Life on Mars Double Drabble: Awkward

[kat_lair]

A long, long time ago I promised a birthday drabble for ginnystar . Then stuff happened and I forgot all about it until now. Erm, better late than never? Title = prompt.



Life on Mars – Gene/Sam – PG


Awkward

“God damn noose…”

“Here, let me,” Sam says, reaching for the knotted bowtie.

Their fingers tangle clumsily until Gene drops his hands with an annoyed grunt. “Waste of fucking time. Rather be at the Railway Arms with the lads.”

“It’s for charity.” The Superintendent had made it clear that attendance at the Annual Police Ball was not optional for anyone above DI. Theoretically Sam could’ve stayed home and contemplated his mental health in peace. Practically that would’ve meant leaving Gene unchecked amongst the force brass and city officials.

“I’m a copper, not some pansy-ass socialite.” The words vibrate against the back of Sam’s hands as he tightens the bow, straightening Gene’s lapels on impulse before stepping away.

He doesn’t ask why Gene’s suit is rumpled and smelling strongly of mothballs, or why he’s getting ready in the squalid station bathroom that stinks of piss and cigarettes instead of the comfort of his own home.

“Hey, not bad, Tyler.” Gene nods at his reflection, catching Sam’s eyes briefly in the cracked mirror. He doesn’t ask for a place to stay, even though he’s been sleeping in his office for a week.

Even though he knows he could’ve been sleeping with Sam.

 

Comments

[pushkin666.livejournal.com]

Now this line Theoretically Sam could’ve stayed home and contemplated his mental health in peace. made me laugh but then it was SO angsty. I just want to pull Gene into a hug and slap Sam around the head. I really enjoyed it.
But then you know how much I enjoy your LOM fic *g*

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

*G* Ah, I'm pleased to have married laugh-out-loud funny and angsty successfully. It's an accurate representation of my personality...

But then you know how much I enjoy your LOM fic *g* - well, yes. LOM fic holds a special place in my heart for several reasons... *smiles*

[pushkin666.livejournal.com]

Me too. You definitely need to write more. Pretty please ...

[amproof.livejournal.com]

I loved this. Great twist on that final line!

[jean-geanie.livejournal.com]

Lovely! Kind of makes you want to grab the boys and lock them in a closet until they're all nicely shagged out sorted out.

[moth2fic.livejournal.com]

This one could be the start of a fic... But it's lovely on its own! I love that last sentence and I like Gene's "I'm a copper..." comment - you have his voice exactly right.

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Hee, well I have promised to write a LOM drabble/ficlet for moth2fic for her birthday so there's at least that one coming... Tricks is guest-starring. Well, there's a black cat in it (she gave Halloween prompts) so... *g*

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much! For drabbles and short ficlets I always try to end in a strong note, so glad it worked!

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Yes, I support your plan whole-heartedly. Nothing a little hot sex long talk couldn't cure.

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

...and then they went to the Police Ball, got a little tipsy, passed out on Sam's rickety bed and in the morning the nature took its course. The end.

And thank you. LOM is one of those fandoms where I actually worry about getting the voices right becase the language is so dialect/era specific...

[severinne.livejournal.com]

I love this. Pitch-perfect dialogue, and even better for what's going unsaid between these two. Brilliant, wrenching stuff, thank you!

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, thank you very much for such a flattering feedback *shuffles feet* Glad you enjoyed and took the time to let me know.

[saintvic.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed this and loved how uch you managed to say, and not say, about Sam and Gene and their relationship in such a small number of words.

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. Writing drabbles (or even double-drabbles) enforces economy of words onto the author which is sometimes a good thing. Glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to comment, means a lot.

[ginnystar.livejournal.com]

Eee! I love it, so much that's said in so little.

Their fingers tangle clumsily until Gene drops his hands with an annoyed grunt.

Guh, that line alone has all their awkwardness and boy-ness wrapped up.

That last line... <3 So much left unsaid, but does it really, truly need saying? I think I almost love them better when they're not shagged up, but when they're getting so wound up with all this tension rolling off them...

Needless to say, I LOVE IT. Thank you, Kat! *snuggles*

[kat-lair.livejournal.com]

Aww babes, you are gratifyingly easy to please. Even though I completely fail for not doing this sooner. I'm really pleased you liked it hun, thank you very much for the enthusiastic comment! ♥♥♥♥♥