#orion 25

[lulublack90]

Prompt 25 - Eyeliner

@jegulus-microfic March 25 Word count 746

Previous part First part

Regulus felt every hair on his body bristle. He had to think quickly. He was glad that he’d had barely drunk anything and had chosen a coffee after dinner. 

He pasted a wide, dozy smile and spun around to face Lucius a little too fast. He made sure to stumble sideways, and had to use one of the bookcases to catch him before he fell on the floor. 

“Lucius!” He cried over loud as he threw his arms open. “Thank, Salazar, you found me! I got turned around and ended up in here,” He let his eyes un-focus and blinked heavily a few times as though to clear them. “But Lucius, Lucius, did you know you have an original copy of Hélas, Je me suis Transfiguré Les Pieds!” He pointed at the crumbling pages of the script from the Middle Ages. 

Lucius’s eyes narrowed, clearly still suspicious. Regulus didn’t miss the way his eyes flashed to the diary behind him. 

“I did, Regulus. It is one of Narcissa's favourites. She has spent a fortune getting it restored.” He held out his arm. “Come, your Mother is wondering where you are.” 

Regulus allowed himself to be walked back to the drawing room. He made a fool of himself and begged Lucius not to tell his mother how drunk he was. 

“You’re such a good friend, Lucius.” He gushed as he grabbed Lucius’s arm as they walked down another corridor. “I’m so glad Cissa married you.” 

By the time they got back, Lucius had an extremely smug look on his face. 

“Poor boy got turned around and went down the wrong hall and ended up in the Library.” He chuckled smoothly, wrapping his arm around Regulus’s shoulder and manoeuvring him to his seat. 

“Regulus did always love his books,” Orion barked out a laugh. “He would spend all day in ours if we allowed it.” 

No more was said about Regulus’s adventure as Candy brought them another bottle of Cognac. Regulus made sure to ask for more coffee and tapped the side of the cup with a grin on his face when Lucius caught his eye. 

Regulus kept as quiet as possible while still acting drunk. He pretended to drink a few more cups of coffee before they finally called it a night. It was later than he thought they’d be out, and he was concerned about how long Remus had been locked in his room. 

They made their goodbyes. Lucius whispered into his ear when it was his turn with Regulus. 

“Are you sure you’re sober enough to apparate?” Regulus was unsure if the concern in his voice was genuine or not. 

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ve had plenty of coffee now.” He smiled as he clasped Lucius’s hands in his. 

Orion and Walburga went first, and he followed seconds after. 

Walburga was waiting for him. Her nostrils flared, and her jaw set. 

“Come now, Walburga dear. Those drinks were far more alcoholic than they tasted. I’m sure he had no idea how much they would affect him.” Orion tried to placate his wife. 

“Then he should learn to control himself when he overindulges.” She said coldly. She slipped her wand from her sleeve and pointed it at him. Regulus fell to his knees, only gasping once at the unexpected pain. It wasn’t crucio he knew that. But all the same, it felt like his core was on fire. 

She removed him from her spell and glared down at him. Slowly, he stood and schooled his features to hide all signs of pain. 

“I apologise, Mother. It won’t happen again.” He bowed his head to her. “Please excuse me. I had better go and let the dog out before he messes up the room.” He bowed again and headed upstairs. 

He removed the wards and opened the door, expecting Remus to be standing there furious, but he was sitting on the bed shaking. 

“Remus, are you okay?” He took a nervous step into the room. 

“Close the door,” Remus’s voice was high and strained. Regulus quickly shut the door and threw up a couple of silencing charms.

“Remus, what’s wrong?” Remus snorted and burst out laughing. He threw his head back and howled with laughter. He held up the mirror that Regulus hadn’t noticed he was holding, and there was Sirius’s face, beet red with very wonky eyeliner. 

Regulus folded in on himself and laughed hard. Letting all the tension he’d felt from Malfoy Manor go. 

Next part

[halenhusky309]

I will make a compilation of idw2 Orion Pax/Optimus Prime panel, because he's now my favorite character.

[wildsflower]

- deveree extein

[endinsosuddenly]

you kicked and cried like a bullied child (a grown man of 25)

chapter one - oh god theres a creepy man in a bush oh GOD

sirius isn’t very discreet 

this entire fic was inspired by an artwork by @hannahyesss ! their artwork is amazing please go check them out - please enjoy and excuse the awful writing

ao3

___________________

Harry was sprinting down the street, he could hear his trunk behind him, (and feel it, as it would occasionally nip at his heels.) His hurried breaths seemed like sirens throughout the otherwise silent street. Vernon had knocked the wind out of him earlier, his chest was screaming at him to stop and sit. The cement under his feet seemed like sand as his legs started to ache. sight. He can hear Aunt Marge screaming from above, but he ignores it. He’s running, and running, and finally finds his way next to a playground. 

Listening to the screaming in his chest, Harry sits on the sidewalk and glares moodily at the bench and greenery across the street. Harry’s heart is still racing from everything that just happened. Aunt Marge making his skin bubble with the kind of rage he’d never seen, her blowing up, Uncle Vernon putting his hands on him and Harry finally, finally, running away. After seeing her blow up, Harry ran up to Dudley’s Second Bedroom, packed as fast as he’d ever packed, and changed faster than he’d been running moments before. 

He was bouncing his right leg up and down, and feeling the wind woosh by. His stomach started to tighten as his situation was dawning on him. The bushes and trees rustling in front of him, and rain dropping down into puddles from the wet playground behind him. Harry could hear cars and honking in the distance. The rustling starts to get a little louder, the wind dying down slightly. Harry is put on edge as he hears the rustling in front of him start to get a little violent and he stands, hurriedly. 

Stupidly, he walks a bit closer. Convincing himself it could be a rabbit or maybe even a stray cat. Harry takes his wand out from his pocket and holds it by his side in a defensive stance. The rustling gets louder and Harry squints to see if he could identify whatever was in the bush. 

He’s staring into the green void and leaning closer, he sees two eyes looking back at him.

A dog? No. A human.

And then suddenly the greenery is pushed aside and a man is standing in front of him. Not just any man, no. The man that was on the news earlier, the murderer, who (supposedly) has a gun. Who’s supposed to be ruthless, but is staring at Harry in shock and awe. 

It clicks. “AH! Holy shit!” And out of reflex his fist thrusts forward and into the man's nose.

The man makes a sort of yelp sound and, holding his nose, looks back at Harry and his terrified expression. “Harry! Wait, wait, wait! I’m not here to hurt you!” And despite his aching nose, the man puts his hands up, trying to desperately show Harry he’s not in any danger. 

Harry’s running on adrenaline and fear, “Wow! So convincing!” He steps back and his wand makes its way in front of the man's face. The man, who Harry now notices is covered in grime and in a.. Prison.. Outfit. Which definitely isn’t helping his case. The man's hair is long, just past his waist and slightly damp, he looks frail and is covered in tattoos. Harry recognizes some of them, from research during the past two years at Hogwarts. 

Noticing his eyes wandering, the man speaks up, “Listen, Harry. I..” He swallows,”I’m really not here to hurt you, I don't even have a bloody wand!” At that, Harry searches the man with his eyes and realizes, he doesn't in fact, have a wand. Harry is shocked the man knows about wands and magic when he's supposed to be a muggle criminal. He was on the muggle news just a couple hours ago. 

Harry stares at him and pauses, then questions, “Then why are you.. In the bushes, watching me??” Harry gives him an incredulous look. “It’s complicated.” The man looks at his hair then away. Harry scoffs, “Ok, that’s not really an answer.” He looks back at Harry, “You wouldn't believe me if I told you.” 

Thinking back on the last two years and everything that's happened, Harry rolls his eyes, “Try me.” 

The man sighs,” I was best friends with your father.” Harry’s eyes widen and his wand falters a bit in his hand, despite that, he continues, “James was like my brother, and when you were born, he named me your godfather. I was.. Falsely imprisoned for 13 years the night everything went down.” At the end, the man's voice gets small, almost a whisper, and so does Harry’s when he squeaks out a single, “What?”

He smiles at Harry, a warm smile, “I tried to tell you when I said you wouldn’t believe me.” Harry still stares at him, but lowers his wand. If this man was really a mass murder, then why hadn’t he killed Harry already? He, allegedly, had a gun. It wouldn’t be hard. Harry goes with his gut and lowers the wand, and as he lowers it, the man lowers his hands. 

“I know this must be a lot to take in, and it’s okay if you don't believe me. I didn’t even mean for you to see me.” He says to Harry and has a sympathetic look on his face. “I don’t really know if I should believe you, but if you wanted to kill me, you probably would’ve already done it. We’re alone and it’s dark outside, it would’ve been easy.” At that, the man looks a bit disturbed, “Well.. you won't ever have to worry about that.” He smiles again.

“I think since you already know mine, it would be fair for me to know your name. Then we won't be strangers.” At the word strangers, a strange sadness crosses the man's face. 

“Sirius. My name is Sirius Black.” The man, Sirius, looks at Harry with an odd emotion Harry can’t place. “Ok. Good to know.”

Silence for a moment, the wind rustles along with stray leaves. 

“So.. are you.. on the run?” Harry’s wand lays limp at his side while Sirius looks at his shoes.. Well- the lack of shoes, but at his voice, his eyes snap back up to Harry. “Yes, I saw someone in the paper. Someone who.. It’s a very long story, Harry. But, looking at him brought back a lot of emotions.” Sirius looks at him and he can see a brimming rage beneath his eyes that slightly unsettles Harry, but it’s not directed at him and that’s really what sparks a flicker of trust. Anger that wasn’t directed at him was rare. 

Although still untrustful, Harry can’t help but sense a familiarity. Like when someone tells you they used to babysit you, even though you don’t remember them, there’s a foggy memory anyway. That feeling is very rare to Harry, never really meeting anyone who’s been close to his family in a way that mattered. Sure, people mentioned them in passing and compared him to his parents but never anyone he could remember, even if foggy and very slight.

Harry can hear Hermione’s insistent voice in the back of his head saying, ‘Harry! He’s a convict, you can't trust him! Think about this.’ But he can also hear his own voice saying ‘This man could be a link to your parents. This might be worth it.’ And so, as per usual, Harry tunes out Hermione’s voice,”Come on.” He motions to Sirius to follow him, and turns around to see Sirius standing there in shock, “C’mon!” 

At Harry’s command, Sirius picks up his feet and follows the boy, “Where .. where are we going?” Harry stops short, because to be honest, he’s not sure. Sirius almost slams into him, due to Harry just stopping, and the boy stops to think for a second.

His aunt and uncle most likely have gone to look for Marge, they're probably driving around hollering for her, and despite his wishes, Dudley probably would’ve gone with them. And last year, when Dobby had done accidental magic, no one had showed up at his house, so Harry thinks he's safe there. But, there was nowhere else they could really go, especially not with Sirius being a convicted criminal, currently on the run. Harry began to panic slightly, it was either the Dursleys or nowhere. 

“I don’t know. There’s nowhere we can really go without people recognizing you.” Harry swallows and looks over to Sirius, who has an amused look on his face. ‘What?” 

His question is answered when suddenly he’s watching Sirius’ body transform and instead of Sirius standing there, there’s a dog. “What.” He’s staring at the black dog in front of him in complete shock, and then he blinks and Sirius is once again standing in front of him. “What.. what was that???” 

At that, there’s a surprised look on Sirius’ face. “You don’t know what an animagus is?” Harry shakes his head, “Surely someone must have told you..?” Sirius looks confused. 

Harry shrugs,“They never taught us about them in school.” 

“They’re not.. common but they’re not incredibly rare, either. All these years living in the magical world, you’ve never heard of them?” Sirius has a troubled look on his face.

“I was really only introduced to the Wizarding World 2 years ago, Sirius. My aunt and uncle never really said anything or let me learn anything about it before I went to Hogwarts.” Harry says, casually. 

“What.” 

Confused, Harry continues,”They weren’t too keen on anything magical, so…” 

Sirius rubs his hands down his face,”Okay um.. We’ll talk about this.. Later. For now, we can’t just stand out in the open.”Sirius starts mumbling, “I always knew Petunia and Vernon were complete assholes but Merlin…”

And that cements it in Harry’s mind, someone actually acknowledging that his relatives are horrible, and the fact that Sirius actually knew. This means he.. Sirius knew Harry’s dad but he also knew his mom. “You’ve met them?”

“Once, it was very unpleasant.” Harry stares at him in awe. But is shaken out of it when the wind starts to pick up again.

“We should go,” Harry thinks of a split second plan,”Okay, you’ll transform and we’ll go to my aunt and uncle's house. We’ll give you a .. makeover or something, definitely cutting your hair, so you’re not as recognizable and then .. I don't really know. We'll figure it out.” Harry’s hands are swinging around as he’s talking and Sirius is nodding all the way through, “Okay. Decent plan, better than any I've got. We should go, before someone sees us from outside their window.” 

Harry nods and grabs his trunk, Sirius transforms, and they're off. 

As they’re walking, Harry can’t help but help but think about how weird this all is. He’s helping a convicted felon, who (apparently) is his dad’s former best friend. Who can transform into a dog. His mind races with ‘what-ifs?’ and thoughts of Sirius deceiving him. But before he can convince himself this was a bad idea, they arrive on Privet Drive, and Harry spots number 4. 

“Ok. Their car is gone so they must be gone. Vernon’s car is always loud when he pulls in, so we’ll know.” Harry tries the front door and groans when he finds it locked. “Here, come on.” He mentions Sirius to follow him to the backyard. Harry climbs over the fence, having years of experience due to running from Dudley and his friends. 

Once over, Harry unlocks the large gate door and lets the dog in, then grabs his trunk. Dudley sneaks out at night to go do God knows what with his friends, so he always puts a key under the backyard mat on their porch. Making it around, Harry reaches under the mat and pulls out the key, then unlocks their backdoor. Motioning Sirius to go first, Harry follows, puts the key back then locks the door behind him when he walks in. 

Harry stops for a minute, Sirius goes still as well, and once he hears nothing, he knows Dudley left as well. Vernon and Dudley aren’t exactly subtle or quiet, and Petunia follows her Diddykins whenever she can so Harry knows it's safe to talk as they please.

Harry makes sure to close the blinds and curtains before turning back over to the dog, “Okay, were good. You can turn back to a human now,” and Sirius does so.

“Are you sure they’re gone?” The man's eyes flicker up towards the staircase, cautious. “Yeah, they aren’t exactly subtle in any way. And the walls are thin, so yeah, we're safe.” Harry advises him then remembers what they’re here for. 

“Okay, come upstairs with me and we’ll start looking for clothes.” Sirius nods and follows Harry as he leaves his trunk downstairs and they make their way upstairs. Harry takes light steps, and so does Sirius. Always running on cautious energy. Harry reaches for his aunt and uncle's room at the start of the hallway and pushes open the door, blinking in the darkness of the previously closed room. 

Reaching in and flicking the light switch, Harry takes in the very dull, very boring room. With only a dresser and a bed, accompanied with nightstands by the sides. Harry moves over to the dresser to pick out some clothes for Sirius, “I think your clothes would fit me better than your uncles.” Sirius chuckles slightly, while taking in the dull room. “Trust me, I’ve only a handful of clothes that aren’t my Hogwarts uniforms or Dudley’s second-hand clothes and I don’t think they would fit you, you’re way taller than I am.”

Sirius frowns at this, deeply and before he can get out a question, Harry finds a decent outfit. “Aha!” Harry holds up the bland, blue, button down shirt and a pair of beige slacks, “Here.” He hands them over to Sirius, while turning around to look for socks and shoes. 

Sirius holds up the clothes with a very distasteful look on his face, the shirt is smaller than he thought, “Is this shirt really your uncles? Last time I saw Vernon.. He definitely looked.. Well..” Harry lets out an amused huff, “No, it’s my aunts. I thought it would fit you better than anything Vernon has.” 

The man laughs, “You’d be right.” After rummaging for a little bit more, Harry finds some black socks to accompany the outfit and next to the dresser, a pair of his uncle’s loafers. Then Harry grabs a belt that was very poorly thrown onto their dresser. 

“That should be good.” Sirius looks over the clothes and grimaces, “Definitely not my usual style..” 

Harry deadpans, “I don’t really think you can complain about clothes right now.”

Sirius, still grimacing, nods, “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Before Sirius can say anything else Harry intervenes, “You should shower first, you still have.. grime all over you. Plus, it’s easier to cut wet hair.” 

Sirius nods, “Could you show me to the bathroom?” Then Harry nods and motions for him to follow. As they walk out of the bedroom, Harry turns off the light and closes the door as if nothing happened. Harry walks across the hall and opens the bathroom door, walking in, he squints after turning on the bathroom light and seeing the bright white light. The bathroom is small, with only a toilet, a bath that can also be a shower and a sink with a mirror that has a cabinet when you open it, but also very dull and plain. It’s mostly white with only a couple baby blue accessories to give it some color. “Here, one second.”

Harry walks out of the bathroom and turns right to the very end of the hall, now facing a closet at the very end. Their linen closet is filled with towels and other various household supplies. Grabbing a towel, Harry then turns back into the bathroom and hands it to Sirius. “Thanks, Harry.” Harry nods in a ‘no problem,’”I’ll leave you to shower. I’m gonna go and watch out, in case they come back.” Sirius nods and smiles at him. Harry smiles back as he closes the door.

This gives him some time to think, and as he hears the water run, he goes into his ‘room’. Peeking out the window Harry gets lost in thought. He thinks about the upcoming year and what he’s going to do. Someone must know that he’s run away by now, and Dumbledore definitely knows. He wonders if he’ll be expelled or worse for performing magic while not in school, but Harry doesn't know the Wizarding laws that well, so it causes him to further panic. 

Harry also doesn't know what he thinks about the man he basically is helping run from the government. There’s no way for him to really confirm that Sirius isn’t lying to him to try and .. kill him. But somehow he doesn't think Sirius is like that. Harry paces his room, thinking about questions he could ask Sirius to confirm his claims, but it’s hard when Harry himself doesn't know anything about his parents that's not common knowledge. 

Harry didn’t notice the shower stopping minutes before, too lost in thought about what he’s gotten himself into, so Sirius’ voice sounds louder than ever, “Harry?” The boy in question flinches, “Shit! Sirius, you scared me.” At that, Sirius smiles in apology, and Harry takes a look at the man. 

He’s dressed in the clothes Harry gave him and it makes him look a lot different. Sirius is clean now, no longer covered in leaves and grime. The button down fits him well, while the slacks are a bit big and they are a bit on the floor, Sirius’ long legs make them seem smaller than they are. He has the button down pulled up on his forearms and 3 buttons undone, giving Harry a good look at his tattoos. He’s holding the shoes in one hand while the socks are on his feet. The towel is hanging from Sirius’ forearm. The only thing keeping Sirius from looking like an ‘upstanding citizen’ is his long hair, now wet but still past his waist, and the very prominent ink on his body. Harry realizes his aunt and uncle could be back at any time, “We should hurry to cut your hair, they could be back soon.” Sirius nods in agreement, “Right.” 

They make their way back into the bathroom where it smells damp and the air feels moist from the hot shower, “You look different this way,” Harry says, mostly absent-mindedly. “How so?” Sirius responds, then chuckles when Harry answers,”Well, you don’t look like a criminal anymore,” then he reaches out and touches a piece of Sirius’ hair,”Well, except for the mop.” Sirius lets out a bark of laughter, which causes Harry to flinch back slightly, “Sorry, sorry.” Still chuckling slightly, Sirius apologizes for scaring the boy.

“You should sit down on the toilet, it’ll be easier for me to reach.” Sirius nods, and while Harry opens the mirror/cabinet above the sink, he sets down the toilet lid and sits. Finding nothing, Harry huffs in frustration. “Wait here,” and before Sirius can respond, Harry is rushing downstairs to get the kitchen scissors. Which, he should’ve known he would have to use those, Aunt Petunia always cuts his hair with kitchen scissors. Well, it’s more Harry cutting his own hair now, God knows if Harry were to let his aunt she would shave all his hair off just to embarrass him. Grabbing the scissors, Harry rushes back upstairs. 

Harry enters the bathroom, “Okay.” He sighs out,”Let’s… let's do this.” Standing in front of Sirius, Harry looks at him to see what he wants to do. Sirius cuts off his train of thought,”Do I get any say in the matter of my own hair?” Harry can hear the amusement coming from the man's voice. “Oh, is there a specific hairdo you wanted, your highness?” Harry puts on his most posh English voice possible, which causes another sharp bark of laughter to erupt from Sirius. Harry doesn't flinch this time. Sirius chuckles out his response,”Haha, that was great. But I do have a request.” 

“And what would that be?” Harry raises his eyebrows, hoping whatever Sirius asks for he can provide,”I still want to keep it long, could you cut it shoulder length?” Harry internally sighs in relief,”Yeah, I can do that.” Sirius smiles at him, “Great, thank you.” 

Harry examines the man for a bit longer, trying to figure out how to make it work. He’s not a barber, but cutting his own hair for years has given him some experience. He takes turns cutting little snippets of Sirius’ hair, making sure to make them all even. During this, Sirius speaks up, “I just wanted to say..” He sighs out,”Thank you. For believing in me, for helping me.” Harry falters a bit, at the sudden heartfelt thanks but continues cutting,”All these years, I thought that, no one would ever believe me. But…” His words get softer, and waver slightly, “You took one look at me and decided to believe me. Thank you, Harry, really.” 

Harry’s shocked, partly because this was so sudden and part because no adults ever really spoke to him like this. Sure, his teachers (well.. some) were nice to him, and Dumbledore was always kind, but never this heartfelt. 

“It’s.. It’s okay. You're welcome.” Harry manages to choke out while continuing to snip parts of his hair. Sirius smiles at him and Harry is now cutting the front of his hair. Making his bangs look like curtains in a way, but after he’s done with the bangs, he speaks again, “I think you’re done.” Harry reaches back into the cabinet/mirror, and pulls out a compact mirror, then hands it to Sirius. “Here you go.”

Sirius looks shocked,”Wow.. You.. you actually did a pretty good job.” Now, with the haircut, Sirius looks normal. He looks younger and fresher than he did before, his hair now framing his handsome face and sitting at his shoulders. Sirius’ wet hair is starting to curl and Harry notices a little white streak that runs through it, and decides to ask about it later. 

“Surprised?” Harry says, very smug. “Very,” Sirius responds in awe. 

After examining himself in the mirror, Sirius hands it back, and then Harry puts it back in the cabinet. Sirius sighs and Harry looks at him, “We should..” Sirius looks around,”We should go to Gringotts. I need money, and we can stop by Grimmauld.” Harry opens his mouth to ask what that is before Sirius intervenes,”But. Harry, I want you to think about this.”

Sirius stands up from the toilet and Harry looks up at him. “You don’t have to come with me. Just what you’ve done for me now is enough. I don’t want you to risk everything for me, but if you want to come, I won't stop you. Please, Please, Please.” He looks at Harry, intensely and sincerely, “Please think about this before you decide.”

Harry struggles for a minute, but not for long. Sirius is weird, and he treats Harry with genuine kindness. Sirius is his dads best friend. He’s giving him a choice. Sirius is giving him.. A choice. “No, I’m coming with you. I’ve made up my mind.”

Sirius smiles in relief, “Okay. Good.” They look at each other for a moment before Harry is shaken out of his thoughts, realizing that his aunt and uncle are probably going to be here soon. “We should go, like. Now.” Harry says, in an urgent voice.”

Sirius nods, looking determined and ready, “Alright. Off to Gringotts.” 

[rivilu]

Final (re)designs for the BOYS (until I inevitably decide to change something superficial like Orion's vallaslin color or something again. Give it a week ghjgyhfjy)

[bookwyrmbran]

getting brushed: the absolute worst, so boring, what fresh hell is this

getting brushed while blowing coat: very good for 3-5 minutes but no more and must be allowed to wiggle and wrap around legs

getting brushed while blowing coat in exchange for pieces of the GOOD kibble: I Am Not Leaving This Couch And Neither Are You, yes you can use the most hated de-matting tool on my haunches, hey you left my sides alone for too long, here let me be helpful and retrieve the next brush for you, this is the Best Ever

[princenothinq]

absolute nothing burger headcanoms for orion

[guitarbomb]

Universal Audio UAFX 25% off across a range of pedals

This Universal Audio UAFX deal saves you 25% off across a range of pedals. The deal price is for a limited time and includes free delivery. Now could be the best time to buy, as these are some of the cheapest prices for these effects. Universal Audio UAFX 25% off Below is a direct link for all the Universal Audio UAFX deal prices. Each pedal in this offer is 25% off the standard pricing and…

[shamballalin]

GALACTIC ALIGNMENT TODAY

Photo by ENRY PHOTO FX Thank you to Soheila SGh and www.sparksofdivinelighthealing.com fr the following: We have some powerful Galactic Alignments occurring. Today, July 25th, is A Day Out of Time. There are 13 Moons of 28 days, making 364 days. Today is the extra day. It’s the last day of the year in the Mayan and Galactic calendar. Today is meant to be a Universal Day for peace, meditation,…

[nasa]

ALT: This video shows blades of grass moving in the wind on a beautiful day at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. In the background, we see the 212-foot-core stage for the powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket used for Artemis I. The camera ascends, revealing the core stage next to a shimmering body of water as technicians lead it towards NASA’s Pegasus barge. Credit: NASA

The SLS (Space Launch System) Core Stage by Numbers

Technicians with NASA and SLS core stage lead contractor Boeing, along with RS-25 engines lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, are nearing a major milestone for the Artemis II mission. The SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s core stage for Artemis II is fully assembled and will soon be shipped via barge from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once there, it will be prepped for stacking and launch activities.

Get to know the core stage – by the numbers.

Standing 212 feet tall and measuring 27.6 feet in diameter, the SLS core stage is the largest rocket stage NASA has ever built. Due to its size, the hardware must be shipped aboard NASA’s Pegasus barge.

900 miles

Once loaded, the barge – which was updated to accommodate the giant core stage -- will travel 900 miles to Florida across inland and ocean waterways. Once at Kennedy, teams with our Exploration Ground Systems team will complete checkouts for the core stage prior to stacking preparations.

18 Miles + 500 Sensors

As impressive as the core stage is on the outside, it’s also incredible on the inside. The “brains” of the rocket consist of three flight computers and special avionics systems that tell the rocket what to do. This is linked to 18 miles of cabling and more than 500 sensors and systems to help feed fuel and steer the four RS-25 engines.

8.8 million

Speaking of engines… Our SLS Moon rocket generates approximately 8.8 million pounds of thrust at launch. Two million pounds come from the four powerful RS-25 engines at the base of the core stage, while each of the two solid rocket boosters produces a maximum thrust of 3.6 million pounds. Together, the engines and boosters will help launch a crew of four Artemis astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft beyond Earth orbit to venture around the Moon.

733,000 Gallons

Achieving the powerful thrust required at launch calls for a large amount of fuel - 733,000 gallons, to be precise. The stage has two huge propellant tanks that hold the super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that make the rocket “go.” A new liquid hydrogen storage sphere has recently been built at Kennedy, which can store 1.25 million gallons of liquid hydrogen.

Four

The number four doesn’t just apply to the RS-25 engines. It’s also the number of astronauts who will fly inside our Orion spacecraft atop our SLS rocket for the first crewed Artemis mission. When NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen launch, they will be the first astronauts returning to the Moon in more than 50 years.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[vechter]

dick grayson & jason todd: on brotherhood

nox, anne carson // nightwing secret files and origins (1999) #1 // nathaniel orion g.k. // batman: battle for the cowl (2009) #3 // nightwing (1996) #119 // the crucible: a play in four acts, arthur miller // task force z (2021) #7 // outsiders (2003) #44 // mikey and nicky, elaine may // task force z (2021) #8 // white is for witching, helen oyeyemi // outsiders (2003) #44 // cain, josé saramago // new titans (1984) #55 // dayspring, anthony oliveira // batman (1940) #436 // and the coyotes howled, part I, lev st. valentine // i am the brother of xx: stories, fleur jaeggy tr. by gini alhadeff // new titans (1984) #55 // new teen titans (1984) #20 // please ignore vera dietz, a.s. king // nightwing (1996) #62 // mirror traps, hera lindsay bird // batman and robin (2009) #25 // brother, murder by death // countdown presents: the search for ray palmer: red rain (2007) #1 // killing flies, michael dickman // nightwing secret files and origins (1999) #1 

[thaoworra]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association recently released the poems that made it to the finalist stage for consideration for the 2024 Rhysling Awards for Short and Long Speculative Poems of the year. Congratulations to all of the nominees! This will be the 46th year these awards have been conferred!

Short Poems (50 finalists)

Attn: Prime Real Estate Opportunity!, Emily Ruth Verona, Under Her Eye: A Women in Horror Poetry Collection Volume II

The Beauty of Monsters, Angela Liu, Small Wonders 1

The Blight of Kezia, Patricia Gomes, HWA Poetry Showcase X

The Day We All Died, A Little, Lisa Timpf, Radon 5

Deadweight, Jack Cooper, Propel 7

Dear Mars, Susan L. Lin, The Sprawl Mag 1.2

Dispatches from the Dragon's Den, Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 46.2

Dr. Jekyll, West Ambrose, Thin Veil Press December

First Eclipse: Chang-O and the Jade Hare, Emily Jiang, Uncanny 53

Five of Cups Considers Forgiveness, Ali Trotta, The Deadlands 31

Gods of the Garden, Steven Withrow, Spectral Realms 19

The Goth Girls' Gun Gang, Marisca Pichette, The Dread Machine 3.2

Guiding Star, Tim Jones, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa, ed. Lee Murray (Clan Destine Press)

Hallucinations Gifted to Me by Heatstroke, Morgan L. Ventura, Banshee 15

hemiplegic migraine as willing human sacrifice, Ennis Rook Bashe, Eternal Haunted Summer Winter Solstice

Hi! I am your Cortical Update!, Mahaila Smith, Star*Line 46.3

How to Make the Animal Perfect?, Linda D. Addison, Weird Tales 100

I Dreamt They Cast a Trans Girl to Give Birth to the Demon, Jennessa Hester, HAD October

Invasive, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Polar Starlight 9

kan-da-ka, Nadaa Hussein, Apparition Lit 23

Language as a Form of Breath, Angel Leal, Apparition Lit October

The Lantern of September, Scott Couturier, Spectral Realms 19

Let Us Dream, Myna Chang, Small Wonders 3

The Magician's Foundling, Angel Leal, Heartlines Spec 2

The Man with the Stone Flute, Joshua St. Claire, Abyss & Apex 87

Mass-Market Affair, Casey Aimer, Star*Line 46.4

Mom's Surprise, Francis W. Alexander, Tales from the Moonlit Path June

A Murder of Crows, Alicia Hilton, Ice Queen 11

No One Now Remembers, Geoffrey Landis, Fantasy and Science Fiction Nov./Dec.

orion conquers the sky, Maria Zoccula, On Spec 33.2

Pines in the Wind, Karen Greenbaum-Maya, The Beautiful Leaves (Bamboo Dart Press)

The Poet Responds to an Invitation from the AI on the Moon, T.D. Walker, Radon Journal 5

A Prayer for the Surviving, Marisca Pichette, Haven Speculative 9

Pre-Nuptial, F. J. Bergmann, The Vampiricon (Mind's Eye Publications)

The Problem of Pain, Anna Cates, Eye on the Telescope 49

The Return of the Sauceress, F. J. Bergmann, The Flying Saucer Poetry Review February

Sea Change, David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Ann K. Schwader, Scifaikuest May

Seed of Power, Linda D. Addison, The Book of Witches ed. Jonathan Strahan (Harper Collins)

Sleeping Beauties, Carina Bissett, HWA Poetry Showcase X

Solar Punks, J. D. Harlock, The Dread Machine 3.1

Song of the Last Hour, Samuel A. Betiku, The Deadlands 22

Sphinx, Mary Soon Lee, Asimov's September/October

Storm Watchers (a drabbun), Terrie Leigh Relf, Space & Time

Sunflower Astronaut, Charlie Espinosa, Strange Horizons July

Three Hearts as One, G. O. Clark, Asimov's May/June

Troy, Carolyn Clink, Polar Starlight 12

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary, John Grey, Medusa's Kitchen September

Under World, Jacqueline West, Carmina Magazine September

Walking in the Starry World, John Philip Johnson, Orion's Belt May

Whispers in Ink, Angela Yuriko Smith, Whispers from Beyond (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Long Poems (25 finalists)

Archivist of a Lost World, Gerri Leen, Eccentric Orbits 4

As the witch burns, Marisca Pichette, Fantasy 87

Brigid the Poet, Adele Gardner, Eternal Haunted Summer Summer Solstice

Coding a Demi-griot (An Olivian Measure), Armoni “Monihymn” Boone, Fiyah 26

Cradling Fish, Laura Ma, Strange Horizons May

Dream Visions, Melissa Ridley Elmes, Eccentric Orbits 4

Eight Dwarfs on Planet X, Avra Margariti, Radon Journal 3

The Giants of Kandahar, Anna Cates, Abyss & Apex 88

How to Haunt a Northern Lake, Lora Gray, Uncanny 55

Impostor Syndrome, Robert Borski, Dreams and Nightmares 124

The Incessant Rain, Rhiannon Owens, Evermore 3

Interrogation About A Monster During Sleep Paralysis, Angela Liu, Strange Horizons November

Little Brown Changeling, Lauren Scharhag, Aphelion 283

A Mere Million Miles from Earth, John C. Mannone, Altered Reality April

Pilot, Akua Lezli Hope, Black Joy Unbound eds. Stephanie Andrea Allen & Lauren Cherelle (BLF Press)

Protocol, Jamie Simpher, Small Wonders 5

Sleep Dragon, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

Slow Dreaming, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

St. Sebastian Goes To Confession, West Ambrose, Mouthfeel 1

Value Measure, Joseph Halden and Rhonda Parrish, Dreams and Nightmares 125

A Weather of My Own Making, Nnadi Samuel, Silver Blade 56

Welcoming the New Girl, Beth Cato, Penumbric October

What You Find at the Center, Elizabeth R McClellan, Haven Spec Magazine 12

The Witch Makes Her To-Do List, Theodora Goss, Uncanny 50

The Year It Changed, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Star*Line 46.4

Voting for the Rhysling Award begins July 1; a link to the ballot will be sent with the Rhysling Anthology, as well as with the July issue of Star*Line. More information on the Rhysling Award can be found here.

[wanderingsimsfinds]

WanderingSims Fave CC - Teen Female List

1-2, 15 - Anzuchansims - CloudCat OneLastKiss Top Long Sleeves, Short Sleeves, & Skirt

3 - Nightospheresims - dissia Penelope Top

4-6, 18 Nightospheresims - jellymoo Grim Hoodie, Undead Tee, Zinc Tee, & Ghoul Skirt

7-8, 36 - Nightospheresims - Serenity Cate Top, Taylor Top, & Taylor Pants

9-10 - Nightospheresims - babytears Horror Void Sweater & Star Top

11, 59, 64 - AmerikoSteelie - Satellite 4t3 Elliesimple Cropped Sweater Top, SkittleSims 4t3 Elliesimple Midi Dress, & RolloRolls 4t3 Elliesimple Angel Dress

12 - polaesims - Serenity Barbie Fluffy Sweater

13-14, 46-47, 67-68, 72, 83-86, 88-89 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 Rimings Lazy Sunday Crop Top + Shorts, 4t3 AdriendPastel Keira Outfit, 4t3 Rimings Autumn School Uniform Outfit, 4t3 Rimings Summer Poison Midi Dress, 4t3 Arltos Evening Dress, 4t3 Rimings Summer Poison Swimsuit, 4t3 Jius Bowknot Hell Pumps, 4t3 Jius Bowknot Platform Loafers 01, 4t3 Jius Daisy Sandals 01, 4t3 Jius Y2K Loafers With Leg Warmers, Platform Leather Sandals, & 4t3 Arltos Geta Kimono Shoes

16-17 - SimSongs - Rusty Taylor Jacket & Belted Trousers

19-20, 45, 65, 80 - AmerikoSteelie - SugarSSims 4t3 BRS Sugar Skirt + Top, PuChiHouse School Uniform, R0ach3z 4t3 Serenity Lolly Dress, & UWillNeverFindMe 4t3 KK404 Japanese Kimono

21-23 - Nightospheresims - AxA Olivia Skirt & Trillkye Moonwalk Pajamas Top + Pants

24, 48 - AmerikoSteelie - simsoficeandfire 4t3 LazyEyelids Denim Miniskirt & simsoficeandfire 4t3 NitroPanic Cute ASF Dress

25 - VMSims - 4t3 School Korean Uniform Fem Skirt 2 + 2b

26-29 - KotaJose - Pleated Skirt + Loose Slacks & Kristal Leggings + Skinny Jeans

30 - SuteFlower - Gorilla3x Basic Jeans

31, 62 - RStar - Strada Jeans & Enchanted Dress

32-33 - elvgreen - Elliesimple Straight Levi's Bottom & Clumsyalien Riona Bottom

34 - xxbomixx - b0t0xbrat Dark Cargo Pants

35 - MickeyMouseClubhouss - Orion Sweatpants

37 - teekapoa - EP11 Bottom Edit

38-42 - Anzuchansims - CloudCat Avalon Outfit V1 + V2 & CloudCat Blight Outfit Jacket + Outfit & Marigold Ribbon Strap Off Shoulder Sweatshirts Dress

43 - VMSims - 4t3 Korean Girls School Uniform

44 - Nightospheresims - kumikya Carly Outfit

49, 91-92 - Anzuchansims - Nell Transparent Sleeves Dress & Carnival Scene Shoes V1 + V2

50 - VMSims - 4t3 Gorillax3 Blazer Vest Dress

51-53 - Nightospheresims - demondar Audrey Dress + Amity Dress & Trillkye Delight Dungaree Dress

54 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 NitroPanic Suspender Dress V2

55 - Nightospheresims - Trillkye Splash Cardigan Dress

56-57 -AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 Arethabee Secret Society Sabrina Dress & 4t3 Arethabee Wildflowers Violet Dress

58 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 CloudCat Fatal Frame Ruka Lace Dress

60 - elvgreen - 4t3 ekinege Chiffon Mini

61, 79, 90 - AmerikoSteelie - Xiasimla 4t3 SP23 Dress Silk, Xiasimla 4t3 Zeussim Asian Affair Dress, & VenusPrincess Zori With Tabi Shoes

63 - Nightospheresims - RR Marie Dress

66 - Nightospheresims - Madlen Daisy Dress

69 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 Elliesimple Pajamas Two Piece V2

70-71 - VMSims - 4t3 Gorillax3 Short Piping Pajama Full Body & 4t3 Sudalsims Homewear Dress

73-77 - Nightospheresims - Trillkye Thea Bikini, Madlen Sandy Bikini 1 + 2, Kumikya Lola Bikini, & ciao Glitter Bikini

78 - kent404 - Female Yukata

81 - sweetdevil - WA Cheongsam

82 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 Astya96 Lolita Platform Shoes

87 - AmerikoSteelie - 4t3 Madlen Sweet Harmony Melody Shoes

93 - Jamiesplayhouse - 4t3 Converse

94-95 - pixicat - Vans Sneakers & Dr Martens

96 - SimSongs - Madlen Kai Sneakers

97-102 - SuteFlower - Jius Platform Heeled Boots 01, Jius Star Fuzzy Boots 01, Jius Canvas Platform Sneakers 01, Jius Platform Pumps With Socks + Jius Heeled Jelly Sandals, & Jius Leather Ankle Boots 04

[alistarascendance]

❝𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨, 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧?❞

— in which, fabled legend Alistar returns from the Chasm decades after their descent, only to find themself faced with an issue: humanity, in their absence, has created a world of suffering, dilapidated by greed, and Alistar’s presence only continues to fuel their selfishness, as a living legend must kill… or be killed.

Alistar: Ascendance is a cyberpunk, dystopian romance interactive fiction that was originally intended to simply be a story, before its writer (me) decided to be impulsive and turn it into an IF.

DISCLAIMERS

this story will contain depictions of alcohol, smoking, blood, violence, profanity, mild gore, yandere behavior, toxic relationships, suggestive themes, discrimination, self-hatred, mentions of emotional and physical abuse, suicidal thoughts, an oppressive government, fictional languages and religions, real world philosophies/religions including but not limited to: cynicism, nihilism and atheism; a corrupt world, discussion of morals and human conscience, as well as other mature themes. this list will be updated as the story is written.

please keep all of this in mind while reading!

A gender-selectable MC, who you choose the name, personality, sexuality, appearance, and morals of.

A wide variety of choices to choose from that will impact your story, and the need to keep your MC sane (or just go batshit insane. That works, too).

5 male love interests + 1 secret RO, all of whom you can maintain a simply platonic relationship with if you wish, or you can just continue to flirt with them endlessly (+ a FWB relationship for some).

An enriching world and story, set in a cyberpunk dystopia (we know all of you are here for the romance though).

A powerful MC 😔😔

ROs (romance options, also referred to as LIs or love interests).

THE SURFACE DWELLER:

Seven. 21, Chaotic Good. Mechanic.

“The HIVE needs to fall. There are no exceptions—not even for you.”

The first person you meet once you arrive on the Surface, you and Seven have a unique bond. He’s got a reputation in the slums and Neon for being great at parties, but his friendliness can easily be read as something more.

Is it something more? Further observations will have to be made…

THE SURVIVOR

Saturn. 23, Lawful Evil. Bartender.

“Keep your head down, and you’ll survive.”

The quiet bartender has a curious perspective on things. He seems to have no problem with the HIVE members patrolling his bar, even serving them drinks like they’re normal customers, despite their heavy armor and edges that are too sharp to be humane.

He also doesn’t seem to be particularly interested in you in the slightest. Why’s that?

THE DIPLOMAT

“Is it better to live in quiet solitude, your voice stripped and taken—or would you rather have died, knowing your voice was the loudest amongst them all?”

Chain. 23, alignment unclear. Current occupation unknown.

He’s someone to keep an eye out for. While he hasn’t practiced his craft in years, he may still prove to be dangerous. Just as friendly as Seven, but far more difficult to truly befriend.

Obtain new information as soon as possible…

THE PUPPET

Judge me if you must. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m up here, and you’re down there.

Orion. 25, Lawful Neutral. HIVE operative.

The HIVE member patrolling Saturn’s bar. Part of something greater than he is, but he’s a part of it, regardless. Keep him around…

OTHER ENTITIES

Argos: Neutral Good. Age unknown. The deity whose spear you brandished, after his passing. He was a good man, but the fact only makes your sins rest heavier in your heart.

Teacher: True Neutral. Around ~200 years old. The chasm-dwelling shadow who taught you all you know of the Chasm and its residents.

Alistar: alignment unknown. Around ~200 years old. That’s you! You’re Alistar. At least, that’s what the world has been calling you ever since you ended the war and revitalized humanity, so that is what you will be referred to as throughout the entirety of the story. However, if you’d like to change your name (as Alistar is the default) you may!

As I am primarily an author (as in I literally have done nothing else with my life) I am new to coding (I took ONE coding club in fourth grade) and am trying to write out and perfect a chapter before converting it into typical IF form.

Once I manage to get things situated, I’ll started to code. I’m currently almost done writing chapter 4, so I’ll start working on coding once I finish it.

If anyone wants to read the chapters I’ve written until now, just shoot me an ask or message :)) I’d be happy to show you. otherwise, here are the ones I’ve posted so far:

CHAPTERS

CHAPTER ONE: COURTING DEATH CHAPTER TWO: THOSE WHO REMAIN CHAPTER THREE: TARNISHED DREAMS

asked to be tagged for new chapters!

[rivilu]

Diagnosed with a terminal case of Rpg Brain

[thepixelelf]

Oh Baby, You - svt smau

The birth of your son three years ago was what caused your breakup with Wonwoo, your longtime (and at that point, long distance) partner. Now, you're getting concerned that Orion is starting to look a lot like his dad, but that's not your only problem. Wonwoo is back… and he's living across the hall.

Genres: smau, romance, drama, comedy, angst, single parent au

Pairing: jeon wonwoo x afab they/she reader x mystery member(s)

Warnings: coarse language, conversations about sex, mentions of pregnancy, mama/mom/mother is used to refer to reader's parental status sometimes, infidelity, light alcoholism, miscommunication as a plot device, some of the teenies are not so nice at times, slut shaming, angst, everything is unrealistically dramatic because this is basically a kdrama in text/twitter form. warnings may be updated as they come, but I will label chapters properly if it's anything major

Note: unfortunately, I did have to make the mc for this series have female reproductive organs because, well... that's the plot. I couldn't find a good way around it :( if anyone reading this is discouraged, please know that pretty much every other fic I've ever posted is gender neutral. So, if you think you might've liked this smau, please check out my masterlist! hopefully there will be something you like there :) ALSO! if anyone makes fun of Orion's name just know that it's the name of a precious baby cousin of mine and if you bully smau Orion you are bullying irl Orion!! do not touch him!!!

(new!) Updates will post when I have the time and motivation

The taglist is full! Leave a comment under the post linked here if you're not on the main taglist to be notified when Oh Baby, You is completed.

Profiles I: Orion's Prettyboy(gn) Posse

Profiles II: Wonwoo's Famous Friend and the Other Guys

Profiles III: Gyu and the Rise of Capitalism

1. Everybody Loves Vernon

2. Tens Among Tens

3. Grown Ass Men

4. I Hate This FUcking Family

5. The Ones Keeping Secrets

6. A LITTLE Curious

7. You Go Girl Get His Ass

8. The Calm

9. The Storm

10. It's Been a While

11. Fucked Up Coincidences

12. Not... a BAD Guy

13. Still So Affected

14. Just My Type

15. Nothing to Hide

16. Fists Up

17. Act Natural

18. Girl, They Blocked You

19. Plot Relevance

20. Actually it is a Date

21. It's All Pretty Confusing

22. Scripted

23. All it Takes is a Smile

24. Yoon Jeonghan is Watching

25. Completely Surrounded

26. No Such Thing

27. What Does That Mean

28. A Name I've Heard Recently

29. Can't Risk It

30. Errand Day

31. One Day at a Time

32. Confrontation

33. Not Looking to be a Parent Any Time Soon

34. What if I

35. For This Little Guy

36. Get Blocked

37. I'll Take Care of You

38. Messed Up, Stupid, and Jaded

39. You Fucked Up

40. That's For You to Figure Out

41. Need to Try Something

42. Recovery Mission?

43. Your Everything

44. You're Cute When You're Like This

45. Not Sponsored

46. This is Nothing

47. Promise? Promise

48. Hhrk

49. A Busy Afternoon

50. Cherry

51. Don't Freak Out

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52. Bad Guys

53. Everything is Fine

OBY Ask the Characters Game