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discoveredinalj2009-12-16 12:07 am
robeau.livejournal.com) wrote in discoveredinalj2009-12-16 12:07 am
Entry tags:
Home for the Holidays - Discovered in a Christmas Stocking - Day 16
So, I had issues...who doesn't? I loved the prompt and thought it would actually make it easier as it was so perfect for B/D. But then I tried to take a half finished piece and make it work, and it didn't so I ran around freaking out about writers block - Horrors! Anyway I have no idea if it works for anyone else but I've so enjoyed all the contributions that I couldn't not post it.
And I must apologize for robeau kitty #2 who simply would not cooperate (imagine me expecting a cat to do what I asked; when I asked- what was I thinking) so her sister gets all the holiday glory - I call it 'Searching for Reindeer'!
Bodie smiled as he finished wrapping the small package. Ray would no doubt think this was all he was getting and not be sure how to react. It was a brilliant set up, he decided as he attached the store bought bow, considering he couldn’t fit the neglected Norton he’d picked up under the small tree Ray tended to put up in his lounge. It would give his partner many hours of satisfaction as he tinkered, polished, and swore in his efforts to return it to pristine condition. For now, it was biding its time in the garage he used as one of his bolt holes. He’d drive Ray over to look at it sometime Christmas Day – be a good excuse to miss the Queen’s address if he timed it right.
They’d been partners for six years now, becoming lovers this past year after a case that had left the ex-SAS sergeant reeling. It was time to ensure Ray knew he’d let him all the way in, and sharing the bolt hole's location was the best way he could think of to make his point. He smiled as he tossed the small package up in to the air. Catching it, he put it in a festive holiday bag where it joined a tin of amazingly expensive tea his partner had fallen in love with, and a stocking stuffed with disgustingly healthy dried fruit. Catching sight of his full carryall he let out a heavy sigh. Bloody Cowley was sending him on an undercover which was why he was wrapping pressies three months before Christmas. But he knew the odds were not in his favor – when were they ever – of being home in time to celebrate the holiday with his lover.
Well, there was no use crying over spilt milk as his gran used to say. Grabbing both bags, he made a quick check to ensure everything was turned off before locking up. The drive to his partner’s left his mind time to spin aimlessly. He hated leaving; hated knowing someone else would be watching Ray’s back; hated that they might not share Christmas together. Shaking his head, he berated himself for sounding like some whinny bird. After all, he knew the importance of not taking any day for granted – regardless of the day – and getting the most out of it: he had learned that lesson the hard way. And he’d certainly never been one to let the day dictate his emotions. But bloody hell, this was to be their first Christmas together as a couple! It was official, he decided as he banged his head on the steering wheel: William Bodie, the big, bad, dangerous CI5 operative, was behaving like some lovesick teenager.
Grinning in spite of himself, he parked the Capri and bounded up the two flights of stairs to Doyle’s flat, using his key instead of the buzzer. He was greeted with a kiss and a sad smile. “Don’t, Sunshine, please. Hard enough to leave you as it is. Don’t want to remember you looking like a tot who just lost his favorite toy.” He forced a smile.
Green eyes searched his face. “Bloody Cowley,” Doyle swore as he pulled his partner to him. “Don’t like this at all, mate. Those SAS blokes are mad, and I won’t be there to protect you.”
“Come now, petal, I think I can hold my own for a week or two…especially knowing I have you waiting on the other side.” Bodie kissed his lover softly. “Brought your Christmas pressies – and you must promise me you won’t open them early. Want you to have them in case I don’t make it home in time for Christmas.” The ‘or at all’ was left unsaid, though it hung in the air between them.
“Christ, Bodie – don’t say that! Christmas is…” Ray stopped, knowing he was being a berk, but hell, Christmas was nearly three months away. He wasn’t sure he could take having the man gone that long. He did not mean to make it harder on Bodie. After all, he knew just how difficult it was to be out there on your own; no one to trust…so he pasted on a thin smile and dropped his hands to his hips. “You’d better be home by then. Got plans for you, I do.” He added, throwing in a leer for good measure.
Bodie shook his head and smiled – a genuine one this time. “Always love your plans, Sunshine. Give me something to look forward to and help me through those cold, lonely nights.”
“You’d better make sure those nights are lonely!" Ray responded. “Now let’s get going, it’s never good to keep Father waiting.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Bodie stood at parade rest in front of the controller’s desk wondering exactly what this assignment held in store. He’d only been told it involved the SAS and that he should plan to be away for a lengthy period of time. “The SAS has reliable information that a major bombing campaign is being planned for the holidays. They believe someone within their ranks is providing information on their operations to the bombers.” Bodie raised an eyebrow. “Major Nairn asked for some help; specifically requested you, in fact. He needs someone with SAS training, and a convincing enough past to attract the interest of the rat.
“The official word is you’re being sent back because I got tired of your insubordination. Whoever is working inside the SAS needs to believe you might just be disgruntled enough to enjoy getting back at Queen and Country. There’s one more thing, Bodie. The assignment’s in Belfast.”
“Bloody hell,” the dark haired man cursed softly; flinching in spite of himself. There were still too many nightmares that surfaced the few times his mind wandered down that particular path.
“The Major’s expecting a visit from a very unhappy former CI5 operative at 1600 hours. These bombers are much more organized than we originally believed. If they’re not stopped, a lot of innocent people are going to die.” The two men locked eyes.
“Yes, sir. I’ll go clean out my locker.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Ray Doyle restlessly paced the small lounge, his mind fully focused on his absent partner. Bodie had been gone for six weeks, and he alternated between out and out worry and total loneliness. The only thing he’d managed to do well without his partner was to alienate his fellow agents. At first it had been fun, knowing that while he wasn’t the one undercover, he had to play the part of the abandoned partner, and he’d done it with some relish. But every day that passed without his partner made the pit in his stomach grow a bit deeper.
Taking up a position by the window, he let his mind wander back to the circumstances that had taken them from work partners to partners in the bedroom. He cringed as he recalled how Mr. Tall, Dark and Beautiful had gone silent on him after that little affair with Jimmy bloody Keller. It had taken him a bit to catch on that the silence was hiding the fact his partner was hurting.
He shook his head, silently berating himself. After all, he knew from experience that nothing good ever came from a brush with 3-7’s past. The fact they’d been separated the entire op once Keller had appeared hadn’t helped either. That was before they’d discovered that Keller was trying to pull one over on them. He took in a sharp gulp of air as he recalled the lost, confused voice drifting over the radio after Keller had knocked his old SAS mate unconscious and tossed him from the truck.
He could still picture Bodie holding Keller; blood turning the surrounding puddles pink. The closed look on that beautiful face as the stretcher pulled away made appearances in his dreams now and again. And he hadn’t even realized the dumb crud was physically hurt until hours later. He’d driven him back to his flat and grabbed his arm to shake him awake, only to have him flinch violently.
Up in the flat he watched as the white shirt was awkwardly removed revealing a deep bruise across the pale throat, and ugly patches of black and blue painted his right arm, ribs and back. He remembered running a finger gently across the bruised throat before his eyes followed the finger up to the clenched lips. And the rest, as they say, was history. He’d never figured out why or how Keller had changed things between them. Maybe he just hadn’t been able to sit back and watch his partner flounder through yet another betrayal; more likely it was the blank look in those blue eyes. He never could stand it when Bodie hurt.
The ringing of the phone brought him back to the present, and he swore as he realized it was his work phone.
CI5 CI5 CI5
Bodie settled quickly into the role of the highly effective SAS Sergeant he had once been. He was a strong leader, and the men under him seemed happy to follow – after they’d tested him a time or two.
He hated barracks life; always had. There was no privacy, no solitude to be had, and no one to watch your back when your assignment was to view everyone as a potential terrorist…maybe he was getting soft in his old age but he missed having his snarky partner at his back. He shook himself out of his reverie, turned over on the narrow cot, and thumped his flat pillow a third time for good measure. Thinking of his partner only reminded him how lonely he was, and that made him worry about how his golly was getting along.
CI5 CI5 CI5
Toward the end of November he was approached by his Captain and asked if he’d like to make some money - Swiss bank account money. Nairn reported the development to Cowley, suggesting he might be able to return his man before Christmas if all went according to plan. Cowley chose not to share that information with 4-5, deciding there was no point in raising the man’s hopes in case Nairn was wrong.
But the Major was true to his word, returning the operative via helicopter strapped to a stretcher, on December 21st. Cowley paced in the hallway, waiting for the doctors to finish their exam before being ushered into a private room. “3-7?”
“Sir.” Blue eyes flew open, their contrast against the sheet white skin startling.
“I thought I’d made myself clear, 3-7. Your orders were to come back in one piece.”
“Sorry, sir. Captain Williams and his friends weren’t terribly eager to fore go the big pay day.”
“How do you feel, Bodie?”
“Be fine in a few days, sir.”
“Brian’s been asking after you.” The older man responded with the hint of a smile.
“In the best shape of my life, sir: nothing to do there but work out when you’re not on patrol. Just need to run the course a time or two, is all.”
“Doctor says you can go home on Monday, if you follow his orders.”
“4-5?” Blue eyes betrayed the calm tone that voiced the question.
“Is fine. I’d have brought him with me but he’s in Manchester. He and Jax are tracking down leads on a new drug running organization. Should be back in a day or two.”
“He’s alright?”
“Yes. The biggest threat your partner has faced came from his fellow agents. I think he took my orders to act the wounded party a bit too far.”
That brought a slight smile to the weary face. “That’s the Raymond I know and love.”
“Aye. And we’ll talk about that second part later.” Seeing the look of distress on the patient’s face, Cowley softened. “Doyle told me about the two of you. And the fact that you had planned to tell me before this op intervened. I can't tell you I’m happy about it, Bodie. But as long as the two of you are discreet and continue to do your jobs, it makes no difference to me.”
“Ta, sir…and I apologize for not telling you sooner.”
“I’ll let it pass this once. Now you get some rest,” he finished as a nurse entered the room, “and I’ll send your partner in as soon as he gets back.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Ray Doyle flung his bag on the floor, shrugged off his jacket and went straight to the drink cabinet. Pouring himself a large whisky, he downed half of it before wandering over to his stereo. He put an LP on, turned the volume up and stretched out along the sofa, toeing his boots off as he did so.
The sounds of Handel’s Messiah wafted through the room, and he let it settle around him. Last year he’d been a first class bastard as the holidays came on. While he’d never win a contest for friendliest operative, he’d sunk to a new low and no one, with the exception of 3-7, had wanted anything to do with him. And Bodie, the dumb bastard, had simply taken each new verbal barrage with a calmness that had infuriated him, causing him to lash out harder.
On the Thursday afternoon before Christmas they’d been given the afternoon off, and he’d stomped off home, leaving Bodie stranded in the car park. 3-7 had called an hour later to say he was picking him up in 20 minutes.
Angry at having his afternoon off interrupted, he spent fifteen minutes assailing the controller, the organization and his partner before falling silent. Taking a side long glance at the driver, he took in the grim set of the jaw and the white knuckles gripping the steering wheel. Unsure what they were headed for, and unhappy that his tirade had produced no rebuttal, he turned his back to the driver and closed his eyes.
He woke as the car was being maneuvered into a parking space. “You going to tell me why we’re here?” He demanded as he took in their surroundings. “What the hell are we doing at Cambridge?”
“You coming?” Bodie responded before closing his door and moving away. Muttering angrily to himself, he jogged to get within hailing distance and then slowed to a walk. When he had spied the black leather jacket slipping into King’s Chapel, he picked up his pace. Entering the centuries old church, he stopped to let his eyes adjust. Eyeing the soaring vaulted ceiling he moved forward drawn to the light playing on the stained glass window on the western side of the building.
Remembering he was here on business, he focused on finding his partner. Bodie was sitting alone in the last pew, hands folded, head down. Feeling very unsure, he’d joined him, and suddenly become aware of the music surrounding them. They sat for close to two hours listening as the choir practiced Handel’s Messiah. As the last voice faded to silence, he recalled reaching over and placing a hand on top of his partner’s and giving it a squeeze. Blue eyes had looked up and the concern and warmth contained there had thawed something deep inside.
Opening his eyes he stared at the ceiling as a surge of anger swept through him. Pushing himself upright he moved to the stereo and ripped the record off the turntable. He flexed the vinyl between his hands before flinging it across the lounge. It bounced off the wall and dropped to the floor. For some reason, the fact that it was still in one piece made him even angrier.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, I paid good money for that LP!”
He jerked around, green eyes wide as they took in the pale, drawn figure leaning heavily against the bedroom doorway. “Bodie?” It came out so softly he wasn’t sure he’d said it out loud.
“I asked you a question, Sunshine.”
“I, when, what are you doing here,” he stuttered.
“Thought we’d agreed to spend Christmas Eve together.”
“We did! But you’re…you are here.” It was more of a question than a statement, and the pain and longing behind it made Bodie push off the doorway and move to his partner.
“I am, Ray. I’m here and I’ve been waiting for you to get home. Want to curl up next to you…it was all I could think about the last few months, coming home and wrapping meself around you…listening to you slip into sleep; hearing your heart beat slow and steady under my ear…”
Ray reached out a hand and placed it on a pale cheek. “When did you get back?” He needed the reality of touch to ensure his partner was really there.
Avoiding the question, Bodie pressed into the hand. “Murph dropped me off this afternoon.” Deciding he’d been patient enough, he pulled Ray to him and ran his tongue over the lush lips before stealing a kiss.
“God, I missed you, Bodie.”
“That goes both ways, Sunshine.” He felt the man trembling against him. “What do you say to a hot shower and a cuppa and then a kip?”
“Sounds good, pet, sounds good.”
“All right then, you go shower and I’ll put the kettle on.”
Ray stepped away reluctantly and took a good look at his partner. “Bodie, are you alright?” The man looked paler than normal, and the way he was holding himself was all wrong. “Bodie? Tell me,” he growled.
“Will be good as new in a few days, Doyle. Backup was a bit late, but we got ‘em before they could blow up half the damn city.”
“You need to be in hospital.”
“Been there. Was released today. Cowley promised the doctor you’d look after me…you will won’t you?”
Ray pulled him gently into his arms and ran a hand through the soft dark hair. “My life’s work, I swear.” He placed a kiss on the cool forehead. “Back to bed with you, mate. I’ll join you as soon as I shower…have you eaten?”
“Murph did some marketing, and I had a sandwich.”
“Okay. Bed, now! Go on, I expect that bed to be warm and cosy by the time I finish my shower. Go!”
He did a fast clean up, stopping only to shake his head at the silly smile he found in the mirror before brushing his teeth. Bodie was home…and asleep, he discovered to his dismay as he climbed under the covers. Taking advantage, he pulled down the duvet, frowning at the boot print outlined in black and blue just above the kidney and the thick bandage on the left leg. Bodie was home and in one piece and that was all that mattered, he reminded himself as turned off the light before curling himself around the much loved body.
It was closer to lunch than breakfast when they woke. Huddled together they took their time touching and tasting. Cowley had given them both four days off so they had nowhere to be and nothing to do. Ray used the loo first and put the kettle on while Bodie washed up. Hearing his partner’s voice competing with the shower made him smile, and the song he was singing reminded him of the day. He went to the hallway and rummaged around in the cupboard for a few minutes.
“Sunshine?”
“Right here, pet. Almost forgot,” he finished holding up two presents. “Why don’t you take these into the lounge, and I’ll bring in the tea.”
They got comfortable on the sofa, and Bodie handed his mate the package he had wrapped all those months ago. “Already got what I wanted, Bodie.”
“What?”
“Father Christmas left you in me bed Christmas Eve. Must have been a really good lad this year.” Ray smiled as an endearing blush settled on his partner’s cheeks.
“Or Cowley’s report got lost in the mail.” Bodie responded as he reached for a kiss. Ray laughed and accepted the small package. He wasn’t paying that much attention to what his hands were doing, too busy enjoying the view.
“You don’t have one do you?”
“Hmmm, one what?”
Bodie pointed to the now opened Raw Power package. Shaking his head in disbelief, Ray reached out to punch his mate but stopped himself. “I won’t break, Ray.”
“Know that, don’t I. Just don’t know how you’re going to stay tall, dark and beautiful if you add another bruise to your current collection.” Wanting to break the sudden tension between them, he held up the package. “I will have you know that this is too small to fit on a real bike…as soon as I find one that is.”
“Think I might be able to help you with that, if you thank me nicely for your pressie.” Bodie responded with a smirk.
“Oh really, and what would you know about bikes?”
“Enough.”
“You’re all talk is what you are,” Ray baited.
“Not me, I’m a man of action, I am. Come on now, you’re driving.”
“What? Bodie?”
“Up and at ‘em, Raymond, we have places to go.”
Fifteen minutes later they were in the car headed toward the outskirts of the city. Bodie’s refusal to explain their destination had Doyle chewing on his lower lip. He pulled up in front of a short row of garages and parked as instructed.
“What is this place?”
“My bolt hole,” Bodie answered as he struggled with the lock. Inside the musty space, Ray stopped to take in the car, three lockers with padlocks and a trunk, also bearing a padlock.
“Why exactly are we here?”
Bodie moved behind the car and lifted a piece of canvas, unveiling a bike that had seen better days. “Bloody hell, Bodie,” Ray said softly as he came over and ran a hand gently across the handle bars.
“Like it?”
“Of course I like it, you idiot!”
“Good. Happy Christmas, Ray.”
“You big, dumb crud. This must have cost you a fortune.” Green eyes shone with emotion as his fingers skimmed lovingly over the bike.
“Was worth it. Found a garage by my flat where you can work on it. We can move it there later this week; didn’t want to leave it there while I was gone.”
Dragging his eyes from the bike, Doyle took in his surroundings. “Your bolt hole?”
“Ours,” he responded opening the car's boot. “Three passports in here for you; money in pound notes, French francs and some US dollars as well. Weapons are in the lockers. Your key to the door,” he finished handing over a small key, “and here’s the combination for the locks.”
“Bodie?”
“We agreed we’re in this together. If something happens, I need to know you’re going to be alright. We’ve also got another place outside the city…show you that next time we get a day or two off.”
They drove home in comfortable silence, though Bodie knew his partner’s mind was buzzing. They ate a late lunch, and he fell asleep on the sofa while Ray was cleaning up. When he woke, he found his head resting in Ray’s lap as a hand gently stroked through his hair. Sighing he snuggled a bit closer.
“You know, you never opened your pressie,” Ray offered when he realized the blue eyes were open.
“Already got mine,” Bodie answered.
“You open it while I wasn’t looking?”
“I’m here with you. That’s all I want, Ray. Hell, you and me together, its’ all I need.” He felt rather than heard the sigh escape the man beneath him.
“And here I thought I was the romantic in this partnership.” Ray handed him a package, which was carefully opened. After getting a look at the braided gold bracelet, Bodie pushed himself up slowly. His fingers ran slowly over the loops.
“You like it?”
Bodie held out the bracelet and then his wrist. It took Ray a moment to work the clasp. Once finished, he let his fingers slip to the pulse point. “Ta, mate.” Blue eyes looked up, warm and dark with emotion. “Been a perfect Christmas, Ray. You and me together, no place to be, good food, good whisky, and we even managed to miss the Queens’ speech. Couldn’t ask for any more than that.”
“Well, there is one thing more.” Ray would have laughed except he didn’t want to get punched. “If you will do me the honor of joining me in the bedroom, I’ll be happy to show you.”
“Oh.” Bodie’s smile rivaled his partner’s as they rose together and disappeared into the room.
Title: Home for the Holidays
Author: Ice Bear
Slash or Gen: Slash B/D
Word Count: 4106
Archive at ProsLib/Circuit: Yes, Please
Disclaimer: All things related to The Professionals belong to others. I borrow them now and again for my own entertainment. Besides, I couldn't bear to let them spend the holidays alone.
And I must apologize for robeau kitty #2 who simply would not cooperate (imagine me expecting a cat to do what I asked; when I asked- what was I thinking) so her sister gets all the holiday glory - I call it 'Searching for Reindeer'!
Bodie smiled as he finished wrapping the small package. Ray would no doubt think this was all he was getting and not be sure how to react. It was a brilliant set up, he decided as he attached the store bought bow, considering he couldn’t fit the neglected Norton he’d picked up under the small tree Ray tended to put up in his lounge. It would give his partner many hours of satisfaction as he tinkered, polished, and swore in his efforts to return it to pristine condition. For now, it was biding its time in the garage he used as one of his bolt holes. He’d drive Ray over to look at it sometime Christmas Day – be a good excuse to miss the Queen’s address if he timed it right.
They’d been partners for six years now, becoming lovers this past year after a case that had left the ex-SAS sergeant reeling. It was time to ensure Ray knew he’d let him all the way in, and sharing the bolt hole's location was the best way he could think of to make his point. He smiled as he tossed the small package up in to the air. Catching it, he put it in a festive holiday bag where it joined a tin of amazingly expensive tea his partner had fallen in love with, and a stocking stuffed with disgustingly healthy dried fruit. Catching sight of his full carryall he let out a heavy sigh. Bloody Cowley was sending him on an undercover which was why he was wrapping pressies three months before Christmas. But he knew the odds were not in his favor – when were they ever – of being home in time to celebrate the holiday with his lover.
Well, there was no use crying over spilt milk as his gran used to say. Grabbing both bags, he made a quick check to ensure everything was turned off before locking up. The drive to his partner’s left his mind time to spin aimlessly. He hated leaving; hated knowing someone else would be watching Ray’s back; hated that they might not share Christmas together. Shaking his head, he berated himself for sounding like some whinny bird. After all, he knew the importance of not taking any day for granted – regardless of the day – and getting the most out of it: he had learned that lesson the hard way. And he’d certainly never been one to let the day dictate his emotions. But bloody hell, this was to be their first Christmas together as a couple! It was official, he decided as he banged his head on the steering wheel: William Bodie, the big, bad, dangerous CI5 operative, was behaving like some lovesick teenager.
Grinning in spite of himself, he parked the Capri and bounded up the two flights of stairs to Doyle’s flat, using his key instead of the buzzer. He was greeted with a kiss and a sad smile. “Don’t, Sunshine, please. Hard enough to leave you as it is. Don’t want to remember you looking like a tot who just lost his favorite toy.” He forced a smile.
Green eyes searched his face. “Bloody Cowley,” Doyle swore as he pulled his partner to him. “Don’t like this at all, mate. Those SAS blokes are mad, and I won’t be there to protect you.”
“Come now, petal, I think I can hold my own for a week or two…especially knowing I have you waiting on the other side.” Bodie kissed his lover softly. “Brought your Christmas pressies – and you must promise me you won’t open them early. Want you to have them in case I don’t make it home in time for Christmas.” The ‘or at all’ was left unsaid, though it hung in the air between them.
“Christ, Bodie – don’t say that! Christmas is…” Ray stopped, knowing he was being a berk, but hell, Christmas was nearly three months away. He wasn’t sure he could take having the man gone that long. He did not mean to make it harder on Bodie. After all, he knew just how difficult it was to be out there on your own; no one to trust…so he pasted on a thin smile and dropped his hands to his hips. “You’d better be home by then. Got plans for you, I do.” He added, throwing in a leer for good measure.
Bodie shook his head and smiled – a genuine one this time. “Always love your plans, Sunshine. Give me something to look forward to and help me through those cold, lonely nights.”
“You’d better make sure those nights are lonely!" Ray responded. “Now let’s get going, it’s never good to keep Father waiting.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Bodie stood at parade rest in front of the controller’s desk wondering exactly what this assignment held in store. He’d only been told it involved the SAS and that he should plan to be away for a lengthy period of time. “The SAS has reliable information that a major bombing campaign is being planned for the holidays. They believe someone within their ranks is providing information on their operations to the bombers.” Bodie raised an eyebrow. “Major Nairn asked for some help; specifically requested you, in fact. He needs someone with SAS training, and a convincing enough past to attract the interest of the rat.
“The official word is you’re being sent back because I got tired of your insubordination. Whoever is working inside the SAS needs to believe you might just be disgruntled enough to enjoy getting back at Queen and Country. There’s one more thing, Bodie. The assignment’s in Belfast.”
“Bloody hell,” the dark haired man cursed softly; flinching in spite of himself. There were still too many nightmares that surfaced the few times his mind wandered down that particular path.
“The Major’s expecting a visit from a very unhappy former CI5 operative at 1600 hours. These bombers are much more organized than we originally believed. If they’re not stopped, a lot of innocent people are going to die.” The two men locked eyes.
“Yes, sir. I’ll go clean out my locker.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Ray Doyle restlessly paced the small lounge, his mind fully focused on his absent partner. Bodie had been gone for six weeks, and he alternated between out and out worry and total loneliness. The only thing he’d managed to do well without his partner was to alienate his fellow agents. At first it had been fun, knowing that while he wasn’t the one undercover, he had to play the part of the abandoned partner, and he’d done it with some relish. But every day that passed without his partner made the pit in his stomach grow a bit deeper.
Taking up a position by the window, he let his mind wander back to the circumstances that had taken them from work partners to partners in the bedroom. He cringed as he recalled how Mr. Tall, Dark and Beautiful had gone silent on him after that little affair with Jimmy bloody Keller. It had taken him a bit to catch on that the silence was hiding the fact his partner was hurting.
He shook his head, silently berating himself. After all, he knew from experience that nothing good ever came from a brush with 3-7’s past. The fact they’d been separated the entire op once Keller had appeared hadn’t helped either. That was before they’d discovered that Keller was trying to pull one over on them. He took in a sharp gulp of air as he recalled the lost, confused voice drifting over the radio after Keller had knocked his old SAS mate unconscious and tossed him from the truck.
He could still picture Bodie holding Keller; blood turning the surrounding puddles pink. The closed look on that beautiful face as the stretcher pulled away made appearances in his dreams now and again. And he hadn’t even realized the dumb crud was physically hurt until hours later. He’d driven him back to his flat and grabbed his arm to shake him awake, only to have him flinch violently.
Up in the flat he watched as the white shirt was awkwardly removed revealing a deep bruise across the pale throat, and ugly patches of black and blue painted his right arm, ribs and back. He remembered running a finger gently across the bruised throat before his eyes followed the finger up to the clenched lips. And the rest, as they say, was history. He’d never figured out why or how Keller had changed things between them. Maybe he just hadn’t been able to sit back and watch his partner flounder through yet another betrayal; more likely it was the blank look in those blue eyes. He never could stand it when Bodie hurt.
The ringing of the phone brought him back to the present, and he swore as he realized it was his work phone.
CI5 CI5 CI5
Bodie settled quickly into the role of the highly effective SAS Sergeant he had once been. He was a strong leader, and the men under him seemed happy to follow – after they’d tested him a time or two.
He hated barracks life; always had. There was no privacy, no solitude to be had, and no one to watch your back when your assignment was to view everyone as a potential terrorist…maybe he was getting soft in his old age but he missed having his snarky partner at his back. He shook himself out of his reverie, turned over on the narrow cot, and thumped his flat pillow a third time for good measure. Thinking of his partner only reminded him how lonely he was, and that made him worry about how his golly was getting along.
CI5 CI5 CI5
Toward the end of November he was approached by his Captain and asked if he’d like to make some money - Swiss bank account money. Nairn reported the development to Cowley, suggesting he might be able to return his man before Christmas if all went according to plan. Cowley chose not to share that information with 4-5, deciding there was no point in raising the man’s hopes in case Nairn was wrong.
But the Major was true to his word, returning the operative via helicopter strapped to a stretcher, on December 21st. Cowley paced in the hallway, waiting for the doctors to finish their exam before being ushered into a private room. “3-7?”
“Sir.” Blue eyes flew open, their contrast against the sheet white skin startling.
“I thought I’d made myself clear, 3-7. Your orders were to come back in one piece.”
“Sorry, sir. Captain Williams and his friends weren’t terribly eager to fore go the big pay day.”
“How do you feel, Bodie?”
“Be fine in a few days, sir.”
“Brian’s been asking after you.” The older man responded with the hint of a smile.
“In the best shape of my life, sir: nothing to do there but work out when you’re not on patrol. Just need to run the course a time or two, is all.”
“Doctor says you can go home on Monday, if you follow his orders.”
“4-5?” Blue eyes betrayed the calm tone that voiced the question.
“Is fine. I’d have brought him with me but he’s in Manchester. He and Jax are tracking down leads on a new drug running organization. Should be back in a day or two.”
“He’s alright?”
“Yes. The biggest threat your partner has faced came from his fellow agents. I think he took my orders to act the wounded party a bit too far.”
That brought a slight smile to the weary face. “That’s the Raymond I know and love.”
“Aye. And we’ll talk about that second part later.” Seeing the look of distress on the patient’s face, Cowley softened. “Doyle told me about the two of you. And the fact that you had planned to tell me before this op intervened. I can't tell you I’m happy about it, Bodie. But as long as the two of you are discreet and continue to do your jobs, it makes no difference to me.”
“Ta, sir…and I apologize for not telling you sooner.”
“I’ll let it pass this once. Now you get some rest,” he finished as a nurse entered the room, “and I’ll send your partner in as soon as he gets back.”
CI5 CI5 CI5
Ray Doyle flung his bag on the floor, shrugged off his jacket and went straight to the drink cabinet. Pouring himself a large whisky, he downed half of it before wandering over to his stereo. He put an LP on, turned the volume up and stretched out along the sofa, toeing his boots off as he did so.
The sounds of Handel’s Messiah wafted through the room, and he let it settle around him. Last year he’d been a first class bastard as the holidays came on. While he’d never win a contest for friendliest operative, he’d sunk to a new low and no one, with the exception of 3-7, had wanted anything to do with him. And Bodie, the dumb bastard, had simply taken each new verbal barrage with a calmness that had infuriated him, causing him to lash out harder.
On the Thursday afternoon before Christmas they’d been given the afternoon off, and he’d stomped off home, leaving Bodie stranded in the car park. 3-7 had called an hour later to say he was picking him up in 20 minutes.
Angry at having his afternoon off interrupted, he spent fifteen minutes assailing the controller, the organization and his partner before falling silent. Taking a side long glance at the driver, he took in the grim set of the jaw and the white knuckles gripping the steering wheel. Unsure what they were headed for, and unhappy that his tirade had produced no rebuttal, he turned his back to the driver and closed his eyes.
He woke as the car was being maneuvered into a parking space. “You going to tell me why we’re here?” He demanded as he took in their surroundings. “What the hell are we doing at Cambridge?”
“You coming?” Bodie responded before closing his door and moving away. Muttering angrily to himself, he jogged to get within hailing distance and then slowed to a walk. When he had spied the black leather jacket slipping into King’s Chapel, he picked up his pace. Entering the centuries old church, he stopped to let his eyes adjust. Eyeing the soaring vaulted ceiling he moved forward drawn to the light playing on the stained glass window on the western side of the building.
Remembering he was here on business, he focused on finding his partner. Bodie was sitting alone in the last pew, hands folded, head down. Feeling very unsure, he’d joined him, and suddenly become aware of the music surrounding them. They sat for close to two hours listening as the choir practiced Handel’s Messiah. As the last voice faded to silence, he recalled reaching over and placing a hand on top of his partner’s and giving it a squeeze. Blue eyes had looked up and the concern and warmth contained there had thawed something deep inside.
Opening his eyes he stared at the ceiling as a surge of anger swept through him. Pushing himself upright he moved to the stereo and ripped the record off the turntable. He flexed the vinyl between his hands before flinging it across the lounge. It bounced off the wall and dropped to the floor. For some reason, the fact that it was still in one piece made him even angrier.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing, I paid good money for that LP!”
He jerked around, green eyes wide as they took in the pale, drawn figure leaning heavily against the bedroom doorway. “Bodie?” It came out so softly he wasn’t sure he’d said it out loud.
“I asked you a question, Sunshine.”
“I, when, what are you doing here,” he stuttered.
“Thought we’d agreed to spend Christmas Eve together.”
“We did! But you’re…you are here.” It was more of a question than a statement, and the pain and longing behind it made Bodie push off the doorway and move to his partner.
“I am, Ray. I’m here and I’ve been waiting for you to get home. Want to curl up next to you…it was all I could think about the last few months, coming home and wrapping meself around you…listening to you slip into sleep; hearing your heart beat slow and steady under my ear…”
Ray reached out a hand and placed it on a pale cheek. “When did you get back?” He needed the reality of touch to ensure his partner was really there.
Avoiding the question, Bodie pressed into the hand. “Murph dropped me off this afternoon.” Deciding he’d been patient enough, he pulled Ray to him and ran his tongue over the lush lips before stealing a kiss.
“God, I missed you, Bodie.”
“That goes both ways, Sunshine.” He felt the man trembling against him. “What do you say to a hot shower and a cuppa and then a kip?”
“Sounds good, pet, sounds good.”
“All right then, you go shower and I’ll put the kettle on.”
Ray stepped away reluctantly and took a good look at his partner. “Bodie, are you alright?” The man looked paler than normal, and the way he was holding himself was all wrong. “Bodie? Tell me,” he growled.
“Will be good as new in a few days, Doyle. Backup was a bit late, but we got ‘em before they could blow up half the damn city.”
“You need to be in hospital.”
“Been there. Was released today. Cowley promised the doctor you’d look after me…you will won’t you?”
Ray pulled him gently into his arms and ran a hand through the soft dark hair. “My life’s work, I swear.” He placed a kiss on the cool forehead. “Back to bed with you, mate. I’ll join you as soon as I shower…have you eaten?”
“Murph did some marketing, and I had a sandwich.”
“Okay. Bed, now! Go on, I expect that bed to be warm and cosy by the time I finish my shower. Go!”
He did a fast clean up, stopping only to shake his head at the silly smile he found in the mirror before brushing his teeth. Bodie was home…and asleep, he discovered to his dismay as he climbed under the covers. Taking advantage, he pulled down the duvet, frowning at the boot print outlined in black and blue just above the kidney and the thick bandage on the left leg. Bodie was home and in one piece and that was all that mattered, he reminded himself as turned off the light before curling himself around the much loved body.
It was closer to lunch than breakfast when they woke. Huddled together they took their time touching and tasting. Cowley had given them both four days off so they had nowhere to be and nothing to do. Ray used the loo first and put the kettle on while Bodie washed up. Hearing his partner’s voice competing with the shower made him smile, and the song he was singing reminded him of the day. He went to the hallway and rummaged around in the cupboard for a few minutes.
“Sunshine?”
“Right here, pet. Almost forgot,” he finished holding up two presents. “Why don’t you take these into the lounge, and I’ll bring in the tea.”
They got comfortable on the sofa, and Bodie handed his mate the package he had wrapped all those months ago. “Already got what I wanted, Bodie.”
“What?”
“Father Christmas left you in me bed Christmas Eve. Must have been a really good lad this year.” Ray smiled as an endearing blush settled on his partner’s cheeks.
“Or Cowley’s report got lost in the mail.” Bodie responded as he reached for a kiss. Ray laughed and accepted the small package. He wasn’t paying that much attention to what his hands were doing, too busy enjoying the view.
“You don’t have one do you?”
“Hmmm, one what?”
Bodie pointed to the now opened Raw Power package. Shaking his head in disbelief, Ray reached out to punch his mate but stopped himself. “I won’t break, Ray.”
“Know that, don’t I. Just don’t know how you’re going to stay tall, dark and beautiful if you add another bruise to your current collection.” Wanting to break the sudden tension between them, he held up the package. “I will have you know that this is too small to fit on a real bike…as soon as I find one that is.”
“Think I might be able to help you with that, if you thank me nicely for your pressie.” Bodie responded with a smirk.
“Oh really, and what would you know about bikes?”
“Enough.”
“You’re all talk is what you are,” Ray baited.
“Not me, I’m a man of action, I am. Come on now, you’re driving.”
“What? Bodie?”
“Up and at ‘em, Raymond, we have places to go.”
Fifteen minutes later they were in the car headed toward the outskirts of the city. Bodie’s refusal to explain their destination had Doyle chewing on his lower lip. He pulled up in front of a short row of garages and parked as instructed.
“What is this place?”
“My bolt hole,” Bodie answered as he struggled with the lock. Inside the musty space, Ray stopped to take in the car, three lockers with padlocks and a trunk, also bearing a padlock.
“Why exactly are we here?”
Bodie moved behind the car and lifted a piece of canvas, unveiling a bike that had seen better days. “Bloody hell, Bodie,” Ray said softly as he came over and ran a hand gently across the handle bars.
“Like it?”
“Of course I like it, you idiot!”
“Good. Happy Christmas, Ray.”
“You big, dumb crud. This must have cost you a fortune.” Green eyes shone with emotion as his fingers skimmed lovingly over the bike.
“Was worth it. Found a garage by my flat where you can work on it. We can move it there later this week; didn’t want to leave it there while I was gone.”
Dragging his eyes from the bike, Doyle took in his surroundings. “Your bolt hole?”
“Ours,” he responded opening the car's boot. “Three passports in here for you; money in pound notes, French francs and some US dollars as well. Weapons are in the lockers. Your key to the door,” he finished handing over a small key, “and here’s the combination for the locks.”
“Bodie?”
“We agreed we’re in this together. If something happens, I need to know you’re going to be alright. We’ve also got another place outside the city…show you that next time we get a day or two off.”
They drove home in comfortable silence, though Bodie knew his partner’s mind was buzzing. They ate a late lunch, and he fell asleep on the sofa while Ray was cleaning up. When he woke, he found his head resting in Ray’s lap as a hand gently stroked through his hair. Sighing he snuggled a bit closer.
“You know, you never opened your pressie,” Ray offered when he realized the blue eyes were open.
“Already got mine,” Bodie answered.
“You open it while I wasn’t looking?”
“I’m here with you. That’s all I want, Ray. Hell, you and me together, its’ all I need.” He felt rather than heard the sigh escape the man beneath him.
“And here I thought I was the romantic in this partnership.” Ray handed him a package, which was carefully opened. After getting a look at the braided gold bracelet, Bodie pushed himself up slowly. His fingers ran slowly over the loops.
“You like it?”
Bodie held out the bracelet and then his wrist. It took Ray a moment to work the clasp. Once finished, he let his fingers slip to the pulse point. “Ta, mate.” Blue eyes looked up, warm and dark with emotion. “Been a perfect Christmas, Ray. You and me together, no place to be, good food, good whisky, and we even managed to miss the Queens’ speech. Couldn’t ask for any more than that.”
“Well, there is one thing more.” Ray would have laughed except he didn’t want to get punched. “If you will do me the honor of joining me in the bedroom, I’ll be happy to show you.”
“Oh.” Bodie’s smile rivaled his partner’s as they rose together and disappeared into the room.
Title: Home for the Holidays
Author: Ice Bear
Slash or Gen: Slash B/D
Word Count: 4106
Archive at ProsLib/Circuit: Yes, Please
Disclaimer: All things related to The Professionals belong to others. I borrow them now and again for my own entertainment. Besides, I couldn't bear to let them spend the holidays alone.