piecesofalice: (psych - j+l - knock on my door)
piecesofalice ([personal profile] piecesofalice) wrote2008-05-27 09:53 pm

Fic: "Kissing Girls You Shouldn't Kiss", multi-fandom, M

Hawksley's got a new album, and one of the tracks made me think of those poor, unfortunate male souls that are a part of my OTPs. Hey, you've gotta kiss a lot of pidgeons before you get a swan, fellas.

TITLE: Kissing Girls You Shouldn't Kiss
FANDOM(S): Charlie Crews (Life), Carlton Lassiter (Psych), Bobby Goren (Criminal Intent), Roman (Life), Tommy Lynley (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries)
RATING: A nice solid M
DISCLAIMER: None of these characters are mine.



Kissing Girls You Shouldn't Kiss
Multi-Fandom, 27th May 2008

---


In a world that's burning down
What time is it now?

- Hawksley Workman, "Kissing Girls (You Shouldn't Kiss)"


---


NOTES: I've uploaded the song for you so you can enjoy the wonder that is Hawksley. I'm good to you, aren't I? As for the actual fic? Well, there's nothing deep and meaningful here, despite a slightly wanky formatting style. Just a bunch of fellas kissing a bunch of broads that may not be good for them. But don't worry, they'll all go a-runnin' back to their womens, never fear.


---


I resist, there's no point in it
Charlie


---

He's pretty sure she smells like his first girlfriend, some fruity, tangy scent that's become a fashion magazine staple and he feels like he's eighteen again.


She's not eighteen, though. Well, he thinks she's not, and he remembers she has two blonde pigtails sticking out of her head, a slab of gum she was chewing on like Daisy the Cow, and he worries for a minute.


No, she was buying a drink, he rationalises, and her large, braless chest is in his face as she asks the inevitable question, "why don't you have any furniture?"


Because he gave up his quota when he got thrown in jail and his wife left him. Because it comes from IKEA, a place you can't really go to by yourself, and Ted hates IKEA and Dani? Well, Dani loves it but he can't ask Dani because she'd look at him that way and he'd just have to smile.


He doesn't answer her out loud, of course, and she doesn't care because he's got money and some sort of infamy. So her thin tank is over her head and he's now certain she hasn't had any sort of breast enhancement, and suddenly he just wants to go to IKEA and eat fruit on the steps that lead down to the workout oval.


Still, he kisses her, hard. But he doesn't smile, or think about furniture because she'll be gone tomorrow in a haze of yesterday's perfume.


---


Empty as a hotel room
Carlton


---

The bed is made every day, every morning, so he kind of hates it when the sheets are tossed. But it's strange, because she knows the pattern - tiny throw pillows, then the big ones, then pulling back the decorative cover - and it's so close to the day they bought this bed it throws his head for a loop.


"Victoria," he mutters against her hair, and he notices she's gotten those awful French tipped nails O'Hara always pointed out on the hookers they pulled in from the esplanade. "Victoria!" and she finally stops clawing at his shirt, pulling back and staring in to his eyes like a lion with its lunch.


"I'm not doing this," and she lets out a grunt of frustration and he just thinks, her skirt is too short.


"Carlton," is the way she says his name, fixing her lipstick in the mirror they bought together in a frenzy of post-honeymoon madness, and he always hated the way she lilted the "-ton" to mean so much more than just the end of his name, or, he supposed, a measure of weight.


He thought about his name being two separate parts, like the two separate Victorias he thought existed - pre- and post-divorce - but the detective inside him slowly put his first name back together. Like the two Victorias that were probably always this one, and he sat down on the flowery country chic chair he'd always wanted to put in the back yard and shoot at until it fell apart.


O'Hara lifted his name at the end like that, too, but she didn't make his hand itchy for his gun or bring up memories of crying into scotch because she'd wanted to sell his vinyl collection on eBay.


O'Hara liked flowers but not expensive ones, and chairs that were for sitting in, not watched like crappy museum pieces. Her nails were short, and functional, with a pink gloss coating them and a skirt that was both feminine and of a proper, police standard length.


Victoria walked out of the room they once shared, muttering his name and probably her lawyer's. He could taste her on his mouth, so he shuffled into the bathroom and brushed his teeth.


---


We are strange
Bobby


---

It was always going to end up like this, Bobby, she was thinking, as her mouth pushed down on his and he remembered what it was like when she was dead.


You feed on everything that's raw and hateful, he was thinking, as his long-growing beard scratched against her pale, sunless skin that was close to the colour of his own, thanks to his self-imposed exile in his own apartment.


What would she think? What? ran through both their brains, as Nicole wrapped her fingers around his neck and seemed to drink in his pain and sorrow and pity and he wasn't even surprised to see her at his mother's grave. Blonde hair in a black widow's hat, and she got off on pretending they were a couple or something, and he wanted to push her off and ring Eames and rock himself to sleep again.


But you won't, and he didn't, and he hated himself more when he thought of how she would rub this in his partner's face the next day.


---


In an empire's final glow
Roman


---

There's elements of power, then there's women. Far and beyond, they're kinetic and dynamic and soft like feather down, touching skin and creating the universe in one fell swoop. They're lines and movement, they're tangible and an alternate reality, and he loved every single one of them, even the ones he had to hurt to show them his love.


This one? Well, this one. She didn't know the half of her power and thought it all fell behind a badge, with her brown hair pushed into a bun and her mouth pursed into a bow. Tiny and amazing, so fuckable and delectable, she came to him after they met in an interrogation room and it was wonderful.


Full of lust and tenacity, he had one eye on the door and the other on her breasts, because he had the niggling feeling in the back of his brain of a picture of a praying mantis his papa used to have tattooed on his arm before he left his mother for a whore.


Her tongue is pure friction and her hands are like ice, but he kisses her, hard, tells her his secrets and he doesn't even care as the handcuffs are placed on his wrists after admitting too much.


She watches him dragged away, Officer New Money by her side, and she's beautiful.


---


Without any view
Tommy


---

She seemed determined to keep all the numbers he got from faceless birds in bars. Pulled them out of his jacket pockets and quizzed him about them - Sharon and Jessica and Mylee, all at the corner pub at some stupid hour of the night when he should have been solving a case.


"Self-destruction is a curse," she mutters, and he looks at her with surprise. But she's out of the room before he can question her and Tommy feels like the low-slung roof is pushing down on him and he can't really breathe.


He chases her down the hall, his shoes he hasn't thought about cleaning in months clacking against the concrete. Messy hair, a khaki coat, she turns around and he grabs her in his arms and kisses her before she can even open her mouth.


Any minute, someone could walk out. Any second, she could pull away and slap him strong against the face and he'd have to bluster and worm his way out of it, citing Helen or pain or Scotch but she knew him better than that.


He doesn't know why he's doing it, but he is, and she's warm and pliable and somewhere inside him he thinks he loves her but it's odd and strange and highly improper.


There are no words, no numbers to put down on paper. Because he knows her phone number like the back of his hand, like the back of hers, and suddenly, finally, he doesn't want to go to the pub after his shift.


---

Fin.

---


[identity profile] firthgal.livejournal.com 2008-05-27 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, this was absolutely wonderful!!!! I don't watch L&O or that last one, but I enjoyed those too (and actually, I'm kind of curious about that Goren/Eames pairing now). Anyway, Charlie's was so incredibly perfect and full of fun, irony, and a little despair, which is so very Charlie. I loved his line about Dani liking IKEA but he couldn't ask her because she'd give him that look. Hee. And Lassiter's was so beautiful and heartbreaking, and I love that Juliet is basically his safe house. When he's hurting and doing this thing that he knows he shouldn't be doing, the thought of Juliet comforts him and makes him realize that he needs to regain some self respect. So beautiful. And Roman's, wow. I adored it. I love how you interpret his character, and this bit was so believable and I love that Dani managed to take away his unflinching control, and even as he walked by her he still couldn't resist the feeling of awe that she gave him. So freaking awesome. And of course I squeed a tiny bit when you mentioned that Officer New Money was by her side, because I'm a sucker for even the slightest bit of Crews/Reese subtext. OMG, these were so awesome!!!! Loved it.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:31 am (UTC)(link)
You should watch Criminal Intent, I demand it. Not that you need another OTP, but Goren and Eames are sort of like the Mum and Dad of OTPs.

I think the best part of your whole comment is how warm and fuzzy it made me feel. You're a champion, you know that?

[identity profile] firthgal.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
Aww, I'm glad that I could make you all warm and fuzzy! Your fics brought me much joy, so I had to do the same for you.

And yes, I'm totally a champion. Of the world. ;)

[identity profile] firthgal.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
Dude, Netflix has L&O: CI seasons 1-5 on instant watch, so I'm going to check out the pilot episode right now. I tried watching SVU a few times and just couldn't take it, so I'll be surprised if I like this one, but if I do, then I blame you for giving me yet another ship to obsess over that causes me to procrastinate from doing productive things.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
It warms up as the episodes go on - Eames is basically a background character in the first season. I should cobble together a list of eps for you to watch.

It's a lot easier to watch than SVU, to be honest. I think because it's more of a procedural and there's no overt emotion or deliberate pushing of emotional buttons. And Goren's a hoot.

I will take your blame and wear it proudly.

[identity profile] firthgal.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
Um... you were so right. CI is infinitely more times easier to watch than SVU. OMG, I AM IN LOVE WITH GOREN! OMG OMG OMG! Pretty much from his first scene I thought he was adorable, then I saw that he was left-handed which just added to his awesomeness, then he did that bending over thing while the other guy (who was also left-handed) was writing out the bad guy's phone number and I went into full-on swoon mode. OMG, I LOVE HIM! I am such a sucker for quirky detectives. OMG! Also, the entire episode had me very interested, while SVU pretty much puts me to sleep, or else the over-dramaticness makes me giggle when I'm supposed to be deeply moved. Anyway, that was awesome, and I'm probably going to end up watching the entire series over the next two weeks so that I can be caught up when the next season starts. OMG! So... I may not have a new ship just yet, but you've definitely given me a new fictional love machine. &hearts He kind of reminds me of Charlie a little bit (not lookswise, but his general attitude reminds me of Charlie). Anyhow, yeah, I'm definitely going to be watching more of this show (in between The West Wing and my rewatching of Boston Public). Dang, my procrastinating really keeps me busy.

[identity profile] jesshelga.livejournal.com 2008-05-27 03:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Ack, angsty Lassiter! You do it so well so that even when it hurts me, I'd like to see more.

Her nails were short, and functional, with a pink gloss coating them and a skirt that was both feminine and of a proper, police standard length.

I love how he sees all the details that make O'Hara so wonderfully O'Hara, that he loves (?) her for her functionality and properness as much as he loves the pink gloss.

SQUISHY.

But my favorite, if you can believe it, was Roman's. His satisfaction, even admiration in his contact with Dani sort of turned the predatory nature of his character on its head a little. In other words: WELL DONE!!! LKSDJFLSKJDF!

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:32 am (UTC)(link)
He wasn't meant to be angsty, it just sorta happened that way. Kind of like his making out with Victoria. Ew.

I liked the Roman section too. It was like writing Garret fic Entertaining for all!

(I started a Deputy Wendell fic. Stop me. Stop me now.)

Pretty! Pretty Joanie!

[identity profile] jesshelga.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
My reaction to your Dep. Wendell admission: a Cher Horowitz-styled "SHUT UP!!!" So excellent!!! Now I'm actually kind of happy you were away from The Internet. You clearly used your time well.

And pretty pretty Sarah to boot

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 02:05 am (UTC)(link)
There's a whole No Country For Those Blokes fandom out there, with fic and everything. Have I told you how much I love that movie? I love it.

It's sort of not going anywhere, though - maybe I should shove it into a fic like the kissing girls one. Which is, lots of other characters gathered together under one theme.

(Lies. You know I just sat around and watched 80s movies and cried about the lack of internet. Which reminds me - I have Mannequin!)

I *heart* Kim Dickens

[identity profile] jesshelga.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
Really? Like, Brolin/Bardem RPF slash or actuall stories about Anton Chigur going to Target?

Either way: huh.

I really liked this theme one, so yes. Yes, ma'am. Whatevs. I can't wait to see Deputy Wendell again!

She's purdy. And in a movie with Don Cheadle.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 02:22 am (UTC)(link)
Why, pray tell, was "Anton Chigur Goes To Target" not written at the time of your challenge? Missed opportunity, man. He could blow up a car at the front and have the whole place to himself!

There seems to be quite a bit of slash, but I ain't goin' there. Woody Harrelson might be involved, and hi, no.

[identity profile] anxietygrrl.livejournal.com 2008-05-27 07:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay, I watch all these shows!

The more impressed I am, the more inarticulate my feedback, so, um.

PIECES WRITE GOOD. MAKE WORDS GOOD FOR CHARACTERS. ME LIKE.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:34 am (UTC)(link)
I reckon the universe would be so much better if we all talked in Tarzan language. It'd be like Communism, but without rags or equal pay.

A Utopian earth! With monosyllabic language!

(Thank you for your nice words. You're pretty.)

[identity profile] smokingguncafe.livejournal.com 2008-05-27 10:48 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so embarrassed. I just now bought season one on DVD. It's... it's so bad for my rep. Don't tell anyone.

But OH MY GOD PSYCH IS COMING BACK IN (checks calendar) A MONTH AND A HALF AND THERE IS GOING TO BE CYBILL SHEPHARD AND HOPEFULLY SOME HOT HOT HOT LASSITER ACTION and oh my god this is why I love summer in the US so hard.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
Are you kidding me?! It's just come out here, and I can't bring myself to buy it, but I KNOW I WILL. So we can be super lame together but in different countries.

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT CYBILL, I'M GOING TO MAKE AN ICON SAYING AS MUCH.

[identity profile] smokingguncafe.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 01:52 am (UTC)(link)
I'M GOING TO HAVE TO BE STEALING THIS ICON FROM YOU

I HOPE THAT IS OK


ALSO I ANTICIPATE THE STORES BEING EMPTIED OF PINEAPPLE ON THE FRIDAY OF THE PREMIERE

[identity profile] kalinichta.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
You know, I'd be in trouble if all fic was this good.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:35 am (UTC)(link)
Why in trouble? And thank you?

(Now I'm worried I'm distracting you from like, your dinner and it's burning on the stove and I'll be responsible for you missing work or something.)

[identity profile] kalinichta.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
Trouble as in I'd be reading a whole lot more of it than just what Jessie points out as good.

And I promise that I'm reading responsibly.

[identity profile] grimorie.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
How do you do it?

I can actually just relate to two shows (Life, Psych) but I was still blown away even with the LO:CI and the Inspector Lynley one. Really blown away.

[identity profile] piecesofalice.livejournal.com 2008-05-28 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
I really, really, really, really like writing Charlie and Dani. I think that's all it is, y'know? You always seem to put the most honesty and realism into the characters you like to write.

You should watch Lynley! I reckon you'd love it. ;)

[identity profile] rodlox.livejournal.com 2008-05-29 12:19 am (UTC)(link)
I second that.

good grief, can you imagine Havers and Reese working together? dry and snarky...

[identity profile] rodlox.livejournal.com 2008-05-29 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
OMG!!! Inspector Lynley Mysteries fic for the win! thank you for that!!!! (I was starting to worry that I was the only one who watched that series)

I also enjoyed your Life and Psych drabbles as well.

but I read them all with Havers' voice narrating them.

[identity profile] loisarah.livejournal.com 2008-05-30 10:27 pm (UTC)(link)
wow! I liked these, and and the link to the song! I've lurked reading your journal for a while, and I have to thank you for the amazing fic and for making me seek out Hawksley music because I am now in love. =) I even liked the Inspector Lynley one and that's hard for me because the series is not like the books and I love the books so much I can't really enjoy what I've seen of the show.

[identity profile] shan14.livejournal.com 2009-04-20 02:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Just stumbled across these and had to comment on the awesomeness that is Lynley and Charlie :D

I adore those two and you wrote them wonderfully