Reading Room XVI: Stories with Sequels - Cards on the Table by Georgina Kirrin

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Sorry I'm a day late - I should have known better than to think I could squeeze in visiting family and work and a story review - and I just wasn't organised enough to have written it up front... But we're here now!

Title: Cards on the Table
Author: Georgina Kirrin
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Link to story: at the author's website

In Cards last week, Bodie was about to fly back from the US to England, having seen that Doyle's break-up with his wife has left him alone and sad, and we catch up with him in Cards on the Table when his plane has landed at Heathrow. We're plunged straight into Bodie's world, and reminded that time has moved on for everyone: Heathrow is different, Bodie is different - he realises with some surprise that he's disappointed there's no one to meet him there.

The journey he now continues though - through the places he left all those years ago - gradually becomes familiar to him. Time has moved on - we start to get the feeling he's getting more interested in the changes than he is sad they've happened - Those houses used to be derelict, probably worth a sheikh's ransom now... - and we're gradually focussed back in on what he's come to do - see Doyle again, after years of not even having written to him.

I love his meeting with Doyle - there's such joy in it. He rings the bell and lets the security camera see him, then Suddenly the lights brightened and a door slammed somewhere. And suddenly it's Doyle that I'm seeing, because that description has nothing to do with the building. Doyle doesn't answer the ring, Bodie's not buzzed up - it's as if Bodie's world comes suddenly alive, then - and Doyle isn't even named yet - someone comes down the stairs three at a time.

The door flew open: a split second's hesitation and they were embracing, laughing and rocking and thumping each other on the back - Kirrin doesn't just tell us that they meet again and they're happy about it because they've missed each other, we actually experience it all with the lads, we can feel it as it happens. And it's only then, as it all sinks in, that there's a pause in the action and emotion, and Kirrin does describe how Bodie feels about it all - and it's like that moment of taking a breath and being now again. And we get Doyle's name twice in quick succession too - because it is coming home to Bodie now. This is Doyle, he's back with his Doyle.

I love this writing!

We fall back into the awkwardness of reality with Bodie too - they have to find out how they've changed, what it means to them and for them, whether they still fit. But they do - right down to another of my favourite bits, when Doyle's phone rings:
Bodie was treated to the spectacle of his friend tearing a long, and no doubt exquisitely painful, strip off the luckless caller, who had apparently managed to lose the man he was supposed to have had under surveillance.
"Only thing missing from that was a Scots accent," he said as Doyle put down the receiver.
Doyle grinned and spread his hands. "If you're going to learn from anyone, might as well make it the master."
Things have changed, but they're still Cowley's lads.

Then of course Amita, Doyle's daughter, is woken by their noise, and we're back to how much it's all changed - Doyle's had not just a different life, with his new job and Bodie gone, but he's been in a different world, that family world which, at the end of the day, excludes everyone except the people in it. Indira might have gone, but Doyle can't ever return to a world where he doesn't have that family, he's tasted it - is there still room for Bodie?

Of course there is. Because it's Bodie that Doyle can finally be sad with, it's Bodie who can be what he wants when he needs it - just as he always has. Doyle might be grieving like a man bereaved... still wearing his wedding ring, and Bodie might not be able to sleep because of everything that means, but as a reader I've got such optimism and hope here. Bodie's back, Doyle wanted him back, and they still know each other and fill in the empty space for each other, just as it always was. For all it's outwardly a worrying ending - I think it's going to be okay.

1) What did you think? *g*
2) Did you like/dislike this (little) part to their story? Why?
3) I'm usually not very comfortable when one of them is given a child, but Kirrin makes it work here, I think. Or perhaps I can deal with it better because the rest of the story works so well. What do you think of Doyle having a daughter?
4) Did you feel hope at the end, or are you still worried for our lads?
5) What do you think is going to happen next? Do you reckon it's going to work out? *g*

Comments

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

I think I can totally agree! :-)

There is nothing I dislike, maybe just that there is nobody who comforts the poor Bodie who had been unhappy all these years.
*sobs*

I like it when there is a child in their life, - preferably not all the time of course. ;-)
The part here with Amita is lovely:
"I'm sorry, Daddy."
Doyle picked her up, cradling the damp little figure unhesitatingly against his chest, his voice gentle."

And yes, I feel hope at the end! They still understand and need each other.

Thank you for pointing out how good their meeting at the door really is. I was obviously a bit distracted by
the little fact that Bodie 'realised to his horror that he had an erection'. Well. :-)

Thanks!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

there is nobody who comforts the poor Bodie who had been unhappy all these years
Doyle does! He just doesn't know that he's doing it... *g* Bodie's been pretending that everything's alright, after all - and he's not answered Doyle's letters!

Heeee for Bodie's erection... (well, you know what I mean... *g*)

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

Doyle does! He just doesn't know that he's doing it...
Ah, I see. Feel comfort in comforting. That's the real spirit! :-)

Your point is that we only see a short, 'first' moment.
"Keeping it light for both of them, because neither of them was ready for more."

So I trust in Doyle that he asks Bodie how he feels one of these next days.

(I think I know what you mean! ;-))

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

1) What did you think? *g*
2) Did you like/dislike this (little) part to their story? Why?

I can't say I dislike it, but I'm not comfortable with it. Bodie may be back, but Doyle is still in love with his wife. He's happy to see Bodie, but only as a friend, which puts Bodie in an awkward and painful situation.

3) I'm usually not very comfortable when one of them is given a child, but Kirrin makes it work here, I think. Or perhaps I can deal with it better because the rest of the story works so well. What do you think of Doyle having a daughter?

I'm not crazy about it. *g*

4) Did you feel hope at the end, or are you still worried for our lads?

Oh, I'm not worried. Once the wife was out of the way, it was a done deal.

5) What do you think is going to happen next? Do you reckon it's going to work out? *g*

I'd be amazed if it doesn't work out. :-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I can't say I dislike it, but I'm not comfortable with it. Bodie may be back, but Doyle is still in love with his wife. He's happy to see Bodie, but only as a friend, which puts Bodie in an awkward and painful situation.
But that's good in a story, right? It's what helps to make it a story - drama and tension that must be dealt with and overcome? Otherwise it's just a description of pretty sunsets and kisses (which, granted, is also nice now and then... *g*)

3) ...What do you think of Doyle having a daughter?
I'm not crazy about it. *g*
Oh Mistress of the Short Answer - why not?! *g*

Oh, I'm not worried. Once the wife was out of the way, it was a done deal.
Hmmmn - is that faith in what's happened in the story so far, or in the idea that fanfic will always end well...?

5) What do you think is going to happen next? Do you reckon it's going to work out? *g*
I'd be amazed if it doesn't work out. :-)
Again - why?!

Okay, I seem to recall that you've already read this/know what happens, but way back to the first time you read it - did you still feel this way? And why? Was it something about the story itself, or belief in the eternal happy ending? You kind of make me want to write some tragic Prosfic, just to keep readers on their toes!

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

But that's good in a story, right? It's what helps to make it a story - drama and tension that must be dealt with and overcome? Otherwise it's just a description of pretty sunsets and kisses (which, granted, is also nice now and then... *g*)

It is a good story, in that it's written well. I guess I don't like the intrusion of another love, someone Doyle obviously loves over Bodie, loves more than he loves Bodie. For me, that's not really a Bodie/Doyle story because the main couple isn't Bodie and Doyle. And while I can appreciate drama, there's something about this drama I can't get into.

Oh Mistress of the Short Answer - why not?! *g*

I think because, again, there's someone who Doyle loves more than Bodie. And because, really, there's no need for her. At least, not so far.

Okay, I seem to recall that you've already read this/know what happens, but way back to the first time you read it - did you still feel this way? And why? Was it something about the story itself, or belief in the eternal happy ending? You kind of make me want to write some tragic Prosfic, just to keep readers on their toes!

I can take tragedy. I think it's more the length of time they're apart. Do people really stay in love with someone for that long a time, when it's perfectly obvious that the other person doesn't love you? I have to admit, I don't find that romantic, but more a little pathetic. It implies a weakness to me that I don't see in Bodie, an inability to let go and get on with his life.

And, okay, yes, I do want the eternal happy ending. *g* If they find love with someone else then, for me, it's not a Bodie/Doyle story. Like those "I will not read again" stories about Bodie dying and Doyle ending up with Murphy. Perversely maybe, in that regard I don't want reality. They're one of my OTPs, and that implies that they're together—always. :-) That doesn't mean I don't like a certain tension. There can be roadblocks, other people intruding, whether because one of them is fighting the relationship, or they break up, or something. But they have to be the most important person in the other's life. There has to be a connection on both their parts, that's always there.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I guess I don't like the intrusion of another love, someone Doyle obviously loves over Bodie
B/D is absolutely an OTP for me as well - I suppose in this case I don't see Indira as someone Doyle loves more than Bodie. What I see is that he doesn't know he loves Bodie, any more than Bodie knew he loved Doyle, in a way that meant they should be living together with all that entails. I understand you don't like the "doesn't know" part - I suppose I find it easier to go with for B/D because their relationship would have been frowned on by almost everyone, and I can see that they would most probably have been brought up to believe it wouldn't even be a possibility, to the extent that they might not even recognise it.

I do see it as very different from that Doyle/Murphy story though (the Landbridge series (http://www.thecircuitarchive.com/tca/archive/4/landbridge.html), by Jane Mailander, I think you mean?) I can't in a million years go with the idea that Doyle could replace Bodie with someone else, no matter how hard it's portrayed as being for him (or vice-versa). Once they know, then they'd be each other's irreplaceable truth.

I do see the connection going both ways in Cards and Cards on the Table though. Doyle continues to write to Bodie for years, even though Bodie never writes back to him. Bodie is always there for him. And Bodie feels the connection too - he doesn't seem to worry at all about the idea that if he doesn't reply, Doyle will give up on him - he knows Doyle won't. He makes a joke of it, even, in the first story - something about knowing Doyle didn't need him to respond to carry on a conversation with him - but it's only a joke because it's so deeply true. And sure enough, Bodie can just turn up on Doyle's doorstep, and Doyle is so happy to see him, and able to talk to him about what's happened. I wouldn't buy it if they fell into bed together there and then - that's a bit like Bodie having seen that London has changed so much whilst he's been away. At the heart of it, it's still London, still his home - but he'll still need to be careful not to get lost on new roads, to feel his way carefully through the new mobile phone etiquette and so on. Doyle is still home, but there's a new daughter, and new habits and responsibilities that he has to feel his way carefully through. And Doyle must have those thoughts about Bodie too, except that we don't find out about them, because it's written from Bodie's pov. It'd be interesting to try and write this from Doyle's pov actually...

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I suppose I knew he wouldn't stay once CI5 was gone and scattered to the wind. I couldn't imagine being anywhere but in London, and going back to the Met was like going home again, except that thanks to George Cowley I not only knew what needed to be done, but knew how to go about doing it as well. Bodie though...

There was never a chance that he might jump with me, though I tried to persuade them it'd work, and I couldn't see him going back to the army - don't know how he managed that in the first place, he was never overly reliable about doing what he was told. He hinted once that bloke Nairn had been about to throw him out, when Cowley stretched his long arm and caught him - then he rabbited on about being too good for them to lose, but I knew him by then, knew that he knew his own wildness, and it scared him some times. Same as mine does me. Its why we were both so good in CI5, I suppose, but everyone's got to grow up sometime - only Bodie still didn't quite believe that, back then. Before I could come up with anything else, he announced he was moving to the States, going into partnership with a mate over there, and then - then he was gone, and I was struggling more than I'd expected to with my new job.

It hurt that he'd gone - that he was out playing cowboys and Indians with some other bloke, and for the first year I kept hoping he'd realise it was just a game that he was playing, that we needed him here. That I did. But time stretched on, and when he did come back for brief holidays, or - once or twice - for work, he sounded so full of it all, this new life he was living. Not that we didn't have a good time when he came over - if we couldn't paint the town red any more, we managed something close, and there was that week we went up to the Dales with Jax and Susan, and a few of the others I'd kept in touch with. It felt like the hardest thing ever, when I saw him off again at Heathrow, and there was a part of me that wanted to pack it all in, catch the next plane out to JFK and track him down, but of course I couldn't do that. There was always a little bit of me that wished I had though - that nagged at me over the sound of George Cowley's voice, which was pretty much still in the back of my head then. Him and his bloody roses and lavender.

Hmmn... *g* Or summat like that... See, it doesn't have to be one-sided Bodie! And I admit I've gone off the track of your comment there, but it was either that or get back to work... which, dammit, I need to do even more now...

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

I couldn't make last week's discussion, so first, thank you for reminding me about Cards and its sequels. I'd forgotten how much I love it/them.

I could never figure out why I liked it so much, but you've put your finger on it for me - there's a light touch to the writing that leads you along without making you work too hard, but at the same time allowing plenty of room to wonder what's going to happen next, and just enough uncertainty to stop you getting complacent as you read.

I'm normally child-averse in fanfic, but now and then there's a story like this where having a child in the mix enriches the story for me because of Doyle's relationship with her, and the things it implies about his life without Bodie.

And yes! Having read it again, it does feel hopeful at the end - though I recall the first time I read it I had my doubts *g*

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I seem to forget how much I love the Cards stories too - although I suppose that makes it sweeter to come back to them each time... *g*

I'm very impressed by your putting your finger on the finger of what I apparently said - and I'd just like to say, exactly! *g*

and the things it implies about his life without Bodie.
Yes! That's it again - it's not, for me, that Doyle's found a life without Bodie, it's that what he's found emphasises that Bodie isn't there, and tells me something more about why he should be... *g*

We'll have to see what does happen in the final thrilling installment!

[milomaus.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, busiest day of the week....

I enjoyed all the parts you discribed so very much, and Kirrins way of showing us, instead of telling is fabulous!

Agree with you totally on Doyle's daughter in this story!

I always hope. Always!

[solosundance.livejournal.com]

1. I liked it a lot - her style is a pleasure to read :)

2. I thought Bodie's mix of fear and desire and anticipation was really well done, and then Doyle being just like he's always been and yet so obviously *not*. Having him in the cab and travelling towards Doyle was a great way to keep the tension and momentum. I'm glad we got a description of where Doyle's living and a glimpse into him as both father and big cheese. Hee, I loved the telephone conversation and Bodie's comment about the missing Scottish accent :) The one little (or not so little, heh) thing I frowned about was Bodie's erection. Now I know blokes can't help themselves and so on, but I felt a bit short-changed that it wasn't expanded on. Oh god, there is no way to do this without sounding unintentionally smutty... So he's jetlagged, been feeling sick and hot and unwell, he's full of fear and anticipation (but not, I didn't take it, of desire for sex). And then he hears the door inside the house and he gets an erection? Fine if it had been followed up (Doyle noticed it, a link to his thoughts about Doyle, he had to cover it, he lost it, it got more uncomfortable whatever… ) But he just got an erection, was horrified and that was it. I feel short-changed (and I don't necessarily mean I wanted something sexual to come of that, I just wanted it to fit in somewhere… oh god, I'll just shut up now!) Hee!!

3. If kids are well drawn in fic I don't generally have a problem with them. As long as we're still talking B/D I quite like the idea of that kind of fulfillment for either of the lads (should they want it of course). But kids can provide the extra dimension of creating a possible barrier to the lads getting together, or a reason for it, or a source of emotional upheaval. Which, as a writer, I find all to the good! Doyle's daughter was nicely characterised and I enjoyed the glimpse of him as a father.

4. Well I think I feel hopeful. We know how Bodie feels and what he wants, and there are hints that only he can make Doyle happy. But see point 3 above - having a wife (even estranged) and a kid can only make things more difficult for Doyle. Because he'll want to put his daughter first.

5. I'm fairly confident they will be together (as in committed) by the end, but I'm interested to see how the family stuff is sorted out.

[moonlightmead.livejournal.com]

What a great introduction to this story. That was really interesting to read. Thanks!

I've read this story a few times over the years. Initially I met it on the CD, where it is in two parts. Then I found the author's website, where it's in two parts, but preceded by Cards. And in the zine (Motet 3), there are two separate stories: Cards, at the start; and then Cards on the Table, as one story in two parts, some way through the zine. I'm still trying to work out which arrangement I like best :)

1) What did you think? *g*
2) Did you like/dislike this (little) part to their story? Why?
I like it a lot. I think I liked it more on a second reading, because the first time I was on my initial plunge through the CD. I was still getting used to older lads fiction then. I think the writing is excellent. So much is suggested in short phrases - the pyjamas, "covered in cartoon characters Bodie did not recognise", for example - that's all we get to show us that whatever his experience in America, he's clearly not familiar with kids (so hasn't engaged much with co-workers who have families, for example), and that times have moved on - so that what he remembers as characters of his childhood are gone, replaced. (There's another fascinating one in the next story, but I shall be quiet about that one for now!)

3) I'm usually not very comfortable when one of them is given a child, but Kirrin makes it work here, I think. Or perhaps I can deal with it better because the rest of the story works so well. What do you think of Doyle having a daughter?
I am not a fan of kidfic at all. I really can't think of many I am keen on which involve kids - Absolution (by Angelfish, in NFA 2), When It All Comes Tumbling Down (by marjorammax)... erm... I expect there's some more... oh, there's an HG one, but whether you count it as Pros is probably debatable. But I am okay with this one. I believe in Doyle as a father in it... "'The day they're born you swear you'll do anything to protect them,' said Doyle softly. 'And in the end you can't even protect them from yourself.'" ...

4) Did you feel hope at the end, or are you still worried for our lads?
5) What do you think is going to happen next? Do you reckon it's going to work out? *g*
I know what's going to happen, so um :) But when I first read it, again, I thought that was the ending - eep! A sort of frozen unrequited relationship: Bodie ever-present for a Doyle who was mourning the loss of his marriage, and unlikely ever to be recognised for what he offered, and at risk of Doyle transferring his allegiances if he fell for another woman or there was a chance at reconciliation. And Doyle not realising until too late, if ever. And I thought that was worryingly plausible.

I am good at this prediction lark, me.

[alessa-dd.livejournal.com]

1) What did you think? *g*
2) Did you like/dislike this (little) part to their story? Why?
I liked the beginning, and Bodie is so adorable worrying about how it looks. Works well the whole thing feel out of place, but I do not think he would take a long time to readjust.
The way the writer makes us part of the reunion is great: no names: Suddenly the lights brightened and a door slammed somewhere, and I hope one neighbor who goes shopping or someone who takes his dog for a walk.
... Someone coming down the stairs three at a time. Okay, I'm getting a little anxious. Ah, finally! Ten years, millions of unspoken words, and they just needed that hug, every lost thing back to where it belongs, all is well again. For now.

3) I'm usually not very comfortable when one of them is given a child, but Kirrin makes it work here, I think. Or perhaps I can deal with it better because the rest of the story works so well. What do you think of Doyle having a daughter?
Ouch. That is an extremely sensitive point. Particularly, I do not like stories with wives, much less the stories where there are children. Why did I have to read how loving is Ray with his daughter, if what I read is how loving can be with Bodie?
I am selfish, but the whole thing of the children does not work for me. I admit it was nice to see Ray comforting his daughter, but no matter how well run the parent-daughter in the story, I hope that their appearances are brief.

4) Did you feel hope at the end, or are you still worried for our lads?
Any hopes he may have had, was buried with a wedding ring and a man who cries: I want my family, it's the only one I've ever had and I want it back.

5) What do you think is going to happen next? Do you reckon it's going to work out? *g*
I'm a believer, I believe in happy endings. But up here, I find the picture very discouraging. Yes, Bodie is back, and Ray is alone and suffering and needs him. But Ray still mourning the loss of his wife. And Ray can be quite stubborn. It will take time and a little more, so that Ray will be able to give Bodie a chance.
Something I cannot define very well, he's squeezing my guts.