Discovered in the Tinsel and Glitter Day 22: And to All a Good Night
“No plum pud, no Christmas biscuits, no crackers, no mince pie, no stockings, no tree . Not really a traditional Christmas Eve, this,” Bodie whinged looking around the empty office Cowley had them spending the holiday in. They were to be keeping an eye on one Charles Conroy, gun runner, residing in the building across the street. “I’m pretty sure I made the ‘nice’ list.”
Doyle rolled his eyes at the complaining. “No. I don’t think sitting under the tree cleaning your gun gets you on Father Christmas ‘nice’ list.”
Bodie laid back on his sleeping bag. “What did you ask the ol’ gent for?
“My pay rise.”
Bodie yawned. “So predictable, mate. Guess what I’m hoping for?”
“Didn’t think louts got pressies.”
“Very funny.” Bodie laced his hands behind his head and studied his partner. “What was Christmas Eve like at the Doyle household? Do you have any favourite memories?”
“Not many.” Doyle sat silently for a bit. “I guess it would have to be the Christmas stockings. My Mum made sure we hung them and no matter how little we had, she always managed to fill a stocking for us - nothing fancy , usually fruit or biscuits, sometimes a couple pence.” Bodie watched as a small smile emerged. “Yeah, the stockings. How about you?”
“Christmas dinner.”
“Speaking of predictable, no surprise there, mate.”
“Gran would cook all day. The flat smelled like I imaged heaven would.” Bodie rubbed his hands together.
Doyle laughed. “I can picture a little Bodie running around, chin smeared with frosting/icing calling for seconds.”
“And thirds.”
Quiet memories settled between them. Bodie got more comfortable in his blankets and Doyle continued his cleaning his weapon.
The silence was broken as footsteps and a cold breeze climbed up the stairs to their room. Doyle raised his gun. Bodie sat up quickly and looked at Doyle in horror. “You’re not going to shoot Father Christmas?!”
Doyle sighed heavily as he moved alertly to the top of the stairs.
“Stand down, both of you,” Cowley called from the floor below.
Doyle put the safety back on his weapon. “Sorry, was surprised to see you here, sir.” He hoped Cowley couldn’t see the redness he could feel on his cheeks.
“I was on my way home from the ministry and thought I’d stop to check on things. Any action across the way?”
“No, sir. All the baddies seem to be tucked up snug in their beds - with visions of...”
“Thank you, Bodie.” Cowley glared at him. “I’ve brought a little something to keep the chill off.” He took a half bottle of whisky out of his coat. “And Murphy is on his way up with your dinner. He and Anson have the watch from across the street until six tomorrow mornig. Get some rest.” He headed back down the stairs and turned to face them before opening the door. “Reports due to me after Boxing Day.”
“Thank you, sir and Happy Christmas.”
He left them on their own.
Murphy and Anson arrived a little later and brought in a couple of take-away bags.
“Would you look at this,” Murphy exclaimed as they entered the office. “Lads all nestled and snug in their blankets.”
“Very funny,” Doyle replied, flicking his fingers in their direction. “Now dash- away, dash- away with you both.”
“It’s Christmas mate, be nice.” Bodie brought out the bottle Cowley left and they all shared a dram.
“Good stuff,” Murphy nodded his thanks, “but we’ve got to go. Some of us are working tonight.” He and Anson left with a ‘Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!’”
When they were alone again Bodie smiled, passed out the food and took another long pull on the bottle. “Not a bad old sod is our George.” He handed the whisky to his partner.
“Despite the surroundings and the fact Cowley has us working tonight, I’m enjoying spending this Christmas here with you.”
“Oh, yes?” Doyle shivered and reached for his blanket.
“Yes. So why don’t you put your gun away and come settle down here with me for a long winter’s nap.”
“As you wish, Mr Moore.” He moved over to Bodie’s blankets and lay down.
Bodie ran a finger gently along Doyle’s cheek, pressed a kiss to his forehead and whispered, “We still have a bit of time to get on the ‘naughty’ list!”
"True," Doyle smiled and rolled into Bodie's arms.
Title:And to All a Good Night
Author: merentha13
Slash or Gen: slash
Archive at ProsLib/Circuit: sure
Disclaimer: Borrowing the lads- just for fun
Notes: Special thanks to Ali15son for letting me decorate her screen cap