2. Lauds (dawn) - PG

[wpgrace]

She's the Mick-Whisperer...

[redwinter101]

dsr, I'm keeping you. Just sayin'.

GA, *waves* thank you, sweetie. I love to imagine a happy little future for Mick. Still complicated, but happy.

Luxe, I agree that monastic is a good description of Mick's existence and it also makes me think of the Benedictines, who live their lives according to "The Rule". Mick's "Rule" may not have been founded in religion, but it controls and guides every action he takes. And "embraced the other roles he'd given up as dust" - mmm, that's a delightful, delightful phrase - and so very apt.

seamus3333, we all have our own visions of Mick - I think I'm just fortunate that mine chimes with yours.

And Grace's. Thank you both.

Red

[aolver]

I shed a couple of tears just reading the comments. I love this continuation of Mick, Beth and Andi's lives. Thank you.

[redwinter101]

I shed a couple of tears just reading the comments. I love this continuation of Mick, Beth and Andi's lives. Thank you.

I am indeed blessed with marvellous readers and commenters.

Red

[Moonlighter]

Wow, this was tremendous. I just love the whole idea of Mick having the family he always wanted, but finding a way to keep his home life separate from his work life. He just leaves it at the door, so to speak.

And I agree -- you are the Mick-Whisperer and I love what the both of you are saying. Continue... please!

[janicevictoria]

Dear dear Red, This piece is just glorious; a true gem. You paint such a beautiful picture with your words!.
I love this line:

He could lie with his beloved in his arms, watch her dreams writ large, feel the strength of her body, her spirit.

Thanks so much for continuing this wonderful series and a big Happy New Year to you too!

[redwinter101]

Moonlighter, thank you, my dear ML.

janicevictoria, *waves* so great to see you! Thanks for the lovely comment.

Red

[kpyle]

What can I say that has not already been said? This is another sweet addition to the story! I just love what you have created, and love the little glimpses into their lives! Mick is so strong and yet so fragile at the same time! You write him so perfectly!

There is so much about this piece that makes it special, but for whatever reason, the clean T-shirt and pj pants and barefoot just says ahhh to me! Just makes him seem so human, so normal!

Another masterpiece! Thank you!

Kelly

[redwinter101]

Thanks, Kelly - that's lovely of you. Strong but fragile - such a perfect description of Mick.

Red

[ash]

Beautiful images love, a quiet moment with ones family

[redwinter101]

Thank you, honey.

Red

[MoonlitRose]

Red,
Simply beautiful! IA! The Mick Whisperer!

[rijane]

His former, solo routine of home, booze, blood, patch-up, freezer, now seemed so distant, another lifetime ...

It was a time of day few humans saw, even fewer appreciated, lost to their dreaming.

"Lost to dreaming" is not only a great turn of phrase, it's one that conveys both a distance from these people and that surreal feeling you get at that time of night. The POV word choice here is fantastic! These small details are what brings your stories to a higher level.

Keys hushed in his fist

I know I'm a word choice slut, but I want to have this verb's babies. LOVE IT!

fished a flask

Mmmm, fanastic alliteration here!

Closer.

Watching, feeling, his senses filled with them. The sweet scent and lilting rhythm of peaceful sleep.

Closer.

Closer until he could sink his face into Beth's hair, splayed out across the pillow in a golden halo.

Closer.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh the beats of that moment! Mick and Beth and Andi in a wonderful curl of familial bliss. Oh god. That was just just just wonderful! It made me want to wiggle into that bed right with them (in a totally non-creepy, sweet way, I promise )

[redwinter101]

MoonlitRose, :curtesy: thank you very much.

rijane, word choice sluts of the world unite (we need a button)! Okay, that's weird - you edited out your note about the ritual line. There was no need, sweetie. I appreciate the feedback. But four in a bed is still creepy. Just sayin'.

Red

[jen]

I so agree with what has been said upthread.

This is absolutely lovely!!!

No tears at all for me, just a happy sigh of contentment.

Sure Mick compartmentalizes (don't we all to one degree or another) but it is his way of cherishing and protecting that which he loves and treasures so very much from the harsh realities of his profession..

Red. you are indeed an artist with words. Brava!

Mick Whisperer, indeed!!!