mini-challenge - discovered when we first met...

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

A little scene or three that won't leave my head today, so I've put it here!

 “What do you think they want this 'Gay Youth Organisation' for, eh? Why can’t they stick with the cottages?” Even as he spoke the last, Bodie realised that he had finally located the vagrant itch he had struggled to scratch every minute he had spent in Ray's company.

***

Three years ago, the rough corridors of CI5 had watched expectantly as Ray Doyle had swung too quickly around a corner and knocked into the newest addition to their select family; the man soon to be allocated to his appraising gaze, and later to his back. Doyle’s heart quickened with the recognition of this surly, dark man, even before he had had time to calm his ever-present ‘fight’ response, thumping was rarely seen as a civil introduction. He knew this probationer was in a vulnerable position, new job and everything, and prayed that the man had enough sense to stay silent, at least for now.

But for Bodie there had been no such revelation, just an eerie sense of … something slippery in his memory? Perhaps this Doyle bloke had one of those faces – looked like so many other people you thought you knew them, the name wasn’t familiar. His rational mind spat this out – not a face, (or body) to be forgotten easily, although the tip of his tongue was beginning to tingle with … what?

For whichever reason, neither’s face nor voice betrayed any sign of recognition.

***

“Could be they want more than rent.” Doyle pushed back, watching his mate carefully, almost aware of the thoughts beginning to elide in his mind.

***

“I was caught short, it was stupid, I know, but it was empty… still is.” Thomas, on identifying a colleague, a friend, had been slack, trusting the word of his fellow officer. In clearer light, he might have noticed another man’s fingertips clinging to the overhead cistern, but dusk and bushes conspired to conceal this evidence; no formal statement was taken, no prosecution made. The relief washed through Ray Doyle, cleansing him of adrenaline as efficiently as the raid had tempered his lust.

Only minutes earlier his copper’s nose had easily detected a man as much in need of ‘attention’ as he, and his eyes had been sweetened by the classically handsome features. Those same trained eyes reliably, easily identified the man five years later. Five years of dreams and memories had stamped little change on a face known for a fleeting moment only, had maintained photofit accuracy.

Trained more to detect movement than fine, almost beautiful facial features, and then only with intent to stop, to kill, Bodie’s eyes and memory had none of Doyle’s advantage. The mislaid memory of his final visit to the heath, triggered by his own question, not then searching for the itch, had brought an image. A pretty young man caught by the police in a less than salubrious tea-room while he saved his skin. No regrets – the SAS job had been, was his, provided he kept himself out of trouble, and they would certainly class cottaging as trouble – but shame that he could not have secured the other’s freedom – not worth the risk. He had often wondered if the man had been cautioned, arrested or worse, and fervently hoped not, but knowing there was nothing he could or would have done differently made his peace with the notion.

***

“Could be…”

“God, Ray, that was you…”
“Christ, Bodie, took you long enough…”
Stereo astonishment gave way to eager chatter. Why hadn’t Doyle said anything sooner – didn’t want to scare Bodie off, then didn’t get the chance, then too late to mention it. How had Bodie cleared out so quickly – Thomas had, eventually, thought to check the whole block, but found no-one – getting ready for SAS – training had paid off! Had Ray been arrested – no – wasn’t anything to arrest him for. How had Bodie managed to not recognise Ray – had been dark – mostly to their gain – and anyway he had, just not very well. Bodie pouted his final rebuttal as twin grins formed fast, neither needing words at that moment to convey his joy – Doyle that he had not been ignored, Bodie that he had known Doyle, both that they were each smiling, and knew where they were going.



Title: scratching an itch
Author: piskiedust
Slash or Gen: slash (if you squint)
Archive at ProsLib/Circuit: if you want
Author's Name for Archiving (if different to above):
Disclaimer: not my characters - I'm not sure why you'd think they even might be, I'm just not that clever!
Notes: unbeta'd, so any comments/ con crit welcome

Comments

[tango65.livejournal.com]

very sweet, glad you put it here rather than keeping it in your head :)

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

many thanks - my head wasn't able to keep ahold of it!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Heee - what a way to meet! I do rather like the idea that they met before CI5 and that fate (and George Cowley *g*) brought them back together again... *g* Thank you, that's a great way to start the challenge!

(A mod-point - would you mind unlocking your post? We try to stay as open as possible at Dialj, so that non-lj Pros fans can read the stories etc too... *g*)

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

Thank you - I like the idea that Doyle is not quite as good at upholding the law as he likes to think.

(no problem, unlocked - sorry, now if I could just figure out why there are two cut tags...)

[constant-muse.livejournal.com]

Fic based on my favourite ep - that's a good start. And ITPI is my fave because it allows just a little exploration of gay issues and Bodie and Doyle's attitudes - which we find very tolerant.

So this very original 'first meeting' fits very well, including the way you've used their canon police and military careers.

And I just really like the spare way you present the story.

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

I like ITPI for that reason, too. I managed to not notice Pros originally - was a bit young - but would certainly have noticed the lack of prejudice/ positive treatment given in the ep, even then; strange it would barely be noticed now.

Thank you - I don't often write, just wanted to get the story/ pattern down - hence spare, but I think it works okay with lost memories too.

[hagsrus.livejournal.com]

Would you send me a copy for Proslib, please? Doc or txt attachment is fine. And let me know if you'd like any contact information included.

Always happy to welcome a new writer!

Frances
Proslib business: proslib at gmail dot com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/proslib
http://www.livejournal.com/users/hagsrus/

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

shall do, and thanks for the welcome!

[solosundance.livejournal.com]

Oh nicely done! I like the idea that they (or their senses) are kind of reaching out to each other. This bit is lovely: Perhaps this Doyle bloke had one of those faces – looked like so many other people you thought you knew them, the name wasn’t familiar. His rational mind spat this out – not a face, (or body) to be forgotten easily, although the tip of his tongue was beginning to tingle with … what? Glad you posted - hope to see some more!

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

There may be more - probably dependent on muse and time.

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

Lovely! I always like stories where they "knew" each other before CI5 (in the biblical sense! *g*). I enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

Many thanks. I *think* I enjoyed it writing itself!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I like the way you told this and how you brought the circle of their meeting back around. Thanks!

[piskiedust.livejournal.com]

thank you - it seemed important to have that closing of the loop.