can talk it out and figure out what works for everybody.

"Yes, that's...I guess that's what I'm trying to say."

"And Bucky has already said that he's okay with that?"

"Yes."

"And you are okay with that?"

"...yes."

"And now you're asking me if I'm okay with that?"

"Ava."

"Alright, I’m sorry! It's just...I never really considered it. I've never been in this kind of situation."

"It's new to me too. It kind of makes sense to me, so I'm open to giving it a try. Maybe it turns out it doesn't work, but right now I feel like it could, and I'd like to explore that with you guys," you add. "Like the kind of risks you have to face in any kind of relationship."

Thinking about it for a moment, that statement it’s very much true. Why should this be any different than the risks and compromises you make in a monogamous relationship? Or even a relationship with a friend or a family member. It’s all about listening to the other person and compromising where you can for them. If the three of you manage to communicate and put your efforts into making it work, who says it won't actually work out?

"I guess we can give it a try," she finally says, choosing to take that risk rather than run away again. She’s willing to take the risk for you and your relationship. "Perhaps it might work."

"It could work," you say, a big smile on your face, unable to stop thinking how incredibly right this feels.

Ava is at a loss of words at first, looking down at the floor with obvious embarrassment. "So this means– like are we–" she tries, hating the way she's practically stuttering like a nervous wreck. "Does this mean we’ll get our second chance?"

"I'd really like that."

Once again, she has no idea what to say, choosing to crack a joke to ease her emotions. "Well, it's probably like the hundredth chance," she comments, standing up from the chair.

You laugh, standing up from your seat as well. "I didn't want to say it, but..."

Ava scoffs, playfully rolling her eyes. "Oh, shut up!"

"Hey, you brought it up!"

The two of you stand right in front of one another, staring into each other’s eyes in complete silence. It’s not necessarily uncomfortable, but it’s evident that there’s some tension growing the more you look at each other. An unspoken thing between you that it’s practically impossible to ignore.

Before she can regret her impulses, Ava takes a step forward to close the space separating you, grabbing your face to bring you in for a much awaited kiss. It’s intense, passionate and incredibly desperate. It’s evident in the way you hold each other. It’s a kiss that you both have been craving for a long time, not sure if you would ever get the chance to satisfy that need.

All you can do after pulling back is to grin back at each other like fools. You let out a soft, nervous giggle before wrapping your arms around Ava’s shoulders. The other woman returns the hug almost immediately, resting her head on your shoulder as she lets out a sigh of contentment. "I missed being like this with you."

"I missed it too," you whisper. "I missed you."

Ava’s heart almost melts at that, feeling like the happiest person in the entire world. "I missed you." It feels so incredibly nice to feel like your dynamic is going back to what it used to be. After parting ways for what she thought was forever, she couldn’t help but feel an invisible barrier between you when you two were forced to reunite again back in that desert– the one that you always felt whenever you started your vicious cycle over and over again. Now, it’s as if that barrier completely disappeared, feeling the familiar comfort only you can bring into her life– for once, neither of you fear that the barrier might come back.

"Can we go to the kitchen? I feel like I need to seriously hydrate myself after crying so much today."

"I'm sorry I made you cry," Ava mutters, still holding tight onto your body. It's adorable how clingy she can be sometimes. You absolutely adore it.

"It wasn't your fault."

Ava lets out a soft sound as a complaint when she feels you trying to break the hug. "Should we go to the elevator exactly like this? I don't want to let go just yet."

"Oh, so you’re feeling extra clingy now, huh?"

She lets go as soon as she hears that you’re making fun of her. "Nevermind."

Unable to contain your laughter, you grab Ava by the arm to prevent her from walking away, pulling her back in for yet another kiss, this one much shorter than the other. "And extra grumpy, apparently."

Ava rolls her eyes again, hating to be mocked and hating that you enjoy it so much, moving once again away from you to start heading outside the bedroom. You grab the empty boxes of take out before both of you walk out into the hallway, briefly chatting about an upcoming mission you have in a few weeks together while you take the elevator to the floor below where all the common areas are.

"Ah, you’re alive!" Alexei shouts excitedly as soon as he sees the pair walking past the living room area. "We thought you wouldn't come out of your room all night."

"Are you feeling better?" Yelena asks now. Apparently, they're all getting ready to watch a movie together. That would explain why everyone is already in their pajamas, a blanket for each of them, and two large bowls of popcorn on top of the coffee table. You smile at her and nod, appreciating her concern.

"We're about to watch The Shining, if you want to join," Bob offers the two of you.

"You don't want to miss Alexei getting scared every two seconds," John jokes.

"Movies look too real!"

"And you're also way too dramatic, dad!"

"I could join you, but I need to get some water first."

"We'll be right back," Ava says this time, both of you continuing your walk to the kitchen.

Inside you meet Bucky, who's apparently waiting for the last package of microwave popcorn to be ready. He greets the two of you, glad to notice you seem to be on good terms now.

"Did you guys have a chance to talk?"

"Yup," Ava replies, leaning back against a counter while you pour yourself a large cup filled with cold water from the fridge. "Your girlfriend is also my girlfriend now, Barnes."

"Girlfriend, huh?" you comment with a smirk, turning to look at both of them. You weren’t sure if Ava would be comfortable using that term, but you’re glad to realize she might be.

"You know what I mean," she replies almost immediately, avoiding making eye contact with either of you.

"I'm glad you were able to talk and resolve things between you."

Ava looks at Bucky now, crossing her arms across her chest with a soft grin on her face. "You know, it still amazes me that out of all three, you were the one to suggest this dynamic."

"Why, because I'm over a hundred years old?"

"Well…yes."

Bucky lets out a quick laugh. "That's like thinking gay people didn't exist before the 2000s," he points out.

Ava doesn't say anything back, simply raising both of her hands up. "I guess you’re right."

Bucky gets the popcorn in a bowl, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek as he walks past you before heading outside the kitchen. You get your cup of water ready before you follow after him, joining the rest of the group.

"Please, try not to scream so much. You might actually give me a heart attack this time," Yelena warns Alexei, just as she’s moving from her seat on the large couch to give the others space to sit down as well. Meanwhile, John and Bob were sitting in a pair of armchairs, one at each side of the couch.

"If you don't want me to get scared, don't pick scary movies."

"This isn't even scary," John points out immediately after. "We'll let you pick one next week."

The remaining three sit down next to Yelena and Alexei. The movie starts, the entire room only illuminated by the large screen before you. You don’t wait before grabbing a bowl of popcorn from the table before you. Before you could eat any though, Ava reaches to grab a handful of them, smiling playfully as she does so. "Thank you," she whispers, filling her mouth with the sweet treat.

As you lay back, Bucky's arm resting on the couch behind you and Ava resting her hand on your thigh underneath the blankets, you couldn't possibly be more sure on your decision. It makes perfect sense. Not choosing makes perfect sense.

They make perfect sense.

[thepalehorsevictoria]

Augh. I can't find the original ask in my Inbox, so I'll just tag the requestor @morskaiia.

I'm also adding another challenge by trying to combine the requests as much as I can.

Also I'm very very eager to write and get these done but I'm also fighting a cold that will render me coughing my lungs out for the next few weeks, so this .... may not be my usual calibre?

PS I'm forever in love with the Warden uniforms in DA2. Rook's outfit is this one.

A Girl in Uniform an EmmRook NSFW ficlet

Prompt: One partner fully clothed, and one stark naked, getting turned on by their partner’s new uniform for work and then roleplaying a bit.

Andraste’s. Left. Tit. Rook has had about enough of this, truth be told. The Hossberg Wetlands are so disgusting. Between the three of them, somehow the board-and-sword warrior ends up being the least covered in detritus and … gross, but she and Emmrich are both covered head to toe in what was probably the inside of a very sick druffalo or phoenix. 

She can’t wait to yank the doublet off and burn it, and certainly the mage next to her feels the same. 

And then, after she’s cleaned off? She’s going to take a map of the area to Antoine and Evka and stab repeatedly at that Maker-cursed area so that they can send a team to burn the ever-loving shit out of the place. 

Rook can even feel something squishing in between her fucking toes.

When they get back to Lavendel, Evka doesn’t even let them inside the stone walls of the keep. “There’s a cooking shed with water and buckets over there,” she pointed, “You’re not bringing that inside. Antoine will get you some spare clothes.” 

Fine. Rook stomps over to the shed and gets to work stripping off everything. Davrin and Emmrich do the same, all in their own corners. Fortunately the pails are metal, and with just a touch of his ring and an incantation, the water heats up wonderfully.

Davrin finishes first, the lucky bastard, and leaves to tend to Assan and make sure there’s nothing stuck in his feathers. 

Emmrich shakes his head at the staining on his trousers, overcoat, waistcoat and somehow even his shirt. He’ll need to send these back to Nevarra—he won’t even insult the Caretaker at the Lighthouse by asking it to do his washing. 

Antoine announces himself at the door with a loud, sharp knock. “I’m dropping off some clean clothes, First Warden. Désolé, Professeur, we have some things to get you clothed but nothing quite like you’re used to—”

Stripped to his waist, Emmrich shakes his head from behind the hot wet flannel on his face. “Gardien Antoine, I am already absolutely grateful for not having to trudge back in—,” he sighs. 

“Merci, ami,” Rook takes the bundles from him in just her pants and breastband, then makes quick work of her ablutions after she comes back inside. 

The water in Emmrich’s dirty pail looks ink-black and oily, and he makes a face. Not knowing exactly what they had to wade through, it’s best that he strips off completely and makes sure he’s clean. It’s chilly, but with a quick snap of his fingers his magic finds the cooking fire, and it lights up immediately. 

“Huh.” 

“Something wrong, dearest?” The soap provided is made of august ram tallow. It’ll do for now. 

“I guess there’s some perks to the job. I daresay I look kinda nice.”

Emmrich turns to look … and drops the flannel into the clean pail of water. 

The newly-appointed First Warden is clad in rich brown leather leggings and a vibrant long blue gambeson, stitched in silver and gray and studded with silverite. The fitted form does wonders for the flare of her hips. 

“I’ll take bets on how long this actually lasts on me,” she laughs, swishing to watch the stunningly light mail hauberk flap around. “Oh, and the boots actually fit!”

When she looks up, the look on Emmrich’s face is … unexpected. But she’s seen this many times before.

Ohh.

She puts her hands on her hips and cocks an eyebrow at him. “Got a thing for a girl in uniform, do you?”

“My dear, I have a thing for you.” He slowly crosses the room to stand in front of her, eyes roving over her body. “Wars have been fought for such beauty,” he wraps his hands around her waist, “And mein schatz is warrior and beauty both.”

To her credit she stifles her snort fairly well. This is not the time. Then, “You’re naked,” she hums. 

“As the day I was born.” His cock stirs as he gently walks her backwards towards the fire, and moves a hand under the front, finding loose ties at the waist of her leggings. They’re easy to start gently tugging down. 

“And what do you think you’re doing?” There’s no heat in her words and she does not, could not stop him at the sight of flawless and soft obliques. “This is not how the Wardens get their treaties honored,” she runs her hands from his wrists up his arms to his shoulders. 

His chuckle is low and soft and smoky. “I drive a hard bargain, Warden Thorne,” and he lifts her onto the table, sweeping aside the uniform to gently thumb at her mound. “Nevarra would not settle for anything less than what is most … advantageous.” 

“Uh-huh,” Rook’s legs part immediately. It could almost be concerning if not for the gorgeous cock rising to the occasion in front of her and the voracious, generous man it belongs to. “And what will Nevarra ask of the Grey Wardens?”

“I’m sure we can think of something,” he says with a smug grin as her eyes flutter closed. 

“The Wardens are—ahh!—at your disposal.”

“Just you, liebchen,” and he leans forward to gently coax her down onto the table. Her cunt is hot and wet against his tongue, she tastes sharp and tangy from the long day, but Emmrich never tires of eating her out before getting her used to his cock again. 

It is a quick fuck, the thrusts hard enough to knock the table against the wall. Neither of them want to admit that they’re grateful for the short but adamant lovemaking with how bone-tired they are. Any time they can get away to themselves for a moment is priceless and treasured. 

When they finally sit down to supper the main hall is blissfully quiet and mostly empty. They don’t mind the stale tranches of bread or the slightly overcooked stew, or the leer from Davrin and Evka. At least Taash isn’t there to smell them.

[whateyescantsee]

When the Past Clings to the Present

Part Three

Summary: Remmick is hungry.

Notes/Warnings: mentions of Remmick feeding, squint mention of blood, thoughts on what immortality gave him. Images from Jack’s film Lady Chatterly’s Lover used in the collage. So excited that we get a digi copy soon. Yes, I pre-ordered it. Did you?

❤️s, feedback, comments & reblogs are appreciated. Want to be tagged? Just ask! 💐Thank you for reading!💐

“Now, remember we can lure a few away. And we are not there to make any new members for our family.”

He looked at the three of them.

“When, can I make myself a companion?”

Annoyance evident in his voice, though feeling it was already grating. He was half tempted to roll him out into the next dawn the next time they all slumbered. It would not be the first time he sacrificed one of his own to keep himself safe. He had learned about self preservation long ago.

He wasn’t about to lose it all to some whiny singer, whose singing began lacking once given the gift of immortality. He kept that to himself though. He also had learned long ago how to shield himself and his thoughts from others of his kind. It had come in handy more times than he cared to remember.

“You have more learning to do my son.” He clapped him on the back.

A mumble came from the kid.

Fabric, twirled beside him. He curled his lips and made his mood light as he looked over. He saw that his young wife had tied back the wild tresses that curled and fell down your shoulders with a ribbon, you had snagged from one of your victims. You were learning that victims provided opportunities for gain more than merely blood and possible companionship.

“You look as fresh as a flower.” He reached and gave her cheek a quick touch against her cheek.

“I’m glad. I want to be pretty.” You said in a mixture of soft and higher tones.

Reminded him of a bird song, not always wanted but could be enjoyable at times.

“You are dear, lass.”

*******

As they grew closer, relief washed over him. He took in the layout of the gathering. It was big, most taking place outside. Trees and bushes framed the party. He watched as one came from the shadows of the trees, relief very plain on their face. Those trees would make a perfect cover. The nearest dwelling was a fair distance away. Not in running distance, the thought mused him. But if things went the way he wished, no one would notice anything was amiss till they were already gone.

There were tables with cloths draped on them, they were littered with plates of food eaten and ready to be consumed. The scent of alcohol prickled his nose. Many of them were warmed by the consuming of everything in large quantities. Their moods were soft and pleasant. He felt only merriment no quarrel was in the air.

He could feel they were all family with lots of smaller families and wives or husbands. This would be like picking the best herring or pickle from a jar.

“Now we are the be pleasant and gracious. No violent picks or attacks. Drink your fill but remember the surroundings. If do this right, we could probably have a few to feed on.” He reflected on it. “This feeding could appease the hunger for at least a month, perhaps longer. So don’t get messy.”

Jacob, he felt needed to hear this more than her. That’s what made her a good wife. She followed his lead. Jacob had made quite a mess the last time. He could control the beast that resided deep inside of them. It ruled when the hunger took over. It was what gave their body, mind immortality.

“I’ll try not to get too excited.” A sharp chuckle came from Jacob, he slid him a look and the chuckle ceased.

*******

“Well, my sister has one. Her husband got her one.” A pout formed on soft face as she folded her ams in front of her.

“Doll, you got to tell him that you deserve to have one of those manglers.”

He nodded, slowly as he allowed a smile to cross his face. Resting a hand on the tree trunk beside the pouting blonde he leaned in close. He could feel as her heart skipped. She smelled so good. She had soaked herself with flower petals before this get together. She was as fresh like the flowers she had plucked. It pleased him. He didn’t always get someone that fresh and sweet. As he spoke to her, he could feel as she grew more charmed his understanding words.

“A gas powdered one. Top of the line.” He suggested, he drew a little closer.

“Yes.”

The blonde glanced away, she was nervous. He watched her throat move when she swallowed. The faint hint of one of her veins called to him. He licked at his bottom lip.

"You are very dapper." She breathed the words.

He smiled, his mask was on. He would look flattered by her words.

Her eyes came back to his, she shifted against the tree as she looked up at him.

"Has, has anyone ever told you?" The words clung to her, making them stumble out of her mouth as she grew flushed by his attention.

He drew closer, she easily began to swoon under him. Easily, he scooped her up and held her to him. She didn't fight, she was entranced.

She inhaled what would be one of her final breaths.

It was so easy. A smirk curled his lips to one side.

"A few." He murmured, softly as his lips grazed her throat that appeared delicate in the light of the moon that filtered through the oak leaves.

Her heart skipped hard, he felt it. Holding onto to her tighter. Elation filling him, takingba handful of her curly blonde strands, he inhaled as he sank his fangs in. He had so entranced, barely a murmured escaped her lips. She would feel no pain. Her life, the coppery scarlet warmth filled his mouth.

Moments, all at once came to his mind. He finally saw what she had spoken of; where she had asked for that clothes straightener, seeing her sisters. It did not stop there, the memories that came to him went even deeper. He saw how her husband had courted her, promised her the world but fell short all the time. Yet, she still cared and had understood. Just before she dimmed and took her last breath. He saw him, she had caught sight as he walked up. It had been her uncle who had warmly welcomed them and told them to join them in the merriment.

He was still handsome, had good figure all these years. It made him proud. When immortality had been bestowed on him all aging had ceased. Yet, he had met others with his gift that had not been good to their bodies and it showed.

Now they did things to hide whatever damage they may have done. Wearing a hat, or a scarf to hide the mars that had inflicted on themselves.

He was tidy, he kept himself. Always had, even when the breath of life and his soul had resided inside of him. He had never suffered any permanent scars in any scuffles over the years. His chest swelled happily with how he had maintained. He gave her peace in her final moments, and she stilled forever in his arms. The gash from his fangs would remain; it would startle her family, especially that husband that had taken her for granted. He felt that she had been aware but still had cared for him.

Just as he laid her down, placing a hand over her heart, when a loud screeching scream filled the night air.

Anger ignited in him. Jacob, had fucked up.

*******

They ran. Earth, rocks and moss all were kicked up as they ran.

Those in pursuit, gave no quarter. Flames flickered, shouts assaulted the air.

He had to focus. Where could they go? How could they hide? Did he really want to expel energy? His hunger was sated, nourished. Fucking Jacob.

[cheaploafs]

Ruin each other like star crossed lovers…

[front-facing-pokemon]

[love-3-crimes]

20(xx) - xander

blurred line between blue and pink

[homestuckreplay]

Knighthoods of the Mail

(pages 919-925)

I really like both these panels, the extreme downward angle on Jade who has the disadvantage of being small and the advantage of being alive and angry, and the close up on Grandpa, both of them lit by the strange pink-orange firelight. Fire and burning is a threat we’ve seen for all four kids now, so it creates that parallel, and also a surreal atmosphere from the composition of both images.

Jade is also speaking in the narration on this page – it’s italicized and first person instead of second, written in her register. None of the other kids have done this yet, the narrator is always between them and us. I like the implication that Jade is overriding the narrator but also the idea that the narrator is like ‘you know what, I’m taking this page off, I’m just gonna let her shout’. It’s fun, and I’m interested to see if it’ll happen more.

I am still pretty fucked up over this reveal but personally I would have done it a little differently – the gut punch of ‘He was so much easier to deal with when he was alive’ (p.920) could have been SO much more effective if it hadn’t already been obvious from their Strife that this is not a living man. Even keeping the original sequence but publishing the pages at the same time would have worked, but sitting for a day between the Strife sequence and that line meant it didn’t hit as hard for me.

I do still have a lot of questions. Jade knows Grandpa is dead but seems to still genuinely believe they’re communicating, and who’s to say they’re not? Who’s to say Jade’s powers don’t tell her exactly what Grandpa is saying or would say in this circumstance? If so, it must be a lot harder psychologically to escape his expectations. But even if Jade’s powers don’t come into it, there’s practical concerns – how long ago did Grandpa die, and does anyone besides Jade even know? It’s easy to say Jade should redecorate the house but living so remotely where mail has to be airdropped in balloons, she’s probably not physically capable of that, and can’t get other people to do it for her. Typheus is a little big to captchalogue and where else would Jade even put him?

So I guess I kind of get it? In the sense of Jade keeping the only life and routine she’s ever known, going through the same motions with a stuffed grandpa that she once did with a real one, because the barriers to doing anything different are so high? It’s really easy to adapt to a strange situation when you don’t have a point of comparison to know it’s strange, and when it happens so regularly that it becomes like autopilot.

We cut back to PM, my absolute beloved, one of my most favorite characters. They haven’t been seriously hurt by Jade’s explosive powers but their head wrappings are on fire (btw is the pointy tail of their head covering the shape of the fabric or the shape of their head??) and some of the mailboxes are tragic casualties of the event, which I may never forgive Jade for.

And then one of the metal worms rescues a mailbox! The all important mailbox with the letter to Dr David Brinner in it! Redemption arc for the metal worms who have definitely learned from their predecessors’ mistakes. This is a beautiful, angelic worm deserving of high honors, and PM knows it, giving them an equally metallic heart. If the postal service had an equivalent for a knighthood for a postal worker who goes above and beyond to preserve the integrity of the mail then PM would award that to this worm. I am thinking about PM as a dispenser of justice – someone with a really strong, inflexible moral code who is willing to impartially punish those who break it and reward those who keep it.

> PM: Bequeath the mailman’s cap to this hero.

[solariex]

im forever going to blame red blog avm cursing us everytime something happens to us at this point /j

[kodokberjamur]

Uhh so I blacked out, and—

[midnightsartcorner]

oc art again

[unusual-ly]

Olaf was very ill in the night and we took him to the vet at 2am, and it turned out he had other problems. We expected a UTI, but he also had arthritis and an extremely high heart rate, and the vet said he would’ve estimated he was way older than 10 if we didn’t know for sure

He could be treated for the UTI but it’s too likely to just come back later on, one of our older cats had the same thing twice shortly before he died, and he obviously had other health issues we hadn’t known about. We decided it was best to let him go

RIP Olaf, my monkey

[triangle-strategy-notes]

Quahaug Concept Art

Quahaug's concept/reference art! Translation notes and image id under the cut.

Translation notes:

"OP sort of powerset" was literally translated as something like "cheat-like." I feel like OP is the more common English term for that sort of thing, so that's what I used, but some of the meaning was probably lost there.

"Older-tween-ish" was specifically a reference to a particular middle school year for children who are about 12-13 years old. Since grades and names of grades vary a lot from country to country, I just went with "older tween."

ID:

[Image id: Several images displaying different parts of 2 pages of the Triangle Strategy artbook, with both the original Japanese as well as versions with English translations. There are several disclaimers noting that the translator doesn't speak Japanese, and that there are likely many mistakes.

On one page, there is a large colored version of Quahaug's canon portrait, along with a smaller, uncolored version. There is an illustrator's note at the bottom that translates to read, "'Manipulating time' is an OP sort of powerset, so though he looks like a child, I aimed to create a look for him that conveyed a sense of unknowable power. (Tatsuaki Urushibara)".

On the second page, there are many drawings of Quahaug, including a closer bust-up portrait in which he's compared to Lyla, with an arrow and label reading, "Mother." There's also several notes that explain the construction of his costume. The costume is labeled as a Greek "phelonion" (a priest's outfit with no real sleeves, just draping fabric). There is a small drawing of this version, with an arrow leading to another drawing that does have sleeves, with the note, "If you can't display this in pixels, use this one." There are several notes that explain how this draping cloth should be considered his everyday clothes, while the ceremonial decoration that goes around his neck is placed over it. There is a close up of the ceremonial dressing's fastenings underneath the metal decoration. Some more notes highlight details on his staff, emphasizing the hourglass on top and the small wheel to the side that can be turned to flip the hourglass. A larger piece of text underneath one fullbody drawing reads, "Character Who Manipulates Time."

On the second half of the second page, there are drawings of some beta designs for Quahaug. He looks much more punk-ish. On one bust-up portrait, there are the captions, "The burden of the time demon caused some of his hair to go gray…." and "All-natural highlighted tips." On the same portrait, he is snapping his fingers, and there's a note that reads, "Manipulating time is as easy as snapping your fingers. You just have to want it or whatever." A speech bubble near his head reads, "I don't think of Anna as a mother." A caption pointing to some green markings on his arm reads, "Demonic time seal on body." In a fullbody drawing of his beta design (which is made up mostly of chains that barely cover him as well as a long roughed-up cloak, there is the note, "Almost naked cloak."

At the bottom of the second page, there is another note that reads, "Initially when we hadn't quite figured out the setting, we had an idea for a more older-tween-ish character as displayed here, but after discussing it with the producers and Mr. Ikushima, we went with his current form. As a boy who manipulates time, I placed an hourglass at the tip of his staff, and his face resembles that of his mother, Lyla. (Tatsuaki Irushibara)". /end id]

[microwavetoaster-selfships]

All the stock images of the 10th Doctor are. Silly. Like geniune white-backdrop, doing some random pose or expression stock images. Like not "this is the picture png stock image that gets slapped on his wiki and other places" but like the if you Google "stock images of people" it's just that. Except him.

[sskk-manifesto]

What a good episode. Maaaaaan

[penitenteyeball]

Dum de dum dum

Gonna add max tags and max characters to each cause who cares

[nobodybetterlookatme]

Once again, my favorite part of my job is pissing off my medic and ruining their day lmao