Shinsosweet -> Flokali

emergency commissions (a...gain)

So, my life is kind of falling apart and I am not okay, financially or otherwise. 

My furnace is no longer functional and I am currently living in a house with no heat in the winter, in an area where it routinely gets down to the 10s/20s Fahrenheit at night. I am also attempting to declutter, clean and pack up my childhood home in anticipation of selling it and moving into an apartment in the next few months. I feel so overwhelmed and frustrated. There’s a lot of sudden, horrifying, impossibly scary financial and mental burdens and I’m trying to do everything I can to meet them.

I’ve applied for state assistance for my furnace, but I’m not sure if I’ll be eligible. I have also applied to a charity organization for the furnance issue, though they can only donate so much to each individual who applies. I hope at least one of these options comes through. 

What I am trying to focus on right now is these two burdens: 

$300 apartment holding fee due January 11th to make sure I can get into my new apartment in a few months (Total fee is $500 but I can use $200 left in my savings.)

At least $200 in anticipation of the massive electric bill I’m going to have at the end of the month because of having to use a space heater to warm up one room for long periods of time to keep me and my cat safe while I try to work and/or pack.

So! If you were interesting in commissioning something, now is the perfect time. I love all sorts of prompts for commissions. If there’s a character from a fandom I write for that isn’t on my list, please feel free to hit me up with a commission request, in some cases I may be able to write that character since commissions have less restrictions than regular requests. 

Commissions are open! I have commissions starting at $5 for headcanons and $10 for 500-word fics, or $30 for 2000 word fics, as well as prices & options for something in between or even longer. If you are interested in a commission, please DM me (through the message system, not the inbox, as it’s best for conversations) with info to get started! 

I also have a Ko-Fi if you aren’t interested in a commission and might be able to help out! 

Note: Due to the nature of these life emergencies, please expect a turnaround time for commissions to be at least 1-3 weeks, depending on the length of the commission and complexity. I can provide an estimated finish date once I know more info about your commission. 

Sorry to post about emergency commissions so soon after the last time. I never understood the idea of “When it rains, it pours” in any genuine way until the last few weeks.

Thanks for taking the time to read! \o/

So Arizona launched an “education hotline” that allows “concerned parents” to report “””critical race theory””” and other things like ~gender identity~ being taught in the classroom

It would be a shame if the number and email were spread to bad actors looking to prank call the AZ Department of Education

602-771-3500 or empower @ azed .gov 🤡

♢ Favorite | Childe

Alternative Title: Yours

Includes: Yandere, Slightly suggestive, Cult, D//rugging, K//idnapping, S/A, N-C kissing SAGAU

Warnings: Slight perv Childe, Yandere, talks of bruises/scares, allusions to past mistreatment (verbal and physical), Childe climbs on top of you and kisses you while ur dr/ugged… so yeah idk what to tag that?

Word count: 3.2k

A/N: closeted pervs, pervs… pervs who’re obsessed with you? mhm… yes, i like that. yes. anyway, i’m working of D.V pt 2 and other stuff but yeah take this for now </3 hopefully this isn’t too messy </3

Intended for mature audiences (17+)

You wondered why you thought you had a chance in the first place – not once since you’d arrived had things gone your way, from the cruel words thrown at you in Mondstatd to the harsh blades that sliced you in Inazuma, ever since you’d arrived at Teyvat things had gone horribly wrong for you.

Now here you were, being chased by the 11th Fatui Harbinger, Tartaglia, for sins unknown to you.

You’d stumbled upon the rough edges of Dragonspine and naively ran straight into the harsh temperament of never-ending winter, hoping the ginger would simply let you be but alas, fate had different plans, and he followed you into the freezing temperatures, bow and arrow in hand.

It had been almost an hour of being lost in the hellish winter lands, but considering he’d been chasing you for days – his patience shouldn’t be surprising.

“Stop making this harder than it needs to be, pal,” Childe mocked, his voice was rough as if he was scolding a child, “you got caught, now give up… this is starting to get really annoying.”

“I normally enjoy this sort of stuff,” he sighs, his voice muffled by the softened snow and fair amount of distance you’d managed to gain, “chasing and hunting, but you… God, you… you really messed up. Showing up looking like that, acting as if you had no idea what you were doing was… disrespectful, matter of fact, that’s what you are; disrespectful and ungrateful, acting like a little kid, and that’s coming from me.”

You wanted to ask what he was talking about, scream and beg him for answers – he spoke as if he understood why you were being targeted, almost as if he wasn’t the one with a finger on a trigger waiting for your next wrong move.

Your body felt weak, you hadn’t eaten in so long — you’d been rejected food and water — your body was fatigued, you were hurting and the freezing temperatures nibbling at your exposed flesh didn’t help. For reasons unknown, as most things were around here to you, you didn’t have to sleep nor eat as often as others — being able to spend the equivalent of days without basic needs, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t growing starved and tired.

The Fatui doesn’t stop talking, he had nothing to worry about — his clothes were warm and his basic human rights had been served, not only was he ridiculously strong but he had every and all advantages over you, from a fed stomach to a good night’s rest and a weapon, you were mere child’s pray to an experienced hunter.

His words were insulting, criticizing your character – which he’d never taken the time to know, you note – to your appearance, the way you moved and acted, nothing was off the table as he tore you apart with words as he waited to rip you apart later.

Is this how you die? — you muse, you decide to tune out his sing-song voice, his words hurt and why focus on more pain when death was basically inviting you over for a cup of tea?

The thought brings tears to your eyes, tears that had been piling up since the day you’d arrive to this hell-hole, you had been home one day – playing games and enjoying life, your life, as pathetic and miserable as it may seem to some, and now you were here; being prosecuted and sentenced for a crime you didn’t even know about.

The people you’d helped, stupid, brainless string of code and characters in your stupid, time-consuming game that didn’t offer any real life consequences (that shouldn’t offer real life consequences) turned their backs on you and left you to die a slow and painful death. How pathetic.

This is how you die — you think, certain of your impending doom.

You were crying, all of your strength now concentrated in your shaking form, tears now streamed down your face – you didn’t notice too busy in your worn self pity to realize, but the harsh temperatures further dropped with the evidence of your sorrows running down your face, with every tear the mountains seemed to weep alongside you; snow now fell at a more frequent pace echoing the water dripping down your face.

“What did I do wrong…” You ask the skies, no longer caring to hide — it was inevitable that he’d find you. Your sobs grow louder the closer he gets and the quieter he becomes, soon – you couldn’t make out whatever cruel remarks he was spouting, probably busy focusing on the meek sounds escaping your weakened body trying to get this over with, he was enjoying your suffering, wasn’t he?

He stops walking (something you vaguely note, too tired to try and escape now), in mere seconds he’s standing behind the rock he’s certain you’re hiding against – all he needs to do is ambush you, strike your chest with an arrow and things would be over with, he’d be back on track to Liyue and off to his next destination. And yet, his hands trembled slightly as he gripped the wooden handle of his bow – he couldn’t bring himself to aim.

But isn’t this what he wanted? He’d asked The Tsaritsa for a longer stay in Liyue for this exact moment, he’d even followed you through Liyue and up until this damned mountain. He would have finally gotten rid of the fake God, the pest that had been making its way around Teyvat making a fool of themselves and everyone around them. He wouldn’t have been so bothered if it hadn’t been someone impersonating you, but that wasn’t the case — the idiot, the absolute bastard, had the balls to make a divine comedy of you and it made Childe sick.

And yet, as he stood above you, only a few steps away, a lift of a finger from ending your life, he couldn’t.

Something deep inside him made him stall, he didn’t understand why until you finally spoke to him for the first time in the almost three days he’d been hunting you like sport.

“At least tell me what I did to deserve this, Ajax.”

Ajax, Ajax, Ajax, Ajax, Ajax, Ajax ,Ajax, Ajax, Ajax, Ajax… you called him by his name.

Ajax.

No one knew his name – more like, no one should know his name, so why did you – some outlander, some weird, demented freak making a mockery of his God know his name?

He let the thoughts simmer in his head; an outlander that knew his name, that knew where they were without even looking at a map, one that navigated the hills and their surroundings like an expert, that had the soil and skies of Teyvat answer their cries, who managed to affect Dragonspine’s weather… you weren’t a freak, he realizes as horror sinks in, and he was the bastard.

He was the bastard that was about to kill God.

The realization comes to him and he almost drops to his knees, as if someone had punched the air out of his lungs, things suddenly made more sense – the reason he was so compelled to follow you, how you seemed to never run out of energy, how things always turned out in your favor even if they shouldn’t, you were God. His God. Of course he’d be moved the way he was, even if his mind didn’t know it, his spirit, his soul did, his body did.

He was about to kill God.

The only thing that had kept him going during his time inside the Abyss, the very thing that gave him hope for a better future, he had chased away and threatened.

You hear the odd sound he lets out – something between a scream and cry, a muddled laugh of pain and confusion – and you’re tempted to look around to see what had happened, you knew Childe was close, so why didn’t he just go and get it over with? Was he… was he mocking you? This had to be an attempt to make this more fun, have you crawl out of your hiding spot so he could pounce on you and kill you in the open so he’d have more space to be creative.

You still want to turn around, after all no matter what you did your fate was sealed — you obviously weren’t leaving the mountains alive, so would it really matter if he killed you against a stiff rock or soft snow? But he beats you to it and bright blue eyes meet yours much to your shock. You feel heart stop.

He doesn’t say anything, whatever episode that had previously consumed him gone, as his hand reaches out and you flinch, instinctively throwing your body back in fear, in hopes he’d leave you alone — his eyes widen and soon fill with sadness but he doesn’t take his hand back, rather, he reaches forward to pull you closer to him, his weapons are nowhere in his person as shaky hands explore you, almost as if looking for something.

He’s hugging you, and unbeknownst to you, while trying to get a feel for your body to see if the familiar warmth he’d feel whenever he acted as your vessel was there; it was, overflowing from your shaking body, further confirming that you were indeed who he thought, who he feared, you were.

“What are you…?” You want to question, your voice comes out barely a whisper above the sounds of wind pounding against the trees.

“Say it again,” he whispers, pulling you impossibly close to his body – effectively shutting you up, “say my name again, please.”

“…” You can’t move, afraid you’d upset him and cause him to shove a knife down your throat or whatever he planned to do.

“Please,” he squeezed you tighter, you choke at the sudden roughness, “I need to know if I heard you well.”

It was a lie, of course, he knew you’d said his name loud and clear, – Ajax, Ajax, Ajax… he could repeat the memory in his head forever and not get tired – with the most adorable pronunciation he’d heard, it was making him feel dirty for the thoughts that flooded his mind in regards to you. You had called him by his name in such a familiar way, a way he’d only heard in his dreams.

“Ajax?” You let out, your body was cold and you just wanted to get everything over with, “I… I called you Ajax.”

“So it is you,” he lets out, a dry laugh coming from his lips, gloved hands grip at your clothed body like a starved man, “hah… you should’ve said something sooner, it would’ve saved us so much time… your highness.”

Completely confused you try to push him off, what was he saying? Your highness? One second he was trying to kill you, then he was asking you to say his name, and now here he was – addressing you as some sort of divine figure? If this was part of his plan to torture you, it must be very effective because you’re soon growing exhausted at the way he’s acting, your time here had been pure and utter misery, and dealing with a two faced man who didnt know if he wanted you dead or close only aggravated you more.

No matter how much you tried to push him off and get him to answer your questions – mote like demands for answers, the Harbinger wouldn’t budge, instead opting to lift you off the ground and carry you. He lifted you without a warning, leaving you speechless for a good while as you try and reason what’s going on, still so caught off guard you don’t even realize you’ve asked him where you’re going until he’s giggling like a high schooler.

Your face might have been hidden under the fur jacket he was wearing, your vision being rendered useless, but you could still hear the smile, the fondness in his voice as he stated what to him must have been the most obvious matter in the world; “I’m taking you home.”

He says it like it’s some sort of joke you’re supposed to get, but you’re left to wonder what it meant as he provided no further context.

He doesn’t let you down, literally, for even a second – making the treacherous journey from your hiding spot to where he’d set up camp with little to no complaints, seemingly deep in thought at what had just transpired in the last hour, you don’t try to make conversations either as your own thoughts consume you.

“I just can’t believe it,” he mumbles, carrying you to what you presume to be his tent, “they had it all so, so wrong… hurting and attacking you, poor little thing. It’s okay, my love, I’ll make it up to you,” he doesn’t seem to expect any answers as he drones on, “so I’m going to heal you and keep you to myself while I figure out what to do with you. Doesn’t that sound nice? Your Ajax will make it all better.”

Oh how lucky he was, meeting and recognizing you before any other man or woman in Teyvat. So what if his original intentions hadn’t been as savory as he wished they had been, the past is the past and you’re safe with him now.

You’re carried inside the tent and immediately handed a bottle of warm liquid you don’t hesitate to down — you hadn’t had a drink or food in days, and even if Childe intended to dispose of you afterwards, who were you to deny yourself of being taken care of, even if it was for one last time.

There was no one around other than you two, you realize – no Treasure Hunters nor Fatui, nor guild members seemed to be nearby. But you didn’t mind, too preoccupied trying to figure out what the blue eyed man could want to do next — you’d accepted your fate but it didn’t mean it didn’t scare you.

It’s not even a few minutes later that you realize you can’t bring yourself to ask anything, your body slowly succumbing to a paralyzed state where you could only feel warmth – while there had been no previous attempts from either of you to talk, Tartaglia too busy buried in his own thoughts to speak to you now and you too scared of setting him off, you realize too late there’s a lot you want to say.

Realizing your now relaxed state (due to the concoction he had you drink earlier on - he knew you didn’t trust him enough to willingly realz around him), Ajax begins to look at your otherwise frozen body, you’re not able to resist as he slowly strips you off your clothes in favor of his spares; ones that left you exposed as he looked over and tended to your wounds, by the time he’s got to use the alcohol to disinfect the cuts on your body you’re inches away from being knocked out.

He was uncharacteristically quiet while assessing your figure, only letting out huffs and grunts when he caught sight of a particularly deep scar or bruised patch of skin he wished he didn’t have to see. He took the moment of silence to think, you must have suffered greatly in the last few months you’d been stranded here – alone, hated, feared, it must have been hellish. The severity of his actions slowly dawned on him, he’d been brash – he hadn’t taken the chance to properly asses you, out of everyone, he should have been the one to quickly notice who you were; he’d been surrounded by imagery and depictions of you for so long, he’d dedicated so much of himself to you and yet, when he stood in front of you for the first time, he acted harshly and like a savage.

His heart aches and he hoped you were as benevolent as he remembered you being, he would work himself to his bones if it meant earning your forgiveness and favor once more.

“I can’t believe they would’ve done this to you, my love,” he finally breaks the silence, caressing your exposed collarbone, a fire now burned in the tent granting his face a gentle orange glow as the sun began to set, “I’ll take you to Liyue where I can heal you better, maybe find a doctor who can do a better job than me, but we’ll be leaving for Snezhnaya soon after you’re better so you can meet… my boss, I’m sure she’ll be ecstatic to finally meet you.”

His voice holds no strong emotion, he can’t bring himself to forgive his actions — he’d been so childish, you probably hated him.

The thought struck his heart cold, you hated him. How was he supposed to live if you hated him?

“I am sorry,” he whispers, finally making eye contact with you, his fingers caressed your skin as if you were made of fine glass, afraid you’d break further if he applied too much pressure, “I acted out, I was stupid, and I hurt you.”

Your eyes were glazed, your head felt like it was floating – but you could still register his words, and maybe it was because he was the first person who’d treated you well, like you were a human, or maybe it was because you were too high off whatever substances was now flowing through your body but you spoke (even though it was too much effort for you to try and say anything too long).

“I… forgive you.” You let out a broken smile, muscles too tired to try anything that looked, well, good but your words were enough for him.

“You’re too kind to me,” he mumbles, slowly intertwining his fingers with your own – ecstasy slowly pumping through his veins as your words settle in, “I’m so lucky to have such a kind God,” he whispers into the crook of your neck, “so let me make it up to you, my providence.”

“Before that though, I…” He pauses, if he took you to Snezhnaya you’d be able to be protected by the Fatui and Her Excellency, you’d help bring their plan to life faster than ever — you’d be able to enact your just revenge with the Fatui by your side, with him as your second in command, however he could always… “I need to make sure I’m your favorite, don’t you think? I still need to make up for what I’ve done.”

God, was he a selfish bastard — but you’d forgive him, wouldn’t you? You’d already forgiven him for being so cruel to you, you’d forgive him for being selfish too, right?

His cheeks earn a sudden pink tint, your favorite; you’d love him, you’d adore him – you’d rule over the land with him by your side, he’d be everything you’d ever need in a partner, in a man.

Once you’d regained your strength, you’d shower him in love, you’d ravage him with gifts, you’d dedicate yourself to him, you might even allow him a chance to worship your body — give him the privilege to explore and devote himself to you like no other had done before. He’d become your most loyal follower, your most treasured creations, he’d become yours. Sure, he would still have The Tsaritsa to serve but when even she worshiped you, she’d understand. He could become a bargaining chip, he’d become yours – your knight in shining armor, in exchange for your help.

There were so many ways he could become yours, he felt a perverted shiver run down his spine.

Hah… he really wanted to be your favorite, to be yours.

They’d all treated you so badly up until he came, he was the first to realize who you were and your worth so surely that allowed him some leeway to cement himself as yours, only yours and only for you.

He slowly climbed above your dizzied body, leaning down to press a soft trail of kisses down your cheeks, his hands still entangled with yours. A soft moan leaves your mouth, earning you a groan from the man, if only you knew how much he had waited for this moment.

“Mmh, ah,” a trail of saliva connects the flushed skin of your neck to his tongue as he speaks, “let me be yours, I’ll…,” a lick is planted near your ear and Childe can’t help but groan at the taste – you were so addicting, “I’ll make it up to you… I’ll become your favorite.”

Helloooo~

Can I request a oneshot with Xiao who turned his back against Rex Lapis and Liyue for God Reader who was deemed a fake by everybody except him because he can feel the pain from his karmic debt lessening when he approaches the reader and recognized them the moment he laid eyes on them? So now Xiao becomes a fugitive and runs away with reader to protect them. I also would really appreciate it if you can put Qiqi into the mix? The little zombie becomes Xiao's and readers intel in liyue.

I hope that wasn't too confusing and if you don't want to do it, it's 100% alright.

OHHH I LOVE THIS IDEA!!! Xiao love forever i love him so much pls i need a rerun of his banner pls mihoyo

Xiao being on the reader's side in the imposter sagau is just. chefs kiss

Length: 4. 7 k

cw: injury, reader being hunted by people, blood

Genre: uhhh a bit of angst but also some fluff

Of gentle breezes and tough hearts

The Vigilant Yaksha, as he had been dubbed, was nothing id not dedicated to his duty of protecting Liyue. His duty of serving under the command of Rex Lapis.

Perhaps the years had not been kind to him, wearing and tearing at him until he was frayed at the edges - but he was forged into a fighter, and that was the burden he had to bear.

The burden of his suffering under his previous master - his acts as a Yaksha - all of it had added up over the years to forge an armor of callousness around him.

His burden of Karmic debt was something painful, weighing him down each day as he fulfilled his duties - on the worst of days he wondered, if that would be the day he'd succumb to it and cease to be - torn apart from the inside out in the throes of it.

Not that he'd ever voice his concerns or pains. He was above that. He was a powerful Yaksha and he had earned his lot in life, after all. And, he had you.

Your gentle light, distant guiding presence, you who would lift his debt and ease his pain - it was all he could ask for. It was more than he deserved, even.

The winds swayed angrily as news of an imposter spread through Teyvat like wildfire - igniting all along its path with a sense of burning vengeance and desire to avenge their Creator. To put an end to the sinner's sacrilegious crimes.

Of course, Rex Lapis, one of your oldest and most devout followers and acolytes, was bound to hear of this. And hear of it he did. His eyes burned with the flames Xiao had not seen since the Archon wars of times long gone - bringing forth the god of war that Rex Lapis had once been regarded as.

His orders were absolute - to find and slay the imposter on sight. To honor the Creator by offering this imposter's blood to you, to fertilize the earth with it and snuff out any flicker of life.

He, as one of, if not the strongest of the adepti under his command - and certainly the fastest - flew through the airs like a whirlpool of vengeance. He owed all he was, to you - and lately, his Karmic debt had grown in its panful, overbearing weight - you being nowhere to be found to lessen it.

Was it your fury at the gall of this imposter that made you stray from him and the people of Teyvat?

He would assure your return - he would become a weapon once more, all to honor you.

Perhaps it was his dedication to you - or maybe the force of anemo cursing through him, but he was quick to pick up the trail of the imposter. They weren't exactly great at hiding their tracks, or even if they were, they certainly couldn't deceive the Vigilant Yaksha.

Strangely enough, as he neared the location of the imposter, he found the painful pressure threatening to crush him every waking moment easing away. He took it as a sign. A sign from you - that he was heading the right direction. That he was doing the right thing.

But how could he bring down his spear to pierce the line tethering your life to this world when you looked up at him with the face of his beloved Creator? With tears unshed still lining the corners of your eyes as you stared at him in frozen fear, quietly accepting your doom as you closed your eyes.

His spear slipped from his grasp as he staggered backwards, feeling like any burdens his shoulders carried - any fragment of his Karmic debt - it was all lifted when he neared you - the lightness and sudden reprieve from his pain was enough to make him see stars.

He stared down at you once more, fear now in his eyes as he came to a sobering, horrifying realization.

He felt tears spring in his eyes - a foreign sensation to him that burned.

"You'r grace...it's you..." he whispered.

You shook, your arms still up defensively.

"Xiao..?" you whispered.

He fell to his knees before you.

"I'm so sorry," he mumbled.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.I'm sorry.

The words kept falling from his lips in a prayer as he allowed the tears to slip down his face in turmoil, washing away the layers of armor and walls he had built up over millennia.

You watched his stone façade crumble, the fragments being crushed to dust and flowing away - leaving behind what looked like a lost, confused boy.

Slowly, you rose to your feet, quiet as a mouse. The Yaksha made no move to stop you, his lips moving wordlessly as his mind raced with the thoughts of what he had almost done. He could already picture it - you being gone - Teyvat would be in more pain than it has ever been - no archon wars, no vengeful gods could compare to it.

You bent down and picked up the polearm he had discarded, holding it in your unsteady hand as you attempted to balance it in your hand. The green jade glowed faintly as your fingers danced across it, emitting a soft warmth. The weapon you had worked so hard to attain and build up in strength.

Finally, Xiao seemed to snap out of his daze, staring up at your form - positions now reversed as you towered before him, holding a glowing weapon in your shaky hand, still unable to find the proper balance.

He attempted to push himself up, filled with the need to apologize.

"Don't come any closer," you warned, attempting to threateningly jab the weapon at him, only for the tip of it to crash into the ground as it wobbled in your hand.

So much for being intimidating.

"Your grace, I have no intention to hurt you," he attempted to soothe your worries, but the sharp and aggressive edge to his voice that always seemed to linger lent no credibility to his words.

"That's not what I saw just a few minutes ago."

His teeth dug into his lower lip.

"I know. But I was mistaken."

Your eyes bore into his and he could not help but allow his heart to soar - light and floating without the insufferable pain of his Karmic debt. Yet, he clutched the organ tight and pulled it back down to the depths of his core when he saw the mistrust painted over your face - the letters in the form of dark bruises and scrapes, dirt and exhaustion.

Still. He thought you looked divine.

"Well," you stammered, still attempting to aim his own weapon at him, "if you claim to mean me no harm - then let me go."

His eyes met yours, and he was ready to serve - ready to agree to any wish you voiced. He deserved not to enjoy your soothing presence when he dared to raise the very weapon you gifted him at you.

But he recalled he was not the only one in pursuit of you.

"Your grace, you are in danger. I cannot accept the possibility of you getting hurt while I'm not here," his words were pleas, his hands shaking ever so slightly as he spoke.

You could not help but believe him. There was something so earnest about his concern.

"Why is everyone after me?" you demanded, brows furrowing as you lowered the spear. "And what's with the sudden 'your grace' this and 'your grace' that?"

He blinked up at you in surprise.

"Well - you are our divine God. The Creator. As to answer your first question..." he trailed off.

"There's been a misunderstanding about your identity. Everyone is convinced you're an imposter."

A shocked, desperate bark of a laugh escaped your lips.

"Right. That's just perfect." You ran a dirty hand through your messy hair.

"Any other life-changing news you wanna drop on me while you're at it?"

He stared up at you in silence.

You sighed.

"Okay, well get up, Xiao. This whole kneeling thing is weird," you said, your voice rising in pitch as your exasperation cracked through it. The adeptus was quick to obey, keeping his back straight as he stood before you dutifully.

"Well, how do we fix this whole 'misunderstanding', then?"

Apparently, you don't.

Xiao had eagerly rushed to Liyue - to end this foolish hunt for your head, with you in tow. All caution had been thrown to the wind as you wandered into the city - the one Xiao had sworn to protect but rarely ever dared to enter - mortals were much too complicated and exhausting for the ancient adeptus, after all.

Xiao could feel any semblance of respect and loyalty towards the Lord of Geo smash into smithereens as the ancient archon refused to believe the truth right before his eyes - refused to acknowledge he had been wrong.

What use was there in serving a god who was so blind in his devotion that he'd willingly send the true Creator to their death?

What use was there in protecting a city that was willing to hunt down their God, each eager to claim their life with their bare hands barbarically?

Rex Lapis was no better than the god he had been enslaved under, forced to perform the cruelest acts of violence.

"We have a contact, Xiao."

"My contract does not involve allowing you to order me to kill the Creator."

"You are blind, and a fool, Xiao."

"It is you who is a fool."

No matter the contracts he needed to break - none of it mattered in the face of the one divine being that held power the entirety of the universe. Held that power and still clung onto their kindness stubbornly.

He stood watch over the little camp he'd set up for you, his polearm clutched tight in his hand as his golden eyes scoured the darkness surrounding him with the precision of a panther ready to pounce. He felt his muscles tense at every noise, the familiar feeling of doom that he though he had escaped so long ago with the help of Rex Lapis washing over him.

"Hungry?" you asked from your seat by the modest fire - where you had been preparing a meal to soothe your aches.

He glanced at you, his sharp features softening for a moment.

Too kind.

He stared a moment longer, a brief rest from his lookout duties.

"No thank you, your grace. Adepti have no need for food."

You frowned.

"But you can enjoy it."

How could you say something like that to him? He who had done so many unspeakable things over the thousands of years he had spent in this world?

He simply looked away, wishing to tear his gaze from the flame lest they ignite his heart on fire, engulfing it in its painful embrace. Lest it burn away the last of what was good inside of him to nothing but cinders to be scattered in the wind.

Despite being declared a criminal - despite severing ties with the god to whom he owed his freedom - despite all that...

Living life on the run was far from unpleasant.

He took his duty as your guard seriously, never venturing out into areas he deemed too dangerous, never letting his focus falter.

Still, he was acutely aware that it was not only mere mortals that were chasing after him and the Creator.

"Xiao, are you alright?" you asked, tenderly approaching him despite his orders for you to stay in your small tent. He turned to face you, his weapon tight in his hand by his side, ready to attack at any moment's notice.

"Of course, your Grace. There's no need to concern yourself with my wellbeing," he lowered himself to one knee and lowered his head.

"I am but a weapon to you, your grace."

As soon as those words slipped out of his mouth, he was yanked to his feet by you, gripping onto his shirt, a frustrated, yet melancholy expression upon your divine face.

"Absolutely not, Xiao."

His body tensed and he lowered his eyes to his ground.

Had he disrespected you?

"You are not just some weapon, Xiao! You're not even just a guard, either!" your hands clenched the white fabric of his clothing tighter as you stared into his eyes with a determined glint in yours.

"You are a person and to be frank, the only person in Teyvat I could even call a friend."

His hands shook, and for the second time in your divine presence, his weapon escaped his grip as he felt something heavy - not his Karmic debt. Something more emotional than that, being lifted from his shoulders.

He stared at his shaking hand and the discarded weapon in shame, not saying anything in return.

You sighed and picked up his weapon for him, only to snatch his wrist when he went to retrieve it.

Your eyes met once more, yours burning with a determined flame.

"You are not just a weapon. And you are not just your past." You released his arm and allowed him to take the polearm.

"You better remember that," you called over your shoulder as you headed back towards your shabby tent to attempt to get some shut eye.

Your words left Xiao lost in a void of swirling emotions he had no idea how to even begin to address.

Perhaps, for now - all he could do was fulfil his duty to you and...try to sort out his confusion at a later, safer time.

He put out the last remains of your campfire and began his vigilant watch. It was all he could do.

Sometimes, you would simply stop to gather plants - flowers you found pretty, or berries you recalled from recipes. Xiao watched in bewitched silence as you recognized every tree, plant and animal you came across - the way the world bloomed around you. He could not help feeling like one of those wilted flowers you touched - his petals suddenly coming to life and straining towards you.

"Hmm. This should work for the mint salad," you muttered to yourself as you plucked jueyun chilies off of the small bush, gathering them upon the palm of your hand - not caring if it would stain them. After all, a life on the run had lead to your standards of appearance dropping significantly.

Xiao glimpsed at you, a fulfilled sigh escaping his lips as he saw you smiling gently while gathering supplies. Honestly, seeing you do anything was fulfilling for the Yaksha.

Suddenly, his head snapped towards a faint rustle nearby, his serenity ebbing away as he readied his weapon to pounce upon whatever danger may be near.

Noticing Xiao's sudden change in demeanor, you frowned.

"Stay here, your grace. I will deal with whatever it is."

You simply rolled your eyes and followed him quietly as he approached the sounds. He was tense, eyes narrowed as he scoured the area.

Suddenly, seeing movement, he raised his spear to strike down whoever the figure was. His arm shot up as he prepared to launch himself, only to be stopped hi your hand gripping his arm.

Confused, his eyes flickered to yours.

"Stop," you whispered - and all he could do was obey, lowering his weapon.

You smiled as you watched a pale, familiar girl quietly gathering herbs, her movements a little stiff as she immersed herself in her work.

"Qiqi," you spoke, unable to restrain yourself as the recognition washed over you.

The girl, upon hearing her own name, froze, looking around aimlessly for the source of the noise.

You gently pushed past Xiao, who was still gripping his weapon tight, cheeks tinged a delicate pink from your touch. Approaching Qiqi with a concerned expression, you caught the little zombie's attention.

"Hello, Qiqi - what are you doing so far out from Liyue?" you asked carefully, crouching before her.

She stared vacantly at you, before looking around hesitantly, as though finally taking in her surroundings. Slowly, she reached for her little bag and pulled out a small notebook, flipping the pages until something akin to realization flickered in her eyes.

"I am looking for herbs," she replied, voice flat and quiet as she looked up at you with an unreadable expression.

"Oh? What herbs?" you asked, your voice perking up as you spoke to the girl - the one upside of her foggy memory would most likely be that she probably wasn't even aware of your status as a wanted criminal.

She slowly listed off a couple, and you listened patiently, paying no mind to Xiao who was stood nearby, watching the interaction awkwardly.

"Well, I think I should have some of these," you told her, plucking them out of your little makeshift bag and holding them out for you.

"Thank you...but I ordered myself to gather them..." she mumbled, lowering her gaze.

Right. She worked on orders.

Still...

Your gaze landed on the setting sun. Zombie or not - capable in combat or not - you felt uncomfortable allowing the young girl to be out that late all by herself.

Then, you recalled your knowledge of the girl.

Hesitantly, you reached your arms out and pulled the girl closer. She stumbled into your embrace, making a surprised noise.

"I love you the most, Qiqi," you said softly, closing your eyes and meaning every word you said.

The girl slowly placed her hands on your cheeks, and you opened your eyes, a smile still upon your lips.

"Thank you...kind traveler," she spoke softly.

You chuckled and offered her the herbs once more. This time, she accepted them with a gentle thank you.

"How about we get you back to Liyue, Qiqi?"The

The Yaksha followed quietly, still on his guard, as you gently held the undead girl's hand in yours despite the coldness of it. She occasionally gazed up at you with a strange expression - one that could almost be read as fondness. Xiao supposed he shouldn't be too surprised - you were the Creator, after all. Of course your warmth would call forth love for you.

You escorted the small girl to the edge of Liyue, before coming to a halt.

"I think you can find your way home from here," you ruffled her hair gently and she stared up at you.

"Why are you not coming to the city?"

"Well..." you glanced at Xiao. "We aren't welcome in Liyue."

She lowered her gaze, seeming a little befuddled.

"I see...But how will I be able to meet you again, then?" she asked, her voice earnest despite its flatness.

You all but melted at her words, tears brimming in your eyes.

"You want to meet us again?"

She nodded.

"Well..." you bit your lip. You were constantly on the move, after all.

"Just call my name, whenever you wish to see us," Xiao spoke up, breaking the silence. Your eyes widened as you stared at the adeptus.

Qiqi allowed him to take her notebook and write simple instructions for her, his brows furrowed, but you could tell he was trying his best to not come off as intimidating.

Soon, you bid Qiqi farewell and were on your way again. You couldn't help the smile stretched upon your lips as you walked beside the Yaksha.

"That was sweet of you, Xiao."

He glanced at you from the corner of his eyes, and despite the darkness falling upon the earth and hiding his features, you could tell his cheeks were burning up.

"Just doing my duty."

You chuckled and shook your head.

"If you say so."

Over time, you grew used to life on the run. Every now and then, you would meet up with Qiqi, who you pampered with affection she clearly wasn't receiving from Baizhu. She began writing more about her days in Liyue - something you and Xiao found most useful when avoiding the milileth and other forces of Liyue sent to hunt you down. You felt a sense of ease around Xiao - and he had to admit that during all his years upon this land, he had never felt quite as free and even...happy as he did when you.

However, all good things must come to an end.

The ground below you erupted - pillars of stone bursting out and cornering you and Xiao as the Geo archon glowered down at you in distaste.

"Any final words?" he spoke, his low voice rumbling with an anger akin to earthquakes. Xiao pushed you behind him as he clutched his weapon, glaring back with a fiery fury of his own.

"I will not allow you to harm the creator!" he spat, any loyalty to Morax long gone with the winds that carried him to his journey with you.

Zhongli simply scoffed.

"You have been led stray, Xiao. Led astray by the deception of this imposter." He aimed his weapon at you, causing you to flinch. It only made Xiao shake with anger as he did his best to shield you from Zhongli's view.

"You're wrong, Morax."

"I will admit, the disguise is quite convincing. If I wasn't as knowledgeable and loyal to the true Cretor - I may have fallen under their spell too, Xiao." He smirked coldly.

"Xiao. Step aside and allow me to end this preposterous farce, and you will earn forgiveness. I am sure the Creator will be kind enough to forgive you your sins."

Xiao bared his teeth.

"Over my dead body," he spat.

Zhongli sighed, a glimmer of regret flashing across his face as he stared down at the two.

"Very well, Xiao."

His polearm came down with the swiftness of a rolling stone, gaining momentum as it plummeted downhill.

Your lips parted in a soundless scream of agony as you watched it mercilessly pierce Xiao.

You could barely see his limp form slump onto the ground through your tears as you sank to your knees beside him.

"How could you?!" you spat angrily, tears flowing across your face in angry rivers as you cradled Xiao's bleeding body.

The blood.

So much blood.

"He used to look up to you! Worship you for saving him!" your voice was raw and filled with emotion that ricocheted off of the pillars surrounding you, sending wide cracks through them.

Zhongli - no, Morax, stared at you, stared at the weapon in his gloved hand, and said nothing.

What could he say, when the Creator themselves was before him, crying shimmering tears brimming over with the stars of the galaxy?

He had been blind, after all.

Your shimmering tears fell in raging fury, never-ending as the rain that took over the clear blue skies of Liye. Your heart heavy, and cracked as the earth below you when you held Xiao's limp form close.

"Xiao, please..." you whispered, shaky fingers attempting to stop the bleeding - attempting to ease the pain he was undoubtedly in without bringing any more to him.

You ran a bloody hand through his hair, brushing aside the strands as you gazed at his face - growing paler by the minute as blood seeped from his wound.

You choked back a sob and gently laid him down. You could see the way his chest was rising and falling - but it was growing slower and more strained with each passing moment.

"You idiot," you muttered, voice hoarse from your emotional outburst. You tore at your clothes, barely able to rip off pieces to attempt to bandage him up.

Your furious eyes burned at Zhongli, who was frozen in place, drenched from the sudden onslaught of rain.

"Do something!" you shouted, cut off by your own sob. "Get a healer - do something useful!" you clenched your fists as you received no answer and simply stared at the unconscious man before you, tears unceremoniously dropping onto his form - not that you cared to pay it any mind as your own wet hair clung to your face. It was cold. It was all so cold and lifeless as your heart raced but left your mind empty of nothing but pain.

You watched Xiao take one more shaky breath, before his chest stopped moving.

You screamed. At Zhongli. At Teyvat. At everything that had lead to this injustice being allowed to occur. Screamed until your voice was raw and you could taste blood in your throat - and then some more.

Finally, you clung to the bloody and damp shirt clinging to Xiao's form, burying your face in it - allowing the coppery scent of blood to wade into your nostrils as you choked out wails.

It was all so cold.

And then, suddenly - it was warm.

You looked up in surprise - only to see the wound soaked in crimson blood just moments earlier - starting to close rapidly. You slammed a hand in front of your mouth as you watched it close up and leave behind only a golden mark in the shape of a diamond where it had been.

Your hands, still soaked with the red blood, move to cup his face, staining it - not that you cared at the moment. Your eyes stared at his face in desperation.

For any sign of life.

"Your...grace?" he mumbled, slowly opening his golden eyes. Eyes that shone much brighter and more golden than ever before.

You choked out another sob and pulled him closer, pressing your forehead against his - not caring that your drenched hair clung to your face and that your hands were still dirty. You stroked his cheeks, shedding tears of joy as he stared up at you.

"Have I finally reached the afterlife?" Xiao murmured, his own hand weakly brushing against yours.

"No, you idiot!" you tried to scold, but the smile on your cracked lips gave away your true feelings.

Slowly and gently, still unaware of how healed he truly was, you aided him to his feet, allowing him to lean on you. You could see Zhongli on his knees, a horrified expression etched onto his features.

Good.

You'd deal with him later.

"How could you say something so stupid?" you whimpered, holding the adeptus close. "I thought you were dead!"

"I was fulfilling my duty to protect you, your grace."

You stared up at him in exasperation.

"What about your duty not to break my heart?!" You clutched his shirt, glaring up at him.

"What do you mean, your grace?" he looked confused and ashamed nonetheless, for upsetting you.

"If you had died - then how could I have gone on? I love you, you stupid, stubborn, edgy Yaksha!"

He stared at you in awe, tears shimmering in his own eyes.

Your hands crept into his hair - crunching under your fingers from the dried blood within it - and you gently pulled his face closer, your eyes clashing as both of you stared into the other's soul.

"I love you too, your grace," ha managed to say, voice barely above a whisper.

You laughed, before giving his lips a gentle peck.

"I'm glad that we see eyes to eye on that."

You allowed yourself that moment of peace, embracing Xiao, before turning back to Zhongli.

He was still on his knees, his eyes staring up at you in shame.

"You are...god. Such an asshole!' you sputtered, your anger resurfacing.

Zhongli lowered his gaze without daring to say a word.

"I expect you to...call off your minions from chasing us. And to leave us the fuck alone after that!"

He nodded quietly, his shoulders tensing.

You paid him no further mind.

You held Xiao close, allowing his weakened form to lean on you as you carried his weapon for him.

"Would you like to see Wangshu Inn again?" you asked gently. "We could get some almond tofu...and some rest.."

He sighed.

"Adepti need no-"

You cut him off.

"No. You will have a nice long bath. Have Almond tofu. And get some damned sleep, you stubborn Yaksha."

He sighed.

"Yes, your grace."

You simply smiled and pecked his cheek.

Perhaps life would become a little easier now - for both you and Xiao.

You could hope for nothing more.

ok i really rushed the end cus i was. REALLY STRETCHING IT OUT. but anyway as an afterthought...imagine reader and xiao adopting qiqi basically <3

Evacuating families with young children 1

Vetted Palestinian Campaigns. Please donate if you can and share!

Sep 5-12. Updated Sep 7.

My other promotion lists | Campaigns close to goal

See post: Give the Al-Habil (@/abdelmutei) family a better life.

PayPal, credit/debit: € 12,239 12,391 / 25,000

Urgent: Yosef El-habil: @khadiga22 (current?), @saveyouseffamily, @girlquee (Butterfly Effect Project #406). Baby suffers from severe respiratory illness untreatable in Gaza.

Paypal, credit/debit: € 11,080 13,257 / 20,000

Muhammad Shehab: @mohammed--shehab (vet).

Paypal, credit/debit: € 8,870 9,204 / 25,000

URGENT: Amal Ashour: @amalashuor (Vetted Evacuation spreadsheet #175). Short term goal to care for dangerously malnourished baby.

Paypal, credit/debit: € 33,520 34,483 / 40,000 (short term goal / €50,000)

Far from goal: Mohammed Matar: @mohammedmatar90, @matarmoh (vet, Vetted Evacuation spreadsheet #254).

Paypal, credit/debit: € 2,631 3,381 / 20,000

Pinned Campaigns

URGENT: See post: Let's evacuate the Haboub family's most vulnerable members in September. One member's condition is declining and needs to be evacuated within the week. Awaiting more details.

Credit/debit: SEK 143,805 152,791 / 163,478 (short term goal / 234,000 SEK) $10 USD = 105 SEK

Tagging random ppl. I'd really appreciate a share and donate if possible. Want off my 'mailing list'? Please message me!

@sunshinetomorrow @cirrusea @danijaci @bladeweave @littlegaypancake @zealfruity @akajustmerry @blossomdapple @flerns @bifca @dollyrin @wellsbering @yvain @bitegore @aroacesigma @gauntletqueen @dededaio @halorvic @sreppub @catgirlhell @lazyleafeon @edgepunk @party-cat-anthem @normal-thoughts-official @chuunisoldier

Message to fellow USA LGBT+ users:

I want you to know that no matter what happens after November 5th, you are loved and you are wanted.

If the angry orange gets into office and our country goes to hell?

All we can do is put on the best smile that we can and lie our asses off if it means we get to live another day.

Just know that doing so doesn't make you any less of who YOU choose to be.

Please be stay safe, and again, know that you are loved. 💖

Just a reminder for fanfic authors:

Fanfiction will ALWAYS be superior to character.ai

Please don't ever stop writing!!

🚨🚨🚨EARN IT ABOUT TO BE PASSED🚨🚨🚨

PLEASE SOMEONE ANYONE HELP US

WE WILL BE SPIED ON DUE TO NO ENCRYPTION

LGBTQ+ CONTENT WILL BE WIPED FROM THE INTERNET

SEX WORKERS WILL BE CRIMINALIZED

THIS BILL WILL KILL THE INTERNET AS WE KNOW IT

what to do?

CALL YOUR STATE REPS

Google Docs

Earn it Act Call Script

Scroll down for Call Script (202) 224-3121 connects you to your congress representatives. You have 2 senators and 1 house member. Call 3 ti

SIGN PETITIONS

Fight for the Future

TELL CONGRESS TO STOP THE EARN IT ACT

Contact your lawmakers now to demand them to reject the dangerous EARN IT Act and protect your free speech and security online

act.eff.org

The “Earn It” Act is Back, Seeking To Scan Us All

We all have the right to have private conversations. They’re vital for free and informed self-government. When we want to have private conve

DONATE

Fight for the Future

Donate to Stop Four Dangerous Bills

It's a hurricane of bad internet legislation. EARN IT, KOSA, STOP CSAM and RESTRICT all pretend that they'd help kids… but they would actual

JOIN DISCORD SERVER

Discord

Join the Stop Internet Censorship Discord Server!

Check out the Stop Internet Censorship community on Discord - hang out with 1,078 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.

I AM BEGGING YOU PLEASE DO SOMETHING!

🚨🚨🚨🚨 URGENT 🚨🚨🚨🚨

I need your kindess to support me in Gaza ❤️🙏‼️

✅️Vetted by @gazavetters , my number verified on the list is ( #538)

Hi everyone,

I’m Inge Kassab 22, dental student in Alazhar university Gaza, I have finished three years of my studies at the university and unfortunately my university has completely destroyed due to the war in Gaza and I can’t go abroad the city to continue my studies because all boarders around us were closed and I forced to live her under bombing.

For almost a whole year and half I have been living in Gaza, where wardestruction and chaos spread everywhere in Gaza.

My home and my university were completely destroyed .

I am currently in Deir El Balah after I have displaced from my city Gaza , trying to save money to rebuild home to live in a safe place with my family. My father is an old man who lost his work and my mom also lost her work. I need you to support me and my family to build our life again.

Because of the war, it has become impossible to provide money to live, buy food, clean and drinkable water, and education here. This money will be used to provide what the war has destroyed for us, and also to provide a place to stay, especially since we are now approaching the winter season, where we need winter clothes, repair the damage to the house, and provide what protects us from the cold and hunger of winter.

Gaza has become a place full of destruction and is no longer suitable for any opportunity here. Diseases have spread in the Gaza Strip, especially those skin diseases for which there is no treatment due to the war. The water here has also become polluted water and has spread, and there is not enough food for everyone here.

I created this campaign to ask for help and support from you. As a human being who lived an entire year and half under the flames of war, destruction, and tragedies, I am addressing you and asking you for help, to help me get a chance to survive war, death, and hunger with my family, and to start from scratch. A new journey of living and recovering from those traumas and painful memories that we experienced in the war. So we stayed in the Gaza Strip under the genocide to live in difficult conditions and complete our studies with the least available means. Before the war began, I was at the beginning of the clinical stage and the beginning of my work on patients, but the war came and destroyed all my dreams, as I lost my university and my dental tools, which cost my father more than $1,000, and I lost my future. But now I am trying to return again in order to complete the number of study hours and graduate. Therefore, I need your help to complete what remains, as there is only very little left to graduate and go out to work and help patients.

This money will also help me to cover our living expenses and buy food in Gaza. Buying food and groceries in Gaza is something we cannot afford every day because of the high prices, and there is no opportunity to work here. The money will also be used to buy available cooking gas, wood and firewood which will also be used to provide fires for cooking and also to keep warm from the cold at night in the coming days.  Also I want to build my own clinic after graduation.

I hope you will hear my voice and help me get a chance to evacuate from here, and a chance to evacuate from Gaza if we can . 🥺❤️

I am a person whose dreams, life, and ambitions were stolen during the war. All I have left is the hope of escaping from here. Help me revive this hope ❤️🙏🙏

Chuffed

Save a Palestinian dental student and her family in Gaza

Hi, I'm Tristan from the Netherlands, running this campaign on behalf of Inge, who tells her story below:

Or here directly

So Please Help Me to Put (Dr.) before my name please make this post viral 🥺❤️‼️

Inge Kassab.