Foreplay

Fanfiction
Title:	Foreplay
Author(s):	Elizabeth Holden
Date(s):	2001, 2003
Length:
Genre(s):	slash, Bodie/Doyle
Fandom(s):	The Professionals
Relationship(s):	Bodie/Doyle
External Links:	PDF version online
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"Foreplay" by Elizabeth Holden is a Professionals slash Bodie/Doyle story. It was originally published in The Bisto Kids in 2001. It was posted to publisher's website on March 2003.

Reactions and Reviews

"'Foreplay' by Elizabeth Holden - 12pp. Another first time story that takes place over a day. The story is broken down into sections by time. It is a good balance of a case and their developing relationship, and the two seem to be tied in intensity. As the case develops and gets to a height, so does their feelings.

It begins perfectly innocently, but the reader knows that they both want one another, but we do not know how soon they will admit to this. The dialogue is good and tight and tense, as is the narrative. The first kiss takes place in the open, hidden between two houses. Elizabeth makes this seem perfectly natural and although the risk of discovery is there, it adds to the balance of the story and the tension.

There is a lot of teasing, both covert and overt and their sexual feelings are growing and building throughout and the reader wonders when they will break.

Well written, well characterised, subtle balance in the humour, tension, friendship, lust, caring and closeness. A story that builds up and concludes well. Good from start to finish."

[I chose this story] because it reads just like a Pros episode, but with the slash.

It is so true to the episodes you could play ‘spot the scene’; the early-morning caff from ‘The Gun’, Doyle’s sunglasses (‘Fugitive’, ‘Mixed Doubles’), lads close together to look at papers (‘Long Shot’)... Try it at home.

The plot is rather simple, no double- or triple-think, but that is balanced by the tension created in the Bodie/Doyle relationship. Plausibly it is just one of their more routine operations, but they still have to work long and hard to get the result.

The episode quality comes from the timing and pace; the lads work together, they split up, they regroup, they eat lunch, they work together again, they back each other up, they join Cowley for the interrogation…

Holden also ‘edits’ the action with the crisp pace of an episode, each scene is short and self-contained. They’re in Cowley’s office for a briefing; they’re on the street forming a plan of action; they’re at MI6…

The other characters are also very plausible in the Pros universe. The vignettes of Diana’s two bereaved friends are very true to ‘life’, as well as a poignant reminder of the consequences of her death, in fact of the sudden death of any ordinary young person...."

"Well, that was definitely a fun read. Fun and action packed, and the chemistry between Bodie and Doyle is fantastic. Also, hot and quite romantic. The "don't reconsider – never" bit was just heart-melting."