Round Robin - Start

[empty-mirrors.livejournal.com]

The crowd milled, mindless government employees chattered, drinks were supped. Feeling like a cross between a stuffed shirt and a spare groom at a wedding, Bodie worried at his bow tie and tossed a hopeful look at his partner. For two hours they'd suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous speeches, surely no one would miss them if they slipped out now. Duty done. They'd had plans for this evening, and none of them involved the brainless blondes from the Home Office that Doyle was busy chatting up.

Much to Bodie's annoyance, Doyle ignored him. That would never work. If he wanted to Doyle to himself - and the aforementioned plans had included just the two of them in Bodie's bed - he had to at least get Doyle to listen.

In such circumstances, there was only one solution, and that was rhubarb.

Leaning forward, so his chin propped uncomfortably on Doyle's shoulder, Bodie gave the idea a whirl. "Rhubarb."

The conversation ground to a halt as all attention turned his way. Bodie grinned. Mission accomplished. "It's what extras say in crowd scenes," he offered by way of explanation.

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Part Three

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

It was nothing more than a hand in the small of his back, a gesture he’d done a thousand times himself. In and out of a pub, a door, a crowd; he would drift his hand to the small of Ray’s back and keep it there until they were through. A habit; a courtesy, maybe. Nothing more. But that evening, when he felt the press of Ray’s fingers through the cotton and silk on his back, he’d never felt something so electric and full of meaning.

He found himself slowing as they wound their way through the chatter and press of secretaries and suits, wondering if Ray’s hand would slip or stay as he did so. It stayed, warmer and heavier, until they were nearly at the door and a voice said low, but vehemently in his ear.

“Bodie, if you slow down one more step, exchange one more pleasantry, I swear to God, I will de-ball you with a fucking teaspoon.”

As Bodie turned, bemused and appalled in equal measure by just what the hell his partner had meant by that, a commotion in the back of the room caught his attention.