The Pros Advent Story Calendar - Day 15 - I Saw Three Ships by Gael X. Ile

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Title: I Saw Three Ships
Author: Gael X. Ile
Link to the story: Circuit Archive link or Oblique Publications link (pdf files)
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle

M Fae Glasgow, writing as Gael X. Ile - this story could easily be described as sugar-centred because there is a gorgeous, undeniable sweetness within. It wouldn't be MFae, though, without hints of tartness on the surface, a slightly sour note or two ensuring the love story doesn't become overly cloying: do not fear to read, however, all is happily resolved.

Bodie is visiting relatives, about to endure yet another predictable, soul-destroying, ordinary family Christmas, missing the one person from his past who could imbue the day with meaning. Truthfully, his family aren't altogether awful, although if one had to experience them for a full day after a cold night on a top bunk under a Star Wars duvet, after sharing quarters with an flatulent eight year old, anticipating Aunt Brenda's complaints and countless other mundanities in the morning, one might be tempted to leg it, just as Bodie does.

Of course there's only one place he can go, and one person who is glad to see him, having his own reasons for avoiding family, and there is something quite brilliant about the way MFae keeps the promise of the morning hovering, until both men receive it with open arms.

It was turning on them, the way it always did, changing from the sweet lightness of camping it up with each other, to this, this congealing silence. There'd be an argument next, splitting them apart, wedging a no-man's-land between them, putting them both back firmly in the land of friends only, nothing more just that, don't touch, don't get too close...
Not today. He wasn't going to let it happen today. (On Christmas Day, On Christmas Day)

Comments

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

Yeah, one of my favorites! And for just the reasons you state: it's warm and sweet center, with with enough tartness to keep it from being too sweet. Lovely story.

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

It's perfect Christmas - I do usually leave it for Christmas, because I can take all kinds of sugary treats then.

There are some nods to fandom too - for example in the 'blokes at work" talking about Bodie's "Gothic Family" *g*

And the song - I love that song.

[snailbones.livejournal.com]

I love this one thank you! Bodie running off to Doyle, and the long sweet build up...

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Isn't it just! The carol's perfect too - one of my favourite Christmas songs, ever.

[jessebee.livejournal.com]

Such a lovely story, this! *g*

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes, many times yes! Always leaves me happy.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Her stories are always interesting, but I think this is near my favorite. I don't like overly sweet stories, but I'm not a fan of stories that are too far the other way. But sweet and tart really do compliment each other.