Purple Rain

[falafel_fiction]

Purple Rain

Summary: AU future fic in which Charlie survived the Looking Glass mission and all the Lostees were rescued from the island by Penny's team. A year later Desmond and Charlie have seperated from Penny and Claire and are in a relationship together, but they are still dealing with the aftereffects of their flashes ordeal. 
Characters/Pairing

Comments

[elliotsmelliot]

I think we’ve discussed before how I find this pairing problematic for all the issues laid out here. While I would never have thought this type of therapy would be the solution, it is an interesting one, and somewhat optimistic that love can conquer all. Maybe that was their destiny all along.

They were both such bad actors, but they had been through the motions enough times for this to feel natural.

This was funny in its double meaning!

Desmond wanted to shut it all down so that he could regain control over it. He needed to disarm in it so Charlie could feel safe again. They needed to be sure they had beaten it.

Part of me says, “whatever works”. The other part thinks how sad that they have to go through this elaborate ritual to feel safe. Do you think there would be a point they can talk to each other rather than fight against it with their bodies?

He realised that he wasn’t scared of the dark either, but Charlie’s eyes still frightened him. There was too much trust, too much loyalty, too much expectation in those clear blue eyes.

I think this was my favourite passage. It was a subtle way to show how Charlie is powerless but still has power over Des. However, it was also a nice piece of characterization to show Desmond still had his own insecurities and avoidance issues that are not being addressed here, but he that was not going be conquered by them.

Desmond fucked him deep; they were still fucking the universe together. They were fucking destiny and the island all the way.

I liked how sentiment was expressed. It showed how in synch they were. (And this is also a fuck you to Darlton, right?)

Happy Anniversary to you and Charlie and Des. This was a powerful and complex story.

[falafel_fiction]

Thanks so much! I tend to agree with you that Desmond/Charlie are too problematic to slash, but for once I decided to embrace the complications and try to work them all out.

Part of me says, “whatever works”. The other part thinks how sad that they have to go through this elaborate ritual to feel safe. Do you think there would be a point they can talk to each other rather than fight against it with their bodies?

Well, the Desmond/Charlie story IS sad. I don't think the show ever truly acknowledged how cruel and unusual their situation was. From a human perspective, I can only imagine it would be very emotionally damaging. I don't know if talking about the flashes would help because the flashes were so senseless. But I think the "whatever works" plan is an positive step. With the ending I wanted to show that after getting it out of their systems Des and Charlie could be like an ordinary happy couple lazing in bed together.

It was a subtle way to show how Charlie is powerless but still has power over Des.

Well, I studied BDSM in college (I went to a weird college) and one of the most interestings things you discover on closer inspection is that the Sub is the more powerful role psychologically while the Dom is more physically powerful. I'm very pro D/s because I think it's empowering for both partners. It's a balancing act of power and it's often seen as great therapy for people with major insecurities or people who have suffered through uncontrollable abuses. So the kink fits Des/Charlie really well for me. Since their role playing is an extension of their flashes ordeal Desmond was naturally the controlling force and Charlie the subject of control, but (as with the canon story) there's still an underlining sense that Charlie is really the one in charge.

And this is also a fuck you to Darlton, right?

*smirks* Man, every Lost fic I write is a perfumed fuck you to Darlton.

[elliotsmelliot]

I admit my knowledge of BDSM comes only from fiction. It's interesting to know that it can be considered a form of therapy, rather than just a kink. Or are all kinks, a form of some therapy - emotional or physical?

[falafel_fiction]

I think some kinks are just pure fetish, but if you watch a film like 'The Secretary' it captures how BDSM can be good therapy and a good outlet for emotional stresses and urges.