Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. If I did I'd be negotiating with the writers as we speak.
Okay—Chapter 2. I'm so much better at one shots. So this may seem a bit transitional in places, but if it gets me where we want to go……forgive me.
And a huge THANK YOU to all of you who reviewed. I was very giddy on Sunday. Just ask my son and husband. I hope I don't let you down.
Chapter 2
Call on me. I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me. Ever the Same—Rob Thomas
Beth woke up. She was not surprised to find herself in Mick's apartment. The surprise was to find herself still in Mick's arms. He had fallen asleep holding her safe. With a small sigh she settled closer, enjoying the feel of his arms around her.
He loved her. He had told her that last night. She felt like a piece of her heart had healed. Beth studied Mick's face. He looked so peaceful in sleep, so young. She couldn't resist reaching up to touch him.
Mick's eyes fluttered open and his face broke into a happy smile.
"Good morning. I'm so glad this wasn't a dream," he said, giving her a little squeeze.
Beth smiled back. She could see the early morning sun starting to lighten the room.
"Mick, don't you have to sleep in the day? It's morning," she said worriedly.
"I slept. This was so much nicer. I couldn't disturb you. You needed the sleep," Mick said sitting up. Beth hated to leave his arms, but she got up from the couch.
"Thank you Mick," she said self-consciously. She touched the disk hanging around her neck. "I have two angels now.
Mick looked uncomfortable and got to his feet.
"Would you like some coffee?" he asked heading to the kitchen.
"I'd love some," she said following him. He stopped.
"Beth…. I ….uh…"
"If you are thinking of taking back anything you said last night I'm leaving. Don't tell me it was a mistake and you didn't mean it. I couldn't bear it." Beth said softly.
"Beth, no," Mick protested. He came around the island and took hold of her shoulders. "Beth, I do love you. I won't take that back. I was trying to ask if we could do something tonight. It is still Valentine's Day." Hope was showing in his eyes.
"Oh," Beth said in pleasant relief. "I forgot. I guess I'm still touchy. I'm sorry."
"You're forgiven," he said kissing her on the forehead. "Dinner might prove awkward, how about a movie?"
"So you can nibble on my neck in the dark?" Beth giggled. "Ooh sorry."
"It's a good to see you smile," Mick said with a quick hug. "Coffee coming up." He went back to the coffee pot.
"How about dancing?" Beth suggested, leaning on the counter.
"I'd have thought your visits to Club Valis would have cured you of clubs," Mick grinned.
"I wasn't thinking of clubs. Something more old-fashioned."
Mick shook his head in amusement.
"Nice try Beth. I'd rather not take that trip down memory lane," he said. "I'm sure we can find something more in the here and now."
"Okay," she agreed brightly. It felt so good to have a normal conversation. And Mick didn't look at her like she'd crumble at any moment. Trying to be brave in front of everyone had become tiring.
Mick brought her a mug of coffee.
"Aren't you having anything?" she asked, accepting the mug. "You don't have to hide things from me. If I can't handle the sight of you drinking blood, we're in a lot of trouble."
"Okay," he said slowly and went and poured himself a glass of blood from his supply. Beth watched him curiously.
"What? Do you want a taste?" he teased.
"No." Beth blushed. "Does it have taste to you, or is it just sustenance?"
"Oh, there is taste. Just like wine Beth, some of you are better vintages than others," he said with a wicked grin.
"I'll keep that in mind," Beth said dryly. "I suppose you were to out of it to remember how I tasted."
Mick moved close to her, forcing her to look up at him. He ran a finger along her jaw, to her ear and then down her neck to her collarbone.
"You were delicious," he said staring at the vein in her neck. Beth blushed even deeper.
There came a click from Mick's door lock and the door swing open. Josef strode in as if he owned the place. He quickly took in the scene before him. Mick and Beth stood so close, they were almost touching. Beth held her coffee mug and was staring up at Mick. Mick stood transfixed, staring at Beth's neck, his glass of blood dangling from his fingertips.
"This is cozy. Please, pretend I'm not here." Josef quipped as he walked in. He dashed forward to catch Mick's glass as it slipped from his fingers. Josef caught it and took a sip, as Beth stepped away from Mick. "Why don't you ever have AB negative?" he asked handing the glass back to Mick. "Hello Beth."
"Don't you ever knock?" Mick muttered.
Josef walked past him and gave Beth a surprising quick hug. "You're looking better," he said softly.
"Thanks," Beth said. "I'm feeling better, today."
"Well," Josef said abruptly and swung back to Mick. "I was going to suggest poker tonight. The new digs aren't as nice as the old but will do until the reconstruction is finished. Am I correct that you'll be turning me down?"
Mick nodded. "That's right. I have plans."
"We have plans," Beth added.
Josef looked at Mick with raised eyebrows.
"Well, well, well." Josef rubbed his hands together. "Isn't this sweet. Are you two dating now?"
"Josef!" Mick admonished. "Will you please shut up."
Beth choked on a laugh at the look on Josef's face. The older vampire looked flabbergasted. She had never seen him look at a loss.
Mick draped an arm around Josef's shoulders and steered him towards the door.
"It's Valentine's Day buddy. Give me a break," he said under his breath. "She's very vulnerable right now. I have to be careful not to hurt her. No jokes Josef."
"You hurt her and you'll answer to me," Josef replied just as soft. "Good luck."
"Bye Josef. I'll be in touch," Mick said louder for Beth's benefit. He closed the door and turned back to Beth.
"Sorry about him. Tact is not one of Josef's strong points," he said as he came back to her.
"He's special just as he is," Beth said taking a sip of coffee. She glanced at her watch. "I should go. Mo will expect me in even if I did stay late last night. I'm glad I did. "
"Me too."
Beth paused for a moment. She looked at Mick in embarrassment.
"My car is at Buzz Wire. I'll have to call a cab."
"I'll take you."
"No, I'll call a cab. It's okay." She had her phone out and made the call before Mick could protest further. She looked up. "Ten minutes. No problem. Mick that's the best I have slept in a long time. Thanks."
"No problem." Mick took her mug and set it next to his glass on the counter. "I'll pick you up at seven if that's okay?"
"Come to Buzz Wire, I'll be changed and ready. Uh, what should I be changing into?" she asked.
"Not too dressy. I have an idea. I hope you aren't disappointed," he asked, noting the look on her face.
"No, intrigued," Beth said. "I can't wait to see what you have in mind."
"Good, I like seeing you smile again," Mick said and then kissed her lightly. She kissed back, feeling her heart skip a beat. It was a sweet, gentle kiss. Beth felt Mick was holding back. She had been so angry after Josh died; she had said so many angry things to him. It touched her heart that he wanted to slowly win her back. There was a sweet old-fashioned air to him.
"I'll see you tonight," Beth said. "Get some real rest, okay?"
"As you wish," Mick smiled. "I'm glad you aren't still angry with me."
Beth nodded her eyes solemn.
"I know that I was wrong to ask what I did. I know how I hurt you. I was angry at myself and I struck out at you. I'm glad you could forgive me."
"It's over. Let's start fresh."
"Fresh. I like that," Beth agreed. Her phone rang and she dug it back out of her bag. "Hey Mo, what's up?"
"Hate to nag Beth, but the three robbery suspects are in court at 10:30 this morning. Can you cover?"
"Sure. I'm not sure that the court appearance will reveal anything new."
"Let's be thorough, okay?"
"Okay." Beth clicked off and made a face.
"A morning at the courthouse. Will you be okay?" Mick asked.
"I forgot about your hearing. Yea, I just get to tell all Josh's friends that I'm okay. I've got to learn to deal with this." Beth did not look happy at the prospect.
Mick picked up her coat and held it out so she could slip into it. She smiled at him as she did so.
"Such a gentleman." She commented. "I'll be ready at seven. I'm afraid I'm going need something to take my mind off today."
"I can promise you that," Mick said kissing her on the cheek. "Now get going so your boss doesn't keep you after work."
"I'd like to see her try."
Mick saw her to the door. It was hard to let her leave the apartment. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and make her stay with him. Standing in the doorway he watched her until the elevator doors closed. He felt lighter in spirit than he had in a long time.
End chapter.
Well I'm trying to envision how far I can go with this.
My chapter lengths will vary. I'm working on chapter 3, date night as such. Please review. I know I don't always nail the characters well. I'm trying for a less brooding Mick. Let me know if I'm close.
Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews. It touches my heart to have so many read this.
