All Hallows Eve by The Hag (Teen and up)

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Length: 2723 words
Author on LJ: hagsrus
Author Website:The Hag on AO3
Why this must be read: Well, personally, I think everything by The Hag ought to be read. She's a unique voice in Pros fandom, and I love her stories dearly. I've chosen this one because it demonstrates so well many of the traits I love about her writing: quiet; deeply emotional; real. "Quiet" is such an inadequate word to describe what I mean--this is a reflective piece that digs deep into the lads' emotions without unnecessary fireworks. The lads think and act like adults in the real world. They are in an established (albeit new) relationship, but as with any relationship there is some uncertainty simply because you cannot know everything going on in someone else's heart and mind.

The story takes place after the episode "Discovered in a Graveyard," which serves as the catalyst for Bodie and Doyle to think more deeply about their relationship and their lives.

An excerpt:

[Bodie has visited Doyle in hospital, brining grapes]

Doyle crushed sweetness between his teeth. "Oh yeah. There's one prescribed every six hours with the tablets. What was her name, her that...."

Bodie stared at the wall. "Mayli. Mayli Kuolo."

"Never asked her name in the shop."

"Don't worry about it now, Ray. They'll be debriefing you in a couple of days, but the Cow says let it alone till you're out of here."

"I dreamed he'd done it already. Kept on and on at me till I remembered her, so I could warn you. Dreamed about you, too--thought she'd go after you next. Keep thinking--"

"Ray, look--" Bodie sat down on the edge of the bed. "Don't worry. I took care of her. She's dead now."

"What did--?"

"Don't worry about it." Those intensely blue eyes were hiding something as they stared into his own, a brief contest in which Doyle yielded for the moment. "You alive is all that matters." He touched the back of Doyle's hand, hesitantly curling his fingers around it.

"I was going to phone you up and ask you to come for dinner. Tell you I--" Doyle stroked the side of Bodie's hand with his thumb. "Lasagne, I thought. Always fall for that, don't you? I went down to the shops and I--"

"Didn't set the locks, you berk." Bodie's fingers tightened, just short of pain. "Not fit to be on your own."

"She might have got me somewhere else. Made a proper job of it. Bodie--"

But there was the clatter of a trolley at the door, and that had been the last chance to talk before Bodie had collected him today.

***


If you are looking for a story that will leave you sighing with pleasure (for the joy of it) and yet regret (because it has to end), give this one a try.

All Hallows Eve

Comments

[callistosh65.livejournal.com]

Lovely rec, thank you. Just went and had a reread with my morning coffee. You're right, she does such a great job of writing emotions without unnecessary fireworks.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

I could read her stuff non-stop forever. It just suits me perfectly.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I'm another morning coffee-er, and another person to say lovely rec, thank you! *g* I do like The Hag's writing - as you say, it's grown up, and it's thoughtful in that we see how their thoughts run, even when they're only thinking them with the back of their mind, and that makes a big difference...

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Yes, she portrays real people in her stories--the way people really think and behave in the real world. I adore that, especially when she doesn't skimp on the dangers that the lads do face. I never want her stories to end.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Can't say I love all her stuff; some of it is too dark and depressing for me. But I certainly enjoyed this one.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Really? I honestly can't think of any of her stories that are depressing or dark. Huh. Other writers, definitely--I'm fairly wimpish in my reading tastes--but not The Hag. Oh, well! I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

She does tend to write humourous pieces overall... Maybe I missed the dark stuff.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Well, duh, don't know why I mixed them up, but I was thinking of M. Fae Glasgow's stories. I shouldn't comment so early in the morning. *g*

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

*g* Ah! Yes, I can completely agree with you on M. Fae! Thank you for clearing up my bewilderment! *g*

[sc-fossil.livejournal.com]

Oh, good rec, PFL! The Hag has this voice when she writes, this style, that's all her own. Love her stuff.

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Yes, that's it exactly. We are very lucky to have her!