A Softer Meme (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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bakerstreet2025-04-08 01:42 pm
asoftermeme) wrote in bakerstreet2025-04-08 01:42 pm
Berserk button
touch them, I'll kill you
— Roll the dice.
— Let the bodies hit the floor.
- for (name one) to take a bullet for (name two).
- for (name one) to protect (name two) and then carry them to safety.
- for (name one) to witness (name two) get hurt which sends them into a violent rage.
- for (name one) to be hurt trying to protect (name two) which makes them bloodthirsty for revenge.
- for (name one) to have violently protected (name two), so (name two) kisses them to calm them down.
- for (name one) to carefully approach (name two) in the aftermath, gently touching them to try and bring them back to themselves.
- (name one) was kidnapped, (name two) shows up to save them.
- (name one) executes a third party in front of (name two) because that person hurt them.
- (name one) thinks they’re alone but (name two) comes out of nowhere to rescue them from someone who intends to do harm/making them uncomfortable.
- (name one) has been devastated by something. (name two) holds them until they calm down so they don’t do anything drastic.
- (name one) thought (name two) died so they set out to get revenge. (name two) shows up in time to stand in front of them before they go too far.
- (name one) is in a vengeful rage because of something that happened to (name two). (name two) gently approaches to calm them down saying this isn’t what they want.
- for (name one) to have (name two) stand by somewhere safe where they can watch (name one) kill on their behalf.
- WILDCARD
no subject
If you say so, then I must be sweet.
[There are certainly a number of people who would disagree with that assessment, but Xie Lian's opinion in the one that matters to him. He meets Xie Lian's gaze, allowing Xie Lian to smooth his clothing however he chooses. He can't deny he enjoys the attention, basking in its warmth, as he might with the light of the sun.]
Thank you, but I believe gege is the handsome one.
[He studies Xie Lian's face thoroughly, as if to remind himself of all the reasons his assertion is true. As his gaze passes over that split lip, Hua Cheng feels a heated resurgence of his earlier anger. He almost determines to return and made sure that that tavern owner dies painfully—but he remembers Xie Lian's words. He'll honor his wishes.]
And you've taken it upon yourself to assist? In that case, it's lucky that I happened upon you today. I enjoy seeing you at work.
no subject
You are. I don't know what to do with you.
{He chuckles to hide the way his face heats and his heart flutters. No one has ever made him feel this way. Each time they touch, he feels hungry for more. But that's dangerous - not only to his cultivation but also to his already sorely battered heart.}
I'm a mess. If you don't mind accompanying me like this, I would appreciate your company very much.
{The weight of Hua Cheng's gaze makes his cheeks redder and he almost feels hypnotized.}
Mm...I... I have. Since I was in the area anyway, I see no reason why I can't help.
{Bad luck or not, he is still a well-educated cultivator. One ghost won't cause him too much trouble, surely.}
no subject
[In spite of his manner towards some others, he doesn't tire of being sweet to Xie Lian. It's always rewarding, and it's what Xie Lian deserves. Also, he can't resist the lure of watching him blush and smile, as he is now. He doesn't seem at all discomfited by Hua Cheng's earlier outburst, even though Hua Cheng had come very close to killing that man remorselessly.]
If you're a mess, I must enjoy the company of messes. Perhaps mess doesn't mean what I thought it did, after all...
[To him, Xie Lian is luminous, very far from messy in his eyes. Even a little dirt and wear only enhance his goodness and elegance.]
Oh, of course. No reason whatsoever. I wonder... Were you in the area already, or did you hear of this entity and happen to come this way afterward?
[Now he can't resist teasing, with a faint smirk. Though inwardly, he is completely serious about accompanying Xie Lian. He knows very well how much trouble one ghost can cause.]
no subject
Gasping at his shamelessness, he tucks his hair behind his ear and tries to speak.}
You shouldn't worry about what I think or... {Want to do.} San Lang could have the attention of beautiful women. Perhaps he should leave this messy god behind, ah?
{Please don't his heart screams.}
...mm I...heard about it. This place wasn't far off the path I was taking. {Just a handful miles.}
I'm curious, too. Why would a ghost bother newlyweds? {Unless said ghost had an attachment to one of said newlyweds beforehand?}
no subject
[Hua Cheng smiles, unaware of the scandalous nature of Xie Lian's thoughts, though he does enjoy watching the series of expressions that play across his face, and that little gesture as he tucks his hair behind his ear.]
Is that what I could have? Beautiful women... Interesting. I'll keep that in mind, gege. Thank you for the advice.
[Of course, he has no intention whatsoever of considering it.]
So it wasn't far, and you had to have a look.
[Driven to help others, of course, regardless of whether he has to go out of his way. It's not surprising. So many other deities would have simply ignored the issue. Most gods aren't deserving of the title.]
I'm not sure, as it depends on the ghost. All ghosts have their own motivations. Some can be vengeful and full of rage. When they lash out, there's not necessarily any logic to it.
no subject
{He glances at the other man flirtatiously, in a rush of confidence born from Hua Cheng's smile. Said confidence falters, however, in the next moment and his smile is shy.}
If you want beautiful women, yes. You could have an Empress, I'm sure of it.
{The ghost is easier to talk about and he clears his throat.}
They don't need logic to be angry or to be hurt. I can understand their emotions. Frankly, I don't seek to punish them unless they are being bullies.
no subject
[He likes being pushed a little by Xie Lian; it gives him a thrill. Xie Lian's words are intoxicating, and how could he not want to stay near him? It's all he's wanted. That flirtatious look that flashes in Xie Lian's eyes makes his lips part, and he could lose himself completely in that gaze, for a few centuries.]
An empress— Do you have someone in mind for me? I didn't realize you were a matchmaker.
[He's not taking any beautiful women recommendations seriously, but he does manage to not to laugh, though he's still smiling.]
No, they don't. I mean it could be a reason that would be hard to guess. Perhaps they were unhappy in love, perhaps they're delusional, or perhaps they simply enjoy causing pain.
What will you do to them if you don't punish them?
[Hua Cheng is more than willing to dole out punishment, if anyone should trouble Xie Lian—as he almost did with that tavern owner.]
Reason with them?
no subject
...not an empress. {He laughs softly, shakily.} I would be an awful matchmaker. I wouldn't dare to try! Besides, San Lang deserves what I treasure most.
{The last piece of hope inside of him, the only reason he has pushed himself forward for centuries.}
Ah I truly hope it is the first or the second. {Delusion is better than cruelty.}
I want to help them. If they wish to move on, I can make that available to them. If they wish to visit your city and start a new...afterlife...that too is a possibility. I just want them to leave the living alone.
no subject
[He nods, accepting this delayed revelation without complaint.]
I don't think an empress would be right for me, either, especially without your recommendation.
If there is something you treasure most, then it must be truly precious. Perhaps I'm not worthy of such a prize. I wouldn't wish to deprive you of anything dear to you.
[He would gladly continue this conversation all day, lightly bantering, but he takes Xie Lian's goals very seriously, so he's already considering what—or who—the entity they're seeking might turn out to be.]
We will have to see. I would say some ghosts would take you up on your offer, but not most—not if they have already gone so far as to trouble the living. Were you told anything about how this "haunting" manifests?
[Many reported hauntings prove not to be the handiwork of ghosts at all, but enough are genuine that there's cause for concern.]
no subject
After a quick look around, he steps before Hua Cheng, blocking his path. Then he pulls him into his arms, their faces an inch apart.}
You deprive me...of nothing. {Xie Lian kisses him then, softly and yet with warmth. Lips on lips until his head spins.}
...San Lang. {Flushed bright red, he steps back and gives the other man room to breathe. Room to think.}
She mm. She screams. All night long and... Furniture moves. Large pieces of furniture. Usually they are aimed at the lord.