Life's Fleeting Moments (G) - "Still Human" Challenge #138

[MickLifeCrisis]

Disclaimer: I don't own Moonlight, any of its characters or dialogue.
Rated: G
Hugs and thanks to PNWgal for the read through and suggestions!



Life’s Fleeting Moments


“Ma, I don’t feel so good. My stomach hurts.”

“I’m not surprised. Why your father ever let you eat all that food is beyond me.”

“But Ma! It was opening day for the Angels!”

“A baseball game is no reason to stuff yourself by eating everything in sight. I’ll go get you some bicarb.”

“Ma… I think I’m gonna…”

Mick rolled off his couch and ran to the kitchen sink just in time for his newly human stomach to rid itself of the myriad of take-out food so rudely forced upon it by Mick’s quest to try every fast food joint within a five mile radius that delivered. Rinsing out his mouth and the sink, he padded barefoot back to the couch and lay down. Despite the unpleasantness, he didn’t regret his indulgence and how he had savored every new taste sensation. But I think I’ll eat a little more carefully from now on, he thought as he closed his eyes. He sighed and a smile graced his face. I had a dream! I haven’t had a dream in over fifty years. And to dream about Ma; it was all so real. I hope I dream about her again. I miss her. He rolled over, trying to get comfortable on the couch. Note to self, he thought as he began to drift off. Rent a roll-away bed first thing in the morning.


MLMLMLML


He awoke at daylight. He walked stiffly over to the mirror and winced when he touched the cuts on his face. “Still human,” he said aloud to no one, and smiled. “Still human.” He limped up the steps to his bathroom.

He had showered the day before after the fight with Lance, but surprised at how hungry he was, he hadn’t taken the time to linger. This time he stood under the hot water and let is soothe his aches. He stood there until the hot water was all used up and when it turned cold he shivered. Again, the smile.


MLMLMLML


“ABC Rentals.”

“I need a roll-away bed delivered today, if possible.”

“We can have one there by four this afternoon.”

“Great. Does that come with a pillow or blankets?”

“No, sir. Just the frame and mattress. The rest is up to you.”

“Okay, thanks.”


MLMLMLML


Mick drove to the mall, his thoughts on the funeral he had just left. Beth was wearing Josh’s engagement ring. He had to admit that bothered him, but the priest’s words rang in his head. ‘Our time is limited. Make the most of the time we are given.’ As he had watched Beth, he was sure they had made an impact on her as well. I’ll give her some time; maybe call her in a few days. It’s gotta be tough on her.

At the department store, a place he used to avoid, he was amazed to find the crowds didn’t bother him in the least. With each new experience, he couldn’t stop smiling. He bought pillows, sheets and a blanket. When he passed the men’s department he stopped and bought a bathing suit. Going to the beach was high on his human to-do list. He didn’t even care if he got sunburned. I don’t want to have any regrets.


MLMLMLML


Prime rib one night; steak another; fried chicken like his mother used to make on another. Apple pie, chocolate cake and the best homemade ice cream he could find for desserts. He only wished he could be dining with Beth. He had left a couple of messages for her, but didn’t want to push if she wasn’t ready. Thinking she might consider coming to his loft for dinner, he thought he would try his hand at cooking and Googled some recipes for spaghetti sauce. How hard could it be?


MLMLMLML


Mick walked past the pawn shop and stopped in his tracks. He stared at the guitar displayed in the window; the same make and model as the one he used to own. The one he was playing when he first met Coraline. He quickly pushed that thought away and remembered instead the joy he felt when he was on stage playing and singing. He went in and bought it on the spot. He began practicing as soon as he got home and didn’t even mind how sore his fingers were afterward. By the fourth night, he felt ready for open mike night at the corner bar. It was a dive but he didn’t care. He was singing and playing again, and the feelings welling up inside him were indescribable. He sighed happily and grinned ear to ear as the audience applauded.


MLMLMLML


On his sixth day of being human, after a breakfast that included coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice, Beth called.

“Would you like to meet me at the beach for a picnic lunch?”



The End.

[jen]

Micklifecrisis

This was wonderful! He didn't expect his temporary return to the mortal coil to be so brief but he 'made the most of the time he was given.'

Excellent answer to the challenge!

Thank you!

Jenna

[Marigold]

MLC - This was fantastic! I'm glad Mick experienced so much happiness during his short time as a human.

I love this whole story, especially Mick's dream about his mom and his performance at open mike night.

While reading, I couldn't help but .

Thank you! This was a great response to the challenge!

[Luxe de Luxe]

MLC, these little snippets were surprisingly moving. I found myself both smiling and feeling sad reading these.

[allegrita]

I'm so glad you wrote this, MLC. I love getting a little overview of how Mick spent his human week. It made me happy and sad, too... especially the dream.

Too bad he didn't wear those swim trunks on the beach picnic date with Beth, huh...?

[francis]

Great story. I love that he continued where his life was broken off 60 years ago. This was as much a revival of memories as a continuation of the good things he missed. We missed out on him in a bathing suit though.

[MickLifeCrisis]

Thank you all so much for reading and leaving comments! I figured before he was turned Mick was a guy who enjoyed the simple things in life, so that would be what he tried to recapture. I didn't mean for it to be sad, but I guess it is a little because we know how short his time was. Mick just smiled his way through the whole week!

As for that bathing suit, yeah, too bad. He told us in BC that he missed things like "eating food and sunbathing" so I figured that would be high on his list. But unless he bought himself a Speedo, or even something smaller , I don't think he had a suit on under those jeans when he met Beth for lunch. Maybe it was in his car.

[cassysj]

I am so glad Mick got to enjoy so much in so short a period of time. I love the dream he had of his mother and particularly open night mike. I agree with you Mick probably did enjoy the simple things and he got to make the most of it.

[Moonlighter]

Hi MLC! Nice fill in for Mick's six human days. I loved his dream about his Ma and that he bought a guitar. I was glad to read that he did everything that brought him joy -- except spend it with Beth... but that was remedied soon enough!

Nice job!

[BlueEyedMonster]

Too bad Mick was human for such a short time but you did a great job filling in the gaps.

[darkstarrising]

Lovely view of Mick's first week as a human Just like when he was a kid, he wanted all the things that made him feel happy.

[MickLifeCrisis]

Hugs and thanks everyone! Good point, dsr. I think he was happy all week long, except for not being able to share those little things with Beth. Too bad she didn't call him sooner.

[fairytoes]

Wonderful glimpse into Mick's week as a human. And as I have a soft spot for Mick playing the guitar , I really, really, really loved the little snippet about him buying the guitar and getting on stage.

Thank you.

[Fleur de Lisa]

Sigh--- while reading, I kept wishing he had more time to be human. His humanity was always at the forefront as a vampire, so its no surprise that he took to being human again so easily and with such relish.

Nicely done!

[Lucy]

I love the fact that he saw his "love" in the pawn shop......wouldn't it be cool if it had been his????

What poignant points you brought to the fore!