Spring Cleaning (MickBeth, One-shot, G)

[MickLifeCrisis]

Tried my hand at the Challenge. Thanks go out to my bouncer, Lorig!

Disclaimer: I don't own Moonlight or any of its characters.
Pairing: Mick and Beth
Rated: G


Spring Cleaning


With her damp hair clinging to her face, Beth wiped the last glass and set it on the shelf. Stepping back, she admired her handiwork – every single piece of glassware sparkling in place on their spotless shelves. What a chore that was! Beats me why he would want a décor that gathers dust so easily.

Beth turned when she heard the door open and saw Mick step inside. He stopped mid-stride and surveyed the loft. Every available surface seemed to have a damp dish towel spread out on it. He turned to Beth who was standing in the middle of the kitchen, beaming at him.

“Well?” She waved her arm towards the shelves. “What do you think?” She was practically bouncing.

Mick walked towards her slowly taking in the sparkling glasses. “It’s beautiful, Beth. Did you do all this by yourself?”

“Of course I did, silly! It was quite a job, too.” She spread out the last towel and let the water out of the sink. “They were pretty dusty, too. I don’t quite understand why a bachelor would want a display like this that needs to be cleaned all the time.”

He came up behind her wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling her neck. “Because said bachelor isn’t the one who has to wash them.”

She turned in his arms. “What?”

Mick kept his arms around her, pinning hers to her side, just to be safe. “I have someone come once every six months to wash all these glasses for me.” He smiled his best smile as he felt her tense up.

“But they were filthy! When was the last time this person came?” Beth demanded.

“Um, about six months ago. They’re scheduled to come… well…” Mick lowered his voice and his eyes. “Tomorrow.” He peeked up through his long lashes to try and gauge her reaction.

Beth pursed her lips. “I see,” she said coolly. She turned back to the sink and started wiping off the edges. “You could have mentioned it before I did all this work.”

Mick spread his hands open pleading for mercy. “How was I to know you were suddenly going to start spring cleaning today?”

Beth huffed and her shoulders drooped, defeated. “I guess you didn’t. I just wanted to surprise you.”

“And you certainly did! Just ask next time before you start a major project like this, okay?”

Beth smiled and gave him a quick kiss. “Okay, I will. Next time.”

Mick looked relieved. “Why don’t you go get a shower and I’ll take you out to Arbor Bistro for dinner. How’s that sound?”

“Wonderful!” Beth turned and headed up the stairs.

Mick moved through the loft trying to find a place to relax that wasn’t covered by dish towels. He had a nagging feeling that something else was amiss in the loft; he just couldn’t put his finger on it. He shrugged it off and went to his library alcove, chuckling as he thought of Beth washing all those glasses by hand. Well, if she was doing that all day, at least she wasn’t messing with any of my other stuff.

He reached for a book and froze. Staring open mouthed at his bookshelf, he suddenly realized what that nagging feeling was all about. All of his books, whose haphazard appearance belied his own precise organizational system, had been moved. Not only were all the spines now tilted in the same direction, they were arranged by size and… by color.

“BETH!!!”


The End

[helloeeze]

Ha! Girl has got some time on her hands!!!! Cute story!

[LadyAilith]

Makes me think of those decorators who use books for decor...I don't know about y'all, but I like to *read* my books. Having them arranged by size or by color would make me so very cranky! I like to have series together!

Poor Mick...I can't imagine having to rearrange all of those books!

LadyAilith

[wpgrace]

Adorable.

[one.zebra]

Gasp! She rearranged his book wall?!?

<--- she didn't get her hands on my dart gun did she?

Thanks MLC! Your writing is always so delightful.

[francis]

Beth must have some serious PMS today. I only do that when I'm totally bored and in that time of the month.
He should get her an internet connection. Since I have that, I'm never bored and do no housework any more.

[Albra]

Cute ...
Mick's reaction :


Thank you , MLC

[cassysj]

That was too cute! He will have some chore rearranging his books but if I were Beth I would save serves him right for all the work I did.

[Lucy]

What a couple!
Just love your vignette of an hour of their day!

[wollstonecraft61]

Albra, look your snark!

[allegrita]

MLC, love this little story! And Albra's illustration is hilarious!

[MickLifeCrisis]

Thank you everyone for the lovely comments!

O.Z, no worries... your dart gun is safe behind the wall. And Albra, loved Mick's reaction! I'm sure it was just like that!

[darkstarrising]

MLC - this is really sweet - and realistic. They may not be a 'typical' but there things they share with the rest of us mere mortals!!

[Luxe de Luxe]

ya gotta love a girl on a mission, MLC.

[MickLifeCrisis]

ya gotta love a girl on a mission, MLC.

Really! With that much energy she can come clean my house any time!