Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. And I am getting really nervous about CBS' announcement about renewal this week.

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Chapter 4

Mick hung his head for a moment and then looked up at Josef with pain filled eyes.

"What if something goes wrong? What if I kill her instead of turning her?" he asked in almost a whisper.

Josef's expression gentled. He knew Mick was thinking of Sara. The memory hurt but he understood.

"Hey buddy. I get it and I do understand. You have to know that turnings gone bad are rare. Just because I failed doesn't mean you will. If you want her and she wants this, do it. Or she may find someone else," he warned.

"You wouldn't, would you?" Mick asked.

"I didn't mean me."

"Rayna?"

"I don't know if she's sired anyone," Josef said stopping to think on it. "Another question for Beauty when she returns. See, you have the advantage of knowing Beth's whole life. I'm still playing catch up with Rayna."

"Don't tell me you are not enjoying it," Mick said his mood lifting.

"Oh, I'm enjoying it. And I have all the time in the world to get the answers. Try it Mick, you'll like it," Josef advised. "Talk to her. I understand your concerns but I'm sure you'll be a great sire. You worry too much."

Mick nodded and dropped his eyes to his hands clenched in his lap.

"Is there something more?" Josef asked suspiciously. "Mick?"

"It will mean its over," he said barely above a whisper.

"What's over?" Josef pounced.

"Any hope of being mortal again. Once Beth turns I will have no reason to hope."

Josef sighed and rubbed his temples.

"I thought we were done with that. Mick the cure wasn't a cure. I was under the impression you were okay with that."



"I am," Mick said. "I just…..I.. oh I don't know. As long as Beth is human I still had a small hope. I know it's stupid. It's just a dream that's hard to let go."

He looked so hurt, Josef took pity on him.

"Mick, talk to Beth. Tell her your fears. All of them. And decide now if you are a vampire or not," Josef directed. It was time his friend decided what world he was living in. "Being human really isn't all it's cracked up to be. Your memories are all of being young; check out what life is like for the elderly. Being human would no guarantee that you and Beth will grow old together. Humanity is iffy."

Mick thought on it. Josef had a very valid argument. He was aware that humanity did not deliver on a lot of promises. They could lose each other so easily. He had been happy with Beth over these last years and he wanted that to continue.

Josef relaxed as he watched the changing expressions on Mick's face.

"So buddy, what are the plans for the blonde's birthday?" he asked.

"Philippe and Cynthia are coming."

"Well, well. A family reunion," Josef smirked. "Won't that be cozy? Any other relatives dropping by?"

"No," Mick said firmly. "The guest list stops at them and you, Rayna and Anthony."

"A milestone birthday requires a milestone gift. So what's your idea?"

"Well if Beth is joining the tribe, I'm going to need a new freezer. What do you think a deluxe large sized one?"

Josef gaped at Mick as if he lost his mind. Could his friend be so clueless?

"Mick, Mick my friend. Have you ever heard that you never, ever give a woman an appliance for their birthday? I have never heard anything more appalling in my long lifetime. It might be practical but Beth will hand you your head."

Mick struggled to keep a straight face, but lost the battle.

"I'm kidding Josef. Although I will need a new freezer. I have a special idea for her gift. You can help me."

"What do you need?" Josef asked with interest.

"I need a vamp friendly hotel in New York. Beth and I missed our chance the last time. I want to give us a second opportunity," Mick explained.

Josef nodded, remembering why they had been in New York. He gave Mick an approving smile.



"Much better idea. The townhouse is sitting empty and its vamp friendly. I can supply names and numbers if you want fresh meals. It will be less hassle and more private," Josef added generously. A flash of sadness crossed his face. Sara had slipped away naturally a year and a half ago. Having Rayna had not lessened the blow. Josef had gone to New York alone to see to the details.

He had not returned for a month and no one heard from him. When Mick became concerned, he suggested going after him, but Rayna had stopped him in no uncertain terms. She told him to be patient, knowing Josef would return when ready. Mick's respect for her had grown.

Since then, Josef had not been able to part with the townhouse. The thought of his friends having some happiness there felt right. Mick and Beth were just what the house needed.

"That's very generous Josef, but you don't have to do that," Mick protested. "I know what it means to you."

"Hey, it needs some happy memories. Help me out here. Enjoy yourselves and don't steal my towels," Josef grinned.

"Thanks Josef," Mick said getting up to shake his friend's hand. "Beth will love it."

"Go home and talk to her. Be honest. Get over your doubts and give Beth what she wants. I'll lend you the jet if you make the right choice."

"That's blackmail Josef," Mick chuckled.

"I do what I can," Josef replied leaning back in his chair. He smiled up at the vamp closest to him. "Go talk to your lady. Do the right thing."

"And Granny Fortuna?" Mick asked.

"Find out what you can. I'm sure she's just a vamp with weird habits but I want to know. I want Rayna to return safe."

"I'll check into it," Mick promised. "I'll let you know what I learn. And tell her you miss her, she may come home early," he suggested.

"Honesty? Wow, why didn't I think of that? Oh, wait, it would blow my image," Josef cracked.

"Not with Rayna," Mick said heading for the door. "She probably misses you too."

He saw Josef reach for the phone as he left the room.

End chapter.

Well the counseling is almost over. I think we are wearing Mick down. His fears just have to be shot down one by one. Please let me know what you think. Once again, thumbs up or thumbs down?