Reading Room - Theme IV - Stories When the Lads First Meet

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Following our poll, our next theme will be Stories When the Lads First Meet (the one after will be Older Lads Stories, then Stories that are Guilty Pleasures, and then Stories that Make You Think!)

For now - we need three stories to discuss where the lads first meet - please suggest stories below!

(For ideas you could check the First Time Emphasis listing at Alijot's Pros Recs Page (scroll down!) - rats, that was emphasis on the first time they had sex, not the first time they met. That'll teach me to post-and-run... Still, some people might like to see those recs too... *vbg*

Suggestions So Far
And Love's Worn Circuit Re-Begun by Fanny Adams
Beginnings by Lainie Stone (ProsLib CD)
The Bisto Kids (1 and 2) by L.R.H. Balzer
The Die is Cast by Fiona Murray
Doyle and Bodie - the Beginning by Jaicen (gen)
Fruit of the Spirit by Cherilynn
Hyperion to a Satyr by Sebastian
Learning Trust by Russ
Learning to Trust by Liriel
Music of the Heart by Elessar
On Paper by Rob
Operation Impossible by Brian Clemens
Out of the Jungle by Meg Lewtan (ProsLib CD)
Painted Angels by Angelfish
Undercover by Elessar
You and Me Against the World by Brenda K
Your Eyes, by PFL

Comments

[potztausend.livejournal.com]

My suggestion is "Memoirs of a Merc" by Alexandra

http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/0/memoirsof.html

Doyle is in CI5 and Bodie is a sort of mercenary and a sort of writer too. It's funny and sweet and Doyle has many reasons to tear his curls ;-)

"...Just Bodie, Doyle noted as he retrieved his hand, was displaying a remarkable degree of come-hither body language and expression towards him, for a man who was busy making piles of money off swooning females. The eyelash-batting had already reached alarming levels. And they were rather alarming eyelashes.

"Um...I'm here to talk with you about a little consulting job. Are you familiar with CI5?"

Bodie turned his chair to face Doyle, casually splaying his thighs, which showed off his groin rather nicely. "That's that new TV station, isn't it?"

P.S. I think the term "First Time" in the Recs Page you mentioned in your post was a little bit differently meant... more in a horizontal way ;-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh you're right, it is the first time they have sex rather than meet! That'll teach me to post something quickly and then run... Well caught, thank you!

And Memoirs of a Merc is on the list - cheers!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Doesn't "Memoirs of a Merc" fall under the AU, pre-CI5 meeting?
Just read it and they only talk about Bodie joining up at the very end.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I've just taken a look - you're right! I'm not even sure I have read it before either, having read the beginning quickly... It's close, isn't it - could almost be before they met, but... not quite. *g*

Right - shall take it off the list... There are surprisingly few, so far, really!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

It's much easier to find stories where one of the lads is in CI5, and the other in a variety of AU positions (prostitute, writer, painter etc.)
Have you been able to think of any more stories that actually fit with the lads' canon backgrounds?
And before, I could have sworn there were lots.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

D'you know I really can't - not without at least one of them being AU, as you say, which is really something a bit different... Then again, I'm generally pretty rubbish at remembering stories to order like this, so I'm not a good person to go by!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oooh - Learning Trust (http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/8/learningtrust.html) by Russ! Or does that count as an AU? Neither lad is with CI5 yet, and they seem to be true to their canon background as far as we know (though I've not re-read it this second...)

From chatting with shooting2kill down below - maybe the difference between an AU-first time and a CI5-first-time is that they almost have to meet for the first time in an AU so that the author can set up the world - I could only think of one AU fic where they don't meet for the first time, whereas with CI5-fic it's taken for granted that we know their world, and so you'd only write about it if you wanted to focus on the way they met?

It's also made me think about the roles B and D are given in AU fics too - if there's just one of them non-CI5 it's far more likely to be Doyle, although Bodie might be a mercenary... But then that's a different question, really... *g*

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I mentioned Learning Trust earlier, but wasn't sure if it would be a "meeting before, and reunited at CI5" story.
But I think Bodie is already in CI5 in this one, and Doyle undercover with the drug squad, but already thinking about CI5.

And I think you are right about the AU situation. They are almost all "meet for the first time".

Don't forget to add the zine "The Die is Cast". :)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh you did mention that - and Undercover by Elessar too, sorry and well done you! I managed to get lost in all the AU chat, didn't I... *g*

I think in Learning Trust (having just skimmed the beginning) Doyle's still in the Met, and Bodie's in the SAS still, isn't he? Or just out of it... at the end Doyle suggests they both join CI5, so...

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Angelfish's story "Painted Angels".
I know there are more and I'll post again, once I remember/research to find them.
The only others I remember right now are zine stories.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Excellent - thank you!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

Fruit of The Spirit, although that is a zine isnt it? Bugger. It's one of the best 'first meeting' stories I've ever read.

Hmmm *ponders*

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

I agree! It was one of the first zines I ever read, having received it in a box of free zines. It's a wonderful story!
It's strange how hard it is to find stories that fit!
AUs aplenty, though.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

No reason why it can't go on the Reading Room list - see my reply to Probodie! *g* And wow - I wouldn't have thought it'd be hard to think of stories where they first meet, but I have to say I've not tried myself yet - I'll have to put my thinking cap on! The only one I can think of, off the top of my head, is Brian Clemen's own story - Operation Impossible...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Why can't we include zines in The Reading Room? After all, if we don't rec them and talk about them, then no one new will know that they exist, and people really will miss out on them! I think Fruit of the Spirit has been around long enough that alot of people will already have it, or have read it - enough to discuss it, anyway. And people who've never heard of it can be told about the lovely, honest and inexpensive zine publisher that is Gryphon Press, right? And go and buy it... or know to look out for it second hand, or ask to borrow it, or... *g* Its on the list!

[probodie.livejournal.com]

You do have a good point there, and I would urge anyone who hasnt already read this to do so :-))

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Wanted to ask: can these be AUs?
I'm finding lots of those.

Are we looking for stories where Bodie and Doyle meet after joining CI5, or can they be B/D meet before and then find themselves reunited as CI5 agents?
Like Undercover by Elessar? Or Learning Trust by Russ M

Oh, I just remembered another:
And Loves Worn circuit-Fanny Adams
Beginnings -Lainie Stone

I haven't actually read any of them recently, but am using a summary file to look through.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I don't know - can they be AUs? You're right, there are alot of first-meeting AUs... Maybe we could suggest some, and people could vote for them or not as they like...

I think we should stick to first-time-they-ever-meet stories though, rather than when they've met before and been re-united... That sounds like some other category, somehow... pre-CI5 meetings, or something... A theme all of its own, anyway!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

I think the Lainie Stone and Fanny Adams stories should fit. They aren't AUs.

Harlequin Airs would be an AU one.
For that matter, so would Larton Chronicles.
Cornish Ghosts...
Every AU there is? *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hmmn - sneaking in at last while lj seems to be at peace (I've been trying all morning!) - you know, I started to put up the AU stories, and then I thought that maybe they should go in their own category... For instance, if we discuss Harlequin Airs as a first-meeting fic, then it would lose out in the AU-fic focus, which is really (I think) more a focus of the story than the fact that the lads are meeting for the first time - and the same in the other AUs you've mentioned here... So - sorry to mess you around, but I think we should probably stick to CI5-first-meetings after all...

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Argh! I hate not being able to edit posts anymore!
The Die is Cast by Fiona Murray is another first meet zine.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I was going to ask why you couldn't edit posts anymore, but lj was hit by another attack - yeay relatively quick recovery this time! *g* So why can't you edit posts anymore? *g* And thank you! I'm about to go to bed, but I'll edit it in tomorrow if that's okay!

[siskiou.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's because my paid year was up a few months ago, and I'm back to a basic one. :)

Take your time with the editing! There will hopefully be a lot more suggestions tomorrow!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh rats for basic accounts... I have to admit there are definite advantages to paid...

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Some semi-AUs i.e. when one is in ci5 and the other isn't:

(Unless stated otherwise I think they're all at the Circuit Archive and The Hatstand.)

Night Moves: Courtney Gray
The Art of Love: Alexandra
Harlequin Airs: HG
On Guard: Gloria Lancaster
Heat-Trace: Helen Raven

Completely ci5 based:
Hyperion to a Satyr: Sebastian
Between the Lines: Sebastian (I think it's a first meeting)

Completely AU
The Secrets Beneath: Sally Fell
Transients: Helen Raven
Arabian Nights - Pamela Rose
Professional Dreamer - Pamela Rose

CD
Out of the Jungle: Meg Lewtan

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Lj fell down again just as I was about to reply, and now I'm about to go to bed, but I wanted to say thank you! And excellent - I shall edit them into the post tomorrow, if that's okay!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Just to be a pain, I started to put up AU-based fic just now, and came to a blazing halt... cos if we discuss the AU stories based on their first-meeting moments, then will we be missing out on their "more important" focus?

Hmmn - maybe we should have a more general discussion during each theme too, for instance "thoughts about B/D first meeting", where we could include thoughts about any first meeting fics...

So I shall list the CI5-based first-meeting stories for this particular theme, and perhaps we can come back to the AU ones another time... Sorry to faff you around, especially since you've listed so many!

*posts quickly before the hackers get in again*

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Just to be a pain, I started to put up AU-based fic just now, and came to a blazing halt... cos if we discuss the AU stories based on their first-meeting moments, then will we be missing out on their "more important" focus?

More important focus of the AU? I suppose so, but that would apply to non-AUs as well, wouldn't it? That you'd be missing out on the more important focus? I think the heat's getting to me and I'm probably missing your point...

Hmmn - maybe we should have a more general discussion during each theme too, for instance "thoughts about B/D first meeting", where we could include thoughts about any first meeting fics...

Yeah, it's always fun just thrashing things through (try saying that with a mouthful) and it will help to get what we want clearer in our minds. Help to achieve clarity. Maybe.

So I shall list the CI5-based first-meeting stories for this particular theme, and perhaps we can come back to the AU ones another time... Sorry to faff you around, especially since you've listed so many!

No, I don't mind at all. I just like the challenge of trying to answer 'list' questions(!) (there's probably a list of words describing my condition, beginning with 'tiny mind').

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

but that would apply to non-AUs as well, wouldn't it? That you'd be missing out on the more important focus?
D'you know, I was thinking that when I wrote my reply to you, and forgot to come back to it. Cos really, that's right, and yet... I dunno - it seems somehow that it should matter whether it's a first meeting between CI5-B/D, or a first meeting between HookerDoyle and CI5Bodie, or ArtistDoyle and CI5Bodie, or CI5Doyle and MercenaryBodie... Hmmn - in AUs like that, is Bodie very often given a role that's not a mercenary role? Doyle's quite often transposed to a variety of roles, but I'm not sure whether Bodie is... And (back to topic) are there any AUs where they're not meeting for the first time? Gravity's Angel... that's all I can think of, though. So it's almost as if they have to meet for the first time if it's an AU - maybe to set the AU scene? Whereas where it's a CI5 fic, then the story's more likely to be about them meeting for the first time, because why else include it?

Yeah, it's always fun just [*puts down the red wine*] thrashing things through
It is, isn't it! Maybe we should do that then, for the first one, especially since we've not chosen a fic yet, what with lj being under attack and all...

there's probably a list of words describing my condition, beginning with 'tiny mind'
Ha - beginning with brilliant memory! I wish I had your recall about stories, I'm terribly patchy in what I remember and what I don't. I don't remember at all reading Memoirs of a Merc, for instance, and yet you'd think I'd have recognised it beyond "that reminds me of Professional Dreamer"!

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I dunno - it seems somehow that it should matter whether it's a first meeting between CI5-B/D, or a first meeting between HookerDoyle and CI5Bodie

Yup, I think I'd agree. And apart from any other reason, maybe the first time ci5 meeting is significant to us because we've always been denied any canon introduction between the two of them.

Hmmn - in AUs like that, is Bodie very often given a role that's not a mercenary role?

I love these questions and trying to think through stories and come up with a response! Hmmm....Bodie's a hooker in Night Moves, a Roman soldier (I think) in that wonderful story by Sineala whose title defeats me at the moment, a sheik in Arabian Nights, some kind of butler in Meg Lewtan’s Bird in a Gilded Cage, something else in Murder on the Moor (either a GP or a member of the gentry), the searcher for ghosts in Cornish ghosts, a gardener and other jobs in various Lizzie stories, but yes, I think there are loads of AU stories where he’s a merc, probably most of them, and yet I don’t think there are as many with Doyle as canon copper. Doyle's canon background is quite versatile, too, not just a beat copper but someone who 'worked with kids', art school, running wild in Derby, drugs squad....

And (back to topic) are there any AUs where they're not meeting for the first time? Gravity's Angel... that's all I can think of, though.

Not sure, have to think about that one. Rubs hands in glee.


It is, isn't it! Maybe we should do that then, for the first one, especially since we've not chosen a fic yet, what with lj being under attack and all.

Yeah, I think that would be good. Most discussions seem to have the potential for branching out and leading to more/different discussion, so it's all good for Pros!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

maybe the first time ci5 meeting is significant to us because we've always been denied any canon introduction between the two of them
Excellent point...

Bodie's a hooker in Night Moves, a Roman soldier
Ah, I didn't explain myself properly - sorry! I was thinking that when only one of the lads is an AU character it tends to be Doyle - you're right of course, there's lots of AU stories where Bodie's an AU character as well as Doyle... Though Night Moves is one of the few where he gets to be a hooker when Doyle's in CI5!

Not sure, have to think about that one. Rubs hands in glee.
I'm looking forward to it! *g*

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Ah, I didn't explain myself properly - sorry! I was thinking that when only one of the lads is an AU character it tends to be Doyle

You're right and I'm *completely* stupid (I blame it on my excitement with trying to think of Pros stories) because I was citing examples of Bodie in AU at a time when Ci5 didn't even exist (e.g. in a couple of Lizzie's stories), so Doyle wouldn't have been able to be in ci5..... dah.....

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

Doyle & Bodie – The Beginning by Jaicen5. It's gen.
http://jaicen5.livejournal.com/1647.html

Learning to Trust by Liriel.
http://community.livejournal.com/the_safehouse/855943.html

IMO both are very believable 'how it could have been' stories! :-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Doyle & Bodie – The Beginning by Jaicen5
So - what's that one about? *vbg*

Learning to Trust by Liriel
Ah, now that's made me think of Russ' Learning Trust (http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/8/learningtrust.html), which is perhaps just on the CI5 side of AU...

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

"So - what's that one about? *vbg*"
I don't want to spoil anybody! ;-)

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I didn't know the Liriel story at all and have just read it and liked it very much so thanks for pointing it out!

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

Wow! A quick reader you are!
She has good ideas, hasn't she? :-)

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I thought it was an excellent idea, very original.

I don't think I am a quick reader but the story wasn't too long!

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

I think I've forgotten that one hour time difference... ;-)

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Oh, blimey! That would have been quick! Speed reading and I've not had a drop tonight....so far.

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

I had...

[(Anonymous)]

Hello
Reading Room LJ reader for about 6 months, first ever post to LJ
I have a couple of suggestions for this theme, "Undercover" by Elessar, where Doyle's last case for the Drug's Squad intersects with Bodie's last mission for the SAS before joining CI5. Also, the two 'Bisto Kids' stories by RLH Balzer they are companion pieces about the lads meeting and first year of partnership and probably should be treated as one. "In My Lifetime" is Doyle's POV as he tries to turn Bodie into a partner while still mourning the loss of his first partner years ago. "Brothers in Arms" is Bodie's POV as he struggles to become a partner in this new, unstructured environment.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hello - and welcome! I hope you're enjoying lj, and yeay for commenting, thank you! I must re-read the Balzer stories, I remember enjoying them alot, and her Scissors is another that I really like... I've added them to the list above - thank you!

[scherwood]

I don't know if these belong to this category, but plz have a look. :)

Easy Stages, by LH

Music of the Heart, by Elessar

On Guard, by Gloria Lancaster

The Descent to Humanity, by Anne Carr + Debts Repaid, by Anne Carr

The Missing Piece, by Cassidy Collins

A Chance Encounter, by Debs

Beach Blanket Bodie, by Elessar

I Just Knew, by Zoe

Manifest Destiny, by Russ

On Paper, by Rob

Professional Dreamer, by Pamela Rose

The Dream, by Meridian

The Mercenary and the Prisoner, by LH

The Sting, by Elspeth Leigh

Vignettes Under Calico Skies, by Joana Dey

You and Me Against the World, by Brenda K

Your Eyes, by PFL

I hope one of these stories will work... gawd, I had so many. ehe~

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Oh my goodness - I was going to post a list tonight, but it'll take me a long time to check all those! Some I know are AUs, and we're not including those, but I don't remember most of them well enough to know without skim-reading them again myself... You couldn't maybe pick your favourite to go on a voting list, could you?! *g* (And wow, you must have a good filing system... *g*)

[scherwood]

Well, you could do so that you add them to the list, but forget about them in the voting. Every fic except...

Music of the Heart, by Elessar
On Paper, by Rob
You and Me Against the World, by Brenda K
Your Eyes, by PFL

... those you could add to the voting, if you like. :)