Discovered in a Christmas Pud - "Another Christmas" by lbc

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

ANOTHER CHRISTMAS
By
lbc

William Bodie sat slouched on his CI5-regulated big, overstuffed chair which had been rated by God and man as the lumpiest and most uncomfortable chair in the realm. Every CI5 agent who had occupied this flat in the previous – who knew how many years – had sent in a report about how really God-awful the chair was . . . and now it was Bodie’s! Of course, the ex-merc told himself that he should be grateful because he had a home, not like the poor lumps who lived out on the streets around the city. Well, that thought gave him no comfort since he now faced a Christmas with no Doyle.

Ccccrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaasssssshhhhhhh!

Bodie sat looking at the bottle, which wasn’t really a bottle anymore since it was sliding down the opposing wall of his CI5-issued flat in tiny shards. The amber brown liquid that was splattered all over the wall seemed to be racing to its destiny as it slid down the less-than-attractive wall paper. For a moment and totally superfluously Bodie wondered why so many flats in England had the ugliest wall coverings the world had ever known, but then a more cogent thought entered his mind, Was Ray Doyle worth the loss of my single malt?

The answer of course was, “Yes”, but it was too late to do anything about that, wasn’t it? And all because of one person - - OWEN CANTRELL!!! Bodie’s thoughts seemed to be all over the place one minute and then honed in on that slimey, wormy poofter, Owen Cantrell, the man who broke up his happy home and had stolen Ray Doyle away from him. Yes, definitely Ray Doyle was worth the demise of a bottle of single malt.

For the past several weeks Bodie had been treating this time of year as just another Christmas season. Bombings, crime, a snarky Doyle, and constant work, but it was the Susan Grant case had really thrown things out of kilter. Bodie, in his fuzzy mind, tried to work out exactly when he had noticed Doyle acting differently, but he couldn’t, in his single malt fantasy, quite pin down the day or the minute, but he knew that Doyle wasn’t happy, and when Doyle wasn’t happy he wasn’t exactly subtle about it.

It was true the case with Susan Grant had separated the two partners quite a bit so Bodie hadn’t seen as much of Doyle as usual, but he had thought little about that until . . . until after Doyle had returned from a flying trip to Derby to visit his mum. When he had returned, he was different and the two words on his tongue were Owen Cantrell, Owen Cantrell, Owen Cantrell, ad infinitim.

The thought, what’s he got that I don’t, slowly floated through liquor drenched brain cells, but the answer came quickly enough - - Ray Doyle - - that’s who he’s got, Ray Doyle.

Sighing, Bodie got up and wandered to the window to look out at the disagreeable weather that was covering the city of London. It was cold, rainy, dismal and grey, but then what was new about that? It had been grey - - very grey since he had heard Doyle’s announcement. With less than three weeks before Christmas, Doyle announced to his best mate and friend that since Owen was coming down to the Smoke for the holiday and he didn’t have any where to go that Doyle had invited him to THEIR CHRISTMAS DAY MEAL!!!! Bodie could still hear the whinging tone in Doyle’s voice as he mentioned this little blurb so casually. THEIR MEAL TOGETHER!!!!

If there had been anyone in the flat besides Bodie, they would have easily heard his teeth grinding. Bodie was willing to admit that he had always downplayed Christmas, but he had always fully participated in Doyle’s extravaganza when Cowley had permitted them to have the day off. It didn’t happen very often so it was all the more special when the two men with no birds in tow spent the day together. Doyle always made sure that Mrs. Liebowitz (very arthritic), Mr. Powell (almost blind), and Mr. Turner (very deaf) were given some goodies before they left to visit relatives for Boxing Day. Nevertheless, there was always plenty of food left over for the two men to munch on. The routine was pretty well set with the Queen’s Speech, music, and some telly filling the day, but it was the food and Doyle’s company that made it special - - especially Doyle’s company. Well, it had been that is until Susan Grant and Owen Cantrell had entered the picture.

Bodie had tried to tell Doyle that Susan Grant meant nothing. In fact, he hadn’t seen her in weeks, but that couldn’t be said for Owen Cantrell. Oh no, Owen Cantrell had horned into every activity that the partners had participated in. Doyle had even started doodling or some such thing while it was his turn to relax during an obbo. Even when Doyle didn’t speak Cantrell’s name - - he did.

Until Cantrell’s spectre had been mentioned, Bodie had actually been feeling rather Christmassy this year. He wasn’t big on decorations or anything like that although Doyle had always insisted on a tree and some decorations, but this year had been different. Bodie had actually been looking forward to the big day after he had read the Rotation Board for the holidays and found out and that he and 4.5 actually had Christmas Day off work. He had been feeling so good that he had immediately gone to the Off-License and purchased some very expensive spirits as his part of the Christmas meal. Then, feeling ever so heady, he actually went overboard and bought Doyle that very expensive silver chain that he had seen his Golli staring at in McCarthy’s window. What a Christmas this would be!

And now, Owen Cantrell had ruined the whole thing. Doyle had never made a secret of his sexual preferences - - in fact, the man’s raging hormone’s were obvious from the get-go for the female persuasion, but when Doyle had confessed he swung both ways, Bodie easily remembered the fear in those green eyes when he whispered that he had done a bit of experimenting while in Art School and beyond. He also insisted, however, that he hadn’t been with a man since joining the Met.

Bodie had seen the fear and realized why Doyle was so afraid. His crazy Golli thought that Bodie would reject him since Bodie had made his reputation in the halls of CI5 as a straight, womanizing heterosexual. And now . . . and now, Bodie had confirmed Doyle’s fears. The memory of that fateful meeting rang through Bodie’s head like church bells ringing constantly at Christmas. Bodie’s excitement over being with Doyle at Christmas had slurped over into real extravagance. Besides the silver chain, he had invested in two tickets to a concert that the Golli had wanted to see but said he couldn’t afford.

The two men hadn’t seen much of each other since a week or so after the Susan Grant fiasco because Cowley had kept the partners apart more than usual. The weeks seemed to pass with Ray Doyle seeming to almost drop out of his life, but Bodie was convinced that the tickets and the chain would do the trick. With the Golli making him a special Christmas meal, everything would be all right. Since he had not definitely confirmed that the Christmas dinner was still on, he figured it was time to make sure about all the goodies that Doyle would be making. Besides, he had to wave the tickets in front of the most gorgeous face in the kingdom and confirm their plans, didn’t he?

Doyle had buzzed him in while not seeming to be himself at all. For a brief moment, Bodie wondered if there some bird in the flat with him, but no when Doyle made his announcement, Bodie soon realized it was much worse than that.

“Sorry, mate, but I can’t go to the concert though I would really like to. Too bad it’s on that night.”

“What ya mean you can’t go? Surely, she’ll let you out of a date to go to this concert. You’ve been talkin’ about it ever since you heard about it.”

“No, Bodie, I can’t, and it’s not a bird. Owen Cantrell is having a special one night art display that he’s setting up and it happens to be on the same night. I kind of . . . well, I promised him I would go to that.”

The silence seemed to suck the air out of the room. Finally, Bodie seemed to find his voice, and it was as hard as the look in his deep blue eyes. “I thought he was up in Derby; what’s this about a show in London?”

“Well, he’s had a bad spot in Derby and he’s moving down here before Christmas so that he can have his show, that’s all.”

“That’s all, is it?”

“Yeah, I don’t know what you’re complainin’ about. I haven’t seen or talked to you much in several weeks, so when he talked to me, I didn’t think anything about accepting.”

“You two sure are gettin’ palsy-walsy aren’t you? Oh well, not a problem, I’ll get me money back.” Bodie then tried to be forgiving although it was like an arrow shaft had pierced his heart. “Oh well, just enjoy yourself. I still can’t believe that Cowley is giving us Christmas Day off duty, can you?”

Now Doyle’s face went sheet white and Bodie’s heart sank, but he remained silent, waiting for Doyle to give him the bad news. “Uh, Bodie, uh, you’re right about Cowley givin’ us the day off. Will you be sure to bring a couple of bottles of the good stuff with you? I’m kind of low on liquor, and I would appreciate it.”

Bodie was about to mention that he had already purchased the goods when he noticed how worried Doyle seemed to be, what was going on? Waiting for Doyle to say something, Bodie was ready to scream.

Finally, Doyle got around to his other news. “By the way, Bodie, you better bring three bottles ‘cause we’re going to have a guest.”

The temperature in the small flat dropped twenty degrees but the frost in Bodie’s voice caused it to drop even further. “A guest and who would that guest be, mate?”

“Well, Owen is coming down about a week before Christmas to set up his exhibition and . . . well, he doesn’t know anyone . . . so I asked him to come and have Christmas with us!”

If Bodie hadn’t been upset, he would have been truly amazed by Doyle’s words of timidity and bravado - - all at the same time. The slender body seemed to bristle as if in defiance of Bodie for what he’d done, but he also seemed intimidated by the sheer audacity of what he had announced. Standing there almost like a bantam rooster, Doyle seemed to be waiting for the ceiling to fall in on him.

Therefore, Doyle was hardly prepared for Bodie’s next words, “Whew, that was close. That was the other reason I came over today. I mean besides the tickets. I can’t be here Christmas Day, Barbara and I are going north for a cosy get-together. Apparently her mother is a great cook, and I’ve been invited so don’t count on me for the wine.”

Doyle stood staring at his partner, the green orbs wide with surprise. It had been a tradition that the partners got together to share Christmas dinner if they were not working. Doyle cooked; Bodie cleaned up and then they shared the rest of the day together. It shook Doyle to the core that Bodie seemed to be throwing this tradition to the wind with barely a thought to what it meant. It did not occur to Doyle that Bodie had not mentioned his plans before now, just as it didn’t occur to him that perhaps it was Doyle himself who had already started chipping away at the Christmas tradition of decorating a small tree, feeding the neighbours below, and eating until their stomachs gave out.

Doyle felt flustered and frustrated as he let forth with a commanding, “Oh!” The two men continued to stand and stare at each other until Bodie recalled how silly he looked and turned to make for the door. With a less than two weeks to go to Christmas, both men seemed to realize that not only had their Christmas plans fallen apart but perhaps something even more deeply treasured had been lost as well.

Bodie turned briefly and studied Doyle, almost as if he were seeing him for the last time then in a very hoarse voice, he whispered, “Have a Happy Christmas if I don’t see you before then. Cowley’s got me chauffeuring him for a while. See ya, Ray.” And with that Bodie was gone.

Just another Christmas - - indeed. Murphy said nothing to his partner, the man with four names because quite frankly the handsome CI5 agent didn’t want to get his head bitten off so close to the big holiday. He had said nothing to Bodie about his own plans for the holiday because he knew that Bodie was on the cusp of a real blowout. He had tried every breathing female that he could think of in order to find one who would want to be with him on Christmas Day; then, he had almost volunteered to work Christmas Day but knew that Doyle would find out and would know that he lied about Barbara. Murphy could almost see Bodie’s mind working during the long hours they sat huddled in the small car, just inches apart.

Bodie wouldn’t tell him why he and Doyle weren’t going to be together this holiday, and Murphy wasn’t brave enough to ask. The days had flown by, and it was Christmas Eve. They would be off work in less than an hour and then the fun would begin - - for him, at least. He was going to Sheila’s house and enjoy the festivities, but Bodie . . . well, he just didn’t know what was occupying the ex-merc’s mind except that he figured it might be that temperamental, snarky, bad tempered gentleman who occupied one WAP Bodie’s thoughts a great deal. The two men were so stubborn, but Murphy had learned his lesson and pledged to himself that he would mind his own business, and so far he had done so.

Looking over at his forlorn friend, Murphy moaned, “I think me bum has a major case of rigour mortis.”

Bodie looked over at the tall man scrunched in the small passenger’s seat and asked in a less than enthusiastic tone, “And what would be tellin’ ya that, me boyo?”

Bodie’s attempt at an accent was at least an improvement on the silence that had dominated the entire afternoon so Murphy tried to play up to it. “Because this handsome lad’s bum is very precious to one Sheila and since I can’t feel it anymore, I know she’ll be crying tears this evening when I grace her with me presence.”

“Just not feelin’ it, isn’t a sign of rigour, you twit, you got to stick something in it to see if you can feel anything.”

Mocking Bodie’s Irish of a minute ago, Murphy asked with a twinkle in his eye, “And what would you recommend that me darlin’ girl stick there in order to check if I can feel or not?”

Bodie’s grin didn’t reach his eyes as he said, “Her mum will stick you with a fork just like she does her Christmas turkey, to see if you’re done if you touch that lass without benefit of marriage, Murph me lad so you better be careful.”

Knowing the truth of that statement, Murphy nodded and relaxed back into the lumpy seat. Before the silence got too oppressive, Murphy threw out without really thinking, “I wonder how come Cowley gave us the holiday off? Just think how many years the three of us have had to work while the married agents have the day off. This is really great.”

As soon as he said the words, Murphy realized that he had said too much. Reminding Bodie that he had been working with Doyle last Christmas was not such a good idea, but he was now floating out there in the air space of the Capri so he couldn’t very well take it back.

“Should have worked this holiday; then I wouldn’t have wasted me money on a certain individual.”

“I didn’t know you spent any money on a bird. Why’d you do that? I’d heard you couldn’t find a . . .” Murphy stopped there realizing that his grey cells must be totally frozen or something, unless he had suddenly developed a death wish or a desperate need for suicide.

Fortunately for Murphy, Bodie hadn’t really been listening because he continued to talk without noticing the FAUX PAS OF THE CENTURY. “I lost money on those tickets and then I bought that chain that he wanted and what does he do, he invites that idiotic poofter to our Christmas Day dinner? I must be going senile, thinking that everything would be all right.”

A light lit in Murphy’s head because he now realized that not only was Bodie upset over not working with Doyle, but somehow Doyle had invited someone else to the dinner previously reserved for the two partners. Murphy had long suspected how Bodie felt about Doyle, but he had never voiced his feelings. Well, it was time for Uncle Murph to step in and help out - - after all this was the time of year for those things wasn’t it?

“What kind of chain did you buy?”

“Oh that silver one that Doyle had been admirin’ in McCarthy’s, you remember don’t you? I showed it to you, but well I guess your memory isn’t what it used to be, is it?”

Murphy’s mouth must have really become unhinged because he suddenly blurted out, “YOU BOUGHT HIM THAT £200 SILVER CHAIN!!!! No wonder you’re upset.”

Bodie’s face had turned red as he realized what he had admitted, but he was aching to his very soul. He didn’t mind buying Doyle something that expensive, but to think that Cantrell would be sharing the Doyle Christmas goodies: turkey, mince pie, pudding, potatoes, and who knew what other Doyle goodies, that’s what hurt! “Yeah, really made a fool of meself, didn’t I?”

“Well’s who’s this poofter your’re talkin’ about?”

“His name’s Owen Cantrell and since he’s an old friend of Doyle’s and in the city for the holidays, that idiot, friend-betrayin’ crud invited him to our dinner. So now I can’t give him the chain.”

Murphy wrinkled his forehead, “Why not?”

Looking at Murphy like he was a total moron, “CAUSE I’M NOT GOIN’ TO THE DINNER, THAT’S WHY NOT!”

“Well, why don’t you go? Doyle invited you, didn’t he? I know one thing; if you showed up with your pressie, that would sure make Cantrell look bad, and I’ll bet Doyle would really feel bad about how he had treated you.”

“Nah, couldn’t do that.”

“Why not?”

Slowly Bodie turned his head towards Murphy, realizing that the Smurph wasn’t as dumb as he had thought. Ruining Doyle’s Christmas Dinner with that poofter would be perfect. ‘Course Doyle might not speak to him for awhile, but then they weren’t speakin’ anyways so what the heck? He’d do it!

The remainder of the shift went quickly. It was almost midnight by the time that Bodie got to his flat. He had offered to write up the report so that Murphy could have his less-than-wicked-way with Sheila. Bodie made his plans carefully. Tomorrow would definitely NOT be just another Christmas.

Colin Murphy was excited over being with Sheila, but he was essentially a good man who was a friend to both Bodie and Doyle, and he was bothered by the chaos that his big mouth might just have created. He knew that Bodie cared a great deal about Doyle, but he had never quite figured out Doyle’s feelings towards the ex-merc. Although Bodie was the legendary mystery man, in many ways Doyle was the greater enigma. Why would Doyle flaunt Cantrell in front Bodie? Doyle could be amazingly ruthless, and obsessed, but he would never hurt Bodie like that and especially at Christmas, what was going on? Did Doyle really not know that Bodie loved the snarky Golli?

While Sheila and her mum were doing Christmas preparations, Murphy rang Doyle just to say, “Happy Christmas,” and hopefully to sound out the enigma.

“’Lo.”

“It’s me, Murph. Just wanted to say Happy Christmas since I haven’t seen you in a few days.”

“Oh, that’s nice Murph. Thanks a lot, Happy Christmas to you too.”

Murphy could have sworn he could hear Doyle’s disappointment even over the phone. “Thanks, I’m spending the holiday with Sheila. We’re having a big dinner tomorrow so I didn’t want to ring you ‘cause I thought you might be pretty busy.”

“Yeah, Yeah, big doings - -still got lots to do since I’ve been working with Anson haven’t had much time to do preparation, you know?”

“Yeah, Cowley sure cracks the whip around this time of year. Well, I won’t keep you, just wanted to wish you the best.”

“Thanks again. . . . Just one thing, Murph, you’ve been working with . . . Bodie the last few days, haven’t you?”
“Sure have. He sure doesn’t like Christmas, does he?”

“Whatta ya mean?”

“He sure has been in the dumps lately, can’t even get him to talk while on obbo.”

“He doesn’t say much about Christmas, but he always acts like a . . . little boy when he gets any pressies, so I think he really . . . you know likes some of the goings on.”

“Well, the reason I asked is: do you think I should ask him over to Sheila’s for the doings tomorrow?”

Silence. Long Silence. “I think he’s going to be with Barbara for the day. At least, that’s what he said.”

Murphy could hear the despair in Doyle’s voice and now he understood. Talk about two stubborn fools. “Well, thanks for telling me; maybe they had an argument or something and that’s why he’s been so quiet. Well, I’ll let you go now, but enjoy tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Murph, Bye.”

Murphy stood staring into space for a moment until Sheila broke into his thoughts by reminding him that the food would be ready in ten minutes. Smiling lovingly at her, he replied, “Be there in a minute, love.”

Dialling another well-known number, Murphy waited for it to ring and Bodie’s answer. When the ex-merc finally answered, Murph could tell the man was not in the best mood so he decided to make this short. “Just wanted to wish you a Happy Christmas, Bodie.”

There was silence for a moment, but finally 3.7 seemed to decide to answer. “Thanks, Murph. I thought you’d be cosying up to your bird.”

“Well, I just talked to Doyle, so I thought I’d talk to you so I didn’t have to break into my holiday festivities.” Was it possible to hear cold over the phone?

“So you’ve been talkin’ to Doyle, huh? Am I surprised? What’s this about? I suppose he’s gettin’ ready to make cosy with that poofter tomorrow? I’ll bet he’s workin’ his fingers to the bone over the food.”

Murphy could hear the despair tinged with bitterness but decided to ignore it. Taking a deep breath he replied, “No, didn’t sound like that. Sounded like he had lost his best friend.”

“What? Owen Cantrell shafted him or something? Wouldn’t be surprised. Never met him, but he didn’t sound too reliable, none of my business anyway.”

“No, I don’t think it was Owen.”

“Well, who then?”

“You, you moron. He asked about you. After all, you’re partners and yet you can’t spend Christmas with him. No wonder he’s down.”

“Shouldn’t have invited Cantrell.”

“Why not?”

Bodie couldn’t answer. Silence remained on the line for several seconds then he replied, “Got to go. Thanks for the call.”

With as much sarcasm as Murphy was capable of, he hung up with the words, “Have a HAPPY Christmas.”

Well I’ve done all I can. With that thought, Murphy went into eat the goodies provided and be with Sheila.

At 5 00 Bodie was still wide awake, looking at the faded ceiling in his CI5 flat. He needed to talk to Doyle. Was his Golli unhappy; was it Bodie’s own fault that this split had happened? Had Cantrell shafted his mate? Bodie had to know, but it was too early to go pounding on Doyle’s door and demand to know what was going on. At least, that’s what the ex-merc told himself, but the real reason was that he feared if he went too early to Doyle’s flat that he might find the gorgeous, snarky ragamuffin in bed with the spider web known as Own Cantrell.

Forcing himself to wait until the more decent hour of 10 00, Bodie duly showed up and buzzed himself in. He carried the silver chain in his pocket but left the three bottles of Christmas cheer in the car. There was no reason to share the spirits with Cantrell if the bastard was still there, but he had to know what was going on and the silver chain was the excuse.

Doyle met him at the door, somehow looking gorgeous, exhausted and totally wary of what was going to happen. “What you doin’ here? Thought you had big goings on with Barbara?”

Not wanting to commit himself too early, Bodie mumbled something about those plans were in place for later in the day. Ever the observant agent Bodie quickly noticed that there was no delicious aroma of turkey roasting or, for that matter, any other delicious goodies. The Christmas tree wasn’t even decorated; it was just sitting forlornly in the corner, looking naked and pathetic. Suddenly, Bodie was feeling much better, much better indeed.

Studying his long time friend, Bodie reached out with his hand that was holding the jewellery case and said quietly, “I just wanted to drop this pressie by. Hope it’s not too early.”

Doyle tried to conquer his amazed look, but failed miserably. His eyebrows had almost shot up into his curls as he spotted the obviously professionally wrapped package. He seemed reluctant to take it; almost as if it would disappear in a puff of smoke if he reached for it. His green orbs looked up at Bodie in a questioning way as he asked, “Why? We don’t usually get pressies for each other.”

“Oh, I bought this several weeks ago when the milk of human kindness suddenly hit me. Since then I’ve felt pretty much like old Scrooge so don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, you ungrateful sod.”

Doyle still seemed reluctant to take it until a look of enlightenment suddenly covered his face. “You’re toe raggin’ me, aren’t you? What’s going to pop out when I try and open it?”

Doyle was never sure if the look of pure hurt that crossed the handsome face was real or not, but he decided to backtrack. “Well, thank you anyway, and as it happens I’ve got a gift for you as well.”

A look of little boy delight crossed 3.7’s face as he heard the news. “You got me something?”

“Yeah, hang on a second and I’ll get it.”

While Doyle was gone, it gave Bodie the chance to look around at Doyle’s flat. It was clear that the Christmas decorating had been put on hold and after quickly rushing to the kitchen it was equally clear that no goodies were being prepared for consumption. What had happened to Cantrell?

Getting back to the lounge before Doyle, Bodie was the picture of innocence. Seeing the two smaller packages, Bodie quickly grabbed them and began to tear into them. Doyle stood there watching with delight at Bodie’s actions. Doyle had often suspected that the younger Bodie had not received many Christmas pressies in his life.

Bodie’s face lit up as he stared at the card inside an envelope which stated that he was entitled to a year’s subscription to his favourite magazine about military science and history. Tearing into the other package, he found a gift certificate for his choice of goodies at a military store that Bodie frequented. Bodie had long abandoned total abstinence in adding to his collection of various military paraphernalia so this was well received.

Bodie’s face was alight with a smile, “Thanks, mate. How’d you know that my subscription was about to expire? This must have cost you a shilling or two?”

Doyle was suddenly shy so he just murmured, “Well, I got the stuff several weeks ago ‘cause I guess I had the spirit of Christmas as well.”

The two men stared at each other as they recognized that their feeling of Christmas cheer had died with the advent of Owen Cantrell thus causing the rift in their lives. Reality set in and Bodie decided to take the plunge, “How come your tree isn’t decorated? Where’s all the food you usually make for the Senior Trio from downstairs?”

Doyle stood staring into Bodie’s inquiring face and perceptively asked the real question, “Don’t you really mean, where’s Owen Cantrell?”

Bodie had the grace to be ashamed that Doyle had so easily picked up on his true thoughts, so he nodded and said in a whisper, “Yeah, that’s what I mean.”

“I started decorating and cooking about 7 00 this morning, expecting him to come by later, but he called and said that he had got back together with Kent yesterday and was going back to Derby to spend the holidays with him.”

Bodie’s eyebrows wrinkled, “Who’s Kent?”

Doyle wiped his face with his hand, looking as if he would rather do anything than answer that question, “Kent is Owen’s lover. They had been having some problems and broke up for awhile. That’s one of the reasons that Owen was coming down here to have his exhibition . . . you know - - to try and get his head on straight. Well, they’ve got back together and so he phoned me and told me he wasn’t coming. I just sort of shut everything down and didn’t do much after that.”

“You mean you had started on the turkey and stuff and just stopped?”

“Yeah, I didn’t feel much like going to all that trouble after that.”

Bodie’s heart felt as if it were crushing him - - Cantrell must have been really important to Doyle, if he would stop all preparations for Christmas knowing that the Senior Trio would be disappointed. “That must have really hurt . . . guess he’s really important to you, huh?”

Doyle looked quizzically at Bodie seemingly not understanding what Bodie was trying to say. Suddenly, he shook his head and whispered, “He’s not as important as you are to me; you’re the one who wasn’t coming for the meal so why go ahead and work me fingers to the bone?”

Bodie was stunned - - I’m the one who’s important to him? Bodie continued to stand there staring at Doyle, his face looking like he had just swallowed one of the angelfish that had survived a cat attack so long ago. Green eyes searched Bodie’s pale face and finally decided to take matters into his own hands, “You must know how important you are to me, you dumb crud. I’m sorry I invited Owen without asking you, but why were you so angry with me? I haven’t heard from you in more than a week. Until I talked to Murph, I hadn’t even heard anything about you.”

“I . . . I know I was acting like a berk. I . . . well I had counted on us havin’ Christmas together without that prat, sorry I know he’s your friend, but I felt like you were putting him before me and I don’t like to share you, that’s all.”

“That’s all?” Bodie suddenly looked up at Doyle, expecting to see deep indignation but what he saw lifted Bodie’s heart immediately. He saw love and affection and most of all - - wonder in those glorious eyes.

“Bodie, why didn’t you tell me that before? I wanted us to spend Christmas together as well. I know I shouldn’t have asked Owen, but he wasn’t going to spend the whole day here . . . I made that clear because all he’s wanted to do was talk about Kent and that was getting real old. I’m so glad they got back together.”

“I . . . I thought you preferred him and I just couldn’t take it so I made up being with Barbara ‘cause I was so jealous.”

Jealous? Did I just say jealous? Oh brother, I’ve done it now.

Doyle smiled the smile of a Christmas angel. “You never have to be jealous of anyone else, Bodie. You and I are best mates and always will be if I have anything to say about it.”

Best mates, is that all he wants? Bodie studied the slender man for several minutes then asked, “You goin’ to let all that food go to waste?”

Doyle’s face lightened as he laughed, “Should have known that you’ve got your priorities straight. Well, will you help me with the food, if I do go ahead and prepare it?”

“Of course, I’m quite willing to eat it.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. You will be my sous chef ‘cause there’s a lot to be done yet.”

“You don’t fool me, Doyle. I checked the kitchen and most of it is set aside to cool in the kitchen. You go get that in the aga, and I’ll decorate the tree and contact the Senior Trio so they can be prepared to come up and share the feast with us.”

Doyle looked at the handsome man lovingly, “You sure you want to share the day with them? You know we usually just take each of them a package of goodies so they have something later?”

“Listen Doyle, they are my family just as you are and we are going to do it up right. They’ll come up here; we’ll eat; we’ll listen to the Queen, and then after everything’s put away, you and I will share the rest of the day together. I just happen to have three bottles of the good stuff down in the car so we’ll have plenty to celebrate with.”

“That sounds great. I’ll get started right away. You won’t have to use any of your well-known charm on Mrs. Leibowitz, she already calls you her darling.”

The rest of the day went as planned. Loads of turkey, vegetables, jacket potatoes, mince pie, Christmas pud, and wine were consumed. The Queen’s speech was acclaimed by one and all as one of her best, and the kitchen fairies did their job in cleaning up. After special packages of extra goodies were dispensed to the afternoon visitors, Bodie and Doyle were finally left alone to spend time together.

Bodie lounged on the settee, wallowing like a beached whale. He had finally filled himself only a few hours before, but he was already making noises about the possibility of putting that last piece of mince pie out of its misery. Looking at his Superman watch, he suddenly realized that he had been at Doyle’s most of the day so he casually remarked, “Hmm, been here quite awhile; ought to shove off, I guess.”

Doyle immediately fulfilled his part in the drama by stating that he hoped that Bodie would stick around to share some special coffee and dessert with him. Bodie’s quirky left eyebrow immediately rose as he queried, “And what dessert would that be?”

“Hang on, mate and I’ll show you.” Within minutes the largest Swiss roll that Bodie had ever seen appeared on a plate with one brightly lit candle sticking out of the top. “Happy Christmas,” Doyle beamed as he set the humongous dessert in front of Bodie.

With his eyes open in wonder, Bodie gasped, “Where’d you get that, Angelfish?”

“Actually, I made it . . . kind of . . . well, in hopes that you might show up. Believe you me, it wasn’t easy to make in that oven of mine. Hope you like it.”

Bodie was getting ready to carve the beast up when he suddenly remembered that Doyle had not opened his pressie. Giving his best woebegone look, Bodie asked, “Is there some reason why you haven’t opened your pressie? You still mad at me or somethin’?”

“I should be mad at you. Here me thinkin’ you were a homophobe or somethin’, but no I haven’t opened your pressie to me ‘cause I wanted to hold on to this Christmas a bit longer. It might have started out a real clunker, but I think it’s the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”

Looking at Doyle with love stars in his eyes, Bodie nodded. “Yeah, I woke up this mornin’ thinkin’ I might have ruined the best friendship a man could ever have and yet, it seems to have come round right.”

“Bodie, did you really mean it that the Senior Trio and me . . . well, that we’re you’re family?”

For a moment Bodie looked sad then he smiled wistfully and nodded, “I know you’ve got you’re real family, but the Senior Trio and especially you are my family, and I’d like to keep it that way, if it’s okay with you.”

Doyle smiled, lowering his head to have a go at his pressie since his eyes were filling with tears. Doyle gasped as he pulled the silver chain out of its box. “Bodie, its beautiful, but you shouldn’t have. £200! You can’t afford that.”

“Been savin’ me money and you’re definitely worth it, Goldilocks. Definitely worth it.”

Doyle blushed, then he jumped up as an idea came into his head. Running into the other room, he grabbed something then came back to sit very close to Bodie on the settee. “You’ve given me the very best pressie I’ve ever had so I want you to know how I feel about it.” Holding a sprig of green over Bodie’s head, Doyle leaned over and kissed the ex-merc’s lips quickly, “Happy Christmas, sunshine.”

Bodie sat for a moment looking into Doyle’s eyes then he leaned forward and whispered, “Happy Christmas, love.” He embraced Doyle in a much more lingering kiss, and then held out his hands for Doyle to give him the silver chain to help him put it on.

Doyle kept caressing the links of the silver chain which now seemed to make his skin glow even more. Shyly he looked at Bodie and asked, “Did you really mean it when you called me, love?”

Bodie smiled, “Wantta see how much I really mean it?”

For the next several minutes the two men snuggled together, sharing kisses, caresses, and tenderness. Unfortunately, just as Doyle began to remove Bodie’s shirt, Doyle’s RT went off. After answering it, Doyle returned, smiling. “Father has put us on stand-by tomorrow so we have the day free.”

Bodie smiled, “My, my, whatever shall we do with the extra time?”

“I think we can figure out something, and we certainly have food enough to keep us going. How about you stay over, and we’ll tell each other Christmas stories and find other little things to do.”

“Doyle, you are a genius. How about us being good little boys and going to bed early without anybody telling us to?”

Doyle smiled and then became wistful. “I used to do that the night before Christmas and then get up early to see what was there for me. We never had much, but I would get something. One year, it was a whistle. Maybe that’s what persuaded me to go into the coppers.”

Bodie said nothing because he had never experienced a home where any effort was made to get pressies for family members, but he didn’t want to stop Doyle from reliving his memories. The partners sat staring at each other, both lost in Christmas’ past, but then Bodie broke out of that memory. “How about we make some new memories, Goldilocks?” Holding out his hand, Bodie grabbed Doyle’s hand and led him into the bedroom.

They started undressing each other when Doyle started laughing. “What’s so funny, sunshine?”

This reminds me of unwrapping a pressie. I guess that’s right since you’re the best pressie I ever got. Thank you, Bodie for comin’ over and being here with me for Christmas.” Quickly giving his soon-to-be-lover a kiss, Doyle continued to undress Bodie and then followed him into bed. Cuddled close together, Bodie lightly kissed various parts of Doyle’s anatomy. Bodie could feel his erection almost hunger for the slender man’s beautiful body. When Bodie reached Doyle’s tumescent cock, he lightly licked it, but Doyle was too close and suddenly orgasm hit both men. Shudders ran through them and for several minutes they were lost in the ecstasy of being together.

Finally, the two men recovered as sleep seemed to overtake them. Putting his nose into Doyle’s chest, Bodie murmured, “I thought this was just going to be another Christmas, but I was wrong. This is the best I’ve ever had. Hope we can keep making them better and better.”

“Oh so you’re planning to have some more are you?”

“You know it, Angelfish, if you’ll have me?”

“Definitely want you, Bodie and no one else. Love you.”

As Bodie slipped into oblivion, he whispered, “Love you too, Angelfish. By the way, you did wrap the Swiss roll up, didn’t you? I’m planning to have a big piece of it before I have my wicked way with you tomorrow.”

“That’s what I love about you, Bodie - - silver tongue and priorities right!!!!”

The End

Another Christmas
lbc
Archive: Pros Lib/Circuit

Comments

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

I haven't time to read until later, but it looks great - and long!

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Love your icon. That's so clever. I think the story finally ended up about 15 pages which is longer than I had planned. Hope you like it. Thanks for writing.

[ali15son.livejournal.com]

I love your story and hooray for happy endings ! Just as it should be x

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it. Yes, definitely happy endings are the best, especially with the lads.

[maddalia.livejournal.com]

You had me a bit worried for the lads there but I knew they'd get together in the end! A misunderstanding cleared up and a great Christmas had by both. Thanks for a sweet and fun story. I especially liked this line: "Bombings, crime, a snarky Doyle, and constant work". Definitely sums it up!

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. I wanted it to be a bit provocative (will they get together), but I wanted to keep the holiday spirit. I think it would be a very nice Christmas if you had the snarky Doyle with you. Thanks for writing.

lbc

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad it all worked out, since it was Christmas, after all. *bg* Thanks!

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the note. I have to agree that it was good that it all worked out. Those two, sometimes, are beyond definition of STUBBORN. Thanks for reading.

lbc

[merentha13.livejournal.com]

Misunderstandings and jealousy - those boys should talk to each other! *g* But they did get it right at the end! A very sweet Christmas story. I really enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Isn't it amazing how misunderstandings can cause so much trouble especially when you have two stubborn individuals like those two. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to write a note.

lbc

[krisserci5.livejournal.com]

Phew. . . .a happy ending. . . I was needing it!!!

Thanks!

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Happy endings are the best. Sometimes they aren't realistic, but at Christmas time we must have happy endings, especially since the lads so deserve each other. Thanks for writing.

lbc

[sw33n3y.livejournal.com]

'Bombings, crime, a snarky Doyle, and constant work'.

I see this line has already been mentioned, but it made me giggle as well. ..When I read that I knew it was a typical CI5 Christmas and business as usual at HQ. :D

It looked like a bleak Christmas for the boys until Uncle Murph stepped in and helped get them to a happy ending. *g*

Thanks for the fun.

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thank goodness for Murph. Without him who knows what the two would have done? Typical CI5 and you know it had to be bad when Bodie was looking to work on Christmas since he couldn't find a date. Glad you thought it was fun to read.

lbc

[minori-k.livejournal.com]

Awww! This is really sweet!! I really enjoyed reading this. Love Doyle cooks Christmas food and bakes Swiss Roll, hoping Bodie coming... *happy sigh* Thank you!!!

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the note. Doyle obviously had hopes that his Bodie would somehow come for Christmas Day so he took a chance with a swiss roll. Must be true love. Thanks again

lbc

[longstrt.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your note. No greater love hath a partner than to bake a swiss roll for his beloved friend. So glad you liked the story, and thank you so much for writing.