It's a giant thrill ride that never ends

Let Go - Part 19

2008-10-19T00:21:24Z

Title: Let Go - Part 19
Rating: R
Pairing: Mick/Beth
Genre: Romance, Drama
Spoilers: thru "Fever" for sure
Summary: Set after "Fever." Someone is after Beth so she runs to the one place she feels safe...with Mick. As they work together to find her attacker, they have no choice but to deal with some truths they've been avoiding for too long.
Disclaimer: Moonlight and all its characters belong to Joel Silver. I'm just playing with their toys.

AN: Thanks to my wonderful beta Moonlighter for understanding grammar so I don't have to, lol. :-P

Part 19

Mick knew Carl was waiting to see his reaction so he let the unequivocal ‘no’ die on his tongue even though everything inside of him rebelled at the idea. Instead, he deferred his attention to Beth, letting her decide how she wanted to handle it.

Luckily, Beth didn’t suffer from the same kind of restraints and didn’t hesitate to tell Carl, “No.”

“Beth, that wasn’t a question.”

“I don’t care, Carl. I want Mick here so go ahead and say whatever it is you want to say.”

Although he hated to do this to Beth, it was obvious reasoning wasn’t going to get him anywhere, which only left one option. “Look, we can either do this here or down at the station. It’s up to you.”

Beth just shook her head. “Oh, come on Carl. You know me.”

"Beth," Carl started to protest but it was Mick's hand on her arm that stopped her impending tirade.

Coming to his feet with Beth in tow, Mick said, "Give us a minute," before leading her into his office. As soon as they were safely ensconced behind the door, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"You're doing great," he whispered against her skin.

Beth relaxed against him, letting the tension momentarily drain from her body. "I'm sorry," she whispered into his chest.

"For what?"

"For Carl. And for Josh. I feel like strangling them both right now."

Mick grinned, "Me too. But don't worry about it. I can handle them."

But Beth wasn't so sure about that. If Carl even took Mick in for questioning, he could hold him for 24 hours without filing charges. And Beth knew she couldn't let that happen. Common sense alone told her that vampires and jail didn't mix.

Reluctantly, Beth pulled away from Mick's embrace and attempted to smile despite the butterflies that had taken up residence in her stomach. "Thanks, I needed that."

"Anytime," Mick winked, trying to lighten the mood a bit. And, despite everything, Beth still found herself grinning at his playful tone.

"I'm going to hold you to that." She squeezed his muscular shoulder, already feeling like she couldn't get back into his arms fast enough. But first she had an inquisition to endure. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for the battle to come.

Watching with his heart in his throat, Mick desperately wished for a way to spare her. Even knowing it was useless, that there were no other options, he still tried to offer her an out. "Beth," he pulled her close again, offering his silent support. "You don't have to do this."

Her arms tightened around him and he could almost feel her gathering herself. "Yes I do, Mick. I have to do this. I have to show Carl that you weren't involved and I have to show myself that I can face my fears. I'm not four years old anymore." She raised a hand to his face, lightly stroking his cheek. "And this time I won't be waiting for my guardian angel to save me because I know he's just a room away."

Beth smiled up at him and Mick struggled to smile back. Her words cut into him, a stinging reminder that Carl wasn't that far off the mark. He had watched Beth, had kept track of her all these years. So really, was he that much better than Beth's attacker?

With a slight shake of his head Mick did his best to dislodge those thoughts, vowing to tell her everything as soon as all this was over. Beth had enough to deal with right now and she needed his support. Pressing a gentle kiss to her lips, he pulled back just enough to whisper, "You can do this, Beth. You're the strongest woman I have ever known and I know that you can handle Carl on your own. But you won't have to, not really, because I'll be here the whole time. Just whisper my name and I swear I'll hear you, okay?"

Beth nodded, feeling a bit more relieved. She'd forgotten about his vampire hearing but just knowing that he'd be listening did a lot to allay her fears. With one last kiss she pulled away from Mick's strong embrace and headed for the door. It was time to get this over with, and she planned to give Carl a big piece of her mind.

Carl swiveled around at the sound of footsteps behind him, expecting to see Mick coming to escort him out. But it was Beth who stopped beside his chair, crossing her arms over her chest as she faced off with him. If she was going to do this– and really, what choice did she have– she wanted to set a few ground rules first.

“Mick is off-limits. He didn’t have anything to do with this, despite whatever Josh’s male pride may have told you, and I won’t put up with you treating him like a suspect. One word against him and I walk, got it?”

Having no problem lying to her, Carl submitted to her demands with a nod. Not that Beth really believed him. Still, she knew there was nothing more she could do so she reluctantly made her way to the couch, which suddenly seemed far too big and empty without Mick’s presence. But she swallowed back her fear and pressed on, sitting across from her inquisitor and waiting for the onslaught to begin.

She didn’t have to wait long.

Carl eased into things, not wanting to press too fast and have Beth clam up on him. “Can you think of anyone who has a grudge against you?”

“We think it was someone I did a story on. It’s not like I have enemies or anything.” Other than you if you keep going after Mick.

“Do any of the stories stand out? Maybe someone that struck you as particularly hostile.”

“Not that I can think of. I mean, the Fayed case got pretty intense and it was my last big story, but they would have sent a professional. And I guess the Lee Jay Spalding shooting may have upset somebody but I didn’t think there was anyone from his crew left.” She still shivered when she thought of that night so she quickly moved on. “Those are the only two that come to mind. Almost everything else was smaller and nothing really sticks out, but Mick has me working on a list to hopefully find the link.”

Looking up from his notebook, Carl held up a hand to stop her. “Wait, back up. You said Fayed would have sent a professional. How do you know your attacker wasn’t a pro?”

Because Mick and his cool vampire senses said so. Not that she could tell Carl that without increasing his suspicions. Better to play it safe and act like it was no big deal. “Well, I’m still alive and sitting here talking to you. That was kind of my first clue. A pro would have been better at his job, right?”

Carl nodded, impressed by her reasoning skills even after all she’d been through. “That’s the theory the department is going with, but I still think I’ll look into Fayed’s men just to be safe.”

Deciding it was time to edge a little closer to his real subject, Carl switched up his approach and hoped Beth wouldn’t catch on. “So Beth, what made you come here after the attack?” Beth glared at him and started to rise so he amended, “Hey, I didn’t break the rules. I never mentioned his name. I just need to understand everything that happened last night, including your thought process.”

Beth paused, feeling like she was about to walk through a mine field no matter which choice she made. Still, it wasn’t like she could really walk out so she perched herself on the edge of the seat, resigned to her fate. “Fine, but I don’t see why it matters. I was in trouble so I came to Mick for help. Big deal.”

“But why Mick? Why not the cops?”

Beth glared at the mention of Mick’s name but Carl just rolled his eyes and pressed even harder in his attempt to get to the truth. “Why not Josh? Come on, Beth. Tell me why you chose St. John over your own boyfriend.”

“Shut up,” Beth’s hands curled into fists and she fought to relax them, trying in vain to keep her cool. She hated what Carl was insinuating though she had to wonder if it was because he’d hit a little too close to the truth. Her body may have been faithful to Josh, but if she was honest, her heart had been cheating for months. And was that really any different?

More subdued now, Beth decided it was time to tell Carl the whole truth, at least as far as her decision was concerned. Maybe then he would realize Mick had nothing to do with her attack. “You want to know why I came to Mick? I came to Mick because I was scared, because I needed someone to protect me. He was the only person that I thought of once I got away. Not Josh, not you or the police. Mick. It’s Mick who I trusted to keep me safe and it was his arms I wanted to find comfort in.

Does that make me a bad person? No. Should I have broken up with Josh earlier? Probably, but that’s not a crime. And nothing happened between me and Mick until after I’d ended things with Josh, which I did bright and early this morning. So if you’re looking for a suspect maybe you should start with him.”

Carl sat back, letting it all sink in. But none of that changed the facts, no matter who had brought the details to his attention. It was time Beth knew the truth. Now he just had to figure out how to tell her.

“Tell me what you remember about your kidnapping.”

Beth blinked, caught entirely off guard by the abrupt change in topics. “I don’t want to talk about it.” That had been her standard response for 22 years and she uttered it without thinking, quickly slamming the door on those thoughts. But Carl wasn’t having it.

“They could be connected, Beth. I need to know what you know.”

“How could they be connected? It was over two decades ago, and in case you haven’t noticed, I’m all grown up now.” But now that he’d put the idea in her head she could feel herself begin to panic.

“Just humor me. This is important.”

Beth shook her head and tried to take a few deep breaths but it wasn’t helping. Carl was scaring her just as that officer had all those years ago and she could feel that old terror rising. Clutching for safer thoughts to steady herself, she pictured Mick in his office and remembered his promise. It helped but not nearly enough.

“Why can’t Mick be here?”

Carl let out an exasperated breath, not quite sure how to respond. There was no easy way to do this, especially after hearing the way Beth had spoken of Mick, so he finally decided to just get it over with.

“Because I looked at the notes in your file today, the ones about your kidnapping. It said the man who found you was a Private Investigator.” He paused, looking for any flicker of recognition from Beth before continuing. “His name was Mick St. John.

ML Fic: Let Go - Part 18

2008-10-13T15:06:10Z

Title: Let Go - Part 18
Rating: R
Pairing: Mick/Beth
Genre: Romance, Drama
Spoilers: thru "Fever" for sure
Summary: Set after "Fever." Someone is after Beth so she runs to the one place she feels safe...with Mick. As they work together to find her attacker, they have no choice but to deal with some truths they've been avoiding for too long.
Disclaimer: If Mick were mine I wouldn't be wasting my time writing about him. But alas, Moonlight and all of its characters are Joel Silver's babies, though I'd be glad to take them off his hands.

Part 18

Carl stayed silent, looking between Mick and Beth as his brain worked feverishly to figure out the best way to handle the situation. Unless Mick had somehow managed to brainwash her which, knowing Beth, he highly doubted, Beth’s vehement defense showed that Mick hadn’t done anything to hurt her…yet. But that didn’t mean he was innocent, especially after the ‘coincidence’ Josh had show him earlier. And until he knew for sure, he wasn’t about to tip his hand.

Meanwhile, Mick was busy kicking himself for being so slow. He’d picked up on Carl’s distrust the second he’d walked through the door but he’d brushed it off. Cops in general were a suspicious breed and simply being a P.I. and, therefore, an interloper in their eyes was explanation enough. What hadn’t made sense, however, was the way Carl’s heartbeat had spiked when he first saw Beth. Now he knew why, and he didn’t like it.

He didn’t like that anyone could think he was capable of hurting Beth, and he definitely didn’t like that Carl still considered him a suspect despite what Beth had told him. But what he hated most of all was that Josh was behind this whole snafu. He should have knocked the jackass out when he had the chance.

Shaking his head slightly, Mick tried to clear the red-hot haze that was clouding his brain. As hard as it was, he tramped down on his anger, placing it aside so he could focus on the problems at hand. Sliding on a cool facade, he nudged Beth towards the living room.

Surprised, Beth was slow to react. She’d expected Mick to unequivocally tell Carl to get lost, not invite him farther in. It didn’t make sense. Unless, she thought, he was only trying to get her out of the way. She placed her hands on her hips, fully intending to give him hell for attempting to dismiss her but the look on Mick’s face stopped her. He nodded once, as if he could see where her thoughts had gone. And below the barely leashed anger swirling in his eyes, Beth could see something softer, a silent plea for her to trust him. Without a second thought, she turned and started towards the living room, feeling the reassuring weight of Mick’s hand on her back as he fell into step behind her.

Mick didn’t bother inviting Carl to follow, figuring they were well beyond any veiled attempts at civility. But, after a beat, he heard Carl’s cautious footsteps behind them. Good, he thought with grim satisfaction. If they had to face an inquisition, they might as well be comfortable.

Always the gentleman, Mick waited for Beth to be seated before joining her on the couch. He resisted the urge to pull her to his side and opted instead for the adjoining cushion, being sure to keep a respectable distance between them. He wasn’t sure yet if Carl should know of his and Beth’s newfound closeness or if that could somehow make him look more guilty since obviously it was the attack that drove her into his arms, so he decided to err on the side of caution.

They hadn’t done anything yet to overtly announce their relationship and he intended to keep it that way until he was certain it was safe. But he’d forgotten about one thing…
Beth.

After Carl’s asinine assumption, Beth had no intention of hiding their relationship. She wanted no doubt about Mick’s importance in her life and, after their conversation earlier, she’d thought Mick felt the same. So she wasn’t about to let him put distance between them again. As soon as he was seated, Beth slid over until their thighs bumped, ignoring the look Mick gave her and reaching for his hand. As her fingers curled around his, she watched his eyes dart towards Carl, trying to get his silent message across. But she misread him, taking it as a reminder they had an audience.

Beth took her eyes off Mick long enough to watch Carl’s eyes grow wide as he took in their new position. Good, she thought smugly, let him see how wrong he was. But her smirk faltered when she looked back to Mick, seeing that he too was wide-eyed.

Turning her head so that only Mick could see, she mouthed, “What?” But Mick only shook his head, realizing it was to late now. The damage had been done and his only option was to embrace it, knowing that Carl would pick up on any uneasiness and construe it as proof he had something to hide. So he pasted on a smile, which turned genuine as soon as Beth smiled back.

“United front,” she whispered, squeezing his hand reassuringly and reminding him of his earlier promise. Just that easily, Mick’s misgivings took a back seat. Carl could think whatever the hell he wanted. The most important thing was being here for Beth.

Slipping his arm around her, Beth snuggled into his embrace and lightly rested her palm against his thigh. Without thinking, Mick placed his free hand on top of hers, unconsciously keeping her close, before once again bringing his attention back to Carl who’d been watching the whole exchange with uneasy fascination. Mick’s jaw clenched. “Ask your questions.” Then, one way or another, you’ll answer mine.

A bit surprised by the opening Carl was slow to respond, still trying to figure out Mick’s motives. But he could dissect that later. The most important thing right now was getting some concrete answers…and then getting Beth far away from St. John.

Doing his best to pretend this was just another interview, Carl pulled out his notebook and began the standard list of questions. “Start at the beginning, Beth. Walk me through last night, and don’t leave anything out.”

Beth shrugged, trying to play it off as no big deal even though just thinking about it was enough to make her tremble with ‘what if's.’ Mick's arm around her tightened, giving her the strength to find her voice. "I was working late finishing up a story. I went out to the parking lot and heard someone behind me so I ran. He grabbed my jacket but I guess he didn't have a good hold because I managed to pull away. Then I dove into my car and drove here. End of story."

If his suspicions were correct, that was nowhere near the end of it, Carl thought. Now he just had to prove it, one way or another. "I need more details, Beth. What did he look like? Did you notice any other cars? Anything out of place?"

But Beth was already shaking her head. "I already told you, I never got a good look at him. He was tall, over 6 feet, and he was wearing a hat."

Carl took down the notes even though it was nothing more than they already knew. "What about the cars?"

"Mine was the only one in the lot and nobody pulled out behind me, so I guess he must’ve parked somewhere else." She looked questioningly at Mick, waiting for him to back up her assertion. He nodded slightly, knowing that it made sense. Either her attacker had planned to use her car as the getaway vehicle or he’d had no intention of her leaving the lot, which was something Mick didn’t want to contemplate.

He held Beth a little tighter, needing that reassuring warmth against his side to keep from getting sucked into the dark thoughts swirling through his head. Beth felt his tenseness and slowly smoothed his denim-clad thigh with her free hand, her soothing strokes pulling him back to the present. The exchange wasn’t lost on Carl but he chose to ignore it, moving on to the next question on the list.

"Okay, let's backtrack a little. You left BuzzWire at 2:04 a.m., correct?"

At Beth's confused look, Mick softly explained, "the security video."

"Oh," Beth's eyes flashed with amused embarrassment and Mick had to fight a grin. Some investigative reporter she was. She glared at Carl, a bit annoyed at both his stupid question and her equally dense answer. "Then why did you ask if you already knew?"

Carl shrugged. "It's standard. Besides, it’s not unheard of for clocks to be wrong or tapes to be tampered with. It doesn't hurt to double-check." Actually, he thought, it was just a good way to segue to the next question. "Is that your normal leaving time?"

"News doesn't happen on a schedule, Carl. You know that. I stay until the story is done."

"Think about it, Beth. Did you fall into any kind of pattern this week? Were there a lot of late nights or was this the only one?"

Pausing for a moment, she thought back on the past week. It hadn't been that busy of a news week, she realized. Yet she'd stayed until after midnight each night, mostly so she'd have a reason to be out late for her nightly stops at Mick's apartment. And, she thought a bit guiltily, just maybe to avoid Josh and his boyfriendly concern.

Forcing her mind back to the moment she admitted, "I guess I've been working late a lot this week." She watched as Carl scribbled another note, wishing she knew what he was writing. But Mick had picked up on Carl’s train of thought immediately and Beth felt him give the slightest shudder, which was more than enough to put her on alert.

Mick could see her trying to put the pieces together and wished he could stop her, wished he could somehow spare her from the knowledge that was terrifying him. But he couldn’t. Beth could be too smart and inquisitive for her own good sometimes, and this was definitely one of those times.

It was entirely possible that someone had been watching her for God knows how long, just waiting for the perfect time to strike. The endless scenarios of what could have been rushed through his brain, haunting him as each scene became more gruesome than the last. And, judging by the death grip she now had on his hand, it hadn’t taken Beth long to echo his nightmares. He could kick his own ass for not being there, for not watching over her all because of some misconstrued logic that his distance would save her. Yeah, that worked out beautifully. But he was here now and she wasn't leaving his sight again, even if it meant traipsing across the desert to another no-star motel.

"Who knew you were working late?" Carl's question startled them both from their thoughts.

"Just Maureen, and I guess Josh. But we both know it wasn't them, or anyone else I know." She stressed the last part, reminding Carl she was still pissed at him for his suspicions.

"Don't be so sure, Beth. Anything is possible and everyone is a suspect until we rule them out. Which brings me to my next question." He switched his attention to Mick, challenging him with a steady glare. "Where were you at 2:04 last night?"

"Carl!" Beth warned, beyond outraged at the question. But Mick stayed relaxed, refusing to rise to the bait.
His eyes never wavering from Carl's, he uttered a single word. "Here." His tone made it clear there was no room for further questioning.

Carl sized him up for a moment before deciding it was a lost cause. St. John wasn’t about to break down and confess anytime soon. Besides, Carl figured now was as good a time as any to switch tactics. And he had a hunch this would infuriate Mick more than direct questioning ever would. Almost grinning in anticipation of St. John’s reaction, Carl issued his order and waited for the fallout.

"I need to talk to Beth alone. Now.”

ML Fic: Let Go - Part 17

2008-10-02T23:56:12Z

Title: Let Go - Part 17
Rating: R
Pairing: Mick/Beth
Genre: Romance, Drama
Spoilers: thru "Fever" for sure
Summary: Set after "Fever." Someone is after Beth so she runs to the one place she feels safe...with Mick. As they work together to find her attacker, they have no choice but to deal with some truths they've been avoiding for too long.
Disclaimer: Would we be in this situation right now if I owned them? Sadly, I'm just playing with the WB's toys.

AN: Yes, I'm still alive. My muse just took an extended vacation after the evil cancellation announcement, but I'm back in classes now so you should be able to expect more regular updates.

Part 17

Mick glanced over at Beth as they hit the top of the stairs, worried about how she would handle dealing with the cops. She’d been doing well since the attack but, then, she’d also been pretty distracted. Grinning at the memory, his eyes immediately sought the twin puncture marks on her neck as he remembered the taste of her on his tongue and how he’d lost himself in the sensation of being so completely joined. Then rational thought finally pervaded his Neanderthal mind and he froze, pulling Beth to a halt beside him. Oh shit, the bite marks. Way to reveal vampirism to the world, genius.

“What’s wrong?” Beth asked, watching the look of horror cross his face.

“Come on,” Mick dragged her back into the bedroom, not bothering to explain. Once inside, he pushed her towards the bed and hurried to the bathroom, digging out the first aid kit he’d bought after that first night he’d brought Beth into his home. Seeing her unconscious, her soft skin marred by various scratches from the car crash, had left him shaken by the knowledge there was nothing he could do to help her, no Tylenol or even a band-aid he could offer her. He’d went shopping the very next night, vowing to be prepared on the off-chance he needed to patch up Beth in the future. He’d just never thought he’d be treating her for his bite.

Returning to the bedroom, he watched Beth eye the first aid kit in his hand but she stayed silent. The knocking started up again, louder this time, but Mick tuned it out and dropped to his knees in front of her, placing the first aid kit beside her on the bed and reminding himself that he needed to hurry.

“I don’t want to explain this to the cops,” Mick explained hurriedly as he tore open a package of gauze with his teeth and pulled out a roll of tape. “Especially after the desert.” That was the last thing they needed, some observant cop wondering why she had marks on her neck that were identical to the ‘cuts’ she’d received in the desert.

Beth simply nodded and, as gently as possible, he covered her wounds with the gauze and quickly secured the tape in place. It wasn’t pretty but it would do. “If anyone asks…”

Beth jumped in to finish his thought as Mick floundered for a plausible excuse. “If anyone asks, I cut myself when I dove into the car.” She smiled at him reassuringly as he helped her to her feet and they started for the steps again.

“Is that what you told them last time?” Mick question as they once again reached the top of the steps, wondering how she’d possibly explained away two near-perfect holes in her wrist.

“No. I told them I was a klutz who never learned how to climb a fence. More importantly, I never learned not to try climbing a fence that had barbed-wire on top.” She grinned again and he smiled back, fighting off a laugh because that was definitely something he could see his headstrong Beth trying to do.

They reached the bottom of the steps and Mick immediately glanced at the security screen, surprised to see Carl pounding on the door. He squeezed Beth’s hand once again, thankful that at least this was someone she knew. They might just make it through this. Moving toward the door, Mick paused to watch Beth take a deep breath, clearly still worried even though it was only Carl. Ignoring the continued knocking, Mick pulled her closer, pressing a quick kiss to her lips and offering a whispered reminder against her skin. “I’m here,” he breathed. “You’re not alone.”

Beth offered him a smile, feeling slightly calmed by his words and nearness. She had nothing to fear as long as he was by her side and she knew it, so when he paused again with his hand poised on the door handle, she merely nodded her okay.

Carl’s gut had been churning since the second Josh placed that file folder in his hands and the longer he stood outside Mick’s door, the more uneasy he felt. Nothing about this entire situation felt right and he suspected St. John was the only one who might have some answers…if he ever answered the door.

Just as he finished that thought, the door began to open and Carl immediately stepped forward, subtly situating himself in the doorway just in case Mick got any ideas about shutting it in his face. But the door continued to swing open to reveal Mick, looking as calm and collected as always.

“Carl.” Mick greeted him coolly as he stepped back to allow him in.

Carl started inside, not bothering with preliminaries. “We need to talk. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this but Be…” He trailed off in disbelief as he noticed the other presence in the room. “Beth?”

“Hey, Carl.” Beth managed a weak smile before shifting her eyes to Mick, seeing that he too had realized something was off. Mick wanted to meet her gaze, to reassure her, but he kept his attention focused on Carl, having noted the spike in the detective’s pulse the second he saw Beth.

Even more confused now and extremely aware of St. John’s position behind him, Carl’s hand immediately sought his holstered gun until his fingers rested reassuringly against it. Beth was too focused on Mick to notice but the subtle gesture wasn’t lost on Mick.

Though he knew the gun was meant for him, Mick wasn’t taking any chances. Stalking silently forward, he moved to place himself in front of Beth, his stealthy movements taking Carl by surprise.

Breaking his staring contest with Mick, Carl chanced a glance at Beth, wanting to see her reaction to Mick's advance. Her gaze was locked on Mick but he saw no fear in her eyes, only questions. He wasn't quite sure what to make of that but he wasn't about to let down his guard. Not until he knew for sure what was going on. Keeping his expression carefully neutral, Carl prepared to take control of the situation. But Mick beat him to it.

"So, Carl," he started, not bothering to hide the challenge in his tone. "You want to tell us what you're doing here?"

"I'll ask the questions, St. John." Carl glared at him for a moment before shifting his eyes back to Beth, struggling to see her around Mick's broad frame. First thing was first. "You okay, Beth?"

"Of course," she scoffed, not liking the subtle edge in Carl's voice. "I just want to get this over with."

"Get what over with?"

"The questioning." Beth raised her eyebrows questioningly, wishing she could pull off Mick's patented single eyebrow raise. Just what did Carl think she was talking about? "Look, I know you have to do your job and I know you need details to catch this guy, but I don't know what I can tell you. I didn't see anything."

She stressed the last sentence, hoping they could just leave it at that even though she knew better. She mentally prepared herself for the onslaught of questions she knew she couldn't answer, but Carl's first question still threw her.

His confusion growing by the second, only one question came to Carl's mind. "How did you get here, Beth? Who brought you?"

"I drove," she patronized him, drawing it out. "How did you think I got here?" Beth shook her head, his second question ringing through her mind as she struggled to make sense of everything. She felt as much as saw Mick tense in front of her and watched as Carl’s eyes flicked back to Mick, causing the anger to bubble up inside her as everything finally clicked.

“You thought Mick did this?!” It was more of an outraged statement than a question. “Why? What the hell could possibly make you think he had anything to do with this?”

“Not what,” Mick answered instead, practically daring Carl to confirm his suspicions. “Who.”

He heard Beth’s deep exhale behind him and slipped his hand behind his back, feeling her reach forward to grasp it. They both knew there were only two people who knew where she was, and there was no way Josef had sicced the cops on them. The slight flicker of recognition in Carl’s eyes was all he needed to know he’d been right, although he wished for Beth’s sake he hadn’t been. But he’d deal with that later.

ML Fic: Let Go - Part 16

2008-05-13T00:37:57Z

This is me, trying to stay positive and make it until Wednesday, at which time CBS better announce Moonlight is returning in the Fall.

Disclaimer: CBS and the WB own them...though I will gladly smack CBS upside the head if given the chance.

Let Go - Part 16

“I’m telling you, Carl. Mick St. John is involved in this somehow. I know it.”

Carl shook his head and stopped, turning to face the young ADA. “I know you’re worried, Josh, but you’re not making any sense. Think about it. Why would St. John take her? And if it was someone Beth knew, why would she run? You and I both know that’s not her personality.”

He tried to be calm and matter of fact, knowing Josh must be going through hell right now, but this was starting to get ridiculous. And the truth was, Carl was worried too, way more worried than he was letting on. Beth was a friend, had been for years, and she seemed to have disappeared without a trace. He had an APB out on her car but so far not a single tip had come in, and they had even less on whoever had tried to attack her. Carl was trying to take some comfort in the fact that he’d seen her get away, but the fact that she hadn’t shown up anywhere yet left a heavy knot in the pit of his stomach. No way would the Beth he knew have gone into hiding, especially without telling anyone, which only left one option. Something had gone seriously, seriously wrong. He just hoped that wherever she was, she was alive, and somehow they’d manage to find her before it was too late.

But he couldn’t tell Josh that. “Look, why don’t you go home, stay by the phone. I told you I’d call if we hear anything.”

“So you’re not even going to check it out? Come on, Carl, you and I both know that all of Beth’s troubles started as soon as St. John came into the picture. He’s probably been planning this since day one.”

“Then why now? Why go after Beth in a public place when he’s had a hundred better opportunities?”

“I don’t know. He’s a psychopath, he doesn’t have to make sense. Maybe she made him angry, turned him down or something.”

Ah, so now they got to the real reason, not that Carl was all that surprised. It was easy to see that Josh was jealous of St. John, not that Carl could blame him. For whatever reason, Beth seemed to have formed an immediate bond with the PI. Having never understood how the headstrong reporter had ended up with the straight-laced DA, Carl had figured it was only a matter of time before she moved on to St. John. Maybe that time had finally come.

That thought caused him to look at Josh with new eyes. He didn’t want to consider it and knew he had to be way off base, but the thought still flittered through his mind. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time a jilted lover had balked at being left behind. And with his position as DA, Josh certainly had the ability to try to steer the investigation towards his rival. Of course, Carl felt that was about as likely as Josh’s theory. But with no leads yet, it was also impossible to rule anything out, so he relented.

“Give me a reason. If you really think St. John is involved, than I need more than a gut feeling.” Really, Carl thought, he’d have to talk to the PI either way. He was going to start talking to Beth’s friends today anyway, hoping one of them would have some idea who could be after her, and St. John definitely fell into that category.

“He fits the description.” Josh offered, though it sounded lame even to his own ears.

“So do half the guys in LA. I can’t start hauling in every tall guy with dark hair.” Carl started to walk away but Josh caught his arm.

“Wait. I didn’t want to bring this up until I had more time to look into it but…” Josh pulled an old case file from his briefcase and handed it to the detective, watching as his eyes widen when he saw the name on the file.

“Beth’s kidnapping?” Carl watched as Josh nodded. “But what does that have to do with St. John? He couldn’t have been more than ten when that happened.”

“Look at the last page.” Josh waited for him to flip to the end then pointed to the piece of the paper that had taken him almost three hours to track down. It was the lead officer’s notes, which were never included in the final report. Luckily, the police never threw anything away and they’d remained as part of the department’s records, proof that Josh’s suspicions were right.

He watched as Carl found the same lines that had caused a chill to run down his spine even as he rejoiced at having something concrete to back up his suspicions. The child was found and returned on Thursday, September 4th, 1985, by a Private Investigator hired by the family. P.I. Mick St. John claimed to have found the girl in an uninhabited home on Crawford Street. By the time police arrived on scene, the house was already engulfed in flames. Fire investigators ruled the blaze arson and no clues as to the identity or whereabouts of the perpetrator or perpetrators were ever found.

Carl looked up as he finished reading, his mind struggling to come to terms with the truth he’d just learned. Is this why St. John had showed up at that first crime scene, why he always seemed to show up wherever Beth was lately, because his father had been the one to find Beth? Did Beth even know? “I’ll let you know what I find out,” Carl heard himself assuring Josh, still trying to process the implications. The scariest type of stalker was the one who never made himself known until it was too late, and St. John may have been stalking Beth for years without anyone having a clue.

Across town, Mick and Beth still lingered in the shower, letting the water provide a barrier against the world. They didn’t think, didn’t contemplate the threat they still had to ferret out. They simply felt, using the time to unhurriedly explore each other’s bodies, touching every inch of skin with their hands and mouths. Neither moved to take it farther, both content to relax under the warm spray.

Mick couldn’t remember the last time he’d played in the shower but he was certainly enjoying every second of it. He’d enjoyed washing her, taking the time to worship her body, but it had taken every ounce of his will-power to stand still while she took her turn, claiming it was only fair. After enduring what seemed like half an hour of sensuous torture, Mick had known he couldn’t take anymore. He’d practically begged her to stop but Beth had simply smiled, refusing to relent, so he’d been forced to take matters into his own hands.

Remembering her reaction downstairs, Mick brought his lips to her neck, kissing the wounds that marked her as his. As it had downstairs, the touch made her tremble and she quickly dropped the washcloth, immediately melting into his touch. Mick had slowly kissed his way down her neck and then back up the other side, creating an invisible V on her skin. His blunt teeth bit down on her unbroken skin, her pounding blood reminding him just how long it’d been since he’d really fed but he pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the feel her slick body pressed against his. Just as he began to consider taking her against the shower wall, his vampiric ears perked at the sound of his ringing cell. The annoying sound stopped only to start up again a second later, causing Mick to groan against her skin.

“Josef’s calling.” Mick mumbled against her neck, knowing it was Josef by the ringtone. Another marvel of modern technology, he mused. “He’s not going to stop.”

“What?” Beth was still a little dazed, trying to comprehend why he’d stopped when she hadn’t heard a thing.

“It’s probably important.” Mick couldn’t resist placing a kiss on her pouting lips even as he pulled away, half-cursing the intrusion even as his mind told him it was for the best. Beth needed time to recover and he honestly couldn’t trust himself to make love to her without biting right now, which meant Josef’s lousy timing might actually be a blessing this time.

After turning off the water, Mick opened the shower door and scooped to pick Beth up, ignoring her half-hearted grumbling over her interrupted shower and his caveman tendencies. “My legs do work, you know,” she informed him, attempting to sound stern but ruining the effect with a grin.

“I know, but I like carrying you.” Mick admitted, smiling down at her, and Beth had to admit, silently, that she liked it too. Downstairs, Mick’s cell stopped ringing only to start again for the third time and Mick silently cursed, setting Beth back on her feet on the cold tile floor and grabbing two towels from the towel rack. He handed Beth one with a quick kiss and hurriedly swiped the second across his wet chest. “As much as I’d love to help you dry off, I think I better get that before Josef has a coronary.”

Still mostly damp, Mick disappeared from the room and hurried down the steps, reminding himself to grab their clothes while he was down there. He reached his jeans just as the phone started ringing again and he slung the towel around his neck so he could answer. “What?!” He growled, not appreciating Josef’s incessant interruptions.

“Took you long enough.” Josef grumbled right back, though the amusement was evident in his voice. “Zip your pants and put away the fangs, man, you’ve got company heading your way.”

“Now’s not a good time, Josef.”

“Would I have warned you if it were me? I prefer the unannounced visits, they’re so much more…educational.” Josef laughed at his friend’s low growl before getting down to business. “Seriously, man, Ryder just heard the cops on their way to your place. I didn’t think you’d want them to find you with your fangs sunk inside some delectable reporter.”

Mick swore softly. This he didn’t need right now. Looking around the apartment, he started collecting their clothes from the floor, piling them on the couch as he told Josef, “Thanks for the heads up, man. I should have figured they’d come by to talk to Beth.”

“Just be careful. Need I remind you that prison is not the vampire’s friend?”

Mick ignored that remark as he moved into the kitchen, trying to ignore the smells and accompanying memories that assaulted him. Noting the glass of blood still sitting on the counter, he hurried over to down it in two swallows, grimacing a bit at the taste of room-temperature morgue blood after having the nirvana of Beth on his tongue. Rinsing out the glass, he glanced at the clock and wondered how long they had before the cops showed.

“Look, Josef, I need to get back to Beth, but did Ryder get anything else off the security tape.”

“Not yet but he’s still working on it. I’ll let you know if he finds anything, just watch your back with the cops.” Josef hung up without saying goodbye, leaving Mick to do one last visual sweep of the apartment to make sure everything was in place. Seeing nothing amiss, he hurried back up the stairs, stopping briefly to grab their clothes from the couch.

He found Beth at the top of the stairs wearing another one of his shirts. Even knowing they had to prepare for the police, Mick couldn’t stop the rush of desire that flooded his veins at the sight of her fresh from the shower and wearing his clothes.

“Hey,” she smiled, reaching up to kiss him. He could get used to that kind of greeting, he thought. “I was just on my way down. What’d Josef want?”

“To warn us. Apparently the cops are on their way over.” Placing a hand on her back, Mick led her back into the bedroom. Tossing the pile of clothes on the bed, he started to run the towel over his body, drying the few droplets of water that still clung to his skin.

Beth stared at him, enjoying the magnificent sight before her, before his voice shook her back to consciousness. “Get dressed, I’m not sure how much time we have.”

“Wait, why are the cops coming?” Mick raised an eyebrow at her question and she blushed. “Oh, right, the attack.” Now she felt like an idiot. Some investigative reporter she was but, in her defense, it was pretty hard to think straight when she had Mick in front of her, completely naked and a picture of perfection as his wet hair caused rivulets of water to run down his skin. She busied herself with pulling on clothes, although she wished she had something else to change into. She thought about leaving Mick’s shirt on but knew this was going to look bad enough as it was, no need to make it worse.

“Hey, Mick.”

“Yeah,” he answered as he reached for clean jeans and boxers.

“If I’m going to keep staying here, we really need to stop back at my place.”

“If you keep staying here?” Mick looked like he was insulted by the mere idea of her leaving, causing her to laugh.

“Yeah, if.” She winked at him. “Seriously though, I really need new clothes. And the stuff from my car. I can’t believe I’ve gone so long without my phone and laptop.” She finished dressing and sat down on the bed, watching as Mick pulled on his own jeans.

“What, I’m not entertaining enough for you?” Mick grinned as he moved closer, surprising her by snagging the blue Henley she’d just taken off and slipping it over her head. Even though she’d only had it on for a minute, it still carried her scent, and Mick loved the inherent intimacy of that. She carried his marks, a sign that she belonged to him and him alone. Now, for the rest of the day, he’d carry her scent as proof that he belonged to her too.

Shifting to serious, Mick sat down next to her. “Beth, when the cops get here, you need to tell them the truth. Okay?”

“I need to tell them that I’ve spent the day being ravished by a devastatingly handsome vampire?” Beth joked, earning her a slight grin, but in reality she could feel her stomach beginning to turn at the thought of being questioned by the police.

“Well, maybe you should leave that part out.” Mick pressed a kiss to her temple, feeling the tension rolling off her. Close to her ear, he whispered, “You’ll be fine. I’ll be right beside you the whole time.”

Beth smiled at him, slightly reassured but still dreading what lay before her. She had vague memories of the police after the kidnapping, asking her repeatedly to tell them something about the lady who’d taken her or where she was kept. They’d scared her, not because they were mean or threatening but because they wanted her to go back to a place she didn’t want to be. They wanted her to remember when all she wanted to do was forget, to feel safe again.

She remembered sitting in her bedroom while a uniformed officer asked her questions. He’d gotten frustrated when she wouldn’t say a word and she’d spent the whole time staring at the space above his head, trying to tune him out and wishing the man would come back, the one who’d saved her. She’d felt safe in his arms, like nothing could touch her, like he could protect her from the world. She’d thought he could make everyone stop asking questions and leave her alone, but he’d never came back.

The knock on the door ripped Beth from her memories and she jumped before catching herself.

“Hey,” Mick used his finger on her chin to raise her face to his. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s just get this over with.” Beth stood and Mick was right behind her, squeezing her hand reassuringly and lacing their fingers together as they left the bedroom.

ML Fanfic: Let Go - Part 15

2008-04-18T08:09:55Z

Sorry this took so long but I finally got it done, and hopefully my muse will come back now that we're finally getting new eps. With any luck, this will be my last ever love scene but I felt it was necessary to further the story...plus Beth uncontrollable, but who can blame her when she has naked Mick in front of here. *grin* I'm off to find a good hiding place...enjoy!

CBS still owns Moonlight and this is definitely rated R *blushes*

Let Go - Part 15

“Beth,” Mick heard his own voice waver and could have kicked himself. He needed to be strong now. Even standing this close to her, feeling her warm breath tickling his skin, was too much temptation. And it wasn’t just her body, it was her blood that was practically begging him to take a taste. “I’m 85, babe. I need time to recover.”

Beth grinned at the endearment that so easily dripped from his tongue but she wasn’t buying his excuse for a minute. “Could’ve fooled me.” She reached out to gently cup him, holding the proof of his arousal in her hand.

A low growl escaped Mick’s lips as her fingers tightened around him. “Beth,” he tried to warn her away but Beth moved even closer, pressing her body into his side. His eyes drifted shut and his head slumped forward in defeat as he gave himself up to the sensation surrounding him.

With his eyes still closed, Mick reached out until his left hand closed around her waist. Taking her by surprise, he used the quick, gentle pressure on her hip to drag her closer, sliding her between his body and the counter. At the same time her back touched the smooth, cool surface behind her, Mick moved in, closing the small gap between them and taking her mouth with a single-minded intensity that both shocked and thrilled her.

Clearly done holding back, Mick nipped and tugged at her bottom lip, causing Beth to arch against him. He felt his fangs lengthening, his eyes icing over and pulled away, trailing kisses down her throat until he felt himself shift back into semi-control. Making his way back to her mouth, Mick looked up at Beth and smiled, letting her see the flash of fangs beneath his lips. Beth grinned back and, keeping her gaze locked on his dark bedroom eyes, lifted a hand to his cheek. Rising up to meet his lips, she let her tongue dart out to trace his fangs and was rewarded with a soft rumble of appreciation.

The kiss deepened as Mick slid his hands lower, using his grip on her thighs to lift her body up to meet his. Bracing her back against the counter, Beth immediately wrapped her legs around his bare waist and felt Mick shift his hold until they were perfectly aligned. Feeling her warmth against him heightened his already intense state of arousal and he had to grit his teeth against the pleasure. Unable to wait another second, he sank inside and felt Beth arch against him, throwing her head back on a moan. Mick tightened his hold on her, doing his best to keep them both upright as she began to move against him, countering his every thrust.

He felt her warmth seep into his body, making every nerve ending sizzle with new sensation, and he knew he wouldn’t last much longer. Dropping his head to her chest, he rasped his fangs against her soft skin, teasing her with the gentle pressure as he made his way lower to let his tongue dance across her nipple. Beth cried out against him and tried to move closer but Mick, mindful of his fangs, pulled away. Before Beth could utter a word of protest, Mick took her mouth again, letting his tongue explore her mouth as he felt her body begin to tighten around him.

Beth felt her pleasure beginning to build and knotted her fingers in Mick’s hair, determined to take him with her. Pressing her tongue against the sharp point of his fang, she tasted the slight metallic taste of blood and felt Mick stiffen against her, his body coiling so tight she was surprised he didn’t snap. With a roar, he wrenched his mouth away from her, savoring the taste of her on his tongue even as he fought against his baser urges. Feeling his eyes flash to pale blue again, he snapped his lids shut and prayed Beth hadn’t noticed, willing himself to change back.

But Beth was still moving against him, making the task almost impossible. Using her hold on his head, she tugged him down and rolled her head to the side, baring her neck. With his eyes still closed, Mick heard the blood pounding in her veins, it’s sweet, intoxicating scent reaching out to him.

“Bite me,” Beth gasped, struggling for breath. “Please Mick, I want you to.” His eyes flew open at her soft command and he started to pull away, but Beth held on. “I trust you. Do it.” Her words, so certain, reassured him and he stopped trying to escape. Instead, he buried his head in the hollow of her neck, pressing damp kisses against her skin until he reached the vein he was looking for. Inhaling deeply, he let her scent wash over him as he glided his fangs over her unmarred skin, drawing slight tremors from Beth each time.

Knowing they were both on the edge, Mick thrust inside her one last time, gently sliding his fangs into her skin at the same time. He felt Beth’s body grip him as she cried out, both of them breaking beneath the waves of pleasure that matched each pull of her blood into his body.

With each drop, Mick savored the rich flavor of her on his tongue, the incredible taste overriding his hunger. He felt her body begin to calm and forced himself to slow down. No longer feeding, Mick pulled away slightly but kept laving the wound, enjoying both the taste and Beth’s reaction. With each touch of his tongue, she trembled, nestled contently against his chest.

With one final lick, Mick forced himself to pull away. The wound needed to clot and that would never happen if he kept playing with it. Tucking his face into her neck, he tried to block out the scent of blood that was hanging in the air and felt his fangs retract while his eyes returned to their normal shade of blue. Once his control was back in place, Mick raised his face to look down at Beth snuggled against him. She was smiling up at him, letting him know she was okay.

Mick returned her smile and slowly loosened his hold on her, letting her unwrap her legs from his waist before gently lowering her to the ground. Her feet had barely touched the floor before he lifted her into his arms again, cradling her against his chest so he could carry her upstairs. But after the first step, he realized just how unsteady he was, his legs practically trembling beneath him as the dizzying affects of her blood flooded his brain.

Trying not to lurch around like an idiot, Mick managed to vampire up and make his way safely up the steps with Beth almost boneless in his arms. Once he reached the bedroom, he gently laid Beth on the bed and made his way into the adjoining bathroom, turning on the shower and waiting until the water had warmed before returning to the bedroom. He found Beth lying on her stomach, her chin resting on her hands, waiting for him with a wicked grin on her face.

Mick froze in the doorway, waiting to see what Beth was thinking even though he was half-afraid to find out. He had a lot of years of celibacy to make up for, 22 to be exact, so he was definitely up for whatever challenge she threw at him, but he had to wonder if she was trying to kill him with sex. Then she sat up, providing him with a glorious view of her naked body, and he had a feeling that, whether she was trying to or not, she was going to be the death of him.

Stalking towards the bed, intent on ravishing her again, he stopped in his tracks when Beth broke out laughing. Confused, Mick shot her a quizzical look, but her head was buried in the sheets in a vain attempt to stifle her giggles. Crossing his arms over his chest and bracing his feet apart, Mick stared at the strange sight before him. Clearly, he still didn’t understand women at all.

Finally gaining some composure, Beth looked up again, then had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at Mick’s expression. “God, you’re easy.” She blurted, chuckling a little when Mick raised an eyebrow at her. “I mean, you’re such a guy. Once again, something huge happens and you don’t even notice. I thought you paid more attention than that, Mick.”

Mick had to smile at her. Oh, how she underestimated him. “Believe me, Beth, I know what happened downstairs. Just like I know you planned it. We’re going to have to talk about that, by the way.”

“Talk about what?” She tried to act innocent but Mick wasn’t buying it.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe how you ignored what I said and used me to get what you wanted.” Mick shot her a superior look and took a step closer, challenging her, and Beth answered by sliding to the edge of the bed.

“I’d say we both got what we wanted.” She placed her feet on the floor and stood as Mick took another step closer, slowly closing the gap between them

“Yeah, this time. Just don’t think you’ll get away with it again.” But even as he said the words, he was distracted by her gently swaying hips as she sauntered closer, stopping a mere foot away.

“Are you sure about that?” Beth asked as she ran a single finger down the center of his chest, drifting dangerously low before following the same path back up to place her palm over his heart. She heard him swallow before he answered, his teeth digging into his bottom lip as he considered his response.

“No,” he answered truthfully, surprising her. “But just remember, it goes both ways.” Reaching out to lightly trace her hip, he heard her breath quicken in response, proving him right. Beth closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, but he surprised her again by stepping away.

Her eyes flew open to see him standing a safe distance away, her mouth forming a silent ‘oh’ as she tried to process the sudden loss of contact. Well, that had backfired, she thought ruefully. Gathering her wits again, she remembered what she’d originally been waiting to talk to him about.

“Seriously Mick, about downstairs…” Beth paused, struggling to find a way to voice what she was thinking. Finally, she gave up and simply asked, “We’re good, right?”

Mick grinned. “I’d say we’re better than good.” He stepped closer so he could wrap her in his arms again. “Just promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“Would it be too much to ask that you listen next time I say something’s too dangerous?” As he’d expected, Beth shot him a ‘duh’ look. “Right. Then at least promise you’ll talk to me next time.”

“What if you won’t listen?” Beth asked. “It’s not exactly your best skill.”

“Then hit me with something. Hell, you know where my vamp hunting kit is. Stake me to the floor and I won’t have any choice but to listen. Just don’t ignore what I say because you think that you know best, don’t risk yourself like that without talking to me. I’m glad you pushed me today, Beth, and I’m glad I don’t have to worry so much about being with you, but it was still dangerous. Something could have gone wrong, and I couldn’t live with myself if that had happened. So promise me it won’t happen again.”

“Okay, I promise.” Beth said, having expected this reaction, then grinned. “But only if you promise to quit telling me to stay in the car.”

“Deal.” Mick smiled, knowing that those orders didn’t do any good anyway. Besides, he always had his handcuffs if he really needed her to stay put. That thought led to other thoughts and Mick found himself searching for a distraction. He registered the running water and took Beth’s hand, tugging her towards the bathroom. “Come on, I think we both could use a hot shower.”

“I know I could use a hot shower. You, on the other hand, better like cold water.” Beth grinned as she broke out of Mick’s hold and bolted for the bathroom, intent on locking him out. She was almost there when she glanced behind her, expecting to see Mick trailing after her but finding only the empty bedroom. Turning back towards the bathroom, Beth shrieked in surprise as Mick appeared in front of her, scooping her over his shoulder.

“Hey! No fair using vamp speed!” She squealed, trying to act indignant and failing miserably when she started giggling.

“Well, I am a vampire. What speed am I supposed to use, Ms. Turner?”

“I don’t know…human speed? The kind of speed that let’s me win?”

“Ahh,” he exclaimed, tongue in cheek. “You mean reverse?” Beth answered by slapping his shoulder, causing him to laugh. “Be nice. You wouldn’t want me to drop you.”

“Ha! Something tells me I’m safe. You, on the other hand…” She swatted his behind, which she happened to have a very good view of from her vantage point. Hmmm, maybe losing wasn’t so bad, Beth decided. She’d just settle back and enjoy the ride, and the view, while she plotted her revenge.

Alex on DaybreakUSA

2008-03-11T19:38:00Z

I seriously love the guys on Daybreak USA. They reran their interview with Alex O'Loughlin AND let me know about it, since I probably would have forgotten to download this week's podcasts. The podcast with Alex is from the fourth hour of today's show and you can get it here from their site. I also uploaded just Alex's part of the show and you can either download it or listen to it below.

radio interview

2008-03-09T00:34:31Z

Major thanks to Wondergirl for finding this awesome radio interview with Alex! Here's the mp3 if anyone wants it: http://www.sendspace.com/file/pju41y

I also just found out that Alex was on the radio program "Daybreak USA" too, but I haven't been able to find the audio yet since I don't know what day the interview happened. I already checked this week's shows but no luck. And I dropped them an e-mail thanking them for having Alex on and asking if they could direct me to the podcast for the show. I got a pretty nice e-mail back the same day, which was cool, but they said they'd have to check the date with their producer and get back to me. Not sure if they'll actually get back to me but everyone's more than welcome to drop them their own e-mail. Maybe we can bug them and they'll offer us the download link in a bid to gain new viewers. ; ) Hey, it's worth a shot.

3/8 Keep it Dark - an alternative site

2008-03-08T00:06:21Z

Apparently the CBS site will not play AD, the only Moonlight ep they have up right now. HOWEVER, remember that Keep It Dark is still on. CBS has a channel on veoh.com, an online streaming site, that currently has LLF up and running. Yes, it's still a CBS stream so it still sucks and no, I'm not exactly sure how these numbers count, but I figure it's better than nothing. It does record the number of views and it is ad-supported, just like the vids on the cbs site, so I think it's gotta count for something.

The Moonlight channel is located here: http://www.veoh.com/tv-shows/cbs-moonlight

Just a reminder...

2008-02-23T00:34:16Z

Join the torch-bearing mob and stream "Fever" tonight at 8 pm EST/PST and 7 pm CST. And while you're streaming, remember to click on the advertisers because they monitor all that stuff too. Let's really show CBS!

Moonlight Fic: Don't Turn Away

2008-02-10T21:22:36Z

I wasn't planning on posting this because a) I didn't think it was that great and b) I don't want to get killed by angry readers for keeping them hanging on "Let Go." (I really am sorry I haven't updated it in awhile but I haven't been in a real happy, lets-write-a-love-scene kind of mood). So I'll probably only post this here.

Here's a Post-LLF fic and I'm ignoring everything that happened in the mortal cure, particularly the lack of a bed at Mick's because what's the fun in that? Even if this isn't that kind of fic. Please let me know what you think and I apologize in advance for any mistakes. You can blame The Clarks for the title since they're what I was listening to when I wrote it and I couldn't come up with anything better. It's from their song "Flame" and you can listen to it here if you're interested.

Voiceovers are in italics, as always. The beginning is an intro voiceover by Beth (strange, I know. It even suprised me) and everything afterwards is Mick's.

Don't Turn Away (From the Flame)

When Josh died, I should have been lost in my own grief, but I wasn’t. I was lost in my own unbelievable guilt and I took it out on Mick. It wasn’t his fault, I know that, but he was an easy target. So I lashed out. I blamed him, I pulled away and, in the process, I hurt Mick more than Coraline ever did. Mick, who tried to carry the whole world on his shoulders. Mick, the man I’d been emotionally cheating with for months. Mick, who had disappeared the night I told him I’d rather it’d been him who died.

I hadn’t meant a word of it, of course. The exact opposite was true, which only made me feel worse. I’d been with Josh for over a year but it was Mick, my guardian angel, who I knew I couldn’t live with out. I’ll have to live with that knowledge for the rest of my life and I will, but I can’t live knowing that Mick thinks I hate him. He already carries so much guilt around and I can’t bear the thought of knowing I added to it. Which is why I’m here, dripping outside his door at 4a.m. on a dreary Tuesday and praying he’ll answer my knock.

*****************

I could feel Beth the moment she stepped off the elevator but I thought my senses were playing a cruel trick on me…until I heard her tentative knock and saw her beautiful face on my security monitor.

Mick hurried to the door, not wanting to give her time to change her mind. He’d never expected to see her face to face again after their last encounter and he’d returned to his old habit of watching her from afar, just to make sure she was okay. But even from a distance he could see the change in her. It broke his heart to watch the vibrant, pushy woman he’d once known slowly bow beneath the weight of the world around her. He had ached to wrap her in his arms and tell her everything would be okay, just like he’d done all those years ago, but he knew that seeing him would only make things worse for her. Yet here she was, seeking him out.

He opened the door to her and Beth took a hesitant step forward. “Mick,” she reached out a hand and, after a moment of shock, he took it, guiding her inside and closing the door behind her.

“Beth,” Mick started but he wasn’t sure what to say. What could he say beyond the ‘I’m sorry’ a thousand other people had already offered her? He had let Josh die while he had lived…well, sort of. In his mind, he knew he’d done all he could but there was still a part of him that wondered if he’d tried hard enough, if he’d left his jealousy get in the way somehow.

“Shh,” Beth placed a finger on his lips. “I need to tell you something and you have to promise me you’ll let me get it out. No interruptions, okay?” Mick mutely nodded so she continued. “I’m sorry, Mick. I’m so sorry. I never should have said those things to you. They weren’t true, none of them. I was mad at myself, because I didn’t love Josh the way I should have. I couldn’t even mourn him the way I should have.” Beth choked back her tears and Mick hurried to reassure her.

“It’s okay, Beth. You don’t have to apologize. I understand.”

“No! It’s not okay! And what happened to not interrupting?”

Mick fought back a smile, loving that she seemed to have a bit of her spunk back. He managed to act properly chastised and mumbled a believable “Sorry.”

“Good, because you need to hear this, Mick. I don’t blame you for what happened to Josh. You did everything you possibly could to save him and nothing that happened was your fault.” Beth stepped closer to him, closing the few inches between them and staring straight up into his dark, moody eyes. “And it’s not your fault that I need you, more than I’ve ever needed anyone. The truth is, I was never angry at you. I was angry at myself because the hour I thought you were dead in the desert hurt me more than seeing Josh die right in front of my eyes and knowing he was never coming back. What kind of person does that make me?”

Beth felt the tears that had been stinging her eyes begin to wet her cheeks and she gave up trying to hold them back. Before the first sob could pass her lips, she found herself wrapped in Mick’s strong arms, her face pressed tightly against his chest while his hands danced up and down her spine. It was all Mick could think to do to soothe her and he cursed his own pathetic attempt, wishing he could do more. But even 85 years wasn’t long enough to teach a man how to deal with a crying woman.

Mick whispered inane words of comfort, not even sure what he was saying but it didn’t seem to matter much to Beth. The sound of his deep, gentle voice slowly soothed her more than words ever could and, for a moment, she allowed herself to drink in his strength. She’d spent so much time these past few weeks trying to stay strong and reassure everyone else that she was fine, all while being terrified that someone would see through her and blame her for Josh’s death, and it felt good to finally lean on someone.

“Beth,” Mick jolted her from her thoughts.

“I’m okay.” She reluctantly pulled away enough to look up at him, hurrying to reassure him with the empty words she’d offered everyone else. But she should have known Mick wouldn’t buy it.

“No, you aren’t. You’re hurting and you’re blaming yourself. Believe me, I know all about that, but now you’re the one who needs to listen. You are an amazing person, Beth. The most amazing person I’ve ever known, and I’ve been around awhile.” That got a brief smile out of her and he smiled back, bringing a hand up to brush the tears from her cheeks. “Josh was lucky to spend the last year of his life loving you and it’s not your fault that he’s gone. It’s not anyone’s fault but the guy who held the gun, okay?”

Beth nodded but couldn’t stop herself from saying, “But maybe it is my fault. It’s my fault because I didn’t love him enough, and he knew it. Maybe he’d have hung on longer if I’d just…” Mick tucked her against his chest again, doing his best to stem the flow of tears that were threatening to fall from her blue eyes.

“No, Beth, listen to me. You didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing could have saved Josh, nothing. It was nothing you did or didn’t do, it was just his time to go.” He rested his head on top of hers, breathing in her sent. Neither of them said a word, content to stay like that and let their minds wander.

As I held her in my arms, I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe everything does happen for a reason. For the longest time, I’ve hated what Coraline did to me and I would have given anything to be able to go back in time and undo it all, but now I’m not so sure. It’s like Josef said, maybe Beth is the reason I became a vampire, so I could live long enough to meet her. I’ve blamed myself for her kidnapping for 22 years and I was right, she was taken because of me. But if it hadn’t been for that night I might never have met her, and who knows what could have happened then. She might have died at the hands of Tejada’s men or she may not have even been around, killed by the TA from hell months ago. So if it means Beth life or never having known her, then vampirism is a small price to pay.

“You’re awful quiet.” Beth’s voice, slightly muffled by his shirt, broke him from his thoughts.

“So are you.” Mick kept his voice low, not wanting to break whatever spell was holding them to the spot. He ached to tell Beth the road his thoughts had traveled but he couldn’t, not now, so he turned the focus to her. “Still blaming yourself?”

“No…yes…I don’t know. I can’t just turn it off, Mick. You of all people should know that.”

“Yeah,” he offered her a sad smile. “I guess I can understand that. As long as you promise to work on it.”

“I will, but I want you to promise me something too.” Beth raised her eyes to his and, in that moment, he would have promised her the world.

“Anything.”

“I’ll try to stop blaming myself if you’ll stop blaming yourself for being a vampire. Deal?” She watched Mick’s lips twitch into a grin, confusing her since she’d expected some kind of denial or resistance.

“Funny you should mention that. I just decided that being a vampire has more good points than I thought.”

“Really?” Beth had a little trouble believing that her brooding vamp had had such a sudden change of heart but she could read the truth in Mick’s eyes. “What changed?”

“I finally realized that we wouldn’t be standing here right now if I’d never been turned. As much as I miss being human, it’s not worth trading all the life I’ve lived.” It’s not worth trading you. He left the words unspoken but Beth heard them plain as day. It may have been wrong but, for the first time in weeks, she felt happiness start to bubble up inside, and she wasn’t about to question it or feel guilty for it. There’d been enough guilt between them already.

She reached up to stroke his face, keeping her eyes locked on his as she slowly raised up to meet his lips. He met her halfway, letting his eyes flutter closed the second he felt the warmth of her lips on his. It wasn’t anything like the quick, tentative kisses they shared in the parking lot. This was deeper, more intense. A kiss of discovery.

They pulled apart after a mere minute that felt to Mick like an eternity. Beth smiled at him, her first real smile in weeks, and Mick smiled back, each reassuring the other without words that everything was going to be okay now. Mick laced his fingers with hers and tilted his head in question, uttering a single word. “Stay.”

Beth nodded and, without a word, Mick led her up the stairs and down the hall to his ‘human’ bedroom. Her eyes widened as she took in the ornate black bed in the center of the room, so large that it had to be custom made. Of course, it made sense that a man as big as Mick would need a big bed, she thought as she watched Mick cross the room to a chest of drawers and pull out a blue Henley. He tossed it on the bed as he walked back to her and, without pausing, lifted her into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the closeness for the all too short trip to the bed. Mick gently laid her down and moved towards the foot of the bed, dropping to his knee and reaching for her foot. He watched her watching him as he slowly removed one shoe, then the other, setting both by the foot of the bed. When he was done, he rose to his feet and grabbed the Henley off the bed, holding it out to Beth.

Beth reached for the Henley, letting her hand brush his and feeling a lingering tingle where their skin had touched. Mick started to back away but Beth’s fingers caught his belt loop, stopping him in his tracks. Knowing what she was asking, he nodded and stayed right where he was, turning to give her his back. He heard the rustle of the sheets as she shimmied out of her rain-dampened jeans and shirt, placing them on the bed. He heard the telltale clasp of her bra and willed his mind not to picture her mostly naked in his bed.

Luckily for his peace of mind, he heard her slide the Henley over her head, shifting until it was in place. Beth dropped her small stack of clothes on top of where she thought her shoes were on the floor, not really caring where they landed. She reached out a hand to Mick again, touching his hip to let him know it was okay to turn around. When he did, he lost his breath as he took in the sight of her in his shirt.

Beth smiled at the mix of lust and wonderment burning in his eyes and he mentally shook himself out of his stupor. Get it together, St. John. Mick lifted her in his arms again, keeping her cradled close to his chest so he could pull back the covers. He made use of his vamp speed, placing her back on the bed before she could really enjoy being in his arms again and, more importantly, before he could dwell on the thin layer of material that was separating him from touching bare skin.

As Mick pulled the covers up, Beth tried to remember the last time anyone had tucked her in, but she couldn’t. It was nice though. More than nice. It made her feel safe and pampered, which she was. She closed her eyes as Mick placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and then felt him retreat. It almost made her panic, thinking he was leaving her, but she knew better. They seemed to be beyond words, and she knew without asking that Mick would stay with her.

As he rounded the bed, Mick skimmed off his shirt, now slightly damp from holding her close though he hadn’t noticed it before, and tossed it towards the dresser. He toed off his shoes, kicking them towards the corner, and quickly undid his belt, then paused with his hands poised to undo the buttons on his buttonfly jeans. He couldn’t exactly sleep next to Beth in his usual state of undress and, though he wasn’t used to sleeping in clothes, he wondered if he should grab his silk PJ pants from his freezer room.

Mick glanced towards Beth, wondering if he should ask her, and found that her eyes were open and locked on him again. She nodded once, letting him know it was okay, and he suddenly felt like he was on display. He looked away as he shed his jeans, tossing them towards his shirt by the dresser, then quickly slid between the sheets to join her in bed. Beth moved closer as soon as he was settled, resting her head on his chest and lightly slinging her arm across his stomach. Mick’s arms tightened around her, letting her snuggle deeper into his side.

They stayed that way for half an hour until, just when Mick thought she was asleep, Beth broke the easy silence with the barest whisper, “Mick?”

“Yeah,” Mick answered just as quietly.

“Thank you. For staying with me. I needed to not be alone tonight.”

Mick squeezed her tighter in response. “You never have to be alone again.”

Beth was quiet for a minute, tracing light patterns on Mick’s abdomen. “Mick?”

He smiled into the dark even though she couldn’t see him. “Yeah.”

“I’m glad you’re here, with me.” It was a simple declaration but she knew he’d get the meaning behind her words. She was glad he was alive, glad that he’d become a vampire, glad that it hadn’t been him.

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” Mick kissed the crown of her head as she yawned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a good night’s sleep. “Sleep.” Mick told her, gently resting his chin on her head.

“I’m afraid to.” Beth confessed so softly that he wouldn’t have heard her if it hadn’t been for his enhanced hearing. “I keep having these horrible nightmares that it’s you lying in the park, bleeding to death, and there’s nothing I can do. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and it’ll be true. This will all have been a dream and you’ll be gone.”

“You don’t have to be afraid tonight. I’ll be right here the whole time. And if you do wake up,” Mick lifted Beth just enough to slide underneath her, settling her completely on top of him so she was touching him from head to toe. “You’ll feel me beneath you and know that everything’s ok. Okay?” He felt Beth nod against his chest.

Mick listened for several minutes until Beth’s breathing slowed. He thought she’d finally fallen asleep until he heard her ask, “You’ll never leave me, right?”

“Never is a long time. But, yeah, I’ll never leave you.” Mick felt her smile against his chest as she gave into her exhaustion, and he felt himself smiling in return. He was happy just to watch her sleep, listening to her steady heartbeat and feeling the warmth spread across his chest each time she exhaled. Finally, he gave into the lethargy pulling at him and closed his eyes, truly content for the first time in his life.

Moonlight song - Mick the Medic score

2008-02-04T09:01:04Z

Apparently I'm an idiot. I couldn't get into Trevor Morris' site before so I didn't manage to get the full score from the 'Mick the Medic' scene in LLF until now. Oops. The original one I posted was still a cool medley though. Anyway, here's the full 7 minute score for anyone who's interested...cuz hunting down Moonlight songs is what I do when I can't sleep at 4 a.m. I just found the Los Halos song from DF too, because I was too dumb to check ruckus before. Gotta love free legal music for college students : D

Trevor Morris - Mick the Medic Score

ML Fic: Let Go - Part 13

2008-01-21T02:29:31Z

I'm not really happy with how this chapter turned out. I'm afraid it's not really in character, or there's something else wrong that I can't put my finger on. I'd really appreciate anyone who could let me know what they think, good or bad. Thanks!

Let Go - Part 13

Mick wasn’t sure what to think during the silent ride back to his apartment. He didn’t even bother with the radio this time, too lost in his own thoughts. In 85 years, it was clear he hadn’t learned a thing about women. Beth should have been mad at him for his sudden change in attitude, and she had been…until the kiss.

And now she was quiet, which worried him. In his experience, a silent woman was never a good thing. He gulped, getting the distinct feeling she was plotting something, and there was nothing he could do about it.

The arrived back at his apartment without either of them saying a word, but Mick knew it had only been a brief reprieve. As soon as they were safely ensconced in his apartment, Beth whirled around to face him. “What’s going on, Mick?”

His eyes fluttered nervously to the side, refusing to meet her gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. What changed Mick? Did you get your fill of human? Or maybe it just wasn’t good enough for you. Maybe I wasn’t good enough for you.”

That got his attention and his eyes sought hers, a look of hurt disbelief crossing his face. “God no, Beth. How could you even think that?” He had to swallow against the swell of emotion and he cursed himself for not considering how his sudden distance would make Beth feel after everything that had happened between them.

“What was I supposed to think?” Beth felt her eyes begin to water and she blinked, trying to keep the tears at bay. Knowing Mick, she’d been fairly sure that there was a greater reason behind his sudden attitude, but that didn’t keep the doubts from swirling through her head. After all, she was only human. And who’s to say vamp sex wasn’t better, hotter, more intense? Sex with Mick had certainly been the most intense thing she’d ever experienced, but what if it hadn’t been the same for him?

“I don’t know. Not that, never that. You made me feel human again, Beth. Do you realize how rare that is? Not once in 85 years have I ever come close to a feeling as incredible as I felt when I way lying in that bed with you.” He couldn’t resist pulling her into his arms and holding her tight, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “Don’t ever doubt that, ok?”

Mick felt her nod against his chest and heard her muffled voice ask, “If it was so amazing, then why did you leave me?”

“Josef showed up with his impeccable timing, remember?” He tried to joke, but they both knew that wasn’t what she was talking about. Beth pulled away just enough to look up at him and he knew he couldn’t run from the truth any longer. He owed her that much.

“We need to talk.” Mick started, leading her towards the couch.

“That sounds ominous.”

“It is.” He waited until she sat down, perching himself on the coffee table so he could face her. He scooted closer until his knees bumped the couch, his legs resting against the outside of hers. He casually laid his hands on her thighs and caught his lip between his teeth, unsure how to continue.

Beth saw him struggling for the right words and took his hands from her thighs, cradling his large hands in hers. She watched him swallow and open his mouth, only to close it again. “Tell me, Mick. Whatever it is, just talk to me.”

“I should have told you this before. This would be so much easier if I had told you before, but I didn’t. I put you at risk, and I am so sorry for that.” Mick took a deep breath and decided to just spill it all out. “Never doubt that I want you, Beth, but we can’t do that again. We got incredibly lucky the first time and I won’t risk you like that a second time. I’m a vampire, Beth, and vampires…”

“Bite? I already figured that out, Mick. It’s ok.”

“It’s not ok! I could drain you. People have died.”

“I trust you, and you’d never hurt me. The desert proved that. If you didn’t drain me then, you never will.”

“It’s a totally different situation. I lose myself in you and it’s too easy for me to let my control slip. I almost bit you today, and who’s to say I would have stopped? I can’t risk that, Beth. I won’t.”

“But you didn’t bite me. And even if you had, it would have been okay. I don’t mind feeding you, Mick. A little blood is a small price to pay if it means I get you.”

Mick’s head dropped forward, the strength seeming to leave his body. He wanted to give into her so badly it hurt, but he owed it to her to do the right thing. “You don’t understand. Vampires aren’t supposed to be able to have sex without biting. I shouldn’t have been able to stop. It was a gift, a wonderful gift, but we can’t risk repeating it.”

“Why not? You said it yourself, it shouldn’t have been possible. But it happened. So why can’t we try it again?”

“Because I could hurt you! If I couldn’t stop…” He let the thought trail off, not wanting to imagine it.

“Like I said, I trust you, Mick. And if you do bite me, I’m okay with that. But I’m not okay with letting you go, letting you walk out on a chance of us because you’re scared.”

Beth scooted forward and took his head in her hands, forcing him to look at her. She placed her lips on his but he didn’t respond, so she pulled back enough to whisper, “Let me in, Mick. Let me love you.” She took his mouth again, more demanding this time, and felt his lips slowly come to life.

Beth worked her tongue past his lips and Mick pulled away with a curse. “Dammit Beth, I told you we can’t do this.”

“Yes, we can.” She moved forward to take his lips again but he evaded her.

“Please, Beth. Don’t do this.” His voice shook as he begged her to understand and not make this harder than it already was. To his relief, she moved back a few inches and allowed him to take a deep breath. Thank God at least one of them was strong.

“Don’t do what?” Beth asked innocently as she reached for the hem of her shirt, watching his eyes grow wide as she raised it over her head. She threw it at him and he caught it by sheer reflex, his gaze locked on her creamy skin.

Mick swallowed hard, unable to look away. He watched her reach behind her, her fingers flicking over the clasp of her bra. It fell forward loosely, held on only by the straps that were quickly slipping down her arms. She wiggled free, sending it flying the way of her shirt. It smacked him in the chest and fell to his lap but he barely noticed. All he knew was he had Beth half-naked in front of him, and she played dirty.

ML Fic: Let Go - Part 12

2008-01-18T21:01:10Z

Here is at least part of Chapter 12. Or what may be part of chapter 12, since I have a feeling I may be ducking dishware during part of the scene and I'm not sure if I'm up for that today. Like always, this scene went down differently than planned so I'd love some feedback, whether it's good or bad. I'm not sure if this part is true to character so I could use opinions. Thanks!

Let Go - Part 12

The ride to BuzzWire was completely silent except for the radio Mick had flipped on as soon as they entered the car. Beth was dying to ask him what was wrong but it was clear he didn’t want to talk, so she passed the time by surreptitiously glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. Finally, they arrived at the parking lot and Mick, holding up a hand to shield himself from the harsh afternoon sun, hurried to her side of the car. You have to love those old school manners, she thought as he opened the door for her and offered his hand. What a difference fifty years makes.

She stepped from the car but was disappointed when he immediately dropped her hand and turned away. He purposefully strode towards the place they’d seen her attacker hiding, his senses on high alert. They’d gotten lucky and there was no one around to question them, and he wanted to keep it that way.

“Maybe we should do this later.” Beth’s worried voice behind him caused him to stop. She was hurrying to match his long-legged stride and nearly collided with him, but his hands on her shoulders steadied her.

“Why would we do that?”

“Because I don’t want you hurting.” He furrowed his eyebrows in question and shot her a ‘huh’ look so she hastened to explain. “The sun. You said it wasn’t good for you, so wouldn’t it be better to come back at night?”

“I can handle a little sun.” He turned away again and she bristled at him brushing aside her concern so easily. Hell, he acted like she’d insulted his manhood.

“Wait a second!” Beth stalked after him and grabbed his arm, forcing him to turn back around. “Last time, you said that any sun was too much. And then you were too stupid to get out of the sun, because obviously you think you’re Superman. Or you just don’t care if you live or die, but I do so excuse me for trying to look out for you.”

Nearly shaking with anger, Beth started to walk by him but Mick stepped into her path. “I was not ‘too stupid’ to get out of the sun. I had no choice because your boyfriend dragged me into his case.”

“Well, you could have said no.” Beth spat back. “Or you could have told me that vampires couldn’t handle sunlight and I never would have let Josh bother you. But no, that would require actually talking to me.”

“Everyone knows that vampires can’t tolerate sunlight. I didn’t think I had to explain it to you.”

“Everyone knows that stakes kill vampires too, that doesn’t mean they’re right.”

Well, she does have a point. “Look, I would have been out of the sun by now if you hadn’t started arguing. So can we just get on with it?”

“Fine.”

She walked past him and he followed close on her heels. When they reached the attacker’s hiding spot, Mick crouched down and inhaled deeply. Beth stayed silently, watching as his eyes fluttered shut and images of the past flooded his brain. In his vision, he saw a tall, shadowy man watching Beth. He watched as the man followed her, the soles of his shoes slapping against the asphalt. The obscene sound caused Mick’s ears to ring, blocking out all other sounds as he saw Beth recognize the noise and start to flee. She hadn’t hesitated or turned to investigate, he noted with pride, and it had probably saved her life.

He felt her fear wash over him, and he had to swallow hard against the sick, sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. But he also felt her strength, her will to live. She really was an amazing woman. It was clear the attacker had been caught off guard, not expecting her to take off so quickly, and Mick could make out his confusion. He was afraid, Mick realized with a start. Because this hadn’t been part of the plan or, maybe, because of what he’d been about to do. Mick wasn’t sure which but he filed the information away for later.

Finally, he saw Beth drive away, leaving the man standing in the middle of the parking lot for a moment before disappearing back into the shadows. The vision ended and Mick opened his eyes to find Beth looking at him strangely.

“Are you okay?”

“Seeing the past can be intense sometimes. I’ll be fine.” Actually, he wasn’t too sure of that. Seeing the attack firsthand and feeling her fear while not being able to help her had shaken him, and his leg felt a little rubbery as he stood. “It wasn’t much help, though. All I saw was a dark-haired guy in a hat and the clichéd black trench coat. But I do know one thing, he’s not a professional.”

“How could you tell?” She asked as they made their way to the car.

“He was afraid, and he was surprised when you ran. If he was a professional, he would have been better prepared.” If he was a professional, she would have been dead.

He felt an involuntary shiver run through him at that thought and placed a hand on her back, needing the simple touch. She offered him a smile and he felt himself smiling in return, forgetting that he was supposed to be keeping his distance. They reached the car and he opened the door for her, but she didn’t get in.

Instead, Beth turned towards him and, before he could react, leaned in to place her lips softly on his. Mick’s arms ached with the need to hold her but he forced himself to stay still, keeping one hand on the top of the door and the other braced against the roof. Beth didn’t have his restraint and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down so she could deepen the kiss. He felt her tongue part his lips and slip inside, and he shifted forward so he could feel more of her body on his.

In the next moment, Mick’s lips were left hanging in the air and Beth was sitting innocently in the car. He blinked away his confusion and closed her door in a daze, wondering if he’d imagined the whole thing. But his lips still tingled with her warmth, proving it had all been real.

Beth smiled to herself as she watched Mick round the car. She’d taken him off guard and, even though he’d held himself back, he’d still responded. Which meant if she pushed him far enough, she could make him stop holding back.

ML music - medic scene

2008-01-17T02:54:21Z

I figured I'd share this here since I had to upload it for a friend anyway. Moonlight has the coolest music!

'Mick the Medic scene' score by Trevor Morris

ML fanfic: Let Go - Part 11 (updated)

2008-01-16T03:43:31Z

Let Go - Part 11 update

Beth rounded the corner and stopped in her tracks. Silhouetted in the doorway was Mick, one muscular armed braced against the frame, his dark jeans riding low on his naturally dark waist. She’d been hoping to catch Josef, but this was so much better.

Mick, still half stupefied by Josef’s parting shot, heard Beth’s heart rate speed up behind him and turned, providing her with a sight that most women would pay good money to see. She visually traced the deep, defining lines of his strong hips until they disappeared beneath the denim. He shifted slightly, trying not to notice the enticing sight she made wearing the white Henley he’d shed earlier. Searching for a reason to look away, he reached back to swing the door closed. The front of his jeans parted as he moved, just enough to tantalize her with a glimpse of bare skin. One gentle tug was all it would take to send them to the floor and her fingers were itching with excitement.

Mick saw the lust flare in her eyes and felt the answering heat rise inside himself, but he tramped down on it. Clearing his throat, the held up the DVD to get Beth’s attention back on his upper half.

“Josef thought we might want to see this. It’s the surveillance from the parking lot.” He saw Beth’s gaze dip lower again and felt certain parts of his anatomy begin to come to life. Actually, he’d been half hard since he’d left her eagerly waiting on the bed, but he was about to remedy the ‘half’ part. He gulped, suddenly feeling very exposed and in need of some serious cover. “Just, um, let me get dressed and we can take a look at it.”

In an act of self-preservation, Mick darted past Beth and was halfway up the stairs before she could register he’d moved. Beth was left staring after him, trying to figure out what had just happened. Not ten minutes before, he’d been ready to ravish her, but just now he’d run from her like she had silver in her touch. It didn’t make sense…or maybe it did.

After all, she reasoned, Mick had an inherent protective streak that was even worse when it came to her. The reminder of the threat against her brought out his cute knight-in-shining-armor complex. That’s all it was, she reassured herself. She’d just have to loosen him up again. Beth grinned wickedly and looked to the couch, already imagining the possibilities. As soon as Mick was dressed, she was going to have a lot of fun undressing him again.

Mick took an extra minute to get himself under control but was afraid to linger too long. He pulled on a black Henley with one hand and reached for a belt, all while keeping an ear cocked for Beth. Hearing her soft footsteps downstairs, he cringed and pictured her walking towards the stairs. He glanced at the bed, knowing that seeing her anywhere near it would probably shatter his control.

The scene played out easily in his mind’s eye. The slow turn of the doorknob. Beth’s scent washing over him, growing stronger as she approached him from behind. Smooth hands wrapped around his waist, sliding under his shirt. He wouldn’t move, wouldn’t dare breathe as she raised his shirt higher, exposing more of his skin to her feverish touch. For a fleeting moment, she’d brush against his back, the hint of skin on skin provoking him. He’d turn, finding her already naked and ready. Knowing she’d stripped before coming to him, thinking of his reaction as she shed her clothes, would be more than he could handle.

He’d take her, rough and fast against the wall. She’d welcomed him, matching his thrusts. And as she cried out, he’d sink his fangs into her supple neck and drink her down. Mouthful after mouthful of her sweet blood would fill his veins, giving him strength. It would be so good, so powerful, that he’d never want to stop.

That fast, Mick’s dream dissolved, replaced by an icy fist around his heart. Scrubbing a hand over his face, he tried to erase the haunting image from his mind but couldn’t shake it. Maybe it’s for the best. I want to be her savior but I can only be her downfall, her disaster. Beth will never be safe around me, because monsters can’t be trusted. I already risked her life once today, for nothing more than my own satisfaction. I won’t do that again. We can’t do that again.

He heard Beth enter the kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief when he realized she was just getting a drink, not coming upstairs to have her way with his body. He quickly finished fastening his belt and took one last deep, steadying breath before facing his frustrating fate. As he left the bedroom he vowed to himself that this time he meant it. He would keep his hands, and all other body parts, to himself.

Beth smiled when she heard Mick’s heavy footfalls on the stairs. She’d been starting to wonder what he’d been doing up there. A huge part of her was tempted to tease him for taking longer to get ready than a girl, but she wasn’t sure if there was some sort of vamp reason for the extra time. She didn’t want to stumble into one of his vamp hang-ups so she decided to leave it alone…for now.

Setting her coffee cup in the sink, she started towards the stairs, appearing at the bottom just as Mick reached the middle step. She had him completely trapped, right where she wanted him, unless he jumped over the railing. His step faltered and he slowed but didn’t stop as he briefly considered the idea.

But it was too late. While he was considering, he’d let himself get within arm’s reach. Beth pulled him down the last three steps until he was in her arms.

“Hey,” her husky welcome sent a dangerous tingle through his spine, and her full body press wasn’t helping matters. He willed himself not to respond, not to wrap her in his arms and return her warm embrace. It was impossibly hard, but the vision of his worst nightmare strengthened his resolve.

“What’s wro…” Beth started to question when Mick shrugged out of her embrace, but he flashed the security disk like a shield, which it was.

“We really should check this out now.” He cut her off, not wanting to have this discussion now. It was a lame excuse said without conviction, but Mick still saw the hurt and confusion flash in her eyes before he brushed past her. Better to hurt her now than kill her later, he tried to justify, but it didn’t ease the guilt bubbling inside him.

After a beat of silence, Beth followed close behind him. Though she might as well have been on another continent with the way Mick was treating her. For the first time in all the months since she’d found out he was a vampire, Mick felt dead to her.

Mick grabbed his laptop off the coffee table as he dropped to the couch. He popped the disc in and almost dropped the computer when he felt the couch dip and Beth’s thigh brush his leg.

The computer whirred to life and Mick forced himself to focus, watching as images of her attack filled the screen. There was nothing but an empty parking lot for the first few seconds, then Beth appeared in the frame, completely unaware of the dark figure that had stepped out from the shadows. Beside him on the couch, Beth shivered and slid closer to Mick.

He slipped an arm around her without looking up, wanting to offer comfort but afraid he’d miss something important, some tiny nuance that could identify the attacker. But there was nothing. He felt the familiar inferno of anger clench around his heart, making his chest tight with unreleased rage, but he held it in and kept his eternally cool façade in place.

Beth remained silent beside him and he idly allowed his hand to roam her back. Internally, he cursed the shadows that kept her attacker safe…at least for now. The tape tells us nothing, except the guy we’re looking for is around 6’2.” That really narrows it down. Hell, with that description, it could even be me.

The clip ended and Beth turned to Mick, resolve hardening her features even though her unshed tears were plain to see. Watching the attack unfold had been harder than she thought it would and she’d started to feel the same fear and panic grip her, but Mick had been right beside her radiating strength and safety. His hand on her back had steadied her and she was thankful for that, thankful for him. More than anything, she hated appearing weak and being forced to lean on others, but Mick made it ok. Even as he was pulling away from her.

And since I still haven't had time to post them here, here are the links for the last 10 parts:
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10

ML production music & 1x11 promo

2008-01-09T23:27:25Z

Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch Me (1x11 & 1x12 promo)
Conte Conte - Behind It All (1x04 promo)
Marc Lane & Greg Hatwell - Save Me (1x01 promo)

Deep Sounds - Keep My Heart (1x08: producer in the pool scene)
One Destiny (1x08: The "extra toothbrush" scene with Beth and Audrey)
Play My Rules (1x10: Beth and Mo in Buzzwire office)

And YAY for the People's Choice Award win!!!

Alex O'Loughlin vid

2008-01-07T23:24:09Z

I just tweaked my Alex O'Loughlin - "I'm Too Sexy" vid, adding some clearer shots and a few new clips. How the heck did I forget the Shield Walk the first time?

Moonlight Fic: Revelation

2008-01-05T05:32:42Z

Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Mick/Beth
Summary: Mick comes to some realizations about his relationship with Beth, but did his wake up call come too late? Set sometime in the future of the Moonlight-verse.
Disclaimer: Moonlight and all it's characters belong to CBS. If I owned them, Mick would never need wardrobe.

AN: This is different than what I normally write but I woke up with this idea in my head at 4 a.m. and 2 hours later this is what I had. As it stands now, it's just a one-shot.

Revelation

Darkness surrounded him. Why is it so dark in here? And what is with that beeping?

Mick saw a still form on the bed in the center of the room. Beth, he recognized immediately. Using his vamp speed, he hurried to her side, gently touching her shoulder when she didn’t stir.

“Mick?” her soft voice rasped. “I knew you’d come.” She slowly rolled over and Mick saw her clearly for the first time.

His mouth fell open and he dropped to his knees by the bed. “Oh god, Beth. What happened to you?”

She gave a choked laugh. “That’s just what every girl wants to hear. You’re losing your charm, St. John.” She reached out to cup his cheek, offering a small smile before turning serious, and Mick leaned into her touch, placing his hand on top of hers. “Not everyone is blessed with perpetual coolness, Mick. I got old, it’s what we humans do.”

“But…” Mick stammered, unable to comprehend the sight before him. The woman he loved was fail and fragile. Even her beautiful blue eyes had dulled with time, although he could still see the hidden sparkle. He felt the tears begin to form and blinked quickly to clear his vision, but one spilled out and flowed down to their joined hands.

Beth’s own eyes got misty. “This is why I didn’t want you to see me like this.” Her voice cracked as her tears began to fall, and Mick rushed to comfort her.

“Shh,” he stroked her now-grey hair. “You know nothing could ever keep me away from you.”

“But I don’t want you to have to watch me die. It’s not fair, Mick. And I know you, you’ll carry this around forever as another curse you’re forced to bear. I don’t want to be that for you.”

Mick didn’t have an answer for that so he leaned in to brush her forehead with a kiss. Dropping his mouth to her ear, he whispered, “You’re not dying, Beth. Don’t talk like that.”

“I’m sorry, Mick, but I am. We can’t hide from the truth anymore. What do you think the machines are for?”

“No!” Mick cried out, pulling back so he could see her face. But it was Beth’s turn to shush him, placing a wrinkled finger against his lips.

“I need you to promise me you won’t blame yourself for this. Promise me you won’t spend eternity punishing yourself.”

“But…”

“Please, Mick? I couldn’t stand that. I need to know you’ll be okay.”

How could anything be okay without her? But he could see how much their little talk was draining her and he could never deny her anything, even if it was only what she wanted to hear. “I promise.” And I’ll go to Hell for lying.

“Vampires make really bad liars.” She joked, recalling long-ago words, but it lacked her usual spark, and she quickly turned serious again. “Just remember that I love you. I wouldn’t have traded a second of knowing you, of loving you, for anything…even all of eternity.”

“But I can give you eternity. It’s not too late.” Mick pleads with her, and she can hear the desperation in his voice.

“Yes it is, Mick. ‘Forever old,’ that wouldn’t be good for either of us. And I’m okay with this now. I’ve had time to get used to dying. The only thing I hate is leaving you behind to deal with it all alone.”

Mick pastes on a watery smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a big, tough vampire. I can survive anything, remember?” Anything except this. And fire, silver, and sharp things aimed at my neck. He mentally ticked off the list, reminding himself there were ways…not that he’d let Beth see where his thoughts were going. “What can I do?” he asked instead.

“Just hold me.”

Mick gently lifted her, mindful of the wires tethering her to the machines, and settled them both on the bed with Beth still safely tucked in his arms. She leaned back, resting her head on his chest and closing her eyes, enjoying the peaceful warmth hat spread through her.

There was no future, no past. There was only now, this one last moment of perfection, and they both knew it.

“I love you, Beth.” Mick whispered, softly kissing her temple. “You have no idea how much I love you. You’re the only thing that gives my life meaning, the only person who makes everything I am worth it. I never thought I’d be happy to be a vampire, but I will forever be thankful because it led me to you.”

Beth struggled to open her eyes, wanting to look at him one last time, but she was too tired. Mick heard her breathing start to slow and held on tighter, as if he could somehow keep her there.

“My guardian angel,” Beth mumbled softly, snuggling a little further into his chest. “Now it’s my turn.” With those last words, Mick felt her slip away, taking a huge chunk of his soul with her.

Even the loud, droning tone of the flatline couldn’t cover his sobs as Mick cradled her limp body closer. With tears cascading down his face, he kissed the top of her head again and whispered, “Soon, my love.”

“You should have turned her sixty years ago.” A snide, familiar voice intruded.

“Shut up,” Mick growled but Josef ignored him and stepped forward to turn off the machine, plunging the room into silence.

“I told you not to get involved with a mortal, but you did it anyway. I told you to turn her, but did you listen? No! With all your morals and scruples, you decided it’d be better to watch her die. Now she’s gone, and you’re here blubbering over her body. So what are you going to do now, genius?”

Josef staked forward and Mick longed to tear him apart. But he wasn’t ready to let go of Beth yet, and Josef knew it.

“Oh wait, let me guess. You’re going to take the Romeo route, vampire style. Maybe a little star-crossed lovers’ sun walk, or a silver bullet through your broken heart. How poetic, and pathetic.” Josef reached the bed and stopped, shaking his head in disgust. “Grow some fangs, man.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Mick heaved through clenched teeth, seriously considering ripping Josef’s head off.

Josef leaned closer and lowered his voice. “I’m tlking about doing what you have to do.” He straightened and disappeared, dissolving into thin air and leaving Mick staring into space.

Mick woke with a start, frozen sweat clinging to his body. Beth, his mind screamed. Gasping for breath, he swung the freezer door open, almost breaking the hinges, and jumped out. He hurried to the bedroom where he’d left her sleeping the night before but found it empty, her scent the only trace she’d ever been there. He reached out with his senses and let out a half sigh of relief when he both felt and heard her downstairs.

Taking the steps three at a time, he finally saw her in the kitchen. She had her back to him, pouring a cup of coffee, and it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

Beth smiled when she heard Mick on the stairs. “Hey, look who’s finally up.” She turned when she heard him enter the kitchen and her smile fell as soon as she saw the panicked look on his face. “What’s wrong?”

Before she could even finish her question, two strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her close. She hugged him back, confused and a little scared by the way he was acting. He buried his head on her shoulder and felt a little of his panic dissolve now that he knew she was safe in his arms.

“It was just a dream,” he whispered, reassuring himself, but Beth still heard him.

“Mick?”

“It’s okay. I just…” He paused, his emotions still too close to the surface. “I just can’t lose you.”

“You never have to.” She stroked his hair, offering what little comfort she could. “Want to tell me about it?”

“I just want to hold you.” With that, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the couch.

Once they were seated, Beth curled comfortably on his lap with her fingers idly stroking his bare chest. She waited a few minutes to see if he’d tell her what was going on, although she had a pretty good idea what had happened. But Mick remained silent and she knew how much he hated this particular topic, so it was up to her.

“Mick.” She broke the silence, leaning back as far as his arms would allow so she could see his face. “I’m yours forever. You know that, right?”

Mick swallowed hard, knowing his answer now would change everything. He’d never wanted to pass this curse on to anyone, but he’d never been in love before. He didn’t want to selfishly drag Beth into his dark world, but he didn’t want to lose her either. It was a constant war within himself and he never knew which choice was right, so he’d avoided it. He’d taken the cowards way out and kept putting off that necessary conversation, but ignoring it didn’t make it go away.

He still wasn’t sure what the right answer was but, with the dream still fresh in his mind, he knew one thing for sure. There was no way in the world he could say goodbye to her, and there was no way in hell he could go on without her.

With those thoughts in his mind, he found himself saying, “I know. And I’m yours…for eternity.” Yeah, it may have been selfish, but he wasn’t strong enough to say anything else.

“You better be.” Beth smiled and rested her head on his chest again, letting her fingers dance across his chest before trailing lower to trace his six-pack. “You know, I don’t think we’ll be needing clothes in our eternity.”

She cupped him and he reacted instantly, coming to life in her hand. It was only then he realized what he’d forgotten in his haste to get to her. Pants.

Alex O - the master of accents

2007-12-11T04:42:02Z

[Error: close lj-embed tag without open tag]

because it makes me laugh...Alex O

2007-11-09T05:57:54Z