2. Lauds (dawn) - PG

[norsmyth]

Hey Red, after computer glitches last night, I finally got to read your wonderful story tonite. Probably no one appreciates the saying "Home Sweet Home" more than Mick does in this story. To leave all the outside world behind as it's remmants wash down the drain and then to the soft, warm sanctuary of Beth and Andi to remind him of the finally fulfilled dream of lover, husband and dad. Thanks again for a heart warming story of our favorite guy!

[Shadow]

Red, there is so much in this short piece .... I love the way you've described Mick's drive home, the new muscle memory of the new road, such a subtle way of letting us know how his life has changed. And I love the way he's still completely vampire, the way he senses Andi's nightmare and knows exactly what happened and where she is - while having so much more in his life than just the vampire. The juxtaposition is lovely, Mick's vampire life meshed with this pure normality of family.

What a treat this was to come home to, after a long trip.
I'm really loving this series!

[redwinter101]

jen, oh I agree - Mick is a super-compartmentaliser! Thanks for the lovely comment, sweetie.

norsmyth, that's a beautiful comment - I really appreciate it. Thank you.

Shadow, thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying the series. I think the human/vampire conundrum has driven Mick crazy for such a long time, it was time for a little peace. Mind you, in this universe, there are some tough decision to be made. And soon.

Red

[coco]

I'm dipping my toe back in the fic pool.

This is just lovely, Red. It leaves me with a real sense of peace and serenity for Mick. The joy of what he now has to come home to is coursing through him and it is so evident in this story.
This is just lovely:

Keys hushed in his fist, a tiptoe to the door, over the threshold. Home.

Twin heartbeats sighed their greeting. Their pull, enticing.

I adore that he takes his time to join them - savouring everything they bring to his new life.

Inching closer.

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.

Makes my heart happy for Mick.

Hopefully I'll get back on again soon to read the next one.

[redwinter101]

coco, honey, it's totally made my day to see you here. Thank you SO much for stopping by to read - and for the lovely comment.



Red

[mitzie]

Absolutely stunning in it's calm and serenity. The whole ritual of coming home, cleansing and being so very quiet and then just truly appreciating with an innocent wonder the family he has, always there for him. I feel so peaceful after reading this one. Another masterpiece, Red!!!!


mitzie

[redwinter101]

Thanks, mitzie. An innocent wonder - what a delightful description.

Red

[jen]

I was just rereading Vigil and now Lauds and see the wonderful counterpoint of these two relationships for Mick. Coraline was fire, passion, destruction and creation--and I get the image of a lot of jagged broken glass. Beth is a different kind of fire, characterized by warmth, healing and peace.

Beautiful.

[redwinter101]

jen, that's a beautiful description of the contrast between two of the great loves of Mick's life (Lila is another, entirely different contrast).

Red

[fairytoes]

Oh Red, what can I say, what hasn't been said yet? For me, this one is a wonderful piece of Mick-Beth-Heaven. I. Love. It.
Thank you!

[redwinter101]

Thanks, fairytoes.

Red

[jen]

So lovely. Such a welcome, well-deserved interlude for all of them. Mick and Beth have found home in each other, and now have a place to call home, as well. Andi has home with her mother, and now she has a father ( no shared DNA) that she clearly adores and the feeling is entirely mutual. Marta has a family she cares for and who care very much for her.

I have no words. (Trust me, I am told by people who know me that times when I have no words are rare and to be cherised.) And there is no need for a reply! I will visit this lovely story often, and generally leave a note but no reply is necessary

[redwinter101]

Ah that's lovely, jen. And I appreciate you not needing a reply - but I do love to check in and say thanks!!!

Red

[jen]

Wonderful, wonderful story.

I've said that before. I've also said how satisfying this beautifully, sensory piece of Mick and Beth's new life is. Yes, Mick is a father now but a very wise woman once told him that family is about more than DNA. Perhaps he did not make a genetic contribution to Andi, but he will surely have a huge role in crafting that child's soul.

I just came thru the office and saw this treasure and had to bump it up. I had no choice, the story made me do it!

Honest!

Jenna

[redwinter101]

I had no choice, the story made me do it!

Honest!

That's delightful, Jenna, thank you.

Red