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Sorry, guys. LJ's upgrading has been preventing me from posting and so the crackvan has not travelled far. I shall try to sneak a couple more in before I hand over the keys. (On which note, Pros fans: sign up! There look to be only two months of the crack_van left - see this announcement for details, and it would be awful to miss the final runs.) I think that after the week that Pros fandom has had (for readers who see this in the future, I post this the week the death of Lewis Collins was announced), the only sort of story I want to rec is a gentle one, a wistful one, a warm one. And so here we are. Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Doyle Length: 6,700 words Author on LJ: not on LJ Author Website: not online Why this must be read:I have liked this story since first I read it, and then something happened to me that made me think of it with a new appreciation. I am afraid the story is not online - well, not in the sense of being on the web. It is available via the Proslib mailing list, either by looking in the long stories section of the archives, or by obtaining the archives on CD. For those currently subscribed to the proslib mailing list, they will also find it in the the long stories section at the moment (thanks, owner-proslib!) ( So why am I recommending stories that require an extra step to get hold of them? )To read it: Details on Proslib are here: http://hatstand.slashcity.net/proslib/intro.htmlDetails on the CD are here: http://hatstand.slashcity.net/proslib/cdindex.html | | |
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Changing up a gear in the van now, as I race towards the weekend. Whee! Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Murphy, Bodie/Doyle Length: 5330 words Author on LJ: ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif) copracatAuthor Website:Why this must be read:It's light-hearted and good-humoured, and I love the dialogue and the description. In it, Doyle discovers Bodie is bisexual - after walking in on him and Murphy sharing a kiss. ( A snippet below... )I do like it when one of the lads is testing the composure of the other. In this one, it's Doyle. There is determined Doyle, matey Doyle, persistently curious Doyle, and (yum) boneless drunken Doyle, and they all test poor Bodie to the limit. Great fun. The Gay Deceivers(If you're logged in, you can also read it and grab it for ereaders on AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/3754) | | |
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Curses, given the title, I should have posted this on the fifth. Pretend I did! Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Doyle, Bodie/OMC Length: 9237 words Author on LJ: madmogsAuthor Website:Why this must be read:This is another story that was temporarily lost. It was first posted back in 2005. Subsequently, the LJ community it was posted to. Thankfully, madmogs was good enough to repost it earlier this year and those of us who had not been around for the santa_pros comm got to read it at last. And hooray, because I loved it. I am having trouble separating out all the whys. I think a lot of it is to do with the madly unflappable Bodie - unflappable on the outside, at least - whether faced with a proposition to blow things up for money, a hulking nightmare of an antagonist from his past, or a determined Doyle who has something to say to him. Bodie was enjoying himself, Doyle decided grumpily.
It wasn't every day that the mad bastard got to tell George Cowley that he and an unspecified number of other mercenaries had just been recruited by an Irish ex-merc to blow up one of London's department stores. Doyle had never seen Cowley's eyebrows raise quite that far before.The dialogue and the narrative style are definitely another reason I enjoy it. Bodie's casual tone in a dangerous situation (the 'family pet' mention cracks me up every time I read it), his 'most sophisticated look', his rueful acceptance of the peril to his hubcaps - and then the switch into serious mode as he settles his mind on the job and enters the meeting place. And certainly part of the reason that I personally enjoy it is that I do enjoy stories that are either non-con or very much into dub-con territory. And this story involves the Game as backstory and consequently, as the author puts it on the repost, there are some " deeply dodgy attitudes to consent"... ( So what's the Game? )To complicate things still further, each partner is interested in the other, but neither initially plans to act on it. Doyle presumes that Bodie's jokey come-ons are just jokes and wishes they weren't. Bodie certainly does fancy Doyle, but has no intention of letting that get in the way of the partnership. But when the op is over, Doyle wants answers. And he's not leaving Bodie alone until he gets them. Oh. I totally forgot to mention. Hot sex too :) A Few Little Fireworks | | |
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Okay, I have hijacked the crackvan for The Professionals again, and am speeding off down the back alleys of London into the world of Pros. This is my third stint here, and I arrive, as ever, full of good intentions. We'll see how closely I stick to my map. At this stage I should say that we are heading into that corner of the map marked Here Be Dragons, and the terrain will not be universally popular. That's okay: you can get the keys for next month and drive it back to where you think it should be! (In fact, Pros fans reading this, go and add yourself onto the list: we're running low on drivers.) But before we get to get to the dark places, we shall start with a bright and sparkling story that I am confident will delight. Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Doyle Length: 13,000 words Author on LJ: carodeeAuthor Website: Caro Dee on AO3 and Caro Dee's Insatiable SiteWhy this must be read: Undercover as gay! Hooray! ( More whys below the cut )Fools in Paradise | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 25,116 words Author on LJ: moonlightmeadWhy this must be read: In the episode Rogue, Barry Martin caused a lot of anguish for Bodie, Doyle and Cowley. In this story, the author brings back that pain and suffering. It's discovered that Martin supposedly kept a notebook full of secrets about CI5, MI5, MI6 and its agents and superiors. Cowley is very interested in getting his hands on the notebook before other people unfriendly to the UK beat him to it. This story is a good continuation of the Martin tale and a fine romp around London as the lads search for the elusive notebook. The art for this ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif) ci5_boxoftricks big bang story was done by the talented sw33n3y. Paper Chase | | |
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Vidder: zzebeddy Musical Artist: International Dateline by Ladytron Length: 3:05 min Vidder on LJ: sw33n3y Why This Must Be Watched: What really attracts me to this vid is how zzebeddy managed to update Bodie and Doyle, giving them the look and feel of a currently running show. I think that's pretty cool considering Pros is almost forty years old. I like the usage of special effects here because she used those effects in the right places to help the story. It has an artistic feel that isn't overwhelming to me. International Dateline. | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 49,016 words Author on LJ: dawnebeth Why this must be read: I love this story. It is a crossover with characters Dawnwind introduced me to last year in her big bang story, For Kicks. "In The Frame" is not a sequel but a story in what now can be called a series of crossovers with The Professionals and The Racing Game. Sid Halley and Chico Barnes are the two private detectives in The Racing Game who are friends with Bodie and Doyle. The four lads investigate the murder of a jockey, the drugging of horses, and the fixing of horse races. Go forth and enjoy a writer whom I enjoy in several fandoms. Oh, and there be kinky sex in this story. That makes me very happy. In The Frame | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 34,401 words Author on LJ: marjorammaxWhy this must be read: This 2013 ci5_boxoftricks offering is an angst lover's dream. While Doyle decides that he wants a committed relationship with Bodie and is ready to tell the world about their love, Bodie is not anywhere near ready. Even worse, he's decided that he doesn't want Doyle at all. This story is a sequel of the author's 2012 Big Bang story, When It All Comes Tumbling Down. It isn't necessary to read the first story because the author gives enough backstory in Out In The Cold but I say, go for broke. Read both stories and really enjoy yourself. *bg* The art for this story is done by snailbones. I really like her style and the way she sets up a wallpaper/banner. Out In The Cold | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 37,974 words Author on LJ: longstrtWhy this must be read: Continuing on our journey through the newly posted stories in the 2013 Big Bang at ci5_boxoftricks, this story is from lbc aka longstrt with art by bodiecuddle here. It is a tension filled story wherein Doyle blurts out something during sex with Bodie and the relationship begins to dissolve from that point. Bodie is confused and annoyed that Doyle isn't content with the type of relationship they have settled into. Asking Too Much | | |
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Title: The Matter in Hand by Draycevixen Pairing: William Bodie/Spock Length: 1,466 words Author on LJ: draycevixenWhy this must be read: Because it's crossover day, and it's draycevixen, and it's crack. Nobody does crack like draycevixen. What better place to rec crack then on crack_van. Besides, everybody needs a grin once in a while. The Matter in Hand | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 51,012 words Author on LJ: maddalia Why this must be read: This story is the second one in maddalia's Parallel Lines series. Old Wounds is an involved story with multiple story lines. I enjoy a story that makes me think; that gives me something to sink my teeth into, and this story delivers. It has plenty of action, tension, and keeps me on the edge wondering how everything will work out. The fabulous art embedded in the story was done by mella68. I do feel that if you, as a reader, haven't read the first story of the series, Measuring Scars, that the author gives enough background to read Old Wounds as a stand alone. However if you have a hankering for a meaty series, dive right in. :) Old Wounds | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 20,319 words Author on LJ: merentha13Why this must be read: This new Big Bang story has a theme I enjoy: undercover and first times. Merentha does such a good job giving us her idea of the first time Bodie and Doyle meet. Toss in that first time sexual encounter and I'm happy. The added bonus with this story is fabulous art by minori_k. Missing Pieces | | |
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Hello! I'm Kat and I'm driving the van this month for The Professionals. October is an exciting month for Pros fen because the big bang at CI5_Box_of_Tricks is finally here! I'm excited to share these new, exciting stories (and art) with all of you. So here we go. Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: William Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 21,551 words Author on LJ: krisserci5Why this must be read: I like a good undercover story and Krisser delivers with this one. There is a harrowing scene in this story that had me on the edge of the laptop waiting to see what would happen! In the body of the story is an extra treat: art by Banbury. I hope you enjoy this first offering. In the Course of Action | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 10K
Author on LJ: laceymcbain
Author website: www.thecircuitarchive.com
Also, author has work on AO3
http://archiveofourown.org/users/laceymcbain/pseuds/laceymcbain
Why this must be read:
My final rec this month, and the second in my chosen pair of haunting, contemplative stories, where the writer’s skill is such that so very much is conveyed about the partnership with only the bare minimum of words and phrases.
One Can Only See is set during DIAG, in fact at the point where Doyle is making his “decision”. He is still aware of the medical things going on around him, but they’re irrelevant – Doyle’s weighing up his life and making up his mind. And what tips the scale is, of course, Bodie; stubborn, taciturn, resolute, shuttered Bodie. And Doyle knows he can’t leave because… well, you’ll see why!
It’s been fun writing about some favourite stories here this month, even if they weren’t new to most of you! ;) Thanks for the opportunity. I’m now off to spruce up the van, removing those old coffee cups and the ratty copies of the Racing Times, ready to hand it on to the next driver, and looking forward to more stories soon!
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/14/onecan.html
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 15K
Author on LJ: Not known
Author website: www.thecircuitarchive.com
Why this must be read:
For my final two recs, I’ve chosen a pair of relatively short stories, and I think they go really well together as an exploration of the essence of the lads’ partnership. They are also quiet, reflective pieces, and the writing conveys a great deal in just simple descriptions of gestures or moods; not easy to do successfully and succinctly.
This first story, by Lozalong, takes place after “Rogue” and is effectively a discussion – though more notable for the things they don’t say than for what they do - between Ray and Bodie as they contemplate the repercussions of Martin’s betrayal. Ray being prickly, Bodie being niggly, neither of them prepared to say important things out loud, but both still managing to reach the right conclusions – what’s not to like!
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/18/semantics.html
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 61K
Author on LJ: slantedlight
Author’s Website: http://byslantedlight.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read:
There is a heavy quiet about this story; quiet but not calm. It’s like you can feel a storm brewing, even though the lads’ French holiday seems to be blessed with sun and heat. Like my last rec, this is about each of them seeking reassurance in the other, but here Doyle’s jealousy comes to the fore. And woven into it all, we have an intriguing back-story for Bodie, and echoes of the long-dead, which collide pleasingly with the present to conclude the story. A dreamy, brooding, reflective treat
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/16/ofsunshine.html | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 33K
Author on LJ: solosundance
Author’s website: http://www.thecircuitarchive.com http://archiveofourown.org/users/JoJo/pseuds/JoJo http://archiveofourown.org/users/JoJo/profile
Why this must be read:
I’m delighted to have a chance to rec one of JoJo’s stories, and this is a great showcase for her talents. There is so much to enjoy here. I love the way we are thrown straight into the story without any preamble: how we really have to work out for ourselves what’s going on, without any time-wasting exposition; how pre-Glasnost Czechoslovakia is portrayed – spot on in both detail and atmosphere. And it’s intricately made up of a number of interlocking pictures, showing us the lads at a certain point in their friendship, and in a growing “relationship”, while at the same time isolated and up to their necks in very dangerous situation. The drama and the humour – the dialogue is laugh out loud funny in many places – simultaneously reveals and conceals the game they are playing with each other, though neither of them is aware of it; each steadfastly refusing to give reassurance, whilst at the same time being narked that no reassurance is being shown…..
Beautifully in character, with writing pared to the bone and every word counting.
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/19/thescarsdale.html | | |
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Sorry for the delay before this next post – a hectic few days away from home are to blame.
Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 90 K
Author on LJ: Not known
Author Website: http://www.thecircuitarchive.com
Why this must be read:
An unusual combo of the boys and supernatural elements, but this really works. There’s some tantalising Bodie back-story, some very nice Raymond jealousy, some touching revelations - all in spot-on dialogue - and a lovely first time. You might say it’s romantic in concept, but it’s never slushy, and it’s got the hard edge of a real op to counterbalance the emotional stuff. And on top of all that, a great twist that’s simmering all the while in the background, and comes into play right at the end, giving real satisfaction. A pleasure all round.
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/13/dustand.html | | |
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Fandom: The Professionals
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: 45K
Author on LJ: przed
Author Website: http://www.thecircuitarchive.com
http://przed.com/
Why this must be read:
Lots of stories have been written about, or have referenced, Bodie’s youth, and what made him the man he is. This is one that concentrates on the Liverpool angle, but has the neat trick of showing it through Doyle’s eyes in his unexpected and unwelcome meeting with Bodie’s father. It’s an interesting and affecting tale, with excellent, spot-on dialogue – the author has even beautifully captured Cowley’s propensity for somewhat clunky metaphors. But as well as giving us so many great clues as to Bodie’s character, both past and present, the story can also be seen as a beautifully crafted slice of life, albeit seen through two different pairs of eyes, and the spare and precise storytelling allows us to see the characters’ reactions to events in ways that tell us so much about their relationship.
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/19/homefor.html | | |
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Fandom: The Professionals
Pairing: Ray Doyle/WAP Bodie
Length: approx. 15kb
Author on LJ: raynewton
Author website: http://www.thecircuitarchive.com
Why this must be read:
A shorter fic this time, but no less satisfying, in my view. ‘Sleeping Prince’ is unashamedly romantically angsty, and hits a particular button of mine, which is showing how the connection between the two lads is so deep and essential, removing one from the partnership is likely to destroy the other.
We join them in the aftermath of a bad op. Neither knows the true state of the other, and assumes the worst – in Doyle’s case, with a drastic reaction. But Bodie will not give up, and it’s his steadfastness and devotion that gets us to the happy ending (see, you knew there would be one, right? I never do sad stuff!).
The picture of Doyle’s family life is both convincing and affecting, and such is the writer’s skill, you get easily drawn into their POVs. But what resonates particularly with me is the image of Bodie, standing guard in the rainy night, waiting for a chance; hesitant, and full of regret….
http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/6/sleepingprince.html | | |
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Hello, I’m Ann, and I’ll be your driver for the Professionals for the next month. I feel privileged and honoured to be taking a turn at driving.
I’m a long-term Pros fans, being hooked right from the 70s, but I only discovered fanfic relatively recently (poor, sheltered little life…*weeps for the lost years*) so there is much in the archives of magnificent Pros writing that I have yet to discover.
This also probably means that what I rec, you will all have seen before. I will console myself with the idea that at least the fic will then join the hallowed group of Crack Van recommendations!
I’m going to start with a story that was one of the first I discovered, and I never cease to extol its virtues – so much so that I think the author thinks I’m stalking her…
Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS
Pairing: Ray Doyle; WAP Bodie
Length: about 44,000 words
Author on LJ: Jaicen5
Author Website: http://jaicen5.livejournal.com/
Why this must be read:
Jaicen’s Easy Prey has all the hallmarks of that author’s skill at plot, characterisation, dialogue, action, banter – you name it, it’s there. And so such more. Doyle is targeted for revenge by our favourite returning baddy, John Coogan. The set-up is horribly believable, the tension palpable, and Doyle is as good as lost. But of course, Bodie is having none of *that*. What follows is a nail-biting pursuit as the lads go on the run, with only Bodie’s shadowy past to help them. And there is an added complication in the state of Doyle’s health – I won’t spoil the plot – go read!
The hurt/comfort element in this story is delightfully written. Doyle suffers beautifully (oh dear, how wrong that sounds!). The depth of the partnership and the dependency between the two of them is subtly shown. But what l love most of all is how we see Bodie coping. Here is a man who will do everything in his power to keep his partner safe. Though even that in the end isn’t enough, and an inevitable slip brings us to a finale that will have you on the edge of your seats.
http://jaicen5.livejournal.com/tag/easy%20prey
This links to the 5 chapters
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Now we are at our last retro Wednesday during my chauffeuring duties. . .I had fun reccing older stories, and I hope you all did as well!! This is another story from 2004 - Object of Desire by Cortney Grey. Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 17541 Author on LJ: Author on A03: Why this must be read: I just love how Ray's eyes are opened to possibilities by a third party. She has me convinced that Bodie can play whatever he needs to. This is from the earlier days of our fandom, but is still a mega-watt keeper. ( A definition of sorts stated by our own WAP Bodie: )Here we go. . . Object of Desire | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 22,253 Author on LJ: http://byslantedlight.livejournal.com/ Author on A03: Why this must be read:This is a post Operation Susie story. It picks up right after the episode. I like that they feel betrayed, I certainly did, and the lads act on this feeling. They discover the wilds of Scotland and their feelings for each other. ( A bit of paranoia. . . )Now try it out. Never the Words They Say | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 51069 Author on LJ: Author on A03: http://archiveofourown.org/users/creedcascade/pseuds/Creed%20Cascade/works?fandom_id=1673 Why this must be read: The first time I read this I'm not sure I liked it, the lads had a hard edge, the second time, I was intrigued by how far Ross would go, and the third time wanted to know what made the lads tick. By then, I was lost and loved it. I'm not the super hard edgey story person, and this isn't to most, but I must say that I love it and do think of it that way. Just how much will they take and how far would they go. . . ( just a snippet of temptation )Now, read on- Stop Breathing | | |
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Retro Wednesday is up again. . . . . So Much for Wishes by Ellis Ward - last recc'ed in 2004. Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 11476 Author on LJ: Author on A03: Why this must be read: Well I am not much for kids and CI5 but what if one of our lads were the child and the other wasn't? Ellis Ward explores just that with a bit of magic. This story seemed so real, I could see it unfold in my mind. This is in my top ten, who'd a thought a kid story could make it in. ( Just a snippet to tantalize the thoughts . . . )Still don't know who's who? Hit the link and find out if memory served!!! So Much For Wishes | | |
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The rest of the month on Wednesdays will be retro Wednesday for us. . . . there are lots of newbies to our fandom and lots of older stories that are fabulous. Yeah, yeah, the recs go back to 2004 but raise your hand if you get all the way back that far. . . .I know the fingers lock up after a decade. . . so I will rec 3 this month from 2004. So first up is Where the Worms Are by Pam RoseFandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 51069 Author on LJ: Author website: Why this must be read: This is an intense story that looks at what if Cowley was killed. What do the lads do? Pam Rose is a great story teller, so go off and enjoy! ( Breaking news. . . ) Where the Worms Are | | |
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Fandom: THE PROFESSIONALS Pairing: Bodie/Ray Doyle Length: 23424 Author on LJ: Author website: Why this must be read: This is one of those AUs of another time and place. No CI5, no police work, just alternate possibility of how they could meet. I don't care where writers put Bodie and Doyle, I just want to see the aspects of their character show up. ( A snippet of Ray )Here ya go !!!! Vale View | | |
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